Losing lemurs: Declining populations and land cover changes over space and time.

Forest loss and degradation due to land cover changes imperil biodiversity worldwide. Subtropical and tropical ecosystems experience high deforestation rates, negatively affecting species like primates. Madagascar's endemic lemurs face exceptionally high risks of population declines and extirpation. We examined how short-term land cover changes within a fragmented landscape in southeastern Madagascar impacted the density of lemur species. Using line transects, we assessed density changes in nine lemur species across five forest fragments. Diurnal surveys were conducted monthly from 2015 to 2019 on 35 transects (total effort = 1268 km). Additionally, 21 transects were surveyed nocturnally in 2015 and 2016 (total effort = 107.5 km). To quantify forest cover changes, we generated land use/land cover (LULC) maps from Sentinel-2 imagery using supervised classification for each year. For the LULC maps, we overlayed species-specific buffers around all transects and calculated the proportion of land cover classes within them. We observed declines in the annual densities of four diurnal and cathemeral lemur species between 2015 and 2019, with species-specific declines of up to 80% (Varecia variegata). While the density of two nocturnal species decreased, one increased fivefold (Cheirogaleus major) between 2015 and 2016. By 2019, Grassland was the dominant land type (50%), while Paddy Fields had the smallest coverage (1.03%). Mature Agricultural Land increased the most (63.37%), while New Agricultural Land decreased the most (-66.36%). Unexpectedly, we did not find evidence that higher forest cover supported a higher lemur population density within sampled areas, but we found support for the negative impact of degraded land cover types on three lemur species. Our study underscores the urgent need to address land-use changes and their repercussions for primate populations in tropical ecosystems. The diverse responses of lemur species to modified habitats highlight the complexity of these impacts and emphasize the importance of targeted conservation efforts.

Lemur paparazzi: Arboreal camera trapping and occupancy modeling as conservation tools for monitoring threatened lemur species.

Primate species face growing risks of extinction throughout the world. To better protect their populations, effective monitoring techniques are needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of arboreal camera traps and occupancy modeling as conservation tools for threatened lemur species. This project aimed to (1) estimate the occupancy and detection probabilities of lemur species, (2) investigate factors potentially affecting lemur habitat use, and (3) determine whether ground or arboreal cameras are better for surveying lemur assemblages. We conducted camera trapping research in five forest fragments (total trap nights = 1770; 900 arboreal trap nights (134 photo events); 870 ground trap nights (2 photo events)) and reforestation areas (total trap nights = 608; 1 photo event) in Kianjavato, Madagascar from May to September 2019. We used arboreal trap data from fragments to estimate occupancy for five species: the red-fronted brown lemur (Eulemur rufifrons; ψ = 0.54 ± SD 0.03), Jolly's mouse lemur (Microcebus jollyae; ψ = 0.14 ± 0.17), the greater dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus major; ψ = 0.42 ± 0.30), the red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer; ψ = 0.24 ± 0.03), and the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata; ψ = 0.24 ± 0.08). Tree diameter, elevation, distance to village, and canopy connectivity were important predictors of occupancy, while camera height, canopy connectivity, fragment ID, and fragment size predicted detection. Arboreal cameras recorded significantly higher species richness compared with ground cameras. We suggest expanded application of arboreal camera traps in future research, but we recommend longer trapping periods to better sample rarer species. Overall, arboreal camera trapping combined with occupancy modeling can be a highly efficient and useful approach for monitoring and predicting the occurrence of elusive lemur species and has the potential to be effective for other arboreal primates and canopy taxa across the globe.

May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Chile.

Hypertension is highly prevalent in Chile. The National Health Survey 2016-17 reported a 27.6% prevalence, 68.7% awareness, and 33.3% of hypertensives had controlled blood pressure (BP). May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programmes worldwide. A cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years old was carried out in May 2018. Blood pressure measurement, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the MMM protocol. Ninety-four sites participated, most of them from the Public Health System outpatient clinics distributed along the country. In addition, universities, clinical research sites, and private clinics participated. Hypertension was diagnosed as mean systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or receiving antihypertensive medication. Overall 9344 individuals were screened. After multiple imputation, hypertension prevalence was 29.2%, of which 64.0% were aware of their condition. Of those aware of their hypertension diagnosis, 87.7% were receiving antihypertensive medication and 56.1% of the total number of hypertensives were on antihypertensive medication. Moreover, 15.3% of the participants who were not receiving treatment were considered potential hypertensives identified in the MMM18. MMM18 was one of the largest BP screening campaigns performed in Chile. It demonstrated a high prevalence of hypertension with one-third of these individuals having controlled BP. The high percentage of persons untreated or with uncontrolled hypertension while on pharmacologic treatment suggests that systematic screening programmes may be a useful tool to improve hypertension control in Chile.

