Optimizing herbicide selection for pre-emergence control of itchgrass and cypressvine morningglory in sugarcane.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of herbicides in association to control Rottboellia exaltata and Ipomoea quamoclit during pre-emergence while also to evaluate the potential impact on the sugarcane. The experimental design employed a randomized block with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments were: 1 - no herbicide application; 2 - indaziflam + sulfentrazone; 3 - indaziflam + diclosulam; 4 - indaziflam + tebuthiuron; 5 - flumioxazin + diclosulam, 6 - flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone and 7 - clomazone + sulfentrazone. The evaluated parameters were: percentage of weeds control, green coverage percentage (Canopeo® system), weed biomass (g m-2), itchgrass height, and sugarcane tiller. Several herbicide associations have been proven effective alternatives for managing itchgrass and cypressvine morningglory. The most successful treatments for itchgrass control were indaziflam + tebuthiuron (100%) and indaziflam + diclosulam (97%), whereas for cypressvine morningglory, the betters were indaziflam + sulfentrazone (97%), indaziflam + diclosulam (98%), indaziflam + tebuthiuron (97%), flumioxazin + diclosulam (94%), and clomazone + sulfentrazone (96%). All treatments reduced the weed biomass, with indaziflam + tebuthiuron being the safest option for protecting sugarcane.

Phytoremediation Performance with Ornamental Plants in Monocultures and Polycultures Conditions Using Constructed Wetlands Technology.

The assessment of constructed wetlands (CWs) has gained interest in the last 20 years for wastewater treatment in Latin American regions. However, the effects of culture systems with different ornamental species in CWs for phytoremediation are little known. In this study, some chemical parameters such as total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate (PO4-P), and ammonium (NH4-N) were analyzed in order to prove the removal of pollutants by phytoremediation in CWs. The environmental impact index based on eutrophication reduction (EI-E) was also calculated to estimate the cause-effect relationship using CWs in different culture conditions. C. hybrids and Dieffenbachia seguine were used in monoculture and polyculture (both species mixed) mesocosm CWs. One hundred eighty days of the study showed that CWs with plants in monoculture/polyculture conditions removed significant amounts of organic matter (TSS and COD) (p > 0.05; 40-55% TSS and 80-90% COD). Nitrogen and phosphorous compounds were significantly lower in the monoculture of D. seguine (p < 0.05) than in monocultures of C. hybrids, and polyculture systems. EI-E indicator was inversely proportional to the phosphorous removed, showing a smaller environmental impact with the polyculture systems (0.006 kg PO43- eq removed) than monocultures, identifying the influence of polyculture systems on the potential environmental impacts compared with the phytoremediation function in monocultures (0.011-0.014 kg PO43- eq removed). Future research is required to determine other types of categories of environmental impact index and compare them with other wastewater treatment systems and plants. Phytoremediation with the ornamental plants studied in CWs is a good option for wastewater treatment using a plant-based cleanup technology.

Understanding how environmental degradation, microclimate, and management shape honey production across different spatial scales.

Although the abundance, survival, and pollination performance of honeybees are sensitive to changes in habitat and climate conditions, the processes by which these effects are transmitted to honey production and interact with beekeeping management are not completely understood. Climate change, habitat degradation, and beekeeping management affect honey yields, and may also interact among themselves resulting in indirect effects across spatial scales. We conducted a 2-year, multi-scale study on Chiloe Island (northern Patagonia), where we evaluated the most relevant environmental and management drivers of honey produced by stationary beekeepers. We found that the effects of microclimate, habitat, and management variables changed with the spatial scale. Among the environmental variables, minimum temperature, and cover of the invasive shrub, gorse (Ulex europaeus) had the strongest detrimental impacts on honey production at spatial scales finer than 4 km. Specialized beekeepers who adopted conventional beekeeping and had more mother colonies were more productive. Mean and minimum temperatures interacted with the percentage of mother colonies, urban cover, and beekeeping income. The gorse cover increased by the combination of high temperatures and the expansion of urban lands, while landscape attributes, such as Eucalyptus plantation cover, influenced beekeeping management. Results suggest that higher temperatures change the available forage or cause thermal stress to honeybees, while invasive shrubs are indicators of degraded habitats. Climate change and habitat degradation are two interrelated environmental phenomena whose effects on beekeeping can be mitigated through adaptive management and habitat restoration.

