Prevalence and Association Between Cognition, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients Hospitalized with Heart Failure

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression are present in patients with heart failure (HF), but their mutual correlation in hospitalized patients is not well established. Objectives The aims of this study were to identify the presence of cognitive impairment and the most affected domain, to investigate possible associations of cognitive impairment with depression and/or anxiety, and to observe whether they correlated with occurrence of readmission within 30 days following hospital discharge. Methods This is a prospective observational study including patients with HF from a private hospital. Psychological distress and cognition were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and by the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), respectively. Clinical data were obtained from the medical record at the time of inclusion, and outpatient follow-up was performed 30 days after discharge via telephone calls. Results This study included 71 patients (83% men, 75 ± 11 years). Cognitive impairment was present in 53.5% of the patients, and recall memory was the most altered cognitive domain. The proportion of possible/probable anxiety and depression was 21.1% and 34.2% in patients with cognitive impairment, respectively. However, only depression demonstrated association with cognitive impairment (p = 0.018). Cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression showed no relationship with the occurrence of readmission within 30 days. Conclusions Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms are prevalent and associated, and recall memory was the most altered cognitive domain in patients hospitalized with HF. However, there was no relationship between these factors and readmission within 30 days.

Respuesta inmunológica a varias proteínas del H. pylori en pacientes guatemaltecos / Inmune response to various H. pylori proteins in Guatemalan patients

Se determinó la respuesta inmunológica a proteínas recombinantes de Helicobacter pylori en pacientes dis-pépticos (adultos y niños), pacientes con cáncer gástrico y sus familiares asintomáticos adultos viviendo con ellos. Se utilizó la prueba recomLine® Helicobacter IgG e IgA, y con base en el reconocimiento de los factores de virulencia VacA y CagA se determinó si la cepa de H. pylori era de tipo I o II. El análisis de los datos fue descriptivo y analítico y se estimaron los intervalos de confianza de 95%, con un nivel de error de 0.05 y Odds ratio. El 58.7% (121/206) de los pacientes presentó la bacteria en tinción histológica de biopsia, positividad que disminuyó con la edad y daño histológico. La frecuencia de la respuesta a los anticuerpos IgG fue mayor que IgA, en ambos casos ésta fue menor en los niños. Las proteínas del H. pylori más reconocidas tanto por IgA como IgG fueron VacA y CagA, y la respuesta a las otras proteínas investigadas fue mayor al aumentar el daño histológi-co. La cepa tipo I fue la que predominó en la población en estudio con 66% (136/206). Se deben continuar con los estudios de prevalencia de la cepa tipo I del H. pylori y del reconocimiento de sus antígenos en la población guatemalteca a fin de determinar su utilidad en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de la infección.

The immune response to recombinant Helicobacter pylori proteins was determined in dyspeptic patients (adults and children), patients with gastric cancer and their asymptomatic adults' relatives living with them. The recomLine® Helicobacter IgG and IgA test was used and based on the recognition of the virulence factors VacA and CagA, it was determined whether the H. pylori strain was type I or II. The data analysis was descriptive and analytic, and 95% confidence intervals were estimated, with an error level of 0.05, and Odds ratio. The patients that presented the bacterium in histological biopsy were 58.7% (121/206), positivity that decreased with age and histological damage. The frecuency of response to IgG antibodies was higher than IgA, in both cases it was lower in children. VacA and CagA were the H. pylori proteins most recognized by both IgA and IgG and it was observed that the number of recognized proteins was greater with increasing histological damage. The type I strain was the one that predominated in the study population 66% (136/206). Prevalence studies of the type I strain of H. pylori ant the recognition of its antigens in the Guatemalan population should continue in order to determine its usefulness in the diagnosis and prognosis of infection.

