English proficiency and graduate studies in the health field in Brazil

This article analyzes English proficiency as a requirement for graduate studies at the Federal University in São Paulo, Brazil, analyzing students' performance on the proficiency test and their self-assessment and the importance they ascribe to the language during this phase of their training. An exploratory study was conducted with quantitative and qualitative approaches, document analysis, questionnaires, and interviews. Graduate students rated their own English reading skills as good. They considered a command of the language essential for their professional work and acknowledged that most research in the health field is published in English. One out of four students failed the proficiency test on the first attempt. Their speaking and writing skills were limited, and the majority needed another professional to prepare an abstract in English. They considered a command of English essential for professionals seeking to stand out in a competitive world, but viewed the formal English requirement for graduate studies as an overburden. English is not most researchers' first language, thus creating a dilemma for readers as well as authors who wish to attract attention to their work. Although English is acknowledged as the lingua franca of science and mediates the current scientific publication process, the issue has become increasingly controversial.Este trabalho investiga a língua inglesa como requisito na formação dos pós-graduandos da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), analisando os rendimentos acadêmicos no exame de proficiência e nas autoavaliações em relação à língua, bem como a importância que esses alunos atribuem ao inglês nessa fase de formação. Desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa exploratória com abordagens quanti e qualitativa, análise documental, questionários e entrevistas. Identificou-se que os pós-graduandos se autoavaliam como bons leitores, consideram imprescindível o domínio da língua inglesa em seu cotidiano profissional e reconhecem que a maioria das pesquisas na área da saúde é veiculada em inglês. Seus rendimentos no exame de proficiência mostram que, de cada quatro alunos, um é reprovado na primeira tentativa; falam e escrevem pouco, e a maioria necessita de outro profissional para elaboração do abstract. Consideram o domínio da língua inglesa fundamental para profissionais que buscam se destacar num mundo competitivo, mas a exigência formal na pós-graduação é considerada uma sobrecarga. Entendemos que o inglês não é a língua dominante para a maioria dos pesquisadores, o que ocasiona um dilema para leitores e autores que querem atrair o interesse para seu trabalho. Apesar de a língua inglesa ser reconhecida como a língua franca da ciência e mediar o atual processo de publicação científica, esta discussão tem sido crescente e polêmica.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Centro de Desenvolvimento de Ensino Superior em SaúdeUNIFESP, Centro de Desenvolvimento de Ensino Superior em SaúdeSciEL

Kerteszia subgenus of Anopheles associated with the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest:current knowledge and future challenges

Background: The Atlantic rainforest ecosystem, where bromeliads are abundant, provides an excellent environment for Kerteszia species, because these anophelines use the axils of those plants as larval habitat. Anopheles (K.) cruzii and Anopheles (K.) bellator are considered the primary vectors of malaria in the Atlantic forest. Although the incidence of malaria has declined in some areas of the Atlantic forest, autochthonous cases are still registered every year, with Anopheles cruzii being considered to be a primary vector of both human and simian Plasmodium. Methods: Recent publications that addressed ecological aspects that are important for understanding the involvement of Kerteszia species in the epidemiology of malaria in the Atlantic rainforest in the Neotropical Region were analysed. Conclusion: The current state of knowledge about Kerteszia species in relation to the Atlantic rainforest ecosystem was discussed. Emphasis was placed on ecological characteristics related to epidemiological aspects of this group of mosquitoes. The main objective was to investigate biological aspects of the species that should be given priority in future studie