Search

This work has aimed to make a report of a case of packaged grains of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, 1954 (mung beans; Fabaceae) infestation by the insect plague Rhizopertha dominica (F.) (lesser grain borer) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae: Dinoderinae), into a dwelling of an urban area in Coro, Falcon state, north-western semiarid region of Venezuela. Insects were manually collected and identified by comparative external morphology with light microscopy. The infestation of V. radiata grains by R. dominica can potentially transport pathogenic microorganisms for humans and animals, as well as cause allergy events or canthariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human toxocariasis is a zoonosis caused by larvae of the nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. The prevalence of this disease in the immunecompromised population in Venezuela is unknown. To determine seroprevalence of antibodies IgG anti-T. canis, a descriptive study was carried out in serum samples of 80 HIVinfected patients from Bolívar state, previously confirmed by Western-Blot. The seropositivity of IgG antibodies to the excretory-secretory antigens of T. canis was determined by ELISA (Bordier Affinity Products®). A seroprevalence of T. canis infection was 3.6% (n = 3), in the age group 20-29 years (n = 2; 2.5%) and in the female sex (X² = 3.622; 1 gl, p = 0.05). The three HIV-positive patients referred contact with dogs. Two of them had more than 200 lymphocytes CD4+/mm³ and the other less of 100 lymphocytes CD4+/mm³. All were heterosexual. Clinical demonstrations of neither Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome nor Ocular Syndrome Larva Migrans were shown. The infection by T. canis in the evaluated population is low; nevertheless, it represents a potential problem for health and therefore should be investigated in all immunecompromised patients with associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is an infectious, zoonotic, cosmopolitan, neglected disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The hot and humid climate of the tropics is particularly conducive to its expansion. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in miners attending the Type II Diagnostic Center Hospital "Dr. Gervasio Vera Custodio" from Upata, Bolívar states, Venezuela. Fifty febrile subjects who agreed to participate in the study were evaluated. Most were between the ages of 21-30 and 31-40 years (n = 16; 32%). One hundred percent of individuals have gold mining as their sole occupation, being surface mining prevalent (n = 45; 90%) over underground (n = 5; 10%). Forty six percent (n = 23) of the miners had IgM antibodies against Leptospira spp. A statistically significant association between the presence of IgM antibodies against Leptospira spp. and the following clinical manifestations: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, choluria and arthralgias (p < 0.05) was observed. A high prevalence of specific IgM antibodies against Leptospira spp. (46.0%) in a group of miners from Bolívar state was shown in this study, the first that indicates the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in gold workers of Venezuela. This population of workers have a considerable risk of contracting the infection due to the labor and environmental conditions existing in this region of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the giant fireflies Aspisoma ignitum (Linnæus, 1767) (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae, Cratomorphini) in the city of Coro, semiarid region of Falcon state, north-western Venezuela, is presented. So far, this appears as the northernmost report of A. ignitum in Venezuela. The importance of lampyrid giant fireflies as potential biological agents to control pests of agricultural and sanitary interest is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pteridophytes present in four adjacent sectors to the Alejandro de Humboldt Natural Monument, located in El Guácharo National Park, Caripe municipality of Monagas state, Venezuela were determined. These sectors are found in mountainous areas between 1200 and 1650 m a.s.l. The presence of 13 families, 32 genera and 66 species was evidenced, of which 29 are new reports for the Monagas state's flora registers. Particularity, Niphidium mortonianum and Tectaria amphiblestra that were only restricted to South America. The floristic similarity among sectors was low, with the highest specific representation of the families Polypodiaceae (18 spp.), Pteridaceae (12 spp.), Dryopteridaceae (8 spp.) and Aspleniaceae (7 spp.). The terrestrial and corticicultural ferns surpassed (40.91 and 39.39%, respectively) the rupicolous (12.12%). The environmental conditions of mountains, the shade and high humidity in the studied sectors, are suitable for the development of this group of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coche island, Nueva Esparta state, Venezuela, is located between the coasts of Sucre state and Margarita island, and is found on the migration route of the eastern corridor, Arctic-Lesser Antilles-north of South America. Therefore, it is frequently visited by birds that travel through it and it is the place chosen to spend the boreal winter by many migratory species, especially those of aquatic habits. During the period from April 2015 to July 2020, tours were carried out throughout its extension in order to report new bird records. Walks were carried out twice a month at times 06:00 h to 10:00 h and from 16:00 h to 18:00 h. Additionally, casual reports were included from eBird platform and historical records reported by local residents. Until now, its documented avifauna was represented by 62 species, but this study adds 87 new records of which 26 correspond to aquatic birds and 61 are terrestrial birds, expanding the total number of species for the island to 149. This improves the biogeographic knowledge of the Venezuelan insular avifauna and positions Coche island as the second with the highest number of birds reported among the Venezuelan islands in the Caribbean Sea. Coche island thus constitutes a favorable site for its conservation, especially when several of these bird species are protected by international legislation due to their population declines, e.g., Calidris canutus, Limosa haesmastica, Charadrius nivosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown alga, Sargassum natans, forms groups of pelagic thalli, and is also found in the macroalgae barrages that eventually occur in the Caribbean region. In this work, a new species for the phycological flora of Venezuela is reported, with contributions to the description of some vegetative structures of a population of S. natans found in the sector La Caracola of Moreno Beach, Margarita Island, during the month of April 2018. Three specimens were collected and preserved in 4% formaldehyde. The analysis of the vegetative structures by means of a stereoscopic microscope, revealed the presence of densely divided lateral branches with abundant pneumatophores that presented acicular appendages or a phyllodes-like projection, and the absence of lateral wings on their pedicels, the phylloids with toothed edges and few or no cryptostomes on the sheets, which allowed the identification of the specie as Sargassum natans (Linnaeus) Gaillon, belonging to the family Sargassaceae Kutzing. This species had not been recorded in the marinecoastal zone of Venezuela, so its distribution is expanded in the Caribbean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation is praxis, a social and human