Severe and unclassifiable tremor.

BACKGROUND: Patients often exhibit very severe or disabling forms of tremor that cannot be clearly characterized. OBJECTIVE: To present a series of 37 cases of tremor considered unclassifiable. Patients diagnosed with essential tremor according to criteria of the International Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorder Society (IPDMDS), who had been previously studied, were included as controls. All patients underwent a battery of tests between 2019 and 2022, which enabled us to compare them. METHODS: Relevant demographic and clinical information were collected. The following tools were applied: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); the Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Tremor Rating Scale (TRS); and the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor (QUEST). A simple brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed for all patients. The categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test and the t-test with Fisher correction if appropriate, and the quantitative variables were compared through the two-tailed Student t-test. Values of p ≤ 0.01 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The cases presented higher scores on the anxiety and depression subscales of the HADS than the controls (p ≤ 0.006 and 0.000 respectively). In all domains of the TRS, the cases scored significantly higher, as well as in the QUEST. History of enolism was higher among the controls, and history of orthostasis and rest tremor was higher among the cases (p ≤ 0.000). Cerebellar atrophy was present in every patient in the case group, and in 24 subjects in the control group. Dystonia was observed in 7 subjects in the case group, and in none of the patients in the control group. CONCLUSION: There are patients with unclassifiable and extremely disabling tremors who respond poorly to the pharmacological therapy options.

ANTECEDENTES: Os pacientes muitas vezes apresentam formas muito graves ou incapacitantes de tremor que não podem ser claramente caracterizadas. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma série de 37 casos de tremor considerados inclassificáveis. Pacientes diagnosticados com tremor essencial de acordo com os critérios da International Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorder Society (IPDMDS), já estudados anteriormente, foram incluídos como controles. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a exames entre 2019 e 2022 para permitir sua comparaç ão. MéTODOS: As informaç ões demográficas e clínicas relevantes foram coletadas. As seguintes ferramentas foram aplicadas: o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS, do inglês Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), a Escala de Avaliaç ão de Tremor de Fahn-Tolosa-Marín (TRS, do inglês Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Tremor Rating Scale) e a Qualidade de Vida em Tremor Essencial (QUEST, do inglês Quality of Life in Essential Tremor). Uma ressonância magnética simples do cérebro foi realizada em todos os pacientes. As variáveis categóricas foram comparadas pelo teste qui-quadrado e pelo teste t com correç ão de Fisher, se apropriado, enquanto as variáveis quantitativas foram comparadas por meio do teste t de Student bicaudal. Valores de p ≤ 0,01 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Os casos apresentaram pontuaç ões maiores nas subescalas de ansiedade e depressão do HADS do que os controles (p ≤ 0,006 e 0,000, respectivamente). Em todos os domínios do TRS, a pontuaç ão dos casos foi significativamente maior, assim como no QUEST. O histórico de enolismo foi maior entre os controles e o histórico de ortostase e tremor em repouso foi maior entre os casos (p ≤ 0,000). A atrofia cerebelar foi apresentada por todos os pacientes do grupo de casos e em 24 indivíduos do grupo de controle. A distonia foi observada em sete indivíduos do grupo de casos e em nenhum dos pacientes do grupo controle. CONCLUSãO: Há pacientes com tremores inclassificáveis e extremamente incapacitantes que respondem mal às opç ões terapêuticas farmacológicas.

Between invisibility and resistance: indigenous health and demography during the Brazilian military dictatorship. / Entre invisibilidade e resistência: saúde e demografia indígenas durante a ditadura militar brasileira.

This article aims to systematize and analyze, from a historical perspective, the discussions that permeated the topic of indigenous health in interface with the demography of these populations, based on the political dimension that the quantification of indigenous peoples assumed during the military dictatorship in Brazil. Covering an extensive period that extends from the establishment of the Indian Protection Service in 1910 until the end of the 1980s, this article offers a comprehensive view of the topic. The analysis focuses primarily on the 1970s, highlighting the actors involved in this debate: indigenous leaders, indigenists, academics, health professionals, and missionaries.

