Abstract: The main objective of this study is to examine emissions from mining tailings that affect PM10 loading in an area saturated with PM10 particulate matter in Andacollo, Coquimbo Region (Chile). Emission factors (EF) are determined by applying models developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Forty-six samples are analysed from five mining tailings (all located <3 Km from populated areas) and two schools. The results show that 100% of the samples contain fine sediments (sand and lime). The majority of the tailings are acidic with low salinity and low humidity. Those with acidic pH and high electrical conductivity (EC) show bioavailability of metals such as Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn. In conclusion, emissions from abandoned and inactive tailings deposits increase the PM10 inventory, making it necessary to modify EF standards to adapt them to Chile’s characteristics.

Resumen: Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar los tranques de relave que generan emisiones que afectan la carga de material particulado PM10 en una zona saturada respecto del material particulado respirable PM10 en la comuna de Andacollo, Región de Coquimbo (Chile). Se determinan los factores de emisión (FE) usando modelos de la agencia de protección ambiental (EPA, Estados Unidos). Se analizan 46 muestras provenientes de 5 relaves (todos ubicados a <3 Km de zona poblada) y de dos colegios. Los resultados muestran que el 100% de las muestras están compuestas por sedimentos finos (arena y limo). La mayoría de los relaves son ácidos poco salinos y de poca humedad. Aquellos de pH ácido y de alta conductividad eléctrica (CE), indican biodisponibilidad de algunos metales como Al, Cu, Fe, y Zn. En conclusión, emisiones provenientes de depósitos relaves abandonados e inactivos demuestran que aumenta el inventario de PM10, haciendo necesario modificar el formalismo de FE, adaptándolo a la realidad chilena.

Abstract: The objective of this research study is to compare pollutant dispersion in a Gaussian model, using the wind rose from the city of Andacollo (Chile), with a model based on the chaos theory that uses raw public Andacollo station data from the Chilean National Air Quality Information System (SINCA, for its acronym in Spanish). The data consist of time series for particulate matter, temperature, relative humidity, pressure, solar radiation, and wind speed magnitude. The chaotic treatment of each series provides their corresponding Lyapunov exponent, Hurst coefficient, and correlation entropy. The chaotic approximation shows that entropies of meteorological variables act on that of the pollutant, causing an asymptotic decay according to the loss of persistence. This explains its localized thermal interactions. It is concluded that both models show similar predictions when comparing the decay of the pollutant PM10.

Resumen: El objetivo de esta investigación es contrastar un modelo Gaussiano de dispersión de contaminantes, usando la rosa de los vientos de la ciudad de Andacollo (Chile), con un modelo cuya génesis está en la teoría del caos y que emplea datos crudos de carácter público de mediciones de la estación Andacollo del Sistema de Información Nacional de Calidad del Aire (SINCA) de Chile. Los datos conforman series de tiempo de material particulado, temperatura, humedad relativa, presión, radiación solar y magnitud de la velocidad del viento. El tratamiento caótico de cada serie entrega su exponente de Lyapunov, su coeficiente de Hurst y su entropía de correlación. La aproximación caótica muestra que las entropías de las variables meteorológicas actúan sobre la del contaminante provocando su decaimiento asintótico según perdida de persistencia, explicando sus interacciones térmicas localizadas. Se concluye que los modelos exhiben predicciones similares al comparar el decaimiento del contaminante PM10.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Triatomine bugs are hematophagous insects that are extremely important in public health because they are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the occurrence of triatomine species and the natural T. cruzi infection in the Guaribas Valley territory, an endemic region for Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. METHODS Insects were actively captured from July 2017 to October 2019 in the intra- and peridomiciles of 16 municipalities of the Guaribas Valley territory, in the southeast area of Piauí state. Triatomine species were identified following a taxonomic key, and natural infection was investigated through insects’ fresh feces exams. RESULTS A total of 430 triatomines were collected, including 211 nymphs and 219 adults. Of all collected specimens, 39 (9.1%) were from the intradomiciles and 391 (90.9%) from peridomiciles. Nine species, including two subspecies, could be identified: Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, T. brasiliensis macromelasoma, T. pseudomaculata, T. sordida, T. juazeirensis, T. melanocephala, Panstrongylus lutzi, Rhodnius domesticus, R. nasutus, and R. robustus. T. brasiliensis were the most frequently collected bugs, representing 72% of all the identified insects. None of the examined invertebrates presented flagellate forms of T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of T. b. macromelasoma and T. juazeirensis in the Guaribas Valley territory. The persistence of triatomine species in the domiciles in an endemic area for Chagas disease emphasizes the relevance of entomological surveillance and vector control measures in the studied area.

