Community health committees as a vehicle for participation in advancing the right to health

Includes bibliographical references.The principles of Primary Health Care guided health system transformation in South Africa where community health committees represent formal structures for participation in health. While there is evidence to suggest that participation can assist the progressive realization of the right to health, this link is not well established in the literature and Southern African studies underscore a serious deficit in the implementation of meaningful community participation. The present study used multiple methods to explore the relationship between participation and the right to health and to draw lessons on best practice for community participation from three health committees in South Africa's Western Cape Province

Intersex and liver alterations induced by long‐term sublethal exposure to 17α‐ethinylestradiol in adult male <i>Cnesterodon decemmaculatus</i> (Pisces: Poeciliidae)

The aim of the present study was to assess the responses of the gonopodium morphology and the gonadal and liver histology of adult male Cnesterodon decemmaculatus to sublethal long-term exposure concentrations of 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Two experiments were conducted exposing the fish to waterborne concentrations of EE2 ranging from 20 ng/L to 200 ng/L for 8 wk, 12 wk, and 16 wk. Intersex gonads were observed after 8 wk and 16 wk in fish exposed to 200 ng EE2/L and 100 ng EE2/L, respectively. Oocytes’ development from testis germ cells and replacement of the efferent duct periodic acid-Schiff–positive secretion surrounding spermatozeugmata by parenchymal tissue and duct structure alterations were the major observed changes in the gonads. In contrast, no response was observed in the gonopodium morphology. Liver histology was also altered, showing increasing steatosis, single-cell necrosis to generalized necrosis, and disruption of acinar organization from 100 ng EE2/L to 200 ng EE2/L. In summary, the present results showed that although EE2 was not able to alter the morphology of a developed gonopodium, it was capable of inducing development of testicular oocytes in adult male C. decemmaculatus at environmentally relevant concentrations. Thus, externally normal but intersex C. decemmaculatus males would be expected in the wastewater-receiving streams that the species inhabits. According to the literature, the present study would be the first indicating estrogen-induced intersex in adult male poeciliid.Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambient

Intersex and liver alterations induced by long‐term sublethal exposure to 17α‐ethinylestradiol in adult male <i>Cnesterodon decemmaculatus</i> (Pisces: Poeciliidae)

The aim of the present study was to assess the responses of the gonopodium morphology and the gonadal and liver histology of adult male Cnesterodon decemmaculatus to sublethal long-term exposure concentrations of 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2). Two experiments were conducted exposing the fish to waterborne concentrations of EE2 ranging from 20 ng/L to 200 ng/L for 8 wk, 12 wk, and 16 wk. Intersex gonads were observed after 8 wk and 16 wk in fish exposed to 200 ng EE2/L and 100 ng EE2/L, respectively. Oocytes’ development from testis germ cells and replacement of the efferent duct periodic acid-Schiff–positive secretion surrounding spermatozeugmata by parenchymal tissue and duct structure alterations were the major observed changes in the gonads. In contrast, no response was observed in the gonopodium morphology. Liver histology was also altered, showing increasing steatosis, single-cell necrosis to generalized necrosis, and disruption of acinar organization from 100 ng EE2/L to 200 ng EE2/L. In summary, the present results showed that although EE2 was not able to alter the morphology of a developed gonopodium, it was capable of inducing development of testicular oocytes in adult male C. decemmaculatus at environmentally relevant concentrations. Thus, externally normal but intersex C. decemmaculatus males would be expected in the wastewater-receiving streams that the species inhabits. According to the literature, the present study would be the first indicating estrogen-induced intersex in adult male poeciliid.Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambient

Calidad, durante el almacenamiento, de huevos de gallina (Gallus gallus domesticus) recubiertos con aceite