right, to exercise individual and collective protagonism, as well as the formation of a citizen's identity. With this essay, we intend to address child participation as a fundamental pillar for the formation of human values, the citizenship of women and men of the future, as well as health care. The following topics were treated: the conception of participation from a simple and reductionist perspective, to a complex perspective, some considerations about childhood, childhood as an object to childhood as a subject of law, participation tendencies and a framework legal status in Venezuela, children's participation in health and leading children's participation. Under the perspective addressed, it can be concluded that, without a doubt, the recognition, development and exercise of the protagonism of children and adolescents as an ordinary, daily component, and way of life of society and childhood, today certainly denied, they constitute the central axis of the historical strategy to build a new humanity made up of citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents caused by venomous animals represent a cause of pediatric emergency especially in hospitals in tropical and subtropical countries of the world. In this study, elements of the ecoepidemiological and clinical profile of the events caused by venomous fauna in children treated in a public hospital in the northeastern region of Venezuela are described. For this, an epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study (period 2014-2016) of morbidity and mortality caused by animal in pediatric patients (up to 12 years of age) was carried out at the University Hospital of Cumaná, Sucre state. A total of 108 accidents caused mainly by scorpions (n = 70; 64.8%, p < 0.0005) and snakes (24; 22.4%, p < 0.0005) were verified. Other arthropods (bees, centipedes and spiders) constituted 12.9% of the events. The scope of occurrence was related to the anthropic habitat (91; 84.3%, p < 0.0005) and particularly to areas of occurrence: a) intra-home for scorpions (42; 60.0%, p < 0.0005) and b) peridomiciliary for snakes (13; 54.2%, p < 0,0005) and other arthropods (10; 71.4%, p < 0.002) with their respective related activities: a) sleeping in a room (scorpions: 26; 37.1%, p < 0.05) and b) playing in the garden (snakes: 11; 45.8%, p < 0.002 and other arthropods: 10; 71.4%, p < 0.002). The period of low rainfall recorded a higher frequency of incidents with scorpions (30; 42.9%) and other arthropods (7; 50.0%) and that of high rainfall for snakes (10; 41.7%). Four deaths were found (three by scorpionism and one by snakebite), resulting in a global lethality rate of 3.70% (4/108) and by taxonomic group of 4.29% (3/70) for scorpions and 4.17 % (1/24) for snakes. The findings suggest the significance and magnitude of accidents by venomous animals, particularly by scorpions and snakes, as causes of morbidity and mortality in the Sucre state, northeastern region of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2013, dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses have been circulating simultaneously in America. Although the primary vector of all these viruses is the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a secondary vector that has already been reported in Venezuela is A. albopictus. In this communication, the presence of A. albopictus is reported in the northern zone of Bolívar state and some considerations are made about its importance in the epidemiology of dengue and other arboviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Derbesiaceae family is represented in Venezuela by only two species of the genus Derbesia, characterizaed by siphonal thalli and an heteromorphic life cycle; while the Cladophoraceae family has many representativees in diverse marine-coastal areas of the country; in it, the algae of the genus Chaetomorpha, are characterized by presenting unbranched filamentous thalli, attached or not to a substrate. The present article describes the species Derbesia fastigiata, that represents a new report for Venezuela, and Chaetomorpha minima, for the Nueva Esparta state. Both chlorophytes were encountered as epiphytes of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum in Boca del Río bay, during June-November 2018. Monthly samplings were conducted at four stations (Maceta, Doble play, Malecón, and Museo), stablished from the mouth of La Restinga lagoon to the Museo Marino, collecting shoots of the seagrass throughout two transects of 10 m length perpendicular to the coast at each station. The extraction of the macroalgae required the direct observation of both sides of each T. testudinum leaf, using a stereo microscope. The macroalgae detected were carefully detached using dissection needles and were preserved in glass jars with 4% formalin solution in seawater. The determination of the macroalgae was carried out using scientific keys, as well as the stereo and optical microscopes. The presence of these chlorophytes was constant during the studied period, and were observed in all stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the floristic inventory carried out between 2010 and 2018 in three geological outcrops (Cerro Macho, Cerro Barrigón and Cerro Pariche) and their adjacencies, located in the western end of Araya Peninsula, Sucre state, Venezuela, are presented. Throughout the study area, 40 families, 112 genera and 135 species were registered; however, it was Cerro Macho which best represented the indicated flora (37 families, 103 genera and 126 species) with respect to the other two hills. Cypselea humifusa is added to the floristic list of the Sucre state, while Euphorbia prostrata and Acacia farnesiana were novelties for the peninsular flora. Of the total plants described, 123 were native, while 12 come from other latitudes and have been naturalized. According to consulted literature, six of described species are reported under threat. Five plant formations distributed in the studied outcrops and their adjacencies were detected; Xeric Shrub, Mangrove, Psamophytic Herbs, Halophytic Herbs and Aquatic Herbs, with Xeric Shrubs being the best floristically represented (113 spp.). In all these environments, herbs were more frequent (83 spp.), followed by shrubs (19 spp.). The floristic and physiognomic relationship of the study area is conditioned by the edaphoclimatic adversities and by anthropogenic disturbances to which it has been subjected. This study represents a contribution to the floristic knowledge from Araya Peninsula, a zone whose natural characteristics make it a potentially area for creation of a geological park and/or for its inclusion within some protective figure as an area within special management regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finding of parasitic forms in the feces of infants with and without gastrointestinal symptoms is rare. