Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Interpretation and mirror of the National Health Education Standards in the United States / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#In the context of frequent public health events, effective school health education is an important measure to improve students health literacy and public health system of China. The study examined the National Health Education Standards in the U.S., based on a literature review and comparative analysis, to provide guidance for China. Using the method of liberature riview paper interprets the curriculum of National Health Education Standards in the U.S. and provides a mirror for China. Health Education standards in the U.S. are characterized by their academic quality, standardized framework, assessment program, equity principles, and other components. A mirror for China includes promoting the construction of the standards based health education curriculum, developing the skills based health education curriculum system, and constructing a performancebased comprehensive evaluation system.

Preparation of the first national reference standard for determination of HEK293 cell DNA content / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To prepare a national reference standard for the quantification of HEK293 cell DNA content,so as to provide a support for the determination of residual DNA in HEK293 cells in the industry.Methods HEK293 cell DNA prepared using Genomic-tip 500/G and genomic DNA purification reagents was used as source materials,and the purity and content were assessed using ultraviolet spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis.After dilution to approximately 100 ng/μL,the DNA was aliquoted at 160 μL/tube.Five different laboratories were organized for collaborative calibration by using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the stability and applicability were evaluated.Results The HEK293 cell DNA national reference standard exhibited A_(260)/A_(280) ratios between 1.8 and 2.0 and displayed a single band on electrophoresis,meeting the specified criteria.Collaborative calibration across five laboratories yielded 78 valid data points with an average content of 104.8 ng/μL,a relative standard deviation(RSD) of 4.2%.The 95% confidence interval for the mean was 103.8—105.8 ng/μL,and the 95% reference range for single measurements was 96.0—113.6 ng/μL.The average confidence limit rate was 1.0%,and the recommended storage condition was-80 ℃.Applicability studies were conducted using two different models of fluorescence quantitative PCR instruments.The reference standard exhibited good applicability within the range of 0.3—3 000 pg/reaction,with amplification efficiencies of 101% and 95%,and R~2 values of 0.999 2 and 0.999 5 for the standard curves,respectively.Conclusion This batch of HEK293 cell DNA national reference standard meets all required specifications and can be utilized as a national reference standard for fluorescence quantitative PCR detection,with a certified content of 104.8 ng/μL,assigned batch number 270039-202301.

Performance of four simplified screening methods of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate the performance of four simplified screening methods of elevated blood pressure commonly used among children and adolescents according to Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension (revised in 2018), so as to provide a reference for the early detection of the elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents.@*Methods@#Stratified cluster random sampling method was used to monitor the physical fitness of 5 211 children and adolescents in a city of Shanxi Province from October to November 2021. Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension was considered as gold standard, and sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) and Kappa value were calculated to evaluate the screening effectiveness of formula method, height specific method, age group specific method, sex and age specific method for screening elevated blood pressure.@*Results@#The detection rates of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents screened by gold standard, formula method, height specific method,age group specific method, sex and age specific method were 21.9%, 24.0%, 21.1%, 24.5% and 20.2%, respectively. There was no significant difference between prevalence of elevated blood pressure screened by formula method, sex and age specific method and gold standard( χ 2=1.21, 1.41, P >0.05), whereas height specific method and age group specific method had significant differences with gold standard ( χ 2=20.39, 67.09, P <0.05). AUC was the largest for height specific method [0.94(95% CI =0.93-0.95)], and the smallest for age group specific method [0.87(95% CI = 0.86 -0.88)]. The Kappa values of height specific method (0.89) and sex and age specific method (0.89) were both greater than 0.85 , which were more consistent with the screening effectiveness of gold standard. When comparing by sex, age and body mass index (BMI), the screening effectivenesses were consistent with the overall in boys, 6-11 years and normal body weight groups, while the screening effectivenesses were different in girls, 12-17 years, overweight and obese groups. The AUC (0.87), Kappa value (0.71) and sensitivity (82.33%) of age group specific method were the lowest and the screening effectiveness was the worst.@*Conclusion@#Height specific method is more effective and can be used for early identification and self detection of blood pressure abnormalities among children and adolescents.

Application of two different methods of visual acuity assessment for myopia screening among lower grade elementary school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore two visual acuity standards for examining uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) to define poor vision in lower grade elementary school students, and to compare the difference of screening myopia rates when combined with non cycloplegic auto refraction (NCAR), so as to provide a scientific basis for standardizing UCVA examination methods using CAR as the gold standard of authenticity and reliability.@*Methods@#From March 22nd to April 9th, 2023, a total of 549 first and second grade students aged 7-8 years from a primary school in Hefei City were selected for the study by convenient cluster sampling method. Two methods were employed for UCVA examination:the first method involved charts where the student could not make mistakes in identifying at least half of the characters per line (V1), and the second method used charts with character sizes ranging from 4.0 -4.5, 4.6-5.0 and 5.1-5.3, without allowing 1, 2 and 3 errors per line (V2). While NCAR was performed, then 187 students underwent CAR examination. Paired Wilcoxon rank-sum test and McNemar test were used to compare the differences between V1 and V2 methods in defining poor vision and screening myopia rates. Using CAR as the gold standard, the authenticity and reliability of defining screening myopia rates through the combination of V1 and V2 methods along with NCAR were evaluated.@*Results@#The UCVA examination results for V1 and V2 showed statistically significant differences in both the right eye [5.0(4.9,5.0), 4.9(4.8,5.0)] and the left eye [ 5.0 (4.9,5.0), 4.9(4.8,5.0)] ( Z=-13.95, -13.34, P <0.01). The detection rates of poor vision for the right eye were 43.53% for V1 and 63.21% for V2, and the left eye with 44.08% for V1 and 62.11% for V2, with statistically significant differences ( χ 2= 106.01 , 95.09, P <0.01). When screening myopia rates were assessed for UCNA methods combined with NCAR, the right eye rates were 21.49% for V1 and 24.59% for V2, and the left eye rates were 21.31% for V1 and 23.13% for V2, with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=15.06, 8.10, P <0.01). Using CAR as the gold standard, the detection rates in the right eye and left eye were 16.58 % and 17.11%, respectively. The Youden indices for defining screening myopia in the right eye were 0.80 for V1 and 0.79 for V2, and the left eye with 0.85 for V1 and 0.83 for V2. The agreement rates for the right eye were 91.98 % for V1 and 89.30% for V2, and the left eye with 94.12% for V1 and 91.98% for V2. The Kappa values for the right eye were 0.73 for V1 and 0.67 for V2, and the left eye with 0.81 for V1 and 0.75 for V2.@*Conclusions@#Authenticity and reliability of two UCVA examination methods combined with NCAR in defining screening myopia are higher in V1 than V2 methods. It is recommended to unify the visual acuity examination methods by requiring the correct identification of more than half of the total number of visual markers in a row.

