RESUMO
The earliest fossil member of Teredidae, Delteredolaemus hei Li & Cai gen. et sp. nov., is reported from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Delteredolaemus is assigned to the extant tribe Teredini, and shares a generally similar morphology with the extant genus Teredolaemus Sharp, 1885, although it can be distinguished from all other members in the tribe by the shape of the pronotum and mesoventral process, as well as the anteromedially tumid metaventrite.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Besouros/classificação , Âmbar/análise , MianmarRESUMO
Limnichidae are currently a moderately diverse beetle family with a sparse fossil record. Here we describe a new limnichid genus and species, Anomocephalobus liuhaoi Li, Jäch & Cai gen. et sp. nov., from the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. Anomocephalobus gen. nov. is tentatively assigned to the extant subfamily Cephalobyrrhinae, based on its transverse metacoxae, 5-segmented protarsi, and absence of grooves on the ventral surface for reception of legs, though its oval body shape is somewhat deviating from extant Cephalobyrrhinae. The generic placement of the recently described Erichia cretacea Yu, Ślipiński, Ren & Pang, 2018 is also discussed.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Besouros/classificação , Fósseis/anatomia & histologia , MianmarRESUMO
Extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is highly life threatening and its diagnosis is usually difficult and time-consuming. Here we present the first two cases of XDR and pre-XDR-TB diagnosed in 2018 on the Thailand-Myanmar border, more specifically in Tak province. Rapid detection of XDR-TB was performed by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Xpert MTB/RIF, and line probe assays. Mutation analyses targeting rpoB, katG, inhA, gyrA and rrs genes showed an association with drug-resistant phenotypes, except for rifampicin resistance. Spoligotyping revealed uncommon Beijing and T2 genotypes and the analysis of M. tuberculosis interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) showed the presence of more polymorphisms. This report highlights the importance of the early detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis by molecular tests followed by phenotyping assays. Based on the up-to-date definition of XDR- and pre-XDR-TB, the susceptibility testing for bedaquiline and linezolid is required and the two reported cases may correspond to putative XDR-TB.
Assuntos
Tuberculose Extensivamente Resistente a Medicamentos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Preparações Farmacêuticas , Tuberculose Resistente a Múltiplos Medicamentos , Antituberculosos/farmacologia , Antituberculosos/uso terapêutico , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla/genética , Tuberculose Extensivamente Resistente a Medicamentos/diagnóstico , Tuberculose Extensivamente Resistente a Medicamentos/tratamento farmacológico , Genótipo , Humanos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Mutação , Mianmar , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genética , Tailândia , Tuberculose Resistente a Múltiplos Medicamentos/diagnósticoRESUMO
The WHO Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) tool was developed by WHO to facilitate effective prioritization and strategic planning for rehabilitation in countries. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the fourth phase of its development, its field testing in seven countries focusing on its completeness, usefulness, accessibility and feasibility. Field testing occurred in Jordan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, Laos, Haiti, and Guyana. Evaluation occurred through structured interviews and rating exercises with 17 government representatives, international consultants, WHO country or regional office staff and rehabilitation experts who were actively engaged and familiar with the STARS assessment and who were knowledgeable of the rehabilitation situation in the countries. STARS was appraised as relevant, complete and accurate in describing the country situation. Areas of inaccuracy were mostly linked to challenges in describing areas of services similarly when significant diversity existed. Feasibility and accessibility were mostly confirmed and more complex components of the tool as well as the guidance to the assessment process were slightly revised in light of the field-testing results. The field testing of WHO STARS confirmed its completeness, usefulness, accessibility and feasibility, and concerns raised by the interviews informed the last refinement of the tool. STARS is part of the WHO Rehabilitation in Health Systems-Guide for Action, available online, by September 2021, STARS had guided 21 country situation assessments.
Assuntos
Organização Mundial da Saúde , Guiana , Haiti , Humanos , Jordânia , Laos , Melanesia , Mianmar , Sri LankaRESUMO
Diagnostic pathology services for oncology health systems are essential; yet, surveys, observations, and hard data from across low- and middle-income countries have revealed that these services are almost always lacking adequate quality and often missing completely. The City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and C/Can partner cities undertook intense analysis of their existing pathology services as part of a year-long assessment process including the specific formation of a pathology-focused team. Internal and external expert assessments identified sustainable solutions adapted to the local context and level of resources and created specific local implementation projects. Through local leadership, capacity development, and collaboration, services were improved city-wide in three cities: Cali, Colombia; Asunción, Paraguay; and Yangon, Myanmar. Common problems identified across cities included deficiencies in personnel training, equipment, reagents, processes, quality, and coordination. Specific solutions included quality training, standard process development and regulation, implementation of new services, and public-private collaboration. As the first cities joining the C/Can initiative, Cali, Asunción, and Yangon demonstrate the success of the approach and the value of local expertise in identifying problems and solutions. The additional value of international partners' expertise created opportunities for growth through mentorship and technical support. Importantly, the power of healthcare programs with strong political support is emphasized.
Assuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Neoplasias , Cidades , Colômbia , Mianmar , Neoplasias/terapia , Paraguai , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) is the second largest river of Southeast Asia and one of the rivers with the highest load of suspended sediment delivered to the sea in the world. The Ayeyarwady is the lifeline of Myanmar which concentrates the majority of the population and GDP of the country. It is the main way of transport, a source of fluvial aggregates for development projects, hydropower, and the basin plays a major role in food supply and irrigation. Despite the Ayeyarwady ranking amongst the world's largest rivers and its vital importance to Myanmar, scarce research has been undertaken to understand its morphodynamics and sediment transport regime. Current load estimates still heavily rely on the only systematic study of sediment transport dating back to the 19th century. Here, we provide a novel estimate for the recent washload sediment transport based on a field calibrated remote sensing model of surface suspended sediments concentrations. We show that the Ayeyarwady has likely become the river with the second or third largest delivery of washload to the sea in the world since it has so far been much less affected by damming compared to the vast majority of other rivers.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Sedimentos Geológicos/análise , Rios/química , Conservação dos Recursos Hídricos/métodos , Sedimentos Geológicos/química , Mianmar , Tamanho da Partícula , Movimentos da ÁguaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) program explored the feasibility and impact of contact tracing and the provision of single dose rifampicin (SDR) to eligible contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy patients in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. As the impact of the programme is difficult to establish in the short term, we apply mathematical modelling to predict its long-term impact on the leprosy incidence. METHODOLOGY: The individual-based model SIMCOLEP was calibrated and validated to the historic leprosy incidence data in the study areas. For each area, we assessed two scenarios: 1) continuation of existing routine activities as in 2014; and 2) routine activities combined with LPEP starting in 2015. The number of contacts per index patient screened varied from 1 to 36 between areas. Projections were made until 2040. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In all areas, the LPEP program increased the number of detected cases in the first year(s) of the programme as compared to the routine programme, followed by a faster reduction afterwards with increasing benefit over time. LPEP could accelerate the reduction of the leprosy incidence by up to six years as compared to the routine programme. The impact of LPEP varied by area due to differences in the number of contacts per index patient included and differences in leprosy epidemiology and routine control programme. CONCLUSIONS: The LPEP program contributes significantly to the reduction of the leprosy incidence and could potentially accelerate the interruption of transmission. It would be advisable to include contact tracing/screening and SDR in routine leprosy programmes.
Assuntos
Busca de Comunicante/métodos , Hanseníase/epidemiologia , Hanseníase/prevenção & controle , Programas de Rastreamento/métodos , Prevenção Primária/métodos , Brasil , Humanos , Índia , Indonésia/epidemiologia , Hansenostáticos/uso terapêutico , Mianmar/epidemiologia , Nepal/epidemiologia , Profilaxia Pós-Exposição/métodos , Rifampina/uso terapêutico , Sri Lanka/epidemiologia , Tanzânia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea poses serious health problems among under-five children (U5C) in Low-and Medium-Income Countries (LMIC) with a higher prevalence in rural areas. A gap exists in knowledge on factors driving rural-non-rural inequalities in diarrhoea development among U5C in LMIC. This study investigates the magnitude of rural-non-rural inequalities in diarrhoea and the roles of individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors in explaining these inequalities. METHODS: Data of 796,150 U5C, from 63,378 neighbourhoods across 57 LMIC from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (2010-2018) was analysed. The outcome variable was the recent experience of diarrhoea while independent variables consist of the individual- and neighbourhood-level factors. Data were analysed using multivariable Fairlie decomposition at p < 0.05 in Stata Version 16 while visualization was implemented in R Statistical Package. RESULTS: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the children are from rural areas. The overall prevalence of diarrhoea was 14.2, 14.6% vs 13.4% among rural and non-rural children respectively (p < 0.001). From the analysis, the following 20 countries showed a statistically significant pro-rural inequalities with higher odds of diarrhoea in rural areas than in nonrural areas at 5% alpha level: Albania (OR = 1.769; p = 0.001), Benin (OR = 1.209; p = 0.002), Burundi (OR = 1.399; p < 0.001), Cambodia (OR = 1.201; p < 0.031), Cameroon (OR = 