Lutzomyia longipalpis urbanisation and control

Since the description of Lutzomyia longipalpis by Lutz and Neiva more than 100 years ago, much has been written in the scientific literature about this phlebotomine species. Soares and Turco (2003) and Lainson and Rangel (2005) have written extensive reviews focused on vector-host-parasite interactions and American visceral leishmaniasis ecology. However, during the last two decades, the success of Lu. longipalpis in colonising urban environments and its simultaneous geographical spreading have led to new theoretical and operational questions. Therefore, this review updates the general information about this species and notes the more challenging topics regarding the new scenario of urbanisation-spreading and its control in America. Here, we summarise the literature on these issues and the remaining unsolved questions, which pose recommendations for operational research.

Evaluation of prenatal care in unit with family health strategy

We analyzed prenatal care (PN) provided at a unit of the Family Health Strategy Service in São Paulo, according to the indicators of the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal and Birth (PHPB). We compared adequacy of PN in terms of sociodemographic variables, procedures, examinations and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Cross-sectional study with data from records of 308 pregnant women enrolled in 2011. We observed early initiation of PN (82.1%), conducting of a minimum of six consultations (84.1%), puerperal consultation (89.0%); to the extent that there is a sum of the actions, there is a significant drop in the proportion of adequacy. Prenatal care was adequate for 67.9%, with a significant difference between adequacy groups in relation to gestational age and birth weight. Prenatal care deficiencies exist, especially in regards to registration of procedures, exams and immunization. The difference between adequacy groups with respect to perinatal outcomes reinforces the importance of prenatal care that adheres to the parameters of the PHPB.


The quality and characteristics of sleep of hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVEAnalyzing the quality of sleep of hypertensive patients registered in the national registration system and monitoring of hypertensive patients.METHODSA cross-sectional study of quantitative and descriptive analyses with 280 hypertensive patients registered in the National Program of Hypertension and Diabetes of the Federal Government in the months from August to October 2011. Questionnaires were used which allowed for tracking sociodemographic data on hypertension and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).RESULTSThe prevalence of poor sleep quality among respondents (156 hypertensive patients) and high rates of using medication for sleeping (106 hypertensive patients) was observed. Other relevant data refers to the quality of sleep among hypertensive patients using sleep medication compared to those who do not use it (p≤0.01).CONCLUSIONIndividuals with high blood pressure have a negative association with sleep quality.

Análise de parcimônia de endemismo de cercopídeos neotropicais (Hemiptera, Cercopidae)

The spittlebugs have an extent distribution in the American continent. Their diversity may determinate endemism areas based on their occurence in different localities. We have used Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity method, which is an important historic biogeography tool for detecting and establishing the relationship among endemics areas. A data matrix was built up based on the occurence registration for the species by 66 genus in whole localities divided in five degrees quadrats in the Neotropical Region, using 49 OGUs (Operative Geografic Units). The presence of the taxa in the areas was coded 1 and the absence 0. The data matrix was analysed based on parsimony analysis through the computer program Hennig 86. Nine endemic areas were stipulated (Mexico + Central America, Venezuelan Savana, Guiana + Suriname, Chaco, Trans-andean, Cerrado, Amazon, Pampa and Atlantic Forest) in the first analysis corroborated with ecological and physiographic patterns in each region. The second analysis was made using 48 genera to obtain the relationship among the nine areas stipulated before. In this analysis just one cladogram (3((1,2)((8,9)(6(7(4,5)))))) was obtained with 192 steps, consistence index 0.80 and retention index 0.85.

The ant fauna of hospitals: advancements in public health and research priorities in Brazil

Ants inhabit several types of natural and urban habitats, where they successfully nest. In urban environments, the hospitals should be considered priority for studies, as ants pose risks to human health due to their pathogen carrying potential. We aimed at surveying the literature about studies on ants in hospital settings in Brazil in the past 20 years. We found 40 papers in 22 journals, the first one published in 1993. Among them, 26 papers assessed pathogenic microorganisms on ants. We recorded 59 ant species, being Tapinoma melanocephalumthe most common. The Minas Gerais and São Paulo states had the largest number of published papers. Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul showed the highest number of species. Exotic ant species were recorded in all states, except Goiás. Considering the potential to carry microorganisms and the importance of thorough studies on the ecology of ant species, our results can support and guide further research in Brazil.