Development and implications of physical fitness assessment for children and adolescents in Japan / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#To help children and adolescents grow up healthily, using literature, comparative analysis and other research methods, the historical development of Japan s physical fitness assessment system for children and adolescents are analyzed for the content structure of the latest version of its physical fitness assessment system (Sports adaptability assessment Ⅱ). On the basis of this analysis, some practical suggestions are proposed for improving the National Physical Fitness Standards for Students in China, such as adding a physical fitness assessment system for preschoolers, grouping the test subjects by age and setting common test indicators for males and females. Thus, the improved National Student Physical Fitness Standard is more aligned with the physical and mental growth patterns of Chinese children and adolescents.

Distributions of Visual Receptive Fields from Retinotopic to Craniotopic Coordinates in the Lateral Intraparietal Area and Frontal Eye Fields of the Macaque / 神经科学通报·英文版

Even though retinal images of objects change their locations following each eye movement, we perceive a stable and continuous world. One possible mechanism by which the brain achieves such visual stability is to construct a craniotopic coordinate by integrating retinal and extraretinal information. There have been several proposals on how this may be done, including eye-position modulation (gain fields) of retinotopic receptive fields (RFs) and craniotopic RFs. In the present study, we investigated coordinate systems used by RFs in the lateral intraparietal (LIP) cortex and frontal eye fields (FEF) and compared the two areas. We mapped the two-dimensional RFs of neurons in detail under two eye fixations and analyzed how the RF of a given neuron changes with eye position to determine its coordinate representation. The same recording and analysis procedures were applied to the two brain areas. We found that, in both areas, RFs were distributed from retinotopic to craniotopic representations. There was no significant difference between the distributions in the LIP and FEF. Only a small fraction of neurons was fully craniotopic, whereas most neurons were between the retinotopic and craniotopic representations. The distributions were strongly biased toward the retinotopic side but with significant craniotopic shifts. These results suggest that there is only weak evidence for craniotopic RFs in the LIP and FEF, and that transformation from retinotopic to craniotopic coordinates in these areas must rely on other factors such as gain fields.

Niveles de referencia diagnósticos en equipos de radiografía dental en Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: Las radiografías dentales son una de las exposiciones médicas más frecuentes a la radiación ionizante. El uso de radiación ionizante está asociado a un riesgo probable de desencadenar efectos biológicos adversos y posibles daños a la salud del paciente. Para evitar que los pacientes reciban dosis innecesariamente altas durante estas exposiciones, la Comisión Internacional de Protección Radiológica recomienda la utilización de los niveles de referencia para diagnóstico, como una herramienta efectiva de ayuda a la optimización de la protección radiológica de los pacientes. Objetivo: Estimar los niveles de referencia para diagnóstico en radiografía dental intraoral y panorámica en la ciudad de Bogotá, D. C. Metodología: Se evaluaron los parámetros de exposición radiográficos de los equipos y la calidad de imagen en 68 equipos de radiografía dental periapical y 23 equipos de radiografía panorámica. Se estimaron las magnitudes dosimétricas de kerma incidente en aire (Kai) en equipos intraorales para la radiografía de un maxilar molar de un adulto y el producto kerma aire-área (PKA) en equipos de radiografía panorámica en un examen de un adulto estándar. Resultados: El tercer cuartil de la distribución de kerma incidente en aire para radiografía intraoral fue de 3,3 mGy y del producto kerma aire-área para radiografía panorámica fue de 103,9 mGycm2. En la distribución de frecuencias de kerma incidente en aire para radiografía intraoral, el porcentaje más alto de equipos estuvo en el rango de 2,0-3,0 mGy. En la distribución de frecuencias del producto kerma aire-área para los equipos de radiografía panorámica, el porcentaje más alto de equipos estuvo en el rango de 60 a 80 mGycm2. Discusión: Las instituciones consideradas para establecer los Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico en este estudio contaron con una adecuada calidad de la imagen evaluada con un maniquí dental, pero las variaciones en las dosis de radiación entre instituciones señalan la necesidad de implementar herramientas que contribuyan a la optimización de las prácticas. Conclusiones: Se recomienda usar los valores de los niveles de referencia para diagnóstico encontrados en esta investigación para optimizar la protección radiológica en las exposiciones radiológicas dentales, y se espera que este estudio sirva de base para nuevas investigaciones en las demás ciudades del país.

