In this article, we review the monitoring and evaluation system that is used to measure the performance of primary healthcare delivered through the district health system and district management teams. We then review some global frameworks, especially linked to the World Health Organization, and look at some of the differences between what is internationally recommended and what we do in South Africa. We end with some recommendations to improve the system.

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding of potential roles and actions at the subdistrict level to improve quality of care and health outcomes in South Africa (SA OBJECTIVES: To report on the evaluation of a subdistrict health system-strengthening initiative that aimed to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality, referred to as the '3 feet model' in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, SA. The model is centred on systems of real-time morbidity/mortality surveillance and co-ordinated responses. It was implemented in three of five Waterberg subdistricts over an 18-month period in 2021 and 2022 METHODS: A prospective, process-tracing evaluation was conducted jointly between researchers, intervention partners and subdistrict decision-makers. Data sources combined ~100 hours of researcher participant observation, interviews with 14 health system actors, structured reflections by three subdistrict managers and information from the routine District Health Information System. Sources were triangulated and analysed based on a priori hypotheses on mechanisms of action RESULTS: Following uptake of the model, the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) improved by 28.8%, 11.5% and 28% in the three subdistricts, respectively, while the PMR worsened in two of four neighbouring subdistricts. Plausible factors in implementation successes were the presence of stable and committed hybrid (clinical-managerial) subdistrict leaders and their ability to overcome entrenched silos between a variety of system actors; new collaborative relationships between primary healthcare facilities, hospitals and emergency medical services; the generation and packaging of information in ways that directed responses ('actionable intelligence'); and support from senior district managers CONCLUSION: While not advocating for a cut-and-paste approach to improving quality and outcomes, positive experiences in Waterberg District suggest that the principles and mechanisms of action of the 3 feet model have wider relevance for policy and practice, especially as emphasis shifts towards the subdistrict as a core unit of population health and wellbeing in SA

Bio-oils from biomass pyrolysis have a highly promising potential as biofuels or sources of chemicals. The quantitative analysis of bio-oils is quite difficult and requires many standards. In this study, we developed a methodology using only 16 standards for determining the concentration of 49 compounds, representatives of the main chemical classes commons in bio-oils, using relative response factors (RRF) and analytical curves. Five Pinus sawdust bio-oils were analyzed using a GC-MS-DB-5 capillary column (60 m). SCAN mode (from 45 to 450 Daltons) and retention indices (LPTRI) were used for qualitative analysis. For quantitative analysis, SIM mode was preferred, and analytical curves were constructed from an initial solution at 400 mg g 1 of each of the 16 standards, with concentrations ranging from 1 to 150 mg g 1 added to the internal standard (methyl hexanoate) at 70 mg g 1. After the positive identification and quantification of 9 compounds (among the 16 standards used), the other compounds were quantified using the RRF obtained from a standard solution at 30 mg g 1, considering the similarities with those identified standards. 196 compounds were identified, while 49 compounds were quantified, highlighting the monoaromatic hydrocarbons, naphthalenes, benzofurans, alkyl phenols, and catechols.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional changes in silages of four sorghum hybrids at different storage times. The design was a completely randomized in a 4 × 9 arrangement of plots with four replications. The four sorghum hybrids, Qualysilo, Chopper, Dominator, and Maxisilo, were allocated to the plots. In the subplots, sampling times were considered in fresh material and after 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 112, and 224 days of storage. The material was ensiled in experimental polyvinyl chloride silos and subsequently evaluated for chemical composition and fermentative profile over the nine different periods of the fermentation process. Crude protein was reduced by 1.21g/kg per day until the third day of fermentation. The levels of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen exceeded the upper limit of 311 g/kg of N. Of the studied silages, an NDF content of 734 g/kg was obtained in Maxisilo, which was higher than the other silages (average: 547 g/kg). Silage production can be achieved with the four materials; however, the Maxisilo sorghum provides silages of lower quality, with a DM content of less than 30%. The other materials fit into the nutritional profiles proposed by the literature, characterizing them as good quality silages.

Resumen El documento hace un análisis sobre las implicaciones del trabajo gig, es decir el trabajo autónomo, por cuenta propia, de contratistas independientes -en particular, aquellos inscritos en plataformas digitales como Uber-, para la seguridad social, los salarios justos y la estabilidad laboral de los trabajadores. Se basa en una encuesta realizada por The Shift Project, y se contrasta con los resultados para los trabajadores con contratos y relaciones de trabajo con los empleadores tradicionales, los W-2. Al final se hacen propuestas de política pública para mejorar las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores gig.

