Morphological description of ovary and uterus of the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) caught off at the Fortaleza coast, Northeast Brazil / Descrição morfológica de ovário e útero de Tubarões-lixa (Ginglymostoma cirratum) capturados na costa de Fortaleza, Nordeste do Brasil

The nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1778) is one of the most studied species of elasmobranchs. However, the knowledge of their reproductive biology is still relatively rare, particularly in the western South Atlantic. This study aimed to describe the morphology of the uterus and the ovary of G. cirratum, based on specimens caught off at the Fortaleza/CE coast, northeast Brazil. Samples were collected from September 2012 to June 2013, from regular landings of artisanal fishing, which commercialize this species freely. A total of ten females were collected. The methodologies followed for analyzing the ovaries and uterus of those females included both macroscopic and histological analysis. G. cirratum has internal type ovary morphology, with invaginations of connective tissue, which defines compartments and separate oocyte groups in ovigerous lots. The epithelium lining the ovary changes from simple columnar ciliated in the area without ovigerous lots, which turns into a simple cubic epithelium in the coating portion of the epigonal organ where ovarian tissue is absent. The uterine mucosa has secretory cells denoted by Alcian Blue staining, indicating the production of mucopolysaccharides, even in immature individuals. This lecithotrophic shark has a uterine vascularized mucosa that is one characteristic of viviparous elasmobranch species.(AU)

O tubarão-lixa, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1778) é uma das espécies mais estudadas de elasmobrânquios. O conhecimento de sua biologia reprodutiva, no entanto, ainda é relativamente raro, particularmente no Oeste do Atlântico Sul. Este estudo objetivou a descrição morfológica do útero e ovário de G. cirratum, baseado em espécimes capturados na costa de Fortaleza/CE, no Nordeste do Brasil. Um total de dez fêmeas foi coletado de setembro de 2012 a junho de 2013, nos desembarques regulares da pesca artesanal, que comercializam essa espécie livremente. A metodologia foi de acordo com as analises macroscópica e histológica dos ovários e útero. G. cirratum tem o tipo de morfologia de ovário interno, com invaginações de tecido conjuntivo, que define compartimentos e separa grupos de oócitos em lotes ovígeros. O epitélio que reveste o ovário varia de epitélio simples colunar ciliado na área que não apresenta lotes ovígeros para epitélio simples cúbico na porção de revestimento do órgão epigonal, onde o tecido ovariano é ausente. A mucosa uterina possui células secretoras, evidenciadas pela coloração em Alcian Blue, indicando a produção de mucopolissacarídeos, mesmo em indivíduos imaturos. Este tubarão lecitotrófico apresenta a mucosa uterina vascularizada, sendo esta uma característica de espécies de elasmobrânquios vivíparos.(AU)

Live birth outcomes of vitrified embryos generated under growth hormone stimulation are improved for women categorized as poor-prognosis / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) rates arising from frozen embryo transfers (FETs) that had been generated under the influence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) adjuvants given to women categorized as poor-prognosis.METHODS: A registered, single-center, retrospective study. A total of 1,119 patients with first FETs cycle include 310 patients with poor prognosis (109 treated with growth hormone [GH], (+)GH group vs. 201 treated with dehydroepiandrosterone, (–)GH group) and 809 patients with good prognosis (as control, (–)Adj (Good) group).RESULTS: The poor-prognosis women were significantly older, with a lower ovarian reserve than the (–)Adj (Good) group, and demonstrated lower chances of CP (p<0.005) and LB (p<0.005). After adjusting for confounders, the chances of both CP and LB in the (+)GH group were not significantly different from those in the (–)Adj (Good) group, indicating that the poor-prognosis patients given GH had similar outcomes to those with a good prognosis. Furthermore, the likelihood of LB was significantly higher for poor-prognosis women given GH than for those who did not receive GH (p<0.028). This was further confirmed in age-matched analyses.CONCLUSION: The embryos cryopreserved from fresh IVF cycles in which adjuvant GH had been administered to women classified as poor-prognosis showed a significant 2.7-fold higher LB rate in subsequent FET cycles than a matched poor-prognosis group. The women with a poor prognosis who were treated with GH had LB outcomes equivalent to those with a good prognosis. We therefore postulate that GH improves some aspect of oocyte quality that confers improved competency for implantation.