Resumo Fundamentos: Novas técnicas ecocardiográficas são utilizadas no diagnóstico e prognóstico de diversas cardiopatias. No entanto, muitos desses novos índices ainda carecem de valores de referência em diferentes populações. Estudamos esses novos parâmetros ecocardiográficos em um grupo de brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida. Objetivo: Estudar valores dos novos índices ecocardiográficos em brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida e sua correlação com a idade. Métodos: Estudo transversal composto por indivíduos saudáveis que realizaram ecocardiograma tridimensional (E3D) e ecocardiograma bidimensional com análise de deformação (e) por speckle tracking (EST). Foram analisadas as funções atrial esquerda (AE) e ventricular esquerda (VE) por E3D e EST, e a função ventricular direita (VD) por EST. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significantes. Resultados: Foram incluídos setenta e sete indivíduos (46,7% homens; 40,4 ± 10,4 anos). Os volumes AE máximo, mínimo e pré-contração atrial (pré-A) (ml/m2) foram 21,2 ± 5,5, 7,8 ± 2,5 e 11,0 ± 3,1, respectivamente. O pico da e global positiva do AE (LAScd), pico da e global negativa do AE e e global total do AE (LASr) foram 17,4±5,2%, -13,2 ± 2,0% e 30,5 ± 5,9%, respectivamente. Os volumes diastólico final e sistólico final do VE (ml/m2) mediram 57 ± 12 e 24 ± 6 e a fração de ejeção tridimensional do VE mediu 58 ± 6%. A e longitudinal, circunferencial e radial global do VE foi de -19 ± 2%, -19 ± 3% e 46 ± 12%, respectivamente. A torção do VE mediu 1,6 ± 0,7(0)/cm. A e longitudinal global do VD (SLG-VD) e a deformação da parede livre do VD foram de -22 ± 3% e -24 ± 5%. Os volumes mínimo e pré-A do AE, rotação apical do VE, torção e SLG-VD aumentaram com a idade, enquanto as frações de esvaziamento total e passivo do LA, LAScd, LASr, volumes diastólico final e sistólico final do VE diminuíram com a idade. Conclusão: Apresentam-se os valores para os novos índices ecocardiográficos em brasileiros sem doença cardiovascular conhecida e sua correlação com a idade.

Abstract Background: New echocardiographic techniques are used in the diagnosis and prognosis of many heart diseases. However, reference values in different populations are still needed for several of these new indexes. We studied these new echocardiographic parameters in a group of Brazilians with no known cardiovascular disease. Objective: To study values for new echocardiographic indexes in Brazilians without known cardiovascular disease and their correlation with age. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included healthy individuals who underwent three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) strain (e) analysis. Left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) function were analyzed by 3DE and STE, and right ventricular (RV) function by STE. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Seventy-seven subjects (46.7% men; 40.4 ± 10.4 years) were included. Maximum, minimum and pre-atrial contraction (pre-A) LA volumes (ml/m2) were 21.2 ± 5.5, 7.8 ± 2.5, and 11.0 ± 3.1, respectively. Peak positive global LA e (LAScd), peak negative global LA e and total global LA e (LASr) were 17.4 ± 5.2%, -13.2 ± 2.0% and 30.5 ± 5.9%, respectively. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (ml/m2) measured 57 ± 12 and 24 ± 6, and 3D LV ejection fraction measured 58 ± 6%. Global LV longitudinal, circumferential and radial e were -19 ± 2%, -19 ± 3%, and 46 ± 12%, respectively. LV torsion measured 1.6 ± 0.70 /cm. Global longitudinal RV e (RV-GLS) and RV free wall strain were -22 ± 3% and -24 ± 5%. Minimum LA and pre-A volumes, LV apical rotation, torsion and RV-GLS increased with age, while total and passive LA emptying fractions, LAScd, LASr, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased with age. Conclusion: Values for new echocardiographic indexes in Brazilians without known cardiovascular disease and their correlation with age are presented.