Abstract The document analyzes the implications of gig work, that is, self-employment, and independent contractors-particularly those registered on digital platforms such as Uber-, for social security, fair wages, and job stability of workers. It is based on a survey conducted by The Shift Project and is contrasted with the results for workers with contracts and working relationships with traditional employers, the W-2. In the end, public policy proposals are made to improve the working conditions of gig workers.

Resumen El Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIP) es un enfoque de control de plagas que considera todas las estrategias disponibles y su posterior integración para el control de plagas. Entre sus estrategias se destacan el Control Biológico (CB) mediante el uso de enemigos naturales. El control biológico por depredadores generalistas ha cobrado relevancia en la última década. Esta estrategia por aumento exige la cría masiva de estos organismos. En la Región Neotropical, Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) tiene gran importancia por su alta voracidad y su amplia gama de hospederos. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los cambios externos de los huevos, especialmente en color y forma, asociados al desarrollo intracoriónico de embriones de C. externa, para caracterizarlos morfo-colorimétricamente. Se construyó una clave práctica a partir de la determinación de su desarrollo embrionario como herramienta para la técnica de cría masiva. Esta clave proporciona información valiosa que facilitaría la implementación de CB para programas de MIP en regiones en desarrollo, donde aún es incipiente.

Abstract Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control approach that considers all available strategies and their subsequent integration for pest control. The Biological Control (BC) of pests through the use of natural enemies is an outstanding strategy. Biological control by generalist predators has had a highlighted relevance in the last decade. This strategy by augmentation demands mass rearing of these organisms. In the Neotropical Region Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is of great importance for its high voracity and its wide range of hosts. The aim of this study was to describe the external changes of the eggs, especially in colour and shape, associated with the intrachorionic development of C. externa embryos, to characterize them morpho-colorimetrically. A practical key from its embryonic development determination was constructed as a tool for mass rearing technique, providing valuable information that could facilitate BC implementation for IPM programs in developing regions.

RESUMEN En este estudio, investigamos los cromosomas de tres especies de arañas Sicarius de la Caatinga brasileña, utilizando técnicas de citogenética clásica y molecular. Usando un enfoque filogenético, también discutimos la variación del número diploide, los tipos de sistema cromosómico sexual y los cambios en la localización de los genes ribosómicos en Scytodoidea. Los Sicarius son arañas Synspermiata que, junto con los géneros Loxosceles y Hexophthalma, constituyen a la familia Sicariidae. En este grupo, los datos citogenéticos disponibles mostraron un rango de número diploide bajo (2n♂=18 a 2n♂=23) y únicamente la presencia de sistemas de cromosomas sexuales múltiples (X1X2Y y X1X20). Las células mitóticas en metafase mostraron 2n♂=16+X1X2Y para Sicarius cariri y S. ornatus, y 2n♂=18+XY para S. tropicus. En estas especies, la impregnación de plata reveló la región organizadora nucleolar (Ag-NOR) en la región terminal del par 1. En S. ornatus y S. tropicus, los resultados obtenidos con la hibridación in situ fluorescente (FISH) utilizando la sonda de ADNr 18S fueron similares a los de Ag-NOR, sin embargo, en S. cariri los sitios ribosomales se localizaron en la región terminal del cromosoma sexual X1. En este trabajo, presentamos la primera descripción de un sistema cromosómico sexual simple para Sicariidae, ayudando a entender cómo el sistema cromosómico sexual XY evolucionó a partir del sistema X1X2Y. Además, los datos de FISH incongruentes con Ag-NOR indican que los estudios citogenéticos en Sicariidae permiten investigar la relación entre la evolución del cariotipo y la distribución y la actividad de los genes de ADNr.

