Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Sibynophis (Serpentes: Colubroidea)

Os resultados apresentados correspondem à primeira análise molecular feita acerca das afinidades filogenéticas do gênero Sibynophis, um colubróideo de origem asiática. Sibynophis aparece como sendo o grupo-irmão do gênero Neotropical Scaphiodontophis. Embora Liophidium esteja por vezes associado a estes dois gêneros, a sua relação é apenas distante. Os caracteres morfológicos compartilhados entre Liophidium, Sibynophis e Scaphiodontophis correspondem a homoplasias que refletem provavelmente os hábitos alimentares especializados semelhantes, presentes nos três gêneros em questão. A tradicional subfamília Sibynophiinae é elevada ao nível de família, enquanto que Scaphiodontophiinae passa para sua sinonímia.We present the results of the first molecular analysis of the phylogenetic affinities of the Asian colubroid genus Sibynophis. We recovered a sister-group relationship between Sibynophis and the New World Scaphiodontophis. Although Liophidium sometimes is associated with these genera, the relationship is distant. Morphological characters that Liophidium shares with Sibynophis and Scaphiodontophis are resolved as homoplasies that probably reflect the similarities of their specialized feeding habits. The traditional subfamily Sibynophiinae is elevated to the family-level, and Scaphiodontophiinae is placed in its synonymy

Ingesta dietética e índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina mexicanos, estratificados por historia familiar de Diabetes Tipo 2

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the dietary intake and anthropometric indices in medical students with positive family history of type 2 diabetes (FH-T2D)(+) and without FH-T2D(-).Material and methods: 144 students were analyzed in this cross-sectional, observational study, conducted during the 2017-2018 school year using interviews and 7-day food diary. The participants were characterized anthropometrically. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), corrected mid-arm muscle area (MAMA), fat arm index (FAI), and tricipital skinfold (TSF) were calculated. Results: we found that 79.2% (95%CI: 72.5- 85.8) had FH-T2D. BMI was significantly higher in the participants with FH-T2D than without (23.7±3.8 v 25.0±3.7, respectively, p<0.05). No significant differences were determined in the indices based on central fat distribution (WHtR and WHR), peripheral distribution (FAI and TSF), or muscle mass (MAMA), when stratified by FH-T2D. Regarding dietary intake, when comparing participants with and without FH-T2D, respectively, we observed low/none legume consumption [30% (95%CI: 21.4-38.2) vs 23% (95%CI: 8.2-38.5)], diets high in proteins [38.6% (95%CI: 29.7-47.5) vs 46.7% (95%CI: 28.8-64.5)], low in carbohydrates [84.2% (95%CI: 77.5-90.9) vs 83.3% (95%CI: 70.0-96.7)], and insufficient energy intake [64% (95%CI: 55.2-72.8) vs 56.7% (95%CI: 38.9-74.4)], where the alterations in the dietary pattern were more detrimental for the FH-T2D(+) group. Lastly, the participants with FH-T2D consumed mainly late in the day [60% (95%CI: 50.6-68.6) vs 54% (95%CI: 35.5-71.2)].Conclusions: Even though there were minimal significant differences with the consumption by food categories, those students with FH-T2D presented with a poor, little varied and unbalanced dietary pattern with energy consumption mainly at night. These factors, if prolonged, could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Introducción: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la ingesta dietética y los índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina con historia familiar positiva de diabetes tipo 2 (FH-T2D)(+) y sin antecedentes familiares FH-T2D(-).Material y métodos: 144 estudiantes fueron analizados en este estudio transversal y observacional realizado durante el año escolar 2017-2018 mediante entrevistas y un diario de alimentos de 7 días. Los participantes se caracterizaron antropométricamente. Se calculó el ínidce cintura-cadera (WHR) y el índice cintura-altura (WHtR), el área muscular corregida de la mitad del brazo (MAMA), el índice de grasa del brazo (FAI) así como el pliegue cutáneo tricipital (TSF).Resultados:El 79,2% (95%CI: 72,5- 85,8) tenían FH-T2D. El IMC fue significativamente mayor en los participantes con FH-T2D que en aquellos sin FH-T2D (23,7 ± 3,8 v 25,0 ± 3,7, respectivamente, p <0,05). No se determinaron diferencias significativas en los índices basados en la distribución de grasa central (WHtR y WHR), la distribución periférica (FAI y TSF) o la masa muscular (MAMA), cuando se estratificó por FH-T2D. Al comparar la ingesta dietética de participantes con y sin FH-T2D, respectivamente, observamos un consumo bajo / ninguno de leguminosas [30% (95%CI: 21,4-38,2) frente a 23% (95%CI: 8,2-38,5)], dietas altas en proteínas [38,6% (95%CI: 29,7-47,5) frente a 46,7% (95%CI: 28,8-64,5)], bajas en carbohidratos [84,2% (95%CI: 77,5-90,9) frente a 83,3% (95%CI: 70,0-96,7)], y la ingesta de energía insuficiente [64% (95%CI: 55,2-72,8) frente a 56,7% (95%CI: 38,9-74,4)], donde las alteraciones en el patrón de la dieta fueron más perjudiciales para el grupo FH-T2D(+). Los participantes con FH-T2D consumieron al final del día [60% (95%CI: 50,6-68,6) frente a 54% (95%CI: 35,5-71,2)].Conclusiones: Aunque hubo diferencias mínimas significativas con el consumo por categorías de alimentos, aquellos estudiantes con FH-T2D presentaron un patrón dietético deficiente, poco variado y desequilibrado con un consumo de energía principalmente por la noche. Estos factores, si se prolongan, podrían aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2