Transcultural adaptation of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese / Adaptação transcultural do Injustice Experience Questionnaire para o português do Brasil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been proposed that some individuals with musculoskeletal pain may perceive themselves as victims of injustice. Perception of injustice can have a significant impact on several pain-related outcomes, major depressive symptoms, disabilities, and absenteeism. The objective of this study consisted of a transcultural adaptation of the original instrument in English, Injustice Experience Questionnaire into a final version to be used in Brazil. METHODS: The whole translation process consisted of translation, back-translation and the review by a committee of experts. The pre-test was applied to 90 participants (41 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain). For the psychometric analysis, the translated version was applied to 120 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The internal consistency was verified by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the construct validity was analyzed using factorial exploratory analysis. RESULTS: After the conclusion of the pre-test, there were no difficulties in understanding the translated questionnaire by more than 20% of the sample. The Cronbach alpha calculation for the 12 items of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire/Port-BR was 0.86 [CI (95%) = 0.83 to 0.90; p<0.001]. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire's Portuguese version proved to be easily understandable showing good semantic validation. Nevertheless, further studies should address other psychometric characteristics of this instrument.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Tem sido proposto que algumas pessoas com dor musculoesquelética podem desenvolver um sentimento de injustiça. A percepção da injustiça pode ter um impacto significativo em uma série de desfechos relacionados à dor, sintomas depressivos maiores, incapacidades e absenteísmo. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em uma adaptação transcultural do instrumento original em inglês do Injustice Experience Questionnaire para uma versão final a ser utilizada no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Todo o processo consistiu em tradução, retrotradução e revisão pelo comitê de especialista. O pré-teste foi aplicado a 90 participantes (41 participantes com dor crônica musculoesquelética). Para a análise psicométrica, a versão traduzida foi aplicada a 120 participantes com dor crônica musculoesquelética. A consistência interna foi verificada pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e a validade do construto foi analisada por meio de análise exploratória fatorial. RESULTADOS: Após a conclusão do pré-teste, não houve dificuldades em entender cada item do questionário traduzido por mais de 20% da amostra. O cálculo alfa de Cronbach para os 12 itens do Injustice Experience Questionnaire/Port-BR foi de 0,86 [IC (95%) = 0,83 a 0,90; p<0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: A versão em português do questionário mostrou-se facilmente compreensível com boa validação semântica. No entanto, estudos adicionais devem abordar outras características psicométricas desse instrumento.

Serological Detection of Antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in Cattle Reared in the Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne, non-contagious, zoonotic disease caused by Anaplasma spp., which include Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, A. ovis, and A. bovis. Recently, in Korea, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. has been investigated in some animals, such as dogs, horses, goats, cats, and Korean water deer. In cattle, A. marginale is the most virulent species and regarded as the typical type of species. However, data on the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle in Korea during the last decade is limited. This study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in Korea. From 2010 to 2013, blood samples were collected from 568 cattle. Forty animals (7.0%) tested seropositive for Anaplasma spp. by cELISA. Despite that current bovine anaplasmosis seropositivity rate in the Gyeongsangbuk-do is lower than those in tropical countries, anaplasmosis needs to be regarded as a concerning disease. The identification of the specific Anaplasma species infecting cattle in this province requires additional molecular studies. Moreover, further monitoring and control programs for bovine anaplasmosis is required, and the information from this study will be beneficial to develop these programs.

