Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) could be obtained from diverse lignocellulosic sources, among them wood. Regarding this, it is important to clarify if the shaft section of the tree could influence the CNF characteristics. This study evaluated cellulose nanofibers from Guazuma crinita (bolaina blanca) obtained at different heights of the longitudinal axis of the shaft of trees from a three-and-a-half-year-old plantation. The wood was subjected to pulping, bleaching and subsequent mechanical milling using a Changsha Samy XYQM-2L planetary ball mill to obtain cellulose nanofibers. The product was characterised using analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the degree of polymerisation was determined. The effect of longitudinal position on cellulose nanofibers characteristics was evaluated by comparing means using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. The yield of cellulose nanofibers production from the high, middle and basal sections was 32,1 %, 33,6 % and 31 %, respectively. The obtained cellulose nanofibers exhibited a significantly larger diameter for the high zone (84 nm) compared with the middle (75 nm) and basal (69 nm) zones; the length remained above the micrometre range. With respect to degree of polymerisation, a decrease was evidenced with respect to the increase in shaft height; the basal zone exhibited a degree of polymerisation of 300, a significantly higher value than the middle and high zones, which exhibited degree of polymerisation of 249 and 211, respectively. The product showed typical cellulose type I polymorphism and crystallinity indexes of 76 %, 93 % and 96 % for the high, middle and basal sections, respectively. Regarding the thermostability of cellulose nanofibers, the maximum degradation rate of cellulose nanofibers occurred between 335 °C and 341 °C, with cellulose nanofibers from the basal area being the most stable. The adsorption of the methylene blue dye on cellulose nanofibers was evaluated; an efficiency > 60 % was found.

Abstract The ornamental plant sector is growing due to the development of new species and technologies. The focus of research is to extend the shelf life of cut flowers to maintain quality and customer satisfaction. Techniques such as storage at low temperatures, use of preservative solutions, and new technologies such as nanotechnology can help maintain the quality of the floral stem. The present review aims to analyze various techniques used to extend the post-harvest shelf life of floral stems. For this purpose, a systematic search was conducted on major indexing platforms for studies published in 2023, which were subjected to a meta-analysis. The global effect size and moderator effects were calculated to assist in decision-making for future studies in floriculture. The results indicated that the addition of preservatives to solutions, variations in storage temperature, and the use of electromagnetic fields were the most effective techniques in extending the shelf life of cut flowers. However, techniques such as dry conditioning and the use of coating films did not show significant results in maintaining commercial quality. It was found that conservative solution research is still the main focus of research at major cut flower technology centers. The meta-analysis highlights the importance of further deepening and/or improving research on techniques that have shown less effective results, and developing new technologies to prolong the vase life of floral stems in order to improve post-harvest quality.

Resumo O setor de plantas ornamentais está crescendo devido ao desenvolvimento de novas espécies e tecnologias. O foco da pesquisa é estender a vida útil das flores cortadas para manter a qualidade e a satisfação do cliente. Técnicas como armazenamento em baixas temperaturas, uso de soluções conservantes e novas tecnologias como a nanotecnologia podem ajudar a manter a qualidade da haste floral. A presente revisão tem como objetivo analisar diversas técnicas utilizadas para prolongar a vida útil de hastes florais pós-colheita. Para tal, foi realizada uma busca sistemática nas principais plataformas indexadoras de estudos publicados em 2023, os quais foram submetidos a uma meta-análise. Calculou-se o tamanho do efeito global e o efeito por moderadores, com o intuito de auxiliar na tomada de decisão para futuros estudos na floricultura. Os resultados indicaram que a adição de conservantes nas soluções, variações nas temperaturas de armazenamento e o uso de campos eletromagnéticos foram as técnicas mais eficazes para prolongar a vida útil das hastes florais em vasos. No entanto, técnicas como o condicionamento a seco e o uso de filmes de revestimento não apresentaram resultados significativos em manter a qualidade comercial. Foi verificado que as pesquisas com soluções conservantes ainda são o principal foco dos trabalhos de grandes centros de tecnologia de flores de corte. A meta-análise destaca a importância de aprofundar e/ou aperfeiçoar as pesquisas em técnicas que apresentaram resultados menos eficazes e desenvolver novas tecnologias para prolongar a vida útil das hastes florais, a fim de melhorar a qualidade pós-colheita.

