Situación del ejercicio profesional del licenciado en instrumentación y área quirúrgica en Paraguay

Introducción: en Paraguay en 1996 se crea la Escuela de Instrumentación y Área Quirúrgica, vinculada a una universidad pública, a partir del 2008 se crean otras ofertas en el sector privado. El instrumentador quirúrgico puede desempeñarse como instrumentador, circulante, coordinador general de quirófanos y coordinador de la central de esterilización. Objetivo: conocer la situación del ejercicio profesional del licenciado instrumentador quirúrgico en Paraguay. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y trasversal. La muestra es de 167 licenciados, egresados de instituciones pública y privadas. Muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, el instrumento de recolección de datos es un cuestionario electrónico. Resultados: el 74 % son mujeres, el 50 % presenta un rango de edad de 21 a 30 años, 79,6 % egresados de una institución pública, 40 % dice tener dificultad moderada para el primer empleo. El acceso al empleo, 71 % fue por contactos personales, el 72 % se dedica a instrumentar, el 60 % tiene una antigüedad laboral de 1 a 5 años. Entre los posgrados, el 30 % posee didáctica universitaria. Discusión: instrumentador quirúrgico, reúne las exigencias para ocupar otras funciones además de instrumentar y circular en el quirófano. Igualmente, en otros estudios se evidencia menor participación en el área administrativa, docencia, mercadeo y ventas. Han trascurrido 20 años del egreso de las primeras promociones, siendo una profesión novel, poco visualizado. Es de subrayar que el estado puede ahorrar recursos económicos al contratar a instrumentadores, puesto que son expertos en los cuidados asépticos y competentes en optimizar los tiempos quirúrgicos al que se expone el paciente.

Introduction: In Paraguay the school of Instrumentation and Surgical Area was created in 1996 linked to the National University, and in 2008 onwards other offers were created in the private sector. The Surgical Instrument Technician can work as instrumentalist, circulating nurse, general coordinator of operating rooms, and coordinator of the central sterilization unit. Objective: to know the work environment of the professional and licensed Surgical Instrument Technician in Paraguay. Methodology: descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample is 167 graduates, graduates of public and private institutions. Non-probability sampling for convenience, the data collection instrument is an electronic questionnaire. Results: 74% are women, 50% have an age range between 21 and 30 years old, 79.6% graduated from a public institution, 40% say they have moderate difficulty finding their first job in the field. Access to employment, 71% was through personal contacts, 72% is dedicated to work as Instrument Technicians, 60% have a job seniority of 1 to 5 years. Among the postgraduates, 30% are university didactics certified. Discussion: Surgical Instrument Technicians meet the requirements to perform other functions in addition to instrumentation and circulating nurses in the operating room. Similarly, other studies show less participation in the administrative area, teaching, marketing and sales. 20 years have elapsed since the first Technicians graduated, being a new profession, not given the importance it deserves. It is noteworthy that the state can save economic resources by hiring Surgical Instrument Technicians, since they are experts in aseptic care and competent in minimizing the amount of time the patient spends in surgery.

Metodología para el tratamiento de los contenidos del hockey sobre césped categoría 11-12 años

La investigación va dirigida a resolver insuficiencias en el tratamiento de los contenidos en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del hockey sobre Césped, en la categoría 11-12 años; en consecuencia, se planteó como objetivo elaborar una metodología para su proceder didáctico. De una población de 18 profesores se seleccionó, de manera intencionada, una muestra de 12; y de 168 hockeístas, a 72. Se emplearon métodos y técnicas como el análisis de documentos, la observación, la entrevista, el experimento pedagógico formativo y los talleres de opinión crítica. Se resolvió la esencia de la contradicción entre el tratamiento fragmentado de los contenidos del hockey categoría 11-12 años y la necesidad de una visión teórico y metodológica que favorezca la estructuración coherente entre el carácter desarrollador de los componentes de la preparación de los hockeístas y los del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de este deporte. Se argumentaron las potencialidades instructivas y educativas de los contenidos como vía para lograr el vínculo de la unidad entre lo cognitivo y lo afectivo en la metodología que contribuya al perfeccionamiento de su estructuración, mediante procedimientos didácticos sustentados en el aprendizaje desarrollador y las particularidades del deporte. La aplicación de la metodología, desde el experimento pedagógico formativo, permitió valorar su factibilidad y funcionalidad, y se evidenció su efectividad para lograr los fines trazados.

