Health, economic growth, and Gini index in North America using a panel model / Salud, crecimiento económico, e índice Gini en Norteamérica usando un modelo panel

Abstract Objective: The objective of this paper is assessed the nexus among health status, economic growth, and the Gini index in North America and its countries using a panel model. Materials and Method: The materials consist of annual data regarding life expectancy, government health expenditure as percentage of the gross domestic product, Gini index, and gross domestic product at constant 2015 US$ for the period 2000-2019. The method applies a panel model for North America and its three countries: Canada, Mexico and The United States. North America diversity treatment among countries is dealt with fixed and random effects. Results: North America inhabitants health status are negatively influenced by an increasing income inequality, and a reduction on economic growth. The country that expends more in health care is The United States, follow by Canada and Mexico. The biggest reduction on life expectancy from an increase in income inequality is in The United States, followed by Canada and Mexico. Life expectancy increases when Canada and The United States experience economic growth. The countries with inarticulate health policy responses to an increase in income inequality are first Mexico followed by The United States. Conclusions: In North America and its countries an increasing income inequality reduces life expectancy, and government health expenditure. Economic growth benefits life expectancy and government health expenditure. Health status seems to improve with a reduction in income inequality and a greater public health expenditure. Therefore, policies that increases income inequality and reduces public health expenditure seems to be advocates of a reduction: in health status, population welfare and economic growth.

Resumen: Objetivo: Un análisis cuantitativo de las relaciones entre salud, crecimiento económico e índice de Gini en América del Norte y sus países se realiza mediante un modelo de panel. El estado de salud está representado por la esperanza de vida y los sistemas de salud pública por el gasto público en salud. El crecimiento económico es el cambio porcentual del producto interno bruto. La desigualdad de ingresos se representa con el índice de Gini. Materiales y método: Los materiales consisten en datos anuales de esperanza de vida, gasto público en salud como porcentaje del producto interno bruto, índice de Gini y producto interno bruto en dólares estadounidenses constantes de 2015 para el período 2000-2019. El método consiste en aplicar un modelo de panel para América del Norte y sus tres países: Canadá, México y Estados Unidos. El tratamiento de la diversidad entre los países de América del Norte es abordada con efectos fijos y aleatorios. Resultados: El estado de salud de los habitantes de América del Norte se ve influenciado negativamente por la creciente desigualdad de ingresos y la reducción del crecimiento económico. El país que más gasta en salud es los Estados Unidos, seguido de Canadá y México. La mayor reducción en la esperanza de vida debido a un aumento en la desigualdad de ingresos se encuentra en los Estados Unidos, seguido de Canadá y México. La esperanza de vida aumenta cuando Canadá y Estados Unidos experimentan crecimiento económico. Los países con respuestas de política de salud desarticuladas ante un aumento en la desigualdad de ingresos son primero México seguido de Estados Unidos. Conclusiones: Las políticas que aumentan la desigualdad de ingresos y reducen el gasto público en salud parecen ser promotoras de una reducción: en el estado de salud, el bienestar de la población, y el crecimiento económico.

Application of mass spectrometry in clinical laboratory in North America / 中华检验医学杂志

Detection of early drug abuse has driven the use of mass spectrometry in clinical laboratories across North America. Mass spectrometry-based assays have been increasingly implemented in various clinical disciplines for their advantages in high analytical sensitivity, specificity and multiplexing capacity. Mass spectrometry is now routinely used for the clinical analysis of small molecule compounds, peptides, proteins, clinical toxicology and microbiology. Although more FDA-approved platforms and reagents need to be commercially available, there is no doubt that mass spectrometry technology has demonstrated rich clinical applications.

Entorno laboral saludable en Asia y América del Norte revisión de alcance

Objetivos Realizar una revisión de alcance sobre entorno laboral saludable (ELS) en países de Asia y América del Norte. Métodos Revisión de documentos de diversos diseños metodológicos resultantes de la matriz PRISMA obtenidos en bases de datos como Scopus, PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de la Salud (BVS) y otros motores de búsqueda entre los años 2015 y 2020 empleando los descriptores Healthy, Workplace, Enviroment Work y conectores AND y OR. Resultados Se obtuvo un total de 36 documentos finales. El 66,7% de los estudios encontrados fueron en países de América del Norte. El 44,4% de las publicaciones se realizaron en el año 2019 y 2020. Se halló que la base de datos que más arrojó publicaciones acerca de ELS fue Scopus y la revista que más publicó fue BVS; igualmente los temas más relevantes para alcanzar ELS fueron la promoción de la salud en el lugar de trabajo mediante la intervención de estrategias encaminadas a los estilos de vida saludables y el impacto de la productividad. Conclusiones Las estrategias de ELS permiten que los programas de promoción de la salud sean implementados en las empresas con el fin de mejorar los estilos de vida y las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores, incentivando la actividad física, la alimentación balanceada, disminuyendo la ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas y el tabaquismo. Los ELS se relaciona con la mejora continua debido a que favorece el aumento de la productividad y por ende es importante que se puedan implementar en el contexto de la educación, negocios, comercio y desarrollo económico.