Este artigo tem por objetivo sistematizar e analisar em perspectiva histórica as discussões que permearam o tema da saúde indígena em interface com a demografia dessas populações, partindo da dimensão política que a quantificação dos povos indígenas assumiu durante a ditadura militar no Brasil. Abrangendo um extenso período que se estende do estabelecimento do Serviço de Proteção aos Índios em 1910 até o fim dos anos 1980, busca-se oferecer uma visão ampliada sobre o tema. O foco da análise recai especialmente nos anos 1970, destacando os atores envolvidos neste debate: lideranças indígenas, indigenistas, acadêmicos, profissionais de saúde e missionários.

Características demográficas y condiciones de trabajo de los internos de medicina, servicio social de salud rural obligatorio, 2022 / Demographic characteristics and working conditions of medical interns in mandatory rural health service, 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN: en 6to año de la Carrera de Medicina se realiza la rotación rural por 3 meses. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar las características demográficas de los estudiantes y de las condiciones de trabajo durante su rotación rural. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio cuantitativo, observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal. Se utilizó un cuestionario electrónico de 42 preguntas de selección múltiple y preguntas abiertas. RESULTADOS: de 253 estudiantes, 63,64% son mujeres y 36,36% varones. El 93,68% son solteros. El 92,49 % no tiene hijos. El 97,23 % es de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés y el 2,77% de otras universidades. El promedio de edad fue de 26 años. El 39,13 % rotó en un centro ambulatorio. El 33 % estuvo previo al internado, 6 años en la carrera. Entre las condiciones de habitabilidad 7 de cada 10 no cuentan con apoyo para alimentación, 3 de cada 10 no cuentan con acceso a agua potable, 2 de cada 10 no cuenta con alcantarillado y 5 de cada 10 no tiene acceso a internet. De cada 10 estudiantes, 4 perciben algún tipo de maltrato, siendo los más frecuentes el verbal y psicológico. Percibieron acoso sexual 5 de cada 100 estudiantes. CONCLUSIONES: el 30 % de los estudiantes no tiene acceso a agua potable y/o alcantarillado, el 70 % no tiene apoyo en la alimentación, el 50 % no tiene acceso a internet. El 40 % percibió algún tipo de violencia y el 5% percibió acoso sexual

INTRODUCTION: the students of sixth year of Medical Career, must carry out a rural rotation for 3 months. The objective of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics and working conditions during their rural rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the study method was quantitative, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional. We used an digital questionnaire with 42 multiple-choice and open-ended questions. RESULTS: information was obtained from 253 students, with 63.64% being female and 36.36% male. 93.68% of the participants were single. Additionally, 92.49% did not have children. Most students (97.23%) were from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, while the rest (2.77%) were from other universities. The average age was 26 years. During the rotation, 39.13% worked in an outpatient center. Furthermore, 33% had prior experience before their internship, having spent 6 years in the program. Regarding living conditions, 7 out of 10 lacked supports for food, 3 out of 10 lacked access to clean water, 2 out of 10 had no sewage system, and 5 out of 10 lacked internet access. Among the students, 4 out of 10 perceived some form of mistreatment, with verbal and psychological abuse being the most common. Additionally, 5 out of 100 students reported experiencing sexual harassment. CONCLUSIONS: 30% of the students lacked access to clean water and/or sewage systems, 70% lacked support for food, and 50% had no internet access. Moreover, 40% perceived some form of violence, and 5% reported experiencing sexual harassment

Squeezed from the top: "Social Outburst" (2019) and elite overproduction. A study of the dynamics of Chilean political instability from the approach of Structural Demographic Theory.

On October 18, 2019, Chile experienced the most important social upheaval since the country regained democracy in the late 1980s. The "Social Outbreak" surprised economic and political elites and seemed paradoxical to the international community who had often praised Chile as a model of successful development. In this paper, we used structural-demographic theory to analyze the interaction between the overproduction of elites and the stagnation in the relative income of the population as the underlying structural cause of Chilean political instability. This theory was able to predict the three most significant instances of political tension in the recent history of Chile: the crisis of the late 1960s that culminated in the coup d'état of 1973, popular mobilizations during the 1980s, and the recent student mobilizations and social upheaval. Our results suggest that, at least during the period 1938-2019, Chilean sociopolitical dynamics is determined by the same structural drivers.