1.377; p < 0.001), Comoros (OR = 1.266; p = 0.029), Egypt (OR = 1.331; p < 0.001), Honduras (OR = 1.127; p = 0.027), India (OR = 1.059; p < 0.001), Indonesia (OR = 1.219; p < 0.001), Liberia (OR = 1.158; p = 0.017), Mali (OR = 1.240; p = 0.001), Myanmar (OR = 1.422; p = 0.004), Namibia (OR = 1.451; p < 0.001), Nigeria (OR = 1.492; p < 0.001), Rwanda (OR = 1.261; p = 0.010), South Africa (OR = 1.420; p = 0.002), Togo (OR = 1.729; p < 0.001), Uganda (OR = 1.214; p < 0.001), and Yemen (OR = 1.249; p < 0.001); and pro-non-rural inequalities in 9 countries. Variations exist in factors associated with pro-rural inequalities across the 20 countries. Overall main contributors to pro-rural inequality were neighbourhood socioeconomic status, household wealth status, media access, toilet types, maternal age and education. CONCLUSIONS: The gaps in the odds of diarrhoea among rural children than nonrural children were explained by individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors. Sustainable intervention measures that are tailored to country-specific needs could offer a better approach to closing rural-non-rural gaps in having diarrhoea among U5C in LMIC.
Assuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Diarreia , Burundi , Camboja , Camarões , Pré-Escolar , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Egito , Feminino , Honduras , Humanos , Índia , Indonésia , Lactente , Libéria , Masculino , Mali , Mianmar , Namíbia , Nigéria , Ruanda , Fatores Socioeconômicos , África do Sul , Togo , Uganda , IêmenRESUMO
The Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) program explored the feasibility and impact of contact tracing and the provision of SDR to eligible contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy patients in states or districts of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. This study investigated the long-term impact of the LPEP program on the leprosy new case detection rate (NCDR). Our results show that LPEP could reduce the NCDR beyond the impact of the routine leprosy control programme and that many new cases could be prevented. The benefit of LPEP increases gradually over time. LPEP could accelerate the time of reaching predicted NCDR levels of 2040 under routine program by up to six years. Furthermore, we highlighted how the impact varies between countries due to differences in the number of contacts per index patient screened and differences in leprosy epidemiology and national control programme. Generally, including both household contacts and neighbours (> 20 contacts per index patient) would yield the highest impact.
Assuntos
Humanos , Prevenção Primária/métodos , Busca de Comunicante/métodos , Profilaxia Pós-Exposição , Hanseníase/prevenção & controle , Hanseníase/epidemiologia , Rifampina/uso terapêutico , Sri Lanka/epidemiologia , Tanzânia/epidemiologia , Brasil , Programas de Rastreamento , Mianmar/epidemiologia , Índia , Indonésia/epidemiologia , Nepal/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Recent findings of ommatids from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber have greatly increased our knowledge on the Mesozoic diversity of Ommatidae. Here, we report the first distinctly miniaturized ommatid species, Miniomma chenkuni gen. et sp. nov., entombed in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. This new fossil species is characterized by its small body size (less than 2 mm long) and subglobular metacoxae. Our discovery of miniaturization in extinct Ommatidae suggests a high ecological diversity of this family in the Mesozoic.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , História Antiga , Besouros , Âmbar , Fósseis , Biodiversidade , MianmarRESUMO
A common objective of watershed management programs is to secure water supply, especially during the dry season. To develop such programs in contexts of low data and resource availability, program managers need tools to understand the effect of landscape management on the seasonal water balance. However, the performance of simple, parsimonious models is poorly understood. Here, we examine the behavior of a geospatial tool, developed to map monthly water budgets and baseflow contributions and forming part of the InVEST (integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs) software suite. The model uses monthly climate, topography, and land-use data to compute spatial indices of groundwater recharge, baseflow, and quickflow. We illustrate the model application in two large basins in Peru and Myanmar, where we compare results with observed data and alternative hydrologic models. We show that the spatial distribution of baseflow contributions correlated well with an established model in the Peruvian basin (r2 = 0.81 at the parcel scale). In Myanmar, the model shows an overall satisfactory performance for representing month to month variation (Nash-Sutcliffe-Efficiency 0.6-0.8); however, errors are scale dependent highlighting limitations in representing processes in large basins. Our study highlights modeling challenges, in particular trade-offs between model complexity and accuracy, and illustrates the role that parsimonious models can play to support watershed management programs.
