Mating behavior of the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), as revealed by citizen science in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean / Comportamiento de apareamiento del tiburón limón Negaprion brevirostris (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), revelado por la ciencia ciudadana en el Océano Atlántico Ecuatorial

Introduction: Knowledge on the mating behavior and habitat requirements of large sharks, including the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris, is scarce, hampering conservation efforts. Objective: To describe an area in the Equatorial Atlantic used as a mating ground by N. brevirostris, as well as part of the species pre-copulatory behaviors based on citizen reports. Methods: Between 2004 and 2019, recreational divers, dive guides and rangers from the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FEN) recorded courtship behaviour, females with mating scars, pregnant females, and adult males. Results: N. brevirostris was recorded mating in shallow waters (0.5-2 m deep) during the austral summer (December to March). A specific location in the MPA, Buraco da Raquel lagoon, was the main aggregation and mating site for adult N. brevirostris in FEN. Conclusions: Citizen science records allowed the identification of shallow waters as key sites for the reproduction of this shark in FEN. Results highlight the potential of citizen science contributions to knowledge of sharks in nature and show MPAs as essential for habitat conservation of sharks with decreasing populations along the Brazilian coast, such as N. brevirostris. We present management recommendations to protect N. brevirostris there and elsewhere.

Introducción: El conocimiento sobre el comportamiento reproductivo y requisitos de hábitat de apareamiento de los tiburones grandes, incluido el tiburón limón, Negaprion brevirostris, es escaso, lo que dificulta los esfuerzos de conservación. Objetivo: Describir un área en el Océano Atlántico ecuatorial utilizada como zona de apareamiento y las interacciones precopulatorias del tiburón limón con base en informes proporcionados por ciencia ciudadana. Métodos: Buzos recreativos, guías de buceo y guardaparques del Área Marina Protegida (AMP) en el archipiélago Fernando de Noronha (FEN) llevaron registros de comportamientos de cortejo, hembras con cicatrices de apareamiento, hembras preñadas y machos adultos, entre 2004 y 2019. Resultados: Las aguas poco profundas entre 0.5 y 2 m de profundidad son utilizadas como áreas de apareamiento por N. brevirostris durante el verano austral (diciembre a marzo). Un lugar específico, dentro del AMP (laguna de Buraco da Raquel), fue identificado como el principal sitio de agregación y apareamiento de adultos de N. brevirostris en FEN. Conclusiones: Registros de ciencia ciudadana permitieron identificar aguas poco profundas como sitios clave para la reproducción de este tiburón en FEN. Los resultados resaltan el potencial de las contribuciones de la ciencia ciudadana al conocimiento de los tiburones en la naturaleza y muestran que las AMP son esenciales para la conservación del hábitat de tiburones con poblaciones decrecientes a lo largo de la costa brasileña, como N. brevirostris. Presentamos recomendaciones de gestión para proteger a N. Brevirostri, allí y en otros lugares.

Incidencia de la humedad relativa en la transmisión de la COVID-19 / Impact of relative humidity on COVID-19 transmission

Introducción: El nuevo patógeno SARS-CoV-2 presenta una rápida propagación, y es el causante de la enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Dado que este virus es reciente, el aumento de los casos de la enfermedad COVID-19 ha sido una gran amenaza, a lo que le ha sumado la no existencia de información contundente sobre la enfermedad, su transmisión, y su relación con las distintas variables ambientales. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de la humedad relativa en la transmisión de la COVID-19 en las regiones tropicales de Colombia. Métodos: Se analizaron los datos de humedad relativa y número de contagios diarios de COVID-19 de siete ciudades de Colombia ubicadas en la Región Caribe (Barranquilla y Sincelejo), Región Andina (Medellín, Bucaramanga, Armenia y Cúcuta), además de la Región Amazónica (Leticia). Se utilizó un modelo logístico generalizado para analizar los datos existentes y diseñar las curvas epidemiológicas. Resultados: Para todas las ciudades, de acuerdo con el modelo se encontraron altas correlaciones entre la humedad relativa (variable observada) y COVID-19 (variable predicha) con un R2 > 0,90. No obstante, se determinó si existía asociación entre las variables comparando el valor p con el nivel de significancia α del 0,05, se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa en las ciudades de Leticia, Barranquilla y Cúcuta. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que existe una relación directa entre la humedad relativa y la transmisión de COVID 19 en regiones tropicales de Colombia. De ahí que se plantee que el estudio aporta una herramienta importante para la toma de decisiones de las instituciones a cargo del control de la enfermedad, como los gobiernos nacionales y locales(AU)

Introduction: The new pathogen SARS-CoV-2 presents a rapid spread, and is the cause of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given that this virus is recent, the increase in cases of the COVID-19 disease has been a great threat, to which has been added the lack of conclusive information about the disease, its transmission, and its relationship with the different environmental variables. Objective: To determine the incidence of relative humidity in the transmission of COVID-19 in the tropical regions of Colombia. Methods: Relative humidity data and number of daily COVID-19 infections from seven cities in Colombia located in the Caribbean Region (Barranquilla and Sincelejo), Andean region (Medellín, Bucaramanga, Armenia and Cúcuta), as well as the Amazon Region (Leticia) were analyzed. A generalized logistic model was used to analyze existing data and design epidemiological curves. Results: For all cities, according to the model, high correlations were found between relative humidity (observed variable) and COVID-19 (predicted variable) with an R2 > 0.90. However, it was determined if there was an association between the variables by comparing the p-value with the level of significance α 0.05, a statistically significant association was found in the cities of Leticia, Barranquilla and Cúcuta. Conclusions: The results indicate that there is a direct relationship between relative humidity and the transmission of COVID 19 in tropical regions of Colombia. Hence, it is proposed that the study provides an important tool for the decision-making of the institutions in charge of the control of the disease, such as national and local governments(AU)