Abstract The genus Rhinella is one of the most diverse groups of bufonid toads, currently composed by 93 valid species and naturally distributed throughout different Neotropical ecoregions. Here, we analyze nine Brazilian populations of toads representing species of the Rhinella margaritifera and Rhinella marina groups. These new data include the first description of the R. hoogmoedi and R. proboscidae karyotypes, as well as other taxonomically unresolved forms. Chromosomal analysis of the populations revealed pronounced chromosomal uniformity (2n=22), including the diploid number and chromosomal morphology. Three different NOR-bearing chromosomes were identified: in the subterminal region of pair 10q in R. hoogmoedi, Rhinella sp. 1 and Rhinella sp. 2, in subterminal region of 7p in R. proboscidae and Rhinella cf. margaritifera while in R. henseli and R. icterica was detected in interstitial region of 7p. Karyotypic uniformity of the genus permits the inference of interspecific chromosome homologies and evolutionary changes in the NOR-bearing chromosome may represent an informative character in species group level. The review of the cytogenetic data of the Rhinella species together with the new karyotypes reported here contributes to the understanding of the chromosomal evolution of these toads, which karyotypes are highly conserved despite the ample distribution of many forms.

Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the major lepidopteran pests defoliating soybeans (Glycine max Merrill) in Argentina. The combined use of chemical insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi is a promising pest-control option to minimize adverse chemical effects. In this work, we evaluated the interactions between five insecticides-two being considered biorational-and five fungal entomopathogenic strains under laboratory conditions in order to determine the possible usefulness of combinations of these agents against R. nu. The insecticides were tested for compatibility at four doses by in vitro bioassay and for the lethality of R. nu by inoculations at three doses. Fungal strains were applied at 1 x 10(8), 1 x 10(6), and 1 x 10(4) conidia/ml. The combinations of those insecticides with Beauveria bassiana (LPSc 1067, LPSc 1082, LPSc 1098), Metarhizium anisopliae (LPSc 907), and Metarhizium robertsii (LPSc 963) caused higher R. nu-larval mortalities than any of the individual agents alone. We observed significant differences in the in vitro conidial viability, vegetative growth, and conidia production of the five strains of entomopathogenic fungi exposed to different doses of the chemical insecticides. The combination gamma-cyhalothrin-LPSc-1067 caused the highest percent mortality of R. nu larvae, with synergism occurring between the two agents at 50% and 25% of the maximum field doses.

Rachiplusia nu (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) es una de las principales plagas de lepidópteros defoliadores del cultivo de soja (Glycine max Merrill) en Argentina. El uso combinado de insecticidas químicos y hongos entomopatógenos es una opción de control de plagas prometedora para minimizar los efectos químicos adversos. En este trabajo se evaluaron las interacciones entre 5 insecticidas -2 de ellos considerados biorracionales-- y 5 cepas fúngicas entomopatógenas en condiciones de laboratorio, para determinar la posible utilidad de combinaciones de estos agentes frente a R. nu. Se evaluó la compatibilidad de los insecticidas a 4 dosis mediante bioensayos in vitro y la letalidad de aquellos sobre R. nu mediante inoculaciones a 3 dosis. Las cepas fúngicas se evaluaron a concentraciones de 1 x 10(8), 1 x 10(6) y 1 x 10(4) conidios/ml. Las combinaciones de estos insecticidas con Beauveria bassiana (LPSc1067, LPSc 1082, LPSc 1098), Metarhizium anisopliae (LPSc 907) y Metarhizium robertsii (LPSc 963) causaron una mayor mortalidad de larvas de R. nu que cualquiera de los agentes individuales. Asimismo, se observaron diferencias significativas en la viabilidad de los conidios in vitro, el crecimiento vegetativo y la producción de conidios de las 5 cepas de hongos entomopatógenos expuestos a diferentes dosis de los insecticidas químicos. La combinación gamma-cialotrina-LPSc-1067 causó el mayor porcentaje de mortalidad de larvas de R. nu, con un efecto de sinergismo entre los 2 agentes al 50 y el 25% de las dosis de campo recomendadas por el fabricante.