Assuntos
Ecossistema , Água , Mianmar , Peru , Estações do AnoRESUMO
In this paper, we revisit the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis by using estimations that account for cross-sectional dependency (CSD) and asymmetry effect in 76 countries for the period 1971-2014. Our results lend moderate support to the EKC hypothesis. The country-specific results unfold that a total of 16 out of 76 countries support the EKC hypothesis using CCEMG estimator. Results from AMG reveal that the EKC hypothesis holds in 24 out of 76 countries. It is worth highlighting that 11 countries (Australia, China, Congo Dem. Rep., Costa Rica, Gabon, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Myanmar, Turkey, and Uruguay) exhibit an inverted U-shaped curve regardless of whether CCEMG or AMG is used. The asymmetry analysis using PMG is also able to support the EKC hypothesis. We conclude that the EKC hypothesis does not fit all countries. Policy implication and recommendation in designing appropriate energy and economic policies are provided.
Assuntos
Dióxido de Carbono/análise , Desenvolvimento Econômico , Austrália , China , Costa Rica , Estudos Transversais , Hong Kong , Índia , Mianmar , República da Coreia , TurquiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Accurate and timely cause of death (COD) data are essential for informed public health policymaking. Medical certification of COD generally provides the majority of COD data in a population and is an essential component of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems. Accurate completion of the medical certificate of cause of death (MCCOD) should be a relatively straightforward procedure for physicians, but mistakes are common. Here, we present three training strategies implemented in five countries supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health (D4H) Initiative at the University of Melbourne (UoM) and evaluate the impact on the quality of certification. METHODS: The three training strategies evaluated were (1) training of trainers (TOT) in the Philippines, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka; (2) direct training of physicians by the UoM D4H in Papua New Guinea (PNG); and (3) the implementation of an online and basic training strategy in Peru. The evaluation involved an assessment of MCCODs before and after training using an assessment tool developed by the University of Melbourne. RESULTS: The TOT strategy led to reductions in incorrectly completed certificates of between 28% in Sri Lanka and 40% in the Philippines. Following direct training of physicians in PNG, the reduction in incorrectly completed certificates was 30%. In Peru, the reduction in incorrect certificates was 30% after implementation and training on an online system only and 43% after training on both the online system and basic medical certification principles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that a variety of training strategies can produce benefits in the quality of certification, but further improvements are possible. The experiences of D4H suggest several aspects of the strategies that should be further developed to improve outcomes, particularly key stakeholder engagement from early in the intervention and local committees to oversee activities and support an improved culture in hospitals to support better diagnostic skills and practices.
Assuntos
Causas de Morte , Atestado de Óbito , Estatísticas Vitais , Confiabilidade dos Dados , Educação Médica , Humanos , Mianmar , Papua Nova Guiné , Peru , Filipinas , Sri LankaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Globally, an estimated two-thirds of all deaths occur in the community, the majority of which are not attended by a physician and remain unregistered. Identifying and registering these deaths in civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, and ascertaining the cause of death, is thus a critical challenge to ensure that policy benefits from reliable evidence on mortality levels and patterns in populations. In contrast to traditional processes for registration, death notification can be faster and more efficient at informing responsible government agencies about the event and at triggering a verbal autopsy for ascertaining cause of death. Thus, innovative approaches to death notification, tailored to suit the setting, can improve the availability and quality of information on community deaths in CRVS systems. IMPROVING THE NOTIFICATION OF COMMUNITY DEATHS: Here, we present case studies in four countries (Bangladesh, Colombia, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea) that were part of the initial phases of the Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative at the University of Melbourne, each of which faces unique challenges to community death registration. The approaches taken promote improved notification of community deaths through a combination of interventions, including integration with the health sector, using various notifying agents and methods, and the application of information and communication technologies. One key factor for success has been the smoothing of processes linking notification, registration and initiation of a verbal autopsy interview. The processes implemented champion more active notification systems in relation to the passive systems commonly in place in these countries. CONCLUSIONS: The case studies demonstrate the significant potential for improving death reporting through the implementation of notification practices tailored to a country's specific circumstances, including geography, cultural factors, structure of the existing CRVS system, and available human, information and communication technology resources. Strategic deployment of some, or all, of these innovations can result in rapid improvements to death notification systems and should be trialled in other settings.