Coronary artery calcification and dietary intake in asymptomatic men

Dietary factors may influence the process of atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification (CAC). This study assessed CAC and its association with dietary intake in asymptomatic men. We evaluated 150 asymptomatic men with mean age of 58.2±5.3 years. The dietary intake was assessed by the Food Consumption Register method. CAC was measured through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and assessed in accordance with the Agatston score. Modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate the effects of intake of different nutrients that are prevalent in moderate/severe CAC, adjusted for calorie intake and CAC risk factors by means of prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]. An association was found between the intake of some nutrients and moderate/severe CAC. Lower carbohydrate intake (P=0.021) and higher lipid intake (P=0.006) were associated with moderate/severe CAC. After adjustment, the nutrients associated with the prevalence of moderate/severe CAC were carbohydrates (P=0.040), lipids (P=0.005), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P=0.013). A 1% increase in lipids and SFA intake caused an increase of 4% [95%CI: 1-7%] and 8% [95%CI: 2-14%] in the prevalence of moderate/severe CAC, respectively. A 1% increase of carbohydrate intake led to a 2% decrease in the likelihood of moderate/severe CAC [95%CI: 1-4%]. These conclusions showed that the higher intake of total lipids and SFA was associated with higher CAC scores, whereas higher carbohydrate intake was associated with lower CAC scores in asymptomatic men.

Frecuencia de anticuerpos IgG a seis agentes infecciosos en los estudiantes de la carrera de Química Biológica / Frequency of IgG antibodies to six infectious agents in students of the Biological Chemistry degree

Se determinó la frecuencia de anticuerpos IgG para Toxoplasma gondii y los virus de paperas, sarampión, rubéola, varicela y hepatitis B en 90 estudiantes de la carrera de Química Biológica de la Facultad de CCQQ y Farmacia. La mayor frecuencia se encontró para rubéola y sarampión, 98.9% para cada prueba y la menor frecuencia fue para T. gondii con 23.3%. No se encontró asociación significativa entre la positividad y el género, entre la positividad a paperas, sarampión, varicela y el haber sufrido la infección o haber estado en contacto con personas infectadas y entre la positividad a T. gondii y el consumir carne roja y/o comida callejera (p > .05). Únicamente en el caso de la hepatitis B se encontró una asociación significativa entre la positividad y la edad (p = < .001), el hecho de estar vacunado (p < .001) y el ser sexualmente activo (p = .004). Los porcentajes de vacunación en la población en estudio fue alta únicamente para hepatitis B (80%), mientras que para las otras infecciones fue 35.6% para rubéola y sarampión, 22.2% para varicela y 10% para paperas. Más de 82% de los estudiantes presentaron protección a los seis agentes estudiados y se recomienda realizar encuestas sero-epidemiológicas constantes, evaluar los programas de inmunización, identificar los grupos a riesgo y que las personas que no presenten anticuerpos se vacunen.

The frequency of IgG antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii and the mumps, measles, rubella, varicella and hepa-titis B viruses was determined in 90 students of the Biological Chemistry career of the Faculty of CCQQ and Pharmacy. The highest frequency was found for Rubella and Measles, 98.9% each, and the lowest frequency was for T. gondii with 23.3%. No significant difference was found between positivity and gender, between positivity to mumps, measles, chicken pox and having suffered infection or having been in contact with infected persons and between positivity to T. gondii and consuming red meat and / or street food (p > .05). Only in the case of Hepatitis B a significant difference between positivity and age (p = .001), the fact of being vaccinated (p = .001) and being sexually active (p = .004 was found. The percentage of vaccination in the study population was high only for He-patitis B (80%), while for the other infections it was 35.6% for rubella and measles, 22.2% for varicella and 10% for mumps. More than 82% of the students presented protection to the six agents studied and it is recommended to carry out constant sero-epidemiological surveys, to evaluate the immunization programs, to identify the risk groups and that people who do not present antibodies get vaccinated.