Resumo As investigações realizadas estabelecem uma relação entre os epítopos T, Tn e sTn e doenças parasitárias. Esses epítopos são expressos em alta porcentagem de tumores epiteliais e foram inicialmente relacionados à síndrome T, caracterizada por trombocitopenia, leucopenia e anemia hemolítica. A expressão de Tn foi identificada em vários carcinomas, embora os eventos associados à sua exposição neles pareçam ser diferentes dos observados na síndrome Tn. Vários estudos relatam que estruturas associadas a tumores, tais como antígenos Tn e sialil-Tn, são expressos em alguns protozoários e helmintos, levantando inúmeras questões no nível da interação parasita-hospedeiro, glicobiologia parasitária e eventuais relações entre a biologia de alguns parasitas e células cancerígenas. Os glóbulos vermelhos são poliaglutináveis quando são aglutinados por quase todas as amostras de soro humano normal. Algumas formas de poliaglutinidade são devidas à exposição do determinante antigênico TF, pela eliminação do ácido N-acetilneuramínico, pela ação de neuraminidases bacterianas ou virais, embora nos últimos anos tenha sido relatado o desmascaramento desse antígeno eritrocitário críptico por Ascaris lumbricoides e Trichinella spiralis. Devido à importância clínica da ativação T, destaca-se a necessidade de estudar a exposição do antígeno críptico TF em todos os parasitas cujo habitat seja o sangue ou naqueles cujos ciclos de vida incluam migração pela corrente circulatória, uma vez que seu desmascaramento pode causar autoaglutinação e/ou hemólise.

Abstract The investigations carried out establish a relationship between the T, Tn and sTn epitopes and the parasitic diseases. These epitopes are expressed in a high percentage of epithelial tumors, and they were initially related to the T syndrome, characterised by thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and hemolytic anemia. The expression of Tn has been identified in several carcinomas, although the events associated with its exposure appears to be different from those observed in the Tn syndrome. Various studies report that tumor-associated structures such as Tn and sialyl-Tn antigens are expressed in some protozoa and helminths, raising numerous questions at the level of parasite-host interaction, parasitic glycobiology and eventual relationships between the biology of some parasites and cancer cells. Red cells are polyaglutinate when agglutinated by almost all normal human serum samples. Some forms of polyaglutinity are due to the exposure of the antigenic determinant TF, through the elimination of N-acetylneuraminic acid, by the action of bacterial or viral neuraminidases, although the unmasking of this erythrocyte cryptic antigen by Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichinella spiralis has been reported in recent years. Due to the clinical importance of T activation, the need to study the exposure of the cryptic TF antigen in all parasites whose habitats are blood or whose life cycles include migration through the circulatory stream is highlighted, since its unmasking can cause autoagglutination and/or hemolysis.

Resumen Las investigaciones realizadas establecen una relación entre los epítopos T, Tn y sTn y las enfermedades parasitarias. Estos epítopos se expresan en un alto porcentaje de tumores epiteliales e inicialmente fueron relacionados con el síndrome T, caracterizado por trombocitopenia, leucopenia y anemia hemolítica. Se ha identificado la expresión de Tn en varios carcinomas, aunque los eventos asociados a su exposición en éstos parecen ser diferentes de los observados en el síndrome Tn. Diversos estudios comunicaron que estructuras asociadas a tumores, tales como los antígenos Tn y sialil-Tn, se expresan en algunos protozoarios y helmintos, y plantearon numerosos interrogantes a nivel de la interacción parásito-hospedador, de la glicobiología parasitaria y de las eventuales relaciones entre la biología de algunos parásitos y las células cancerígenas. Los hematíes son poliaglutinables cuando son aglutinados por casi todas las muestras de suero humano normal. Algunas formas de poliaglutinidad se deben a la exposición del determinante antigénico TF, mediante la eliminación del ácido N-acetilneuramínico, por la acción de neuraminidasas bacterianas o virales, aunque en los últimos años se ha comunicado el desenmascaramiento de este antígeno críptico eritrocitario por Ascaris lumbricoides y Trichinella spiralis. Debido a la importancia clínica de la activación T, se destaca la necesidad de estudiar la exposición del antígeno críptico TF en todos los parásitos cuyo hábitat sea la sangre, o bien en aquellos cuyos ciclos de vida comprendan una migración por el torrente circulatorio, pues su desenmascaramiento puede ocasionar autoaglutinación y/o hemólisis.