Introduction: Eggs are one of the main foods providing nutrients to the world population, however, they rapidly loose quality. For the egg industry it would be beneficial to have technological alternatives to increase the shelf life, such as coatings that are applied to prevent quality loss. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the application of oil coatings on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality of hen eggs during storage. Methods: We applied, by immersion, coatings of deodorized medicinal grade mineral oil or palm and soybean olein with TBHQ 0,02% to category A Isa Brown hen eggs from a local producer, without prior cleaning, washing or disinfection. After a 6-hour drainage, we stored eggs at 21°C and 43% RH. We measured selected quality parameter every 7 days for a total of 42 days and statically compared trends over time for coated and uncoated eggs. Sensory analysis was also carried out using paired comparisons tests for fresh and coated eggs stored for a certain time. We used a hedonic scale for general acceptance of coated and uncoated eggs after 35 days of storage. Results: The evaluated coatings did not affect the normal behavior of the color and pH of the yolk, the Haugh units, the resistance to rupture and the total aerobic and yeast and mold counts during storage, while retarding the deterioration related to the yolk index, pH of the white and overall mass loss. In addition, the application of the coatings helped keep flavor perception of stored eggs when compared with fresh eggs; resulted in eggs with the same smell and adhesiveness as the uncoated egg; gave shine, and did not negatively influence external sensory acceptance. Conclusion: The shelf life of eggs during storage can be extended with the application of mineral or palm oil coatings.Introducción: El huevo, uno de los principales alimentos que aporta nutrientes a la población mundial, pierde su calidad de forma acelerada en estado fresco.  Para la industria del huevo sería beneficioso contar con alternativas tecnológicas que permitan aumentar su vida útil, como la utilización de recubrimientos para prevenir su deterioro. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de recubrimientos de aceite sobre la calidad fisicoquímica, microbiológica y sensorial de huevos de gallina en almacenamiento. Métodos: Por inmersión, aplicamos recubrimientos de aceite mineral grado medicinal desodorizado o de oleína de palma y soya con TBHQ 0,02% a huevos de gallina Isa Brown categoría A de un productor local, sin previa limpieza, lavado o desinfección.  Luego de dejar escurrir por 6 horas los almacenamos en una cámara a 21°C y 43% HR. Medimos los parámetros de calidad seleccionados cada 7 días por un total de 42 días y comparamos estadísticamente las tendencias en el tiempo para los huevos recubiertos y sin recubrimiento.  También realizamos un análisis sensorial mediante comparaciones pareadas para huevo fresco y huevo recubierto almacenado por determinado tiempo y una medición de aceptación general por medio de una escala hedónica a los 35 días de almacenamiento. Resultados: Los recubrimientos evaluados no afectaron el comportamiento normal del color y pH de la yema, las unidades Haugh, la resistencia a la ruptura y los recuentos total aerobio y de mohos y levaduras durante el almacenamiento, al tiempo que retardaron el deterioro relacionado con el índice de yema, el pH de la clara y la pérdida de masa. Además, la aplicación de dichos recubrimientos permite mantener la percepción del sabor del huevo almacenado al compararlo con huevo fresco; provee huevos con el mismo olor y adhesividad que el huevo sin recubrimiento; otorga brillo y no influyen negativamente en su aceptación sensorial externa.  Conclusión: La vida útil del huevo durante su almacenamiento puede alargarse con la aplicación de recubrimientos de aceite mineral o de palma

Evaluar y medir el impacto social de la comunicación organizacional

Al evaluar y medir el impacto social de la comunicación organizacional se fortalece la legitimidad y el valor de la disciplina y se explicita el sentido de la intencionalidad de los procesos comunicacionales que despliega la profesión. El artículo presenta un análisis sobre el estado actual y las perspectivas a futuro en cuanto a evaluación y medición del impacto social de la comunicación organizacional desde la perspectiva de académicos y profesionales de cinco países de América Latina. Se reprocesó y tematizó una base de datos cualitativos generada en un estudio global con metodología Delphi y se analizaron las respuestas abiertas que dieron 81 participantes latinoamericanos. Se concluye que, aunque los participantes manifiestan gran preocupación por la evaluación y la medición, su práctica es escasa y muestra debilidades tanto en el enfoque como en la metodología. Se observan dos perspectivas en el abordaje de la evaluación y la medición del impacto social: una centrada en los objetivos y necesidades de las organizaciones y otra con foco en los grupos de interés y la sociedad. Por su complejidad la evaluación del impacto social requiere la creación de sistemas de medición multidisciplinarios, multisectoriales generados a partir del diálogo entre academia, asociaciones profesionales y grupos de interés. La enseñanza de la disciplina tiene pendiente integrar formación rigurosa en este aspecto clave para una mejor práctica profesional y para consolidar una disciplina social con propósito

Ocratoxina A en café.