Objectives Conduct a scope review on Healthy Working Environment (ELS, by its initials in Spanish) in Asian and North American countries. Methods Review of documents of various methodological designs resulting from the PRISMA matrix obtained in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and other search engines from the years 2015 to 2020 using the following descriptors: Healthy, Workplace, Enviroment Work and the connectors AND and OR. Results A total of 36 final documents were obtained. 66.7% of the studies found were in North American countries. 44.4% of publications were made between 2019 and 2020. It was found that the database that yielded the most publications about ELS was Scopus and the magazine that published the most was VHL; also, the most relevant issues to achieve ELS were the promotion of health in the workplace through the intervention of strategies aimed at healthy lifestyles, and the impact of productivity. Conclusions ELS strategies allow health promotion programs to be implemented in companies in order to improve the lifestyles and working conditions of workers, encou-raging physical activity, balanced eating, and reducing alcohol intake and smoking. The ELS are related to the continuous improvement because it favors the increase of productivity and therefore it is important that they can be implemented in the context of education, business, trade, and economic development.

Validation of the North America expert consensus statement on reporting CT findings for COVID-19 in individuals with lung cancer

The aim of our study was to validate the use of the standardized Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) reporting system in individuals with known lung cancer who presented to the emergency department with suspected COVID-19. We included patients aged 18 years or older from the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) with a confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer, admitted to the emergency department and undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) for suspicion of COVID-19. Comparison between SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR across RSNA categories was performed in all patients and further stratified by diagnosis of lung cancer progression. Among 58 individuals included in the analysis (65±9 years, 43% men), 20 had positive RT-PCR. Less than a half (43%) had no new lung findings in the CT. Positive RT-PCR was present in 75% of those with typical findings according to RSNA and in only 9% when these findings were classified as atypical or negative (P<0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was even higher when stratified by the presence or absence of progressive disease (PD). Extent of pulmonary inflammatory changes was strongly associated with higher mortality, reaching a lethality of 83% in patients with >25% of lung involvement and 100% when there was >50% of lung involvement. The lung involvement score was also highly predictive of prognosis in this population as was reported for non-lung cancer individuals. Collectively, our results demonstrated that diagnostic and prognostic values of chest CT findings in COVID-19 are robust to the presence of lung abnormalities related to lung cancer.

La colaboración del sector privado en la renegociación del Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte. Análisis de la industria automotriz mexicana / The collaboration of the private sector in the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation. Analysis of the Mexican automotive industry

Resumen La renegociación del Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá inició en 2017 como medida proteccionista de Estados Unidos. La importancia del acuerdo comercial implicó la participación activa del sector privado mexicano a través del mecanismo "Cuarto de Junto", que funciona como órgano de consulta en negociaciones de acuerdos comerciales. La industria automotriz fue un tema sensible, por el grado de integración de las cadenas de suministro y su impacto para la región de Norteamérica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la colaboración del sector privado, de la industria automotriz, en los procesos de consulta pública del gobierno mexicano para la definición de su política de apertura comercial, durante la renegociación del Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte. Esta investigación es cualitativa, con alcance descriptivo-exploratorio. Se realizaron 9 entrevistas semiestructuradas a representantes clave del gobierno mexicano, expertos en la disciplina o miembros activos del "Cuarto de Junto". El mecanismo de consulta, a través del "Cuarto de Junto", único en su género, permitió al gobierno mexicano alinear, en gran medida, los intereses del sector privado con los intereses de la política comercial de México. Los acuerdos alcanzados sobre reglas de origen y el incremento en el valor de contenido regional de autopartes si bien exigen mayor participación de la macro región de Norteamérica, otorgan nuevas oportunidades para desarrollar la industria nacional mexicana. La experiencia del sector privado mexicano, las habilidades de negociación e interacción a través del "Cuarto de Junto" y, sobre todo, el intenso cabildeo en Estados Unidos con la cúpula empresarial, legisladores y funcionarios públicos, antes y durante la renegociación, favorecieron al gobierno mexicano para cerrar satisfactoriamente las negociaciones. La transparencia del proceso de consulta pública-privada permitió consolidar alianzas dentro y fuera del país, aunque con retos complejos.