Identificación del Virus Epstein-Barr por Hibridación in situ en pacientes con Cáncer Gástrico que asisten al Instituto de Cancerología (Incan) de Guatemala / Identification of Epstein-Barr Virus by in situ Hybridization in Gastric Cancer patients attending the Cancer Institute (Incan) Guatemala

El Virus Epstein Barr (EBV) está relacionado como agente oncogénico en el desarrollo del cáncer gástrico, atribuyéndosele el 10 % de los casos de esta neoplasia a nivel mundial. No existen estudios previos que identifiquen la presencia EBV en los pacientes con cáncer gástrico en Guatemala, por lo que en este estudio se evaluó por hibridación in situ la presencia del micro ARN EBER (Epstein Barr ­encoded RNAs) de EBV en 71 pacientes con cáncer gástrico que asistieron al Instituto de Cancerología (Incan). Se determinó una prevalencia de 21.1 % (IC 95 % [10.9, 31.3] ) (15 pacientes), mayor que la reportada en otros estudios latinoamericanos. Se determinó asociación significativa entre la expresión del EBER del EBV, y el género masculino OR = 4.9 (IC 95 % [1.4, 17.5]) p < .05. Los factores asociados fueron, el padecer diarrea OR 5.7 IC 95 % [1.5, 12.6] p = .008, y la detección del anticuerpos de Helicobacter pylori séricos, OR 7.2 (IC 95 % [1.1, 18.9]) p = .03. Aun cuando la mayoría de los pacientes que expresan el EBER de EBV desarrollaron cáncer gástrico del tipo difuso 66.67 % no existe asociación significativa p = 0.13 OR = 2.5 (IC 95 % [1.1, 8.2]).

The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is related, as an oncogenic agent, in the development of gastric cancer, accounting for 10 % of the cases of this neoplasm worldwide. There are no previous studies that identify the presence of EBV in patients with gastric cancer in Guatemala, so in this study the presence of the EBER micro EBV of EBV was evaluated by in situ hybridization in 71 patients with gastric cancer who attended the Cancer Institute (Incan). A prevalence of 21.1% (95 % CI [10.9, 31.3]) was determined (15 patients), higher than that reported in other Latin American studies. A significant association was found between the EBER expression of EBV, and the male gender OR = 4.9 (95 % CI [1.4, 17.5]) p < .05. The associated factors were diarrhea OR 5.7 95 % (CI [1.5, 12.6]) p = .008, and detection of Helicobacter pylori serum antibodies, OR 7.2 95 % CI [1.1, 18.9] p = .03. Although the majority of patients expressing EBV EBER developed gastric cancer of the diffuse type 66.67% there is no significant association p = 0.13, OR = 2.5 (95 % CI [1.1, 8.2]).

Integrating economics into the rationale for multisectoral action on obesity / Integrar la economía en los fundamentos de la acción multisectorial en materia de obesidad / Integrar aspectos econômicos à fundamentação para ação multissetorial em obesidade

ABSTRACT Obesity is a compelling example of the challenges of championing and mobilizing a response that involves the whole of government and all of society. This paper discusses the need for economic rationales to strengthen the case for government intervention on obesity, with a view to better engaging the expertise and resources of nonhealth sectors. The paper also briefly reviews economic theory and evidence that could support an integrated multisectoral rationale for action, noting opportunities to expand the integration of economic evidence in the Americas.

RESUMEN La obesidad es un ejemplo contundente de los retos que implica el defender y movilizar una respuesta que abarque a todo el gobierno y toda la sociedad. En este artículo se aborda la necesidad de contar con fundamentos económicos para respaldar la pertinencia de la intervención gubernamental en materia de obesidad, a fin de incorporar la pericia y los recursos de sectores ajenos al sector de la salud. En el artículo también se examina brevemente la teoría económica y la evidencia que podrían sustentar un fundamento multisectorial integrado para la acción, a la vez que se destacan las oportunidades para ampliar la integración de la evidencia económica en la Región de las Américas.