Abstract Introduction: mate selection is a complex process involving biological, psychological, personal, social, and emotional factors. Objective: to determine the criteria for mate selection according to the relationship time in the parents of students of the Vigotsky Educational Unit in the city of Riobamba. Methodology: a study was carried out with a quantitative approach, of a descriptive observational type. The population was made up of parents over 20 years of age, whose children studied at the aforementioned institution. A sample of 170 individuals was selected using the snowball-type technique. Data were collected using the Romero Mate Selection Scale. Results: The most relevant criteria for partner selection were personality traits (61.8%) and satisfaction of needs (65.3%. On the other hand, attractiveness (80.0%) and the similarity of personal interests (48.2%) were the least considered. Conclusions: It was determined that the low level prevailed in the non-verbal aspects in those ones with less than 10 years of union based on the comparison of the level of importance of the mate selection criteria according to the time of the relationship. In addition, the relationship time was significantly associated with the dimensions: non-verbal aspects, personality traits and needs satisfaction.

Resumen Introducción: la selección de pareja es un proceso complejo donde se involucran factores biológicos, psicológicos, personales, sociales y emocionales. Objetivo: determinar los criterios para la selección de pareja según el tiempo de relación en los padres de estudiantes de la Unidad Educativa Vigotsky en la ciudad de Riobamba. Metodología: se hizo un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo observacional descriptivo. La población estuvo integrada por padres de familia mayores de 20 años, cuyos hijos estudiaban en la institución mencionada, a partir de cual se seleccionó una muestra de 170 individuos mediante la técnica del tipo bola de nieve. los datos se recolectaron mediante la Escala de Selección de Pareja de Romero. Resultados: según los involucrados, los criterios más relevantes para la selección de pareja fueron los rasgos de personalidad (61,8%) y satisfacción de necesidades (65,3%); mientras que, los menos considerados fueron el atractivo (80,0%) y la similitud de intereses personales (48,2%). Conclusiones: la comparación del nivel de importancia de los criterios de selección de pareja según al tiempo de relación posibilitó determinar que el nivel bajo predominó en los aspectos no verbales en aquellas con menos de 10 años de unión. Además, el tiempo de relación se asoció significativamente con las dimensiones: aspectos no verbales, rasgos de personalidad y satisfacción de necesidades.