Quantitative Analysis of Dammarane-type Ginsenosides in Different Ginseng Products

Ginseng products available in different forms and preparations are reported to have varied bioactivities and chemical compositions. In our previous study, four new dammarane-type ginsenosides were isolated from Panax ginseng, which are ginsenoside Rg18 (1), 6-acetyl ginsenoside Rg3 (2), ginsenoside Rs11 (3), and ginsenoside Re7 (4). Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine the distribution and content of these newly characterized ginsenosides in different ginseng products. The content of compounds 1 – 4 in different ginseng products was determined via HPLC-UV. The samples included ginseng roots from different ginseng species, roots harvested from different localities in Korea, and samples harvested at different cultivation ages and processed under different manufacturing methods. The four ginsenosides were present at varying concentrations in the different ginseng samples examined. The variations in their content could be attributed to species variation, and differences in cultivation conditions and manufacturing methods. The total concentration of compounds 1 – 4 were highest in ginseng obtained from Geumsan (185 µg/g), white-6 yr ginseng (150 µg/g), and P. quinquefolius (186 µg/g). The results of this study provide a basis for the optimization of cultivation conditions and manufacturing methods to maximize the yield of the four new ginsenosides in ginseng.

Zambia's Micronutrient Program Portfolio Options: A Vitamin A Case Study, 2013 to 2042.

Objectives: There is an urgent need to better understand the interactions of multiple nutrition programs so that they can be managed more effectively to improve coverage and impact, reduce costs and protect persons from the risk of excess micronutrient intakes. The objective was to examine Zambia’s micronutrient program portfolio options over the next 30 years. Methods: 2006 Living Conditions Monitoring Survey food consumption and acquisition data and a Zambian food composition table were used to estimate usual intakes of calories and key micronutrients and the prevalence of inadequate intakes. The annual coverage, impact and cost of six vitamin A interventions were analyzed. The interventions included four potentially fortifiable staples, vitamin A supplementation through Child Health Week (CHW) and a biofortified high pro-vitamin A maize. All 62 possible combinations of the six interventions’ annual costs, changes in the prevalence of inadequate intake and the total number of disability-adjust life years (DALYs) saved annually were estimated from 2013-2042, drawing on the IFPRI IMPACT model’s predictions of food production and consumption patterns. Results: Oil and sugar offer the greatest coverage (67%-69%) while biofortification can reach greater than 50%. Supplementation and sugar and oil fortification produce the greatest impacts. The most cost-effective 1, 2, and 3-program interventions portfolios are oil fortification; oil plus biofortification; and oil plus biofortification and supplementation. Conclusions: Each intervention plays a significant role in combating micronutrient deficiency in Zambia. The choice of combinations of the specific vehicles and the order in which interventions are sequenced affects the optimal mix.

Subsistence huniing for turtles in northwestern Ecuaoor / Aprovechamiento de subsistencia de la fauna de tortugas en el noroccidente de Ecuador

We describe the subsistence exploitation of an entire turtle fauna in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. We collected first-hand accounts and witnessed a number of capture techniques used by rural Afroecuadorian and Chachi inhabitants of the Cayapas-Santiago river basin. The diversity of techniques indicated a practical knowledge of the ecology of the species. Chelydra acutirostris, Kinosternon leucostomum, Rhinoclemmys annulata, melanosterna, and R. nasuta were captured and eaten. Poziando involved cleaning pools in a stream bed during the relatively dry season by removing live plants, organic detritus, and then seining with baskets; we observed R. melanosterna and K. leucostomum captured in this way. Pitfall traps baited with fruit were used to catch R. melanosterna during forays on land. Basket traps ("canasto tortuguero") with a wooden slat funnel across the opening are floated with balsa lashed to the sides. Banana or Xanthosoma leaf bait in the basket traps caught R. melanosterna, R. nasuta, and K. leucostomum. Marshy areas were probed for R. melanosterna and K. leucostomum. Direct capture by hand was also common. Turtles were relished as food items; all turtles captured were consumed, usually in soup or stew. Use of turtles for food in the region was pervasive, perhaps because fish and game populations were depleted.

