Habitat and Host Species Drive the Structure of Bacterial Communities of Two Neotropical Trap-Jaw Odontomachus Ants : Habitat and Host Species Drive the Structure of Bacterial Communities of Two Neotropical Trap-Jaw Odontomachus Ants.

Ants have long been known for their associations with other taxa, including macroscopic fungi and symbiotic bacteria. Recently, many ant species have had the composition and function of their bacterial communities investigated. Due to its behavioral and ecological diversity, the subfamily Ponerinae deserves more attention regarding its associated microbiota. Here, we used the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial communities of Odontomachus chelifer (ground-nesting) and Odontomachus hastatus (arboreal), two ponerine trap-jaw species commonly found in the Brazilian savanna ("Cerrado") and Atlantic rainforest. We investigated habitat effects (O. chelifer in the Cerrado and the Atlantic rainforest) and species-specific effects (both species in the Atlantic rainforest) on the bacterial communities' structure (composition and abundance) in two different body parts: cuticle and gaster. Bacterial communities differed in all populations studied. Cuticular communities were more diverse, while gaster communities presented variants common to other ants, including Wolbachia and Candidatus Tokpelaia hoelldoblerii. Odontomachus chelifer populations presented different communities in both body parts, highlighting the influence of habitat type. In the Atlantic rainforest, the outcome depended on the body part targeted. Cuticular communities were similar between species, reinforcing the habitat effect on bacterial communities, which are mainly composed of environmentally acquired taxa. Gaster communities, however, differed between the two Odontomachus species, suggesting species-specific effects and selective filters. Unclassified Firmicutes and uncultured Rhizobiales variants are the main components accounting for the observed differences. Our study indicates that both host species and habitat act synergistically, but to different degrees, to shape the bacterial communities in these Odontomachus species.

High-Performance Automated Anterior Circulation CT Angiographic Clot Detection in Acute Stroke: A Multireader Comparison.

Background Identification of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is critical to the management of acute ischemic stroke and prerequisite to endovascular therapy in recent trials. Increasing volumes and data complexity compel the development of fast, reliable, and automated tools for LVO detection to facilitate acute imaging triage. Purpose To investigate the performance of an anterior circulation LVO detection platform in a large mixed sample of individuals with and without LVO at cerebrovascular CT angiography (CTA). Materials and Methods In this retrospective analysis, CTA data from recent cerebrovascular trials (CRISP [ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01622517] and DASH) were enriched with local repositories from 11 worldwide sites to balance demographic and technical variables in LVO-positive and LVO-negative examinations. CTA findings were reviewed independently by two neuroradiologists from different institutions for intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 LVO; these observers were blinded to all clinical variables and outcomes. An automated analysis platform was developed and tested for prediction of LVO presence and location relative to reader consensus. Discordance between readers with respect to LVO presence or location was adjudicated by a blinded tertiary reader at a third institution. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristics were assessed by an independent statistician, and subgroup analyses were conducted. Prespecified performance thresholds were set at a lower bound of the 95% CI of sensitivity and specificity of 0.8 or greater at mean times to notification of less than 3.5 minutes. Results A total of 217 study participants (mean age, 64 years ± 16 [standard deviation]; 116 men; 109 with positive findings of LVO) were evaluated. Prespecified performance thresholds were exceeded (sensitivity, 105 of 109 [96%; 95% CI: 91, 99]; specificity, 106 of 108 [98%; 95% CI: 94, 100]). Sensitivity and specificity estimates across age, sex, location, and vendor subgroups exceeded 90%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 99% (95% CI: 97, 100). Mean processing and notification time was 3 minutes 18 seconds. Conclusion The results confirm the feasibility of fast automated high-performance detection of intracranial internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery M1 occlusions. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Kloska in this issue.