Etiology and outcome of febrile children coming from the tropics / Etiología del síndrome febril en el niño proveniente del trópico

Introduction: International travelers have grown significantly over last years, as well as imported diseases from tropical areas. Information in pediatric population is scarce. We describe demographic and clinical characteristics of febrile children coming from the tropics. Methods: Retrospective review of patients under 18 years old, presenting at a tertiary hospital and surrounding primary health care centers between July 2002 and July 2018 with a stay in a tropical region during the previous year. Patients were selected from microbiological charts of thick smears for malaria or dengue serologies. Results: 188 patients were studied: 52.7% were born in Spain with a median age of 3.0 years old (IQR 1.5–8.0). Main regions of stay were Sub-Saharan Africa (54.8%) and Latin America (29.8%), mostly for visiting their friends and relatives (56.3%), followed by recent arrival migrants (32.4%). Only 34% of travelers attended pre-travel consultation. More than 80% of these febrile children attended directly the Emergency Room. The most frequent diagnoses were febrile syndrome without source (56.4%), respiratory condition (15.4%) and acute diarrhea (11.7%). Around a half (52.1%) were managed as outpatients, but 46.2% were hospitalized and 7.4% were admitted to Intensive Care Unit. No specific diagnosis was achieved in 24% of cases. However, 29.7% were diagnosed with malaria. Conclusion: Children with fever coming from tropical areas were at risk of severe infectious diseases. Malaria was diagnosed in one out of four and 7% required admission in PICU. This information emphasizes the need of reinforcing training about tropical diseases among first line physicians.(AU)

Introducción: Los viajes internacionales han aumentado en los últimos años, así como las enfermedades importadas. Los datos en edad pediátrica son escasos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas del niño con fiebre que viene del trópico. Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes menores de 18 años que, tras una estancia en zona tropical en el último año, acuden con fiebre a un hospital terciario y centros de salud de área entre julio de 2002 y julio de 2018. Se seleccionaron a través de los registros de gotas gruesas o serologías de dengue. Resultados: Se incluyeron 188 pacientes. El 52,7% habían nacido en España, con edad mediana de 3 años (RIC 1,5-8,0). Las regiones de procedencia del viaje fueron África Sub-Sahariana (54,8%) y Latinoamérica (29,8%). Los motivos principales fueron visitar a allegados (56,3%), seguidos de inmigrantes de llegada reciente (32,4%). Solo el 34% de los viajeros habían realizado consulta pre-viaje. Más del 80% acudieron directamente a Urgencias. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron síndrome febril sin focalidad (56,4%), enfermedad respiratoria (15,4%) y diarrea aguda (11,7%). La mitad (52,1%) fueron dados de alta, pero 46,2% fueron ingresados, y el 7,4% requirió Cuidados Intensivos. No se halló una etiología específica en el 24% de los casos. Sin embargo, el 29,7% tuvieron malaria. Conclusión: El síndrome febril en un niño procedente del trópico puede implicar enfermedades graves. Uno de cada cuatro tuvo malaria, y el 7% requirió cuidados intensivos. Por ello, es necesario reforzar la formación en enfermedades tropicales en los médicos de primera línea.(AU)

Hemorragia alveolar pulmonar como presentación poco frecuente de infección por Leptospira spp: una enfermedad ocupacional del personal militar en zonas tropicales / Pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage as an unusual presentation of Leptospira spp: an occupational-disease of military personnel in tropical zones

Resumen La leptospirosis es una de las zoonosis endémicas más importantes en el mundo con un aumento de la incidencia en los últimos años. En el personal militar podría ser catalogada como una enfermedad ocupacional dado sus actividades específicas en áreas rurales. Su presentación clínica es variable siendo en la mayoría de los casos una enfermedad febril autolimitada. De acuerdo con diversos factores dependientes del patógeno y del hospedero pueden presentarse manifestaciones severas de la enfermedad dentro de la cual destaca el compromiso pulmonar con una alta tasa de mortalidad. Existe evidencia del uso de esteroide sistémico como parte del tratamiento de esta complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente joven, militar, que debuta con síndrome de hemorragia alveolar difusa secundario a leptospirosis y presenta una excelente respuesta al tratamiento con altas dosis de metilprednisolona, con una discusión del proceso diagnóstico y aspectos fisiopatológicos de esta condición.

Leptospirosis is one of the most important endemic zoonoses in the world with an increase in incidence in recent years. In military personnel it could be classified as an occupational disease given their specific activities in rural areas. Its clinical presentation is variable being in most cases a self-limited febrile disease. According to various factors dependent on the pathogen and the host, severe manifestations of the disease may occur within which the pulmonary involvement with a high mortality rate stands out. There is evidence of systemic steroid use as part of the treatment of this complication. We present a case of a young, military patient who debuts with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage syndrome secondary to leptospirosis and presents an excellent response to treatment with high doses of methylprednisolone, with a discussion of the diagnostic process and pathophysiological aspects of this condition.