RESUMO A obesidade é um bom exemplo do desafio de defender e mobilizar uma resposta que envolva o governo e a sociedade como um todo. Este artigo aborda a necessidade de fundamentação econômica para fortalecer o argumento para a intervenção do governo na obesidade visando atrair mais conhecimento especializado e recursos dos setores externos à saúde. O artigo analisa resumidamente a teoria econômica e as evidências que poderiam embasar uma fundamentação multissetorial integrada para ação e destaca as oportunidades para ampliar a integração das evidências econômicas nas Américas.

Development of an investment case for obesity prevention and control: perspectives on methodological advancement and evidence / Formulación de argumentos a favor de la inversión para la prevención y el control de la obesidad: perspectivas sobre el progreso metodológico y la evidencia / Elaboração de um caso de investimento para prevenção e controle da obesidade: perspectivas sobre o progresso metodológico e evidências

ABSTRACT This paper opens a discussion on the main features of an investment case for obesity prevention and control, by scanning available evidence on existing approaches and by highlighting contextual considerations and evidence for Latin America and the Caribbean. We call on researchers and analysts in the field to update and broaden existing methods of economic analyses to better reflect the multisectoral nature of an investment case for obesity prevention and control. We also identify research gaps and further work required to advance methods and evidence towards investment cases throughout the Americas.

RESUMEN Este artículo abre un debate sobre las principales características de los argumentos a favor de la inversión para prevenir y controlar la obesidad, al buscar evidencia sobre los métodos existentes y destacar las consideraciones relativas al contexto y la evidencia para América Latina y el Caribe. Instamos a los investigadores y analistas en el campo a que actualicen y amplíen los métodos existentes de análisis económico a fin de reflejar mejor la naturaleza multisectorial de los argumentos a favor de la inversión para la prevención y el control de la obesidad. También encontramos lagunas en la investigación y el trabajo adicional que se requiere para impulsar los métodos y la evidencia que respalden estos argumentos a favor de la inversión en toda América.

RESUMO Esta análise visa trazer à discussão as principais características de um caso de investimento para prevenção e controle da obesidade ao examinar comprovações sobre os enfoques existentes e destacar considerações contextuais e evidências para a América Latina e o Caribe. Fazemos um chamado aos pesquisadores e analistas no campo a atualizar e expandir a metodologia atual de análise econômica a fim de melhor refletir o caráter multissetorial de um caso de investimento para prevenção e controle da obesidade. Também identificamos lacunas de pesquisa e a necessidade de trabalhar mais para melhorar a metodologia e as evidências de casos de investimento nas Américas.

Cambios en la frecuencia de infección por Helicobacter pylori en niños guatemaltecos durante 10 años / Changes in the frequency of Helicobacter Pylori infection inGuatemalan children for 10 years

Se determinó la frecuencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori a 302 niños de cuatro centros de atención integral (CAI) y se realizó un análisis comparativo con las reportadas en dos estudios del 2002 para establecer cambios en la frecuencia durante el período (2002-2012). La determinación de anticuerpos se realizó a través de un ensayo inmunoenzimático comercial, con un muestreo estratificado por grupo etario, similar al realizado en 2002. Se obtuvo una frecuencia de 44.70%, IC 95% [38.93, 50.48], muy similar a 42.71% encontrada en el 2002 (p = .655). Los cambios observados por rangos de edad no fueron significativamente diferentes: en el grupo de menores de 3 años se encontró positividad el 33.15% en el 2002 y 35.63% en el 2012 (p = .791), y el de 3 a 10 años (p = .628) la positividad en el 2002 fue 51.20% y en el 2012 fue 48.37%, así como con el género de los niños, (p = .874 para el 2002 y p = .435 para el 2012). Se evidenció que la infección es adquirida desde la temprana edad y que aumenta con los años, encontrando que, a la edad de 5 años, casi el 50% de los niños ya es seropositivo. Los factores de riesgo asociados significativamente con la existencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-H. pylori son no estar sano (p = .041), la presencia de diarrea actual (p = .003), el consumo de agua no purificada (p < .001) y la clase de servicio sanitario disponible (p = .003).