Introduction: Dental X-rays are one of the most frequent medical exposures to ionizing radiation. The use of ionizing radiation is associated with a probable risk of triggering adverse biological effects and possible damage to the patient's health. To prevent patients from receiving unnecessarily high doses during these exposures, the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends the use of diagnostic reference levels as an effective tool to help optimize radiological protection for patients. Objective: To estimate diagnostic reference levels in intraoral and panoramic dental radiography in the city of Bogotá, D.C. Methodology: In 68 periapical dental radiography equipment and 23 panoramic radiography equipment, the radiographic exposure parameters of the equipment and image quality were evaluated. The dosimetric magnitudes of incident air kerma (Ka,i) in intraoral equipment for the radiography of a maxillary molar of an adult and the air kerma-area product (PKA) in panoramic radiography equipment in a standard adult examination were estimated. Results: The third quartile of the incident air kerma distribution for intraoral radiography was 3,3 mGy and the air kerma-area product for panoramic radiography was 103,9 mGycm2. In the frequency distribution of incident air kerma for intraoral radiography, the highest percentage of equipment was in the range of 2,0-3,0 mGy, and in the frequency distribution of the air kerma-area product for equipment of panoramic radiography, the highest percentage of the equipment was in the range of 60 to 80 mGy cm2. Discussion: The institutions considered to establish the diagnostic reference levels in this study had an adequate quality of the image evaluated with a dental phantom, but the variations in radiation doses between institutions indicate the need to implement tools that contribute to the optimization of the practices. Conclusions: It is recommended to use the values of the diagnostic reference levels found in this research to optimize radiological protection in dental radiological exposures, and it is expected that this study will serve as a basis for further research in other cities of the country.

Valores de referencia de espirometría forzada de adultos residentes sobre o bajo 1500 m s. n. m.: revisión sistemática

Introducción: La espirometría es una prueba de función pulmonar usada en la valoración de programas de rehabilitación para evaluar exposiciones a tóxicos y alérgenos, en estudios epidemiológicos y en el desarrollo de ecuaciones de referencia en poblaciones específicas; estos valores pueden variar de acuerdo con la altura. Objetivo: Establecer las diferencias entre los valores de referencia de espirometría forzada en población adulta residentes en alturas mayores y menores a 1500 metros sobre el nivel del mar. Métodos: Revisión sistemática, se encontraron 536 estudios, se evaluaron 66 en texto completo, 33 en calidad metodológica con las listas de chequeo Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies y Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies; 21 estudios fueron seleccionados para la revisión y 12 surtieron metanálisis. Resultados: Se contó con 48 923 participantes de alturas entre 2,4 y 4440 m s. n. m. Hay diferencias iniciales al relacionar la altura (+/-1500 m s. n. m) con el VEF1 (hombres: DM 0,29; IC: 0,03-0,55; mujeres: DM 0,27; IC: -0,07-0,60) y los valores de referencia con el sexo: CVF (DM 1,31; IC: 1,24-1,37) y VEF1 (DM: 1,03; IC: 0,95-1,11). Se reportó alta heterogeneidad y riesgo de sesgo de publicación. Discusión: Estas diferencias se dan en función de aspectos antropométricos y fisiológicos como la aclimatación y el envejecimiento pulmonar. Los mecanismos que influyen en estos cambios son la adaptación genética, molecular, fisiológica y anatómica, que permiten compensar los efectos de la hipoxia aguda o crónica, lo cual aumenta la ventilación alveolar y los valores espirométricos. Conclusiones: Los valores de referencia de espirometría varían de acuerdo con la altura (mayores en alturas > 1500 m s. n. m) y el sexo (más elevados en hombres). Es necesario contar con evidencias más amplias y contundentes en la temática.

Introduction: Spirometry is a lung function test used in the evaluation of rehabilitation programs to evaluate exposures to toxics and allergens in epidemiological studies and in the development of reference equations in specific populations; these values may vary according to height. Objective: To establish the differences between the reference values of forced spirometry in the adult population living at altitudes greater than and less than 1,500 meters above sea level. Methods: Systematic review a total of 536 studies were found; 66 were assessed in full text and 33 were assessed for methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies checklists; 21 studies were selected for the review and 12 provided meta-analyses. Results: There were 48,923 participants from heights between 2.4 and 4,440 m.a.s.l. There are initial differences when relating height (+/-1,500 m.a.s.l.) with FEV1 (men: MD 0.29; CI: 0.03-0.55; women: MD 0.27; CI: -0.07-0 .60); and the reference values with gender: FVC (MD 1.31, CI: 1.24-1.37) and FEV1 (MD: 1.03, CI: 0.95-1.11). High heterogeneity and risk of publication bias are reported. Discussion: These differences occur based on anthropometric and physiological aspects such as acclimatization and lung aging. The mechanisms that influence these changes are genetic, molecular, physiological and anatomical adaptations that allow compensation for the effects of acute or chronic hypoxia, which increases alveolar ventilation and spirometric values. Conclusions: The spirometry reference values vary according to height (higher at heights >1,500 m.a.s.l.) and sex (higher in men). It is necessary to have broader and more convincing evidence on the subject.

Parâmetros de referência espaço-temporais de um sensor inercial para sujeitos brasileiros sadios / Spatial-temporal gait parameters based on a wearable inertial sensor of healthy Brazilian subjects

Gait analysis in a laboratory may be expensive, time-consuming, and restricted to a controlled environment. Validated wearable technology may be an alternative to such analysis. However, wearable technologies should demonstrate reference values of a healthy population. Objective: To establish spatio-temporal gait reference values of an accelerometer (G-Walk) in a healthy Brazilian population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 124 healthy subjects evaluated with G-Walk in the 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6MWT and 10MWT). Gait parameters of Velocity, Cadence, Distance, and gait symmetry variables were retrieved for analysis. Clinical and demographical characteristics were also collected and tested with simple linear regression as covariables of the gait characteristics. The bootstrapped 5th percentile of the gait parameter established the reference values. If a covariable influence was found, the reference values were established by subgroup analysis according to the covariable. Results: The study analyzed 114 subjects, mostly women (67.74%), aged 39.36 (SD 12.18). Height was a covariable of cadence for the 10MWT and cadence and stride length for the 6MWT. Age and sex combined were covariables of 6MWT velocity, and sex alone was a covariable of 6MWT. All reference values for symmetry were above 89%, velocity at the 10MWT was above 1.0m/s, and distance at the 6MWT was 354m and 359.5 for females and males, respectively. Conclusions: Our study generated reference values for spatio-temporal gait analysis with G-Walk of a population of a major urban area, considering the covariables of age, height, and sex.