Hydroponic Lettuce Production and Minimally Processed Lettuce

Lettuce is a leafy vegetable most consumed in Brazil, and is considered the basis for salads and can be grown by hydroponics system. Hydroponics is a viable alternative to be implemented, with benefits for soil conservation and preservation of water sources. This work aimed to study the market of trailers snacks in Pelotas to analyze the economic feasibility of deploying an enterprise for the production of hydroponic lettuce, minimally processed, on a farm located in the city of Pelotas. The trailers were classified as small, medium and large, according to the consumption of lettuce. From market analysis, facilities and greenhouses for hydroponics area for processing of lettuce with flowchart of activities and mass balance were designed. The lettuce is produced from seeding to minimal processing, consisting of packing to delivery the whole lettuces and cut and pack the other portion, which will also be packaged for shipment. For the optimization of space in the greenhouses, a system of trails that allow them to glide over the stands, being compressed, opening corridors through which people ranging transplanting or harvest the lettuces, only where needed was created. The economic and financial analysis was performed using the indicators to establish the viability of the project or not. These indicators are: NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and payback. The analysis was performed in a planning horizon of 10 years and considering a TMA (Average Attractiveness ) of 11.6 % pa Three scenarios for implementation of the project, the amount of greenhouses ranging from one to three different percentages of sales and production over time were studied. The project proved to be unfeasible with only a greenhouse, but two or three greenhouses is feasible to be implemented. However, when deployed, the project with two greenhouses in the first year, and three greenhouses in the first two years will profit. The best option would be two or three greenhouses, depending on the amount to be invested and the availability of capital to withstand years without profitability. Technically, the project proved feasible by enabling large area in a small amount of lettuce is produced by hydroponic system, hydroponic lettuce and minimally processed snack bars for an interesting product, as it is practical and hygienic. It is recommended to study whether the project would become more attractive with the production of other crops such as tomato, zucchini, among other hydroponic