Impacto del uso de plataformas de video llamadas en las preocupaciones con la apariencia física en pacientes con Trastornos Alimentarios y de la población general durante la Pandemia por COVID 19 / Video call platforms impact on physical appearance concerns in patients with Eating Disorders and general population during the COVID 19 Pandemic

Resumen: Objetivo: Explorar el impacto del uso cotidiano de plataformas de videollamadas en las cogniciones, emociones y comportamientos relacionados con la autoimagen en pacientes con Trastornos del Comportamiento Alimentario (TCA) y personas de la población general, durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos: Sesenta y ocho pacientes con TCA en tratamiento y 106 personas de la población general respondieron a un cuestionario diseñado para el estudio a través de Lime Survey; (98.5 y 79.2% respectivamente eran mujeres), con edad promedio de 17.6 (DE:3.47) y 33.5 (DE:9.35) respectivamente. Las pacientes discutieron y explicaron sus respuestas en cinco sesiones de terapia grupal presenciales dirigidas por un psiquiatra. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis temático reflexivo con un enfoque inductivo para determinar las categorías. Resultados: Los pacientes reportaron una mayor incomodidad frente a la cámara, preocupación con la apariencia física, miedo a la crítica, vergüenza y sentimientos de vulnerabilidad, comparados con las personas de la población general. Predominaron los pensamientos negativos sobre la forma y el tamaño del rostro y otras partes del cuerpo y las conductas de chequeo y/o evitación de la imagen corporal, que interfirieron con la concentración y el rendimiento. Conclusión: además del impacto negativo de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la salud mental, la nueva virtualidad desafía a los clínicos a enfrentar dificultades adicionales con la imagen corporal en pacientes con TCA y alerta a la detección de nuevas preocupaciones dismórficas también en la población general.

Abstract: Objective: To explore the impact of video call platforms on physical appearance concerns (cognitions, emotions and behaviors) in Eating Disorders (ED) patients and in general population, during COVID 19 pandemic. Methods: Sixty-eight patients attending a treatment program for ED, and 106 people from the general population responded to a questionnaire designed for the study through Lime Survey; (98.5 and 79.2% respectively were women), with a mean age of 17.6 (SD:3.47) and 33.5 (SD:9.35) respectively. Patients discussed and explained their answers in five in vivo group therapy sessions directed by a psychiatrist. Then, a reflective thematic analysis with an inductive approach to determine the categories was performed. Results: Patients reported a higher discomfort in front of the camera, preoccupation with physical appearance, fear of criticism, embarrassment, and feelings of vulnerability, compared with general population. Negative thoughts about the shape and size of the face and other body parts predominated, as well as body image checking/avoidance behaviors that interfered with concentration and performance. Conclusion: In addition to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the new virtuality challenges clinicians to face additional body image difficulties in ED patients and alerts on the detection of dysmorphic concerns in the general population as well.

Selectivity and control of Euphorbia heterophylla in sugarcane by herbicide in post-emergence.

To obtain good control of wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) in post-emergence in sugarcane crop, we evaluate the herbicides association on post-emergence of E. heterophylla and the ratoon cane selectivity. The experimental scheme was in randomized blocks with 6 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were: control; ametryn + mesotrione + sulfentrazone (1,500 + 144 + 800 g i.a ha-1); ametryn + mesotrione + diclosulan (1,500 + 144 + 200 g i.a ha-1); ametryn + mesotrione (2,500 + 144 g i.a ha-1: Highest dose); ametryn + mesotrione (2,000 + 144 g i.a ha-1: Lowest dose) and ametryn + mesotrione + diuron (1,000 + 144 + 1,250 g i.a ha-1). The percentage of control, dry mass, height and percentage of germination of E. heterophylla and injury level, yield and technological quality of sugarcane were evaluated. The best control of E. heterophylla was: ametryn + mesotrione +sulfentrazone; ametryn + mesotrione + diclosulan and ametryn + mesotrione (Lowest dose). As for the ratoon cane selectivity the best yield was achieved with the association ametryn + mesotrione +diclosulan. An appropriate association of herbicide molecules provides successful control of E. heterophylla, especially the association of sulfentrazone or diclosulan together with ametryn and mesotrione.

Fertilizer source and application method influence sugarcane production and nutritional status.

