Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among Households in Maputo City.

Food insecurity (FI) is a global concern and is one of the main causes of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In Mozambique, the burden of FI and how various factors contribute to FI is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FI and its associated factors in southern Mozambique. Data from 1842 household heads in Maputo City were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Food insecurity was measured using a modified version of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security scale, and its association with socio-demographic factors was assessed through multiple regressions. Altogether, 79% of the households were food insecure; of these, 16.6% had mild FI, 28.1% moderate and 34.4% severe FI. The study revealed that low-income households, those with less educated heads, and those engaged in informal work were significantly more prone to FI. Likewise, dietary diversity and the number of meals were also significant predictors of FI. These findings suggest the need for decent work and job creation, which calls for joint efforts from government, the private sector, and international institutions. Furthermore, these key drivers should be considered in the development of public health policies and programs designed to alleviate household FI and malnutrition in Mozambique.

Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes Other than Malnutrition in Southern Africa: A Descriptive Systematic Review.

Food insecurity (FI) is one of the major causes of malnutrition and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes in low and middle-income countries. The burden of FI in southern Africa is unknown, although FI continues to be a major public health problem across sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Therefore, this review sought to identify empirical studies that related FI to health outcomes among adults in southern Africa. Altogether, 14 publications using diverse measures of FI were reviewed. The majority of the studies measured FI using modified versions of the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. A wide range in prevalence and severity of FI was reported (18-91%), depending on the measurement tool and population under investigation. Furthermore, FI was mostly associated with hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Based on the findings, future research is needed, especially in countries with as yet no empirical studies on the subject, to identify and standardize measures of FI suitable for the southern African context and to inform public health policies and appropriate interventions aiming to alleviate FI and potentially improve health outcomes in the region.

Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometric Modeling to Predict Physical-Chemical Honey Properties from Campeche, Mexico.

In this work, 10 chemometric models based on Raman spectroscopy were constructed to predict the physicochemical properties of honey produced in the state of Campeche, Mexico. The properties of honey studied were pH, moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), free acidity, lactonic acidity, total acidity, electrical conductivity, Redox potential, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and ash content. These proprieties were obtained according to the methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Codex Alimentarius, and the International Honey Commission. For the construction of the chemometric models, 189 honey samples were collected and analyzed in triplicate using Raman spectroscopy to generate the matrix data [X], which were correlated with each of the physicochemical properties [Y]. The predictive capacity of each model was determined by cross validation and external validation, using the statistical parameters: standard error of calibration (SEC), standard error of prediction (SEP), coefficient of determination of cross-validation (R2cal), coefficient of determination for external validation (R2val), and Student's t-test. The statistical results indicated that the chemometric models satisfactorily predict the humidity, TSS, free acidity, lactonic acidity, total acidity, and Redox potential. However, the models for electric conductivity and pH presented an acceptable prediction capacity but not adequate to supply the conventional processes, while the models for predicting ash content and HMF were not satisfactory. The developed models represent a low-cost tool to analyze the quality of honey, and contribute significantly to increasing the honey distribution and subsequently the economy of the region.

[Surgical suspensions, a quality factor in pediatric surgical patient care]. / Suspensiones quirúrgicas, un factor de calidad en la asistencia al paciente quirúrgico pediátrico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that influence surgical suspensions (SQ) in a pediatric surgery service, to estimate its economic impact and to analyze the effect that strategies aimed at increasing efficiency and improving medical-surgical care would have. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of SQ in 2015, depending on the patient, organization or professionals, time of year, schedule (morning or afternoon) and type of surgery: major ambulatory surgery (CMA) or with hospital admission. Implementation of corrective measures against the main causes and subsequent comparative analysis in 2016 and 2017, comparing the results using Chi2 and Fisher's test. Evaluation of the economic impact based on lost operating hours. RESULTS: The SQ rate in 2015 was 8.9%: 90.7% attributable to the patient, 6.8% to organizational factors and 2.7% to professionals. There were no significant differences according to the time of year or between morning or afternoon, but they were significantly more frequent in CMA (10.84% vs. 2.63%, p <0.001). After introducing improvement measures, SQ decreased significantly in 2016 and 2017 (6.2 and 4.9% respectively, p<0.01), mainly patient-dependent (80 and 73.9%, respectively, p=0.03). There were no differences between CMA and surgeries with admission and there was a decrease in the associated costs (€ 40,946 in 2015, € 18,217 in 2017). CONCLUSIONS: SQ represent an inconvenience for the patient, professionals and institution, that can be minimized with the implantation of simple, feasible and contrasted measures, that increase the efficiency and, probably, the satisfaction of users and professionals.