Análises da marcha em laboratório tem custo elevado, demandando tempo e ambiente controlado. Wearables são equipamentos portáteis que podem ser alternativas aos laboratórios. Valores de referência podem determinar parâmetros para análises de marcha de pessoas com patologias. Objetivo: Estabelecer valores de referência espaço-temporais de um acelerômetro (G-Walk) em uma população saudável. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com indivíduos saudáveis avaliados com G-Walk nos testes de caminhada de 6 minutos e de 10 metros (TC6 e TC10). Velocidade, cadência, distância e de simetria da marcha foram analisados. Características clínicas e demográficas também foram testadas com regressão linear simples como covariáveis das características da marcha. Os valores de referência foram estabelecidos pelo quinto percentil dos parâmetros por bootstrap e na presença de covariáveis demográficas, os valores foram estabelecidos por análise de subgrupos, de acordo com a covariável. Resultados: O estudo analisou 114 sujeitos, em sua maioria mulheres (67,74%), com idade de 39,36 (DP 12,18). A altura foi uma covariável da cadência do TC10 e da cadência e comprimento da passada do TC6. Idade e sexo combinados foram covariáveis da velocidade do TC6, e o sexo foi uma covariável do TC6. Todos os valores de referência para simetria foram superiores a 89%, a velocidade no TC10 foi superior a 1,0m/s e a distância no TC6 foi de 354m e 359,5m para mulheres e homens, respectivamente. Conclusões: Nosso estudo gerou valores de referência para análise espaço-temporal da marcha com o equipamento G-Walk em uma população de uma grande área urbana, considerando as covariáveis idade, altura e sexo.

Pruebas funcionales en esclerosis múltiple y su comparabilidad con los valores de administración autónoma: estudio piloto / Multiple sclerosis functional tests and their comparability with self-administered values: A pilot study

Introducción. El deterioro neurológico en la esclerosis múltiple es variable para cada paciente y su cuantificación se dificulta con el tiempo. El Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessment Consortium estableció medidas clínicas sensibles, costo-efectivas y reproducibles para medir los resultados de los estudios clínicos. Sin embargo, sus valores de referencia se desconocen y, en la atención habitual, su uso no está extendido por limitaciones de tiempo y entrenamiento. Objetivo. Establecer la factibilidad de la administración autónoma de las pruebas de marcha de 25 pies, símbolos y dígitos, y clavijas y nueve hoyos en individuos sanos. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio piloto descriptivo. Se incluyeron individuos sanos entre los 18 y los 80 años. Las pruebas de Timed 25-Foot Walking Test (T25-FWT) [caminata cronometrada de 25 pies], Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) [símbolos y dígitos] y Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) [clavijas y nueve agujeros] fueron administradas por un médico capacitado, quien también instruyó a los sujetos sobre la administración autónoma de las pruebas. La correlación y la concordancia entre la prueba guiada y la autónoma se evaluaron con los coeficientes de Pearson y Spearman, y el análisis gráfico de Bland-Altman. Resultados. Se incluyeron 38 voluntarios sanos. La mediana de edad fue de 36 (rango: 23-55 años) y el 55,26 % eran mujeres. El coeficiente de correlación entre la prueba de administración guiada y la autónoma fue de 0,37 para la T25-FWT (p=0,01), de 0,54 para la SDMT (p<0,001) y de 0,64 y 0,65 para la 9-HPT, en las manos dominante y no dominante, respectivamente (p<0,001). Ambas formas de administración fueron concordantes para las pruebas T25-FWT (IC95%: -1,49 a 1,43), 9-HPT con la mano dominante (IC95%: -5,23 a 4,09), 9-HPT con la mano no dominante (IC95%: -7,75 a 7,14) y SDMT (IC95%: -20,94 a 24,10). Conclusiones. Los resultados de este estudio ayudan a determinar los valores de normalidad poblacional obtenidos con las pruebas T25-FWT, 9-HPT y SDMT; además, establecen la posibilidad de practicarlas de forma autónoma.

Introduction. Neurological impairment in multiple sclerosis is highly variable among patients and over time it is difficult to quantify. The Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessment Consortium established sensitive, cost-effective, clinically significant, and reproducible measures of different functional systems to measure outcomes in clinical trials. However, their use in clinical care routines is not widespread due to time and training constraints. Objective. To evaluate the self-administration feasibility of the timed 25-foot walking, symbol-digit-modality, and 9-peg hole tests in healthy individuals. Materials and methods. We performed a descriptive pilot study. Healthy individuals between 18 and 80 years of age were included. The Timed 25-Foot Walking Test (T25- FWT), the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT), and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) (using the dominant and non-dominant hand) were administered by a trained physician, who also instructed the subjects about test self-administration. The correlation and agreement, between the guided and self-administered tests were assessed with Pearson and Spearman coefficients and the Bland-Altman method. Results. Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were included. The median age was 36 (range: 23-55) years old, and 55.26% were female. The correlation coefficient between guided and selfadministered tests was 0.37 for the T25-FWT (p=0.01), 0.54 for the SDMT (p<0.001), and 0.64 and 0.65 for the 9-HPT, in the dominant and non-dominant hands, respectively (p<0,001). Both forms of administration were concordant for the T25-FWT (95%CI: -1,49 to 1,43), the 9-HPT with dominant hand (95%CI: -5,23 to 4,09), the 9-HPT with non-dominant hand (95%CI: -7,75 to 7,14) and the SDMT (95% CI: -20,94 to 24,10). Conclusions. We provide a proof of concept related to the feasibility of the selfadministration of the T25-FWT, the 9-HPT, and the SDMT, as a tool to improve monitoring in routine clinical practice.

