Anxiety and its risk factors among non-Japanese residents living in Japan undergoing COVID-19 situation: A cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of collective efforts taken in Japan to control the spread of COVID-19, the state of emergency and social distancing have caused a negative impact on the mental health of all residents, including foreign communities in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the level of anxiety and its associated factors among non-Japanese residents residing in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A web-based survey in 13 languages was conducted among non-Japanese residents living in Japan during the COVID-19 situation. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory assessed the level of anxiety-State (STAI-S) scores prorated from its six-item version. The multivariable logistic regression using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was performed to identify the associated factors of anxiety among participants. RESULTS: From January to March 2021, we collected 392 responses. A total of 357 valid responses were analyzed. 54.6% of participants suffered from clinically significant anxiety (CSA). In multivariable logistic model analysis, the CSA status or the high level of anxiety was associated with three factors, including having troubles/difficulties in learning or working, decreased sleep duration, and decreased overall physical health (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests several possible risk factors of anxiety among non-Japanese residents living in Japan undergoing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the troubles or difficulties in learning or working, the decrease in sleep duration, and the decrease in overall physical health.

Adaptation of health systems to climate change-related infectious disease outbreaks in the ASEAN: Protocol for a scoping review of national and regional policies.

BACKGROUND: The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states (AMS) are among the countries most at risk to the impacts of climate change on health and outbreaks being a major hotspot of emerging infectious diseases. OBJECTIVE: To map the current policies and programs on the climate change adaptation in the ASEAN health systems, with particular focus on policies related to infectious diseases control. METHODS: This is a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Literature search will be conducted on the ASEAN Secretariat website, government websites, Google, and six research databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, World Health Organization (WHO) Institutional Repository Information Sharing (IRIS), and Google Scholar). The article screening will be based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Policy analysis will be conducted in accordance with the WHO operational framework on climate-resilient health systems. Findings will be analyzed in the form of narrative report. The reporting of this scoping review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this study as this is a scoping review protocol. Findings from this study will be disseminated through electronic channels.

Langya virus outbreak: current challenges and lesson learned from previous henipavirus outbreaks in China, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Background and aims: A new novel virus, Langya virus (LayV), was detected in China in August 2022, 3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic. LayV is similar to the previously discovered Mojiang henipavirus. Other zoonotic henipaviruses include the Hendra and Nipah viruses. The emergence of the zoonotic Langya virus is attributed to climate change and wildlife encroachment, as LayV is detected in shrews. Those who are infected in China showed various symptoms, but no deaths have been recorded yet. This review aims to shed light on the current state of Langya virus outbreak, its infection control efforts, and the remaining challenges that need to be addressed to curb the outbreak. Methods: We utilized online publication databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in writing this review article. Results: A surveillance study on thirty-five febrile patients in Eastern China identified the Langya virus outbreak. The current efforts from the Chinese government and health authorities to reduce the transmission and spread of Langya virus such as isolation and characterization of LayV, challenges associated with the increase in cases of LayV, and trackable recommendations such as strengthening the healthcare system in China, sensitization of people about risks associated with Langya virus outbreaks, creating an intensive surveillance system network, etc. were discussed. Conclusion: It is germane and pertinent that the Chinese government and health authorities continue to intensify efforts against Langya virus and address the challenges to effectively reduce transmission.

Clinical Trial Participation and COVID-19: a Descriptive Analysis from the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines Registry.

As COVID-19 cases begin to decrease in the USA, learning from the pandemic experience will provide insights regarding disparities of care delivery. We sought to determine if specific populations hospitalized with COVID-19 are equally likely to be enrolled in clinical trials. We examined patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at centers participating in the American Heart Association's COVID-19 CVD Registry. The primary outcome was odds of enrollment in a clinical trial, according to sex, race, and ethnicity. Among 14,397 adults hospitalized with COVID-19, 9.5% (n = 1,377) were enrolled in a clinical trial. The proportion of enrolled patients was the lowest for Black patients (8%); in multivariable analysis, female and Black patients were less likely to be enrolled in a clinical trial related to COVID-19 compared to men and other racial groups, respectively. Determination of specific reasons for the disparities in trial participation related to COVID-19 in these populations should be further investigated.