Abstract The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada began as a protectionist measure of United States in 2017. The importance of this agreement involved the active participation of the Mexican private sector through the "Side Room" a mechanism that functions as a consulting body for negotiation of international agreements. The automotive industry was a sensitive issue due to the integration level of the supply chains and their impact for the North American region. The objective of this research was to analyze the collaboration of the private sector automotive industry in the public consultation processes of the Mexican government for the definition of Mexico's trade policy during the North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiation period. This is a qualitative research with a descriptive-exploratory scope. Nine semi-structured interviews were carried out with representatives of the Mexican government, experts, or active members of the "Side Room". The "Side Room" consulting mechanism allowed the Mexican Government to align most of the private sector interests to the country's trade policy. Although the agreements reached regarding the rules of origin, and the increment on the regional value content of auto parts may require greater participation from the North American macro region, they allow new opportunities for the development of the domestic industry in Mexico. The experience of the Mexican private sector, the negotiation skills and interaction through the "Side Room" and above all, the intense lobbying in the with the private sector, legislators, and governors before and during renegotiation, had a positive impact for the Mexican government in order to satisfactorily conclude the negotiations. The transparency of the public-private consulting process consolidated alliances inside and outside Mexico, albeit with complex challenges.

Epidemiología molecular del virus del sarampión en la región de las Américas: Panorama actual / Molecular Epidemiology Of The Measles Virus In The Region Of The Americas: Current Overview

Tras su erradicación en la región de las Américas en el 2016, ha reemergido y el número de casos va en progresivo aumento. Objetivo: Profundizar y actualizar los aspectos más importantes de la epidermiología molecular del virus sarampión en las Américas. Métodos: La búsqueda y análisis de la información se realizó en un periodo de cinco meses (primero de noviembre de 2019 al 31 de marzo de 2020) para lo cual se emplearon las siguientes palabras: measles, epidemiology molecular, América,outbreak, genotype, epidemic, en las bases de datos PubMed, Hinari, SciELO y Medline. Así mismo, se tomaron en cuenta los informes epidemiológicos de la Organización Panamericana De La Salud (OPS)y entidades gubernamentales de distintos países de América. Resultados: Dos linajes del genotipo D8están diseminándose ampliamente en la región de las Américas. Y aunque aún no podemos conocer el impacto de la actual pandemia producida por el SARS-CoV-2, la baja tasa de inmunización, los elevados movimientos migratorios antes del 2020, factores socioculturales y religiosos sumados a la crisis socia y política que afectan a algunos países de la región, están contribuyendo a que este problema sea creciente. Conclusión: La revisión brinda el conocimiento de la epidemiología molecular del virus. Su empleo y correcta interpretación permitirá establecer un adecuado manejo y medidas de contención con el fin de recuperar la condición de enfermedad erradicada en las Américas.

Introduction: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases that affect humans. After its eradicationin the Americas region in 2016, it has reemerged and the number of cases is progressively increasing..Objective: To deepen and update the most important aspects of the measles virus molecularepidermiology in the Americas. Methods: The search and analysis of the information was carriedout over a period of five months (November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020) for which the following wordswere used: measles, molecular epidemiology, America, outbreak, genotype, epidemic, in the PubMed,Hinari, SciELO and Medline databases Likewise, the epidemiological reports of the Pan American HealthOrganization (PAHO) and government entities from different countries of America were taken intoaccount. Results: Two lineages of the D8 genotype are spreading widely in the Americas region. Andalthough we still cannot know the impact of the current pandemic produced by the SARS-CoV-2, thelow immunization rate, the high migratory movements before 2020, socio-cultural and religious factorsadded to the social and political crisis that affect to some countries in the region, they are helping toincrease this problem. Conclusion: The review provides knowledge of the molecular epidemiologyof the virus. Its use and correct interpretation will allow establishing adequate management andcontainment measures in order to recover the eradicated disease condition in the Americas.

The recent geodynamics of Haitian migration in the Americas: refugees or economic migrants? / A geodinâmica recente da migração haitiana nas Américas: refugiados ou migrantes econômicos? / La geodinamica reciente de la migracion haitiana en las Americas: refugiados o migrantes econômicos?

Abstract After having presented the specific migration context of Haiti and its multidimensional vulnerability, this paper shows that the diaspora geography explains, to a large extent, the location of Haitian refugees and asylum seekers in North America and the French Caribbean territories. Then, we explore the relation between migration policy evolution and the development of new migration routes towards South America, where the recognition of the multidimensional nature of this migration has paved the way for the legalization of Haitian migrants, particularly in Brazil. The complementary migration functions of Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Chile created a new regional migration system centered on the Southeast and the South of Brazil. This emerging South-South migration route is part of a larger Haitian migration system that connects Latin America to North America and the Caribbean.