A pesquisa tem como objetivo solucionar insuficiências no tratamento de conteúdos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem do Hóquei em Campo, na categoria de 11 a 12 anos; Consequentemente, estabeleceu-se o objetivo de desenvolver uma metodologia para seu procedimento didático. De uma população de 18 professores, foi selecionada intencionalmente uma amostra de 12; e de 168 jogadores de hóquei, para 72. Foram utilizados métodos e técnicas como análise documental, observação, entrevista, experimento pedagógico formativo e oficinas de opinião crítica. A essência da contradição entre o tratamento fragmentado dos conteúdos da categoria Hóquei 11-12 anos e a necessidade de uma visão teórico-metodológica que favoreça a estruturação coerente entre o carácter desenvolvimental das componentes da preparação dos jogadores de hóquei e da processo de ensino-aprendizagem deste esporte. O potencial instrutivo e educativo dos conteúdos foi defendido como forma de alcançar o elo de unidade entre o cognitivo e o afetivo na metodologia que contribui para a melhoria da sua estruturação, através de procedimentos didáticos apoiados na aprendizagem desenvolvimental e nas particularidades do desporto. A aplicação da metodologia, a partir da experiência pedagógica formativa, permitiu avaliar a sua viabilidade e funcionalidade, sendo evidente a sua eficácia no alcance dos objetivos estabelecidos.

The research is aimed at resolving insufficiencies in the treatment of content in the teaching-learning process of Field Hockey, in the 11-12-year-old category; consequently, the objective was set to develop a methodology for its didactic procedure. From a population of 18 teachers, a sample of 12 was intentionally selected; and from 168 hockey players, 72 were chosen. Methods and techniques such as document analysis, observation, interview, formative pedagogical experiment and critical opinion workshops were used. It was resolved the essence of the contradiction between the fragmented treatment of the contents of Hockey category 11-12 years and the need for a theoretical and methodological vision that favors coherent structuring between the developmental nature of the components of hockey players ` preparation and those of the teaching-learning process of this sport. The instructive and educational potential of the contents were argued as a way to achieve the link of unity between the cognitive and the affective in the methodology that contributes to the improvement of its structuring, through didactic procedures supported by developmental learning and the particularities of sport. The application of the methodology, from the formative pedagogical experiment, allowed its feasibility and functionality to be assessed, and its effectiveness in achieving the established goals was evident.

Normative data for macular perimetry using the MP-3 microperimeter in healthy individuals / Dados normativos para perimetria macular usando o microperímetro MP-3 em indivíduos normais

ABSTRACT Purpose: Microperimetry has been used for several years as a form of visual function testing in patients with retinal diseases. Normal microperimetry values obtained with microperimeter MP-3 have not yet been fully published, and baseline values for topographic macular sensitivity and correlations with age and sex are needed to establish degrees of impairment. This study aimed to determine values for light sensitivity thresholds and fixation stability using the MP-3 in healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers (age, 28-68 years), underwent full-threshold microperimetry using a 4-2 (fast) staircase strategy with the standard Goldmann III stimulus size and 68 test points positioned identically to those in the Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test grid. The fixation stability was simultaneously recorded during the microperimetry test. The relationship between global sensitivity and age was calculated using linear regression analysis. Results: Microperimetry was performed on 37 participants (74 eyes). The global mean sensitivity was 29.01 ± 1.44 (range, 26-31) dB. The mean central sensitivity at 2° measured by the MP-3 was 28.5 ± 1.77 dB in the right eye (OD) and 28.75 ± 1.98 dB in the left eye (OS). The total median fixation stability values within 2° and 4° were 80% and 96%, respectively. The linear regression analysis also revealed an age-related global sensitivity decline per year of -0.051 dB ± 0.018 (OD) and -0.078 dB ± 0.021 (OS). Conclusions: Microperimetry performed with the MP-3 allows for an automatic, accurate, and topography-specific examination of retinal sensitivity thresholds. The results of this study provide a normal and age-matched database of MP-3 microperimetry.