Mercury chloride toxicity attenuation of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salinaafter treatment with Mercurius corrosivusas isotherapic

Isotherapics preparedfromtoxic substances have been described as attenuation factors for heavy metal intoxicationin aquatic animals. Herein, Artemia salinaand mercury chloride were usedas a model to identify treatment-related bioresilience. The aim was to describe the effects of Mercurius corrosivus(MC) in different potencies on Artemia salinacyst hatching and on mercury bioavailability. Artemia salinacysts were exposed to 5.0 µg/mL of mercury chloride during the hatching phase. MC6cH, 30cH, and 200cHwere prepared and poured into artificial seawater. Different controls were used (nonchallenged cysts and challenged cysts treated with water, succussed water, and Ethilicum 1cH). Four series of nine experiments were performed for4 weeks to evaluate the percentage of cyst hatchingconsidering all moon phases. Soluble total mercury (THg) levels and precipitated mercury content were also evaluated. Solvatochromic dyes were used to check for eventual physicochemical markers of MCbiological activity. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with mixed modelswas used for evaluating the effect of different treatments andthe simultaneous influence of the moon phases on the cystshatching rate, at both observation times (24 and 48 hours).When necessary, outliers were removed, using the Tukeycriterion.Thelevel of significance αwas set at 5%. Significant delay (p<0.0001) in cyst hatching was observed after treatment with MC30cH, compared with the controls. An increase inTHg concentration in seawater (p<0.0018) and of chlorine/oxygen ratio (p<0.0001) in suspended micro-aggregateswas also seen, with possiblerelation with mercury bioavailability. Specific interaction of MC30cH with the solvatochromic dye ET33 (p<0.0017) was found. The other observed potencies of Mercurius corrosivus6 and 200 cH were not significant in relation to the observed groups.The results werepostulated as being protective effects of MC30cH on Artemia salina, by improving its bioresilience.

Can Thailand achieve COVID-19 herd immunity?

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a great impact on the social, economic, and health systems of Thailand. A variety of measures to curb the spread of the disease were implemented since the beginning of the pandemic, including a strict national lockdown protocol. The Thai government aimed to achieve herd immunity through an efficient vaccination programme. Initially, vaccine supply shortage and a lack of vaccine options plagued the health system, but this has since been improved. Continuous monitoring of the situation through research is being carried out to assess the level of immunity among the population whereby the current general recommendation is presently a fourth booster dose for adults. Hurdles towards achieving herd immunity remain. One such issue is the low level of vaccine literacy among those that are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated. Another obstacle is the sizeable rate of hesitancy towards getting booster doses. Achieving herd immunity in the Thai population would require multilateral cooperation, improved health promotion to target population groups, such as older adults, and a developed distribution system for those with limited access, such as those in the rural areas.

Dengue and COVID-19 infections in the ASEAN region: a concurrent outbreak of viral diseases.

Member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have faced dengue outbreaks for decades, and the region has one of the highest rates of dengue globally. Outbreaks continue to occur concurrently with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the 10 ASEAN countries. Both infectious diseases pose a tremendous burden in these countries related to both infection control and the economy. Increases in the number of dengue cases occurred in part due to disruptions in the pathogen-host-vector relationship caused by changes in human behaviour in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The spread of dengue was further aggravated by the implementation of lockdowns and social distancing policies. These measures limited the coverage of dengue preventive programs and delayed the medical management of both diseases due to co-infection and misdiagnosis. It is of the utmost importance for the population to remain aware of both diseases, and dengue vector control strategies must be devised to properly address outbreaks using digitalization and remote surveillance. Similarly, critical triage algorithms and further research are also needed to combat co-infection and misdiagnosis. Controlling the spread of COVID-19 though vaccination should also be undertaken to reduce the impact of the pandemic.

Yemen's triple emergency: Food crisis amid a civil war and COVID-19 pandemic.