Resumo Depois de apresentar o contexto de migração específico do Haiti e seus aspectos multidimensionais, o artigo demonstra que a geografia da diáspora haitiana explica, em grande medida, a localização dos refugiados e requerentes de asilo na América do Norte e nos territórios franceses do Caribe. Aborda-se a relação entre a evolução da política de migração e o desenvolvimento de novas rotas de migração em direção à América do Sul, onde o reconhecimento do caráter multidimensional dessa imigração abriu caminho para a legalização da presença haitiana, particularmente no Brasil. As funções migratórias complementares do Equador, Peru, Brasil e Chile desenham um novo sistema de migração regional centrado no Sudeste e no Sul do Brasil. Este emergente espaço de migração Sul-Sul faz parte de um sistema migratório haitiano mais amplo, que conecta a América do Sul com a América do Norte e o Caribe.(AU)

Resumen Habiendo presentado el contexto migratorio especifico de Haiti y sus aspectos multidimensionales el articulo mostrará que la geografía de la diáspora explica en gran medida la ubicación de los refugiados y solicitantes de asilo en América del Norte y el Caribe francés. Después, exploraremos la relación entre la evolucion de las políticas migratorias y el desarollo de nuevas rutas de migración hacia América del Sur, donde el reconocimiento del carácter polifacético de esta migración ha abierto el camino para la legalización de la presencia haitiana, especialmente en Brasil. El caracter complementario de las funciones migratorias del Ecuador, Peru, Brasil y Chile define un nuevo sistema migratorio regional centrado en el sureste y el sur de Brasil. Este espacio migratorio Sur-Sur en gestación forma parte de un sistema migratorio haitiano más amplio que conecta América Latina a América del Norte y el Caribe.

Progress in trial registration in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2007-2013 / Registro de ensayos clínicos en América Latina y el Caribe / Registro de ensaios clínicos na América Latina e no Caribe

ABSTRACT This descriptive study identifies trends in clinical trial registration in the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP) for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), from 2007-2013, and provides adjusted estimates for registration rates by population and publications (2007-2011). Trends and data are presented by subregion and language in interactive graphs, including annual registration rates by population (2007-2011) and publications (LILACS and MEDLINE) listed in SCIENTI Network (Science and Technology Indicators). Of the 11 945 clinical trials involving LAC countries, 8 282 were in South America, with Brazil leading at 4 070 (49%); 2 421 in North and Central America, with Mexico leading at 1 886 (78%); and 1 242 in the Caribbean, with Puerto Rico leading at 857 (69%). After adjusting by population and publication rates Chile, Panama, Argentina, and Peru led registration rates per 1 million inhabitants. Variations in the number of trials per year are quite substantial. Clinical trial registration increased in a steady yet inconsistent way. The implementation of the Policy on Research for Health has been followed by an increase in countries that require registration and have established clinical trial registries. However, there is room for improvement in adherence throughout LAC. Trial registration is offered gratis by Brazilian, Cuban, Peruvian, and United States registries, among others.

RESUMEN En este estudio descriptivo se establecen las tendencias en cuanto al registro de ensayos clínicos en la Plataforma de Registros Internacionales de Ensayos Clínicos (ICTRP) de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en América Latina y el Caribe en el período 2007-2013, y se incluyen cálculos ajustados de las tasas de registro por población y por publicaciones (2007-2011). Las tendencias y los datos se presentan por subregiones e idiomas en gráficos interactivos, y además se incluyen las tasas anuales de registro por población (2007-2011) y publicaciones (LILACS y MEDLINE) que figuran en la Red ScienTi (indicadores de ciencia y tecnología). De los 11 945 ensayos clínicos realizados en países de América Latina y el Caribe, 8 282 tuvieron lugar en América del Sur, en donde Brasil lleva la delantera con 4 070 (49 %); 2 421 se realizaron en América del Norte y Centroamérica, donde México se ubica en primer lugar con 1 886 (78 %), y 1 242 se realizaron en el Caribe, donde la mayoría de los ensayos fueron en Puerto Rico, con un número de 857 (69 %). Después de ajustar las tasas por población y publicaciones, Chile, Panamá, Argentina y Perú tuvieron las tasas más altas de registro por 1 millón de habitantes. Hubo amplias variaciones en el número de ensayos clínicos por año. El registro de ensayos clínicos aumentó de manera constante, aunque no uniforme. La ejecución de la Política de investigación para la salud de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) llevó a un aumento del número de países que han establecido registros de ensayos clínicos y que requieren que se realice este registro. Sin embargo, podría mejorarse la observancia de esa política en América Latina y el Caribe en su totalidad. El registro de ensayos es gratuito en Brasil, Cuba, Estados Unidos y Perú.