RESUMO Objetivos: A microperimetria tem sido usada há vários anos como uma forma de teste de função visual em pacientes com doenças da retina. Os valores normais de microperimetria obtidos com MP-3 ainda não foram totalmente publicados e os valores basais para sensibilidade macular topográfica e correlações com idade e sexo são necessários para estabelecer graus de comprometimento. O objetivo do trabalho é determinar valores para limiares de sensibilidade à luz e estabilidade de fixação usando o MP-3 em indivíduos normais. Métodos: Trinta e sete voluntários saudáveis (idade: 28-68 anos), submetidos à microperimetria de limiar total usando uma estratégia de escada 4-2 (rápida) com o tamanho de estímulo padrão Goldmann III e 68 pontos de teste posicionados de forma idêntica aos do Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 grade de teste. A estabilidade da fixação foi registrada simultaneamente durante o teste de microperimetria. A relação entre a sensibilidade global e a idade foi calculada por meio de análise de regressão linear. Resultados: A microperimetria foi realizada em 37 indivíduos (74 olhos). A sensibilidade média global foi de 29,01 ± 1,44 dB, intervalo: 26-31 dB. A mediana da sensibilidade central a 2° medida pelo MP-3 foi de 28,5 ± 1,77 dB (ER) e 28,75 ± 1,98 dB (OE). Os valores médios totais de estabilidade da fixação em 2° e 4° foram 80% e 96%, respectivamente. A análise de regressão linear também revelou um declínio de sensibilidade global relacionado à idade por ano de -0,051 dB ± 0,018 (ER) e -0,078 dB ± 0,021 (LE). Conclusões: A microperimetria realizada com o MP-3 permite um exame automático, preciso e específico da topografia dos limiares de sensibilidade da retina. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem um banco de dados normal e de idade correspondente da microperimetria MP-3.