Introduction: The contrasting weather conditions throughout the sugarcane harvest period in south-central Brazil (April to November) influence fertilization management in sugarcane ratoon. Methods: Through field studies carried out over two cropping seasons, we aimed to compare the performance of sugarcane at sites harvested in the early and late periods of the harvest season as a function of fertilizer sources associated with application methods. The design used in each site was a randomized block in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme; the first factor consisted of fertilizer sources (solid and liquid), and the second factor consisted of application methods (above the straw, under the straw, and incorporated into the middle of the sugarcane row). Results: The fertilizer source and application method interacted at the site harvested in the early period of the sugarcane harvest season. Overall, the highest sugarcane stalk and sugar yields at this site were obtained with the incorporated application applying liquid fertilizer and under straw applying solid fertilizer, with increments of up to 33%. For the site harvested in the late period of the sugarcane harvest season, the liquid fertilizer promoted a 25% higher sugarcane stalk yield compared to the solid fertilizer in the crop season with low rainfall in the spring, while in the crop season with normal rainfall, there were no differences between treatments. Discussion: This demonstrates the importance of defining fertilization management in sugarcane as a function of harvest time, thereby promoting greater sustainability in the production system.

Covariation of taxonomic and functional facets of ß-diversity in Chilean freshwater fish assemblages: Implications for current and future processes of biotic homogenization.

The biodiversity of assemblages that experience the introduction and extinction of species may lead to responses in two important facets: The taxonomic and functional diversity. The way in which these facets are associated may reveal important implications and consequences for the conservation of those assemblages. Considering the critical situation of freshwater fishes in continental Chile (30° - 56° S), we analyzed how the taxonomic (TDß) and functional (FDß) facets of ß-diversity, and their components of turnover and nestedness, are associated. We evaluated changes in ß-diversity (ΔTDß and ΔFDß), turnover (ΔTDtur and ΔFDtur), and nestedness (ΔTDnes and ΔFDnes) in 20 fish assemblages from their historical (pre-European) to current composition. We also simulated future trends of these changes, assuming that native species with conservation issues would become extinct. Our results show that the fish assemblages studied are in a process of loss of ß-diversity, both in taxonomic and functional facets (ΔTDß = -3.9%; ΔFDß = -30.4%); also, that these facets are positively correlated in the assemblages studied (r = 0.617; P < 0.05). Both components showed by loss in nestedness (ΔTDnes = -36.9%; ΔFDnes = -60.9%) but gain in turnover (ΔTDtur = 9.2%; ΔFDtur = 12.3%). The functional ß-diversity decreased more than the taxonomic (ΔFDß > ΔTDß), which was caused chiefly by six exotic species of Salmonidae, whose geographical spread was wider and that at the same time shared several morpho-functional traits. Our forecasts, assuming an intensification in the extinction of Endangered and Vulnerable native species, indicate that the process of homogenization will continue, though at a lower rate. Our study shows that the freshwater ichthyofauna of continental Chile is undergoing biotic homogenization, and that this process involves the facets of taxonomic and functional ß-diversity, which are show high correlation between historical and current compositions. Both facets show that process is influenced by nestedness, and while turnover contributes to differentiation (both taxonomic and functional), its importance is overshadowed by nestedness.

Perceived access to general and mental healthcare in primary care in Colombia during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact both in general and mental healthcare, challenged the health systems worldwide, and affected their capacity to deliver essential health services. We aimed to describe perceived changes in ease of access to general and mental healthcare among patients with a diagnosis of depression and/or unhealthy alcohol use in Colombia. Methods: This study is embedded in the DIADA project, a multicenter implementation research study aimed at evaluating the integration of mental healthcare in primary care in Colombia. Between November 2020 and August 2021, we conducted a COVID-19 pandemic impact assessment in a cohort of participants with newly diagnosed depression and/or unhealthy alcohol use part of DIADA project. We assessed the ease of access and factors related to perceived ease of access to general or mental healthcare, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 836 participants completed the COVID-19 pandemic impact assessment. About 30% of participants considered their mental health to be worse during the pandemic and 84.3% perceived access to general healthcare to be worse during the pandemic. Most of participants (85.8%) were unable to assess access to mental health services, but a significant proportion considered it to be worse. Experiencing worse ease of access to general healthcare was more frequent among women, patients with diagnosis of depression, and patients with comorbidities. Experiencing worse ease of access to mental healthcare was more frequent among patients aged between 30 and 49.9 years, from socioeconomic status between 4 and 6, affiliated to the contributive social security regime, attending urban study sites, and those who perceived their mental health was worse during the pandemic. Discussion: Despite the overall perception of worse mental health during the pandemic, the use of mental healthcare was low compared to general healthcare. Ease of access was perceived to be worse compared to pre-pandemic. Ease of access and access were affected by geographical study site, socioeconomic status, age and gender. Our findings highlight the need for improved communication between patients and institutions, tailored strategies to adapt the healthcare provision to patients' characteristics, and continued efforts to strengthen the role of mental healthcare provision in primary care.