Cerebral Microembolism in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Small and remote acute ischemic lesions may occur in up to one-third of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Possible mechanisms include cerebral embolism, small vessel disease, blood pressure variability and others. The embolic mechanism has not been adequately studied. Using transcranial Doppler (TCD), we assessed the incidence of spontaneous microembolic signals (MESs) in patients with acute ICH. METHODS: Twenty acute ICH patients were prospectively evaluated within 48 h of hospital admission. Clinical and imaging data were collected. Continuous TCD monitoring was performed in both middle cerebral arteries for a one-hour period on days 1, 3 and 7 of hospital admission. Monitoring was performed in the emergency room, ICU or ward, according to patient location. We compared the frequency and risk factors for MES in patients with ICH and in 20 age- and gender-matched controls without history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.5 ± 14.1 years, and 60% were male. MESs were detected in 7 patients with ICH and in one control patient without ICH (35% vs 5%, p = 0.048). The frequency of MES on day 1 was 15% (3 of 20 patients), on day 3, 26% (5 of 19 patients) and on day 7, 37.5% (3 of 8 patients). Among patients with ICH, those with MES had a tendency to higher frequencies of dyslipidemia (83% vs 33%, p = 0.13) and lobar location of hemorrhages (71% vs 30%, p = 0.15). Two out of 6 patients with ICH who also underwent MRI had remote DWI lesions, of whom one showed MES on TCD. CONCLUSION: Micro-embolic signals occur in over one-third of patients with ICH. Further research is needed to identify the sources of cerebral microembolism and their relationship with small acute infarcts in ICH.

Alteration of Hindfoot Axis After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can correct the alignment of the lower limb, not only correcting the knee axis, but also affecting the alignment of the hindfoot. However, there is still not a significant amount of work in the literature. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in which 72 patients were radiographically (long axial view of the hindfoot) and clinically (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale) evaluated before and 3 months after TKA. We investigated whether there were any significant associations between measurements of the axes, hindfoot angle, and AOFAS score with the type of deviation of the patient's axis. RESULTS: For the subgroups "hindfoot valgus-knee valgus," "hindfoot valgus-knee varus," and "hindfoot varus-knee valgus," a reduction in angle after surgery was observed; for the cases "hindfoot varus-knee varus," an increase in angle after surgery was observed. However, the Wilcoxon test showed that only the changes in the hindfoot axis of the "hindfoot varus-knee valgus" subgroup are statistically significant (P < .05). After surgery, the Wilcoxon test showed that the AOFAS score changes are statistically significant for all subgroups for which it was possible to perform the test (P < .05). CONCLUSION: TKA promotes changes in the postoperative hindfoot axis, significantly in patients with knee valgus and hindfoot varus. In addition, TKA provides significant improvement in the postoperative AOFAS score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IIB.

Thermodynamic Characterization of Mixed Monolayers of a Novel Oxazolidine Derivative and Phospholipids.

Oxazolidine derivatives (OxD) are five ring-membered compounds that contain at least one oxygen and nitrogen in their molecular structure. OxD are known due to several therapeutic activities such as anticancer and antibiotic properties. In this paper, we performed a thermodynamic analysis of the mixed films composed by dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG), dipalmitoylphosphoethanolamine (DPPE), dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or L-α phosphatidylcholine (PC) with a novel oxazolidine derivate (OxD). Relevant thermodynamic parameters such as excess areas (ΔAE), excess free energies (ΔG), and Gibbs free energy of mixing (AGmix) were derived from the surface pressure data. The topographical analysis was performed using atomic force microscopy. Based on the calculated values of the thermodynamic parameters, we observed that the miscibility of the mixed films was directly dependent on their composition. DPPG/OxD and DPPE/OxD systems present the best-mixed character at low pressures at OxD molar fraction equivalent to 0.25.

Altitudinal distribution of two sibling species of the Drosophila tripunctata group in a preserved tropical forest and their male sterility thermal thresholds.

Variation of ecophysiological traits may help to explain geographic distribution patterns of Drosophila sibling species. Many traits in ectotherms have optimal performance within specific temperature ranges. Altitudinal gradients are potentially informative for characterizing differences of sibling species distributions. We collected two sibling species of the tripunctata group - Drosophila mediopunctata (MPT) and D. unipunctata (UNI) - at eight altitudes (ranging from 593 to 1185m above sea level) located at a continuous Atlantic Rainforest reserve in consecutive years (2009-2011), with two collections at the hot-rainy season and two at the cold-dry season. Mean altitude was significantly different between species and seasons. Their distributions showed a consistent pattern with MPT always occurring at higher altitudes than UNI. A significant correlation was found between altitude and species relative abundance. We characterized the thermal range of fertility, an important fitness component, for each species and found evidence for differential thermal adaptation. Our results suggest that the two species altitudinal distributions and seasonal relative abundances are consistent with their differential thermal adaptations: MPT seems to be adapted to lower temperatures, occupies higher altitudes and occurs at higher relative abundances in the cold-dry season; while UNI tolerates higher temperatures and occurs at lower altitudes and higher relative abundances in the hot-rainy season. However, their thermal ranges overlap at most temperatures, suggesting that additional variables (e.g. habitat choice, competition, differential survival etc.) may also play a role to determine their distribution in the field.