Miasis foruncular causada por Dermatobia hominis en Ecuador / Furuncular myasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in Ecuador

Las miasis humanas son ectoparasitosis causadas por larvas de varias especies de moscas que producen distintas formas clínicas, afectan piel, cavidades y heridas. Estas prevalecen en regiones tropicales. Se presenta un caso de miasis foruncular en un hombre de 32 años, turista, infestado en una zona tropical húmeda de la región costera del Pacífico del Ecuador. Acude a consulta con un cuadro clínico de 30 días de evolución, y refiere picadura de insecto que creció hasta formar elevación indurada prurítica, no dolorosa, en piel de flanco izquierdo del abdomen. Al examen físico se observó una lesión foruncular de 3 x 2 cm rodeada de placa eritematosa con el centro abierto observándose un agujero central que descargaba un líquido sero-sanguinolento con movimientos. Por extracción manual se obtuvo una sola larva que por sus características externas se identificó como Dermatobia hominis. El resto del examen físico y exámenes de laboratorio fueron normales. Las actividades turísticas o de trabajo a estas zonas tropicales expone a las personas al riesgo de contraer miasis, por ende, es necesario información y medidas de prevención(AU)

Human myases are ectoparasitic infections caused by larvae of several fly species. They present various clinical manifestations, affecting the skin, cavities and wounds. Myases prevail in tropical regions. A case is presented of furuncular myasis in a male 32-year-old tourist infected in a humid tropical area from the Pacific coastal region of Ecuador. The patient presented with a clinical status of 30 days' evolution, reporting an insect bite that grew to form a painless indurated pruritic nodule on the skin of his left flank of the abdomen. Physical examination found a 3 x 2 cm furuncular lesion surrounded by erythematous plaque and an open center which discharged a serosanguineous fluid with movement. A single larva was obtained by manual extraction, which was identified as Dermatobia hominis based on its external characteristics. The remaining physical examination and laboratory tests were normal. Tourist and work activities in these tropical areas expose people to the risk of contracting myasis. Information and prevention measures are therefore necessary(AU)

Stingless bee honeys from Soconusco, Chiapas: a complementary approach / Mieles de abejas sin aguijón del Soconusco, Chiapas: enfoque complementario

Abstract Stingless bees are located in the tropic areas, and produced a sweet natural substance called pot honey, with different properties and uses. Recently, most studies are focused on characterizing them, in order to contribute to their knowledge and the establishment of quality laws. Thus physicochemical, acceptance and palynological studies were performed in stingless bee honeys from Soconusco, Chiapas, in order to learn and contribute to their knowledge in the Tropics. Nine honey samples were collected from Melipona solani (Ms), M. beecheii (Mb) and Scaptotrigona mexicana (Sm) in different meliponaries. Our results registered physicochemical values that ranged as follow; pH 2.8-4.8, electrical conductivity (EC) 114-1211 μS/cm, free acidity 24-100 meq/kg, aw 59-71 g/100g, moisture 35-38 %, color 0.13-0.75 Pfund scale, reducing sugars 47-71 %, hidroxymethylfurfural (HMF) not determined - 2.72 mg/100g, and diastase activity 1.92-11.22 DN. On the other hand, the principal component analysis (PCA) of physicochemical values showed that 86.9 % of the total variability between species was explained by the following parameters aw, moisture, free acidity, color, pH, sugars and EC. Sm honeys were associated (PCA) with a higher water content, free acidity and darker colors, while Melipona honeys with a sweeter taste and a lower diastase activity; thus honeys could be grouped by genera. The acceptance test showed that 78 % of honeys were preferred, being the SmCa sample in the category "I likely dislike" due to the bitter taste (disapproved by consumers). The melisopalynological results showed that M. beecheii honeys are monofloral with a 45 % of Fabaceae pollen, while Melipona solani and Scaptotrigona mexicana honeys are multi or polyfloral with diferent pollen types; Fabaceae, Melastomataceae, Malvaceae and Asteraceae. From this complementary study we can asume that it is necessary to implicate researchers with producers, so they could have accesss to stingless bee honey analysis and to help them to improve meliponaries management by identifying and introducing stingless bee flora.(AU)

Resumen En las regiones tropicales se ubican las abejas sin aguijón, las cuales producen una sustancia dulce denominada miel de cántaro con propiedades y usos diferentes a los de las abejas melíferas (Apis mellifera). Actualmente, se han desarrollado diversos trabajos enfocados a su caracterización, con la finalidad de contribuir con su conocimiento y el establecimiento de estándares de calidad. En este estudio se realizaron estudios fisicoquímicos, de aceptación y palinológicos en mieles de abejas sin aguijón de Soconusco, Chiapas. Se recolectaron nueve muestras de miel de las siguientes especies: Melipona solani (Ms), M. beecheii (Mb) y Scaptotrigona mexicana (Sm) en diferentes meliponarios. Nuestros resultados registraron valores fisicoquímicos que variaron de la siguiente manera: pH 2.8-4.8, conductividad eléctrica (CE) 114-1 211 μS/cm, acidez libre 24-100 meq/kg, aw 59-71 g/100 g, humedad 35-38 %, color 0.13-0.75 escala Pfund, azúcares reductores 47-71 %, hidroximetilfurfural (HMF) no determinado - 2.72 mg/100 g, y actividad de la días-tasa 1.92-11.22 ND. Por otro lado, el análisis del componente principal (PCA) de los valores fisicoquímicos mostró que el 86.9 % de la variabilidad total entre las especies se explica por los siguientes parámetros: aw, humedad, acidez libre, color, pH, azúcares y CE. Las mieles de Sm (PCA) se asociaron con un mayor contenido de agua, acidez libre y colores más oscuros, mientras que las mieles de Melipona con un sabor más dulce y una actividad de días-tasa más baja; por lo tanto, las mieles podrían agruparse por géneros. La prueba de aceptación mostró que el 78 % de las mieles eran preferidas, siendo la muestra de SmCa en la categoría "Probablemente no me gusta" debido al sabor amargo (desaprobado por los consumidores). Los resultados melisopalinológicos mostraron que las mieles de M. beecheii son monoflorales con un 45 % de polen de Fabaceae, mientras que las mieles de M. solani y S. mexicana son multi o poliflorales con diferentes tipos de polen: Fabaceae, Melastomataceae, Malvaceae y Asteraceae. De este estudio complementario observamos que se requiere poner en contacto a investigadores y productores, para que el acceso a los análisis de las mieles de abejas sin aguijón sea posible, y así mismo se pueda ayudar con el mejoramiento del manejo de los melionarios al momento de identificar e introducir la flora preferida por las abejas sin aguijón.(AU)