Comparison of the First and Second Wave of Infections by SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective and Longitudinal Study From a Primary Health Care Center in Santiago of Chile.

The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many countries have reported the experience of at least two contagion waves, describing associated mortality rates and population behavior. The analysis of the effect of this pandemic in different localities can provide valuable information on the key factors to consider in the face of future massive infectious diseases. This work describes the first retrospective and comparative study about behavior during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile from a primary Healthcare Center. From 19,313 real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) tests assessed, the selected 1,694 positive diagnostics showed a decrease in mortality rate in the second wave (0.6%) compared with the first (4.6%). In addition, we observed that infections in the second wave were mainly in young patients with reduced comorbidities. The population with a complete vaccination schedule shows a decrease in the duration of symptoms related to the disease, and patients with more comorbidities tend to develop severe illness. This report provides evidence to partially understand the behavior and critical factors in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of Santiago of Chile.

Scaling Up Science-Based Care for Depression and Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Colombia: An Implementation Science Project.

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are a major cause of the global burden of disease and significantly contribute to disability and death. This challenge is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where >85% of the world's population live. Latin America is one region comprising LMICs where the burden of mental disorders is high and the availability of mental health services is low. This is particularly evident in Colombia, a country with a long-standing history of violence and associated mental health problems. METHODS: This article describes the design of a multisite implementation science project, "Scaling Up Science-Based Mental Health Interventions in Latin America" (also known as the DIADA project), that is being conducted in six primary care systems in Colombia. This project, funded via a cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Mental Health, seeks to implement and assess the impact of a new model for promoting widespread access to mental health care for depression and unhealthy alcohol use within primary care settings and building an infrastructure to support research capacity and sustainability of the new service delivery model in Colombia. This care model centrally harnesses mobile health technology to increase the reach of science-based mental health care for depression and unhealthy alcohol use. RESULTS: This initiative offers great promise to increase capacity for providing and sustaining evidence-based treatment for depression and unhealthy alcohol use in Colombia. NEXT STEPS: This project may inform models of care that can extend to other regions of Latin America or other LMICs.

Implementing a Redcap-based research data collection system for mental health.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of new technologies in medical research, such as novel big storage systems, has recently gained importance. Electronic data capture is a perfect example as it powerfully facilitates medical research. However, its implementation in resource-limited settings, where basic clinical resources, internet access, and human resources may be reduced might be a problem. METHODS: In this paper we described our approach for building a network architecture for data collection to achieve our objectives using a REDCap® tool in Colombia and provide guidance for data collection in similar settings. CONCLUSIONS: REDCap is a feasible and efficient electronic data capture software to use in similar contexts to Colombia. The software facilitated the whole data management process and is a way to build research capacities in resourced-limited settings.

Characterizing the perceived stigma towards mental health in the early implementation of an integrated services model in primary care in Colombia. A qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stigma is a sociocultural barrier to accessing mental health services and prevents individuals with mental health disorders from receiving mental health care. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia acknowledges that a great number of people with mental disorders do not seek medical aid due to stigma. OBJECTIVES: Characterise the perceived stigma towards mental health among the stakeholders involved in the early implementation of the DIADA project [Detección y Atención Integral de Depresión y Abuso de Alcohol en Atención Primaria (Detection and Integrated Care for Depression and Alcohol Use in Primary Care)]. Explore whether the implementation of this model can decrease stigma. Describe the impact of the implementation on the lives of patients and medical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen stakeholders (7 patients, 5 physicians and 6 administrative staff) were interviewed and a secondary data analysis of 24 interview transcripts was conducted using a rapid analysis technique. RESULTS: The main effects of stigma towards mental health disorders included refusing medical attention, ignoring illness, shame and labelling. Half of the stakeholders reported that the implementation of mental health care in primary care could decrease stigma. All of the stakeholders said that the implementation had a positive impact. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived stigma was characterised as social and aesthetic in nature. Communication and awareness about mental health is improving, which could facilitate access to mental health treatment and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. Culture is important for understanding stigma towards mental health in the population studied.