OBJETIVOS: Identificar los factores que influyen en las suspensiones quirúrgicas (SQ) en un servicio de cirugía pediátrica, estimar su impacto económico y analizar el efecto que tendrían estrategias dirigidas a incrementar la eficiencia y mejorar la atención médico-quirúrgica. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de las SQ en 2015, según dependieran del paciente, la organización o los profesionales, la época del año, el horario (mañana o tarde) y el tipo de cirugía: régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) o con ingreso hospitalario. Implantación de medidas correctoras frente a las principales causas y análisis comparativo posterior en los años 2016 y 2017, comparando los resultados mediante Chi2 y test de Fisher. Valoración del impacto económico en base a horas de quirófano perdidas. RESULTADOS: La tasa de SQ en 2015 fue del 8,9%: 90,7% atribuibles al paciente, 6,8% a factores organizativos y 2,7% a profesionales. No hubo diferencias significativas según la época del año ni entre mañana o tarde, pero sí fueron significativamente más frecuentes en CMA (10,84% vs. 2,63%; p<0,001). Tras introducir medidas de mejora las SQ disminuyeron significativamente en 2016 y 2017 (6,2 y 4,9% respectivamente, p<0,01), fundamentalmente las dependientes de paciente (80 y 73,9%, respectivamente, p=0,03). No hubo diferencias entre CMA y cirugías con ingreso y se produjo una disminución de los costes asociados (40.946 € en 2015, 18.217 € en 2017). CONCLUSIONES: Las SQ suponen inconvenientes para el paciente, los profesionales y la institución, que pueden ser minimizados con la implantación de medidas sencillas, factibles y contrastadas, que aumenten la eficiencia y, probablemente, la satisfacción de usuarios y profesionales.

High species richness of native pollinators in Brazilian tomato crops / Alta riqueza de espécies de polinizadores nativos em plantações Brasileiras de tomateiro

Abstract Pollinators provide an essential service to natural ecosystems and agriculture. In tomatoes flowers, anthers are poricidal, pollen may drop from their pore when flowers are shaken by the wind. However, bees that vibrate these anthers increase pollen load on the stigma and in fruit production. The present study aimed to identify the pollinator richness of tomato flowers and investigate their morphological and functional traits related to the plant-pollinator interaction in plantations of Central Brazil. The time of anthesis, flower duration, and the number and viability of pollen grains and ovules were recorded. Floral visitors were observed and collected. Flower buds opened around 6h30 and closed around 18h00. They reopened on the following day at the same time in the morning, lasting on average 48 hours. The highest pollen availability occurred during the first hours of anthesis. Afterwards, the number of pollen grains declined, especially between 10h00 to 12h00, which is consistent with the pollinator visitation pattern. Forty bee species were found in the tomato fields, 30 of which were considered pollinators. We found that during the flowering period, plants offered an enormous amount of pollen to their visitors. These may explain the high richness and amount of bees that visit the tomato flowers in the study areas. The period of pollen availability and depletion throughout the day overlapped with the bees foraging period, suggesting that bees are highly effective in removing pollen grains from anthers. Many of these grains probably land on the stigma of the same flower, leading to self-pollination and subsequent fruit development. Native bees (Exomalopsis spp.) are effective pollinators of tomato flowers and are likely to contribute to increasing crop productivity. On the other hand, here tomato flowers offer large amounts of pollen resource to a high richness and amount of bees, showing a strong plant-pollinator interaction in the study agroecosystem.

Resumo Polinizadores fornecer um serviço essencial para os ecossistemas naturais e para agricultura. Em tomateiros, as anteras são poricidas e o pólen pode sair a partir dos poros quando as flores são agitadas pelo vento. No entanto, as abelhas que vibram as anteras aumentam a carga de pólen no estigma e na produção de frutos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar a riqueza dos polinizadores das flores de tomate e investigar suas características morfológicas e funcionais relacionadas com a interação planta-polinizador em plantações do Brasil central. Foram registrados o tempo de antese, duração flor, bem como o número e viabilidade de grãos de pólen e óvulos. Os visitantes florais foram observados e coletados. Os botões florais abriram-se em torno 06h30 e fechou em torno de 18h00. As flores reabrem no dia seguinte ao mesmo tempo na parte da manhã, com longevidade média de 48 horas. A maior disponibilidade de pólen ocorreu durante as primeiras horas da antese. Depois disso, o número de grãos de pólen diminuiu, especialmente entre as 10h00 às 12h00, o que é consistente com os padrões de visitação de polinizadores. Quarenta espécies de abelhas foram encontradas nos campos de tomate, 30 das quais foram consideradas polinizadores. Durante o período de floração, as plantas oferecem enorme quantidade de pólen para os seus visitantes. Isto pode explicar a alta riqueza e quantidade de abelhas que visitam as flores de tomate nas áreas de estudo. O período de disponibilidade e redução de pólen durante todo o período do dia é sobreposto com o período de alimentação das abelhas, o que sugere que elas são altamente eficazes na remoção de grãos de pólen das anteras. Muitos desses grãos provavelmente são depositados no estigma da mesma flor, levando à auto-polinização e o desenvolvimento de frutos. Abelhas nativas (Exomalopsis spp.) são polinizadores efetivos de flores de tomate, podendo contribuir para o aumento da produtividade das culturas. Por outro lado, as flores de tomate oferecem grandes quantidades de pólen de recursos para uma alta riqueza e quantidade de abelhas, que mostram um estudo forte interação planta-polinizador nos agroecossistemas.