Gold score athletics: talent detection model for track and field / Gold score athletics: modelo de detección de talentos para el atletismo / Gold score athletics: modelo de detecção de talentos para o atletismo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Talent detection is a dynamic and multifactorial process that must start at school. Objective: Create a mathematical model for evaluating the sporting potential of schoolchildren for athletics in speed, throwing, and endurance events and to test its psychometric properties. Methods: 2871 schoolchildren of both sexes, from 11 to 17 years old, from a military school participated. Between 2015 and 2019, students were submitted to a multidimensional battery of tests containing anthropometric, physical-motor, psychological, socio-environmental, maturational, and performance indicators. In addition, ten teachers evaluated the students regarding the intangibles aspects of their sporting potential and the expectation of future success during this period. Adopting analytical and heuristic procedures, the Gold Score Athletics was created - linear, hybrid (tests + coaches´ eye), and weighted index, according to each indicator's importance, depending on the event type. Results: In the model validation sample (n = 1384), 13.9%, 16.6%, and 11.7% of boys and 10.9%, 10.1%, and 9.1% of girls were classified as high potential (Gold Score ≥ 60) for speed, throwing and endurance events, respectively. Internal consistency (r = 0.76 to 0.82) and diagnostic stability were high (r = 0.72 to 0.81). The Gold Score Athletics for sprinters, throwers, and long-distance runners, both for boys and girls, was higher in students selected for a national competition when compared to those not selected (p < 0.001; d: 0.95 a 1.44) - construct validity - and higher in medalists in an athletics competition, held two years after diagnosis, when compared to non-medalists (p < 0.05; d: 0.62 a 1.87) - predictive validity. Conclusion: The Gold Score Athletics is a valid and reliable scientific model for evaluating the sport's potential of schoolchildren, being useful in the talents detection for Athletics. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La detección de talentos es un proceso dinámico y multifactorial que debe iniciarse en la escuela. Objetivo: Crear un modelo matemático para evaluar el potencial deportivo de escolares para pruebas de velocidad, lanzamiento y resistencia en atletismo, y probar sus propiedades psicométricas. Métodos: Participaron 2871 escolares de ambos sexos de 11 a 17 años de una escuela militar. Los estudiantes fueron sometidos a una batería de pruebas multidimensionales, que contenían indicadores antropométricos, físico-motores, psicológicos, socioambientales, madurativos y de desempeño. 10 docentes evaluaron a los alumnos sobre los aspectos intangibles del potencial deportivo y la expectativa de éxito futuro. Adoptando procedimientos analíticos y heurísticos, se creó el Gold Score Athletics, índice lineal, híbrido (pruebas + mirada del profesor) y ponderado, según la importancia de cada indicador según el tipo de prueba. Resultados: En la muestra de validación del modelo (n = 1384), el 13,9%, 16,6% y 11,7% de los niños y el 10,9%, 10,1% y 9,1% de las niñas fueron clasificados como de alto potencial (Gold Score ≥ 60) en velocidad, lanzamiento y eventos de resistencia. La consistencia interna (r = 0,76 a 0,82) y la estabilidad diagnóstica fueron altas (r = 0,72 a 0,81). El Gold Score Athletics para velocistas, lanzadores y corredores de fondo, para ambos sexos, fue mayor en los estudiantes seleccionados para una competición nacional en comparación con los no seleccionados (p < 0.001; d: 0,95 a 1,44) - validez del constructo - y mayor en medallistas en una competición de atletismo, realizada dos años después del diagnóstico, en comparación con los no medallistas (p < 0,05; d: 0,62 a 1,87) - validez predictiva. Conclusión: El Gold Score Athletics es un modelo científico válido y fiable para evaluar el potencial deportivo de los escolares, siendo útil en la detección de talentos para el Atletismo. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio diagnóstico.

RESUMO Introdução: A detecção de talentos é um processo dinâmico e multifatorial que deve começar pela escola. Objetivo: Criar um modelo matemático de avaliação do potencial esportivo de escolares para as provas de velocidade, lançamentos e resistência no atletismo, e testar as suas propriedades psicométricas. Métodos: Participaram 2871 escolares de ambos os sexos de 11 a 17 anos de um colégio militar. Os alunos foram submetidos a uma bateria de testes multidimensionais, contendo indicadores antropométricos, físico-motores, psicológicos, socioambientais, maturacionais e de desempenho. 10 professores avaliaram os alunos quanto aos aspectos intangíveis do potencial esportivo e a expectativa de sucesso futuro. Adotando procedimentos analíticos e heurísticos, criou-se o Gold Score Athletics - índice linear, híbrido (testes + olho do treinador) e ponderado, de acordo com a importância de cada indicador em função do tipo de prova. Resultados: Na amostra de validação do modelo (n = 1384), 13,9%, 16,6% e 11,7% dos meninos e 10,9%, 10,1% e 9,1% das meninas foram classificados como elevado potencial (Gold Score ≥ 60) para provas de velocidade, lançamentos e resistência respectivamente. A consistência interna (r = 0,76 a 0,82) e estabilidade do diagnóstico foram elevadas (r = 0,72 a 0,81). O Gold Score Athletics para velocistas, lançadores e corredores de longa distância, para ambos os sexos, foi maior nos estudantes selecionados para uma competição nacional quando comparados aos não selecionados (p < 0,001; d: 0,95 a 1,44) - validade de construto - e maior nos medalhistas em uma competição de Atletismo, realizada dois anos após o diagnóstico, quando comparados aos não medalhistas (p < 0,05; d: 0,62 a 1,87) - validade preditiva. Conclusão: O Gold Score Athletics é um modelo científico válido e fidedigno de avaliação do potencial esportivo de escolares, sendo útil na detecção de talentos para o Atletismo. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo diagnóstico.