The coordination compound saccharinatecopper(I), ENT#091;Cu2(C7H4SO3N)2ENT#093;n, was obtained by reduction reaction of copper sulfate with ascorbic acid and addition of sodium saccharinate in aqueous medium. The characterization was performed by elemental analysis, X ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry

Se ha obtenido el compuesto de coordinación sacarinatocobre(I), ENT#091;Cu2(C7H7SO3N)2ENT#093;n, por reacción de reducción de sulfato de cobre con ácido ascórbico y adición de sacarinato de sodio en medio acuoso. La caracterización se realizó por análisis elemental, espectroscopia fotoelectrónica de rayos X, espectrofotometría infrarroja y voltametría cíclica

Abstract Introduction Streptococcus pneumonia is a pathogen for humans that requires a prior pharyngeal colonization to cause disease, whose mortality is accentuated in children 6 years and older than 65 years of age. Objective To assess the prevalence of pharyngeal carriage of S pneumonia in two population groups in Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar State. Methodology . During the years 2009 and 2010, two groups were evaluated: one which included 66 senior individuals institutionalized in the asylum "San Vicente de Paúl" and the geriatric "Carlos Fragachan", with an average of 75 years ± 6 years age and another that it comprised preschool and school aged 2 to 12 hospitalized in Pediatrics and the area of the University Hospital emergency services "Ruiz and Páez". Each individual took a pharyngeal sample, which was processed according to the guidelines established by the American society for of microbiology. 80 exudates from pharyngeal origin were studied. Results Between elderly individuals 10 cases were identified (15.15%) of S. pneumonia pharyngeal carriers. 70% (n = 7) corresponded to the male gender. In all the ages were diagnosed cases, often observed in the group between 71 to 80 years of age (n = 4; 40%). 46.2% of pharyngeal carriers concerned smoking history. Were observed significant statistical differences between the pneumococcus`s state carrier and type II diabetes mellitus and vaccination´s state against the bacterium, In the group of preschool and school inpatients, 3 strains of S. pneumonia that accounted for 3.75% of the total were isolated. The highest percentage of positive specimens was obtained in the group of 2 to 4 years, with a predominance of the male gender (2.5%). Statistically significant differences were observed in the hospitalized children, between the carrier´s state and personal history as asthma, cold common, urinary tract infection and infection of skin and tissue soft. They were not vaccinated against the pneumococcus or met only a single dose. Both studies identified 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, which showed a profile of resistance to penicillin, by method of disk Oxacillin, of 50%; While all of the isolates were with high resistance to macrolides and clindamycin, sulfonamides, and sensitive to Vancomycin. Conclusion We identified a low prevalence of individuals colonized by Streptococcus pneumoniae, however should be consider the research of colonization of the pharynx by Pneumococcus as a good method to be simple and easy to obtain bacterial samples and to reflect the progression of bacterial resistance in risk groups.