Demographic evolution and natural increase projection of the Yanomami indigenous population in Brazil.

The Yanomami population, residing in Brazil's largest indigenous reserve in the Amazon Rainforest, face significant health challenges exacerbated by external threats such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mercury contamination from illegal mining. These issues, coupled with inadequate healthcare provision, have led to an alarming increase in mortality rates and potentially threaten the long-term survival of the Yanomami community. This ecological study utilized demographic data from the Special Secretariat of Indigenous Health to explore the demographic evolution and natural increase of the Yanomami Indigenous population in Brazil from 2003 to 2022. Employing population pyramids, crude rates of natural increase, the Mann-Kendall test for trend analysis, and linear regression modeling, the study analyzed vital statistics to forecast demographic trends, with analysis conducted using the R statistical software. Our findings showed a substantial growth of the Yanomami population, yet with a decreasing natural increase rate (τ = -0.33; p = 0.047), suggesting a shift toward population stagnation or decline within the next century. These results call for urgent, coordinated actions to address the complex demographic trends and health challenges faced by Yanomami Indigenous people, ensuring their demographic sustainability and the preservation of their traditional ways of life amidst ongoing environmental and health crises.

Conocimiento de Profesores sobre Trauma Dentoalveolar: un Estudio en Establecimientos Educacionales de la Comuna de Osorno, Chile / Teachers´ Knowledge of Dentoalveolar Trauma: a Study in Educational Establishments of the Osorno Commune, Chile

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el conocimiento de profesores pertenecientes a establecimientos educacionales particulares subvencionados de Osorno con respecto al trauma dentoalveolar. Estudio de corte transversal, donde se realizó una encuesta presencial o en línea basada en un cuestionario con el fin de determinar el conocimiento sobre trauma dentoalveolar en profesores de enseñanza básica y media, pertenecientes a establecimientos educacionales de la comuna de Osorno, Chile. Los criterios de inclusión fueron, empleo a tiempo completo en el momento de la recolección de datos con al menos 1 año de experiencia docente. La jubilación, docentes con edad mayor o igual a 65 años y la falta de voluntad para participar en la encuesta, fueron considerados como criterios de exclusión. Para evaluar los resultados obtenidos se utilizó la prueba de la t de Student o ANOVA de una vía, con post hoc de Tukey. El nivel de significancia se fijó en p ≤ 0,05. Los profesores tuvieron un promedio de conocimiento sobre trauma dental de 5,0 ±3,0 puntos, de un puntaje máximo posible de 14, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el nivel de enseñanza donde ejerce la docencia (5,2±2,8, 4,9±3,3 y 4,9±3,3 puntos, p=0,88). El conocimiento sobre traumatismo dentoalveolar entre los profesores es deficiente. Se recomienda implementar programas educativos para el manejo de traumas dentales.

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge of teachers affiliated to private subsidized schools in Osorno regarding dentoalveolar trauma. Cross-sectional study, where a survey was carried out face-to-face or online, based on a questionnaire to determine the knowledge about dentoalveolar trauma in elementary and middle school teachers, affiliated with educational establishments in the commune of Osorno, Chile. Inclusion criteria were full-time employment at the time of data collection, with at least one year of experience. Retirement, teachers aged 65 or older, and unwillingness to participate in the survey were considered exclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using the R software, Student's t test or one- way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Teachers had an average knowledge of dental trauma of 5.0±3.0 points, out of a maximum possible score of 14, without statistically significant differences between the level of education where they teach (5.2±2.8, 4.9±3.3 and 4.9±3.3 points, p = 0.88). Knowledge regarding dentoalveolar traumatism among teachers of private subsidized schools in Osorno is deficient. It is recommended to implement educational programs for the management of dental trauma.

A new approach to geostatistical synthesis of historical records reveals capuchin spatial responses to climate and demographic change.