PLECT: enfermedades tropicales de manifestación verrucosa / PLECT: tropical manifestation diseases verrucosa

Cada día es más habitual ver en nuestra consulta médica enfermedades dermatológicas endémicas de zonas tropicales, gracias a los flujos migratorios recientes y aumento del turismo hacia el extranjero. Presentamos un acrónimo muy utilizado en Brasil, PLECT, que reúne a enfermedades infecciosas que deben tenerse en mente en el diferencial de lesiones verrucosas, a saber, Paracoccidiodomicosis, Leishmaniasis Tegumentar, Esporotricosis, Cromomicosis y Tuberculosis Cutánea.

Increasingly, it is more common to see dermatological diseases that are endemic in tropical areas in our medical practice, thanks to recent migratory flows and increased tourism abroad. We present an acronym widely used in Brazil, PLECT, which brings together infectious diseases that should be borne in mind in the differential of verrucous lesions, namely, Paracoccidiodomicosis, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Sporotrichosis, Chromomycosis and Cutaneous Tuberculosis.

Síndromes febriles en el viajero que regresa de regiones tropicales atendidos en una unidad monográfica / Febrile syndromes in the traveler returning from tropical regions admitted in a monographic unit

Introducción. El objetivo fue analizar los síndromes febriles en pacientes que regresan de regiones tropicales, atendidos en la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical (UEIMT) de nuestro centro. El conocimiento de estas enfermedades persigue realizar un diagnóstico precoz y, de esta forma, evitar la emergencia y diseminación de enfermedades importadas, así como establecer actividades preventivas adecuadas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, seleccionando de la cohorte de viajeros atendidos en la UEIMT entre 1998 y 2013 aquéllos que consultaban al regreso con fiebre (n = 247). Se analizaron las características demográficas relativas al viaje, así como motivos de consulta y el diagnóstico final. Resultados. Se incluyeron 241 viajeros con fiebre al regreso. Los diagnósticos más comunes fueron: fiebre autolimitada sin foco (29,1%), malaria (25,1%), gastroenteritis invasiva (15,4%), otras infecciones bacterianas (7,4%) e infecciones parenquimatosas genitourinarias (4,5%). De todos los casos sólo un 8,5% requirió ingreso hospitalario, no registrándose ningún caso de mortalidad. Conclusiones. En la serie presentada existen datos comunes con otras publicadas (malaria como enfermedad fundamental, dificultades en el diagnóstico) y otros diferentes (menor número de consultas pre-viaje e ingresos, mayor incidencia de prostatitis y menor número de casos de dengue) (AU)

Background. The aim was to analyse those syndromes with fever in travellers who return from tropical regions evaluated at our Department of Infectology and Tropical Medicine. Clarifying these conditions intends to reach earlier diagnoses and, perhaps, to avoid the emergence and spread of imported diseases, as well as to establish appropriate preventive measures. Methods. An observational descriptive transversal study was performed, selecting those patients who returned from tropical regions with fever, amongst all travellers evaluated in our department between 1998 and 2013. We analysed demographic features, information related to the trip, as well as the presenting complaints and the diagnoses. Results. A total of 247 international travellers presenting with fever were analysed. The most common diagnoses were self-limiting fever (29.1%), malaria (25.1%), invasive gastroenteritis (15.4%), other bacterial infections (7.4%) and genitourinary parenchymal infections (4.5%). Of all the cases, only 8.5% required hospitalization, and no case of mortality was recorded. Conclusions. In the series presented, there are common data with other published data (malaria as a fundamental disease, difficulties in diagnosis) and different ones (less number of pre-trip consultations and admissions, higher incidence of prostatitis and fewer dengue cases) (AU)

Biologia reprodutiva do Hassar affinis (Pisces: Siluriformes, Doradidae), Lago de Viana, Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão, Brasil / Reproductive biology of Hassar affinis (Pisces: Siluriformes, Doradidae), Lake of Viana, Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão Brazil

The study of reproductive biology is important to determine protective measures for the maintenance of fish stocks. Thus, this study aimed to determine some aspects of the reproductive biology of Hassar affinis in the Lake of Viana, at the Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão, Brazil. A total of 147 specimens were used in the study. They came from commercial fishing, collected in the period between February 2012 and January 2013. In the laboratory, they were weighed and body traits measured. A longitudinal incision was made ventrally in order to macroscopically observe the gonads. After that, they were fixed in Bouin solution for microscopic analysis and Gilson solution for analysis of fertility. Negative allometry was recorded for both genders, indicating greater increase in length than by weight. The sex ratio for the entire period was 3.4 females per 1 male. There was a greater reproductive activity in the bimesters February/March and April/May, which indicates that the reproductive period of this species occur in these months. The average absolute fecundity is estimated in 47,211 oocytes. The first sexual maturity is reached at 11.52 cm. Based on these data, management measures are suggested, defining the reproductive for this species from February to May, and setting minimum catching size of 11.5 cm and, furthermore, it is suggested the development of other work at monthly intervals.