Addressing harmful alcohol use in primary care in Colombia: Understanding the sociocultural context.

Harmful alcohol use is a public health problem worldwide, contributing to an estimated 5.1% of the global burden of illness. Screening and addressing at-risk drinking in primary care settings is an empirically supported health care intervention strategy to help reduce the burden of alcohol-use problems. In preparation for introducing screening and treatment for at-risk drinking in primary care clinics in Colombia, we conducted interviews with clinicians, clinic administrators, patients, and participants in Alcoholics Anonymous. Interviews were conducted within the framework of the Detección y Atención Integral de Depresión y Abuso de Alcohol en Atención Primaria (DIADA, [Detection and Integrated Care for Depression and Alcohol Use in Primary Care] www.project-diada.org) research project, and its qualitative phase that consisted of the collection of data from 15 focus groups, 6 interviews and field observations in 5 regional settings. All participants provided informed consent to participate in this research. Findings revealed the association of harmful alcohol use with a culture of consumption, within which it is learned and socially accepted practice. Recognition of harmful alcohol consumption includes a social context that influences its screening, diagnosis and prevention. The discussion highlights how, despite the existence of institutional strategies in healthcare settings and the awareness of the importance of at-risk drinking among health personnel, the recognition of the harmful use of alcohol as a pathology should be embedded in an understanding of historical, social and cultural dimensions that may affect different identification and care scenarios.

Relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of participants in the DIADA project and the rate of compliance with follow-up assessments in the initial stage of the intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the relationship between the sociodemographic profile of the DIADA study participants and the rate of compliance with the follow-up assessments in the early stage of this project's intervention for depression and unhealthy alcohol use offered within primary care. METHODS: A non-experimental quantitative analysis was conducted. The sociodemographic data of DIADA [Detección y Atención Integral de Depresión y Abuso de Alcohol en Atención Primaria (Detection and Integrated Care for Depression and Alcohol Use in Primary Care)] study participants had been previously collected. At the time of the evaluation (September 12, 2019), only the participants who had been in the project for a minimum of 3 months were included. By using univariate (Chi-squared) analyses, we studied the association between participants' sociodemographic profile and their rate of compliance with the first follow-up assessment at 3 months after study initiation. RESULTS: At the date of the evaluation, 584 adult participants were identified, of which 389 had been involved in the project for more than 3 months. From the participants included, 320 performed the first follow-up, while 69 did not. The compliance rate to the first follow-up was 82.3% (95 % [CI] 78.1%-86%) and was not affected by: site location, age, sex, civil status, level of education, use of smartphone, PHQ9 score (measuring depression symptomatology) or AUDIT score (measuring harmful alcohol use). Participants who do not use a smartphone, from rural areas and with a lower socioeconomic status, tended to show higher compliance rates. Statistically significant associations were found; participants with lower job stability and a lack of access to the Internet showed higher compliance rates to the early initial follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The compliance rate was high and generally constant in spite of the variability of the sociodemographic profiles of the participants, although several sub-groups of participants showed particularly high rates of compliance. These findings may suggest that integrating mental health into primary care allows the structural and financial barriers that hinder access to health in Colombia to be broken down by raising awareness about mental illnesses, their high prevalence and the importance of timely and accessible medical management.

A characterisation of social media users within the primary care system in Colombia and predictors of their social media use to understand their health.

INTRODUCTION: Social media use is growing in Latin America and is increasingly being used in innovative ways. This study sought to characterise the profile of social media users, among primary care patients in Colombia, and to assess predictors of their use of social media to search for health and mental health information (searching behaviour). METHODS: As part of a larger scale-up study, we surveyed 1580 patients across six primary care sites in Colombia about their social media use. We used chi-square and Student's t-tests to assess associations between demographic variables, social media use and searching behaviour, and a Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis to determine predictors of searching behaviour. RESULTS: In total, 44.4% of respondents reported that they were social media users. Of these, 35.7% used social media to search for health-related information and 6.6% used it to search for mental health-related information. While the profile of individuals who used social media to search for health-related information was similar to that of general social media users (the highest use was among women living in urban areas), the presence of mental health symptoms was a more important predictor of using social media to search for mental health-related information than demographic variables. Individuals with moderate-severe symptoms of anxiety reported a significantly higher percentage of searching than individuals without symptoms (12.5% vs. 5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Given that some individuals with mental health disorders turn to social media to understand their illness, social media could be a successful medium for delivering mental health interventions in Colombia.