Resumen Introducción Streptococcus pneumoniae es un patógeno para el ser humano que precisa de una previa colonización faríngea para causar enfermedad, cuya morbimortalidad se acentúa en los menores de 6 años y los mayores de 65 años de edad. Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de portadores faríngeos de Streptococcus pneumoniae en dos grupos poblacionales en Ciudad Bolívar, Estado Bolívar. Metodología Durante los años 2009 a 2010, se evaluaron dos grupos: uno que incluyó a 66 individuos de la tercera edad institucionalizados en el Asilo “San Vicente de Paúl” y Geriátrico “Carlos Fragachan”, con una edad promedio de 75 años ± 6 años y otro que abarcó a preescolares y escolares de 2 a 12 años hospitalizados en los Servicios de Pediatría y del área de emergencia del Complejo Hospitalario Universitario “Ruíz y Páez”. A cada individuo se le tomó una muestra faríngea, la cual fue procesada según los lineamientos establecidos por la Sociedad Americana de Microbiología. Se estudiaron 80 exudados de origen faríngeo. Resultados En el grupo de los individuos de la tercera edad se identificaron 10 casos (15,15%) de portadores faríngeos de S. pneumoniae. El 70% (n=7) correspondía al género masculino. En todas las edades se diagnosticaron casos, frecuentemente observados en el grupo entre 71 a 80 años de edad (n=4; 40%). El 46,2% de los portadores faríngeos de la tercera edad refirieron antecedentes tabáquicos. Se observaron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre el estado de portador de neumococo y la diabetes mellitus tipo II y estado de vacunación contra la bacteria, En el grupo de los pacientes preescolares y escolares hospitalizados, se aislaron 3 cepas de S. pneumoniae que representó el 3,75% del total. El mayor porcentaje de muestras positivas se obtuvo en el grupo de 2 a 4 años, con predominio del género masculino (2,5%). En el grupo de la población infantil hospitalizada, se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el estado de portador y antecedentes personales como asma, resfriado común a repetición, infección urinaria e infección de piel y tejido blando. No estaban vacunados contra el neumococo o solo cumplieron una sola dosis. En ambas investigaciones se determinaron 13 cepas de Streptococcus pneumoniae, las cuales mostraron un perfil de resistencia a la Penicilina, por método del disco de Oxacilina, del 50%; mientras que la totalidad de las cepas aisladas resultaron con alta resistencia a Macrólidos, Clindamicina y Sulfamidas, y sensibles a Vancomicina. Conclusión Se identificó una baja prevalencia de individuos colonizados por Streptococcus pneumoniae, sin embargo, se debe considerar la investigación de colonización faríngea por neumococo como un buen método por ser simple y fácil de obtener muestras bacterianas y poder reflejar la progresión de la resistencia bacteriana en grupos de riesgo.

ABSTRACT The effects of the hexanic extracts of the fruits and flowers of Clusia fluminensis Planch. & Triana, Clusiaceae, as well as their main constituents, the triterpene lanosterol and the benzophenone clusianone, were evaluated on hemipterans Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus. The topical treatments of insects with the hexanic extracts significantly affected the survival of O. fasciatus, but not that of D. peruvianus. Concomitantly, extracts delayed the development of both hemipterans. Moreover, isolated lanosterol significantly reduced both the survival and development of O. fasciatus and D. peruvianus, while clusianone only reduce the survival of D. peruvianus and marginally inhibited the development of both insects. The results show the specific activity of lanosterol and clusianone against the two evaluated insect species and indicate the potential of compounds derived from C. fluminensis for the development of specific biopesticides for the control of agricultural pests. Subsequent work will examine the mode of action of lanosterol and clusianone isolates from C. fluminensis.