O estudo da biologia reprodutiva é importante para determinar medidas protetivas visando à manutenção dos estoques pesqueiros. Desta forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os aspectos da reprodução de Hassar affinis no Lago de Viana, Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão, Brasil. Os 147 espécimes foram provenientes da pesca comercial, coletados no período de fevereiro de 2012 a janeiro de 2013. Em laboratório, procedeu-se com a pesagem e medidas de cada indivíduo e posteriormente foi feita uma incisão ventro-longitudinal a fim de observar macroscopicamente as gônadas. Em seguida, foram fixadas em Solução de Bouin para análise microscópica e em Solução de Gilson para análise da fecundidade. A alometria negativa foi registrada para ambos os sexos, indicando maior incremento em comprimento do que em peso. A proporção sexual para o período total foi de 3,4 fêmeas para cada 1 macho. Houve maior intensidade reprodutiva nos bimestres fevereiro/março e abril/maio, indicando o período reprodutivo da espécie. Estima-se fecundidade absoluta média de 47.211 ovócitos. A primeira maturidade sexual é alcançada com 11,52 cm. A partir desses dados, portanto, são sugeridas medidas de gerenciamento, como o estabelecimento do período de reprodução da espécie durante os meses de fevereiro a maio, definição do tamanho mínimo de captura de 11,5 cm e, além disso, sugere-se o desenvolvimento de outros trabalhos com periodicidade mensal.

Perspectiva del manejo homeopático de las enfermedades tropicales / Perspective of homeopathic management of tropical diseases

Se calcula que cerca de 2700 millones de personas en el mundo viven en condiciones de pobreza y más de 1000 millones de personas se encuentran afectadas por una o varias enfermedades tropicales desatendidas. Las poblaciones más vulnerables son aquellas que viven en condiciones socioeconómicas de pobreza, las comunidades indígenas y los afrodescendientes. La OMS ha encaminado estrategias de integración en salud, que abarquen la problemática global de estas comunidades y en un marco de inclusión resalta los aportes que las Medicinas Tradicionales y Complementarias pueden proporcionar en la atención primaria de las enfermedades. La homeopatía, ha contribuido a través de la historia al control y tratamiento de las enfermedades epidémicas e incursiona en la investigación científica dando a conocer su utilidad en los distintos ámbitos de manejo de las Enfermedades Tropicales. Objetivo: Identificar las perspectivas del uso de la homeopatía como sistema médico complejo en el manejo de las enfermedades tropicales. Metodología: abordaje de tipo descriptivo, se realizó la búsqueda de la literatura disponible en diferentes bases de datos indexadas usando términos MeSH y palabras clave de interés. Resultados: Se encontró un total de 734 artículos en las bases de datos seleccionadas, estos artículos fueron distribuidos así: 558 para Malaria, 46 para Enfermedad de Chagas, 61 para Leishmaniasis, 64 para Dengue y 8 para Chikungunya. Del total de artículos se seleccionaron 24 que cumplieron con el criterio de selección y fueron clasificados como sigue: 6 en Malaria, 8 en Enfermedad de Chagas, 3 en Leishmaniasis, 5 en Dengue y 2 en Chikungunya. Conclusiones: La homeopatía ha presentado avances en términos de investigación y plantea tratamientos encaminados al uso de medicamentos constitucionales, del Genio epidémico y Nosodes para el manejo de las Enfermedades Tropicales con fines preventivos y de forma coadyuvante con la Medicina Convencional

The epidemiology of scorpion stings in tropical areas of Kermanshah province, Iran, during 2008 and 2009

Background Scorpion stings are an acute health problem in tropical regions. Awareness of this problem is fundamental for establishing preventive interventions, thus prompting the present study to determine the scorpion-sting incidence in tropical areas of Kermanshah province during 2008 and 2009. Methods In a retrospective study, all records related to scorpion sting patients from the health centers of tropical areas of Kermanshah were studied by a census and checklist. Data were analyzed by the software SPSS-16 using descriptive and inferential tests. Results The incidence of scorpion stings was 334.37/100,000 inhabitants in 2008 and 339.07/100000 in 2009. Mean and standard deviation of age were 30.55 ± 16.99. Scorpion stings were more common in rural areas (59.6 %) and occurred more often in summer (52.9 %). Nearly 48 % of bites were to patients hands and 47.5 % of patients were injured between midnight and 6 a.m. While 92.9 % of patients had mild symptoms, scorpion antivenom was prescribed to 88.8 % of victims, 94.5 % of whom were discharged after outpatient treatment. The relationship between antivenom therapy and clinical symptoms was not significant. Conclusions Due to the relatively high incidence of scorpion stings in tropical areas of Kermanshah, it is recommended that the inhabitants be educated through the mass media about how to prevent the stings and apply preliminary treatment.