Ecuación de referencia espirométrica en varones de 2 regiones del norte peruano ubicadas entre 0 a 100 metros sobre el nivel del mar: Estudio transversal

Objetivo: Determinar los valores de referencia de espirometría y formular una ecuación de predicción de valores espirométricos en población económicamente activa (PEA) de regiones con altitud 0-100 m.s.n.m. Métodos: Se seleccionaron a los participantes del estudio considerando los criterios de selección del estudio. Se recogió la información sobre las variables consideradas en el estudio: Capacidad Vital Forzada (CVF) y Volumen Espiratorio Forzado en el primer Segundo (VEF1), datos sociodemográficos y medidas antropométricas. Se dividió a la muestra en dos grupos para poder formular la ecuación de referencia y para evaluar su confiabilidad en un subgrupo de validación mediante las pruebas de correlación intraclase, T de Student para muestras pareadas y los gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 1052 participantes varones. Los rangos normales de CVF y VEF1 calculados fueron de CVF de 3.48 -5.47 y VEF1 de 2.83 - 4.41. Mediante una regresión lineal múltiple, se obtuvieron las siguientes fórmulas: CVF = 2.206 - 0.131 (Altitud Geográfica) - 0.014 (Edad) + 0.045 (Talla) y VEF1 = 1.589 - 0.08 (Altitud Geográfica) - 0.015 (Edad) + 0.033 (Talla). En los análisis de confiabilidad, se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las medias entre los valores predichos por la ecuación y los valores reales, aunque en los gráficos de Bland-Altman no se evidenció un sesgo significativo y los coeficientes de correlación intraclase (CVF-ICC: 0.69; VEF1-ICC: 0.70) se encontraban dentro de un rango adecuado. Conclusiones: Las ecuaciones de CVF y VEF1 desarrolladas permiten predecir adecuadamente los valores espirométricos en PEA masculina de las regiones incluidas en el estudio.

Objective: Determine the spirometry reference values and formulate an equation to predict spirometric values in the economically active population (EAP) in regions with an altitude of 0-100 m.a.s.l. Materials and Methods: Study participants were selected considering the study selection criteria. Information was collected on the variables considered in the study: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements. The sample was divided into 2 groups to be able to formulate the reference equation and to assess its reliability in a validation subgroup using intraclass correlation tests, Student's t-test for paired samples, and Bland-Altman plots. Results: 1052 male participants were selected. The normal ranges for FVC and FEV1 calculated were FVC 3.48 - 5.47 and FEV1 2.83 - 4.41. Using multiple linear regression, the following formulas were obtained: FVC = 2.206 - 0.131 (Geographic Altitude) - 0.014 (Age) + 0.045 (Height) and FEV1 = 1.589 - 0.08 (Geographic Altitude) - 0.015 (Age) + 0.033 (Height). In the reliability analyses, a statistically significant difference was found in the means between the values predicted by the equation and the real values, although the Bland-Altman plots did not show a significant bias and the intraclass correlation coefficients (FVC- ICC: 0.69; FEV1-ICC: 0.70) were within an adequate range. Conclusions: The developed FVC and FEV1 equations allow adequate prediction of spirometric values in male PEA of the regions included in the study.

Niveles de referencia para diagnóstico según PUBMED: ¿es suficiente la información disponible? / Diagnostic reference levels according to PUBMED: is the information available sufficient?

RESUMEN Los Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico (NRD) son una herramienta dinámica que gana cada vez una mayor importancia para la optimización de las exposiciones médicas. La disponibilidad de información científica es esencial en este proceso de optimización para Medicina Nuclear (MN) y Radiología Diagnóstica (RD). Este trabajo presenta un estudio de la disponibilidad de información sobre los NRD para MN y RD en la base PubMed, en los últimos 20 años, empleando diferentes palabras clave. Se analizó de forma crítica la información disponible, buscando los cambios principales que se han producido como tendencia en diferentes aspectos del establecimiento de los NRD. Se verificó un desbalance significativo en la disponibilidad de literatura científica en estas dos áreas, aunque se ha incrementado la información para equipos híbridos y de forma general para todas las tecnologías. Este desbalance se hace mayor para estudios de medicina nuclear en pediatría. Se observaron avances en la forma de recolectar datos, la manera de organizar la información y analizarla, en especial con la disponibilidad de sistemas de monitoreo de dosis. Se encontró que, en los estudios TC e intervencionismo, las agrupaciones por localización anatómica están siendo acotadas o restringidas, por indicaciones clínicas que tienen similitudes en los requisitos de calidad de imagen para el diagnóstico adecuado. Similarmente en MN se vislumbra la incorporación de la actividad por peso como NRD en las tecnologías híbridas y estudios pediátricos. Este estudio demuestra que, en general, la literatura científica disponible sobre los NRD es mucho más amplia para pacientes adultos. Se requiere más estudios pediátricos, especialmente en el área de MN

ABSTRACT Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) are a dynamic tool that is gaining more and more importance for the optimization of medical exposures. The availability of scientific information is essential in this optimization process for Nuclear Medicine (NM) and Diagnostic Radiology (DR). This work presents a revision of the information's availability about DRL in the PubMed database, in the last 20 years, using different search combinations. The available information was critically analyzed, looking for the main changes that have occurred as a trend in different aspects of the establishment of the NRD. A significant disparity in the amount of information between the two areas on the subject was verified, although there has been an increase of available scientific papers for hybrid equipment, and in general for all technologies. The disparity becomes greater for NM studies in pediatrics population. The way to collect data, the mode to organize the information and analyze it, has also undergone changes, mainly with radiation dose management systems. In CT and interventional studies, the grouping by anatomical locations is being constrained or modulated by clinical indications with analogous image quality requirements for proper diagnosis. Something similar happens in MN, where the incorporation of activity/patient's weight is envisioned as NRD for hybrid technologies and pediatric studies. In general, the study showed that, the scientific paper's availability about DRL for adult population are much wider. More pediatric studies on these subjects are needed, especially in NM