Resumo Objetivou-se descrever a morfologia da língua do cervo do pantanal (Blastocerus dichotomus), o maior cervídeo da fauna brasileira, pois poucas são as informações detalhadas sobre sua morfologia. Línguas e fragmentos linguais de oito cervos do pantanal, adultos, provenientes do Projeto Cervo-do-Pantanal de Porto Primavera foram analisados quanto aos seus aspectos macroscópicos e à microscopia de luz. A língua do cervo do pantanal ocupa grande parte da cavidade oral, onde a raiz e o corpo estão fixados caudalmente pelo osso hióide e, em sua porção média, pelo frênulo lingual; seu ápice, achatado e plano é livre; apresenta torus lingual pouco proeminente, não havendo delimitação da fossa lingual. Na superfície dorsal encontram-se as seguintes papilas: filiformes, cônicas, lenticulares, fungiformes e valadas. Histologicamente verificou-se que a mucosa reveste-se de epitélio estratificado pavimentoso queratinizado, a lâmina própria constitui-se de tecido conjuntivo, rico em fibras colágenas dispostas em várias direções, onde se verifica abundante vascularização, além de acúmulo de tecido linfático.

Abstract The aim was to describe the morphology of the tongue of the Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), the largest deer of the Brazilian fauna, since there is little detailed information on their morphology. Tongues of eight adult Marsh deers, belonging to Projeto cervo-do-pantanal de Porto Primavera were analyzed for their macroscopic aspects and by light microscopy. The Marsh deer tongue occupies most of the oral cavity, where the root and body are fixed caudally by the hyoid bone, and in its middle portion by the frenulum linguae; its free apex is flat and plane, has little prominent torus lingae and there is no demarcation of fossa linguae. The lateral and ventral surfaces are covered by a thin mucosa; however the dorsal surface is covered by thick mucosa, although soft. On the dorsal surface are the papillae: filiform, conical, lenticular, fungiform and vallate. Histologically was found that the mucosa has a stratified squamous epithelium, the lamina propria consists of connective tissue rich in collagen fibers arranged in several directions, where there is abundant vascularization and accumulation of lymphoid tissue.

Para avaliar se a qualidade microbiológica da água de dessedentação intervém na morfologia intestinal de frangos de corte, foram analisados o consumo semanal de água, a microbiologia de amostras de água, a microscopia eletrônica de varredura e a histologia do intestino delgado de frangos de corte tratados com água filtrada e não filtrada. Os frangos que ingeriram água filtrada tiveram acesso ao menor número de micro-organismos fecais (2,52±0,99 Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes fecais e 1,17±1,25 NMP de Escherichia coli) em relação aos que ingeriram água não filtrada (3,62±0,67 NMP e 2,53±1,13 NMP). Aos 14, 21 e 45 dias de vida, foram colhidas amostras do duodeno, jejuno e íleo de 96 aves. Após rotina laboratorial, as amostras conservadas em glutaraldeído foram eletronmicrografadas e analisadas quanto à densidade de vilos e o material mantido em solução de Bouin foi destinado à confecção de lâminas histológicas que foram analisadas morfometricamente. O duodeno das aves que receberam água não filtrada apresentou maior densidade dos vilos em resposta à qualidade microbiológica da água. Na morfometria intestinal, observou-se que aves que receberam água não filtrada apresentaram aumento na profundidade das criptas intestinais e elevada altura das vilosidades em relação às aves que ingeriram água filtrada. Infere-se que a água filtrada, oferecida aos frangos de corte em um período de vida de 45 dias, favorece a manutenção da integridade intestinal.

To evaluate if microbiological quality of drinking water has an effect on intestinal morphology of broilers, the weekly water consumption by them was verified, and microbiological analysis of water samples, scanning electron microscopy and small intestine histology of broilers treated with filtered and not filtered water was conducted. Chickens that ingested filtered water had access to fewer fecal microorganisms (2.52±0.99 Most Probable Number MPN of fecal coliforms and 1.17±1.25 MPN of Escherichia coli) compared to those who drank no filtered water (3.62±0.67 and 2.53±1.13 MPN). At 14, 21 and 45 days old, the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of 96 birds were sampled. After laboratory routine, samples preserved in glutaraldehyde were eletronmicrographed and evaluated by villous density, and the material maintained in Bouin's solution was destinated to histological slides that were analyzed morphometrically. The duodenum of birds that ingested not filtered water had the highest density of villi in response to microbiological water quality. In intestinal morphometry, were observed that birds receiving not filtered water showed increase in intestinal crypts depth and presented larger villi compared with birds that ingested filtered water. It is cocluded that filtered water, offered to broilers in a life span of 45 days, favors the maintenance of intestinal integrity.