The DIADA project: A technology-based model of care for depression and risky alcohol use in primary care centres in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: People with mental health conditions frequently attend primary care centers, but these conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated. The objective of this paper is to describe the model and the findings of the implementation of a technology-based model of care for depression and unhealthy alcohol use in primary care centers in Colombia. METHODS: Between February 2018 and March 2020, we implemented a technology-based model of care for depression and unhealthy alcohol use, following a modified stepped wedge methodology, in six urban and rural primary care centers in Colombia. The model included a series of steps aimed at screening patients attending medical appointments with general practitioners and supporting the diagnosis and treatment given by the general practitioner. We describe the model, its implementation and the characteristics of the screened and assessed patients. RESULTS: During the implementation period, we conducted 22,354 screenings among 16,188 patients. The observed rate of general practitioner (GP)-confirmed depression diagnosis was 10.1% and of GP-confirmed diagnosis of unhealthy alcohol use was 1.3%. Patients with a depression diagnosis were primarily middle-aged women, while patients with unhealthy alcohol use were mainly young adult men. DISCUSSION: The provision of training and technology-based strategies to screen patients and support the decision-making of GPs during the medical appointment enhanced the diagnosis and care provision of patients with depression and unhealthy alcohol use. However, time constraints, as well as structural and cultural barriers, were challenges for the implementation of the model, and the model should take into account local values, policies and resources to guarantee its long-term sustainability. As such, the long-term sustainability of the model will depend on the alignment of different stakeholders, including decision-makers, institutions, insurers, GPs, patients and communities, to reduce the amount of patients seeking medical care whose mental health conditions remain undetected, and therefore untreated, and to ensure an appropriate response to the demand for mental healthcare that was revealed by the implementation of our model.

Barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and treatment of depression in primary care in Colombia: Perspectives of providers, healthcare administrators, patients and community representatives.

INTRODUCTION: Depression represents a major disease burden in Colombia. To better understand opportunities to improve access to mental healthcare in Colombia, a research team at Javeriana University conducted formative qualitative research to explore stakeholders' experiences with the integration of mental healthcare into the primary care system. METHODS: The research team conducted 16 focus groups and 4 in-depth interviews with patients, providers, health administrators and representatives of community organisations at five primary care clinics in Colombia, and used thematic analysis to study the data. RESULTS: Themes were organised into barriers and facilitators at the level of patients, providers, organisations and facilities. Barriers to the treatment of depression included stigma, lack of mental health literacy at the patient and provider level, weak links between care levels, and continued need for mental health prioritization at the national level. Facilitators to the management of depression in primary care included patient support systems, strong patient-provider relationships, the targeting of depression interventions and national depression guidelines. DISCUSSION: This study elucidates the barriers to depression care in Colombia, and highlights action items for further integrating depression care into the primary care setting.

Trichoderma asperellum Inoculation as a Tool for Attenuating Drought Stress in Sugarcane.

Drought stress is an important concern worldwide which reduces crop yield and quality. To alleviate this problem, Trichoderma asperellum has been used as a plant growth-promoting fungus capable of inducing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we examined the effect of T. asperellum inoculation on sugarcane plant above and belowground development under drought stress and investigated the role of this fungus on inducing tolerance to drought at physiological and biochemical levels. The experiment was performed in pots under greenhouse conditions, with four treatments and four replicates. The treatments consisted of sugarcane plants inoculated or not with T. asperellum and grown under drought stress and adequate water availability. Drought-stressed sugarcane plants inoculated with T. asperellum changed the crop nutrition and chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, resulting in increased photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency compared to the non-inoculated plants. In addition, the antioxidant metabolism also changed, increasing the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzyme activities, as well as the proline concentration and sugar portioning. These cascade effects enhanced the root and stalk development, demonstrating that T. asperellum inoculation is an important tool in alleviating the negative effects of drought stress in sugarcane. Future studies should be performed to elucidate if T. asperellum should be reapplied to the sugarcane ratoons.

Effects of Ornamental Plant Density and Mineral/Plastic Media on the Removal of Domestic Wastewater Pollutants by Home Wetlands Technology.