Describimos la cacería de subsistencia de la fauna de tortugas en la provincia de Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Hemos recogido testimonios de primera mano y fuimos testigos de una serie de técnicas de captura utilizadas por los habitantes rurales afroecuatorianos y chachis de la cuenca de los ríos Cayapas-Santiago. La diversidad de técnicas indica un conocimiento práctico de la ecología de las especies. Chelydra acutirostris, Kinosternon leucostomum, Rhinoclemmys annulata, R. melanosterna y R. nasuta fueron capturadas y utilizadas como alimento. El método de "pozeo" consiste en limpiar las pozas o quebradas durante la estación de menos lluvia; en el proceso se remueven las plantas vivas y detritus orgánicos y las tortugas se cazan con la ayuda de canastas, y observamos que R. melanosterna y K. leucostomum fueron capturadas de esta manera. Las trampas de caída, cebadas con frutas, se utilizaron para capturar R. melanosterna durante incursiones a tierra firme. El "canasto tortuguero" es un cesto de fibra vegetal que tiene la parte interna en forma de embudo, construido con listones de madera (generalmente chonta) y en su exterior se atan dos trozos de madera de balsa para darle flotabilidad. Los canastos fueron cebados con plátanos u hojas de malanga (Xanthosoma) para atrapar especies de Rhinoclemmys y K. leucostomum. En las zonas pantanosas, se usó la técnica de tanteo o pisoteo para colectar R. melanosterna y K. leucostomum. La captura directa o a mano también es un método común de caza. Las tortugas fueron preparadas como alimento principalmente en sopas o guisos. El uso de las tortugas en la alimentación se ha generalizado en la región, posiblemente porque ha disminuido la cacería de animales grandes.

VARIACIÓN DEMOGRÁFICA TEMPORAL DE LA TORTUGA DE RÍO CHOCOANA, Rhinoclemmys nasuta (GEOEMYDIDAE), EN ISLA PALMA, BAHÍA MÁLAGA, PACÍFICO DEL VALLE DEL CAUCA / Temporal Variation in Demography of the Chocoan River Turtle, Rhinoclemmys nasuta (Geoemydidae), on Isla Palma, Malaga Bay, Pacific Coast of Valle del Cauca

Pocos estudios demográficos de larga duración han sido realizados en tortugas dulceacuícolas de Suramérica, pese a la necesidad de este tipo de investigación para esclarecer las variaciones naturales y fortalecer procesos de conservación en este grupo particular. En esta investigación se estudió la variación en la demografía de una población de la tortuga de río chocoana (Rhinoclemmys nasuta), a partir de información registrada en una localidad insular del Pacífico colombiano entre 2005 y 2012. En esta localidad se capturaron manualmente tortugas en cinco riachuelos con un área total de 0,4 ha. Se calculó el tamaño poblacional con el método Jolly-Seber en cuatro periodos (2005-06, 2007, 2011 y 2012), y se comparó la estructura poblacional. Se estimó la probabilidad de supervivencia y la probabilidad de captura para machos, hembras y juveniles utilizando el modelo Cormack-Jolly-Seber, y la tasa de crecimiento poblacional con el modelo POPAN. Se evidenciaron aumentos y disminuciones en el tamaño de la población. Se evidenció un aumento significativo del porcentaje de juveniles que hacen parte de la población durante el periodo de estudio. En todos los periodos las hembras dominaron la estructura de sexos de la población. Las variaciones temporales en el tamaño poblacional pueden deberse a cambios naturales en el hábitat o a efectos denso-dependientes. Sin embargo, también pueden corresponder a fluctuaciones normales en los parámetros poblacionales, por lo tanto monitoreos continuos donde se puedan correlacionar factores ambientales y físicos del hábitat podrían permitirnos elucidar a que se deben estas variaciones.

Few long-term demographic studies have been conducted in freshwater turtles of South America despite the need for this type of inquiry to investigate natural variation and strengthen conservation efforts for these species. In this study, we examined variation in demography of the Chocoan River Turtle (Rhinoclemmys nasuta) based on a population from an island locality in the Colombian Pacific region between 2005 and 2012. At this locality we captured turtles by hand in five streams with a total area of 0.4 ha. We calculated population size with the Jolly-Seber method and compared the population structure of four time periods (2005-06, 2007, 2011 and 2012). We calculated the probability of survival and capture probability for males, females and juveniles using the Cormack -Jolly-Seber model and we estimated the rate of population growth with the POPAN model. We found increases and decreases in population size, and a significant increase in the percentage of juveniles in 2011 and 2012. In all periods, females dominated the sex structure of the population. Temporal variation in population size may be due to natural changes in habitat or density-dependent effects. However, it may correspond with normal fluctuations in population parameters, therefore continuous monitoring that can be correlated with environmental and physical factors of the habitat could elucidate the causes of the variation.