There are no studies in Mexico estimating the use of psychoactive substances in the elderly (+69 yrs) and there is a lack of information about the risk factors determining the burden of disease for this age group. The goal of this study is to present prevalences of use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and nonmedical prescription drugs in beneficiaries of a cash supplement program sponsored by the Institute for the Care of Elderly from Federal District (Instituto para la Atención del Adulto Mayor del Distrito Federal, IAAM-DF). Furthermore, significant sociodemographic factors associated with substance use are reported. From a random sample of the 2 501 users registries of a cash supplement program of IAAM-DF, a total of 2 098 agreed to participate and were interviewed in their homes. The response rate was of 83.9%. We found that 63.5% of all participants ever used alcohol, 45.4% ever used tobacco and 3.5% ever used any drugs. Near one out of every two men and one out of every four women used alcohol during the previous 12 months, one out of every 10 older adults used tobacco and just one out of every 100 used any kind of drug in the last 12 months. Overall prevalence of substance use is higher in men, with the exception of medical drugs. Outstanding associated factors in substance use were sex and higher socioeconomic levels. This is the first study in the country on substance use in dwelling elderly, not living in institutions. Alcohol use, even risky drinking, is not uncommon, smoking tobacco habits do not disappear with age, and medical drug use can be of concern for its effects on other diseases. Therefore, it becomes necessary to establish definitions of risky use for this population and develop appropriate intervention programs for this population group.

No existen investigaciones en el país sobre uso de sustancias psico-activas en poblaciones de adultos mayores (+69 años) y se carece de información sobre los factores de riesgos que son determinantes para la carga de la enfermedad en este grupo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar las prevalencias de consumo de alcohol, tabaco, drogas ilícitas y drogas médicas usadas sin prescripción en los beneficiarios del programa de pensión alimentaria del Instituto para la Atención del Adulto Mayor del Distrito Federal (IAAM-DF). Adicionalmente, se reportaron factores sociodemográficos asociados al consumo de estas sustancias. De una muestra aleatoria del padrón de usuarios del programa del IAAM-DF de 2501 personas, un total de 2098 aceptaron participar y fueron entrevistadas en sus hogares, obteniéndose una tasa de respuesta de 83.9%. Se encontró que 65.3% de la población consumió alcohol, 45.4% tabaco y 3.5% alguna droga alguna vez en la vida. En los últimos 12 meses, casi uno de cada dos varones y una de cada cuatro mujeres consumió alcohol; uno de cada 10 adultos mayores consumió tabaco; y sólo uno de cada 100 consumió alguna droga. La prevalencia de consumo de sustancias es mayor en hombres, con excepción de las drogas médicas. Los factores asociados que destacaron fueron el sexo y los mejores niveles económicos. Éste es el primer estudio realizado en el país sobre uso de sustancias en población de adultos mayores con domicilio fijo, no institucionalizado. El consumo de alcohol, incluso el consumo riesgoso, no es infrecuente; el hábito tabáquico no ha desaparecido con la edad, y el uso de drogas médicas puede ser un motivo de preocupación por su efecto en otras patologías. Se hace necesario establecer definiciones de uso riesgoso para esta población y desarrollar programas de intervención adecuados para este grupo.

Los bosques tropicales son los ecosistemas más diversos del planeta y aunque se han propuesto muchas teorías para explicar su riqueza, aún desconocemos gran parte de la importancia relativa de los factores que la afectan. Esta diversidad se encuentra amenazada por alteraciones de origen antrópico, como la fragmentación y la degradación de los bosques. En este estudio se comparan patrones de diversidad de epífitas en un bosque de tierras bajas y uno subandino. De esta manera, se encontró una mayor diversidad de epífitas en el bosque subandino (PNN Cueva de los Guacharos) comparado con el de tierras bajas (reserva Palmarí). Adicionalmente se encontró mayor abundancia de epífitas en los bosques más conservados. Dado que la diversidad de forofitos es mayor en el bosque de tierras bajas que en el subandino, se descarta la posibilidad de que las diferencias en los patrones encontrados se den por efectos regionales de diversidad de plantas. Se concluye que la humedad parece ser el filtro ambiental más importante para explicar la variación en diversidad de epífitas.