High species richness of native pollinators in Brazilian tomato crops.

Pollinators provide an essential service to natural ecosystems and agriculture. In tomatoes flowers, anthers are poricidal, pollen may drop from their pore when flowers are shaken by the wind. However, bees that vibrate these anthers increase pollen load on the stigma and in fruit production. The present study aimed to identify the pollinator richness of tomato flowers and investigate their morphological and functional traits related to the plant-pollinator interaction in plantations of Central Brazil. The time of anthesis, flower duration, and the number and viability of pollen grains and ovules were recorded. Floral visitors were observed and collected. Flower buds opened around 6h30 and closed around 18h00. They reopened on the following day at the same time in the morning, lasting on average 48 hours. The highest pollen availability occurred during the first hours of anthesis. Afterwards, the number of pollen grains declined, especially between 10h00 to 12h00, which is consistent with the pollinator visitation pattern. Forty bee species were found in the tomato fields, 30 of which were considered pollinators. We found that during the flowering period, plants offered an enormous amount of pollen to their visitors. These may explain the high richness and amount of bees that visit the tomato flowers in the study areas. The period of pollen availability and depletion throughout the day overlapped with the bees foraging period, suggesting that bees are highly effective in removing pollen grains from anthers. Many of these grains probably land on the stigma of the same flower, leading to self-pollination and subsequent fruit development. Native bees (Exomalopsis spp.) are effective pollinators of tomato flowers and are likely to contribute to increasing crop productivity. On the other hand, here tomato flowers offer large amounts of pollen resource to a high richness and amount of bees, showing a strong plant-pollinator interaction in the study agroecosystem.

[Intestinal duplication, a single experiencie center]. / Duplicaciones intestinales, nuestra experiencia.

PURPOUSE: Intestinal duplications (DI) are rare congenital anomalies (1/10.000 new born). We analyze the clinical characteristics, management and treatment of intestinal duplications in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We perform a retrospectively descriptive analysis review by the DI confirmed by histological studies since 1993-2014 in our center. The variables analyzed are: age, sex, clinical presentation, localization, anatomical type, associated diseases, heterotopic tissue, treatment and complications. RESULTS: We found ten patients diagnosed with DI. 60% were male, the middle age was 2.72 years (12 days-7 years). In the clinical presentation 30% presents acute abdomen, another 30% gastrointestinal bleeding and 30% were prenatal diagnosed. Imaging studies were echography, gammagraphy, magnetic resonance imaging and intestinal transit contrast. The most frequent localization was the yeyuno-ileal (60%) with cystic predominance; the gastric, duodenal colic was 10% respectively; an ectopic localization was a suprarenal mass. The treatment was a complete resection by laparotomy in eight cases and laparoscopic in two In the duodenal duplication, we perform a partial resection and mucosectomy. In 60% was necessary the intestinal resection. In anatomy pathologic results, gastric tissue (heterotopic tissue) was present in 70% and pancreatic tissue in 10%. We report an intussusception postsurgical as a complication. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative diagnosis is rare, although prenatal diagnosis is increasing. Clinical manifestations are associated with the location of the DI and the existence of heterotopic gastric mucosa. Laparoscopy is currently the treatment of choice in uncomplicated cases.