May Measurement Month 2017 in Chile-Americas.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programmes worldwide. National Health Surveys, PURE and CESCAS Chilean cohorts have shown a high prevalence of hypertension, with a significant proportion of people unaware of being hypertensive or under treatment but with uncontrolled BP. An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 was carried out in May 2017. BP measurement, the definition of hypertension and statistical analysis followed the MMM protocol. Sixty-seven sites participated. Most screening sites were National Heath Public System outpatient clinics, mainly in the 9th region of the country. In addition, clinical research sites and private clinics participated. Overall, 4754 individuals were screened during MMM17. After multiple imputations, 1153 (24.2%) had hypertension. Of individuals not receiving anti-hypertensive medication, 653 (15.3%) were hypertensive. Of the 500 individuals receiving anti-hypertensive medication, 162 (32.5%) had uncontrolled BP. MMM17 was one of the largest BP screening campaigns performed in Chile. It demonstrated a high proportion of hypertension among screenees with a low proportion the individuals with controlled hypertension in the community. The high percentage of persons untreated or with uncontrolled hypertension whilst on pharmacologic treatment suggests that systematic screening programmes may be a useful tool to improve hypertension control in Chile.

[The evaluation of nursing graduates' scientific reasoning and oral and written communication]. / Evaluación del razonamiento científico y comunicación oral y escrita en el licenciado en enfermería.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in Santiago de Chile, with the objective to evaluate the scientific reasoning and the oral and written communication of nursing graduates. The sample consisted of 37 nursing graduates who participated in the three stages of the study: I) creation and validation of the instrument; II) training the faculty participating in the study to apply the instrument uniformly; and III) application of the instrument and data analysis. The data show different percentages regarding this competency, with the predominance of scientific reasoning (83.16%), followed by oral and written communication (78.37%). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the value for nursing schools to implement a formal evaluation that allows for determining the profile of nursing graduates, guaranteeing the quality of their training and education.

Identification of Probable sarcopenia based on SARC-F and SARC-CalF in older adults from a low-resource setting.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the frequency of probable sarcopenia and to compare the performance of SARC-F and SARC-CalF for detecting this condition in outpatient older adults from a low-resource setting. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study in outpatient older adults aged ≥60 years attending a hospital in Peru, between August 2019 and February 2020. Probable sarcopenia was defined as low handgrip strength (<27 kg in men and <16 in women). We used SARC-F and SARC-CalF with their standard cut-off points (≥4 and ≥11, respectively). Low calf circumference was defined as ≤33 cm in women and ≤34 cm in men. We performed sensitivity and specificity analyses. Results: We included 206 older adults, 102 (49.5%) aged ≥75 years old and 140 (67.9%) females. Probable sarcopenia was present in 36.40% of the participants. SARC-F ≥4 was observed in 29.61% and SARC-CalF ≥11 in 41.26% of the population. SARC-F≥4 showed 41.33% sensitivity and 77.10% specificity, whereas SARC-Calf ≥11 had 50.67% sensitivity and 64.12% specificity. Conclusion: We found that one out of three of the population had probable sarcopenia. SARC-Calf showed superior but still low sensitivity than SARC-F, while both had moderate specificity and thus may be useful for ruling out the disease in clinical practice.

[Mental disorders among immigrants in Chile]. / Trastornos mentales comunes y uso de servicios de salud en población inmigrante.

BACKGROUND: Chile is receiving immigrant populations coming from other Latin-American countries. AIM: To determine the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among immigrants who live in Independencia, a quarter in Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out in the primary health care clinic and in the state-funded school of Independencia. A representative sample of 282 adults and 341 children were interviewed. Mental disorders were diagnosed using CIS-R and MINI structured interviews. RESULTS: The interviewed immigrants came mostly from Peru. The prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population was 17.8% and among children, it was 29.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The adult immigrants have a lower prevalence of mental disorders than the Chilean population but it increases among children. Barriers of access to health services, that should be solved, were detected.

Spatio-temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in the bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus.

Perumytilus purpuratus is an abundant bivalve located in the intertidal rocky zone of South America that has been considered as a key species of the ecosystem. There are few studies of the host-parasite relationship of this bivalve; thus, this research aims to analyse the spatial and temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in P. purpuratus. Bivalves were collected from three localities (El Tabo, Las Cruces and Montemar) of central Chile (33°S, 71°W) during different seasons of 2010. The bivalves were also collected every metre, from the lowest to the highest level of the intertidal rocky zone, to determine the parasite distribution within the localities. Three species of trematodes as sporocyst stages were found: Prosorhynchoides carvajali, Proctoeces sp. and an undetermined fellodistomid species. Of the 37,692 bivalve specimens collected, 2.68% were parasitised. The undetermined fellodistomid species was the most prevalent parasite observed (1.69%). There were little detected differences in the prevalence of some trematode species between seasons. The prevalence of P. carvajali varied between localities, being most prevalent at Montemar. The distribution of trematodes along the rocky zone within the localities was variable, with P. carvajali being more prevalent in the mid-lowest level of the intertidal zone and the undetermined fellodistomid species being more prevalent in the mid-highest level. Both the abundance of definitive hosts and the environmental conditions likely result in different levels of infection by trematodes in P. purpuratus between and within the localities.