Perspectives of healthcare professionals on training for quantitative G6PD testing during implementation of tafenoquine in Brazil (QualiTRuST Study).

Effective radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria is essential for malaria elimination in Brazil. P. vivax radical cure requires administration of a schizonticide, such as chloroquine, plus an 8-aminoquinoline. However, 8-aminoquinolines cause hemolysis in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, requiring prior screening to exclude those at risk. Brazil is pioneering the implementation of tafenoquine, a single-dose 8-aminoquinoline indicated for P. vivax patients with >70% of normal G6PD activity. Tafenoquine implementation in Manaus and Porto Velho, two municipalities located in the western Brazilian Amazon, included comprehensive training of healthcare professionals (HCPs) on point-of-care quantitative G6PD testing and a new treatment algorithm for P. vivax radical cure incorporating tafenoquine. Training was initially provided to higher-level facilities (phase one) and later adapted for primary care units (phase two). This study analyzed HCP experiences during training and implementation and identified barriers and facilitators. In-depth interviews and focus discussion groups were conducted 30 days after each training for a purposive random sample of 115 HCPs. Thematic analysis was employed using MAXQDA software, analyzing data through inductive and deductive coding. Analysis showed that following the initial training for higher-level facilities, some HCPs did not feel confident performing quantitative G6PD testing and prescribing the tafenoquine regimen. Modifications to the training in phase two resulted in an improvement in understanding the implementation process of the G6PD test and tafenoquine, as well as in the knowledge acquired by HCPs. Additionally, knowledge gaps were addressed through in situ training, peer communication via a messaging app, and educational materials. Training supported effective deployment of the new tools in Manaus and Porto Velho and increased awareness of the need for pharmacovigilance. A training approach for nationwide implementation of these tools was devised. Implementing quantitative G6PD testing and tafenoquine represents a significant shift in P. vivax malaria case management. Consistent engagement with HCPs is needed to overcome challenges in fully integrating these tools within the Brazilian health system.

One Health Priorities: Advancing Veterinary Public Health in Latin America and the Caribbean.

One Health (OH) is an integrative approach to human, animal, and environmental health and can be used as a comprehensive indicator for comparative purposes. Although an OH index has been proposed for comparing cities, states, and countries, to date, no practical study has compared countries using this approach. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess OH initiatives using a survey with a veterinary public health focus. The questionnaire contained 104 quantitative questions and was sent to representatives of governmental institutions of 32 countries in the Americas. After exclusion criteria were considered, a total of 35 questionnaires from 17 countries were analyzed, with country names remaining undisclosed during the statistical analyses to protect potentially sensitive information. Principal component analysis (PCA) of health parameters in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as a function of country perception (self-vector) showed that food safety was ranked higher than public policies (p = 0.009), and that both (p = 0.003) were ranked higher than institutional routines related to zoonosis programs. National policies in accordance with international standards, regulations, recommendations, and guidelines was considered the standout topic for public policy, with higher-ranking topics including standard. Meanwhile, challenging topics included tools, preparedness, governance, and research. Food safety showed both strengths and challenges in the coordination of its activities with other sectors. Food safety communication was scored as a strength, while foodborne diseases prevention was ranked as a challenge. Institutional routines for zoonosis maintained both strong and challenging topics in the execution and implementation of attributions and daily routine. Thus, the survey showed that topics such as access to and compliance with international guidelines and intercountry integration were ranked higher than in-country articulation, particularly among food safety, zoonoses, and environmental institutions.