Recent proliferation of GPS technology has transformed animal movement research. Yet, time-series data from this recent technology rarely span beyond a decade, constraining longitudinal research. Long-term field sites hold valuable historic animal location records, including hand-drawn maps and semantic descriptions. Here, we introduce a generalised workflow for converting such records into reliable location data to estimate home ranges, using 30 years of sleep-site data from 11 white-faced capuchin (Cebus imitator) groups in Costa Rica. Our findings illustrate that historic sleep locations can reliably recover home range size and geometry. We showcase the opportunity our approach presents to resolve open questions that can only be addressed with very long-term data, examining how home ranges are affected by climate cycles and demographic change. We urge researchers to translate historical records into usable movement data before this knowledge is lost; it is essential to understanding how animals are responding to our changing world.

Fragilidade biológica e fatores sociodemográficos associados em pessoas idosas ribeirinhas amazônicas / Biological frailty and associated sociodemographic factors in elderly riverside dwellers in the amazon

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a associação entre fragilidade e características demográficas e socioeconômicas de pessoas idosas ribeirinhas amazônicas. Trata-se de umestudo de cunho epidemiológico, de caráter descritivo e observacional. A amostra foi calculada com base na estimativa da proporção populacional do município e constituída por 108 pessoas idosas. Utilizou-se questionário demográfico e socioeconômico e protocolo para rastreio da fragilidade operacionalizado pelo fenótipo da síndrome. Foi identificado elevado percentual de estados de não fragilidade (51,9%). Somente 9,3% foram identificados como frágeis, o que replica dados de outros estudos com populações gerontológicas brasileiras em contextos urbanos. As variáveis idade mais avançada (OD= 3,05; P=0,0268), não exercer chefia familiar e não trabalhar (OD=4,83; P=0,0024) se apresentaram associadas ao grupo de pessoas idosas com algum nível de fragilidade. Apesar da notória vulnerabilidade social dessa população, a ação conjunta entre as dimensões biológicas e sócio-históricas influenciam-se reciprocamente de tal maneira a conferir baixas condições de fragilização do ponto de vista físico, o que incita grande curiosidade científica e embasa investigações futuras nesse contexto.

The objective of the study was to investigate the association between frailty and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of elderly people living on the Amazon riverbank. This is an epidemiological study, descriptive and observational in nature. Thesample was calculated based on the estimated population proportion of the municipality and consisted of 108 elderly people. A demographic and socioeconomic questionnaire and a frailty screening protocol operationalized by the syndrome's phenotype were used. A high percentage of non-fragility states (51.9%) were identified. Only 9.3% were identified as frail, which replicates data from other studies with Brazilian gerontological populations in urban contexts. The variables older age (OD= 3.05; P=0.0268), not being a household head and not working (OD=4.83; P=0.0024) were associated with the group of elderly people with some level of fragility. Despite the notorious social vulnerability of this population, the joint action between the biological and socio-historical dimensions influence each other in such a way as to confer low conditions of frailty from a physical point of view, which incites great scientific curiosity and supports future investigations in this context.

Demographic, social, and clinical aspects associated with access to COVID-19 health care in Pará province, Brazilian Amazon.

Internal social disparities in the Brazilian Amazon became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this work was to examine the demographic, social and clinical factors associated with access to COVID-19 health care in Pará Province in the Brazilian Amazon. This was an observational, cross-sectional, analytical study using a quantitative method through an online survey conducted from May to August 2023. People were eligible to participate if they were current residents of Pará, 18-years-old or older, with self-reported diagnoses of COVID-19 through rapid or laboratory tests. Participants completed an electronic survey was developed using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software-The adapted questionnaire "COVID-19 Global Clinical Platform: Case Report Form for Post-COVID Condition". Questions focused on access to COVID-19 treatment, demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccine and clinical characteristics. Respondent-driven sampling was applied to recruit participants. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the associated factors. Overall, a total of 638 participants were included. The average age was 31.1 years. Access to COVID-19 health care was 68.65% (438/638). The participants most likely to access health care were those with moderate or severe COVID-19 (p = 0.000; OR: 19.8) and females (p = 0.001; OR: 1.99). Moreover, participants who used homemade tea or herbal medicines were less likely to receive health care for COVID-19 in health services (p = 0.002; OR: 0.54). Ensuring access to healthcare is important in a pandemic scenario.