Wastewater treatment (WWT) is a priority around the world; conventional treatments are not widely used in rural areas owing to the high operating and maintenance costs. In Mexico, for instance, only 40% of wastewater is treated. One sustainable option for WWT is through the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) technology, which may remove pollutants using cells filled with porous material and vegetation that works as a natural filter. Knowing the optimal material and density of plants used per square meter in CWs would allow improving their WWT effect. In this study, the effect of material media (plastic/mineral) and plant density on the removal of organic/inorganic pollutants was evaluated. Low (three plants), medium (six plants) and high (nine plants) densities were compared in a surface area of 0.3 m2 of ornamental plants (Alpinia purpurata, Canna hybrids and Hedychium coronarium) used in polycultures at the mesocosm level of household wetlands, planted on the two different substrates. Regarding the removal of contaminants, no significant differences were found between substrates (p ≥ 0.05), indicating the use of plastic residues (reusable) is an economical option compared to typical mineral materials. However, differences (p = 0.001) in removal of pollutants were found between different plant densities. For both substrates, the high density planted CWs were able to remove COD in a range of 86-90%, PO4-P 22-33%, NH4-N in 84-90%, NO3-N 25-28% and NO2-N 38-42%. At medium density, removals of 79-81%, 26-32, 80-82%, 24-26%, and 39-41%, were observed, whereas in CWs with low density, the detected removals were 65-68%, 20-26%, 79-80%, 24-26% and 31-40%, respectively. These results revealed that higher COD and ammonia were removed at high plant density than at medium or low densities. Other pollutants were removed similarly in all plant densities (22-42%), indicating the necessity of hybrid CWs to increase the elimination of PO4-P, NO3-N and NO2-N. Moreover, high density favored 10 to 20% more the removal of pollutants than other plant densities. In addition, in cells with high density of plants and smaller planting distance, the development of new plant shoots was limited. Thus, it is suggested that the appropriate distance for this type of polyculture plants should be from 40 to 50 cm in expansion to real-scale systems in order to take advantage of the harvesting of species in these and allow species of greater foliage, favoring its growth and new shoots with the appropriate distance to compensate, in the short time, the removal of nutrients.

Partitioning ß-diversity reveals that invasions and extinctions promote the biotic homogenization of Chilean freshwater fish fauna.

AIM: Exotic species' introductions together with extinction of native species represent the main mechanisms driving biotic homogenization of freshwater fish assemblages around the world. While generally ichtyofaunistic realms transit towards biotic homogenization, for conservation purposes it is essential to understand what specific mechanisms are promoting it on particular areas or regions. Here, we report the occurrence of biotic homogenization in 29 Chilean watersheds, analyzing its ß-diversity (including turnover and nestedness) and predicting future trends. LOCATION: Continental Chile (18o-56o S). METHODS: We determined fish composition per basin for historical and current assemblages; extant native, exotic, and extinct species were recorded as 1 (presence) or 0 (absence) in two matrices basins × species. For each matrix, we calculated the turnover (ßsim), nestedness (ßnes), and ß-diversity (ßsor); then, we obtained Δßsim, Δßnes, and Δßsor, as the arithmetical difference between basin pairs over time. In addition, we search for explanatory variables correlating Δßsim, Δßnes, and Δßsor with geographical and land use variables. Finally, simulating events of species introduction (i.e., invasion) and extinction, we generated 15 hypothetical assemblages, looking to establish future trends towards biotic change in Chilean basins. RESULTS: Species turnover and ß-diversity significantly decreased from historical to current assemblages (Δßsim = -0.084; Δßsor = -0.061, respectively), while the species nestedness did not show significant changes (Δßnes = 0.08). Biotic changes have been driven mainly by the introduction of 28 exotic species, with a minor role of extinctions (one species) and translocations (0 species) of native species. Changes in ß-diversity were negatively correlated with area, elevation, and geographical distance between basins but not with land-use nor human population. Finally, the analysis of 15 future assemblages predicts a significant decrease of ß-diversity and turnover, and an increase for species nestedness, this time promoted by an increase in the extinction of native species. MAIN CONCLUSION: Chilean basins show a significant decrease of the distributional ß-diversity and species turnover of the freshwater fish fauna, evidencing a trend towards biotic homogenization. This trend is shared with other Neotropical basins; however, specific mechanisms driving it show different magnitude. Changes in the ß-diversity components do not show correlation with variables associated to land use, thus suggesting that casual introductions of freshwater fishes in Chile follow an opportunistic mode related to commercial use. According to future scenarios simulated, biotic homogenization should increase further, mainly as consequence of increased native extinctions.