Resumen Introducción: Ha ocurrido superpropagación de COVID-19 cuando individuos sintomáticos sin uso de cubrebocas abordaron autobuses. Objetivo: Reportar el riesgo de superpropagación cuando individuos presintomáticos abordaron autobuses junto con pasajeros no vacunados, pero se mantuvieron intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de personal de salud transportado durante dos semanas en autobuses a un centro de vacunación contra COVID-19. Fue obligatorio llevar ventanas abiertas, uso correcto de cubrebocas y exclusión de personas con síntomas. La vigilancia prospectiva identificó a trabajadores con COVID-19 los 14 días siguientes a la vacunación. Cada pasajero asintomático de autobuses donde se detectaron casos fue vigilado durante un periodo similar. Los resultados de tamizaje voluntario estuvieron disponibles para los trabajadores que se realizaron prueba el mes previo o el siguiente a la vacunación. Resultados: 1879 trabajadores abordaron 65 autobuses. El tiempo a bordo varió de tres a ocho horas. Veintinueve casos de COVID-19 y cuatro casos asintomáticos fueron identificados entre 613 pasajeros de 21 autobuses. La mediana de tiempo entre la vacunación y el inicio de síntomas de COVID-19 fue de seis días. Fue identificado un caso de transmisión sospechada en autobús. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas estrictas redujeron sustancialmente el riesgo de superpropagación de COVID-19 en autobuses ocupados por individuos presintomáticos.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 superspreader events have occurred when symptomatic individuals without wearing face masks boarded buses. Objective: To report the risk of superspreader events when presymptomatic individuals boarded buses together with unvaccinated passengers, but with non-pharmacological preventive interventions being maintained. Methods: Prospective study of health personnel transported in buses to a COVID-19 vaccination center for two weeks. Open windows, correct use of face masks and exclusion of symptomatic individuals were mandatory. Prospective surveillance identified workers with COVID-19 within 14 days after vaccination. Each asymptomatic passenger of buses where cases were identified was monitored for a similar time period. Voluntary screening results were available for workers who were tested in the month before or after vaccination. Results: 1,879 workers boarded 65 buses. On-board time ranged from three to eight hours. Twenty-nine cases of COVID-19 and four asymptomatic cases were identified among 613 passengers of 21 buses. Median time between vaccination and COVID-19 symptoms onset was six days. One case of suspected transmission on a bus was identified. Conclusions: Strict nonpharmacological preventive interventions substantially reduced the risk of COVID-19 superspreader events in buses boarded by presymptomatic individuals.

ABSTRACT Background: Relatively low SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rates have been reported in vaccinated individuals, but updates considering the Omicron variant are lacking. Objective: The objective of the study was to provide a current estimate of the SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in a highly immunized population. Methods: A prospective cohort of Mexican hospital workers was followed (March 2020-February 2022). Reinfection was defined as the occurrence of two or more episodes of COVID-19 separated by a period of ≥ 90 days without symptoms. The reinfection rate was calculated as the number of reinfection episodes per 100,000 persons per day. Results: A total of 3732 medical consultations were provided to 2700 workers, of whom 1388 (51.4%) were confirmed COVID-19 cases. A total of 73 reinfection cases were identified, of whom 71 (97.3%) had completed their primary vaccination series and 22 (30.1%) had had a booster dose before the second episode. The overall reinfection rate was 23.1 per 100,000 persons per day (as compared to a rate of 1.9 per 100,000 persons per day before the Omicron wave). Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate rose significantly during the Omicron wave despite a high primary vaccination coverage rate. Almost one-third of reinfected workers had a vaccine booster ≥ 14 days before the last COVID-19 episode.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute appendicitis is an infectious inflammatory disease of the cecal appendix, it is the most common cause of surgical emergency in pediatrics. The clinical manifestations vary significantly according to age and sex. A thorough history and physical examination is an essential tool for diagnosis, as are complementary tests, to avoid performing an incidental appendectomy. Objective: To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics in children with appendicitis, to improve timely diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study on cases of appendicitis registered in the Pediatric Service of the General Hospital IESS Ambato. No sample size calculation was performed, non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases was performed. Results: It was possible to determine that temperature greater than 37.5 °C, tachycardia, diffuse abdominal pain, Mc Burney's sign, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and a normal urine test have a direct diagnostic association with appendicitis. Conclusion: Appendicitis clinical scoring scales are recommended to avoid a higher incidence of incidental appendectomies.