Changes of macular retinal structure and microcirculation in patients with pituitary adenoma observed by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the changes of macular retinal structure and microcirculation in patients with pituitary adenoma(PA)by optical coherence tomography(OCT)and optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 40 PA patients treated at the department of neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from September 2021 to March 2023 were included as PA group, and 42 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were selected as normal control group. All patients underwent visual field, OCT and OCTA examinations, and the correlation of ocular parameters in PA patients was analyzed.RESULTS:The vessel density(VD)of each retinal layer in the macular area of the PA group was lower than that of the normal control group, and the superficial vascular complex(SVC)-VD in the macular area was positively correlated with the thickness of the macular ganglion cell complex(mGCC)(except the nasal side of the inner ring and the lower part of the outer ring; P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The thickness of mGCC in each quadrant of the macular area and the thickness of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(CP-RNFL)in each quadrant were negatively correlated with the mean defect(MD)value of the visual field(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and the area of the foveal avascular zone(FAZ)was positively correlated with the MD value(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION:The combination of OCT and OCTA can fully understand the microscopic changes of retinal structure and microcirculation function in PA patients, which is of great value in evaluating the preoperative visual function of PA patients.

Analysis on Components Absorbed into Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Based on Sequential Metabolism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo identify the prototypical components and metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus（SCF） based on sequential metabolism combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MethodBlood and cerebrospinal fluid samples of integrated metabolism， intestinal metabolism and hepatic metabolism were collected from male SD rats after gavage and in situ intestinal perfusion administration， and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS） was used to analyze and compare the differences in the spectra of SCF extract， blank plasma， administered plasma， blank cerebrospinal fluid and administered cerebrospinal fluid with ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 µm）， the mobile phase was acetonitrile（A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution（B） for gradient elution（0-7 min， 95%B； 7-12 min， 95%-35%B； 12-17 min， 35%-15%B； 17-20 min， 15%-12%B； 20-22 min， 12%-5%B； 22-23 min， 5%B； 23-25 min， 5%-95%B； 25-28 min， 95%B）. And heated electrospray ionization（HESI） was used with positive and negative ion modes， the scanning range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototypical constituents and their metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of SCF were identified according to the retention time， characteristic fragments， molecular formulae and the information of reference substances. ResultA total of 42 chemical components were identified in the extract of SCF， including lignans， flavonoids， amino acids， tannins， and others， of which lignans were the main ones. A total of 27 prototypical components and 14 metabolites were identified in plasma samples from different sites. A total of 15 prototypical components and 9 metabolites were identified in cerebrospinal fluid. The main metabolic reactions involved in the formation of metabolites were mainly demethylation， methylation， demethoxylation and hydroxylation. ConclusionThrough the systematic identification of the prototypical components and metabolites of SCF in rats， it provides data support for further better exploring the material basis of SCF in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Seguimiento a los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana / Follow-up of the graduates of the Master´s degree in Human Nutrition