Perception and barriers to access Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS (PrEP) among the MSM (men who have sex with men) Brazilian Amazon: A qualitative study.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy that consists in the use of antiretroviral drugs by seronegative people at risk of HIV. Negative perceptions, inadequate understanding, and access barriers have been associated with decreased medication adherence. Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon, where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is high, and the rates of adherence to the antiretroviral treatment for HIV and PrEP are low. In this qualitative study among PrEP users, mostly MSM, we explored perceptions, knowledge, and access barriers. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with an intentionally sampled group of participants who had used PrEP at least once in their lifetime, selected through the snowball technique, between April and July 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted with a predominantly inductive approach. We highlight three relevant themes: (i) access to information about PrEP and its influences on users, (ii) access, monitoring, and barriers encountered, and (iii) facilitators for PrEP adherence and sexual behaviors. One of the negative perceptions identified in the study involves a misunderstanding of the association between PrEP users and the HIV/AIDS status. Participants revealed that some non-PrEP users suspect that individuals claiming PrEP usage are concealing an HIV-positive status to engage in unprotected sex. Lack of information by health professionals regarding HIV prevention methods poses significant barriers to PrEP access and adherence. Participants emphasized social media's crucial role in PrEP awareness. The results suggest a need to increase digital outreach regarding PrEP, decentralize PrEP services, and provide comprehensive healthcare training to improve the effectiveness of the preventive measure.

Posterior circulation collaterals as predictors of outcome in basilar artery occlusion: a sub-analysis of the BASICS randomized trial.

Introduction and purpose: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is still one of the most devastating neurological conditions associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we aimed to assess the role of posterior circulation collaterals as predictors of outcome in the BASICS trial and to compare two grading systems (BATMAN score and PC-CS) in terms of prognostic value. Methods: We performed a sub-analysis of the BASICS trial. Baseline clinical and imaging variables were analyzed. For the imaging analysis, baseline CT and CTA were analyzed by a central core lab. Only those patients with good or moderate quality of baseline CTA and with confirmed BAO were included. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent association of clinical and imaging characteristics with a favorable outcome at 3 months (defined as a modified Rankin Score of ≤3). ROC curve analysis was used to assess and compare accuracy between the two collateral grading systems. Results: The mean age was 67.0 (±12.5) years, 196 (65.3%) patients were males and the median NIHSS was 21.5 (IQR 11-35). Median NCCT pc-ASPECTS was 10 (IQR10-10) and median collateral scores for BATMAN and PC-CS were 8 (IQR 7-9) and 7 (IQR 6-8) respectively. Collateral scores were associated with favorable outcome at 3 months for both BATMAN and PC-CS but only with a modest accuracy on ROC curve analysis (AUC 0.62, 95% CI [0.55-0.69] and 0.67, 95% CI [0.60-0.74] respectively). Age (OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.95-1.00]), NIHSS (OR 0.91, 95% CI [0.89-0.94]) and collateral score (PC-CS - OR 1.2495% CI [1.02-1.51]) were independently associated with clinical outcome. Conclusion: The two collateral grading systems presented modest prognostic accuracy. Only the PC-CS was independently associated with a favorable outcome at 3 months.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Hematophagous Bat-Mediated Rabies Outbreaks in Remote Amazon Communities: Lessons from a Pilot for Public Health Policy.

In 2018, an outbreak of human rabies caused by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus hit the Brazilian Amazon Basin community of Melgaço, Brazil, resulting in the death of 10 people, 9 of them children. The incidence of rabies has been on the rise among populations in conditions of vulnerability in this ecosystem due to human expansion into sylvatic environments and limited access to public health services. To address this issue, in September 2019, a collaborative effort from national, local, and international institutions promoted and executed a pilot for pre-exposure prophylaxis of a population in high-risk areas for hematophagous bat-mediated rabies. This measure is usually only implemented in response to outbreaks. The pilot was conducted in Portel, in a nearby location to the previous outbreak, with the use of fluvial transportation, and 2987 individuals in 411 dwellings were successfully vaccinated. It established a methodology for pre-exposure prophylaxis for populations in conditions of vulnerability, identifying logistics and costs, as well as characterizing the target riverine population regarding risk factors associated with bites by hematophagous bats. This approach offers a proactive measure to prevent future outbreaks and provides valuable insights into how to address the issue of rabies in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

RapidpulseTM cyclic aspiration system for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions.