Hypertension subtypes at high altitude in Peru: Analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey 2016-2019.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension in Peru has increased over the years. Approximately one third of the Peruvian population lives at high altitudes. This population presents particular physiological, genetic and environmental characteristics that could be related to the prevalence of hypertension and its subtypes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between altitude and hypertension in the Peruvian population through an analysis of a nationally representative survey. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey for the period 2016-2019. We included 122,336 individuals aged 18 years and older. Hypertension was defined according to the JNC-7 guidelines. High-altitude location was defined as a residential cluster located above 2,500 meters above sea level. We utilized generalized linear models from the Poisson family with a log-link function to assess the magnitude of the association between high altitude and hypertension. Additionally, we employed multinomial regression models to analyze the association between high altitude and subtypes of hypertension, including isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH). RESULTS: In the adjusted Poisson regression model, we found that the prevalence of hypertension among participants living at high altitudes was lower compared to those living at low altitudes (aPR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.86-0.93). In the adjusted multinomial regression model, we observed a lower prevalence rate of ISH among participants residing at high altitudes (aRPR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61-0.73) and a higher prevalence rate of IDH among participants residing at high altitudes (aRPR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.32-1.94). CONCLUSIONS: Residents at high altitudes in Peru have a lower prevalence rate of ISH and a higher prevalence rate of IDH compared to those living at low altitudes. Further studies are needed to determine the influence of other biological, environmental, and healthcare access factors on this relationship.

Estimating the incidence of Venezuelan migration and other socioeconomic factors on urban growth in Colombia.

This study investigates the intricate relationship between Venezuelan migration and urban growth in Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The study employs remote sensing data and social network metrics to uncover migration patterns and their impact on urban expansion. The methodology consists of three stages. Firstly, nighttime satellite imagery is used to analyze year-over-year urban growth in Colombia. Secondly, social network data estimates Venezuelan migration, overcoming challenges of underreporting and informal border crossings. Lastly, an econometric analysis explores the quantitative link between Venezuelan migration and urban growth, integrating socioeconomic variables to address endogeneity. The findings reveal the complex interplay of Venezuelan migration, socioeconomic factors, and urban growth. The study outlines remote sensing analysis, introducing the Anthropogenic Footprint Expansion Index (AFEI) to quantify urban growth. Facebook API data estimates migration trends and explores socioeconomic impacts on urban expansion. The analysis uncovers migration, poverty, aging, and urban population proportion as key factors affecting Colombia's urban landscape. Furthermore, the research underscores how Venezuelan migration affected short-term urban expansion pre- and post-COVID-19. Migration had a notable effect before the pandemic, but this influence waned afterward. The study highlights migration's short-term nature and emphasizes age demographics' role in medium-term dynamics.

Analysis of spatial and demographic factors associated with chikungunya in Espírito Santo state, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya (CHIK) emerged in Brazil in 2014 and since then several epidemics have been observed. This study aims to describe the spatial, social and demographic characteristics of individuals affected by CHIK in Espírito Santo state. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using data from individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of CHIK in Espírito Santo state, Brazil, from 2018 to 2020. Monthly incidence was calculated and annual spatial distribution maps were constructed. Statistical analysis using the χ2 test identified associations between disease occurrence and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: In the period and area analysed, a CHIK epidemic occurred in 2020, with an incidence of 219.8 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. The southern and central regions of Espirito Santo state harboured a risk five times greater than the others in the epidemic region. Females (odds ratio [OR] 1.65 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.58 to 1.72]), black people (OR 1.22 [95% CI 1.13 to 1.33]), individuals with ≤11 y of education (OR 1.48 [95% CI 1.37 to 1.61]) and the elderly (OR 7.49 [95% CI 6.53 to 8.59]) had a greater risk for the disease. CONCLUSIONS: CHIK stands as an emerging public health problem in Brazil since its introduction in 2014. Espírito Santo suffered a substantial epidemic in 2020, possibly due to outbreaks in neighbouring states. The population at risk should be prioritized in healthcare, considering the morbidity potential of the disease.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of people diagnosed with active sexually transmitted infections among monkeypox cases in Brazil: the 2022 outbreak.