Introducción: Diferentes estudios de seguimiento de egresados hablan del valor de obtener información sobre las actividades profesionales que ejercen y determinar el impacto de la formación recibida y la percepción de la misma. Objetivos: Determinar el desempeño de los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana FCM- UNA de las promociones del 2007 al 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de diseño observacional con enfoque cuantitativo que obtuvo la participación de 83 de los 91 egresados que completaron la encuesta enviada a través del Formulario Google. Resultados: Entre los más resaltantes se tiene que las egresadas entre los encuestados sobresalen las mujeres (90,4 %). El área laboral ejercida; mayor cantidad en el área clínica (61,4 %), consultorio (24,1 %), salud pública en un 6%. El 55,4 % respondió que tuvo más oportunidades laborales; solo el 28,9 % realiza tutoría de tesis. El 79,1 % ha mejorado sus actividades docentes o asistenciales y el 55,4 % ha respondido que no desempeña actividad docente. El 71,1 % ha colaborado en trabajos de investigación siendo magister, en área clínica (47%), en Salud Pública (14,5 %), en área de alimentación, (6%), otros (3.6%); el 64,9 % no ha publicado el trabajo de investigación de la maestría realizada. El 95,2 % no ha hecho aún el Doctorado en Nutrición y al 89,2 % le gustaría hacerlo. Un 87,9 % califica la Maestría de Nutrición Humana FCM-UNA de Excelente o Muy Bueno. Conclusión: Se identifica una mayor cantidad de egresadas mujeres, en cuanto al campo laboral de desempeño, existe una mayor cantidad en el área clínica, más de la mitad de los egresados ha participado en un trabajo de investigación siendo magister en el área clínica, la tesis de maestría no ha sido publicada por la mayoría. Casi el total no ha realizado un Doctorado en Nutrición. Se presenta por primera vez, a nivel nacional, un estudio sobre el desarrollo profesional de los egresados de la Maestría en Nutrición Humana que podría ser útil para futuros trabajos de investigación y toma de decisiones en formación continua.

Introduction: Different graduate follow -up studies speak of the value of obtaining information about the professional activities they exercise and determining the impact of the training received and the perception of the same. Objectives: Determine the performance of graduates of the Master in Human Nutrition FCM One of the promotions from 2007 to 2020. Materials and methods: Descriptive study with observational design and quantitative approach that obtained the participation of 83 of the 91 graduates who completed the survey sent through the Google form. Results: Graduates women (90.4 %). The work area exercised; greater amount in the clinical area (61.4 %), office (24.1 %), public health at 6 %. 55.4 % replied that they had more work chances, only 28.9 % perform thesis tutoring. 79.1 % have improved their teaching or care activities and 55.4 % have responded that they do not perform teaching activity. 71.1%have collaborated in research papers being Master, in clinical area (47%), in public health (14.5%), in food area, (6%), others (3.6%); 64.9 % have not published the research work of the master's degree. 95.2 % have not yet done the doctorate in nutrition and at 89.2 % they would like to do it. 87.9 % describe the mastery of human nutrition FCM an excellent or very good one. Conclusion: A greater number of women graduates is identified, in terms of the performance field, there is a greater amount in the clinical area, more than half of the graduates have participated in a research work being a magister in the clinical area, the work of Master's research has not been published by the majority. Almost the total has not done a doctorate in nutrition. It is presented for the first time, at the national level, a study on the professional development of graduates of the Master in Human Nutrition that could be useful for future research works.

Community structure of raptors in the páramo landscape of the Ecuadorian Andes

Introduction: Habitat alterations result in biodiversity loss, particularly in regions with high levels of diversity and endemism. Raptors are an essential part of the functionality and stability of ecosystems and indicators of habitat quality. In the paramo grassland ecosystems in the high Andes of Northern South America, raptors contain a high concentration of threatened species. Objective: To describe the raptor community structure and determine the species associations. Methods: We made monthly raptor counts in eight transects from October 2021 to September 2022 and used a principal component analysis to determine species associations. Results: We identified 149 individuals (seven species, three families) in two communities: abundant (Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, Andean Condor and Turkey Vulture; PCI = 47 %), and scarce (Cinereous Harrier, Peregrine Falcon and Aplomado Falco; PCII = 27 %). Conclusion: We provide a valid description and understanding of raptor community structure, identifying two communities and the dynamics between them. The first is characterized by an increased abundance of generalist and regionally common species, when the abundance of these species decreases, the second community is defined, characterized by an increase in the abundance of specialist and rare species at the local scale.