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the chromosomes of three species of Sicarius spiders from the Brazilian Caatinga, using classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques. Based on the phylogenetic approach, we also discussed about the variation of diploid number, types of sex chromosome system and changes in the localization of ribosomal genes of Scytodoidea. Sicarius are Synspermiata spiders that together with the genera Loxosceles and Hexophthalma constitute the family Sicariidae. In this group, the available cytogenetic data showed a low diploid number range (2n♂=18 to 2n♂=23) and the presence of only multiple sex chromosome systems (X1X2Y and X1X20). Mitotic metaphase cells exhibited 2n♂=16+X1X2Y for Sicarius cariri and S. ornatus, and 2n♂=18+XY for S. tropicus. In these species, silver impregnation revealed nucleolar organizer region (Ag-NOR) on the terminal region of pair 1. In S. ornatus and S. tropicus, the results obtained with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using 18S rDNA probe were similar to Ag-NOR, however in S. cariri, the ribosomal sites were localized in the terminal region of the X1 sex chromosome. In this work, we presented the first description of a simple sex chromosome system for Sicariidae, helping to understand how the XY sex chromosome system evolved from the X1X2Y system. Additionally, FISH data incongruous with Ag-NOR indicate that the cytogenetic studies in Sicariidae allow investigating the relation between the karyotype evolution and the distribution and the activity of rDNA genes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade do Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos para predizer a melhora do estado funcional físico em longo prazo de pacientes sobreviventes à unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Foram avaliados, de forma prospectiva, entre fevereiro de 2017 e agosto de 2018, em um ambulatório pós-unidade de terapia intensiva, 32 sobreviventes à unidade de terapia intensiva. Foram inscritos consecutivamente os pacientes com permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva acima de 72 horas (para admissões emergenciais) ou acima de 120 horas (para admissões eletivas) que compareceram ao ambulatório pós-unidade de terapia intensiva 4 meses após receberem alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. A associação entre a distância percorrida no Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos realizado na avaliação inicial e a evolução do estado funcional físico foi avaliada durante 8 meses, com utilização do Índice de Barthel. Resultados: A distância média percorrida no Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos foi significantemente mais baixa nos sobreviventes à unidade de terapia intensiva do que na população geral (405m versus 557m; p < 0,001). A idade (β = -4,0; p < 0,001) e a fraqueza muscular (β = -99,7; p = 0,02) se associaram com a distância percorrida no Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos. A distância percorrida no Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos se associou com melhora do estado funcional físico no período de 8 meses de acompanhamento desses pacientes (razão de chance para cada 10m: 1,07; IC95% 1,01 - 1,16; p = 0,03). A área sob a curva Característica de Operação do Receptor para predição da melhora funcional física pelo Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos foi de 0,72 (IC95% 0,53 - 0,88). Conclusão: O Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos, realizado 4 meses após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, predisse com precisão moderada a melhora do estado funcional físico de sobreviventes à unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the ability of the 6-Minute Walk Test to predict long-term physical functional status improvement among intensive care unit survivors. Methods: Thirty-two intensive care unit survivors were prospectively evaluated from February 2017 to August 2018 in a post-intensive care unit outpatient clinic in Brazil. Individuals with intensive care unit stays > 72 hours (emergency admissions) or > 120 hours (elective admissions) attending the post-intensive care unit clinic four months after intensive care unit discharge were consecutively enrolled. The association between the 6-Minute Walk Test distance at baseline and physical functional status was assessed over 8 months using the Barthel Index. Results: The mean 6-Minute Walk Test distance was significantly lower in intensive care unit survivors than in the general population (405m versus 557m; p < 0.001). Age (β = -4.0; p < 0.001) and muscle weakness (β = -99.7; p = 0.02) were associated with the 6-Minute Walk Test distance. A 6-Minute Walk Test distance was associated with improvement in physical functional status over the 8-month follow-up (odds ratio for each 10m of 1.07; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.16; p = 0.03). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for the 6-Minute Walk Test prediction of physical functional status improvement was 0.72 (95%CI 0.53 - 0.88). Conclusion: The 6-Minute Walk Test performed 4 months after intensive care unit discharge predicted long-term physical functional status among intensive care unit survivors with moderate accuracy.

ABSTRACT The present study analyzes the diversity of Scleria in the state of Pará and presents taxonomic treatments for all recorded species. The analysis was based on extensive herbarium studies (CEN, HBRA, HCJS, HSTM, IAN, IBGE, INPA, MFS, MG, RB, and UB) and field expeditions to several municipalities of the state of Pará. Specimens were identified using relevant literature, protologues, and type specimens available online. We recognize 30 species of Scleria arranged in two subgenera and nine sections. Four species (i.e., Scleria arguta, S. burchellii, S. longigluma, and S. vaginata) represent new records for Pará, and a new species is proposed (i.e., Scleria sp.). An identification key, descriptions, illustrations, and comments on diagnostic characters, geographic distribution and habitat for all species are also provided.