The presence of IgG antibodies anti-Helicobacter pylori in 302 children attending four centers for integral attention (CIA) was determined and a comparative analysis with the ones reported in two studies in 2002 was conducted to establish changes in a period of 10 years (2002-2012). To detect the antibodies a comercial immunoassay was used, and the children were grouped stratified by age. A positivity of 44.70%, 95% CI [38.93, 50.48] was found, which was not significantly different from 42.71% found in 2002 (p = .655). No significant difference was found with the changes observed by age group, in the group of children under 3 years 33.15% was found in 2002 and 35.63% in 2012 (p = .791), and in the group 3-10 years (p = .628) the frequency in 2002 was 51.20% and in 2012 was 48.37%, or with the gender of children in both periods (p = 0.874 for 2002 and p = 0.435 for2012). It was evident that the infection is acquired early in life and increases with age, so that at the age of 5 years, almost 50% of children are already positive. Among the risk factors significantly associated with the presence of IgG antibodies to H. pylori we identified not being healthy (p = .041), the actual presence of diarrhea (p = .003), drinking unpurified water (p < .001) and type of health service available (p = .003).

Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en la población que asistió a las clínicas de Aprofam durante 2006-2011 / Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the population attending Aprofam clinics during 2006-2011

Se determinó la prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en la población que acudió a 10 centros departamentales de Aprofam durante 2006-2011, la que se analizó por género, edad y etnia. La prevalencia se determinó como tasa ajustada y los datos se analizaron con las características socioeconómicas de cada región. De 10,075 registros de pacientes se encontró una prevalencia del 66.83%, obteniéndose la mayor en la población ladina (54.79%), en el género femenino (53.07%) y en el grupo de edad comprendido entre los 20 a 39 años (18.35%). Se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de infección y la etnia (p = .001) y entre el género e infección (p < .05). La mayor tasa de infección se encontró en los departamentos de Guatemala (77.25%), Quezaltenango (74.80%) e Izabal (72.79%). La tasa ajustada por cada departamento se comparó con la distribución de la pobreza, encontrando una correspondencia con los departamentos de Alta Verapaz, Chimaltenango y Jutiapa. Posteriormente se correlacionó con los índices de desarrollo humano (IDH) de salud, educación y de ingreso, encontrándose una relación inversa no significativa entre el IDH de salud y la tasa de infección (r = -.047, p > .025).

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the population who attended 10 departmental centers of Aprofam during 2006 -2011 was determined and analyzed by gender, age and ethnicity. For each center, the prevalence of H. pylori infection as adjusted rate was calculated and analyzed within the socioeconomic characteristics of each region. A total of 10,075 patient records were included and the overall prevalence of infection found was 66.83%, being the highest prevalence among the ladino population (54.79%), females (53.07%%) and the group aged from 20 to 39 years (18.35 %). A statistically significant association between the presence of infection and ethnicity (p = .001) and also with gender (< 0.05) was found. The highest rate of infection was found in the departments of Guatemala (77.25%), Quezaltenango (74.80%) and Izabal (72.79%). The adjusted rate for each department was related to poverty distribution finding a coincidence with Alta Verapaz, Chimaltenango and Jutiapa. No significance was found in the correlation with human development index (HDI) of health, education and income only an inverse relationship between the HDI-health and infection rate (r = - .047, p > .025).

A Preliminary Study on qEEG in Burn Patients With Chronic Pruritus

OBJECTIVE: To explore and determine the reorganizational changes in the cortical neural circuits associated with pruritis, this study was undertaken to compare the electroencephalography (EEG) changes in burn patients having primary symptoms of chronic itching (pruritis) and their paired healthy subjects. METHODS: Eight subjects were recruited for this exploratory pilot study: 4 patients with pruritus after burn injury matched by gender and age with 4 healthy subjects. EEG recordings were analyzed for absolute alpha, low beta, high beta, and theta power for both groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the burn patients was 41.75 years; while the mean age for the matched healthy subjects was 41.5 years. All subjects were male. A decreased alpha activity was observed in the occipital channels (0.82 vs. 1.4; p=0.01) and a decreased low beta activity in the frontal area (0.22 vs. 0.4; p=0.049) in eyes closed conditions. An overall decreased theta trend was observed in both the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in burn patients, compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study presents initial evidence that chronic pruritus in burn subjects may be associated with brain reorganizational changes at the cortical level characterized by an EEG pattern.