NEURO.TV: Neuroscience Education on the Internet

NEURO.tv is a new educational project that seeks to bring advanced concepts in neuroscience to the general public. We film one-hour discussions with leading neuroscientists, philosophers, and psychologists who have had significant impact on our current understanding of brain function, and we publish these discussions on YouTube, iTunes, and other social media outlets. Here, we explain the motivations behind this new program.

Skin Thickness of the Anterior, Anteromedial, and Anterolateral Thigh: A Cadaveric Study for Split-Skin Graft Donor Sites

BACKGROUND: The depth of graft harvest and the residual dermis available for reepithelization primarily influence the healing of split-skin graft donor sites. When the thigh region is chosen, the authors hypothesize based on thickness measurements that the anterolateral region is the optimal donor site. METHODS: Full-thickness skin specimens were sampled from the anteromedial, anterior, and anterolateral regions of human cadavers. Skin specimens were cut perpendicularly with a custom-made precision apparatus to avoid the overestimation of thickness measurements. The combined epidermal and dermal thicknesses (overall skin thickness) were measured using a digital calliper. The specimens were histologically stained to visualize their basement membrane, and microscopy images were captured. Since the epidermal thickness varies across the specimen, a stereological method was used to eliminate observer bias. RESULTS: Epidermal thickness represented 2.5% to 9.9% of the overall skin thickness. There was a significant difference in epidermal thickness from one region to another (P<0.05). The anterolateral thigh region had the most consistent and highest mean epidermal thickness (60+/-3.2 microm). We observed that overall skin thickness increased laterally from the anteromedial region to the anterior and anterolateral regions of the thigh. The overall skin thickness measured 1,032+/-435 microm in the anteromedial region compared to 1,220+/-257 microm in the anterolateral region. CONCLUSIONS: Based on skin thickness measurements, the anterolateral thigh had the thickest epidermal and dermal layers. We suggest that the anterolateral thigh region is the optimal donor site for split-skin graft harvests from the thigh.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cord: a review / Imagem da medula espinal por tensor de difusão / Imagen de difusión tensora de la médula espinal: una revisión

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance technique capable of measuring the magnitude and direction of water molecule diffusion in various tissues. The use of DTI is being expanded to evaluate a variety of spinal cord disorders both for prognostication and to guide therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on spinal cord DTI in both animal models and humans in different neurosurgical conditions. DTI of the spinal cord shows promise in traumatic spinal cord injury, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and intramedullary tumors. However, scanning protocols and image processing need to be refined and standardized.

O exame por imagem de ressonância magnética utilizando a técnica de tensores de difusão (DTI, Diffusion tensor imaging) consegue medir a magnitude e direção da difusão de moléculas de água em vários tecidos. A DTI está começando a ser usada para avaliar uma série de patologias da medula espinal, tanto para prognósticos como para orientar o tratamento. O presente artigo revisa a literatura sobre DTI da medula espinhal, em modelos animais e humanos, em diferentes condições neurocirúrgicas. A DTI da medula espinal é promissora para lesões traumáticas da medula, mielopatia espondilótica cervical e tumores intramedulares. Contudo, os protocolos de escaneamento e processamento de imagens precisam ser refinados e padronizados.

La técnica de imagen por difusión tensora (DTI, Diffusion tensor imaging) es una técnica de resonancia magnética que mide la magnitud y dirección de la difusión de moléculas de agua en varios tejidos. El uso de DTI se ha expandido para evaluar una variedad de disturbios de la columna vertebral tanto para pronóstico como para orientación de la terapia. La finalidad de este artículo es revisar la literatura sobre DTI de la médula espinal tanto en modelos animales como en humanos en diferentes condiciones neuroquirúrgicas. La DTI de la médula espinal se muestra promisora en las lesiones traumáticas de la médula, en la mielopatía espondilótica cervical y en los tumores intramedulares. Sin embargo, los protocolos de barrido y el procesamiento de imágenes necesitan ser refinados y estandarizados.