The worldwide monkeypox (mpox) outbreak in 2022 showed a high frequency of sexually transmitted infections (STI). A cross-sectional study was carried out using secondary data from the Brazilian official mpox surveillance systems. A total of 10,169 mpox cases were identified, with a median age of 32 years. Among them, 92.3% were male at birth and 57.5% were men who have sex with other men (MSM). Approximately 11% were diagnosed with STI, including 5.8% with syphilis and 2.5% with genital herpes. Individuals aged from 25 to 34 years, MSM, individuals with HIV-positive status, and those manifesting skin eruptions or penile edema were associated with STI. Laboratory investigation for mpox must be implemented as a priority in STI clinics (especially for MSM) to mitigate neglected cases, ensure appropriate treatments, and prevent misdiagnoses.

A cidade não pode parar: a Maratona do Rio de Janeiro em 2020 na era da pandemia / The city cannot stop: the Rio de Janeiro Marathon in the era of the pandemic / La ville ne peut pas s'arrêter: le Marathon de Rio de Janeiro à l'ère de la pandémie

Neste artigo, iremos apresentar como ocorreu a edição virtual da Maratona do Rio de Janeiro em 2020, ainda sem autorizações sanitárias para a realização de grandes eventos. Para isso, analisaremos o Guia do corredor, apresentado aos corredores na época. A competição é realizada por meio de uso de aplicativos, mas o atleta é estimulado a correr com o slogan "Não correr nunca foi uma opção". Abordamos os conceitos de necrodemografia e necropolítica. Entende-se que a Maratona do Rio pratica uma espécie de necropolíti-ca ao organizar a competição em pleno período pandêmico do Brasil, apesar de valorizar a paisagem da rua em suas plataformas comunicacionais.

In this article, we will present how the virtual edition of the Rio de Janeiro Marathon took place in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, still without health permits to hold major events. For this, we will analyze the Runner's Guide presented to the runners at the time. The competition is carried out using applications, but the athlete is encouraged to run with the slogan "Not running was never an option". We approach the concepts of necrodemography and necropolitics. It is understood that the Rio Marathon practices a kind of necropolitics when organizing the competition in the middle of the pandemic period in Brazil, despite valuing the street landscape in its communication platforms.

Dans cet article, nous allons vous présenter comment s'est déroulée l'édition virtuelle du Marathon de Rio de Janeiro en 2020, toujours sans autorisations sanitaires pour les grands événements. Pour cela, nous analyserons le Guide du marathonien, présenté aux marathoniens à l'époque. La compétition se déroule à l'aide d'applications, mais l'athlète est encouragé à courir avec le slogan "Ne pas courir n'a jamais été une option". Nous abordons les concepts de nécrodémographie et de nécropolitique. Il est entendu que le Marathon de Rio pratique une sorte de nécropolitique en organisant la compétition en pleine pandémie au Brésil, malgré la valorisation du paysage de rue dans ses plateformes de communication.

Predicting the dispersal and invasion dynamics of ambrosia beetles through demographic reconstruction and process-explicit modeling.

Evaluating potential routes of invasion of pathogens and vectors of sanitary importance is essential for planning and decision-making at multiple scales. An effective tool are process-explicit models that allow coupling environmental, demographic and dispersal information to evaluate population growth and range dynamics as a function of the abiotic conditions in a region. In this work we simulate multiple dispersal/invasion routes in Mexico that could be taken by ambrosia beetles and a specific symbiont, Harringtonia lauricola, responsible for a severe epiphytic of Lauraceae in North America. We used Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff 1868 as a study subject and estimated its demography in the laboratory in a temperature gradient (17, 20, 26, 29, 35 °C), which we then used to parameterize a process-based model to estimate its metapopulation dynamics. The maximum intrinsic growth rate of X. bispinatus is 0.13 with a thermal optimum of 26.2 °C. The models suggest important regions for the establishment and dispersal the states of Veracruz, Chiapas and Oaxaca (high host and secondary vectors diversity), the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (connectivity region), and Michoacán and Jalisco (important avocado plantations). The use of hybrid process-based models is a promising tool to refine the predictions applied to the study of biological invasions and species distributions.