RESUMEN Introducción: La apendicitis aguda es una enfermedad inflamatoria infecciosa del apéndice cecal, constituye la causa más común de emergencia quirúrgica en pediatría. Las manifestaciones clínicas varían significativamente según la edad y sexo. La anamnesis y un examen físico minucioso pueden llegar a ser una herramienta primordial para el diagnóstico, así como también las pruebas complementarias, para evitar realizar una apendicetomía incidental. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y laboratoriales en niños con apendicitis, para apoyar el diagnóstico y resolución oportuna. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo de corte transversal sobre los casos de apendicitis registrados en el Servicio de Pediatría del Hospital General IESS Ambato. No se realizó cálculo de tamaño de muestra, se realiza muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Resultados: Se pudo determinar que la temperatura mayor 37.5 °C, la taquicardia, el dolor abdominal difuso, el signo de Mc Burney, la leucocitosis con neutrofilia y un examen de orina normal presentan una asociación directa diagnóstica en los cuadros de apendicitis. Conclusión: Se recomienda escalas de puntación clínica de apendicitis, para evitar mayor incidencia de apendicetomías incidentales.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a estrutura dos programas de ensino e os conteúdos do componente Saúde e Desenvolvimento do Adolescente na formação dos estudantes de enfermagem. Método: estudo observacional descritivo, realizado na Colômbia, Equador e Peru. Aplicou-se o Instrumento de (auto)avaliação do componente Saúde e Desenvolvimento do Adolescente na graduação de profissionais de saúde. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva. Resultados: 95 Escolas de Enfermagem participaram (84,1% do total). Dos professores responsáveis pelo ensino da saúde dos adolescentes, 31,6% não tinham formação específica na matéria e 18,9% não tinham formação no campo da educação/pedagogia. Estes são os principais tópicos que poderiam ser incorporados à formação: comportamento, identidade de gênero e orientação sexual, bullying e cyberbullying, uso de tecnologias digitais, violência entre parceiros, paternidade adolescente e puberdade tardia. Conclusão: os professores têm formação limitada em questões pedagógicas/educacionais e em temas específicos da saúde dos adolescentes. O currículo precisa ser atualizado com conteúdos relacionados a saúde e desenvolvimento dos adolescentes; deve-se incluir conhecimento de leis e políticas e expandir a capacidade dos profissionais de enfermagem para que possam gerar, analisar e utilizar dados para a tomada de decisões.

Abstract Objective: analyze the structure of teaching programs and contents of the adolescent health and its development in nursing education. Method: descriptive observational study conducted in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Data was collected by the Instrument for (self-)evaluation of the adolescent health and development component in undergraduate nursing programs, and investigated using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 95 nursing schools participated in the study (84.1% of the total). Of the faculty responsible for teaching contents relating to adolescent health, 31.6% had no specific training on the topic and 18.9% had no educational/pedagogical training. Behavior, gender identity and sexual orientation, bullying and cyberbullying, use of digital technologies, partner violence, parenting, and pubertal delay were the main topics which could be incorporated into nursing education. Conclusion: the faculty of the schools analyzed have limited education in pedagogical/educational topics and specific adolescent health issues. Curricula should be updated, including knowledge of laws and policies, thus expanding nurses’ ability to generate, analyze and use data for decision making.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la estructura de los programas de enseñanza y los contenidos del componente de salud y desarrollo del adolescente en la formación de los estudiantes de enfermería. Método: estudio observacional descriptivo, realizado en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú. Se aplicó el Instrumento para (auto)evaluar el componente de salud y desarrollo del adolescente en la formación de pregrado de los proveedores de salud. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: participaron 95 escuelas (84,1% del total). De los docentes encargados de la enseñanza de la salud de los adolescentes, el 31,6% no tenía formación específica en la materia y el 18,9% no tenía formación en el ámbito de la educación/pedagogía. Los principales temas que podrían incorporarse a la formación son: comportamiento, identidad de género y orientación sexual, bullying y cyberbullying, uso de las tecnologías digitales, violencia en el noviazgo, paternidad y retraso puberal. Conclusión: el profesorado tiene una formación limitada en temas pedagógicos/educativos y en temas específicos de la salud del adolescente. El plan de estudios debe actualizarse con contenidos del desarrollo y salud del adolescente, incluir conocimientos sobre las leyes y políticas, y ampliar la capacidad de las enfermeras para generar, analizar y utilizar datos para la toma de decisiones.