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in apparently healthy lactating children from ten "Simoncito" Initial Education Centers (CEIS) in Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar state, Venezuela, during the period February 2017 to November 2018. A total of 64 lactating children (42 older infant and 22 younger infant) of both genders were studied. The analysis of stool samples was made using the coproparasitological technique of spontaneous sedimentation. A prevalence of infection (pathogen and commensals) of 42.2% (27/64) was obtained. The older infants were more parasitized (X2 = 4.06; d.f.: 2; p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences regarding gender (p < 0.05), with male child being more affected. The main taxa found were Blastocystis spp. (26.6%) and Giardia intestinalis (15.6%). The finding of three cases (4.7%) of the soil transmitted helminth Ascaris lumbricoides stood out. In conclusion, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was determined in lactating children from Ciudad Bolívar, Bolívar state. Infection with Blastocystis spp. was the most common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between January and May 2017, a study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a sample of children enrolled in two "Simoncito" Initial Education Centers (CEIS) in Tucupita, Delta Amacuro state, Venezuela. We applied Graham technique and a fecal sample was provided from the children for the coproparasitological study (spontaneous sedimentation and Kinyoun staining). A total of 84 children between 1 and 6 years of age were studied; 46.4% (n = 39) female and 53.6% (n = 45) male. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 58.3%. There was no statistically significant difference between age (X2 (Yates correction) = 1.80; d.f. = 2; p > 0.05) and gender (p > 0.05) of the parasitized children. The chromist Blastocystis spp. was the most prevalent enteroparasite, with 27.4%. Four cases of coccidian infection (4.8%) were diagnosed. Within the protozoa, three species were found, with Giardia intestinalis (16.7%) being the most frequent. Only two species of helminths were identified: Enterobius vermicularis (13.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (10.7%). In conclusion, the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children aged 1-6 years was similar to that reported in other states of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the educational field, the Attention to Diversity is called to take into account the differences related to learning styles and rhythms and other aspects of a personal, academic or social type such as motivations, difficulties and disabilities. The present study had among its purposes to discover the being of the phenomenon Attention to Diversity in the Subsystem of Basic Education and University Education. The method was guided by the phenomenological-hermeneutical paradigm. Interpretation of relevant texts, participant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted with three key informants. The research showed two main manifestations of being: Attention to Diversity and Inclusive Education are directly associated with Special Education services in Venezuela; and diversity in the classroom is conceived as a problem and not as a source of wealth for the school institution that concerns all its members. The policies that operate in this modality must adjust to the new trends to promote an institutional transformation of the methods of educational attention. Special Education teachers in the area of learning difficulties should focus on improving teaching and learning processes, on the diversification of strategies and resources, to attend the variety of students. Finally, to achieve a quality education for all, the declarations and mandates must be materialized in multiple concrete actions: investment in human resources, educational materials, infrastructure, training and awareness of the entire educational community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arid and semi-arid zones in the Araya Peninsula, as in the rest of Venezuela, have been severely impacted by poorly planned anthropogenic activities. According to the national threat criteria for terrestrial ecosystems, this region is in the Critically Endangered category, which is why it is listed as a bioregion with priority for exploration and conservation in Venezuela. In order to generate information on the continental fauna of the Araya locality of Sucre state, surveys were carried out in different ecosystems during 2010-2019, involving the rainy and dry seasons. For the search, collection and / or observation of the fauna reported in this study, different sampling techniques (conventional and non-conventional) were used. The fauna inventory yielded 26 families, 31 genera and 32 species (15 mammals, 16 reptiles and 1 amphibian). In the Vulnerable category there is the southern long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae) and as exotic-invasive the tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia). In addition, Iguana iguana, Sylvilagus floridanus and Pecari tajacu are reported as hunting species. The xerophilous shrubs presented the greatest diversity of vertebrates referred to in this study, followed in decreasing order, according to the number of species, the aquatic grassland, the mangrove swamp and with a low representation of the psamophilic and halophilic grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One specimen of the scorpion Tarsoporosus flavus González-Sponga, 1983 (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae: Diplocentrinae) was captured into a bedroom in dwelling of the city of Coro, semiarid north-western region, Falcon state, Venezuela. Potential sanitary importance of this finding is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life and work of Virginia Pereira Álvarez, one of the first women to graduate as a elementary school teacher in Venezuela, was the first woman to take and pass the exam for "Bachelor of Philosophy" at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). First to start studying at UCV (Medicine, 1911), first teacher at a Venezuelan university (teacher assistant, UCV, 1912), first Venezuelan to publish a scientific research article (coauthor, 1912) and the first Venezuelan woman to graduate as a medical doctor (Philadelphia, United States, 1920). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of accidents caused by snake bites in Sucre state, Venezuela, from 2002 to 2006, was analyzed. During the period occurred 533 ophidic accidents (107 cases per year). The frequency was signif icantly higher in the high (203; 38.1%) and medium (184; 34.5%) pluviosity seasons. The countryside (215; 40.3%) was the most usual occurrence place, followed by the home and its surroundings (137; 25.7%). The spatial distribution of the events indicated that snake accidents occurred in 100% of the 15 municipalities, but mainly located in two geographic areas: a) the western side of the state in the Turimiquire mountain range [Montes (16.9%) and Sucre (12.0%) municipalities] and b) the northeastern coastal area, covering a fraction of the Araya Peninsula and the entire Paria Peninsula [Bermúdez (14.4%), Ribero (9.6%), Mariño (8.6%), Arismendi (7.1%), Cajigal (6.9%) and, Valdez (4,9%) municipalities]. The genus Crotalus was responsible for the highest number of incidents (227/533; 42.6%, p < 0.0002), followed by Bothrops (127/533; 23.8%) and marginally by Lachesis (10; 1.9%) and Micrurus (4; 0.8%). The median incidence was 12.21 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with the expression of an endemicity map, with variable characteristics, from very slightly endemic to hyperendemic municipalities. Two deaths from bothropism were verified, both in 2005, in Montes municipality (western area, Turimiquire mountain range) and Cajigal municipality (northeastern area, Paria Peninsula). The indicators determined a mortality rate (deaths per 100,000 inhabitants) for Cajigal of 4.43 (1/22,571), for Montes of 1.70 (1/58,878) and for the whole state of 0.23 (2/860,580), with an average of 0.046 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and year. The lethality (year 2005) was 1.61% (2/124 events) and for the period 2002-2006 was 0.38% (2/533). This study demonstrates the importance of the ophidic accidents at Sucre state as a collective health issue, in terms of morbidity and mortality, evidencing the magnitude, significance and severity of this tropical pathology. Additionally, it presents the state as the first federal entity where the prevalence of crotalism is higher than bothropism, establishing a difference with the national epidemiological map. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of podial mycetoma in a 54-year-old male with rural residence in two endemic areas is described, one long-term in Naguanagua (Carabobo State, Venezuela) and the second of middle-term in Puebla (Mexico). The inflammatory lesion, located on the back of the right foot, was initially treated as erysipela and deserved hospitalization for more than 20 days. The evolution was progressive and insidious with a duration of approximately 10 years until the diagnosis was established; which was performed by clinical evaluation and by anatomopathological study with demonstration of granuloma by living agent, of mycetoma type. The patient referred, as an anecdotal and binding fact, to visit frequently a lagoon in the mountainous sector; denying the presence of intra-domiciliary animals, snails or others. It is recommended to wear reasoned occlusive footwear, when going to areas like this. Epidemiological data and diagnostic guidance are of high value, in individuals from or moving into endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Venezuelan forest-pitviper, Bothriopsis medusa, popularly known locally as "mapanare viejita", is considered an endemic species in Venezuela. Very little is known about the haemorrhagic effects produced by the venom of this snake, so the main objective of this study was to perform the isolation and biochemical characterization of a fraction of its venom with haemorrhagic activity, using biochemical methods. The crude venom was fractionated by molecular exclusion chromatography. Then, both the crude venom and the fractions were assayed for haemorrhagic activity, and finally SDS-PAGE chromatogrbaphy was performed. Fraction 2 (F2) was chosen because of its high haemorrhagic action. Subsequently, anion exchange chromatography was carried out in order to purify the proteins with higher haemorrhagic activity. The elution profile revealed ten well-defined peaks, in which it was decided to analyse the anionic fraction 4 (FA4 haemorrhagic fraction) by a) SDS-PAGE, b) haemorrhagic activity, c) protein determination, d) fibrinogenolytic activity and e) gelatinolytic activity. The electrophoretic profile of F2 showed proteins with molecular weight between ~116 to 31 kDa and FA4 ~ 35, 45, 60 and 98 kDa. This fraction exhibited a haemorrhagic area in the skin. The fibrinogenolytic tests showed a total proteolysis of the a chain, intense of the ß chain, both at 24 hours, as well as a total proteolysis of the γ chain at 48 hours. Finally, it is possible to suggest the presence of enzymes with serine and metalloprotease activity, responsible for generating the skin and systemic haemorrhagic picture in individuals who suffer an accident caused by Bothriopsis medusa snake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scorpion or broken chest turtle, Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides, is widely distributed in Venezuela. However, there are regions with few records of its presence and States where the species has not been reported yet. The present findings of this continental tortoise in the hydrographic basin of the Manzanares River, extend its range of distribution for the country and Sucre state, where there was only one documented report. The specimens were collected in 4 communities of this State; nevertheless, persons settled on the banks of this river have reported the sighting and captures in 10 additional localities (not yet confirmed), all of them composed of diverse marshy, riparian ecosystems. In view of this, there is a need for a more rigorous assessment of the geographical distribution of this continental quelonium to support its conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study proposed to relate the socio-epidemiological factors and the infections by enteroparasites in two communities, one peri-urban and one rural in the Central Region of Venezuela. A total of 126 persons were evaluated in the peri-urban area and 111 in the rural one. Feces were analyzed through a direct examination, in addition to the methods of Kato, Faust and Baermann. Socio-epidemiological factors were identified through a survey. The prevalence of enteroparasites within the peri-urban community was 45.2% and 53.3% in the rural one. An estimated 23.0% of the peri-urban population presented protozoa and 0.4% helminths, while in the rural area 30.6% of persons presented protozoa and 12.6% helminths, being Giardia intestinalis (9.5%) the most frequent species of protozoa. As for the chromist kingdom, Blastocystis spp., highlighted in both communities. In relation to the helminths, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis were detected in the peri-urban and Ascaris lumbricoides in the rural one. The associated variables (p < 0.05) with the presence of enteroparasites in the peri-urban were: degree of instruction, housing conditions, quality of drinking water, hygienic habits, streetfood intake and presence of vectors; in the rural community: type of disposition of excreta, washing of hands and consumption of street-food. The findings revealed a high prevalence of enteroparasites in both communities, evidencing that they shared common socio-epidemiological characteristics that favored their acquisition. The results point out the need to implement epidemiological control and surveillance actions that improve the quality of life of the communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Venezuela and in the world, roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is used to make cold or hot beverages. Their chalices are also used to make jams, sauces and dressings. This has several components such as polyphenols, among which are flavonoids and anthocyanins, both with multiple beneficial properties, used to prevent and treat degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and hyperlipidemia. In traditional medicine, the aqueous extracts of the decoction of dehydrated chalices of H. sabdariffa are used for the control of liver disorders or fever. In this review article, emphasis is placed on those components of roselle in order to promote its use as a source of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of services in the health sector is the key to success for process management. The objective of the present research was to make a proposal to evaluate user satisfaction through a multiple regression study, applied to clinical laboratories of Zulia State, Venezuela. The study was descriptive and transversal. The sample was made up of 160 employees and 995 external consultation patients who attended the laboratories of public hospitals type III and IV. The results showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the degree of satisfaction in relation to the personnel, and the dimensions of quality considered in this analysis; with the exception of aspects related to interpersonal relationships (F = 1.77, p > 0.05). Assessing patients'satisfaction, it was observed that there were highly significant differences for dimensions and satisfaction (p < 0.01). In this study, a multiple regression analysis was performed, in whichit was possible to infer that the dimensions of quality directly related to the personnel that predict the satisfaction of the patients were working