OBJETTIVO: Las duplicaciones intestinales (DI) son anomalías congénitas raras (1/10.000 recién nacidos vivos). Analizamos las características clínicas, manejo y tratamiento de DI en nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de las DI confirmados por histología desde 1993-2014 en nuestro centro. Revisamos como variables: edad, sexo, presentación clínica, localización, tipo anatómico, enfermedades asociadas, presencia de tejido heterotópico, tratamiento y complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 10 pacientes con DI, 6 fueron varones, la edad media fue de 2,72 años (12 días-7 años). 3 debutaron con abdomen agudo; otros 3 con hemorragia digestiva alta, 2 con masa abdominal; uno con obstrucción intestinal y uno con dolor crónico. De estos el 30% tuvo diagnóstico prenatal. Los estudios de imagen incluyeron ecografía, gammagrafía, resonancia magnética y tránsito intestinal. La localización anatómica más frecuente fue yeyuno-ileal (60%) de predominio quístico; la gástrica, duodenal, cólica fue de 10% respectivamente; y una localización ectópica con sospecha de masa suprarrenal. El tratamiento consistió en resección completa mediante laparotomía en 8 casos y laparoscopía en dos. En la DI duodenal que se practicó mucosectomía y resección parcial. En 6 casos se llegó a realizar resección intestinal. Se halló tejido gástrico heterotópico en 7 y pancreático en uno. Como complicaciones destaca un caso de invaginación intestinal postoperatoria. CONCLUSIONES: El diagnóstico preoperatorio es poco frecuente, aunque se está incrementando el diagnóstico prenatal. Las manifestaciones clínicas se relacionan con la localización de la DI y con la existencia de mucosa heterotópica gástrica. Actualmente la laparoscopia es el tratamiento de elección en casos no complicados.

[An unexpected complication: glans ischemia after circumcision. Review of the literature]. / Isquemia postcircuncisión: una complicación inesperada. Revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is a frequent and common surgical procedure in children; nevertheless it is not completely hassle-free. Post circumcision ischemic complications are even rare and they are generally due to administration of local vasoconstrictor anesthetics. There are few cases reported in the literature. We report the management and treatment of post- circumcision penile ischemia (PCI). CASE REPORT: A 10 years old patient who underwent circumcision and a dorsal penile nerve block DPNB presents signs of penile ischemia two hours after surgery without any other symptoms. Ultrasonography shows weak flow of the penile artery, with progressive worsening. 24 hours later we start treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) that is maintained for 6 days, topical testosterone and a caudal blocking (for 48 hours). The patient evolved favorably within a few hours and there was complete resolution in 6 days. DISCUSSION: We analyze 9 cases of pediatric patients which were described in the literature. 7 cases (77.7 %) received DPNB. The PCI is an unusual complication of circumcision, and DPNB seems to be the most frequent cause. Several therapeutic options are available for its management, but none is protocolised.

INTRODUCCION: La circuncisión, aunque es el procedimiento quirúrgico más común en niños, no está totalmente libre de complicaciones. Las complicaciones isquémicas post-circuncisión, son muy raras, y generalmente debidas a la administración de anestésicos locales vasoconstrictores. Se presenta el manejo y tratamiento con éxito de una isquemia peneana post-circuncisión (IPC) en un niño y se realiza una revisión de los casos descritos en la literatura. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 10 años de edad sometido a circuncisión y bloqueo del nervio dorsal peneano (BNDP), que presenta a los 2 horas de la intervención, signos de isquemia peneana, sin otra sintomatología. La ecografía objetiva flujo débil de la arteria peneana, con empeoramiento progresivo. A las 24 horas, se inicia tratamiento con pentoxifilina (PTX) durante 6 días, testosterona tópica y un bloqueo caudal que se mantuvo durante 48 horas. Se observa mejoría de la isquemia a las pocas horas de instaurado el tratamiento y resolución total a los 6 días. DISCUSION: Existen 9 casos de pacientes con edad pediátrica de IPC descritos en la literatura en los últimos 10 años, 7 de los cuales (77,7%) recibieron BNDP. La IPC es una complicación inusual y el BNDP parece ser la causa más frecuente. Se dispone de diferentes opciones terapéuticas para el manejo de la IPC, pero ninguna protocolizada.

[Conservative or early surgical management of appendiceal mass. Does it affect the appearance of complications?] / Tratamiento quirúrgico o conservador del plastrón apendicular. ¿Influye en la aparición de complicaciones?

OBJECTIVES: Currently the management of appendicular mass remains controversial. Many authors advocate conservative management followed by delayed appendectomy, whereas others favour inmediate appendectomy. The aim of our study is to compare both treatments. METHODS: A descriptive and observational study over 46 patients treated for appendiceal mass at our center in the last ten years was performed. Patients were categorized as group 1, early surgical intervention (54.3%) and group 2, conservative management and interval appendectomy (45.7%), with a mean interval of 5.3 ± 1.5 months. RESULTS: Mean age was 9.2 ± 3.8 years in group 1 and 3.7 ± 3 years in group 2 (p<0.001). Median delay between the first symptoms and diagnosis was 4 ± 2.2 days in group 1 and 7.9 ± 4.2 days in group 2 (p<0.001). Antibiotics were administered before diagnosis in 24% of patients in group 1 and 42.9% in group 2 (p = 0.297). Ultrasound was performed in all patients, while 19.6% of patients requiered TAC for definitive diagnosis. Median hospital stay was 7.9 ± 2.9 days in group 1 and 8.3 ± 2.2 days in group 2 (p = 0.441). Complicactions were found in 64% of patients (group 1) and 23% of patients (group 2) (p = 0.015). Three patients from group 2 requiered readmission because of recurrent abdominal pain, but just one requiered early surgery. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of appendicular mass has a lower complication rate compared to the initial surgical management.