RESUMO Estudo descritivo que identifica as tendências no registro de ensaios clínicos na Plataforma Internacional de Registro de Ensaios Clínicos (ICTRP) da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para América Latina e Caribe de 2007 a 2013, e apresenta estimativas ajustadas dos índices de registro por população e publicação (2007-2011). As tendências e os dados são apresentados por sub-região e idioma em gráficos interativos, incluindo os índices anuais de registro por população (2007-2011) e publicação (LILACS e MEDLINE) listada na SCIENTI Network (Science and Technology Indicators). Dos 11.945 ensaios clínicos realizados nos países da América Latina e Caribe, 8.282 foram conduzidos na América do Sul, na sua maioria (4.070) no Brasil (49%), 2.421 nas Américas Central e do Norte, na maior parte (1.886) no México (78%), e 1.242 no Caribe, em maior número (857) em Porto Rico (69%). Após o ajuste por população e publicação, Chile, Panamá, Argentina e Peru apresentaram os maiores índices de registro por 1 milhão de habitantes. A variação no número anual de estudos é bastante considerável. Verificou-se um crescimento estável, porém inconsistente, no registro de ensaios clínicos. Com a implementação da Política para pesquisa em saúde, aumentou o número de países em que o registro de ensaios clínicos é exigido e que implantaram registros próprios. No entanto, é possível melhorar ainda mais a adesão na América Latina e Caribe visto que este registro é gratuito no Brasil, Cuba, Peru e nos Estados Unidos, entre outros.

A review of the quality of current diabetes clinical practice guidelines / Examen de la calidad de las directrices actuales de práctica clínica sobre la diabetes / Uma revisão da qualidade das diretrizes atuais para a prática clínica em casos de diabetes

Objective To obtain an evaluation of current type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) clinical practice guidelines. Methods Relevant guidelines were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) country offices were also contacted to obtain national diabetes guidelines in use but not published/available online. Overall, 770 records were identified on MEDLINE/PubMed for citations published from 2008 to 2013. After an initial screening of these records, 146 were found to be guidelines related to diabetes. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to further refine the search and obtain a feasible number of guidelines for appraisal. Guideline evaluation was conducted by health professionals using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument, which was developed to address the issue of variability in guideline quality and assesses the methodological rigor and transparency in which a guideline is developed. A total of 17 guidelines were selected and evaluated. Results Ten guidelines scored ≥ 70% and seven guidelines scored ≥ 80%. The range was 21%-100%. The mean scores for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) country guidelines (n = 6) were compared to the mean scores for non-LAC country guidelines (n = 11). International guidelines consistently scored notably higher in all domains and overall quality than LAC guidelines. Conclusions Based on this study's findings, it is clear that T2DM clinical practice guideline development requires further improvements, particularly with regard to the involvement of stakeholders and editorial independence. This issue is most apparent for LAC country guidelines, as their quality requires major improvement in almost all aspects of the AGREE II criteria. Continued efforts should be made to generate and update high-quality guidelines to improve the management of increasingly prevalent noncommunicable diseases, such as T2DM.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar las directrices de práctica clínica sobre la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 que se utilizan en la actualidad. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en MEDLINE/PubMed con el fin de localizar las directrices pertinentes. Asimismo, se solicitó a las oficinas de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) en los países que facilitaran las directrices nacionales sobre la diabetes utilizadas en cada país que no estuvieran accesibles ni publicadas en línea. Se obtuvieron 770 registros de trabajos publicados del 2008 al 2013 en MEDLINE/PubMed. Tras un tamizaje inicial, se localizaron 146 directrices relacionadas con la diabetes. Se aplicaron criterios de inclusión y exclusión para perfeccionar aún más la búsqueda y obtener un número viable de directrices para realizar la evaluación. La evaluación estuvo a cargo de profesionales de la salud, quienes utilizaron el instrumento AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation), creado para abordar el problema de la variabilidad en cuanto a la calidad de las directrices, que evalúa el rigor metodológico y la transparencia del proceso de formulación. Se seleccionaron y evaluaron 17 directrices. Resultados Diez directrices recibieron una puntuación  70% y siete directrices,  80%. El margen de las puntuaciones asignadas fue de 21-100 %. Se comparó la media de las puntuaciones asignadas a las directrices provenientes de países de América Latina y el Caribe (n = 6) con la media de aquellas provenientes de otros países (n = 11). Las directrices internacionales recibieron una puntuación notablemente mayor que las de América Latina y el Caribe en todos los criterios evaluados y en la calidad general. Conclusiones Dados los resultados de este estudio, está claro que es preciso mejorar la formulación de directrices de práctica clínica sobre la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, en particular con respecto a la participación de los interesados directos y la independencia editorial. Esta cuestión es sumamente evidente en las directrices de los países de América Latina y el Caribe, puesto que son necesarias mejoras considerables de la calidad en casi todos los aspectos de los criterios evaluados con el instrumento AGREE II. Es fundamental continuar con los esfuerzos destinados a formular directrices de excelente calidad y actualizarlas para mejorar el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles que son cada vez más prevalentes, como es el caso de la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar as diretrizes atuais para a prática clínica em casos de diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 (DMT2). Métodos Identificamos diretrizes relevantes por meio de uma pesquisa sistemática na base de dados MEDLINE/PubMed. As representações da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) nos países também foram contatadas para que pudéssemos obter diretrizes para diabetes utilizadas nos países, mas não publicadas/disponíveis on-line. Ao todo, foram encontrados 770 resultados na MEDLINE/PubMed para citações publicadas entre 2008 e 2013. Depois de uma triagem inicial destes resultados, constatou-se que 146 eram diretrizes relacionadas ao diabetes. Utilizamos critérios de inclusão e exclusão para refinar ainda mais a pesquisa e obter um número viável de diretrizes a serem avaliadas. A avaliação das diretrizes foi feita por profissionais da saúde usando o instrumento AGREE II (Avaliação de Diretrizes para Pesquisa e Avaliação), desenvolvido para abordar a questão da variabilidade na qualidade de diretrizes e avaliar o rigor metodológico e a transparência no desenvolvimento de uma diretriz. No total, foram selecionadas e avaliadas17 diretrizes. Resultados Dez diretrizes tiveram pontuação 70%, e sete diretrizes tiveram pontuação 80%. A variação foi de 21% a 100%. As pontuações médias das diretrizes de países da América Latina e Caribe (ALC) (n=6) foram comparadas às de países não pertencentes a esta região (n=11). As diretrizes internacionais tiveram pontuações consistentemente mais altas em todos os domínios e uma qualidade global mais elevada que as diretrizes da ALC. Conclusões Com base nos resultados deste estudo, está claro que o desenvolvimento de diretrizes para a prática clínica em casos de DMT2 precisa ser aperfeiçoado, especialmente no que diz respeito à participação dos interessados diretos e à independência editorial. Este problema fica muito evidente no caso das diretrizes de países da ALC, cuja qualidade precisa melhorar muito em quase todos os aspectos dos critérios AGREE II. É preciso fazer esforços contínuos para desenvolver e atualizar diretrizes de alta qualidade a fim de melhorar a gestão de doenças não transmissíveis cada vez mais prevalentes, como o DMT2.