Blood Pressure Values in Apparently Healthy Sudanese Population

Introduction: Blood pressure is one of the most often measured clinical parameters, and assessment of blood pressure has a considerable impact on diagnostic decisions. Objectives: To establish blood pressure normal reference values in Sudanese. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2016 to November 2018. Eight hundred eighty-eight healthy adult Sudanese between the ages of 18 and 60 (203 men and 685 women) were randomly selected from the states of Khartoum, Northern, Gezira, Red Sea, and North Darfur. Clinical, anthropometric, and blood pressure measurement data were collected. Results: The mean for all volunteers was 113.93 ± 9.917 mmHg, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 75.29 ± 6.79 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP). SBP in men was 118.6 + 7.642 mmHg compared to 112.53 + 9.121 mmHg in women, while DBP in men was 77.51 + 5.984 mmHg compared to 74.63 + 6.844 mmHg in women. Beside the gender variations, blood pressure values also showed geographical variability. There was a positive connection between blood pressures (SBP and DBP), BMI, and age. (P < 0.05) was used for significance. Conclusion: Blood pressure of Sudanese was found to be within the normal international range with gender and geographical variability. It showed positive correlation with age and BMI.

Reseña del libro ''Diccionario histórico geográfico de Costa Rica de Félix F. Noriega (1904-1923)''

Se presenta en este artículo una reseña del libro Diccionario histórico geográfico de Costa Rica (1904-1923), del autor Félix F. Noriega, elaborada por Saray Córdoba González, Catedrática jubilada de la Universidad de Costa Rica. El documento rescata las principales apreciaciones de parte de la comentarista sobre el aporte del diccionario como una obra de construcción colectiva, que contribuyó -y podría continuar haciéndolo- a la educación costarricense. Sin duda, la misma es parte de la memoria que debemos guardar y fortalecer, porque solo repasándola podremos comprender el presente y no reiterar los errores cometidos en otras épocas.

This article presents a review of the book Diccionario histórico geográfico de Costa Rica (1904-1923), by Félix F. Noriega, written by Saray Córdoba González, retired professor of the University of Costa Rica. The document rescues the main appreciations of the commentator on the contribution of the dictionary as a work of collective construction, which contributed -and could continue to do so- to Costa Rican education. Undoubtedly, it is part of the memory that we must keep and strengthen, because only by reviewing it we will be able to understand the present and not repeat the mistakes made in other times.

Revisión del intervalo de referencia del recuento plaquetario: ¿son adecuados los valores que estamos utilizando? / Review of the platelet count reference range: are the values we are using appropriate?

Los intervalos de referencia (IR) dependen de la población y de las características metrológicas del procedimiento de medida utilizado. A pesar de las recomendaciones internacionales, son pocos los laboratorios que establecen sus propios IR para cada magnitud por la dificultad para conseguir voluntarios de referencia y el elevado costo económico asociado. La International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) acepta la adopción de IR bibliográficos o su cálculo por métodos indirectos dado su bajo costo y fácil obtención. Existen varias fuentes confiables de IR bibliográficos para el hemograma. No obstante, para el recuento plaquetario, es una práctica común de los laboratorios emplear el rango de valores de 150-450.109 /L independiente de la metodología utilizada y grupo etario. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar los IR bibliográficos disponibles para el recuento plaquetario y estimarlo empleando el método indirecto de Hoffmann a partir de nuestra población. Los métodos indirectos se basan en aplicar criterios de exclusión y cálculos matemáticos sobre los resultados de una base de datos de laboratorio. Nuestros IR para el recuento plaquetario se comparan con los bibliográficos, que han sido establecidos por técnicas de muestreo directo. Por este motivo y dado que no existen estudios poblacionales que lo avalen, sería apropiado reemplazar el rango de 150-450.109 / L. Estos límites podrían seguir empleándose como puntos de corte o niveles de decisión médica para definir, según la clínica y otros resultados de laboratorio, los pacientes que ameritan un seguimiento posterior (AU)

Reference ranges (RR) depend on the population and the metrological characteristics of the measurement procedure used. Despite international recommendations, few laboratories establish their own RRs for each magnitude because of the difficulty in obtaining reference volunteers and the associated high economic cost. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) accepts the use of literaturebased RRs or RRs calculated by indirect methods because of their low cost and easy collection. There are several reliable sources of literature-based RRs for the Cell Blood Count. However, for platelet count, it is common laboratory practice to use the range of 150-450,109 /L regardless of the methodology used and age group. The aim of this study was to review the available literature regarding RRs for platelet count and to establish it using the indirect Hoffmann method in our population. Indirect methods are based on applying exclusion criteria and mathematical calculations on the results of a laboratory database. Our RRs for platelet counts are compared with those in the literature, which have been established by direct sampling techniques. Therefore, and given that there are no population studies to support these findings, it would be appropriate to replace the 150-450,109 /L range. These limits may continue to be used as cut-off points or medical decision levels to define, according to clinical manifestations and other laboratory results, patients who warrant further follow-up (AU)

Laboratorio de función tiroidea en pediatría. Ventajas y limitaciones de los métodos indirectos para la obtención de intervalos de referencia / Thyroid function laboratory in pediatrics. Advantages and limitations of indirect methods to obtain reference intervals

