RÉSUMÉ
Este artículo es una revisión bibliográfica sobre las funciones ecológicas que caracterizan a los bambúes, por las cuales merecen un mayor reconocimiento e inclusión en los programas de restauración ecológica. Los bambúes son un grupo de plantas muy diverso, de amplia distribución geográfica y económicamente importante. Aunque son más reconocidos por los usos comerciales, su potencial de uso en programas de restauración ecológica es prometedor, ya que pueden ser eficientes en la prestación de varios servicios ambientales relacionados con el suelo, el agua y el secuestro de carbono. Su rápido crecimiento, junto con su capacidad para controlar la erosión y mantener el agua a nivel del suelo, así como para proporcionar nutrientes mediante la descomposición de la hojarasca, convierte a los bambúes en un grupo valioso para la recuperación de áreas degradadas y para la restauración productiva de ecosistemas, en particular a través de sistemas agroforestales. Los enfoques agroforestales pueden combinar diferentes especies de bambú con otros cultivos, para satisfacer las necesidades humanas y generar a la vez beneficios para los ecosistemas. De manera similar, los bosques o plantaciones de bambúes, junto con sistemas agroforestales mixtos, pueden actuar como áreas de conexión y corredores biológicos, en paisajes muy fragmentados, proporcionando refugio y alimento para una amplia diversidad de organismos. A pesar de las percepciones de que los bambúes pueden ser invasivos, las pruebas para apoyar esto son limitadas. Recomendamos una evaluación cuidadosa de las características biológicas de las especies de bambúes seleccionadas, antes de su implementación en proyectos de restauración productiva y de recuperación de los servicios ambientales.
This article is a bibliographic review on the ecological functions that distinguish bamboos, for which they deserve greater recognition and inclusion in ecological restoration programs. Bamboos are a highly diverse, geographically widespread and economically important plant group. Although they are more recognized by commercial uses, their potential for use in ecological restoration programs is promising, as they can be effective in delivery of several environmental services related to soil, water and carbon sequestration. Their rapid growth, along with their abilities to control erosion and maintain water at soil level, as well as provide nutrients by litterfall decomposition, make them a valuable group for recovery of degraded areas and in productive restoration of ecosystems, in particular via agroforestry systems. Agroforestry approaches can combine different bamboo species with other crops, to meet human needs while generating benefits for ecosystems. Similarly, bamboo forests or plantations together with mixed agroforestry systems can act as stepping-stones and biological corridors, in very fragmented landscapes by providing shelter and food for a wide diversity of organisms. Despite perceptions that bamboos can be invasive, evidence to support this is limited. We recommend careful evaluation of the biological characteristics of bamboo species selected, prior to deployment in productive restoration projects and for the recovery of environmental services.
RÉSUMÉ
We conducted an analytical cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with active head lice infestation. In total 140 children, aged 6 to 16-years, from a public school in rural Yucatan, Mexico, were examined by wet-combing. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on individuals and the conditions in the surrounding environment. Head lice infestation was found in 19 out of the 140 children tested (13.6 percent) and this was associated with both lower income (OR 9.9, 95 percent CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) and a higher frequency of hair washing (OR 8, 95 percent CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Intersectoral control programs that take into account the socioeconomic differences of children should be implemented.
Foi conduzido um estudo numa escola publica de área rural em Yucatan, Mexico com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência de pediculose e fatores de risco associados. Das 140 crianças incluídas 19 (13.6 por cento) apresentaram pediculose. A infestação de piolho foi associada com baixa renda (OR 9.9, 95 por cento CI 2.15-45.79, p = 0.003) e maior frequência de lavagem de cabelos (OR 8, 95 por cento CI 1.58-50, p = 0.012). Programas intersetoriais de controle da pediculose que levam em conta as características socioeconômicas das crianças deveriam ser executados.