Some Lessons for the Future from the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (1955–1969)

Jose Najera and colleagues identify lessons from the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (1955–1969) relevant to current elimination and eradication efforts

Un análisis transversal del ecoturismo: Arte místico y riesgo alternativo

En el marco de promoción del emprendimiento local para el desarrollo regional sustentable, los estudios del turismo se han centrado en el análisis de la experiencia vital como antecedente de la satisfacción turística y el retorno vacacional, pero sin considerarlos como parte de un ciclo de recreación y esparcimiento que podría ser explicado desde las representaciones sociales. En tal sentido, se llevó a cabo un trabajo exploratorio, transversal y cualitativo con una selección de informantes, considerando sus recorridos a un museo natural surrealista del centro de México. Las interpretaciones en torno a las respuestas a preguntas derivadas de las categorías de núcleo de esparcimiento, periferia recreativa y experiencia vacacional muestran similitudes en cuanto a la búsqueda de un significado del recorrido y el escenario, pero también diferencias en cuanto a la integración con el escenario, orientando futuras líneas de investigación hacia las diferencias entre generacione

T-Cell Immune Responses Against Env from CRF12_BF and Subtype B HIV-1 Show High Clade-Specificity that Can Be Overridden by Multiclade Immunizations

BACKGROUND: The extreme genetic diversity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) poses a daunting challenge to the generation of an effective AIDS vaccine. In Argentina, the epidemic is characterized by the high prevalence of infections caused by subtype B and BF variants. The aim of this study was to characterize in mice the immunogenic and antigenic properties of the Env protein from CRF12_BF in comparison with clade B, employing prime-boost schemes with the combination of recombinant DNA and vaccinia virus (VV) vectors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: As determined by ELISPOT from splenocytes of animals immunized with either EnvBF or EnvB antigens, the majority of the cellular responses to Env were found to be clade-specific. A detailed peptide mapping of the responses reveal that when there is cross-reactivity, there are no amino acid changes in the peptide sequence or were minimal and located at the peptide ends. In those cases, analysis of T cell polifunctionality and affinity indicated no differences with respect to the cellular responses found against the original homologous sequence. Significantly, application of a mixed immunization combining both clades (B and BF) induced a broader cellular response, in which the majority of the peptides targeted after the single clade vaccinations generated a positive response. In this group we could also find significant cellular and humoral responses against the whole gp120 protein from subtype B. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This work has characterized for the first time the immunogenic peptides of certain EnvBF regions, involved in T cell responses. It provides evidence that to improve immune responses to HIV there is a need to combine Env antigens from different clades, highlighting the convenience of the inclusion of BF antigens in future vaccines for geographic regions where these HIV variants circulate

Bacterial Communities in Effluents Rich in Phenol and Their Potential in Bioremediation: Kinetic Modeling

Phenol is used in the manufacturing process of phenolic resins from which residues remain that must be sent for confinement. For that reason, in this study, the wastewater of a resin factory was analyzed to isolate the bacteria present, identify them by molecular methods and finally evaluate their impact on bioremediation treatment. A total of 15 bacteria were isolated, of these, eight belong to the genus Bacillus spp. All bacteria were individually multiplied and inoculated in clusters in 15 L reactors which were carefully monitored for pH, electrical conductivity, chemical oxygen demand and temperature. The acquired data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measurements. The first test revealed that native bacterial communities reduce the phenol content by up to 20% and COD by 49%, which is significant with respect to the reactor not being inoculated with bacteria. Furthermore, when a mathematical model was applied to the reactors, it was shown that the bacteria require an adaptation time of approximately 100 h. A second test where the inoculation was interspersed with the addition of lime as a flocculant showed that, even though the reduction in phenol and COD was lower than in the previous test, the difference between treatments and control is statistically significant (α ≤ 0.05)

Countries and regions certified malaria free up to 2010.

<p>Countries and regions certified malaria free up to 2010.</p

Phases of the Malaria Eradication Campaign as established by WHO in 1963.

<p>Image credit: Fusión Creativa.</p

Progress of the campaign, presented to the 8th WHA [<b>16</b>].

<p>Image credit: Fusión Creativa.</p

Diseño de material educativo en alimentación usando Intervention Mapping: Using Intervention Mapping protocol to design a nutrition education material

Introduction: Evidence-based and culturally acceptable educational materials have been shown to be an effective tool in promoting healthy eating. Objective: To design a printed nutritional education material using Intervention Mapping protocol for a Lifestyle Clinic. Methods: Four of the steps of the Intervention Mapping protocol were used: 1) needs assessment, 2 identification of behavioral outcomes, performance objectives, and change objectives, 3) selection of theory-based methods and strategies and 4) program development. Results: The Logical Model PRECEDE was built, the matrix of change objectives based on the determinants of knowledge, identification, availability, and information processing was used as a theoretical model. A 22-page magazine was obtained with content, images, text and writing based on the Intervention Mapping steps. Conclusion: The Intervention Mapping process provided evidence-based and participatory inputs for the design of the educational material of the Lifestyle Clinic.Introducción: Los materiales educativos basados en evidencia y culturalmente aceptables han demostrado ser una herramienta efectiva en el fomento de la alimentación saludable.  Objetivo: Diseñar un material educativo impreso en alimentación saludable usando Intervention Mapping para una Clínica del Estilo de Vida.  Metodología: Se utilizó la metodología de Intervention Mapping con los pasos 1) evaluación de necesidades, 2) Matrices de objetivos, 3) Métodos teóricos y 4) Diseño.  Resultados: Se construyó el Modelo Lógico PRECEDE, la matriz de objetivos de cambio basado en los determinantes conocimiento, identificación, disponibilidad y apoyo y se utilizó el procesamiento de la información como método teórico. Se obtuvo una revista de 22 páginas con contenido, imágenes, texto y redacción basado en los pasos de Intervention Mapping. Conclusiones: El proceso de Intervention Mapping proporcionó insumos basados en evidencia y participativos para el diseño del material educativo de la Clínica del Estilo de Vida en estudio.