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic activity produced by filamentous fungi that can be found in products such as grains, nuts, spices, beer, coffee, among others.&nbsp; The process of production of coffee does not eliminate ochratoxin. Organizations such as CODEX Alimentarius have established a series of practices that minimize the probability of find OTA in this product. Several countries have established the maximum permitted concentration of OTA in coffee, however, Costa Rica has not yet defined it.&nbsp; There are studies that show the presence of this toxin in different presentations of coffee. In the case of Costa Rica, in 2007 a study was published in which ochratoxin A was found in product at levels lower than the maximum allowed in other countries. This investigation shows that our country is not exempt from this problem and also establish the required of more studies and the definition of the maximum permitted concentrations of ochratoxin A in coffee.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;La ocratoxina A es una micotoxina con actividad nefrotóxica, hepatotóxica, embriotóxica, teratogénica, neurotóxica, inmunotóxica, genotóxica y cancerígena producida por hongos filamentosos que se puede encontrar en productos como granos, nueces, especies, cerveza, café, entre otros.&nbsp; El proceso de producción del café no elimina la ocratoxina, por lo que organizaciónes como el CODEX Alimentarius han establecido una serie de prácticas que minimizan la probabilidad de que esta toxina se encuentre en este producto. A nivel internacional, varios países han establecido la concentración máxima permitida de OTA en café, sin embargo, Costa Rica no lo ha definido todavía.&nbsp; Existen estudios que demuestran la presencia de esta toxina en diferentes presentaciones de café. En el caso de Costa Rica, en el año 2007 se publicó un estudio donde se encontró ocratoxina A en producto puesto a la venta en niveles inferiores a los máximos permitidos en otros países. Esto evidencia que nuestro país no está exento de esta problemática, que se requieren más estudios al respecto y que finalmente se establezcan las concentraciones máximas permitidas de ocratoxina A en café

Hair ageing and quality of life for women of African descent living in the UK

This study explored the age-related changes to hair management and styling techniques and related measures of satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) of women of African and Afro-Caribbean descent of age over 60 living in the UK. An online survey, including a QoL questionnaire was conducted (n=46).86.9% of the survey participants were between 60 and 69 years old, whilst the remaining group were between 70 and 80 years old. All identified their natural hair as curl type 6,7,8, with curl type 6 being most common n=16. 78% reported completely natural hair (shorter than 10cm=21; longer than 10cm=15). A preference towards natural styles past menopause was demonstrated with hair length, texture and colour being associated with positive attitudes. However, the perception of decreased hair manageability could be related to the requirement to complete more haircare and hairstyling tasks at home and more frequently than if the hair was subjected to long-lasting styling techniques such as relaxing or weaving. Overall, these changes to appearance, styling and personal effort increased satisfaction with hair but had no impact on the quality of life of the participants

Toward an integrative understanding of social behavior: new models and new opportunities.

Social interactions among conspecifics are a fundamental and adaptively significant component of the biology of numerous species. Such interactions give rise to group living as well as many of the complex forms of cooperation and conflict that occur within animal groups. Although previous conceptual models have focused on the ecological causes and fitness consequences of variation in social interactions, recent developments in endocrinology, neuroscience, and molecular genetics offer exciting opportunities to develop more integrated research programs that will facilitate new insights into the physiological causes and consequences of social variation. Here, we propose an integrative framework of social behavior that emphasizes relationships between ultimate-level function and proximate-level mechanism, thereby providing a foundation for exploring the full diversity of factors that underlie variation in social interactions, and ultimately sociality. In addition to identifying new model systems for the study of human psychopathologies, this framework provides a mechanistic basis for predicting how social behavior will change in response to environmental variation. We argue that the study of non-model organisms is essential for implementing this integrative model of social behavior because such species can be studied simultaneously in the lab and field, thereby allowing integration of rigorously controlled experimental manipulations with detailed observations of the ecological contexts in which interactions among conspecifics occur