Obtener intervalos de referencia (IRs) confiables para pruebas de laboratorio en pediatría es particularmente complejo y costoso. Una alternativa a este problema es el uso de métodos indirectos, donde se usan grandes bases de datos preexistentes de pacientes. Nuestros objetivos fueron: calcular IR para TSH y hormonas tiroideas (Perfil tiroideo, PT) en población pediátrica que asiste al Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, por método indirecto y verificar la confiabilidad de los mismos para su aplicación. Se recolectaron datos de 19.842 pacientes entre enero de 2020 y diciembre de 2021. Se aplicaron filtros para eliminar los pacientes que pudieran tener afectado el PT. Los 4.861 pacientes incorporados al análisis fueron divididos en 3 grupos: G1: 0-12 meses (n: 551), G2:13 meses- 7 años (n: 1347) y G3: 8 -18 años (n: 2963). Los IR fueron calculados por 2 métodos: el de Hoffman adaptado y el de CLSI EP28A3, para cada grupo de edad. TSH, TT3 y T4L se analizaron con Architect i4000-Abbott y TT4 con Immulite 2000XPi-Siemens. Para la primera etapa de verificación se utilizaron 20 sueros de pacientes provenientes de análisis prequirúrgicos. Los outliers se detectaron aplicando el método de Tukey. Los datos fueron procesados según CLSI EP28A3c. Los IR obtenidos fueron similares a los previamente publicados obtenidos por método directo. Los resultados de la verificación fueron en su mayoría aceptados. Por lo tanto, los métodos indirectos son una buena alternativa de cálculo de IR en pediatría (AU)

Obtaining reliable reference ranges (RRs) for laboratory tests in pediatrics is particularly complex and costly. An alternative to this problem is to use of indirect methods, where large pre-existing patient databases are used. Our aims were to calculate RRs for TSH and thyroid hormones (thyroid profile, PT) in children seen at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan by indirect methods and to verify their reliability for their application. Data were collected from 19,842 patients seen between January 2020 and December 2021. Filters were applied to eliminate patients in whom the PT was potentially affected. The remaining 4,861 patients included in the analysis were divided into 3 groups: G1: 0-12 months (n: 551), G2: 13 months-7 years (n: 1347) and G3: 8-18 years (n: 2963). RRs were calculated by 2 methods: the adapted Hoffman method and the CLSI EP28A3 method, for each age group. TSH, TT3, and FT4 were analyzed with Architect i4000-Abbott and TT4 with Immulite 2000XPi-Siemens. For the first stage of verification, 20 patient sera from pre-surgical analysis were used. Outliers were detected by applying the Tukey method. The data were processed according to CLSI EP28A3c. The RRs obtained were similar to those previously published using the direct method. The verification results were mostly acceptable. Therefore, indirect methods are a good option for calculating RRs in children (AU)

Método indirecto para la verificación del intervalo de referencia del perfil lipídico / Indirect method for the verification of the lipid profile reference range

Introducción: La dislipidemia es uno de los problemas más frecuentes en los niños y adolescentes y su estudio es importante debido a su fuerte correlación con la enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica en adultos. Muchos países desarrollaron valores de referencia nacionales investigando los lípidos séricos utilizando datos basados en la población nacional propia. Nuestro objetivo fue verificar el intervalo de referencia del perfil lipídico calculando las curvas de percentiles a través del método indirecto en nuestra población pediátrica. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron los resultados de nuestra base de datos utilizando el método indirecto. Luego de aplicar filtros y criterios de exclusión se calcularon los percentiles 25, 50, 75, 95 y 99 para colesterol total (CT), colesterol HDL (C-HDL), colesterol no HDL (C-no-HDL), triglicéridos (TG) y colesterol LDL (C-LDL) y para el C-HDL además se calculó el percentil 10. El valor de referencia para el cambio (RCV) se utilizó para determinar si existía diferencia clínicamente significativa entre los valores de percentiles obtenidos y los utilizados en el consenso de la SAP. Resultados: No se evidenció diferencia clínicamente significativa contra los valores propuesto por la SAP, excepto para los TG para las edades 1,5,7 años en el percentil 95 y para la edad de 8 años en el percentil 75 y 95; para el C-HDL en el percentil 10 para las edades 1,16 y 17 años. Discusión: Se obtuvieron los percentiles de los lípidos y se compararon con los valores de referencia utilizados por el consenso en el que están basados las guías (AU)

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is one of the most common problems in children and adolescents and its study is important because of its strong correlation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Many countries have developed national reference values investigating serum lipids using data based on their own national population. Our aim was to verify the lipid profile reference range by calculating percentile curves through the indirect method in our pediatric population. Materials and methods: The results of our database were analyzed using the indirect method. After applying filters and exclusion criteria, the 25th, 50th, 75th, 95th, and 99th percentiles were calculated for total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C); for HDL-C, the 10th percentile was also calculated. The reference change values (RCV) were used to determine whether there was a clinically significant difference between the percentile values obtained and those used in the consensus of the Argentine Association of Pediatrics (SAP). Results: There was no clinically significant difference with the values proposed by the SAP, except for TG for ages 1, 5, and 7 years at the 95th percentile and for age 8 years at the 75th and 95th percentile; and for HDL-C at the 10th percentile for ages 1, 16, and 17 years. Discussion: Lipid percentiles were obtained and compared with the reference values used by the consensus on which the guidelines are based (AU)

Análisis clínicos en pediatría: la necesidad de minimizar las horas de ayuno / Clinical analysis in pediatrics: the need to minimize fasting hours