Yemen has been termed as the world's worst humanitarian crisis by the United Nations. About 20.1 million (more than 50% of population) Yemenis are facing hunger and 10 million are severely food insecure according to reports by the World Food Programme. With the spread of COVID-19, the situation in Yemen has worsened and humanitarian aid from other countries has become the basis of life for hundreds of thousands of Yemenis after the threat of famine. Yemen is practically one of the poorest countries in the world. It has structural vulnerabilities that have developed over a protracted period of conflict and poor governance and more than 50% live in starving, they suffer for getting one meal a day. To prevent a total collapse of Yemen's food crises, the government and the international community should act now more decisively.

Strengthening Virology Research in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations: Preparing for Future Pandemics.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is known to be a global hotspot to viral outbreaks because of many factors. To limit the impact of future outbreaks, it is crucial for the ASEAN governments to strengthen regional virology research capacity. The ASEAN governments have collaborated in several virology initiatives, with the most recent being the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. However, several challenges, including technology disparities, nationalistic tendencies, and the lack of public acceptance toward virus sharing, need to be addressed to maximize the region's collaboration potential in virology research. We recommend the governments to 1) prioritize the strengthening of research capacities; 2) develop stronger cooperation and possible centralization of efforts on top of national capacities; 3) develop an equitable and secure research framework; and 4) improve the public awareness regarding the importance of regional public health responses.

Accelerating Indonesian COVID-19 vaccination rollout: a critical task amid the second wave.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been spreading in every part of the world, putting nations at risk with its pandemic status, including Indonesia. COVID-19 vaccine has been deemed as one of the most effective interventions to date for mitigating the spread and mortality from COVID-19. Responding to the situation, the Government of Indonesia (GOI) has allocated the means necessary to procure and distribute COVID-19 vaccines; placing into consideration the unique context of the country, recently categorized as a middle-income country and archipelagic with a population over 270 million. This article aims to present the challenges associated with the distribution of COVID-19 vaccination as well as recommendations to mitigate them, to ensure a timely and effective COVID-19 vaccination program in Indonesia.

Bioresilience to Mercury Chloride of the Brine Shrimp Artemia Salina after Treatment with Homeopathic Mercurius Corrosivus.

INTRODUCTION: Finding solutions to mitigate the impact of pollution on living systems is a matter of great interest. Homeopathic preparations of toxic substances have been described in the literature as attenuation factors for intoxication. Herein, an experimental study using Artemia salina and mercury chloride was developed as a model to identify aspects related to bioresilience. AIMS: The aim of the study was to describe the effects of homeopathic Mercurius corrosivus (MC) on Artemia salina cysts hatching and on mercury bioavailability. METHODS: Artemia salina cysts were exposed to 5.0 µg/mL of mercury chloride during the hatching phase. MC potencies (6cH, 30cH, and 200cH) were prepared in sterile purified water and poured into artificial sea water. Different controls were used (non-challenged cysts and challenged cysts treated with water, succussed water, and Ethilicum 1cH). Four series of nine experiments were performed to evaluate the percentage of cyst hatching. Soluble total mercury (THg) levels and precipitated mercury content were also evaluated. Solvatochromic dyes were used to check for eventual physicochemical markers of MC biological activity. RESULTS: Significant delay (p < 0.0001) in cyst hatching was observed only after treatment with MC 30cH, compared with controls. This result was associated with an increase of THg concentration in water (p = 0.0018) and of chlorine/oxygen ratio (p < 0.0001) in suspended micraggregates, suggesting changes in mercury bioavailability. A specific interaction of MC 30cH with the solvatochromic dye ET33 (p = 0.0017) was found. CONCLUSION: Changes in hatching rate and possible changes in Hg bioavailability are postulated as protective effects of MC 30cH on Artemia salina, by improving its natural bioresilience processes.

Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-cas9-based strategies towards HIV eradication: A literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Despite Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) being a major global health burden, no currently available therapy can eliminate it. One of the major challenges in developing treatment is the presence of latent HIV reservoirs. On the other hand, development of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) has made genome editing possible and thus can be used to address HIV latency and successfully treat HIV. This literature review aims to identify and appraise existing CRISPR-Cas9 strategies that address HIV treatment, particularly during latency. METHODS: The PubMed Database was used to retrieve relevant articles. This review included articles that mentioned the use of CRISPR-Cas9 as a treatment for HIV and are written in English and/or Indonesian language. RESULTS: The included studies (n = 17) showed that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can be utilized to disrupt the HIV-1 genome to inhibit viral reproduction and virulence. This system can be further optimized by combining several CRISPR-Cas9 systems. However, the use of CRISPR-Cas9 may cause HIV resistance, particularly to its guide RNA. This technique has also never been applied in vivo, thus more research is needed before wider implementation. A limitation of this review is the lack of data regarding CRISPR-Cas9 systems quality in some studies, thus limiting appraisal. CONCLUSIONS: While the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to cure HIV seems promising, further studies regarding CRISPR-Cas9 quality, potential for development of gRNA-resistant HIV-1 strains and in vivo demonstration of the techniques are needed to progress this concept toward HIV eradication.

Assessing the personal impact of epilepsy in a population-based cohort of Veterans.

PURPOSE: Epilepsy impacts patient lives in multidimensional ways. Although previous work has investigated epilepsy impact on health status, little is known about the overall quantified impact of epilepsy in Veterans. Our goal was to describe the impact of epilepsy on Veterans' lives using the Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale (PIES) and determine the patient and clinical characteristics most strongly correlated with epilepsy impact. We described cohort characteristics and developed regression models to determine which characteristics were most strongly associated with PIES subscale (seizure, medication, comorbidity) scores and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: Approximately 36% of those who were invited responded to the survey. Of the 438 respondents included in the analyses, roughly 50% were aged 45-64 years (35% >65; 14% 18-44); 19% were women. Almost 90% had previously received care by an epilepsy specialist, 37% of which was in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and 38% in both VHA and community. The PIES scores were moderately low (mean: 88.68, [standard deviation (SD) = 63.24]; 300 total). The PIES overall and subscale scores were significantly lower for older Veterans with epilepsy (VWE) (>65) compared with younger (18-44 years) and middle-aged (45-64 years) VWE [p < 0.001], indicating that older Veterans had a lower epilepsy impact overall, and for seizures, medication, and comorbidity. The younger and middle-aged VWE had a significantly higher proportion with psychiatric diagnosis compared with older VWE [p < 0.001]. There was a trend for significance for the overall PIES scores by gender, with women having total higher (worse) scores (mean = 93.10, SD = 69.68) than men (mean = 74.39, SD = 59.97), which was driven by a statistically higher score on the seizure subscale for women (mean = 27.66, SD = 27.97) compared with men (mean = 19.29, SD 25.35; p = 0.04). Regression models revealed that frequent seizures (>1/month, >2/month) and diagnoses of dementia significantly predicted higher (more negative) Seizure Severity PIES score [all p < 0.05]. Frequent seizures (>1/month), number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and diagnosis of dementia predicted negative impact, and older age predicted positive impact for medication subscale. Frequent seizures (>1/month) and diagnoses of depression and dementia predicted negative mood and social impact [all p < 0.05]. Seizure frequency (>2/month) was the only variable that significantly predicted lack of excellent QOL [p < 0.05]. Effects for gender were not significant after controlling for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Findings were similar to a prior study of generic health outcomes in younger and older VWE using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Seizure frequency was consistently associated with negative impact of epilepsy in all age groups. While dementia and other diagnosed health conditions also contributed to epilepsy impact, older VWE had significantly lower PIES scores even after controlling for physical conditions and dementia. Lower (better) scores for comorbidity and medication scales in older VWE may be due to fewer diagnosed psychiatric comorbidities and psychiatric medication that have similar cognitive impact as AEDs, and which may also interact with AEDs. Implementation of patient self-management programs to improve seizure control may reduce epilepsy impact for Veterans and reduce Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare utilization. The PIES may also be useful to measure outcomes of self-management interventions.