Introducción: Las alteraciones del hábitat provocan la pérdida de biodiversidad, especialmente en regiones con altos niveles de diversidad y endemismo. Las aves rapaces son una parte esencial de la funcionalidad y estabilidad de los ecosistemas, y son indicadores de la calidad del hábitat. En los ecosistemas de páramo en los Andes del norte de Sudamérica, hay una concentración de especies rapaces amenazadas. Objetivo: Describir la estructura de la comunidad de aves rapaces y determinar las asociaciones entre las especies. Métodos: Hicimos conteos mensuales de rapaces en ocho transectos, de octubre 2021 a setiembre 2022 y usamos un análisis de componentes principales para determinar las asociaciones entre especies. Resultados: Identificamos 149 individuos (siete especies, tres familias) en dos comunidades: abundantes (e.g., Caracara Curiquingue, Gavilán Variable, Cóndor Andino y Gallinazo Cabecirrojo; PCI = 47 %), y poco abundantes (e.g., Caracara Curiquingue, Gavilán Variable, Cóndor Andino y Gallinazo Cabecirrojo; PCII = 27 %). Conclusiones: Nuestro enfoque proporciona una descripción y comprensión válida de la estructura de la comunidad de rapaces. Identificamos dos comunidades y la dinámica entre ellas. La primera se caracteriza por una mayor abundancia de especies generalistas y regionalmente comunes, cuando la abundancia de estas especies disminuye, se define la segunda comunidad, caracterizada por un aumento de la abundancia de especies especialistas y raras a escala local.

An electric field modeling study with meta-analysis to understand the antidepressant effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has mixed effects for major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms, partially owing to large inter-experimental variability in tDCS protocols and their correlated induced electric fields (E-fields). We investigated whether the E-field strength of distinct tDCS parameters was associated with antidepressant effect. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed with placebo-controlled clinical trials of tDCS enrolling MDD patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 10, 2023. Effect sizes of tDCS protocols were correlated with E-field simulations (SimNIBS) of brain regions of interest (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] and bilateral subgenual anterior cingulate cortex [sgACC]). Moderators of tDCS responses were also investigated. Results: A total of 20 studies were included (21 datasets, 1,008 patients), using 11 distinct tDCS protocols. Results revealed a moderate effect for MDD (g = 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.64), while cathode position and treatment strategy were found to be moderators of response. A negative association between effect size and tDCS-induced E-field magnitude was seen, with stronger E-fields in the right frontal and medial parts of the DLPFC (targeted by the cathode) leading to smaller effects. No association was found for the left DLPFC and the bilateral sgACC. An optimized tDCS protocol is proposed. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for a standardized tDCS protocol in MDD clinical trials. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022296246.

Recurrent Quantification Analysis Based Study of Wide-Field Calcium Imaging Data in Relation to Brain's Wake/Sleep Condition

Wide-Field Calcium Images (WFCI) directly reflect neuronal excitation, but their poor frame rate could be a drawback for time series analysis. This work was aimed at exploring the diagnostic capability retained by a time series obtained from calcium imaging data. To that purpose, we analyzed publicly available data from 2.88 hour continuous recordings of calcium images obtained from seven mice at different wake/sleep stages. Data were obtained from the Physionet portal and were submitted to Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA). The association between retrosplenial and parietal areas was also assessed. Nonlinear RQA analysis allowed to identify the right retrosplenial and parietal areas as particularly sensitive to changes in sleep walking condition. Specifically, our results suggested that the RQA feature lmean decreases in non-REM sleep_1 stage as compared to waking stage. Sleep (both sleep_1 stage and REM) apparently elicits an increase in the association between retrosplenial and parietal areas. Overall, these results suggest that RQA and association analysis are appropriate to assess modifications associated to changes in brain condition, in spite of the low sampling rate of WFCI signals.