Assuntos
Causas de Morte , Hospitais , Estatísticas Vitais , Autopsia , Bangladesh , Colômbia , Coleta de Dados , Humanos , Mianmar , Papua Nova GuinéRESUMO
Recent findings of ommatids from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber have greatly increased our knowledge on the Mesozoic diversity of Ommatidae. Here, we report the first distinctly miniaturized ommatid species, Miniomma chenkuni gen. et sp. nov., entombed in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. This new fossil species is characterized by its small body size (less than 2 mm long) and subglobular metacoxae. Our discovery of miniaturization in extinct Ommatidae suggests a high ecological diversity of this family in the Mesozoic.
Assuntos
Animais , História Antiga , Besouros , Fósseis , Âmbar , Biodiversidade , MianmarRESUMO
As a landscape becomes increasingly fragmented through habitat loss, the individual patches become smaller and more isolated and thus less likely to sustain a local population. Metapopulation theory is appropriate for analyzing fragmented landscapes because it combines empirical landscape features with species-specific information to produce direct information on population extinction risks. This approach contrasts with descriptions of habitat fragments, which provide only indirect information on risk. Combining a spatially explicit metapopulation model with empirical data on endemic species' ranges and maps of habitat cover, we calculated the metapopulation capacity-a measure of a landscape's ability to sustain a metapopulation. Mangroves provide an ideal model landscape because they are of conservation concern and their patch boundaries are easily delineated. For 2000-20015, we calculated global metapopulation capacity for 99 metapopulations of 32 different bird species endemic to mangroves. Northern Australia and Southeast Asia had the highest richness of mangrove endemic birds. The Caribbean, Pacific coast of Central America, Madagascar, Borneo, and isolated patches in Southeast Asia in Myanmar and Malaysia had the highest metapopulation losses. Regions with the highest loss of habitat area were not necessarily those with the highest loss of metapopulation capacity. Often, it was not a matter of how much, but how the habitat was lost. Our method can be used by managers to evaluate and prioritize a landscape for metapopulation persistence.
Uso de la Teoría de Metapoblaciones para la Conservación Práctica de las Aves Endémicas de Manglares Resumen A medida que un paisaje se fragmenta cada vez más debido a la pérdida de hábitat, los parches se vuelven más pequeños y aislados y, por lo tanto, menos propensos a sostener a una población local. La teoría de metapoblaciones es adecuada para analizar paisajes fragmentados porque combina características empíricas del paisaje con información de cada especie para producir información directa sobre los riesgos de extinción de la población. Este enfoque contrasta con las descripciones de los fragmentos de hábitat que solo proporcionan información directa sobre el riesgo. Mediante la combinación de un modelo metapoblacional espacialmente explícito con datos empíricos de los rangos de distribución de especies endémicas y mapas de la cobertura del hábitat, calculamos la capacidad de la metapoblación - una medida de la capacidad del paisaje para sostener una metapoblación. Los manglares proporcionan un paisaje modelo ideal porque son de interés para la conservación y los límites de los parches son delineados fácilmente. Calculamos la capacidad de la metapoblación global para el período 2000-2015 de 99 metapoblaciones de 32 especies de aves endémicas de manglares. El norte de Australia y el sudeste de Asia tuvieron la mayor riqueza de aves endémicas de manglares. El Caribe, la costa del Pacífico de Centroamérica, Madagascar, Borneo y parches aislados en el sudeste de Asia en Myanmar y Malasia tuvieron las mayores pérdidas de metapoblaciones. Las regiones con mayor pérdida hábitat fueron necesariamente aquellas con mayor pérdida de capacidad de la metapoblación. A menudo no era una cuestión de cuánto, sino cómo se perdió el hábitat. Nuestro método se puede utilizar por manejadores para evaluar y priorizar un paisaje para la persistencia de la metapoblación.