A single bout of exercise with a flexible pole induces significant cardiac autonomic responses in healthy men

OBJECTIVES: Flexible poles can provide rapid eccentric and concentric muscle contractions. Muscle vibration is associated with a "tonic vibration reflex” that is stimulated by a sequence of rapid muscle stretching, activation of the muscle spindles and stimulation of a response that is similar to the myotatic reflex. Literature studies analyzing the acute cardiovascular responses to different exercises performed with this instrument are lacking. We investigated the acute effects of exercise with flexible poles on the heart period in healthy men. METHOD: The study was performed on ten young adult males between 18 and 25 years old. We evaluated the heart rate variability in the time and frequency domains. The subjects remained at rest for 10 min. After the rest period, the volunteers performed the exercises with the flexible poles. Immediately after the exercise protocol, the volunteers remained seated at rest for 30 min and their heart rate variability was analyzed. RESULTS: The pNN50 was reduced at 5-10 and 15-20 min after exercise compared to 25-30 min after exercise (p = 0.0019), the SDNN was increased at 25-30 min after exercise compared to at rest and 0-10 min after exercise (p = 0.0073) and the RMSSD was increased at 25-30 min after exercise compared to 5-15 min after exercise (p = 0.0043). The LF in absolute units was increased at 25-30 min after exercise compared to 5-20 min after exercise (p = 0.0184). CONCLUSION: A single bout of exercise with a flexible pole reduced the heart rate variability and parasympathetic recovery was observed approximately 30 min after exercise. .

Auto-análise vocal de alunos do curso de teatro / Vocal Auto-analysis of the students of the course of theater

Objetivo: identifi car a percepção que os alunos do curso de teatro da PUC Minas apresentam em relação à própria voz, identificando os sintomas e queixas, bem como os hábitos vocais apresentados pelos indivíduos. Métodos: foi aplicado o Teste de Auto-Análise da voz em 40 alunos do curso de teatro da PUC Minas de Belo Horizonte, composto por 40 perguntas objetivas em relação ao conhecimento da própria voz, queixas vocais, sintomas e hábitos vocais presentes e um questionário contendo 7 questões objetivas relacionadas ao perfil do aluno do curso de teatro da PUC Minas e aos recursos utilizados para melhorar a voz. Resultados: A análise do perfil desses alunos apontou predominância do gênerofeminino (70%), com idade média de 27 anos. Pouco mais da metade dos alunos (52,5%) trabalhavam, tendo profissões diversificadas. A maioria dos alunos do curso de teatro relatou fazer o curso com o intuito de se profissionalizar e que o recurso mais utilizado para cuidar da voz foi a ingestão de água. O teste de auto-análise mostrou que os itens marcados correspondem a fatores que predispõem a ocorrência de disfonia. Conclusão: Os alunos de teatro da PUC Minas cometem abusos vocais e desconhecem formas de prevenir alterações vocais, o que mostra que não estão conscientes sobre a saúde vocal, necessitando, pois, de orientação e conscientização sobre os danos que podem ocorrer com a voz, caso alguns comportamentos inadequados persistam...