Turtle ectoparasites from the Pacific coastal region of Colombia / Ectoparasitos asociados a tortugas en la costa pacifica de Colombia

This study provides an update on the ectoparasites (ticks and leeches) associated with Rhinoclemmys annulata and provides new accounts on the ectoparasites associated with R. nasuta, R. melanosterna and Kinosternon leucostomum from the Pacific coast of Colombia. The presence of Amblyomma sabanerae on R. nasuta and R. melanosterna provided two new host records for the tick species. Also, the documentation of A. sabanerae from the Department of Valle del Cauca represents a new department record for the species in Colombia. Placobdella ringueleti was identified from R. nasuta and K. leucostomum, which represents a new host record for the leech species, as well as a significant extension of the known range.

Este estudio proporciona nueva información sobre ectoparásitos (garrapatas y sanguijuelas) encontrados en Rhinoclemmys annulata, y aporta nuevos registros sobre ectoparásitos asociados a R. nasuta, R. melanosterna y Kinosternon leucostomum en la costa pacífica de Colombia. La presencia de Amblyomma sabanerae en R. nasuta y R. melanosterna provee dos nuevos hospederos para esta especie de garrapata. Igualmente el reporte de A. sabanerae amplía el registro de esta especie en Colombia, al departamento del Valle del Cauca. R. nasuta y K. leucostomum, se constituyen en nuevos registros de hospederos para Placobdella ringueleti, e incrementa de manera significativa el rango de distribución geográfico conocido para esta especie de sanguijuela.

Pathology of non-thermal irreversible electroporation (N-TIRE)-induced ablation of the canine brain

This study describes the neuropathologic features of normal canine brain ablated with non-thermal irreversible electroporation (N-TIRE). The parietal cerebral cortices of four dogs were treated with N-TIRE using a dose-escalation protocol with an additional dog receiving sham treatment. Animals were allowed to recover following N-TIRE ablation and the effects of treatment were monitored with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Brains were subjected to histopathologic and ultrastructural assessment along with Bcl-2, caspase-3, and caspase-9 immunohistochemical staining following sacrifice 72 h post-treatment. Adverse clinical effects of N-TIRE were only observed in the dog treated at the upper energy tier. MRI and neuropathologic examinations indicated that N-TIRE ablation resulted in focal regions of severe cytoarchitectural and blood-brain-barrier disruption. Lesion size correlated to the intensity of the applied electrical field. N-TIRE-induced lesions were characterized by parenchymal necrosis and hemorrhage; however, large blood vessels were preserved. A transition zone containing parenchymal edema, perivascular inflammatory cuffs, and reactive gliosis was interspersed between the necrotic focus and normal neuropil. Apoptotic labeling indices were not different between the N-TIRE-treated and control brains. This study identified N-TIRE pulse parameters that can be used to safely create circumscribed foci of brain necrosis while selectively preserving major vascular structures.

Evaluación del proceso de desarrollo del folleto educativo de salud Abre los ojos para jóvenes en situación de calle de Medellín / Evaluation of the educational booklet Abre los ojos (Open your eyes) for homeless youth in Medellín

OBJETIVOS: evaluar el proceso de desarrollo del folleto educativo en salud Abre los ojos, diseñado para jóvenes en situación de calle en Medellín. Se evaluaron tanto el proceso de su creación como su percepción posterior entre los jóvenes. METODOLOGIA: la evaluación incluyó el análisis de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos mediante entrevistas individuales y grupos focales con jóvenes en situación de calle de Medellín. De estos jóvenes, 94, con edades entre 14 y 24 años, respondieron una encuesta de percepciones sobre el material. RESULTADOS: los grupos focales fueron efectivos para recoger las ideas y sugerencias del tipo de contenido que ellos querían para el material educativo de salud y la forma de presentarlo. Después de distribuirlo, la respuesta general resultó positiva. Manifestaron que contenía información valiosa y relevante en relación con sus experiencias. Pese a no ser el objeto principal de esta evaluación, las entrevistas individuales proporcionaron resultados preliminares acerca de la posible efectividad del material educativo para incrementar el nivel de conocimiento de los participantes sobre los temas allí incluidos. CONCLUSIONel proceso colaborativo para desarrollar el contenido del material educativo, en asocio con los jóvenes, probó ser muy valioso. Mientras que los investigadores seleccionaron información sobre VIH, los jóvenes seleccionaron información de otros temas como piercing, uso de solventes y lo que significa vivir en la calle. El material educativo resultante fue bien recibido por representantes de los jóvenes en situación de calle de Medellín, diferentes a los que participaron en su diseño.