PT1-5 The Balneology Association of North America: Who we are, what we do, and our role in the international balneology profession / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  The Balneology Association of North America (BANA) announced our founding at the ISMH Congress in 2011 in Lanjaron Spain. For the 2014 ISMH Congress in Kyoto, BANA will present the work accomplished since Spain, and give a voice to the North American balneology field in the international arena.   In the last two years we have been busy building a cohesive voice for balneology education, training, research and promotion. We are actively gaining members all across North America and even internationally, who collectively represent a vast field of interests regarding the therapeutic use of natural mineral water resources.   Through BANA, the the many individual groups that comprise the emerging North American balneology field, now have common ground to work together in growing, networking and formalizing the practice of North American balneology.   Balneology is little known and understood within the greater North American medical world. BANA is working with individual researchers, medical professionals, medical education institutions, private balneology health resorts, and government agencies to create a cohesive language and dialog between these individual groups on the emerging field.   Individual researchers are joining with BANA to establish criteria for the development of balneology research in North America. BANA has proven to be useful, as our place in the international community has allowed us access to the best work in the field from across Europe, Asia and indeed the world. It is BANA’s goal to bring North American balneology research up to the international standard.   BANA is collecting the case studies and practice models of medical professionals from across the country who are employing balneological therapy. For the first time, medical professionals in disconnected regions have a forum to exchange information and develop their practice. Through the collective conversation, the practice of balneology is gaining awareness and growing in sophistication.   Medical education institutions are joining BANA. Within the last year, we are proud to report that the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, has included balneology into its research agenda. Through education outreach, networking researchers with private health resort sites, and existing research resourcing, BANA is dedicated to seeing balneology research expand to many more medical education institutions in the years to come.   BANA is working alongside major government agencies to formalize balneology in North America. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has received submission for the assessment of balneology in North America. Through BANA, the NIH was provided with international sources, research and analysis of the field of balneology. BANA is utilizing the great international work already accomplished, to bring North American health policy up to date regarding balneology.   Site Specific Medicine in North America is a term that encompasses not only balneology, but climatology, Shinrin-yoku, forest medicine, terrain kur, nature cure, and many others. As a melting pot of many cultures, in North America the traditions and understandings from diverse international regions are able to develop together a synthesis of traditions as Site Specific Medicine.   BANA is looking forward to expanding our relationship with our international colleagues.   www.balneoANA.org

