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Introduction: Cytogenetic studies on stingless bees have significantly contributed to our understanding of karyotypic evolution and the composition of euchromatin and heterochromatin regions, including repetitive sequences. Methods: In this study, we performed classical cytogenetics, chromosomal banding, and mapping of some repetitive sequences in two stingless bee species, Frieseomelitta trichocerata and Plebeia poecilochroa. Results: The species exhibit the typical diploid chromosome number of each genera, 2n = 30 for Frieseomelitta and 2n = 34 for Plebeia. Additionally, some individuals of P. poecilochroa presented a small heterochromatic B chromosome, showing a numeric variation of n = 17–18 in males and 2n = 34–35 in females. In both species, heterochromatin is primarily distributed in the short arm and centromeric regions. Centromeric regions were found to be AT-rich in both species, while subterminal/terminal regions of the short arms of one and six chromosomes presented GC-rich sites in P. poecilochroa and F. trichocerata, respectively. The rDNA clusters were mapped on two chromosomes in F. trichocerata, and in only one chromosome pair in P. poecilochroa. Microsatellites (GA)n, (GAG)n, and (CAA)n were predominantly mapped in euchromatic regions, while the telomeric motif (TTAGG)n mapped to the ends of most chromosomes, including the B chromosome of P. poecilochroa. The other repetitive probes used, including the rDNA clusters, do not label the B chromosome of P. poecilochroa. Conclusions: Our cytogenetic data highlight both similarities and differences when compared to other congeneric species, expanding the chromosomal data for both genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vision is one of the senses that most integrates the individual with the environment, since it captures most of the sensory stimuli to which the human being is exposed, and it is precisely this integration that allows the creation of memories and the formation of the knowledge. Low vision in childhood impairs learning, socialization, and also determines visual quality in adulthood. Objective: to identify the visual acuity of school children using the Snellen Test and refer and carry out actions with those with low vision. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The Snellen Table was used to determine the visual acuity of students in the 1st year of elementary school in the state education network. Results: Participants are aged 5-7 years, 40 females and 38 males. Of these, 23 had low visual acuity and were referred to an ophthalmological consultation. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the application of the Snellen Test is suggested, as it is an easy-to-train, low-cost screening test, so that it become useful in promoting eye health. Continuing studies like this one are important and target sensitivity and specificity, with a focus on schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in food handlers at several PDVSA dining rooms, who requested a health certificate at PDVSA clinics on the East Lake Coast. One-hundred sixty-six stool samples were analyzed using parasitological methods: microscopic evaluation in physiological saline solution at 0.85%, Lugol’s solution and the Ritchie method. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.90% (43/166). Of those who had parasites, 17.47% corresponded to the group of 20 to 40 years old and 8.43% to the group of 40 years or older. No statistically significant difference was observed between age and frequency of intestinal parasitosis (Chi2 = 0.539, P> 0.05). According to sex, 15.66% of the parasitized cases were male and 10.24% female (Chi2 = 0.016, P> 0.05). Only protozoa were identified, highlighting Blastocystis sp. with 83.72%. This study showed that food handlers were infected with enteric protozoa. The detected prevalence is similar to other studies in similar populations. Resumen: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en manipuladores de alimentos de varios comedores de PDVSA; que acudieron en solicitud del certificado de salud en clínicas de PDVSA, ubicadas en la Costa Oriental del Lago. Se analizaron 166 muestras de heces, por métodos coproparasitológicos: evaluación microscópica en solución salina fisiológica al 0,85%, lugol y técnica de Ritchie. La prevalencia de enteroparásitos fue de 25,90% (43/166). Del porcentaje de parasitados 17,47% correspondió al grupo de 20 a 40 años y 8,43% al grupo mayores de 40 años. No se observó diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre edad y frecuencia de parasitosis intestinal (Chi2= 0,539; P >0,05). De acuerdo al sexo, del porcentaje casos parasitados; 15,66% correspondieron al sexo masculino y 10,24% al sexo femenino (Chi2= 0,016; P >0,05). Solo se identificaron protozoarios, destacándose Blastocystis sp. con 83,72%. El presente estudio demostró que los manipuladores de alimentos estuvieron infectados por protozoarios entéricos, la prevalencia detectada es similar a otros estudios en poblaciones parecidas.