Molecular characterization and demographic insights into soybean bud borer (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Brazil.

The soybean bud borer, a soybean pest in Brazil, was initially identified as Crocidosema aporema (Walsingham 1914) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Outbreaks of this species have recently increased, but identification of this pest remains uncertain, and the historical factors associated with its geographic distribution in Brazil are little known. Here, we conducted a species characterization and phylogeographic analysis based on molecular and morphological evidence. Ninety individuals of bud-borers Lepidoptera were collected in different regions of Brazil. We sequenced COI and COII mitochondrial genes and examined wing patterns and male genital morphology. DNA barcoding approach revealed that 10 individuals were Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick 1909) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and 80 were a species of the genus Crocidosema Zeller. The morphology of the adult genitalia and wings proved to be insufficient to confirm the identification of Brazilian individuals as C. aporema, a species originally described from a high-elevation site in Costa Rica. Furthermore, the genetic distance between putative C. aporema specimens from Brazil and Costa Rica (ranging from 5.2% to 6.4%) supports the hypothesis that the Brazilian specimens are not referable to C. aporema. Our analysis revealed a single genetic strain (i.e., species) with low genetic diversity on soybean crops. We found no indication that the genetic structure was related to geographic distance among populations or edaphoclimatic regions. The population expansion of the soybean bud borer coincides with the increase in the area of soybean production in Brazil, suggesting that expanded soybean farming has allowed a significant increase in the effective population size of this pest.

Características Clínicas y respuesta al recambio plasmático terapéutico en pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome de Guillain Barré / Clinical characteristics and response to therapeutic plasma exchange in patients diagnosed with Guillain Barré syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Guillaín Barré (SGB) presenta una tasa de incidencia no despreciable en países de bajos recursos. La inmunoglobulina humana intravenosa (IGIV), y el recambio plasmático terapéutico (RPT) son los tratamientos de primera línea. OBJETIVO: El propósito de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y la respuesta al RPT en pacientes con SGB. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal con intención analítica de pacientes con diagnóstico de SGB que recibieron manejo con RPT en dos instituciones prestadoras de servicio (IPS) de la ciudad de Cali­Colombia, entre los años 2016 y 2022. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes con edad promedio 57+/-16 años. Luego de una mediana de 10 días de estancia en unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI), 75.5% disminuyó al menos un grado en la escala de Hughes, 12.1% requirieron ventilación mecánica (VM), 27.3% presentaron alguna complicación, no hubo desenlaces fatales. La estancia prolongada en UCI tuvo asociación significativa con una evolución clínica desfavorable. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados sugieren que el manejo con RPT en una institución con estándares de alta complejidad, con un diagnóstico precoz y una intervención médica temprana, pueden contribuir a una adecuada evolución clínica. El tiempo prolongado en unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI) es un factor pronóstico para tener en cuenta en la evolución clínica de estos pacientes. Se requieren estudios con un diseño analítico y mayor muestra que puedan respaldar dichos hallazgos.

INTRODUCTION: Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) presents a non-negligible incidence rate in low-income countries. Intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPR) are the first-line treatments. AIM: The aim of this work is to describe the clinical characteristics and the response to RPT in patients with GBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with analytical scope of patients diagnosed with GBS who were managed with RPT, in two service-providing institutions (IPS) in the city of Cali-Colombia, between 2016 and 2022. OUTCOMES: 33 patients with a mean age of 57+/-16 years were included. After a median stay of 10 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), 75.5% decreased at least one grade on the Hughes scale, 12.1% required mechanical ventilation (MV), 27.3% presented some complication, and there were no fatal outcomes. Prolonged stay in the ICU was significantly associated with an unfavorable clinical evolution. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that RPT management in an institution with highly complex standards, with early diagnosis and early medical intervention, can contribute to an adequate clinical evolution. Prolonged time in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a prognostic factor to consider in the clinical evolution of these patients. Studies with an analytical design and a larger sample are required to support these findings.