PT1-5The Balneology Association of North America: Who we are, what we do, and our role in the international balneology profession / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  The Balneology Association of North America (BANA) announced our founding at the ISMH Congress in 2011 in Lanjaron Spain. For the 2014 ISMH Congress in Kyoto, BANA will present the work accomplished since Spain, and give a voice to the North American balneology field in the international arena.<BR>  In the last two years we have been busy building a cohesive voice for balneology education, training, research and promotion. We are actively gaining members all across North America and even internationally, who collectively represent a vast field of interests regarding the therapeutic use of natural mineral water resources. <BR>  Through BANA, the the many individual groups that comprise the emerging North American balneology field, now have common ground to work together in growing, networking and formalizing the practice of North American balneology.<BR>  Balneology is little known and understood within the greater North American medical world. BANA is working with individual researchers, medical professionals, medical education institutions, private balneology health resorts, and government agencies to create a cohesive language and dialog between these individual groups on the emerging field.<BR>  Individual researchers are joining with BANA to establish criteria for the development of balneology research in North America. BANA has proven to be useful, as our place in the international community has allowed us access to the best work in the field from across Europe, Asia and indeed the world. It is BANA’s goal to bring North American balneology research up to the international standard.<BR>  BANA is collecting the case studies and practice models of medical professionals from across the country who are employing balneological therapy. For the first time, medical professionals in disconnected regions have a forum to exchange information and develop their practice. Through the collective conversation, the practice of balneology is gaining awareness and growing in sophistication.<BR>  Medical education institutions are joining BANA. Within the last year, we are proud to report that the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, has included balneology into its research agenda. Through education outreach, networking researchers with private health resort sites, and existing research resourcing, BANA is dedicated to seeing balneology research expand to many more medical education institutions in the years to come.<BR>  BANA is working alongside major government agencies to formalize balneology in North America. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has received submission for the assessment of balneology in North America. Through BANA, the NIH was provided with international sources, research and analysis of the field of balneology. BANA is utilizing the great international work already accomplished, to bring North American health policy up to date regarding balneology.<BR>  Site Specific Medicine in North America is a term that encompasses not only balneology, but climatology, Shinrin-yoku, forest medicine, terrain kur, nature cure, and many others. As a melting pot of many cultures, in North America the traditions and understandings from diverse international regions are able to develop together a synthesis of traditions as Site Specific Medicine. <BR>  BANA is looking forward to expanding our relationship with our international colleagues.<BR>  www.balneoANA.org

Evaluación externa de registros de cáncer de base poblacional: la Guía REDEPICAN para América Latina / External evaluation of population-based cancer registries: the REDEPICAN Guide for Latin America

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la factibilidad y la adecuación de la Guía REDEPICAN (Red Iberoamericana de Epidemiología y Sistemas de Información en Cáncer) a la situación actual de los Registros de Cáncer de Base Poblacional (RCBP) en América Latina y el Caribe como herramienta útil para mejorar dichos registros. MÉTODOS: La Guía fue diseñada por expertos en registros de cáncer y auditorías sanitarias, y se establecieron siete dominios para evaluarla. Para cada dominio se eligieron varios criterios con sus correspondientes estándares. Se determinaron tres niveles de cumplimiento del estándar. Se organizaron dos cursos de formación de evaluadores externos y tres paneles de discusión con expertos. La Guía se probó en seis RCBP de América Latina y España. RESULTADOS: La Guía contiene 68 criterios, 10 de ellos considerados esenciales para un RCBP. De acuerdo con la puntuación alcanzada, el registro se considera como aceptable (41-199), bueno (200-299) o excelente (300-350). El dominio sobre Métodos de registro representa el 25% de la puntuación, seguido por la Exhaustividad y validez (19%), la Difusión de resultados (19%), la Estructura (13%), la Confidencialidad y aspectos éticos (11%), la Comparabilidad (9%) y el Manual de procedimiento (3%). El proyecto piloto permitió: 1) perfeccionar criterios y estándares, 2) ampliar el concepto de calidad para incorporar las necesidades de los clientes y 3) potenciar la sección de Difusión de resultados. Dos registros latinoamericanos evaluados mejoraron su calidad hasta alcanzar el estándar de la Agencia Internacional de Investigación sobre el Cáncer. CONCLUSIONES: La guía REDEPICAN se ha elaborado teniendo en cuenta el contexto de los registros en América Latina y constituye una herramienta útil y novedosa para la mejora de la calidad de los RCBP. Además está preparada para ser utilizada en otros países y registros.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the feasibility of the REDEPICAN Guide (Red Iberoamericana de Epidemiología y Sistemas de Información en Cáncer) and its adaptation to the current situation of population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) in Latin America and the Caribbean as a useful tool to improve these registries. METHODS: Experts in cancer registries and health audits designed the guide and developed seven domains to evaluate in PBCRs. Several criteria were selected for each domain, with corresponding standards, scored according to three levels of compliance. Two training courses for external evaluators and three discussion panels for experts were organized. The guide was tested in six PBCRs in Latin America and Spain. RESULTS: The guide contains 68 criteria, 10 of which are considered essential for a PBCR. Based on its score, a registry is regarded as acceptable (41-199), good (200-299), or excellent (300-350). The registry methods domain accounts for 25% of the score, followed by completeness and validity (19%), dissemination of outcomes (19%), structure (13%), confidentiality and ethical aspects (11%), comparability (9%), and the procedures manual (3%). The pilot project enabled (1) enhancement of criteria and standards, (2) expansion of the quality concept to include client needs, and (3) strengthening the dissemination of outcomes section. Two of the Latin American registries that were evaluated improved their quality, meeting the standards of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Development of the REDEPICAN Guide has taken into account the context of the registries in Latin America and is a useful and innovative tool for improving the quality of PBCRs. Furthermore, it is ready for use in other countries and registries.