Enfermedades infecciosas desatendidas: un permanente reto para la salud pública y la equidad en el Perú / Neglected infectious diseases: an ongoing challenge for public health and equity in peru

Las enfermedades infecciosas desatendidas (EID) afectan a más de mil millones de personas en el mundo, y están asociadas con la pobreza, el aislamiento geográfico de las poblaciones, la estigmatización social, la escasez de datos sobre estimaciones de la carga de enfermedad local y mundial (subregistro de la enfermedad), insuficientes recursos políticos y financieros para su control, falta de grupos de presión de parte de la población más vulnerable, escasos fármacos y métodos de diagnóstico. En este artículo se describe la relación entre las EID la pobreza e inequidad, se propone un nuevo concepto de enfermedad en el trópico, la ampliación de la lista de enfermedades en el contexto del Perú que comparten las características de las EID, la escasa disponibilidad de medicamentos y pruebas de diagnóstico para enfrentar adecuadamente estas enfermedades, los aportes que viene haciendo el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Ministerio de Salud del Perú en este contexto, y como consideraciones finales se menciona que la solución para la prevención y control de las EID debe ser integral, con un abordaje desde las determinantes sociales de la salud y en el contexto de la lucha contra la pobreza y la inequidad...

Neglected Infectious Diseases (NID) affect more than one billion people worldwide, and are associated with poverty, geographic isolation of populations, social stigma, lack of precise data on estimates on both the global and local burden of disease (underreporting of the diseases), inadequate financial and political resources to effective control measures, lack of lobbying on behalf of the most vulnerable population, as well as scarce drug and diagnostic methods development. In this article we describe the relationship between NID, poverty and inequality, we propose a new concept of disease in the tropics, expanding the list of diseases that share characteristics with NID in the Peruvian context, discuss the limited availability of drugs and diagnostic tests to properly deal with these diseases, as well as highlight the contributions by the Peruvian National Institute of Health, and as final thoughts, we state that the solution for the prevention and control of NID must include an integrated approach, including the social determinants of health in the context of the fight against poverty and inequality...

Enfermedades infecciosas desatendidas: un permanente reto para la salud pública y la equidad en el Perú / Neglected infectious diseases: an ongoing challenge for public health and equity in peru

Las enfermedades infecciosas desatendidas (EID) afectan a más de mil millones de personas en el mundo, y están asociadas con la pobreza, el aislamiento geográfico de las poblaciones, la estigmatización social, la escasez de datos sobre estimaciones de la carga de enfermedad local y mundial (subregistro de la enfermedad), insuficientes recursos políticos y financieros para su control, falta de grupos de presión de parte de la población más vulnerable, escasos fármacos y métodos de diagnóstico. En este artículo se describe la relación entre las EID la pobreza e inequidad, se propone un nuevo concepto de enfermedad en el trópico, la ampliación de la lista de enfermedades en el contexto del Perú que comparten las características de las EID, la escasa disponibilidad de medicamentos y pruebas de diagnóstico para enfrentar adecuadamente estas enfermedades, los aportes que viene haciendo el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Ministerio de Salud del Perú en este contexto, y como consideraciones finales se menciona que la solución para la prevención y control de las EID debe ser integral, con un abordaje desde las determinantes sociales de la salud y en el contexto de la lucha contra la pobreza y la inequidad. (AU)

Neglected Infectious Diseases (NID) affect more than one billion people worldwide, and are associated with poverty, geographic isolation of populations, social stigma, lack of precise data on estimates on both the global and local burden of disease (underreporting of the diseases), inadequate financial and political resources to effective control measures, lack of lobbying on behalf of the most vulnerable population, as well as scarce drug and diagnostic methods development. In this article we describe the relationship between NID, poverty and inequality, we propose a new concept of disease in the tropics, expanding the list of diseases that share characteristics with NID in the Peruvian context, discuss the limited availability of drugs and diagnostic tests to properly deal with these diseases, as well as highlight the contributions by the Peruvian National Institute of Health, and as final thoughts, we state that the solution for the prevention and control of NID must include an integrated approach, including the social determinants of health in the context of the fight against poverty and inequality. (AU)

Úlceras tropicales: la que se nos viene encima / Tropical ulcers: that is upon us

Las úlceras en piel propias de las llamadas enfermedades del trópico seconsideran como de baja prevalencia en nuestras sociedades desarrolladas.Pero la úlcera tropical o fagedénica, aquella propia de la lepra o las que semanifiestan en diferentes parasitosis, cada vez nos llaman más la atención; enparte, por la teórica influencia de la inmigración en nuestra civilización y elmiedo a la enfermedad de afuera que lleva implícita, en parte por el turismoaventurero que muchas veces las incorpora como recuerdo del viaje a tierraslejanas. La realidad es que este tipo de lesiones merece, tanto por sugravedad como por su impacto en nuestra cultura, de los cuidados que hastael día de hoy las veía como algo lejano y ajeno, un interés concreto que lasdefina, concretice y clasifique. En cuanto al comportamiento de la cura enambiente húmedo de estas úlceras, poco sabemos por propia experiencia yaún menos en su uso como parte del tratamiento en países de esta zona delmundo, donde una pobreza extensiva condiciona la disponibilidad derecursos para el cuidado. Pero ponerse en sobre aviso con la informaciónsuficiente, nos permitirá casi siempre identificar precozmente estas lesionesy, de la misma forma, encauzar el tratamiento local más efectivo. (AU)