Impacts of horticultural environments on Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) populations: exploring genocytotoxic damage and demographic life history traits.

Horticulture poses a significant ecological risk, as agrochemicals are applied more frequently and in larger quantities per unit of production compared to extensive crop fields. The native amphibian Rhinella arenarum serves as a reliable bioindicator of environmental health. This study aimed to assess genocytotoxic damage and demographic life history traits of R. arenarum inhabiting horticultural environments. Sampling was conducted in suburban sites in central Argentina: H1 and H2 (sites associated with horticultural activity) and a reference site, RS. Environmental parameters were recorded, and the frequency of micronuclei (Mn), nuclear abnormalities (ENA), and indicators of cytotoxic damage were determined in tadpoles and adults. Demographic variables (age at maturity, longevity, potential reproductive lifespan, size at maturity, modal lifespan) were calculated. The highest nitrate and phosphate values, along with low dissolved oxygen values, were recorded at sites H1 and H2. Organisms inhabiting horticultural environments exhibited higher frequencies of Mn and ENA, surpassing those recorded in previous studies on tadpoles from sites with extensive crop production. Size at maturity and age at maturity of females, as well as size at maturity, longevity, mean age, and mean adult SVL of males, were lower in horticultural sites. The results support the hypothesis that anuran populations inhabiting horticultural environments demonstrate a diminished health status attributed to subpar environmental quality. Monitoring endpoints at different biological levels provides information on the ecotoxicological risk for amphibians and human populations inhabiting nearby areas.

Demographic structure across all known populations of the rheophyte Dyckia brevifolia Baker (Bromeliaceae) in the Itajaí-Açu River, Southern Brazil.

Understanding the distribution and demographic structure of populations is essential for species conservation. In Brazil, the rheophyte group has been greatly affected by the construction of hydroelectric dams. All know populations of Dyckia brevifolia Baker along Itajaí-Açu River were studied. The plants were classified as seedlings, immature or reproductive rosettes. In addition, the number of dead rosettes, except for seedlings, was determined in five populations of D. brevifolia. The total number of rosettes per population ranged from 273 to 7,185, totaling 30,443 rosettes, and 1,789 seedlings (5.9%). Only 2.4% of rosettes occurred isolated and 97.6% occurred clumped into 2,254 clumps. The number of rosettes per clump ranged from two to 339 rosettes. The percentage of reproductive rosettes per population ranged from 7.8 to 26.7%. The correlation between the number of clumps or between the total number of rosettes and the area of occupation was significant and positive (r = 0.82; P < 0.05). The production of offshoots (1-4) occurred on immature and reproductive rosettes. Dyckia brevifolia has herbivory by Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris (capybara). These rosettes die or often resprout, emitting from 1 to 20 shoots. The populations did not present a pattern of distribution of rosettes in the diametric classes, but in all populations a decrease in the number of rosettes can be observed in the classes with the largest diameter. The small area of occupation (9,185 m2) showed high environmental specificity and vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Therefore, the maintenance these sites is essential for the long-term conservation of D. brevifolia.

Manifestation and sociodemographic microdata of Brazil's Unified Health System Ombudsman.

OBJECTIVES: This article presents the process of extraction and treatment of two datasets from the General Ombudsman of the Brazilian Unified Health System (OUVSUS). The resulting datasets allow the analysis of manifestation characteristics and sociodemographic profile of the citizens that performed these manifestations. DATA DESCRIPTION: The first dataset depicts the characteristics of the manifestations registered by the General Ombudsman. Each row represents an individual manifestation and contains information such as the registration date, classification, input channel, and subject, among others. The second dataset is constituted of sociodemographic information for each citizen that performed a manifestation, and characteristics such as sexual orientation, race, age, and geographic location of the citizen are presented, among others.