Lipase-catalyzed modification of phenolic antioxidants.

The chemical acylation of natural antioxidants may improve their oxidative and thermal stability, as well as modify their hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). These processes are generally carried out under harsh conditions using strongly corrosive acids. In contrast, lipase-catalyzed acylation is characterized by mild reaction conditions, low energy requirements, and a minimization of side reactions. We report the one-step enzymatic acylation of a phenolic antioxidant (α-tocopherol) and a polyphenol (resveratrol) by lipase-catalyzed transesterification. In particular, the regioselectivity of resveratrol acylation can be controlled by an adequate selection of the biocatalyst.

Regioselective lipase-catalyzed synthesis of 3-o-acyl derivatives of resveratrol and study of their antioxidant properties.

One of the approaches to increasing the bioavailability of resveratrol is to protect its 3-OH phenolic group. In this work, regioselective acylation of resveratrol at 3-OH was achieved by transesterification with vinyl acetate catalyzed by immobilized lipase from Alcaligenes sp. (lipase QLG). The maximum yield of 3-O-acetylresveratrol was approximately 75%, as the lipase also catalyzes its further acetylation affording the diester 3,4'-di-O-acetylresveratrol and finally the peracetylated derivative. Long saturated and unsaturated fatty acid vinyl esters were also effective as acyl donors with similar regioselectivity. In contrast, lipase B from Candida antarctica catalyzes the acylation of the phenolic group 4'-OH with 80% yield and negligible formation of higher esters. The analysis of the antioxidant properties showed that the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capability (TEAC) values for the acetyl and stearoyl derivatives at 3-OH were, respectively, 40% and 25% referred to resveratrol. The addition of an acyl chain in the 3-OH position caused a higher loss of activity compared with that at the 4'-OH.

Antioxidant activity of resveratrol in several fish lipid matrices: effect of acylation and glucosylation.

The antioxidant activity of resveratrol (1) and several acylated and glycosylated derivatives on fish oil enriched systems has been studied. Two long-chain acylated derivatives, 3-stearoylresveratrol (2) and 4'-stearoylresveratrol (3), and three glucosyl derivatives, resveratrol-3-beta-d-glucopyranoside (piceid, 4), resveratrol-3,5-di-beta-d-glucopyranoside (5), and resveratrol-3,4'-di-beta-d-glucopyranoside (6), have been prepared and tested. The results have shown a notable antioxidant capacity of resveratrol and piceid in fish oil-in-water emulsions, similar to that of the potent antioxidant hydroxytyrosol. Lipophilization of resveratrol did not improve its antioxidant activity, either in emulsions or in bulk fish oil. Further glucosylation of piceid yielding compounds 5 and 6 did not improve either resveratrol or piceid antioxidant efficiency in emulsions or in bulk oil. In all of the examples, the hydroxyl group at the 4'-position seems to be relevant for the antioxidant efficiency of resveratrol, and it should be maintained to keep the antiradical activity. Finally, resveratrol has shown to be a very good antioxidant for fish muscle, as good as the potent antioxidant hydroxytyrosol.

Categorías de riesgo según posturas adoptadas por los obreros de construcción civil de una empresa privada / Risk categories positions taken by civilian construction workers of a private company

Objetivo: determinar las categor¡as de riesgo según posturas adoptadas por los obreros de construcción civil. Material y metodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por cien trabajadores de construcción civil de una empresa privada; la muestra estuvo conformada por 68 obreros que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Luego se aplicó una historia ocupacional. As¡ mismo, se aplicó el método Ovako Working Analisys System (OWAS) para determinar la categor¡a de riesgo según las posturas adoptadas por los obreros de construcción civil durante la dinámica laboral. Resultados: las puntuaciones OWAS revelaron altos porcentajes de riesgo: 35,29% presenta postura con efectos dañinos sobre el sistema músculo–esquelético con predominancia en la espalda (57,35%) que obtuvo categor¡a de riesgo 2 (postura con posibilidad de causar daño al sistema músculo esquelético), y los brazos (52,94%) con categor¡a de riesgo 2 (postura con posibilidad de causar daño al sistema músculo-esquelético). Discución: sobre las posturas adoptadas según las categor¡as de riesgo por sectores del cuerpo, el mayor riesgo de los obreros son los brazos y el tronco al realizar movimientos de rotación, flexión y extensión, principalmente en zona sacra, tronco y extremidades superiores. Un estudio similar, durante la evaluación de posturas, presentó zonas de riesgo como: tronco 63%, brazos 60% y la zona de menor afectación y riesgo las piernas con 46%. Conclusiones: según las posturas adoptadas por los obreros de construccón civil, el grupo predominante presenta la categor¡a de riesgo 3, es decir, posturas con efectos dañinos sobre el sistema músculo-esquelético.