Drying Tomatoes in a Small Tray Dryer

Drying tomatoes with high initial moisture content have advantages such as: maintenance of mineral constituents, inhibition of the action of microorganisms, reduction of the cost of transportation, handling, and storage and is an alternative to the problems of waste disposal and pollution. Moreover, dried products, besides the more economical and affordable package, is an option for light and quick meals. Small and low cost tray dryers are hard to find in the Brazilian market. Producing your own dehydrated food is a practice used in many countries for domestic consumption, as a gift, for small-scale enterprises, because some people appreciate handmade products that are related to a healthier product, without additives. The present study aimed to dry tomatoes and evaluates the characteristics such as: loss of final mass, drying time, and cost of drying in a portable low cost tray dryer. The dryer was built in plastic body and trays. Two heating conical resistors with 600 W each, and a 26W-fan were used. Approximately 1.4 kg of tomatoes was used in this test. They were previously sliced, washed, and the endocarp and seeds were removed. The weight loss during the process was obtained ​​by successive weightings of tomatoes in the trays each hour. The final drying was determined when the tomatoes were around 25% of moisture content. The initial moisture content of the tomatoes was determined by oven drying using 10 g of chopped tomatoes, dried at 95°C for 24h. To evaluate the drying cost the yield of dried tomatoes, the losses during the preparation of the fresh tomatoes slices, the drying time, and the rate of product ready for the drying period were determined. The energy cost was R$4,72, plus R$ 0,30 of osmotic solution, additional R$7.80/kg of tomatoes (off season). The final cost was R$ 12,82 (U$S 5.35) to process 1 kg of fresh tomatoes. During the season, one can buy tomatoes at R$ 1,00/kg, which reduces the cost to R$6.02/kg (U$S 2.50). Whereas the process reduces weight by 10.83 times, the pound of dried tomatoes would cost R$65,20 (U$S 27.15) in crop condition. As this portable dryer holds 2 kg of tomatoes by drying, the cost could be reduced to R$3.66/kg (U$S 1.55) considering fresh tomatoes or R$39,60/kg (U$S 16.50) dried tomatoes. The dryer presented the ideal medium parameters for drying fruits (51.6°C and 1.2 m/s) in a drying process of 8 hours. The cost per hour of drying in this experiment, due to be in between tomato crop season was considered high. However, there are conditions to reduce this cost at the harvest time and by increasing the density of tomatoes in the dryer trays

Thermal Analysis of a New Model of a Tobacco Dryer

The tobacco drying greenhouses, in general, are made without any coating that ensures thermal insulation and avoid heat losses, resulting in a large consumption of firewood during the drying of the tobacco. The study aims to develop an economically viable project to the producer, to avoid excessive heat loss through the walls and ceiling of a tobacco dryer, aimed at fuel economy, reduced drying time and reduces costs in process. For the current project, we considered changes of Brazilian theoretical mode, where we developed a thermal insulation system in a dryer, reaching satisfactory results, with a large reduction in energy losses and firewood consumption, resulting in a decrease in the costs of the proceedings in general. Thus, began for the development of an ideal model of a dryer the horizontal type of 25m² of useful area, up to 2.5 tonnes of tobacco, in order to maintain the results before and/or overcome them found a constructive model to mainly benefit the producers. During the research, and analysis on the feasibility of maintaining the rock-wool as insulation materials to be used, considering his thermal and physical properties and cost/benefit as good value, economic calculations of other materials found in the market were realized, to the optimization of construction processes and reduce costs. In the structural design of concrete blocks to form walls, with their empty space filled with insulation were used. The roof was formed by double-cement tiles with rock-wool insulation inside. The furnace/ventilation group proposed was found in the market, for reasons of economic gains and constructive, with the area available for the set, designed according to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. The main change to the existing dryer and which was taken as a basis for the work is the proposal of a thermal insulation system, linking it to an automation system of lateral openings (flaps), with the provision of temperature controllers and humidity indoors, where they are dried tobacco leaves, making these flaps open and close automatically when the humidity inside the dryer is outside the ideal, promoting greater uniformity of drying and consequent improvement in product quality. This automation means optimizing the service of the small producer, reduced energy costs and reduced fuel consumption. Theoretically, the project was efficient, concluding that with the adoption of a new constructive model with thermal insulation and automation, is viable within the current regional economic reality, with a significant reduction of energy losses and a considerable decrease in spending with firewood used in the process, therefore, with reduced environmental impact

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London