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In this paper we report and discuss the finding of all the stages of Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Argasidae) parasitizing the exotic reptiles Varanus dumerilii, Python regius and P. bivittatus, and its presence in the reptiles’ terrariums in Panamá city. RESUMEN. Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae) parasitando reptiles exóticos utilizados como mascotas en Panamá. En este trabajo se reporta y discute el hallazgo de todos los estadios Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Argasidae) parasitando los reptiles Varanus dumerilii, Python regius y P. bivittatus, y su presencia en los terrarios de reptiles en ciudad de Panamá.

Reports the findings from the systematic enumeration of homeless population size using data from administrative records of homeless services in nine U.S. jurisdictions in 1998. Overall population estimates for nine jurisdictions; Poverty population estimates for the states; Correlation between a jurisdiction's population size and the prevalence of homelessness.

This study makes a number of comparisons between the theories of Durkheim (1933) and Burawoy (1979) on the link between work and a just social order. These comparisons are used to speculate on the question, Can democratization of the labor process transform capitalist society? Several points of agreement and disagreement are discussed to advance our understanding of the societal effects of changes being introduced at the point of production. It is argued that both the organizational perspective of Durkheim and the political economy perspective of Burawoy agree that the worker as moral actor is the key to how work life will articulate with life in society. The question then becomes whether workers may be differentially involved as moral actors on the job and in society at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nine schizophrenic patients on drug holiday, growth hormone (GH) response to apomorphine HCl 0.75 mg (APO) was compared with normal control data. Patients were tested at two month intervals for up to 14 months. Seven patients relapsed, and of these, five had exaggerated GH responses to APO at that time. Of these five, three had exaggerated GH responses to APO prior to clinical deterioration. Further work is required to determine whether this test can be a useful predictor of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, morbidity caused by scorpion sting of the species Tityus championi has increased in Panama. Therefore, the LD 50 was determined by intravenous injection in 2.9 mg/kg and the venom of T. championi was separated using a HPLC system and their fractions were tested for biological activities in mice to identify the most toxic fractions to mammals. In addition, the venom fractions were also tested against invertebrates to look for insect-specific toxin peptides. The most toxic fractions were analyzed by MS/MS spectrometry. The primary structures of T. championi venom peptides with the most relevant activity were obtained, and the primary structure of one of most neurotoxic peptides was found at least in other four species of Tityus from Panama. This neurotoxin is quite important to be used as a protein target to be neutralized if developing antivenoms against the sting of this Panamanian scorpion or other relevant species of genera Tityus in the country., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The enduring absence of robust nursing workforce data creates gaps to support evidence-based workforce planning and policy development., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine Georgia nursing workforce data available through state and national agencies to determine if significance differences exist among data sources., Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of 2017 Georgia nursing workforce data was used to examine and compare workforce characteristics available from five data sources. The advantages and limitations of each data source were reviewed., Findings: Significant differences were noted in the quality and quantity of data collected on the Georgia nursing workforce as reported by state and national agencies. None of the datasets include in our analysis had comprehensive and timely data on the Georgia nursing workforce., Discussion: Nursing workforce stakeholders must work collaboratively to require and implement a comprehensive re-licensure survey. It is only though a standardized national minimum dataset that we can ensure an adequate nursing workforce., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The development of more effective antivenoms remains a necessity for countries where scorpionism is a public health problem. Also, the regionalization of antivenoms may be important for some countries with special scorpionism characteristics., Objective: Production of antibodies capable of neutralizing the lethal effect of the venom of three scorpion species from Panama., Methods: The primary structures of two neurotoxins from T. pachyurus, one from T. cerroazul and another from C. bicolor were elucidated using N-terminal amino acid degradation and Sanger gene cloned sequencing. The obtained mRNA transcripts were cloned and expressed using E. coli vectors. Different bacterial expression conditions were tested and the best culture conditions for each expressed protein is reported. The expressed scorpion toxins were purified by chromatographic methods and used as immunogens in rabbits., Results: The antibodies produced under the reported immunization scheme show better neutralization (ED 50 ) than other reported commercial antivenoms used to neutralize similar species scorpion venoms under similar LD 50 conditions., Conclusion: The information reported here shows the proof of concept for selecting recombinant immunogens with the ability to produce antibodies for neutralizing the lethal effects of the most important medical species of scorpions in Panama., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a problem in both developed and developing countries and is a common hospital-acquired infection. This guideline provides evidence-based practical recommendations for South Africa and other developing countries. The scope of the guideline includes CDI diagnostic approaches; adult, paediatric and special populations treatment options; and surveillance and infection prevention and control recommendations., Competing Interests: W.L. received speakers honoraria from Astellas pharmaceutical company. G.R. is the secretary-treasurer of Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (FIDSSA). J. Wojno provided Clostridioides difficile-associated disease training for Astellas pharmaceutical company staff and received compensation for this., (© 2020. The Authors.)

Candida auris has been detected at almost 100 South African hospitals, causing large outbreaks in some facilities, and this pathogen now accounts for approximately 1 in 10 cases of candidaemia. The objective of this guideline is to provide updated, evidence-informed recommendations outlining a best-practice approach to prevent, diagnose and manage C. auris disease in public- and private-sector healthcare settings in South Africa. The 18 practical recommendations cover five focus areas: laboratory identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, surveillance and outbreak response, infection prevention and control, clinical management and antifungal stewardship., Competing Interests: All members of the guideline development group completed an International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) conflicts of interest form. Over the past 36 months, Adrian Brink served on speakers’ bureaus for Merck, Sharp & Dohm (MSD) South Africa and Pfizer. Warren Lowman received speaker fees from MSD South Africa, Pfizer and Astellas. Charlotte Sriruttan received a travel grant from MSD South Africa. For all other authors, no conflicts of interest were declared., (© 2019. The Authors.)