BACKGROUND: The best strategy to achieve optimal reperfusion outcomes during mechanical thrombectomy remains to be defined. The RapidPulseTM Cyclic Aspiration System is a novel technology, delivering high-frequency pulsed vacuum forces to increase the efficiency of aspiration thrombectomy. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, core lab-adjudicated, two-arm study comparing safety and efficacy of a feasibility version of the RapidPulseTM system compared with contemporary controls. Primary endpoint was the rate of mTICI ≥ 2c after first-pass effect (FPE). Additional efficacy endpoints were the rates of mTICI ≥ 2b after first pass (modified FPE (mFPE)), last pass with study device defined as frontline technical success, and after all passes including rescue therapy. The primary safety endpoints included symptomatic ICH (sICH) within 24 h post-procedure. RESULTS: Between February 2022 to December 2022, 80 subjects were consented and enrolled in the study (n = 40 treatment arm, n = 40 control arm). In the intent to treat (ITT) population, mean age was 67.8 ± 11.5 years; 19 (47.5%) were male. Median NIHSS score was 16 (IQR: 13-22). Median ASPECTS score was 9 (IQR: 8-10). The rate of mTICI ≥ 2c after first pass was 53.9% in ITT population (60.0% in per-protocol population) versus 38.5% in the corresponding control population. Functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was achieved in 61.1% (22/36) in the RapidPulseTM arm and 52.8% (19/36) in the control arm. In the RapidPulseTM arm, no sICH within 24 h and no device-related morbidity or mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggests RapidPulseTM Aspiration System is highly effective and safe for recanalization of large vessel occlusions.

Quantifying loss of CD34+ cells collected by apheresis after processing for freezing and post-thaw.

INTRODUCTION: CD34(+) cells collected for autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are usually quantified in the apheresis product after collection, but the necessity to repeat these measures post-thaw is controversial. METHODS: We examined the loss of CD34(+) cells after collection, preparation for freezing and post-thaw in apheresis products collected for BMT. RESULTS: Median number of CD34(+) cells collected per unit was 1.61×10(6)/kg, viability: 97-100%. This number decreased to 1.38×10(6)/kg, viability: 96-100% before freezing and was 1.17×10(6)/kg post-thaw. Viability decreased to 86-98%. The relative loss of viable PBHPC showed an inverse correlation with the ratio "CD34(+) cells/total nucleated cells" (r=-0.45; p=<0.0005). This relative loss was largest in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Cryopreservation and thawing of PBHPCs in leukapheresis products provokes a small but significant stem cell loss. So, quantification of viable CD34(+) cells post-thaw is important, especially in poorly mobilizing patients. Besides, the ratio "CD34(+) cells/total nucleated cells" after leukapheresis is an important parameter for prediction of neutrophil recovery after BMT.

Ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA) as a model for creating an instrument to assess rest locations for truck drivers.

Introduction: The relationship between sleep quality and rest location is rarely explored in the literature. In this context, ergonomic analysis instruments can contribute with information for a satisfactory rest environment throughout the work schedule. Objectives: To analyze the performance of an instrument based on Ergonomic Workplace Analysis for assessing rest locations. Methods: This study adapted an ergonomic instrument to a new purpose. To analyze its performance, we assessed the rest locations of truck drivers working for a large transportation company located in the state of São Paulo. Results: The variables adapted from the original Ergonomic Workplace Analysis were rest location, sequence of tasks, lighting, noise, indoor comfort, and thermal comfort. Photos and flowcharts were used to better describe the data. Conclusion: The new instrument was shown to be adequate for assessing rest locations. The drivers evaluated the accommodations more positively than the analyst, and truck sleepers and company accommodations were considered different both by the drivers and the analyst.

Introdução: A relação entre a qualidade do sono e o local de descanso é pouco explorada pela literatura. Nesse contexto, os instrumentos de análise ergonômica podem contribuir com informações para um ambiente de descanso satisfatório ao longo das jornadas de trabalho. Objetivos: Analisar o desempenho de um instrumento de avaliação de locais de descanso, desenvolvido a partir da ferramenta ergonomic workplace analysis (análise ergonômica do posto de trabalho). Métodos: O presente estudo se caracteriza por adaptar um instrumento ergonômico para uma nova finalidade. Realizou-se avaliação dos locais de descanso de motoristas de caminhão de uma empresa transportadora de grande porte, localizada no estado de São Paulo. Resultados: As variáveis adaptadas da versão original do ergonomic workplace analysis foram o local de descanso, a sequência de tarefas, a iluminação, o ruído, o conforto interno e o conforto térmico. As fotos e os fluxogramas foram utilizados para melhor descrever os dados. Conclusões: O novo instrumento se mostrou adequado para avaliar locais de descanso. Os motoristas avaliaram mais positivamente os dormitórios do que o analista, sendo que o local de descanso do caminhão e os alojamentos foram considerados distintos tanto para os motoristas quanto para o analista.