Los informes de laboratorio tienen impacto en las decisiones médicas. El ayuno es un factor preanalítico "controlable" que influye en los distintos parámetros bioquímicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es poner en discusión la realización en pediatría de análisis clínicos con la indicación de un ayuno fisiológico , analizando resultados obtenidos por diferentes autores y evaluando las diferencias clínicas encontradas según los criterios de calidad establecidos por el laboratorio de Química Clínica. La mayoría de los individuos durante el día se encuentran en estado postprandial. Los resultados del perfil lipídico en ayunas no representan las concentraciones reales promedios de los lípidos plasmáticos de un paciente. El ayuno no sería crítico en la etapa de pesquisa , pero puede ser relevante para establecer un diagnóstico certero o inicio de tratamiento. En el caso de la glucemia si se indica en el control rutinario del paciente, y no hay sospecha de alteraciones en el metabolismo de los hidratos de carbono la glucemia sin ayuno puede ser solicitada comparando la misma con valores de corte adecuado. Las diferentes guías nacionales e internacionales recomiendan que la elección de la métrica para la evaluación, control y seguimiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de diabetes se realicen según el objetivo terapéutico. En los trabajos analizados, observamos que varios parámetros bioquímicos presentaron diferencias estadísticas, aunque las diferencias clínicas no fueron relevantes y permanecieron dentro de los intervalos de referencia. El factor limitante para evaluar parámetros bioquímicos sin ayuno es la falta de valores de referencia adecuados. Hay evidencia suficiente para que tanto el perfil lipídico, la glucemia como el resto de los parámetros bioquímicos del laboratorio de química clínica, sean solicitados con la indicación de un ayuno fisiológico de 2, 4 o 6 horas, dependiendo siempre del motivo de consulta y/o la edad del paciente. Es esencial extender la evaluación a otros analitos en población pediátrica, así como evaluar nuevos puntos de corte para parámetros bioquímicos sin ayuno (AU)

Laboratory reports have an impact on medical decision-making. Fasting is a "controllable" preanalytical factor that influences the different biochemical parameters. The aim of this study is to discuss the performance of clinical analyses in pediatrics with the indication of physiological fasting, analyzing results obtained in different disciplines, and evaluating the clinical differences found according to the quality criteria established by the clinical chemistry laboratory. During the day, most patients are in a postprandial state. Fasting lipid profile results do not represent the actual average plasma lipid concentrations of a patient. Fasting would not be critical in the screening stage, but it may be relevant to establish an accurate diagnosis or initiate treatment. Regarding glycemia, if it is indicated in the routine control of the patient and there is no suspicion of alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, non-fasting glycemia can be requested, comparing it with adequate cut-off values. Different national and international guidelines recommend that the choice of metrics for the evaluation, control, and follow-up of patients with diabetes should be made according to the therapeutic objective. In the studies analyzed, we found that several biochemical parameters presented statistical differences, although the clinical differences were not relevant and remained within the reference range. The limiting factor in the evaluation of biochemical parameters without fasting is the lack of adequate reference values. There is sufficient evidence that the lipid profile, glycemia, and the remaining biochemical parameters of the clinical chemistry laboratory should be requested with the indication of a physiological fast of 2, 4, or 6 hours, always depending on the reason for consultation and/or the patient's age. It is essential to extend the evaluation to other analytes in the pediatric population, as well as to evaluate new cut-off points for biochemical parameters without fasting (AU)

Percentiles de peso, talla e índice de masa corporal de escolares de Mendoza. Comparación con la referencia de la Organización Mundial de la Salud / Body mass index, weight, and height percentiles in school-aged children from Mendoza. A comparison with the WHO reference

Introducción. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda el uso de tablas de referencia para monitorear el crecimiento y estado nutricional de niños, niñas y adolescentes. El peso corporal, la talla y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) son las variables más utilizadas. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivos estimar los percentiles de peso, talla e IMC de escolares (2009-2011) residentes en el departamento San Rafael (Mendoza) y compararlos con la referencia internacional de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, a fin de establecer su pertinencia para la evaluación del crecimiento y estado nutricional de dicha población. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio antropométrico transversal en 3448 escolares de entre 4,00 y 13,49 años de edad. Se utilizó el programa LMS ChartMarker Pro para calcular los valores percentilares de peso/edad, talla/edad e IMC/edad, por sexo y edad, y se compararon con las curvas de la OMS. Además, se calcularon diferencias porcentuales (D%) para estimar las diferencias y su significación estadística mediante prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados. La población de San Rafael mostró, en varones y mujeres, valores percentilares superiores de peso e IMC (D% ≈7 % y 9 %, respectivamente), y menores de talla (D% ≈0,8 %) que los de la OMS (p <0,05). Conclusión. Las diferencias encontradas alertan sobre el empleo de la referencia OMS en la población escolar de San Rafael, ya que sobreestimaría las prevalencias de sobrepeso, obesidad y desnutrición crónica, y subestimaría la de desnutrición aguda y global. Esta situación resalta la importancia de contar con una referencia local.

Introduction. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of reference tables to monitor the growth pattern and nutritional status of children and adolescents. Body mass index (BMI), weight, and height are the most commonly used variables. The objective of this study was to estimate the BMI, weight, and height percentiles for school-aged children (2009-2011) living in the department of San Rafael (Mendoza) and compare them to the international World Health Organization reference to establish their relevance for the evaluation of the growth pattern and nutritional status of this population. Population and methods. A cross-sectional anthropometric study was conducted in 3448 school-aged children aged 4.00 to 13.49 years. The LMS ChartMarker Pro software was used to estimate the BMI- for-age, weight-for-age, and height-for-age percentiles, by sex and age, and they were compared with the WHO curves. Besides, percentage differences (%D) were calculated to estimate the differences and their statistical significance using the Wilcoxon test. Results. The population of boys and girls in San Rafael showed higher weight and BMI (%D ≈ 7% and 9%, respectively) percentiles, and lower height (%D ≈ 0.8%) values than WHO reference (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The differences found warn about the use of the WHO reference in the school-aged population of San Rafael since it would overestimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and chronic malnutrition and underestimate the prevalence of acute and global malnutrition. This situation highlights the importance of having a local reference resource