Comparación de indicadores microbiológicos en sistemas de cultivo de tomate convencional o hidropónico

Introduction: Consumption of fresh tomatoes has increased over the years and production systems (conventional or hydroponic), harvest and post-harvest practices, irrigation water and harvest containers, can affect the microbiological quality of the final product. Objective: To compare the microbiological quality of the cultivated or harvested fruit, the irrigation water, and the harvest containers in two tomato production farms (conventional and hydroponic). Methods: We carried out three sampling visits in each farm (repetitions), taking, in each repetition, 3 tomatoes of each type (composite sample), 50 ml of irrigation water and swabbing 50cm2 of the surface of three harvest containers (composite sample). We determined indicator microorganisms such as total aerobic mesophilic count, mold and yeast count, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli. Presence of Listeria monocytogenes was also analyzed in fruits. We applied student's t-tests at a significance level of 5%. Results: Total aerobic mesophilic and mold and yeast counts of hydroponic tomato were significantly lower than in conventional tomato, while no difference in total coliform counts and E. coli was detected. L. monocytogenes was absent in all samples. The total aerobic mesophilic count was higher in the harvest containers of the conventional farm. In both farms, irrigation water was not considered a source of contamination since it had very low levels of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, and E. coli. Finally, an adequate control during harvesting was presumed, having found no difference in the microbiological indicators between the cultivated and harvested tomato. Conclusion: Hydroponic tomatoes are more likely to have a better microbiological profile and longer shelf life compared to conventionally grown tomatoes, evidencing the importance of environmental control and cleaning and disinfection of all elements used in the farming, harvesting and postharvest processes.Introducción: El consumo de tomate fresco ha ido en aumento a través de los años y los sistemas de cultivo (convencional o hidropónico), las prácticas de cosecha y poscosecha, el agua de riego y los contenedores pueden incidir sobre su calidad microbiológica. Objetivo: Comparar la calidad microbiológica de la fruta cultivada o cosechada, del agua de riego y de los contenedores de cosecha en dos fincas de producción de tomate (convencional e hidropónica). Métodos: Realizamos tres muestreos a cada finca (repeticiones), tomando, en cada repetición, 3 tomates de cada tipo que conformaron una muestra compuesta, 50 ml de agua de riego e hisopando 50cm2 de la superficie de tres contenedores de cosecha (muestra compuesta). Determinamos los indicadores microbiológicos de recuento total aerobio mesófilo, recuento de hongos filamentosos y levaduras, coliformes totales, coliformes termotolerantes y E. coli. Además, analizamos la presencia de Listeria monocytogenes en los frutos. Aplicamos pruebas de t-student a un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Los recuentos total aerobio mesófilo y hongos filamentosos y levaduras del tomate hidropónico fueron significativamente menores que en el tomate convencional, mientras que no hubo diferencia en los recuentos de coliformes totales y E. coli, además L. monocytogenes estuvo ausente en todas las muestras. El recuento total aerobio mesófilo fue mayor en los contenedores de cosecha de la finca convencional.  En ambas fincas el agua de riego no se consideró fuente de contaminación pues tuvo niveles muy bajos de coliformes totales, coliformes termotolerantes y E. coli.  Finalmente, se presume un control adecuado en las fincas durante la cosecha, al no haber encontrado diferencia en los indicadores microbiológicos entre el tomate cultivado y el cosechado. Conclusión: Los tomates hidropónicos presentan mayor probabilidad de tener un mejor perfil microbiológico y mayor vida útil en comparación con los tomates cultivados de forma convencional, evidenciando la importancia del control ambiental y la limpieza y desinfección de todos los insumos utilizados en los procesos de cultivo, cosecha y poscosecha