Resumen Habiendo transcurrido los primeros 21 años del Siglo XXI y en el marco de la celebración del Volumen 100 de la Revista Botanical Sciences, es relevante realizar una evaluación de los avances en la investigación relacionada con la conservación in situ y ex situ de la diversidad vegetal de México. Mediante una búsqueda acotada y sistemática de los artículos científicos sobre la conservación de la flora mexicana, contenidos en la base de datos Web of Science para el periodo 2000-2021, se reconocieron aportaciones científicas enfocadas específicamente en actividades de conservación. Las publicaciones se clasificaron en seis categorías: (a) Regiones o Ecoregiones, (b) Comunidades o Ecosistemas, (c) Grupos Taxonómicos, (d) Especies y Poblaciones, (e) Jardines Botánicos, y, (f) Bancos de Semillas. Considerando estas categorías, los resultados se presentan bajo los rubros “conservación in situ” y “conservación ex situ”. Adicionalmente, se llevó a cabo una revisión acerca del apoyo bibliográfico que utilizan proyectos de desarrollo turístico. Los resultados mostraron que, a pesar del amplio intervalo temporal considerado en esta revisión y del abundante trabajo que existe con relación a la caracterización de la biodiversidad en México, es notable la escasa producción científica para el desarrollo de estrategias o actividades concretas de conservación de plantas. Es evidente una falta de conexión y comunicación entre investigadores de diferentes disciplinas, ya que prevalece el trabajo unidisciplinario o, en el mejor de los casos, el multidisciplinario. Finalmente, se presentan diez conclusiones y se sugieren algunas actividades futuras para trabajar en la conservación de la flora mexicana.

Abstract Twenty-one years have elapsed of the 21st Century and within the framework of the celebration of the 100th volume of Botanical Sciences, it is relevant to assess the progress of the research on conservation and on the activities undertaken for protecting the plants of Mexico, including the complementary in situ and ex situ approaches. By means of a systematic search of scientific articles related to the conservation of the Mexican flora on the Web of Science database, for the 2000-2021 period, we identified different scientific inputs, all showing specific objectives for undertaking conservation activities. The publications that resulted from this search were classified into six categories: (a) Regions and Ecoregions; (b) Communities or Ecosystems; (c) Taxonomic Groups; (d) Species and Populations; (e) Botanical Gardens; and (f) Seed Banks. For these categories, the results are presented under the headings “in situ conservation” and “ex situ conservation.” Additionally, we assessed by a random examination, the bibliography used to support touristic development projects. The results show that, despite the wide temporal range considered in this review, and even though there is a vast number of publications related to the characterization of the Mexican biodiversity, the production of scientific work oriented to the development of plant conservation strategies and activities is still scarce. Also evident is the lack of connection and communication among researchers of different disciplines, highlighting the disciplinary or multidisciplinary activities that they undertake. Finally, ten conclusions are presented, and some future research activities are suggested for conserving the Mexican flora.

Resumen Cueva de las Manos (Patagonia Argentina) es un emblemático sitio que ha sido declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por UNESCO. En él se presenta una gran cantidad de paneles de arte rupestre realizados en distintos momentos, entre 9400 y 2500 años atrás. Sobre el amplio repertorio de figuras y escenas que se representaron en los mismos, seleccionamos dos temas: escenas de caza y guanacas preñadas en relación con los negativos de manos. Tomando como referencia registros documentales etnográficos que preservaron narraciones míticas del pueblo Tehuelche, además de los relatos de cronistas y viajeros, proponemos líneas interpretativas afines con aquellos temas del arte rupestre, realizados miles de años atrás. Reflexionamos así sobre los aportes que la analogía histórica puede brindar a nuestra intención de una ‘arqueología antropológica’ y a la construcción de una memoria colectiva.

Abstract Cueva de las Manos, situated in Patagonia, Argentina, is an emblematic site declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The site holds a large amount of rock art panels that were created in different time periods between 9400 and 2500 years ago. From the vast range of figures and scenes represented in the cave walls, we have selected two themes for this study. These are the scenes depicting hunting activities and pregnant guanacos, which are set in relation to hand negatives stenciled on the wall. Based on ethnographic records documenting mythical narratives of the Tehuelche people, as well as the chronicles and diaries of travelers who visited the area, we propose certain guidelines for the interpretation of the art panels, created thousands of years ago. This gives us an opportunity to reflect on the benefits provided by historical analogies in an effort to set the ground for an “anthropological archaeology” and the construction of a collective memory.