The sores in skin own of the so called diseases of the tropic, they are consideredlike of fall prevalencia in our developed societies. But the tropical sore orfagedénica, proper that one of the leprosy or those who demonstrate in differentparasitosis, every time they are called us more the attention; partly for thetheoretical influence of the immigration in our civilization and the fear of thedisease of out that implicit ride, partly for the adventurous tourism that oftenincorporates them as recollection of the trip to distant lands. The reality is that this type of injuries deserves so much for his your gravity, since for his yourimpact in our culture of the elegant ones, that until today it saw them assomething distant and foreign, a concrete interest that defines them, concreticeand classifies. As for the behavior of it recovers in humid environment of thesesores, little we know for proper experience and even less in his your use as reportof the treatment in countries of this zone of the world, where an extensive povertydetermines the availability of resources for the care. But to put in on notice withthe sufficient information, itwill allow us always to identify almost prematurely,these injuries and of the same form to channel the most effective local treatment (AU)

Ecomorphological patterns of the fish assemblage in a tropical floodplain: effects of trophic, spatial and phylogenetic structures

Ecomorphological patterns of the fish assemblage from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil, were described and evaluated according to trophic (guilds), spatial (habitats) and phylogenetic (taxonomic distances) structures. The samples were obtained through the Long Term Research Project (LTER-CNPq/UEM/NUPELIA) in August and October 2001. Thirty-five species were analyzed from thirty-one morphological variables. Strong significant correlations (Mantel test) between morphology and trophic guilds and between morphology and taxonomy were found, while morphology and habitat revealed a weak correlation. However, the partial Mantel test showed that the correlations between morphology and trophic guilds persist even when the effect of taxonomy is discounted. The ecomorphological pattern shown by the Principal Component Analysis separated species according to locomotion structures used in feeding. At one extreme there are the piscivores and insectivores that exploit lentic habitats and have compressed bodies and well developed anal fins, while at the other there are detritivores and invertivores that exploit lotic and semi-lotic habitats and have depressed bodies and well developed pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins. Canonical Discriminant Analysis using ecomorphological variables successfully predicted 94.5 percent of the trophic guild ecomorphotypes, but only 57.1 percent of the habitat ecomorphotypes. These data indicate that the fish assemblage of the upper Paraná River floodplain is structured ecomorphologically mainly according to trophic structure rather than habitat.

Este trabalho objetivou descrever e avaliar os padrões ecomorfológicos da assembleia de peixes da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, Brasil, analisando os efeitos das estruturas trófica (guildas), espacial (tipos de habitats) e filogenética (distância taxonômica). Trinta e cinco espécies foram analisadas a partir de 31 variáveis morfológicas obtidas de espécimes coletados em agosto e outubro de 2001 no âmbito do Projeto Ecológico de Longa Duração (PELD-CNPq/UEM/NUPELIA). O teste de Mantel revelou que há correlação significativa das distâncias morfológicas com guildas tróficas e distâncias taxonômicas, enquanto com os tipos de habitats a correlação se mostrou fraca. Contudo, o teste de Mantel parcial demonstrou que a correlação da morfologia com as guildas tróficas independe da filogenia. O padrão de diversificação ecomorfológica apresentado pela Análise de Componentes Principais revelou um gradiente ecomorfológico relacionado à locomoção associada à ecologia trófica. Em um extremo estão espécies de piscívoros e insetívoros que exploram preferencialmente habitats lênticos com corpos comprimidos e nadadeiras anais desenvolvidas, enquanto no outro extremo estão os detritívoros e invertívoros que exploram preferencialmente habitats lóticos e semi-lóticos e apresentam corpos deprimidos e nadadeiras peitorais, pélvicas e caudais desenvolvidas. A Análise Discriminante Canônica realizada com os índices ecomorfológicos previu com sucesso 94,5 por cento dos ecomorfotipos relacionados às guildas tróficas e apenas 57,1 por cento dos ecomorfotipos que exploram os diferentes habitats analisados. Conclui-se que a assembleia de peixes da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná está estruturada ecomorfologicamente, revelando-se mais influenciada pela estrutura trófica do que pela espacial.

Changes in the structure of fish assemblages in streams along an undisturbed-impacted gradient, upper Paraná River basin, Central Brazil

The João Leite River is located in the upper Paraná basin, Central Brazil. It drains areas covered by Cerrado vegetation interspersed with urban and agricultural areas. This study aims to asses changes of the fish assembleges structure along a undisturbed-impacted gradient in ten stream stretches using ecological descriptors, a similarity index and the abundance-biomass relationship (ABC curves). The fish were collected during the dry period using electrofishing gear in stretches of 50 m. Results show that the environmental variation observed along the undisturbed-impacted gradient considered influences on fish assemblage structure. Both richness and diversity differences between fish assemblages are partially influenced by stream stretch orthonian order and anthropogenic impacts. ABC curves classified six stream stretches located in preserved or impacted areas as undisturbed while four stretches were classified as disturbed. This is attributed to the influence of the undisturbed habitat within the conservation unit and the presence of K- or r- strategist species. This type of study contributes to an understanding of the effects of aquatic environment conservation on the Brazilian Cerrado core area, where the choice of conservation areas prioritizes terrestrial over aquatic aspects.