Effects of Larrea nitida nanodispersions on the growth inhibition of phytopathogens.

Larrea nitida Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) is a plant endemic to Argentina and Chile, and its extract has been studied over the last years due to the presence of antimicrobial agents that can be used to control the growth of some pathogens in agriculture. However, the extract is highly hydrophobic, which strongly affects its fungicidal activity in aqueous media. In this sense, the solid dispersion technique was used to produce L. nitida extract nanodispersions with polyethylene glycol (PLE) and with polyethylene glycol and zinc acetate (PZLE). In order to further evaluate the activity of the extract in PLE and PZLE, blank nanodispersions containing only polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zinc acetate (PZ) without the addition of the extract were also produced. The fungicidal activity of the water-soluble nanoparticles was evaluated at different concentrations (0.037-0.110 g.mL-1). In general, the nanoparticles were successfully produced on a nanometric size and presented a significant inhibitory activity on the growth of the pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium verticillioides in aqueous media. Compared to PLE, PZLE presented increased fungistatic activity, possibly due to their increased solubility in water. Even though their application in agriculture should be further investigated, the nanodispersions present great potential to be applied as a green biotechnological tool.

Dog Population Rabies Immunity before a Mass Vaccination Campaign in Lima, Peru: Vulnerabilities for Virus Reestablishment.

Lima, Peru, has not had a case of canine rabies since 1999. However, Lima remains at risk of rabies reintroduction due to the free movement of dogs from nearby rabies-endemic areas. In Latin America, rabies vaccination campaigns must reach 80% of dogs to halt transmission, but estimates of vaccine coverage are often unavailable, unreliable, or inaccurate. Quantifying virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) allows monitoring of the immunological status of the canine population, evaluation of the degree of humoral protection to the virus, and assessing, partially, the population response to vaccination. We evaluated the dog population's immunity level against the rabies virus before a mass vaccination campaign in Lima. We collected 141 canine blood samples in the district of Surquillo and quantified rabies virus neutralizing antibody titers using the fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test). We surveyed dogs owners to reconstruct canine vaccination histories. Among dogs previously vaccinated, 73.9% exceeded the seroconversion threshold of > 0.5 IU/mL. Among all dogs, only 58.2% reached the titer limit for seroconversion. Dogs ≤ 1 year old constituted 26.2% of the total canine population and had lower levels of VNA than dogs > 1 year old (χ2 = 9.071; P = 0.028). Importantly, dogs vaccinated with single-pathogen vaccines had higher levels of VNA than those who received combined-pathogen vaccines (χ2 = 7.721; P = 0.005). We provide an important and timely glimpse to the immunity status of the dog population in urban areas of Lima, a metropolis near a dog rabies-endemic region.

Complexation of anthocyanins, betalains and carotenoids with biopolymers: An approach to complexation techniques and evaluation of binding parameters.

Natural pigments are bioactive compounds that can present health-promoting bioactivities in the human body. Due to their strong coloring properties, these compounds have been widely used as color additives as an alternative to artificial colorants. However, since these pigments are unstable under certain conditions, such as the presence of light, oxygen, and heat, the use of complexation and encapsulation techniques with biopolymers is in demand. Moreover, some functional properties can be achieved by using natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food matrices. The complexation and encapsulation of natural pigments with biopolymers consist of forming a complex with the aim to make these compounds less susceptible to oxidative and degrading agents, and can also be used to improve their solubility in different media. This review aims to discuss different techniques that have been used over the last years to create natural pigment-biopolymers complexes, as well as the recent advances, limitations, effects, and possible applications of these complexes in foods. Moreover, the understanding of thermodynamic parameters between natural pigments and biopolymers is very important regarding the complex formation and their use in food systems. In this sense, thermodynamic techniques that can be used to determine binding parameters between natural pigments and potential wall materials, as well as their applications, advantages, and limitations are presented in this work. Several studies have shown an improvement in many aspects regarding the use of these complexes, including increased thermal and storage stability. Nonetheless, data regarding the biological effects on the human body and the sensory acceptance of natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food systems are scarce in the literature.