environmental conditions and conformity with the management. An equation is proposed as an indicator of user's satisfaction evaluation, an essential aspect of a quality management program. This new contribution would facilitate the progress of institutions with clear policies of timely and humanized attention, aimed at user's satisfaction, focused on compliance with strategies according to international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeine is an alkaloid, which is found naturally in coffee, its consumption in adolescence can cause adverse effects on health, is a substance that is produced synthetically and used as an additive in certain food products. It is considered a drug, because it stimulates the central nervous system. Therefore, it is intended to identify social influence on coffee consumption in cup by adolescent, in a school population located in the municipality of Cabimas, Zulia state, Venezuela. A transversal and field descriptive study was carried out in the Ambrosio parish of Cabimas municipality. The population was 2,571 students from the diversified basic cycle of the institutions E.T.I.N. Juan Ignacio Valbuena, E.T.C.R. Hermagoras Chávez, E.T.A. Pedro Jota Hernández. Sample selected, by 336 students, whose participation was free and informed. A questionnaire validated in its content by experts and with a closed structure was used, the information was analyzed by descriptive statistics, using SPSS version 20. It was observed that 85.7% of the studied population consumed coffee, up to 2 daily cups (73.5%), the beginning of the consumption occurred at an early age, less than 10 years old (51.7%%) and the main influence for consumption are parents (93.8%) and siblings (80.1%). It is concluded that coffee is frequently consumed by the adolescent and special attention is required in the habit so that it is not consumed. become a food addiction, fostered by the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the dermatological manifestations in parasitized patients by Blastocystis spp. in pediatric age belonging to the Canaguapana community, Sucre municipality, Bolívar State, Venezuela. Fecal samples were analyzed by direct examination, qualitative Kato, spontaneous sedimentation and Kinyoun staining techniques. Two groups were studied: 48 children with blastocistosis, and 68 without intestinal parasitosis. Urticaria was the only dermatological manifestation identified, and was observed in three types: palmar, plantar and generalized. The blastocistosis group showed that 39.6% children presented some kind of dermatological manifestation; and in the cases without parasites only 17.6% presented them. The observed demonstrations were of three types: urticaria palmar / plantar and widespread. 86.4% of patients presented generalized urticaria were parasitized by Blastocystis spp., while 13.6% did not have any type of parasitic diseases. In conclusion, a statistically significant association was observed between the presence of Blastocystis spp. and the type of observed dermatological manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of smoking habit on clinical and biochemical parameters in apparently healthy young male adults was evaluated. For this purpose, 100 male individuals were studied who aged between 20 and 30 years and attended the university hospital Antonio Patricio de Alcalá, Cumaná, Sucre State, Venezuela, between the months of August to November 2016. The participants in the study were distributed into 50 individuals with smoking habits and 50 individuals without them, the latter constituted the control group. Each individual was evaluated for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, besides of total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-C) and cardiac risk. Through a simple analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical differences were established between the groups studied, finding highly significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol (Fs: 10.25), LDL-C (Fs: 13.14) and cardiac risk (Fs: 30.17). On the other hand, very significant differences were found in the levels of HDL-C (Fs: 7.69) and significant differences in the serum levels of triacylglycerides (Fs: 3.75). Based on these results, it can be concluded that the habit of smoking causes an elevation in the serum levels of cholesterol, LDL-C and triacylglycerides, as well as a decrease in the serum levels of HDL-C; causing an increase in cardiac risk in apparently healthy young adult males, increasing their chances of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between april and may 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in inhabitants of the indigenous community San Antonio de Raudalito, Cedeño municipality of Bolivar state, Venezuela. Sixty-two inhabitants aged between 6 months and 72 years were evaluated, with a mean of 14.8 ± 14.7 years. The distribution by sex was 64.5% females and 34.5% males. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 88.7%, with no differences in relation to age (X² = 5.18 d.f.: 5; p > 0.05) or gender (X² = 0.19 d.f.: 1; p > 0.05). Of the 55 cases of intestinal parasitosis, 83.6% presented polyparasitism. The protozoa were more prevalent with 89.1%. Eleven taxa of parasites were found, with the protozoan Entamoeba coli being the most frequent with 64.5%, followed by the chromist Blastocystis spp. with 58.1% and the group of hookworms among helminths (32.3%). In the group of polyparasited persons, the most common association was Blastocystis spp.-E. coli (15.2%). In conclusion, a high prevalence of 88.7% of intestinal parasites among the evaluated persons was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the woody and herbaceous vegetation from one savanna of La Vega, Sucre state, Venezuela, was accomplished through exploratory routes and the establishment of 7 transects 100 x 10 m (1000 m²), covering a total area of 7000 m². The presence of 95 Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida species was evidenced, corresponding to 29.47% woody and 70.53% herbaceous, included in 78 genera and 30 families. The studied site corresponds to a seasonal savanna, in which there was a stratum of dominant herbaceous species, with a predominance of Trachypogon spicatus specimens and scatter woody species typical of this vegetation type, such as Curatella americana, Bowdichia virgilioides, Palicourea rigida and Byrsonima crassifolia. Four woody and ten herbaceous species found in this study had not been previously reported for the Venezuelan flatlands, while Eugenia aff. galalonensis and Paspalum aff. pectinatum were new report for Sucre state. The Venezuelan endemic species Rondetelia cumanensis was reported and Coutarea hexandra was included as new collection for the IRBR Herbarium. Within the woody plants, the Rubiaceae family was richer in species (4 spp.); while among the herbaceous plants, the families Fabaceae (16 spp.), Poaceae (11 spp.), Asteraceae (7 spp.), Convolvulaceae (5 spp.) and Malvaceae (5 spp.) were the most dominant. The studied species showed typical adaptations for surviving in this type of environment: growth in tillers, thick bark or with fire resistant cork, xilopodial root, large and rigid leaves, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the existence of ultasonographic findings suggestive of visceral toxocariasis in a sample of 77 inhabitants, between 0 and 17 years of age, of both sexes, with clinical-epidemiological risk factors and serologically positive or negative for Toxocara canis. Patients were inhabitants of the town of La Laguna de Conoma, Guanta municipality of Anzoátegui