Maternal complications following endoscopic surgeries in fetal Medicine

OBJETIVO: descrever as complicações maternas decorrentes dos procedimentos endoscópicos terapêuticos em Medicina fetal, realizados em um centro universitário no Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional retrospectivo que incluiu gestantes atendidas no período de Abril de 2007 a Maio de 2010. Esses casos foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: ablação vascular placentária com laser (AVPL) por síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal (STFF) grave; oclusão traqueal fetal (OTF) e retirada de balão traqueal por via endoscópica por hérnia diafragmática congênita (HDC) grave e AVPL, com ou sem cauterização bipolar do cordão umbilical, por síndrome da perfusão arterial reversa (SPAR) em gêmeo acárdico. As principais variáveis descritas para cada condição clínica/tipo de cirurgia foram as complicações maternas e a sobrevida (alta do berçário) do neonato/lactente. RESULTADOS: cinquenta e seis gestantes foram submetidas a 70 procedimentos: STFF grave (34 pacientes; 34 cirurgias); HDC grave (16 pacientes; 30 cirurgias) e SPAR (6 pacientes; 6 cirurgias). Entre as 34 gestantes tratadas com AVPL por STFF, duas (2/34=5,9%) apresentaram perda de líquido amniótico para a cavidade peritoneal e sete (7/34=20,6%) tiveram abortamento após os procedimentos. A sobrevida de pelo menos um gêmeo foi de 64,7% (22/34). Entre as 30 intervenções realizadas para HDC, houve perda de líquido amniótico para a cavidade peritoneal materna em um caso (1/30=3,3%) e rotura prematura pré-termo de membranas após três (3/30=30%) fetoscopias para retirada do balão traqueal. A sobrevida com alta do berçário foi de 43,8% (7/16). Entre os seis casos de SPAR, houve sangramento materno para a cavidade peritoneal após uma cirurgia (1/6=16,7%) e a sobrevida com alta do berçário foi de 50% (3/6). CONCLUSÕES: em concordância com os dados disponíveis na literatura, em nosso centro, os benefícios relacionados às intervenções endoscópicas terapêuticas em casos de STFF, HDC e SPAR parecem superar os riscos de complicações maternas que, raramente, foram consideradas graves.PURPOSE: to describe the maternal complications due to therapeutic endoscopic procedures in fetal Medicine performed at an university center in Brazil. METHODS: retrospective observational study including patients treated from April 2007 to May 2010 who underwent laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV) for severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS); fetal tracheal occlusion (FETO) and endoscopic removal of tracheal balloon in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); LAPV with or without bipolar coagulation of the umbilical cord in cases of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. The main variables described for each disease/type of surgery were maternal complications and neonatal survival (discharge from nursery). RESULTS: fifty-six patients underwent 70 procedures: Severe TTTS (34 patients; 34 surgeries); severe CDH (16 patients; 30 surgeries), and TRAP sequence (6 patients; 6 surgeries). Among 34 women who underwent LAPV for TTTS, two (2/34=5.9%) experienced amniotic fluid leakage to the peritoneal cavity and seven (7/34=20.6%) miscarried after the procedure. Survival of at least one twin was 64.7% (22/34). Among 30 interventions performed in cases of CDH, there was amniotic fluid leakage into the maternal peritoneal cavity in one patient (1/30=3.3%) and premature preterm rupture of membranes after three (3/30=30%) fetoscopies for removal of the tracheal balloon. Infant survival with discharge from nursery was 43.8% (7/16). Among six cases of TRAP sequence, there was bleeding into the peritoneal cavity after surgery in one patient (1/6=16.7%) and neonatal survival with discharge from nursery was 50% (3/6). CONCLUSIONS: in agreement with the available data in literature, at our center, the benefits related to therapeutic endoscopic interventions for TTTS, CDH and TRAP sequence seem to overcome the risks of maternal complications, which were rarely considered severe