The biology of three Mexican-American species of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): Triatoma recurva, Triatoma protracta and Triatoma rubida

The values of biological parameters related to hatching, lifespan, the number of blood meals between moults, mortality, time lapse before the beginning of feeding, feeding time and defecation delay for each instar of three Mexican-American species of Triatominae, Triatoma recurva, Triatoma protracta (former subspecies protracta) and Triatoma rubida (former subspecies uhleri), were evaluated and compared. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were recorded among the three species with respect to the average time required to hatch. This time was approximately 19 days. The average egg-to-adult development time was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter for T. rubida. The number of blood meals at each nymphal instar varied from one-five for each species. The mortality rates were higher for the first-instar nymphs of the three species studied. The mean time lapse before the beginning of feeding was between 0.3-3 min for most nymphs of all instars of each species studied. The mean feeding time was the longest for T. recurva, followed by T. protracta. The defecation delay was less than 10 min for T. recurva and T. rubida. Given these results, only T. rubida should be considered an important potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission to humans in areas of Mexico where these species exist, whereas T. recurva and T. protracta would be of secondary importance.

Biology of three species of North American Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) fed on rabbits

Aspects related to hatching, lifetime, number of blood meals for molting, mortality, feeding time, and postfeeding defecation delay were evaluated and compared in each instar of three North American Triatominae: Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma lecticularia and Triatoma protracta, all of them fed on rabbits. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found among the three species regarding mean hatching rate, which was close to 20 days. Egg-to-adult development times were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) for T. lecticularia. Number of blood meals for molting to next instar ranged from one to five for T. protracta, and from one to six for T. gerstaeckeri and T. lecticularia. Mortality rates were higher in younger nymphs of T. lecticularia and T. protracta, while rates in T. gerstaeckeri were higher in fifth-instar nymphs. Mean feeding time was longest in T. gerstaeckeri, followed by T. lecticularia. More than twice the number of T. gerstaeckeri nymphs completed the development process, if compared to the nymphs from the other two species. Defecation delay was less than 10 min for T. lecticularia, T. protracta and the youngest nymphs of T. gerstaeckeri. Results point out that these three species may be important potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi for human populations, in areas of Mexico where these species are currently present.

Curriculum of Medical Schools in North America Offering Various Education Programs: A Report of the Inspection Tour Organized by Dr. Hinohara in July, 2005 / 医学教育

1) The study tour was organized by Dr. Hinohara to learn about the medical education in North America and its philosophy to support the method.<BR>2) The McMaster University, which started PBL curriculum in 1969, began COMPASS curriculum which focuses on conceptual thinking and e-learning in which tutorial groups still remain as the key to the learning process.<BR>3) The Duke University, which values the researcher promotion, began a new curriculum including at further integration of basic and clinical medicine and structural clinical training (Intersession).<BR>4) The Washington University, which constructed WWAMI Program that cooperated with the medical institutions in four states surrounding Washington, started College System to support the students and to strengthen their clinical competencies.<BR>5) Common aspects of the innovation of medical education in North America are (1) further integration of the basic and clinical medicine, (2) early exposure to the principle of clinical medicine and (3) promotion of professionalism by Clinical Preceptorship.