Objective: To determine the risk category according to positions taken by civil construction workers. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of cross section. The population was conformed by 100 civil construction workers that were working in the company, the sample was conformed by 68 workers who met the selection criteria. Then applied an occupational history. The method Ovako Working Analysis System (OWAS) was also applied to determine category of risk according to the positions adopted by the workers of civil construction during labor dynamics. Results: OWAS scores revealed high percentages of risk: 35.29% present position with harmful effects on the muscular-skeletal system; being predominantly back 57.35% obtaining risk 2 category: position with the possibility of causing harm to the muscular-skeletal system and arms 52.94% category of risk 2: position with the possibility of causing damage to the muscular skeletal system. Discussion: On the positions adopted according to risk categories for areas of the body, the greatest risk of the workers are arms and trunk by rotation, flexion and extension movement mainly sacral area, trunk and upper extremities. A similar study for the evaluation of positions presented as risk areas: trunk 63%, 60% arms and the area of less involvement and risk legs 46%. Conclusion: According to the positions taken by civil construction workers, the predominant group presents the category of risk 3: positions with harmful effects on the musculoskeletal system.

Evaluación del razonamiento científico y comunicación oral y escrita en el licenciado en enfermería / Avaliação do raciocínio científico e comunicação oral e escrita no graduado em enfermagem / The evaluation of nursing graduates' scientific reasoning and oral and written communication

Estudio descriptivo, transversal, realizado en Santiago de Chile. Tuvo como objetivo evaluar el razonamiento científico y comunicación oral y escrita en el licenciado en enfermería. Muestra constituida por 37 estudiantes licenciados en la carrera de enfermería. La investigación fue diseñada en tres etapas: I) creación y validación del instrumento; II) capacitación del equipo de docentes participantes para la aplicación uniforme del instrumento; III) aplicación del instrumento y análisis de datos. Los principales resultados muestran porcentajes diferentes de competencia obtenidos por los licenciados en enfermería, prevaleciendo el logro del razonamiento científico (83,16%); seguido de la comunicación oral y escrita (78,37%). Esta investigación muestra la utilidad para las Escuelas de Enfermería de implementar un sistema para evaluar el perfil de egresados del grado de licenciado en enfermería que garantice la calidad de la formación.

O presente trabalho trata-se de estudo descritivo e transversal realizado em Santiago do Chile, que teve como objetivo avaliar o raciocínio científico e a comunicação oral e escrita dos estudantes graduados em enfermagem. A amostra foi constituída por 37 estudantes graduados em enfermagem que participaram da pesquisa concebida em três etapas: I) criação e validação do instrumento; II) formação dos professores participantes da equipe para aplicação uniforme do instrumento; III) aplicação do instrumento e análise de dados. Os dados mostram diferentes porcentagens desta competência, predominando o raciocínio científico (83,16%), seguido de comunicação oral e escrita (78,37%). Conclui-se que esta pesquisa demonstra a utilidade para as escolas de enfermagem da implementação de uma avaliação formal que permita determinar o perfil de egresso do graduado em enfermagem garantindo a qualidade da formação.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in Santiago de Chile, with the objective to evaluate the scientific reasoning and the oral and written communication of nursing graduates. The sample consisted of 37 nursing graduates who participated in the three stages of the study: I) creation and validation of the instrument; II) training the faculty participating in the study to apply the instrument uniformly; and III) application of the instrument and data analysis. The data show different percentages regarding this competency, with the predominance of scientific reasoning (83.16%), followed by oral and written communication (78.37%). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the value for nursing schools to implement a formal evaluation that allows for determining the profile of nursing graduates, guaranteeing the quality of their training and education.

Trastornos mentales comunes y uso de servicios de salud en población inmigrante / Mental disorders among immigrants in Chile

Background: Chile is receiving immigrant populations coming from other Latin-American countries. Aim: To determine the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among immigrants who live in Independencia, a quarter in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the primary health care clinic and in the state-funded school of Independencia. A representative sample of 282 adults and 341 children were interviewed. Mental disorders were diagnosed using CIS-R and MINI structured interviews. Results: The interviewed immigrants came mostly from Peru. The prevalence of mental disorders in the adult population was 17.8 percent and among children, it was 29.3 percent. Conclusions: The adult immigrants have a lower prevalence of mental disorders than the Chilean population but it increases among children. Barriers of access to health services, that should be solved, were detected.