ABSTRACT Ammonium quaternary compounds are widely used in poultry and swine production as disinfectants in the control of pathogens. They act on gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, enveloped fungi and viruses. However, in some conditions of pH and presence of organic matter can be inactivated. This study evaluated the action of ammonium quaternary compounds at 1:1,000 and 1:2,000 dilutions against Salmonella enterica serovarTyphimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in the presence of three different organic matter simulators, fetal bovine serum, skim milk and whole milk concentration of 1, 3, 5, and 7% and at pH 6 and 9, with 15 min of contact. It was possible to verify that the organic matter simulators adjusted in the same conditions of contact time and percentage, in the in vitro tests, presented different results and the fetal bovine serum did not inactivate the disinfectant. However, the best result against S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis was obtained at pH 6 at the dilution of 1:1,000 in all organic matter simulators.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality of surgically castrated and immunocastrated male pigs. Data were collected from 24 surgically castrated pigs and 24 immunocastrated male entire originating from the commercial line (Agroceres x Topigs), receiving isonutritive diets and were housed in the same experimental shed, slaughtered at 177 days old, with a slaughter weight of 127.8 (± 6.5) and 135.1 (± 7.8) kg, respectively. Carcass and meat quality characteristics such as carcass yield, lean meat yield, fat content, backfat thickness, muscle depth, pH, meat coloring and, drip, thawing and cooking loss, were evaluated. Immunocastrated pigs have heavier carcass, higher meat yield and lower fat thickness when compared to surgically castrated animals. Regarding meat quality, the immunocastrated presented a lighter meat, less reddness and less water holding capacity. In conclusion, this study confirmed that the carcass of male pigs, submitted immunocastration, has lower yield, however, more meat and less fat content, when compared to carcass of male pigs surgically castrated. Meat quality showed peculiar characteristics for immunocastrated pigs, and can be used more for sausage production, since it retains less water and have smaller redness color compared to surgically castrated pigs.

Resumo Objetivo: A enzima cardioprotetora Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) sofre importante influência de polimorfismos genéticos e fatores nutricionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência da alimentação, do estado nutricional e do polimorfismo C(-107)T sobre a atividade arilesterase da PON1 em crianças. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 97 crianças entre 5 e 8 anos, de ambos os sexos, de um ambulatório de pediatria no sul do Brasil. Realizou-se questionário sociodemográfico, de comportamento e de consumo alimentar, medidas antropométricas e coleta de sangue em laboratório. A atividade arilesterase da PON1 foi mensurada pela extinção de fenol (U/mL), realizada extração do DNA e análise do polimorfismo PON1 C(-107)T. O equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg foi testado com qui-quadrado e usada regressão linear para estimar a atividade da PON1 segundo quatro modelos de ajuste, erro aceitável de 5%. Resultados: Na amostra o sexo masculino representou 50,5%, 39,2% tinham 6 anos, 54,5% eram eutróficos e 51,5% tinha atividade da PON1 inferior à mediana (90,0;15-30 U/ml). A frequência dos genótipos foi 54,6% (53/97), 31,0% (30/97) e 14,4% (14/97), respectivamente, para CT, CC e TT, estiveram em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg (p = 0,22). Na análise de regressão o modelo que incluiu variáveis sociodemográficas, de frequência do consumo de frutas, verduras, legumes, laticínios e feijões estimou uma variabilidade de 14,8% na atividade da PON1 combinada ao polimorfismo PON1 C(-107)T. Conclusões: Na infância uma alimentação de boa qualidade, com maior participação de alimentos saudáveis foi importante para predizer a atividade da enzima cardioprotetora PON1 combinada ao polimorfismo C(-107)T do gene da PON1.

Abstract Objective: The cardioprotective enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) suffers an important influence from genetic polymorphisms and nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of diet, nutritional status, and the C(-107)T polymorphism on PON1 arylesterase activity in children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 97 children, aged between 5 and 8 years, of both genders, from a pediatric outpatient clinic in southern Brazil. A sociodemographic, behavioral, and food consumption questionnaire was applied, and anthropometric measurements and laboratory blood samples were taken. PON1 arylesterase activity was measured by phenol extinction (U/mL), and DNA extraction and analysis of the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism were performed. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested with the chi-squared test and linear regression was used to estimate PON1 activity according to four adjustment models, with an acceptable error of 5%. Results: In the sample, the male gender accounted for 50.5%, 39.2% were 6 years of age, 54.5% had normal weight, and 51.5% had PON1 activity below the median (90.0, 15-30 U/mL). Genotype frequency was 54.6% (53/97), 31.0% (30/97), and 14.4% (14/97), respectively, for CT, CC, and TT, consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p = 0.22). In the regression analysis, the model that included sociodemographic variables as well as frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and beans estimated a variability of 14.8% in PON1 activity combined with the PON1 C(-107)T polymorphism. Conclusions: During childhood, a good-quality diet with greater inclusion of healthy foods was important to predict the activity of the cardioprotective enzyme PON1 combined with the C(-107)T polymorphism of the PON1 gene.