Resumo Cueva de las Manos (Patagônia, Argentina) é um sítio emblemático declarado Patrimônio da Humanidade pela UNESCO. Nele se apresenta uma grande quantidade de painéis de arte rupestres realizados em diferentes momentos, entre 9400 e 2500 anos AP. Sobre o amplo repertório dos grafismos e cenas que nele foram representados, selecionamos dois temas: cenas de caça, guanacas gestantes em relação aos negativos de mãos. Tomando como referência registros documentais etnográficos que preservaram as narrações míticas do povo Tehuelche, além dos relatos de cronistas e viajantes, estamos propondo linhas interpretativas que se relacionam com os temas por nós selecionados para a análise da arte rupestre, representados milhares de anos atrás. Refletimos, assim, sobre os aportes que a analogia histórica pode brindar a nossa intenção de uma “arqueologia antropológica” e à construção de uma memória coletiva. Selecionamos dois temas: cenas de caça e guanacas grávidas em relação aos negativos de mão

ABSTRACT Background: Risk factors for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) asymptomatic carriage (AC) in healthcare workers (HCWs) have been scarcely characterized. Objective: The objective of the study was to study factors associated with COVID-19 and AC in HCWs of a COVID-19 academic medical center. Methods: This is a case-control study. Cases were either symptomatic or asymptomatic HCWs with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result between March 16 and May 21 of 2020. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated by means of multivariable logistic regression. In addition, each subject was followed for 14 days to inform outcomes. Results: One hundred thirty of 249 (52.2%) symptomatic HCWs had COVID-19; 10 were hospitalized but none died. Of 987 asymptomatic HCWs, 37 (3.7%) were AC; 6 of the remaining 950 asymptomatic HCWs with a negative PCR test result were found to be presymptomatic COVID-19 cases the following 14 days. Nurses were more frequently present in the COVID-19 group (51.5% vs. 37.0%), but multivariable analysis rendered non-significant results. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and working place, factors found to be associated with AC were: working in wards as a nurse (aOR = 9.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-80.22, p = 0.045), kitchen personnel (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.55-10.83, p = 0.005), and being a physician (aOR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03-0.54, p = 0.006). Conclusions: HCW category was the predominant factor associated with AC of SARS-CoV-2 in this study.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Inadequate wastewater treatment and fecal contamination have a strong environmental impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study evaluated the profile of AMR enterobacteria and fecal contamination from four surface waters: Jiquiriça-Brejões River and Cabrito, Tororó, and Abaeté Lagoons. METHODS: We analyzed AMR β-lactamase genes using the polymerase chain reaction method and fecal contamination using Coliscan®. RESULTS: We found high levels of fecal contamination, β-lactamase producers, and AMR genes (blaOXA-48, blaSPM, and blaVIM) in all waterbodies. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sanitation evidenced by fecal contamination and human activities around these surface waters contributed to the distribution and increase in AMR enterobacteria.

Background: The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting balloon (DEB) in vascular access for dialysis remain unclear. Methods: Data obtained from using DEB in highly recurrent stenosis were retrospectively analyzed. These data were obtained from procedures performed in the Vascular Access Center, responsible for attending over 3600 patients from 30 dialysis centers. Highly recurrent stenosis is defined as stenosis having three or more previous interventions and/or associated with early recurrence defined as the last procedure in less than 90 days. Patency and cost-effectiveness were evaluated. Patency was defined as the number of days free of interventions after applying DEB. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and an estimation of costs per day/patient/year. Results: Data from 37 consecutive procedures on 32 patients were assessed. The average patency time between interventions was 107.22 ± 104.428 days before DEB intervention. After the procedure, the average patency time intervention was 160.27 ± 96.472 days (ρ=0.001). The cost analysis revealed an ICER of 10.37€/ patency day gained. The costs estimation revealed improved patency of 14.5 days/patient/year, and an increased cost of 1028.4€/patient/year when compared to conventional balloon. Conclusions: This retrospective analysis may suggest a benefit of DEB on this highly recurrent stenosis. Although it appears to be more expensive, the increased patency at long term may be considered encouraging.