state, Venezuela, and voluntarily participated by consent of their parents or representatives. A clinical-epidemiological survey, modified Graffar method, was applied along with a general medical evaluation, complete hematology, liver enzyme activity and evaluation of abdominal ultrasonography. A frequency of 49.4% (38/77) of children and adolescents with positive serology for T. canis was obtained. The male sex prevailed with 68.4% (26/38) and according to the age group, 47.4% were between 7 and 12 years (schoolchildren). Of the children and adolescents with positive serology to T. canis, 57.9% (22/38) presented normal ultasonographic findings and 42.1% (16/38) pathological results; (3/38, 7.9%), hepato-splenomegaly (3/38, 7.9%), and nodules/hepatomagalia (1/38; 2.6%). Individuals who presented pathological findings on positive canine T. canis ultrasound, 100% had a history of onicophagy and geophagy, and 87.5% (14/16) had contact with T. canis positive dogs. An estimated 81.2% (13/16) presented peripheral blood eosinophilia and 100% normal transaminase values. The sample studied presented positive ultrasonographic findings, such as splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, in the presence of seroepidemiological risk factors that showed high exposure to infection and possible early visceral manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena has been described in wild and domestic ruminants, swine and equines. This larval cestode infection has economical importance due to its high pathogenicity in animals bred for human consumption. The socioeconomic impact of this infection is unknown in Venezuela. We report in this note the finding of a cyst structure, typical of the metacestode of T. hydatigena in a rural pig from Yaracuy state of Venezuela. The cyst was approximately 2.5 cm x 1.0 cm, with an interior scolex and a transparent cyst fluid. The serum of this animal was positive for the detection by ELISA of the specific antigen HP10 of Taenia sp. Further studies are needed to determine the endemicity of T. hydatigena in pigs and in other animal species in Venezuela as the high serological cross reaction between T. hydatigena and T solium, could cause confusion in the diagnosis of the considerably more economically important T. solium porcine cysticercosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral profile was determined from commercial potato flour (Solanum tuberosum var. granola) and native potato flour samples (Solanum tuberosum var. arbolona negra and S. tuberosum var.arbolona rosada) collected in the town of Gavidia, Mérida state, Venezuela. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) was used to determine Na, K, Mg, Ca Fe, Mn and Zn, while Cu was determined by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS). Three combinations of reagents for the digestion of potato flour (HNO3, HNO3/H2SO4 and HNO3/H2O2) were tested, being the mixture of HNO3/H2O2 the most suitable, achieving quantitative recovery (96 to 106 %) of the analytes. Additionally, a colorimetric method was used to determine the P content by visible molecular absorption spectroscopy. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values of the concentrations of the elements in the analyzed samples (GP, BTAN, IPAN, BTAR, RHAN), where the factor was the potato variety. Significant differences between the values of the concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Cu and P in the native potatoes and the concentrations in the commercial variety Granola were observed, while, for some samples, non-significant differences between the concentrations of Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn in the native potato and the commercial variety Granola were observed. It is expected that once these genetically improved potatoes are incorporated into plots with well fertilized soils, they will be able to express their full potential in terms of chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroelectric dams are an important component of electricity generation in Venezuela. However, the electricity sector is undergoing through a crisis of great importance due to bad policies, little investment and lack of maintenance of facilities generating electricity. In this study, the Andean hydroelectric plants are analyzed within the national context and the main environmental and energy problems in the area are identified. A series of renewable energy alternatives are presented to face the crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the world food sector, the nutritional attributes of soybean (Glycine max) have been highlighted as one of the most important economic items. This species presents a wide range of varieties introduced and adapted to different edaphoclimatic environments around the world that are determinants in the chemical composition of the grain. This topic has been little studied in Venezuela, where, up to now, the studies have been centered mainly on agronomic aspects. In this sense, the present study has the purpose of studying the nutritional composition of the soybean grains that are being produced in the Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela. An agronomic experiment was performed using a randomized block design with 23 soybean cultivars and three replications, in order to determine which soybean varieties are the most promising in macronutrients of commercial importance such as lipids and proteins. According to the analysis of variance of the results obtained, it was found that the grains of the different cultivars evaluated presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the percentage contents of ash (5.57-7.39), crude fiber (7.53-13.59), nitrogen-free extract [carbohydrates] (21.80-32.46), ethereal extract [lipids] (16.61-24.71), and proteins (28.94-40.68). These last two components represent the main macronutrients into the world soybean market, given their outstanding importance as food sources. The highlighted cultivars were "Bahia Brasil" (24.18%) and "I-181 Línea-124" (40.61%) due to their highest content of lipids and proteins, respectively; and, therefore, the most promising for soybean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human consumption of leafy vegetables is a common way to obtain nutrients. However, there are risks of contamination by metals and consequent health damage because conventional agricultural practice, based on high yields and short growing cycles, requires the use of agrochemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the contents, bioconcentration and toxicity risks of nutrients and non-essential mineral elements in three leafy vegetable species: a crop species, coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and the ruderals amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus) and wild basil (Galinsoga sp.), wild growing species with dietary potential. In an agricultural area of the Carayaca rural community in Vargas State, Venezuela, adult leaves of the three species were collected the first year and the two ruderals in the second year. Samples were dried, milled and digested in nitric and perchloric acids, and the concentration of mineral elements was measured by plasma spectrometry (ICP). Contents of Ca, Mg and P showed high nutritional potential in the ruderals. Nickel concentrations in A. hybridus (1.2 mg kg-1 - 6.7 mg kg-1) were above the permissible limits of FAO, whereas Mn, Cr, Cu and Zn were below those limits but significantly higher in ruderals than in coriander. The bioconcentration factors of Ca and P in ruderal species were greater than 1. The risk coefficients for Ni