OBJETIVO: Actualmente el manejo del plastrón apendicular sigue siendo controvertido. Muchos autores defienden el tratamiento conservador y posterior apendicectomía programada, frente a otros que defienden la intervención quirúrgica en fase aguda. Nuestro objetivo es comparar ambos tratamientos. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo de 46 pacientes tratados por presentar plastrón apendicular en nuestro centro en los últimos diez años. El 54,3% de los pacientes (n = 25) (G1) fueron tratados quirúrgicamente en la presentación del cuadro agudo, mientras que el 45,7% (n = 21) (G2) se trataron de forma conservadora con posterior apendicectomía, con un intervalo medio de 5,3 ± 1,5 meses. RESULTADOS: La edad media de presentación fue de 9,2 ± 3,8 años en el G1 y de 3,7 ± 3 en el G2 (p<0,001). El tiempo medio hasta el diagnóstico fue de 4 ± 2,2 días en el G1 y de 7,9 ± 4,2 en el G2 (p<0,001). El 24% de los pacientes habían recibido tratamiento antibiótico previo al diagnóstico en el G1 y el 42.9% en el G2 (p = 0,297). La TAC fue necesaria para el diagnóstico en el 19.6% del total, en el resto, la ecografía fue suficiente. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 7,9 ± 2,9 días en el G1, frente a 8,3 ± 2,2 días en el G2 (p = 0,441). El porcentaje de complicaciones en el G1 fue del 64% frente al 23,8% en el G2 (p = 0,015). Tres pacientes del G2 reingresaron de urgencias por dolor abdominal, precisando uno de ellos cirugía antes de la fecha programada. CONCLUSIONES: El manejo conservador del plastrón apendicular presenta una menor tasa de complicaciones respecto al manejo quirúrgico inicial.

Influence of chemotherapy for lymphoma in canine parvovirus DNA distribution and specific humoral immunity.

In man, the combination of cancer and its treatment increases patients' susceptibility to opportunistic infections, due to immune system impairment. In veterinary medicine little information is available concerning this issue. In order to evaluate if a similar dysfunction is induced in small animals undergoing chemotherapy, we assessed the complete blood count, leukocytic, plasma and fecal canine parvovirus (CPV) viral load, and anti-CPV protective antibody titers, in dogs with lymphoma treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) protocol, before and during chemotherapy. There was no evidence of decreased immune response, either at admission or after two chemotherapy cycles, indicating that the previously established immunity against CPV was not significantly impaired, supporting the idea that immunosuppression as a result of hematopoietic neoplasms and their treatment in dogs requires further investigation and conclusions cannot be extrapolated from human literature.

Acute and reversible parkinsonism due to organophosphate pesticide intoxication: five cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe five patients who developed acute and reversible parkinsonism following organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure, and to consider whether this syndrome represents a rare sequela of such exposure in genetically susceptible individuals. BACKGROUND: Several toxins are known to produce parkinsonism following acute exposure. Although case-control studies have implicated OP pesticides in the etiology of PD, acute parkinsonism following brief pesticide exposure has never been reported. METHODS: The authors describe the clinical syndrome affecting five patients who presented with recent OP exposure and symptoms of an acute akinetic-rigid syndrome. RESULTS: All patients developed parkinsonism that resembled PD clinically except for poor response to levodopa. Three genetically related patients were exposed to pesticides in a common environment before onset of parkinsonism; other family members remained unaffected. Other secondary causes of parkinsonism were excluded. Four patients recovered completely without treatment, and one patient was lost to follow-up. One patient experienced repeated episodes of parkinsonism with inadvertent reexposure to a pesticide-contaminated environment. CONCLUSION: The clinical course of these five patients suggests their syndrome represents a heretofore undescribed toxic effect of OP pesticides. Our observations strengthen epidemiologic studies implicating OP pesticides in the etiology of PD. A genetic susceptibility to OP pesticide-induced parkinsonism may account for three family members developing this syndrome.