Assuntos
Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Modelos Biológicos , Animais , Austrália , Aves , Bornéu , Região do Caribe , América Central , Ecossistema , Madagáscar , Malásia , Mianmar , Dinâmica PopulacionalRESUMO
Pythons are important models of studies on postprandial metabolism because their physiological responses are exacerbated when digesting large prey. Prior studies of these animals have shown hypertrophy of the cardiac tissue 2 to 3â¯days after feeding, coinciding with the peak of the specific dynamic action (SDA), but the consequences of this remodeling in myocardial contractility have not been studied, which is the purpose of this work. Specimens of Python molurus were divided into two groups: a Digesting group (2â¯days after feeding, at the peak of SDA), and a Fasting group (28â¯days after feeding). When compared to the Fasting group, the Digesting group showed higher relative ventricular mass and calcium-handling protein expression such as sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), phospholamban (PLB), and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). Digesting pythons also exhibited significant increases in the cardiac contraction force (Fc), rates of force development and relaxation, and cardiac pumping capacity. Therefore, the higher SERCA, PLB and NCX expression levels increased cytosolic Ca2+ transient amplitude, improving myofilament force. These changes are crucial to maintain cardiac output and a relatively high and continuous blood flow required by metabolic expenditure that occurs in postprandial animals.
Assuntos
Boidae/fisiologia , Proteínas de Ligação ao Cálcio/biossíntese , Comportamento Alimentar/fisiologia , Contração Miocárdica/fisiologia , Miocárdio/metabolismo , Proteínas de Répteis/biossíntese , Animais , MianmarRESUMO
Procaeculus coineaui sp. nov. from Cretaceous Burmese amber is described and its phylogenetic position discussed. This fossil taxon is the first caeculid mite known from Burmese amber and constitutes the earliest record of the family. The genus Procaeculus is redefined to include the new fossil species and internal relationships between genera of the family are discussed based on a phylogenetic hypothesis.
Assuntos
Âmbar , Ácaros , Animais , Fósseis , Mianmar , FilogeniaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The palm oil industry is the largest contributor to global production of oils and fats. Indonesia and Malaysia are the largest producers of palm oil. More than a million workers are employed in this industry, yet there is a lack of information on their occupational health and safety. OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize occupational hazards among oil palm plantation workers. METHODS: A search was carried out in June 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid. Relevant publications were identified by a systematic search of four databases and relevant journals. Publications were included if they examined occupational hazards in oil palm plantation workers. RESULTS: 941 publications were identified; of these, 25 studies were found eligible to be included in the final review. Of the 25 studies examined, 19 were conducted in Malaysia, 2 in Costa Rica, and one each in Ghana, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Cameroon. Oil palm plantation workers were found to be at risk of musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, psychosocial disorders, and infectious diseases such as malaria and leptospirosis. In addition, they have potential exposure to paraquat and other pesticides. CONCLUSION: In light of the potential of palm oil for use as a biofuel, this is an industry with strong growth potential. The workers are exposed to various occupational hazards. Further research and interventions are necessary to improve the working conditions of this already vast and growing workforce.
Assuntos
Indústria Alimentícia , Exposição Ocupacional , Saúde Ocupacional , Óleo de Palmeira , Doenças dos Trabalhadores Agrícolas/epidemiologia , Camarões/epidemiologia , Comorbidade , Costa Rica/epidemiologia , Indústria Alimentícia/normas , Indústria Alimentícia/estatística & dados numéricos , Inocuidade dos Alimentos , Gana/epidemiologia , Humanos , Indonésia/epidemiologia , Malásia/epidemiologia , Mianmar/epidemiologia , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde Ocupacional/estatística & dados numéricos , Óleo de Palmeira/efeitos adversos , Papua Nova Guiné/epidemiologia , Praguicidas/toxicidade , Óleos de Plantas/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Beetles (Coleoptera) comprise about one quarter of all described animal species. One of the main contributors to their evolutionary success is the elytra, or hardened forewings, which have protective functions while maintaining their ability to fly. Unlike other beetles, some ship-timber beetles (Lymexylidae) have extremely small elytra and largely exposed functional hindwings. There is little fossil evidence illuminating the evolutionary history of short elytra in lymexylids. Here, I report five well-preserved lymexylid fossils in mid-Cretaceous and Cenozoic ambers from Myanmar (ca. 99 million years ago [Mya]), Russia (ca. 44 Mya), and the Dominican Republic (ca. 16 Mya). Three Cretaceous fossils have strongly reduced, shortened elytra, with unexpected variation in elytral size and shape, whereas very small, modified elytra are found only in much younger Dominican amber. These morphologically diverse extinct lymexylids shed new light on the early origin and evolutionary history of elytra reduction and its diverse variation in the ship-timber beetles. Based on the striking morphological similarities with extant lymexylids, these extinct taxa might have had the same, or similar, ecological, behavioural, and flight modes as the extant ship-timber beetles.