O ribeirão João Leite está localizado no alto da bacia do rio Paraná, Brasil Central, onde drena áreas cobertas por vegetação tipo Cerrado intercaladas com áreas urbanas e agrícolas. Este estudo objetiva avaliar as mudanças na estrutura das assembleias de peixes ao longo de um gradiente ambiental (não perturbado-impactado) em trechos de dez riachos utilizando descritores ecológicos, um índice de similaridade e a relação abundância-biomassa (curvas ABC). Os peixes foram coletados durante o período da estiagem em trechos de 50 m utilizando a pesca elétrica. Os resultados indicam que a variabilidade ambiental observada ao longo do gradiente considerado influencia na estrutura das assembleias de peixes. As diferenças observadas entre a riqueza e diversidade das assembleias de peixes são parcialmente influenciadas pela ordem do riacho e os impactos antropogênicos. As curvas ABC classificam seis trechos localizados em áreas preservadas ou impactadas como não perturbados e quatro como perturbados. Isto é atribuído à influência do habitat preservado presente na unidade de conservação e à presença de espécies com estratégias K- ou r-. Este tipo de estudo contribui ao entendimento dos efeitos da conservação do ambiente aquático na área central do Cerrado brasileiro, onde as escolhas de áreas de conservação dão prioridade aos aspectos terrestres em detrimento dos aquáticos.

Redescription of Astyanax erythropterus (Holmberg, 1891) (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae) from La Plata basin in Argentina

Astyanax erythropterus (Holmberg, 1891) originally described on the basis of one juvenile, is redescribed herein based on juveniles and adults from the type-localiy. The species differs from its congeners by the combination of 11-13 transverse rows scales above lateral line and 8-10 rows below lateral line; 49-54 perforated scales in the lateral series; iii-v,38-42 anal-fin rays, and dorsal, anal and caudal fins vermilion red in juveniles. The vermilion red coloration of unpaired fins in juveniles of Astyanax is only known in A. correntinus.

Astyanax erythropterus (Holmberg, 1891) originalmente descripta sobre la base de un ejemplar juvenil, es redescripta en base a ejemplares juveniles y adultos de la localidad tipo. La especie se diferencia de sus congéneres por la combinación de 11-13 hileras de escamas transversas por encima de la línea lateral y 8-10 hileras debajo de la línea lateral; 49-54 escamas perforadas en las serie lateral; iii-v,38-42 radios en la aleta anal y juveniles con las aletas dorsal, anal y caudal rojo bermellón. Aletas impares rojo bermellón en ejemplares juveniles de Astyanax son solo conocidas en A. correntinus.

Desempenho de novilhas Holandês na produção de embriões F1 Holandês-Zebu, em condições tropicais / Performance of Holstein heifers for F1 Holstein-Zebu embryo production, in tropical conditions

A produção in vivo de embriões bovinos é uma alternativa para a formação e manutenção de rebanhos mestiços F1 destinados à produção de leite. Objetivou-se estudar o potencial de utilização de novilhas da raça Holandês, mantidas em pasto e suplementadas, como doadoras de embrião, nas épocas de verão e inverno. Procederam-se superovulação e coleta de embriões em sete novilhas em cada época. Foram obtidos os dados climáticos, a temperatura retal e a frequência respiratória das doadoras. No verão, observou-se maior índice de temperatura e umidade (ITU) às 6h, 12h e 18h, bem como maior (P0,05) na média de estruturas recuperadas (20,14±17,47 vs. 8,57±9,40), embriões viáveis (14,57±11,91 vs. 7,14±7,24) e congeláveis (13,28±11,39 vs. 6,57±6,24) obtidos no inverno e no verão, respectivamente. Sob as condições estudadas, novilhas da raça Holandês podem ser utilizadas para a produção de embriões F1, tanto no verão, quanto no inverno.

In vivo embryo production (embryo transfer) is an alternative for F1 dairy herds formation and maintenance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of utilization of grazing and supplemented Holstein heifers as embryo donors in summer or winter. Superovulation was performed in seven heifers on each season. Climatic parameters, as well as rectal temperature and respiratory rate of donors were measured. Temperature and humidity index (THI) was higher (p0.05). Holstein heifers can be used as embryo donors in both summer and winter, under the given conditions.

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum in free-living Bradypus variegatus (Schiz, 1825) in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Dermatofitose por Microsporum canis e Microsporum gypseum em Bradypus variegatus (Schiz, 1825) de vida livre no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Three cases of dermatophytosis in free living brown-throated three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) in the Zona da Mata, North of Pernambuco State, Brazil, were studied. Two animals presented areas of alopecia on the pelvic member and thorax and one animal on the pelvic member only. The three animals presented scabs. Hair and scabs samples were submitted to microscopical examination after treatment with a 30 percent KOH and cultivated in Mycosel Agar. The direct examination indicated the presence of arthrospores in the hair. Colonies grown after seven days of culture were confirmed as Microsporum based on examination of the structure of the macroconidia. This is the first observation of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum in free living sloths in the State of Pernambuco.

Foram estudados três casos de dermatofitose em preguiças-de-garganta-marrom (Bradypus variegatus) de vida livre na Zona da Mata, Norte do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Dois animais apresentavam áreas de alopecia nos membros pélvicos e torácicos e um apenas no membro pélvico. Em todos os animais foi observada a presença de crostas. As amostras de pêlos e crostas foram submetidas ao exame microscópico direto com KOH a 30 por cento e cultivo em Ágar Mycosel. Ao exame direto foram observados artrosporos nos pêlos e sete dias após o cultivo foram observadas colônias sugestivas do gênero Microsporum, confirmadas através da observação da estrutura dos macroconídeos. Trata-se do primeiro relato de ocorrência de dermatofitose por Microsporum canis e Microsporum gypseum em preguiças de vida livre no Estado de Pernambuco.