OBJECTIVE: Conduct a process evaluation of a health education resource (pamphlet), Abre los Ojos, designed for street-involved youth in Medellín. The primary foci of the evaluation were the process of developing the resource and youth's subsequent perception of the resource. METHODOLOGY: Drawing upon both qualitative and quantitative data, a process evaluation was undertaken. Ninety four street-involved youth between the ages of 14-24 years completed surveys about the resource. These semi-structured interviews were key for the information about youth perception of the resource. In addition to individual interviews, prior to resource creation, a series of focus groups were integral for the development of the resource. RESULTS: The process of consulting with the target population through the focus groups was effective in obtaining their ideas and feedback about what type of content they would like to see in a health education resource, and how they wanted that content presented. After distribution, participants described that Abre los Ojos contained information that was valuable and relevant to their experiences. While not a primary focus of this evaluation, the individual interviews were also able to provide some preliminary insight into whether Abre los Ojos was an effective means for participants to increase their knowledge of content included in the resource. CONCLUSION: The collaborative process of jointly developing the resource content in partnership with the youth proved very worthwhile. While our research team chose to include information about HIV, through focus group dialogue, the youth themselves determined the additional content themes (piercings, use of solvents, and description of life on the street). The resulting resource was well-received by members of the street-involved population who had not been involved in its design.

Progeroid Syndrome of De Barsy With Hypocalcemic Seizures.

De Barsy et al first reported a rare cutaneo-oculo-cerebral malformation-syndrome now commonly referred as ‘progerioid syndrome of de Barsy’. It is the constellation of progeria-like appearance, cutis laxa, intrauterine growth retardation, corneal clouding and hypotonia. We report a case of Debarsy syndrome in a neonate presented at birth with typical clinical features with hypocalcemic seizures. There are no previous reports among Afghani origin and also first case reported from United Arab Emirates, there have been no reported cases of hypocalcemic seizures.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients and healthy blood donors at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea

The findings of a seroepidemiological study into the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection amongst normal blood donors and patients infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are presented. Of the total 301 participants, 181 were HIV antibody positive and 120 blood donors were HIV antibody negative. We used a prevalidated questionnaire, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Epi Info version 3.2 software plus SPSS version 10 for data analysis. The results showed an overall antibody prevalence rate of 53% in the population and a significantly higher infection rate amongst HIV-positive patients: odds ratio 2.14 (95% CI 1.30-3.53), p = 0.001. The study further showed that exposure to cats and highlands origin were independent risk factors. This study has demonstrated that in light of the current HIV/AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic, opportunistic infections such as toxoplasmosis will be a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality. It is therefore important that clinicians and public health practitioners fit these findings into overall management strategies to help control toxoplasmosis.

Perceptions of Malawian Nurses about Nursing Interventions for Malnourished Children and Their Parents.

In developing countries, malnutrition among children is a major public-health issue. The aim of the study was to describe perceptions of Malawian nurses about nursing interventions for malnourished children and their parents. A qualitative method was used. Data were collected and analyzed according to the phenomenographic research approach. Twelve interviews were performed with 12 nurses at a rural hospital in northern Malawi, Southeast Africa. Through the analysis, two major concepts, comprising four categories of description, emerged: managing malnutrition today and promotion of a favourable nutritional status. The categories of description involved identification and treatment of malnutrition, education during treatment, education during prevention, and assurance of food security. The participating nurses perceived education to be the most important intervention, incorporated in all areas of prevention and treatment of malnutrition. Identification and treatment of malnutrition, education during treatment, education to prevent malnutrition, and assurance of food security were regarded as the most important areas of intervention.