Gene Therapy for Angelman Syndrome: Contemporary Approaches and Future Endeavors.

BACKGROUND: Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a congenital non inherited neurodevelopmental disorder. The contemporary AS management is symptomatic and it has been accepted that gene therapy may play a key role in the treatment of AS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to summarize existing and suggested gene therapy approaches to Angelman syndrome. METHODS: This is a literature review. Pubmed and Scopus databases were researched with keywords (gene therapy, Angelman's syndrome, neurological disorders, neonates). Peer-reviewed studies that were closely related to gene therapies in Angelman syndrome and available in English, Greek, Ukrainian or Indonesian were included. Studies that were published before 2000 were excluded and did not align with the aforementioned criteria. RESULTS: UBE3A serves multiple roles in signaling and degradation procedures. Although the restoration of UBE3A expression rather than targeting known activities of the molecule would be the optimal therapeutic goal, it is not possible so far. Reinstatement of paternal UBE3A appears as an adequate alternative. This can be achieved by administering topoisomerase-I inhibitors or reducing UBE3A antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS), a molecule which silences paternal UBE3A. CONCLUSION: Understanding UBE3A imprinting unravels the path to an etiologic treatment of AS. Gene therapy models tested on mice appeared less effective than anticipated pointing out that activation of paternal UBE3A cannot counteract the existing CNS defects. On the other hand, targeting abnormal downstream cell signaling pathways has provided promising rescue effects. Perhaps, combined reinstatement of paternal UBE3A expression with abnormal signaling pathways-oriented treatment is expected to provide better therapeutic effects. However, AS gene therapy remains debatable in pharmacoeconomics and ethics context.

Increased Estradiol Levels Effect on Leptin Expression in Midluteal Endometrial Tissue of Macaca Nemestrina (Southern Pig-Tailed Macaques).

Objective: To measure the effect of serum estradiol (E2) levels on leptin expression in Macaca nemestrina (southern pig-tailed macaque) endometrial tissue. Materials and methods: This study used paraffin-embedded midluteal phase endometrial tissue blocks of Macaca nemestrina from previous study. Included subjects were 15 female macaques of reproductive age (8-10 years) with a previous history of producing offspring, which were divided into four groups: groups administered with 30 IU, 50 IU, and 70 IU r-FSH (intervention group), and no r-FSH (control group). The stimulation was done following GnRH agonist long protocol. Staining was done using immunohistochemistry. Leptin expression was measured using immunohistochemistry (IHC) Profiler plugin of ImageJ software and counted semi-quantitatively as Histological Score (Hscore). Results: Correlation between E2 concentration to stromal leptin expression was observed (p=0.043). Conclusion: Serum estradiol concentration is found to be correlated with leptin expression in Macaca nemestrina, suggesting a mechanism of decreasing endometrial receptivity among women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Relato de Experiencia: la Xilografía como recurso para aprender sobre escorpionismo, en niños de escuelas primarias,en ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina / Relato de experiência: xilogravuras como recurso para aprender sobre escorpionismo para crianças de escolas primárias na cidade de Córdoba, Argentina / Experience account: xylography as a resource to learn about scorpionism in children at primary school, in the city of Córdoba, Argentina