Tropical rainforests are the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Although many theories have been proposed to explain their richness we currently know little about their relative importance. This diversity is threatened by anthropogenic disturbances such as fragmentation and forest degradation. In this study we compared epiphytic plant diversity patterns in lowland and subandean forests. More epiphytic diversity was found in subandean (PNN Cueva de los Guácharos) compared to lowland forest (Palmarí Reserve). In addition a higher abundance of epiphytes was found in conserved forest. Tree host diversity was higher in lowland forests than in subandean forests, so we can reject the possibility that differences between the patterns of epiphytic diversity are caused by regional effects of plant diversity. Our results suggest that humidity seems to be the most important environmental filter explaining epiphyte diversity.

A análise de ressonância magnética nuclear, RMN, de alta resolução no estado sólido permitiu um estudo detalhado da dinâmica molecular de fibras naturais, entre elas duas obtidas a partir do tronco de bananeira e outra, da fruta do coco. Utilizou-se a técnica de relaxação nuclear para avaliar os domínios relacionados às diferentes mobilidades dos componentes dessas fibras, tais como celulose, hemicelulose e lignina. Também foram realizados testes para a quantificação do teor de lignina por método químico. A partir dos tempos de relaxação e da curva de domínios, foi possível verificar que as fibras com alto teor de lignina possuem tempos maiores de relaxação, pois esse componente da fibra apresenta uma estrutura, mais rígida, de anéis aromáticos.

High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, NMR, in the solid-state permitted a detailed molecular dynamic study of natural fibers, including two obtained from the banana tree stems and from coconut fruits. The nuclear relaxation technique was applied to evaluate the domains associated with different mobilities of the fiber components, such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Experiments were also done to quantify the lignin content using a chemical method. From the relaxation times and the domain curves, fibers with higher lignin content were found to have higher relaxation times, because they present a more rigid structure with aromatic groups.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in a dermatology unit. METHODS: This was a prospective and descriptive study. Over the course of 26 weeks, surveillance cultures were collected weekly from the anterior nares and skin of all patients hospitalized in a 20-bed dermatology unit of a tertiary-care hospital. Samples from healthcare workers (HCWS) were cultured at the beginning and end of the study. Colonized patients were put under contact precautions, and basic infection control measures were enforced. Staphylococcus aureus colonization pressure was determined monthly. Colonized and non-colonized patients were compared, and isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility, SCCmec type, virulence factors, and type. RESULTS: Of the 142 patients evaluated, 64 (45%) were colonized by MRSA (39% hospital acquired; 25% community acquired; 36% indeterminate). Despite isolation precautions, hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus occurred in addition to the continuous entry of Staphylococcus aureus from the community. Colonization pressure increased from 13% to 59%, and pemphigus and other bullous diseases were associated with MRSA colonization. Eleven out of 71 HCWs (15%) were Staphylococcus aureus carriers, although only one worker carried a persistent clone. Of the hospital-acquired MRSA cases, 14/28 (50%) were SCCmec type IV (3 PFGE types), 13 were SCCmec type III (46%), and one had an indeterminate type. These types were also present among the community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus isolates. SSCmec type IV isolates were shown to be more susceptible than type III isolates. There were two cases of bloodstream infection, and the pvl and tst virulence genes were absent from all isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatology patients were colonized by community- and hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus. Half of the nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus isolates were SCCmec type IV. Despite the identification of colonized patients and the subsequent contact precautions and room placement, Staphylococcus aureus colonization continued to occur, and colonization pressure increased. Pemphigus and other bullous diseases were associated with Staphylococcus aureus.