Resumo Este artigo reporta as atividades in vitro antiproliferativa, atiprotozoárica, anti-herpética e antimicrobiana de 32 extratos orgânicos provenientes de 14 esponjas marinhas e 14 corais coletados no litoral nordestino brasileiro. Os extratos etanólicos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa e Tedania ignis, e o extrato acetônico de Dysidea sp. demonstraram resultados promissores em relação aos efeitos antiproliferativos frente as linhagens celulares A549, HCT-8, PC-3 pelo método da sulforrodamina B, mas sem especificidade. Em relação à atividade antiprotozárica, os extratos etanólico de Amphimedon compressa e acetônico e etanólico de Dysidea sp. apresentaram atividade contra Leishmania amazonensis e Trypanosoma cruzi através do método de expressão de β-galactosidase em células THP-1. Na investigação preliminar de atividade antiviral frente ao vírus Herpes simplex tipo 1 (cepa KOS), os extratos etanólicos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa, Haliclona sp. e Chondrosia collectrix inibiram mais de 50% da replicação viral. O extrato etanólico da esponja Haliclona sp. demonstrou resultados promissores para atividade anti-herpética com altos índices de seletividade para as cepas KOS (IS >50) e 29R (IS>79) frente ao VHS-1 e cepa 333 (IS>108) frente ao VHS-2. O extrato etanólico da esponja Amphimedon compressa exibiu uma pequena atividade contra Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli pelo método de difusão em disco. De acordo com os resultados apresentados, os extratos das esponjas Amphimedon compressa, Tedania ignis e Dysidea sp. serão selecionados para futuros estudos de isolamento e identificação dos compostos bioativos para as atividades antiproliferativa e antiprozoárica. O extrato etanólico de Haliclona sp. será investigado por possuir atividade relevante anti-herpética.

Abstract This paper reports the in vitro antiproliferative effects, antiprotozoal, anti-herpes and antimicrobial activities of 32 organic extracts of 14 marine sponges and 14 corals collected in northeast Brazilian coast. The ethanolic extracts of the sponges Amphimedon compressa and Tedania ignis, and the acetone extract of Dysidea sp. showed relevant results concerning the antiproliferative effects against A549, HCT-8, and PC-3 cell lines by sulforhodamine B assay, but also low specificity. Concerning the antiprotozoal screening, the ethanolic extract of Amphimedon compressa and the acetone and ethanolic extracts of Dysidea sp. were the most active against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi expressing β-galactosidase in THP-1 cells. In the preliminary anti-HSV-1 (KOS strain) screening, the ethanolic extracts of the sponges Amphimedon compressa, Haliclona sp. and Chondrosia collectrix inhibited viral replication by more than 50%. The most promising anti-herpes results were observed for the ethanolic extract of Haliclona sp. showing high selective indices against HSV-1, KOS and 29R strains (SI> 50 and >79, respectively), and HSV-2, 333 strain (IS>108). The results of the antibacterial screening indicated that only the ethanolic extract of Amphimedon compressa exhibited a weak activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by the disk diffusion method. In view of these results, the extracts of Amphimedon compressa, Tedania ignis and Dysidea sp. were selected for further studies aiming the isolation and identification of the bioactive compounds with antiproliferative and/or antiprotozoal activities. The relevant anti-herpes activity of the ethanolic extract of Haliclona sp. also deserves special attention, and will be further investigated.

Abstract Pectin (PC) extracted from a solid residue from cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was used to coat nanoparticles (NP) containing β-carotene (BC) aiming at the gastrointestinal administration of this lipophilic nutraceutical. The NP were prepared by spontaneous emulsification method using food grade components. Pectin-coated NP have been successfully prepared as confirmed by the increased particle size and negative surface charges due to the pectin’s anionic nature. NP showed spherical shape and monodisperse distribution, with a mean size of 21.3 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) 0.29) for BC PC T80-NP (nanoparticle with β-carotene, pectin and Tween 80) and 261.4 nm (PDI 0.1) for BC PC T20-NP (nanoparticle with β-carotene, pectin and Tween 20). BC was encapsulated at amounts of 530 and 324 µg/ml for BC PC T80-NP and BC PC T20-NP, respectively, with high encapsulation efficiency (> 95%), increasing its antioxidant capacity in vitro, besides no cytotoxic effect. However, only BC PC T20-NP was stable over a 90 days storage period (4°C) and revealed a strong interaction between pectin and mucin. These results suggest that pectin-coated BC PC T20-NP is a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and permeation of BC for administration through mucosal surfaces.