Baru oil (Dipteryx alata vog.) applied in the formation of O/W nanoemulsions: A study of physical-chemical, rheological and interfacial properties.

The oil extracted from baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) seeds is in bioactive compounds and it presents potential to be used in food and cosmetic industries. Therefore, this study aims to provide insights into the stability of baru oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions. For this purpose, the effects of the ionic strength (0, 100 and 200 mM), pH (6, 7 and 8), and storage time (28 days) on the kinetic stability of these colloidal dispersions were evaluated. The nanoemulsions were characterized in terms of interfacial properties, rheology, zeta potential (ζ), average droplet diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), microstructure, and creaming index. In general, for samples, the equilibrium interfacial tension ranged from 1.21 to 3.4 mN.m-1, and the interfacial layer presented an elastic behavior with low dilatational viscoelasticity. Results show that the nanoemulsions present a Newtonian flow behavior, with a viscosity ranging from 1.99 to 2.39 mPa.s. The nanoemulsions presented an average diameter of 237-315 nm with a low polydispersity index (<0.39), and a ζ-potential ranging from 39.4 to 50.3 mV after 28 days of storage at 25 °C. The results obtained for the ζ-potential suggest strong electrostatic repulsions between the droplets, which is an indicative of relative kinetic stability. In fact, macroscopically, all the nanoemulsions were relatively stable after 28 days of storage, except the nanoemulsions added with NaCl. Nanoemulsions produced with baru oil present a great potential to be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

"Two Cultures in Favor of a Dying Patient": Experiences of Health Care Professionals Providing Snakebite Care to Indigenous Peoples in the Brazilian Amazon.

In the Brazilian Amazon, deaths and disabilities from snakebite envenomations (SBEs) are a major and neglected problem for the indigenous population. However, minimal research has been conducted on how indigenous peoples access and utilize the health system for snakebite treatment. A qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of health care professionals (HCPs) who provide biomedical care to indigenous peoples with SBEs in the Brazilian Amazon. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out in the context of a three-day training session for HCPs who work for the Indigenous Health Care Subsystem. A total of 56 HCPs participated, 27 in Boa Vista and 29 in Manaus. Thematic analysis resulted in three key findings: Indigenous peoples are amenable to receiving antivenom but not to leaving their villages for hospitals; HCPs require antivenom and additional resources to improve patient care; and HCPs strongly recommend a joint, bicultural approach to SBE treatment. Decentralizing antivenom to local health units addresses the central barriers identified in this study (e.g., resistance to hospitals, transportation). The vast diversity of ethnicities in the Brazilian Amazon will be a challenge, and additional studies should be conducted regarding preparing HCPs to work in intercultural contexts.

Evaluation of truck driver rest locations and sleep quality.

Objectives: Truck drivers' work organization requires that rest and sleep be taken in various locations, where sleep quality might be affected by the discomfort of these environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate truck drivers' rest locations and their association with sleep quality utilizing an ergonomic approach. Material and Methods: The sleep quality of 81 truck drivers was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). An adapted version of the ergonomics workplace analysis (EWA) instrument was used to evaluate 44 rest locations. Results: Half of the workers preferred sleeper berths (51.2%) as a rest place. Sleep was classified as poor by 71.6% of the drivers. Dorms were rated more positively (p<0.001) by truck drivers (2.0±1.1) than by the analyst (2.6±0.6). Sleeper berths and dorms were rated statistically different by truck drivers (p=0.002), as well as by the analyst (p=0.003). No correlation was found between EWA evaluations and total score for sleep quality. Separate analyses of dorms and truck berths showed very few correlations. The higher the noise of roommates in dorms, the worse the sleep quality. Conversely, noise in corridors or outside the room positively impacted sleep quality. Conclusion: Noise in the rest place may affect sleep in both directions, negatively or positively. Sleep was classified as poor regardless of resting place. The quality of resting places seemed to have little effect on sleep quality of truck drivers. Factors other than rest place, such as work scheduling, are probably more important for promoting good sleep quality.