Objective: To identify the perception that students of the course of theater of PUC Minas theater show in their own voices, identifying the symptoms and complaints, as well as their vocal habits. Methods: the Auto-Analysis Test of the voice was applied to 40 students of the course of theater of PUC Minas, in Belo Horizonte. This test contains 40 objective questions related to the knowledge of the own voice, vocal complaints, vocal and habit symptoms and a questionnaire with 7 objective questions related tothe profile of the students of the course of theater of PUC Minas and to the resources used to enhance voice. Results: The analysis of the profile of these students pointed predominance of the female gender (70%), with average age of 27 years. A little more than the half of the students (52.5%) works, having diversified professions. The majority of the theater students told that they attend the course of theater with the intention of being professionals in this area and that the most used resource to improve their voices is water ingestion. The Auto-Analysis Test of the voice showed that the marked items correspond to factors that predispose the occurrence of dysphonia. Conclusion: The theater students of PUC Minas have abusive vocal habits and don?t aknowledge ways to prevent vocal alterations, which shows that they are not conscious about vocal health, needing, therefore, orientation and awareness of the damages that can occur to their voices if some inadequate behaviors keep happening...

Objetivo: Identifi car la percepción que los alumnos del programa de teatro PUC Minas presentan sobre sus propias voces, identifi cando síntomas y quejas, así como los hábitos vocales presentados por los individuos. Métodos: fue aplicado el test de Auto-Análisis de la voz en 40 alumnos del curso de teatro de PUC Minas de Belo Horizonte, compuesto por 40 preguntas objetivas en relación al conocimiento de la da propia voz, quejas vocales, síntomas y hábitos vocales presentes y en un cuestionario con 7 preguntas objetivas relacionadas al perfil del alumno del curso de teatro de PUC Minas y a los recursos utilizados para mejorar la voz. Resultados: El análisis del perfil de esos alumnos indicó predominancia del género femenino (70%), con edad media de 27 años. Poco más de la mitad de los alumnos (52,5%) trabajan, teniendo profesiones diversificadas. La mayoría de los alumnos del curso de teatro relato que hacen el curso con el objetivo de profesionalizarse y que el recurso más utilizado para cuidar de la voz fue la ingestión de agua. Los campos marcados en el test de auto-análisis mostro factores que predisponen a la ocurrencia de disfonía. Conclusión: Los alumnos de teatro de la PUC Minas vocal cometen abusos vocales y desconocen formas de evitar alteraciones vocales, lo que demuestra que no son conscientes de la salud vocal, necesitando, pues, de orientación y concientización sobre los daños que pueden ocurrir con la voz si algunos comportamientos inadecuados persistieran...

Caracterización de la depresión en jóvenes universitarios / Caracterization of depression in university youngsters

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo describir las características de la depresión en jóvenes universitarios. A partir del trabajo clínico y psicoeducativo con esta población se identificaron aspectos específicos de los jóvenes que fueron asociados al trastorno depresivo

Conseqüências do prolongamento do tempo de espera em pacientes candidatos à cirurgia cardiáca / Consequences of the prolonged waiting Time for patients candidates for heart surgery

OBJECTIVE - To assess mortality and the psychological repercussions of the prolonged waiting time for candidates for heart surgery. METHODS - From July 1999 to May 2000, using a standardized questionnaire, we carried out standardized interviews and semi-structured psychological interviews with 484 patients with coronary heart disease, 121 patients with valvular heart diseases, and 100 patients with congenital heart diseases. RESULTS - The coefficients of mortality (deaths per 100 patients/year) were as follows: patients with coronary heart disease, 5.6; patients with valvular heart diseases, 12.8; and patients with congenital heart diseases, 3.1 (p<0.0001). The survival curve was lower in patients with valvular heart diseases than in patients with coronary heart disease and congenital heart diseases (p<0.001). The accumulated probability of not undergoing surgery was higher in patients with valvular heart diseases than in the other patients (p<0.001), and, among the patients with valvular heart diseases, this probability was higher in females than in males (p<0.01). Several patients experienced intense anxiety and attributed their adaptive problems in the scope of love, professional, and social lives, to not undergoing surgery. CONCLUSION - Mortality was high, and even higher among the patients with valvular heart diseases, with negative psychological and social repercussions