and Pb were high for all the species studied, which implies risk in hypothetical scenarios of high consumption by children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chilocorus nigrita Fabricius, 1798 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a predator of Hemiptera species of the families Diaspididae, Coccidae and Asterolecaniidae, with the ability to colonize a wide range of tropical and subtropical environments. It is originally from India and is distributed in other parts of Asia, Africa, Brazil and Colombia. The present study was carried out with the objective of registering for the first time the presence of the coccinellid Ch. nigrita in Lara State, Venezuela. We observed the presence of larvae and adults of the coccinellid Ch. nigrita feeding on scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on plants of Washingtonia H.Wendl in the garden of a residential complex in the town of Cabudare, Palavecino municipality, Lara State, Venezuela. This is the first report of the presence of Ch. nigrita for the country, contributing to increase the knowledge on its geographic distribution in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poisoning is an important reason for consultation and a cause of death worldwide, especially in underdeveloped countries. In Venezuela there are few data on the epidemiological profile of patients with toxic pathologies and, specifically, in Nueva Esparta state there are no records in this regard. A retrospective study was conducted at the Dr. Luis Ortega Central Hospital in Porlamar, where the medical records of patients admitted for toxicological conditions were reviewed from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2011, obtaining epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data. Most cases occurred in children under 2 years old with a predominance of males. Chlorine was the substance most frequently involved in poisoning cases. Snakebite was the only cause of entry by venomous animals. There are differences in the epidemiological behavior of poisonings compared to other countries and other states of Venezuela, perhaps due to the socio-cultural, demographic and regional environmental factors. This styudy provides for the first time data on the epidemiological and clinical profile of poisonings in Nueva Esparta and it is expected that it will serve to establish policies to improve the attention to the intoxicated patient in the main health center of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks, 1909) (Acari: Prostigmata, Tarsonemidae) is herein recorded attached to legs and/or thorax of adults of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Sensu lato (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleroydidaea), collected on sweetpepper (Capsicum spp. L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) grown on compost into a dwelling of Coro city, Falcon State, Venezuela. The symbiotic association of P. latus with the whiteflie could be considered as phoretic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holoturids are one of the most important aquatic resources in Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan due to their therapeutic and nutritional properties. In Venezuela, the extraction of holoturids has been reported since the beginning of the nineties by SCUBA diving. However, at present their fishing is legally prohibited. The present work recorded the diversity, abundance, density and size structure of the species of sea cucumber present in the northeastern region of the Araya Peninsula between August 2015 and January 2016. Data on capture rate values of Isostichopus badionotus were collected and 12 individuals were sampled to determine moisture, protein and ash content. Five species of sea cucumbers were recorded, in order of abundance: Holothuria surinamensis, Parathyone suspecta, Isostichopus badionotus, Sclerodactyla briareus and Holothuria mexicana. The distribution of these species was aggregated, forming patches whose densities varied between 0.01 to 0.32 ind/m2, with P. suspecta and H. surinamensis showing the greatest densities. The two species of commercial importance (H. mexicana and I. badionotus) were captured with an average fishing effort of 6 ± 4 SD divers/day, collecting an average of 7 ± 6.8 kg of wet weight per diver/day for both species. Isostichopus badionotus showed a moisture content between 81.29 and 91%, a protein content (% of nitrogen) between 37.50 and 81.25% and ash content between 35 and 42%. More detailed studies are needed on the ecology as well as the development of reproduction and breeding techniques for the use and conservation of these potential resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research conducted in Latin America and particularly in Venezuela, have reported that the deficit of water supply and the lack of collection of solid waste in the communities favor the proliferation of breeding sites of the vector insect Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Linnaeus, 1762, and the development of dengue epidemics. Within the framework of an entomological study carried out in the municipality Mario Briceño Iragorry, to strengthen strategies for preventing the occurrence of dengue and other arbovirosis transmitted by Aedes aegypti, the presence, in breeding sites such as barrel and tanks outside the dwellings, of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis Theobald, 1901 and An. argyritarsis Robineau-Desvoidy, 1827 were reported in the study area. The relevance of these finding lies in the first report of An. pseudopunctipennis in the study area being a well-known malaria vector. Further, both species were sharing breeding sites with Ae. aegypti. This report evidences the importance of an entomological surveillance system to be implemented in the vector control program carried out by the Ministry of Popular Power for Health, to avoid the presence of malaria and dengue vectors through implementation of sustainable and efficient vectors control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a previously healthy case of 56 years old male patient from Punto Fijo, Paraguana peninsula, Falcon state, Venezuela. He was diagnosed with eosinophilic duodenitis due to Strongyloides stercoralis (Nematoda: Rhabditida) infection after presenting a sudden abdominal pain and diarrhea with intense peripheral eosinophilia (62-72%). Parasitological diagnosis was carried out by a serial coproscopic analysis (direct and Kato-Katz), recovering larvae techniques (Harada-Mori and method with sand) and inmunohistochemistry analysis, and eosinophilic duodenitis by means of biopsies (inmunohistochemistry). The patient received oral ivermectin and made a complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanchroia chephise Stoll, 1782 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) is a species widely distributed from southern North America to South America and Lesser Antilles. The presence of M. chephise is recorded for the first time on plants Phyllanthus niruri L. and Breynia disticha J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) in the garden of a peri-urban residential complex of Lara State, Venezuela and aspects of its life cycle were determined under laboratory conditions. The duration of the life cycle was 27.40 ± 0.90 days (egg 6.00 ± 0.00 days, larva 17.60 ± 1.10 days and pupa 7.00 ± 1.90 days). It is necessary to perform further studies into the biology of M. chephise, especially with the herbivore - host plant interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The record is made of deutonymphs of two mite taxa (Acari), including Uroobovella Sensu lato Berlesse, 1903 (Mesostigmata, Urodinychidae) and Cosmoglyphus Oudemans, 1932 (Astigmata, Acaridae) attached to the legs and/or abdomen of adults of Desmometopa Loew, 1866 (Diptera: Milichiidae) and Spalangia Latreille, 1805 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) respectively. The specimens were collected within a dwelling, in a plastic container with compost and in the windows. The house was located in the urban area of the city of Coro, semiarid region of Falcon State, northwestern region of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A report is made of a case of a 60 years old female patient from Zaragoza, Sierra de San Luis, Falcón state, Venezuela. The patient presented at emergency room of the Hospital of San Luis, Falcon State, with bipalpebral oedema in the right eye and local inflammation in the right shoulder after being bitten by triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae, Triatominae), vectors of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. The patient received intravenously Dexamethasone and made a complete recovery. She was referred to the Laboratory of Entomology, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (LEPAMET), Coro, Falcon state, for parasitological test for screening in peripheral blood of T. (Sch.) cruzi. The test was negative. Scientific literature review is made about epidemiological, clinical and treatment aspects on allergic reactions due to triatomine bug bites. Likewise, research needs on these topics for Venezuela, is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, some variables that stimulated the development of Burnout syndrome in 99 nurses of direct care of Hospital Dr. Domingo Guzmán Lander, located in Barcelona, Venezuela, were evaluated. The variables of occupational risk (seniority, rotating shift and whether or not they work by emergency) were related to the Burnout syndrome, which is broken down into three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal fulfillment. The instrument called Maslach Burnout Inventory was applied. The findings expose a very low level of Burnout syndrome and its 3 dimensions in nurses (none exhibited the pathological syndrome). However, an increase or triggering of Burnout syndrome was observed among people with more than 4 years seniority in the job and those who perform tasks in hospitalization. Nurses performed well in their daily practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study was made to characterize the glomerulonephritis diagnosed by percutaneous biopsy made in the Nephrology Service of the University Hospital Complex Ruiz y Paez, of Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, between June 2012 and June 2017. One hundred and forty seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria (88.55%). A greater number of cases of glomerulonephritis was found in the group 11-20 years old (35; 23.81%) and among females (92; 62.59%), without significant statistical differences for age or sex. The steroidresistant nephrotic syndrome was the main indication of renal biopsy (77; 52.38%). An estimate of 84.35% of the patients (n = 124) did not present/display comorbidities and in 65.31% (n = 96) there was a clinicalhistológical correlation. The primary glomerulonephritis was more frequent than the secondary one (92; 62.59%). The primary one was observed predominantly in patients younger than 40 years old and among females; and the secondary one was identified most frequently in patients between 11 and 40 years old of female sex. It is concluded that a high frequency of glomerulonephritis exists in the location evaluated, affecting mostkly to feminine patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triatomines (Hemiptera, Triatominae) are the vector insects of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. In this study, we evaluate these insects' preferences for a number of colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) under laboratory conditions. Then, we combine some of these colored lights with ammonia in order to evaluate the effect that such bimodal stimulation could have on Rhodnius prolixus, historically recognized as the main vector of T. cruzi in Venezuela. A Y-tube dual choice photo-olfactometer was used to carry out behavioral experiments on fifth-instar triatomine nymphs. At the ends of the Y-tube bifurcation monochromatic lights, produced by LEDs, and ammonia were offered. Our results show that blue light attracted R. prolixus (P < 0.01) and that other colors (ultraviolet, green, yellow, red and white) did not lead to positive phototaxis. Ammonia combined with white or blue light, attracted these triatomine insects (P < 0.05). In fact, stimulation with ammonia plus white light resulted in higher attraction than the smell by itself, giving evidence of additive or synergistic effect. In light of our findings, future challenges include understanding, on an ecological level, of the 'adaptive' (sensu lato) values of this behavior. Our results confirm the potential of ammonia and blue LEDs used in insecttraps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article an analysis is made on the use of drugs by children and teenagers in Venezuela. Within this problem, it is necessary to take necessary actions to reduce the consumption of drugs in our country, applying the principles of Equality and Social Justice contained in our constitution. In this documentary research, information was collected from different public, national and international organizations linked to this social problem, and the available data on the topic were analyzed. The historical, semantic and legal aspects, as well as the organizations that act in this field, the statistics that have been generated and the offered solutions are highlighted. It was concluded that a paradigm change is needed in order to address this issue as a public health problem rather than a crime, which will allow, in fact, the application of socio-educational policies for its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnoichthyology, is the science that studies the interactions of human beings with fish communities, covering cognitive and behavioral aspects. In Venezuela, it has been little developed, putting at risk the preservation of this popular knowledge because it is mainly orally transmitted. In this sense, the ethnoichthyological knowledge of the inhabitants in coastal communities of the southern zone of the Araya Peninsula, Sucre State, Venezuela was evaluated. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were applied to people older than 10 years, on socio-economic, fishing and ethnoichthyological aspects in the towns of La Angoleta, La Galera and El Cedro. Forty five percent of the inhabitants were fishermen, followed by housewives and workers. there were 14 species of fish reported with medicinal uses, mainly to treat asthma, fatigue, bone pain, inflammation, among other ailments. The stingray (Dasyatis spp.) was the species mostly cited, using the liver oil as antiasthmatic, against fatigue, inflammation and bone pain. Fifteen species of fish were reported for various purposes including ornament, bait, self defense and poison. In the interviews, biological and ecological information of fish species was recorded. A good part of what is pointed out in this study about fish uses and some bioecological aspects of them was not registered in the literature. Thus, the importance of this type of studies is reinforced to leave written evidence of popular knowledge and preserving it over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]