Introducción: Los accidentes con escorpiones datan de tiempos inmemoriales, sin embargo, recién a principios del año 2000, comenzaron a ser registrados a causa de la nueva normativa impulsada por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación1 . El escorpionismo o alacranismo en la ciudad de Córdoba, tiene un impacto importante en la salud pública, generando cada año numerosos accidentes por picaduras2, 3, 4. Los escorpiones o alacranes de importancia médica en Argentina pertenecen al género Tityus y T. trivittatus es la especie más frecuente en Argentina;1 Tucumán y Córdoba son las provincias con mayor cantidad de casos notificados2 . Los accidentes por escorpiones para el período comprendido entre los Aprobado: 27 de marzo 2019. 79 Revista de Salud Pública, (XXIII) 2:78-85 Junio 2019 de córdoba, argentina. Relato de experiencia:la xilografía como recurso para aprender sobre escorpionismo, en niños de escuelas primarias,en ciudad / Pons Alberto J., Miranda Adriana, Pedrerol Laura, Pizzi Hugo L., Pizzi Rogelio D., Páez Rearte Mirtha G., Tomas Axel. años 2000 y 2011, fueron de 69.156 casos para el total del territorio nacional. La tasa de morbilidad cada 100.000 habitantes fue de 2,7 y la de letalidad fue de 0,05%, con 31 casos mortales1. Objetivos: El propósito fue informar a los alumnos y docentes de 2 escuelas periféricas de esta ciudad sobre la problemática del escorpionismo y proveer de las herramientas intelectuales para el reconocimiento de los arácnidos, el desarrollo de acciones preventivas y las conductas apropiadas una vez sucedido un accidente.Materiales y métodos: Se desarrolló la modalidad Taller 10 para la exposición e intercambio de contenidos entre tutores universitarios, docentes de las escuelas y alumnos;se afectaron a 354 alumnos. El programa de estudio abordó la temática sobre escorpionismo y herramientas de promoción de la salud, prácticas preventivas y de erradicación de los escorpiones. Apoyados en los recientes aportes de las neurociencias para favorecer el aprendizaje y concitar el interés, la atención y la emoción de los niños-elementos centrales para lograr aprendizajes duraderos-8 , se asocióuna técnica creativa, la xilografía para representar los escorpiones en grabados sobre madera. Evaluación: se pudo valorar un alto compromiso de los educadores afectados y gran disposición de los niños durante todo el proceso, siendo capaces de representar las características morfológicas de los escorpiones como corolario del recorrido educativo, dando grandes muestras de satisfacción por la ejecución del trabajo creativo, todo lo cual se aprecia en las expresiones corporales de la documentación fotográfica (Fotos 1,2,3,4). El momento final de esta experiencia tuvo lugar con exposición de las estampas xilográficas en el Pabellón Argentina y Brujas de la Facultad de Artes Visuales de la UNC. Conclusiones: La presente experiencia demuestra que otro modo de enseñanza es posible con la sinergia entre el arte y la ciencia; se dimensiona un nuevo rol de la Universidad en la gestión del conocimiento hacia la generación de conductastransformadoras de la realidad en prácticas sanitarias valiosas. Por otra parte, supone un enfoque en que cada participante del proceso educativo -profesores, maestros y alumnos-, se constituye en vehículo eficiente de transmisión de la información para el cuidado dela salud y agente con vocación de cambio y transformación de la realidad.

Introduction: Although accidents with scorpions date from ancient times, they started to be registered as required by a new law fostered by the National Ministry of Health1 at the beginning of the year 2000. In the city of Cordoba, scorpionism has an important impact on public health, and every year there are numerous accidents due to stings2, 3, 4.Scorpions with medical relevance in Argentina belong to the type Tityus and T. trivittatusis the most frequent spices in Argentina1 . Tucuman and Cordoba are the provinces where the greatest number of cases have been reported2 . Between 2000 and 2011, there were 69,156 cases of accidents by scorpions in the country. Morbidity rate every 100,000 inhabitants was 2.7 and lethality was 0.05% with 31 deaths1 . Objectives: To inform students and teachers at two schools on the outskirts of the city about the problems of scorpionism and provide the necessary intellectual tools to recognize the insect, develop preventive actions and appropriate behavior in case of accident. Material and Methods: Contents were presented and interchanged in workshops where university tutors, school teachers and students participated; 354 students were involved. The study program presented the topic of scorpionism, together with health promotion tools, preventive measures and eradication techniques. Supported by recent contributions from neurosciences in order to foster learning and arouse the children's interest, attention and emotion - key elements to achieve long lasting learning-8 , xylography, a creative technique, was associated to represent scorpions on wood engraving. Evaluation: High commitment of teachers and great disposition of the children were observed throughout the whole process, being able to represent the morphologic characteristics of scorpions as the corollary of the educational path, showing satisfaction when performing the creative work; as can be seen in the body expressions in the photographic documents (Photos 1,2,3,4). The experience finished with the exhibition of xylography images at Pabellón Argentina and PabellónBrujas, School of Visual Arts, National University of Cordoba. Conclusions: This experience shows that another type of learning is possible with the synergy between art and science; a new role of the University is seen, in the administration of knowledge towards the creation of conducts that can transform reality in valuable health practices. On the other hand, it implies an approach in which each participant of the educational process - professors, teachers and students - becomes an efficient vehicle to transmit health care information and an agent willing to change and transform reality.

