Diet and feeding behaviour of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata) in the Betampona Reserve, eastern Madagascar

The feeding behaviour and diet of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata) was investigated in the Betampona Reserve, eastern Madagascar. The highly frugivorous diet of this subspecies was confirmed - feeding on fruits accounting for 92.0% of feeding records. Most feeding at Betampona was observed at 10-25 m above the forest floor amongst flexible, small (0.5-5.0 cm diameter) and oblique/horizontal (0-45 degrees ) supports. The Varecia spent on average 21.7% (+/- 1.5) of their daily activity budget feeding and employ a variety of postures that enable them to harvest fruits in the rain forest canopy. The suspensory postures were the most important in allowing Varecia to compete with other smaller-bodied frugivores.

Pulmonary toxicity following exposure to an aerosolized leather protector

BACKGROUND

An aerosol spray for leather protection was reformulated to remove trichloroethane. The new formulation contained isobutane, n-heptane, ethyl acetate and fluoroaliphatics.

RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Thirty-nine patients reported symptoms to the regional poison center. Respiratory symptoms developed within hours of exposure. Most symptoms resolved within two days. Abnormal pulmonary function tests, including obstructive disease or diminished diffusing capacity, were demonstrated in three of the four tested patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism for the pulmonary toxicity has not been determined.

Disparity in disaster preparedness between racial/ethnic groups

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between race/ethnicity (including language subgroups among Hispanics) and disaster preparedness among Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey respondents.

Methods

BRFSS data were obtained for eight states which implemented the optional general preparedness module from 2006 through 2010. Three dependent variables were analyzed including presence of four preparedness items (i.e., food, water, flashlight, and radio), emergency evacuation plan, and 3-d supply of medication. Primary independent variable included race/ethnicity accounting for language of survey. Data were analyzed in 2011 and accounted for BRFSS sampling design.

Results

Black (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.79), English-speaking Hispanic (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.69) and Spanish-speaking Hispanic respondents (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.29) were less likely than non-Hispanic white respondents to live in a household in which all members requiring medication had a 3-d supply. Results varied regarding presence of four preparedness items and an emergency evacuation plan.

Conclusions

Racial/ethnic minority groups were less likely to have medication supplies but only Spanish-speaking Hispanics were less likely to have an emergency evacuation plan than white respondents. Public health officials can use these findings to support targeting racial/ethnic minorities to increase the presence of preparedness items important to mitigate the effects of disasters, with particular emphasis on medication supplies and Spanish-speaking Hispanics.

Management of illness and temporary disability in children enrolled in day-care centers. The Health House experience

Alternative care arrangements are often necessary when children enrolled in day-care centers experience illness or temporary disability. To meet this need, a new facility named Health House was established by the Child Development Program of the Pomona (Calif) Unified School District. This report describes the organization, operation, and costs of the program, and reviews the management of 179 episodes of illness or temporary disability in 99 children served by the program during the 1983-1984 school year. The medical conditions of patients cared for were comparable with those seen in physicians' offices as reported in a national survey. The daily cost of care per child for the sponsoring agency was $38. The service enabled an average daily salary saving of $39.80 for the working parent. Health House may serve as a model for the management of illness or temporary disability in children enrolled in day-care centers.

Naja naja cobra bite

Most venomous snakes in the United States are of the Crotalidae family. Another family of snakes, the Elapidae, are not so common, but their bites may be a threat to zoo keepers and persons who have exotic snakes as pets. Because Elapidae envenomation is not common, signs and symptoms of such envenomation may not be recognized. Elapidae venom, because of a curare-like property, can produce respiratory compromise followed by death within 10 minutes. Antivenin, cholinesterase inhibitors, and mechanical ventilation are treatments to consider in such envenomations. Unlike Crotalidae antivenin, Elapidae antivenin may not confer protection against species not used in its preparation. Identification of the involved snake, by family and specie, should be an early priority. Correct management of the envenomated patient is dependent on the prompt administration of the most specific antivenin available when indicated.

Milestones and controversies in maternal and child health: examining a brief history of micronutrient fortification in the US

Fortification of our food and drinking supply has decreased morbidity rates related to micronutrient deficiencies among mothers and their children, particularly during the perinatal and neonatal periods of development. The purpose of this historical review is to examine the impact of public policy changes related to micronutrient fortification. We provide a historical investigation of achievements and controversies related to iodine, vitamin D, fluoride and folic acid fortifications in our food and drinking supply. We also discuss the current status of fortification recommendations and their significance to maternal and child health.

Global risk of dengue outbreaks and the impact of El Niño events

BACKGROUND

Dengue fever is an arboviral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). Its geographical distribution and health burden have been steadily increasing through tropical and subtropical climates in recent decades.

METHODS

We developed a temperature- and precipitation-dependent mechanistic model for the global risk of dengue fever outbreaks using the basic reproduction number (R0) as the metric of disease transmission risk. We used our model to evaluate the global risk of dengue outbreaks from 1950 to 2020 and to investigate the impact of annual seasons and El Niño events.

RESULTS

We showed that the global annual risk of dengue outbreaks has steadily increased during the last four decades. Highest R0 values were observed in South America, Southeast Asia, and the Equatorial region of Africa year-round with large seasonal variations occurring in other regions. El Niño was shown to be positively correlated with the global risk of dengue outbreaks with a correlation of 0.52. However, the impact of El Niño on dengue R0 was shown to vary across geographical regions and between El Niño events.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong El Niño events may increase the risk of dengue outbreaks across the globe. The onset of these events may trigger a surge of control efforts to minimize risk of dengue outbreaks.