Introdução: Os acidentes com escorpiões existem desde tempos imemoriais, no entanto, apenas no início do ano 2000, começaram a ser registrados em virtude da nova norma promovida pelo Ministério da Saúde da Nação1 . O escorpionismo na cidade de Córdoba, tem um grande impacto na saúde pública, causando, anualmente, inúmeros acidentes com ferroadas 2, 3, 4. Os escorpiões de importância médica na Argentina pertencem ao gênero Tityus e T. trivittatus é a espécie mais freqüente na Argentina; 1 Tucumán e Córdoba são as províncias com o maior número de casos informados2 . Os acidentes com escorpiões no período entre 2000 e 2011 foram de 69.156 casos para todo o território nacional. A taxa de morbidade por 100.000 habitantes foi de 2,7 e a de letalidade foi de 0,05%, com 31 casos fatais1 . Objetivos: O intuito foi informar os estudantes e professores de 2 escolas periféricas da cidade sobre a questão do escorpionismo e fornecer as ferramentas intelectuais para o reconhecimento de aracnídeos, o desenvolvimento de ações preventivas e comportamentos adequados, uma vez ocorrido um acidente Materiais e métodos: Uma modalidade do tipo Oficina10 foi desenvolvida para a exibição e troca de conteúdos entre tutores universitários, professores de escolas e estudantes, envolvendo 354 estudantes. O programa de estudo abordou o tema do escorpionismo e ferramentas para a promoção da saúde, práticas preventivas e erradicação de escorpiões. Apoiados pelas contribuições recentes da neurociência para promover a aprendizagem e despertar o interesse, a atenção e a emoção das crianças - elementos fundamentais para atingir aprendizagem duradoura-8 , uma técnica criativa, a xilogravura, foi associada para representar escorpiões em gravuras sobre madeira. Avaliação: Foi percebido um alto engajamento dos educadores afetados e uma grande disposição das crianças durante todo o processo, sendo capazes de representar as características morfológicas dos escorpiões como corolário da jornada educacional, dando grandes sinais de satisfação com a implementação do trabalho criativo, podendose isso ser visto nas expressões corporais da documentação fotográfica (Fotos 1,2,3,4). O momento final desta experiência aconteceu com uma exposição das gravuras xilográficas nos Salões "Argentina" e "Bruxas" (Pabellones "Argentina" y "Brujas") da Faculdade de Artes Visuais da UNC. Conclusões: A experiência atual mostra que outra maneira de ensinar é possível com a sinergia entre arte e ciência; dimensiona-se um novo papel da Universidade na gestão do conhecimento para a geração de comportamentos que transformam a realidade em valiosas práticas de saúde. Por outro lado, gera-se uma abordagem em que cada participante no processo educacional-professores e estudantes-, é constituído em veículo eficiente para a transmissão de informações sobre os cuidados da saúde e agente com vocação de mudança e transformação da realidade.

Dynamic random lasing in silica aerogel doped with rhodamine 6G.

Silica aerogel is a lightweight material, well known for its good mechanical and thermal characteristics, but its optical properties have received less attention, because it is weakly scattering. Here we present for the first time the lasing properties and their complex dynamics of silica aerogel doped with R6G. It is shown that the Q factors of the lasing modes determine the operation of the laser, being either resonant or ASE-lasing. For resonant lasing, the number of resonators is easily varied and the number of modes in a single resonator and their emission frequency can be dynamically adjusted, making this a truly versatile photonics material.