Las Imágenes de Calcio de Campo Ancho (Wide-Field Calcium Images, WFCI) reflejan directamente la excitación neuronal, pero su escasa resolución temporal pudiera resultar un impedimento para el análisis de series temporales. El presente trabajo tuvo por finalidad explorar la capacidad diagnostica que retiene una serie temporal extraída de imágenes de calcio. Para ello, se estudió una base de datos disponible en la red que contiene registros de 2.88 horas de duración de imágenes de calcio correspondientes a 7 ratones transgénicos a diferentes estadios de sueño/vigilia. Los datos fueron descargados del portal Physionet y sometidos a Análisis de Cuantificación Recurrente (Recurrent Quantification Analysis, RQA). La asociación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas fue también evaluada. El análisis no lineal mediante RQA permitió identificar las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas como zonas particularmente sensibles a cambios en el estado de sueño/vigilia. Específicamente, nuestros resultados sugieren que el índice l mean se redujo en el estadio 1 de sueño no REM en comparación con el estado de vigilia. El estado de sueño, tanto REM como no-REM aparentemente induce un reforzamiento en la apreciación entre las áreas retrosplenial y parietal derechas. En su conjunto, estos resultados apuntan que el análisis de RQA y de asociación entre áreas son pertinentes para sensar las modificaciones asociadas a cambios en el estado del cerebro, a pesar de la baja resolución temporal de las señales WFCI.

Topographic distribution of retinal neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy using ultra-wide field angiography

Purpose: To analyze the topographic distribution of neovascularization (NV) and capillary nonperfusion (CNP) using ultra?wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: This was a prospective, single?center, observational study in which all patients who presented between March 2019 and December 2020 and satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited. In our study, patients with treatment?naïve PDR without any fibrovascular proliferation underwent UWFFA. The images were analyzed qualitatively for the topographic distribution of NV and the CNP area was quantified. The number of lesions picked by UWFFA was compared with 7 standard field (7SF) image using overlay of 7SF. The main outcome measure was characteristics of neovascularization, such as the number, location, and area of CNP, measured using UWFFA, which was considered with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Two hundred and fifty?three eyes of 187 patients with a mean age of 56.03 ± 8 years were included. Mean neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) was 2.91 ± 3.43. Maximum NVEs were seen in the superotemporal (ST; 0.9 ± 1.13) quadrant, followed by the inferotemporal (IT; 0.7 ± 1.08), inferonasal (IN; 0.66 ± 1.02) and superonasal (SN; 0.66 ± 1.01) quadrants. Maximum CNP area was seen in the SN (13.75 ± 8.83 disc diameter square [DD2]) quadrant, followed by the IN (13.48 ± 8.59 DD2), IT (11.34 ± 8.37 DD2), and ST (11.3 ± 8.34 DD2) quadrants. Mean CNP area was maximum in patients with only neovascularization of disc (NVD; 64.99 ± 41.47 DD2), followed by both NVD and NVE (61.37 ± 35.61 DD2), and was minimum in patients with only NVE (36.44 ± 22.03 DD2). Eighty?one (32%) eyes out of 253 had NVE and 189 (75%) out of 253 had CNP area outside 7SF (overlay) of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Conclusion: Diabetic NV lesions and CNP areas are distributed asymmetrically throughout the retina and are not restricted to the posterior pole. Compared to conventional 7SF imaging, UWFFA reveals significantly more retinal vascular pathology in patients with PDR.

A comparative study of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among glaucoma and nonglaucoma patients at a tertiary care center of North India

Purpose: Glaucoma influences vision?related quality of life (VRQoL) of an individual in various ways. There are very limited studies on the Indian population and the northern part of India. Therefore, we conducted the present study to evaluate VRQoL in glaucoma patients as well as the association between the severity of glaucoma and VRQoL. Methods: An institution?based, cross?sectional, analytical study was conducted from August 2022 to October 2022 involving 190 participants (95 glaucoma patients and 95 controls). The glaucoma quality of life?15 (GQL?15) questionnaire was explained in their vernacular language by the interviewer. The scoring was given according to the validated scoring algorithm for the questionnaire. Results: Mean GQL score in the control group was 19.66 ± 5.5 and in glaucoma cases was 32.8 ± 10.2, whereas the mean score of mild glaucoma cases was 22.3 ± 4.83, moderate glaucoma cases was 36.3 ± 4.09, and severe glaucoma cases was 47.24 ± 3.03. Therefore, as the severity of glaucoma increases, the GQL score also increases, indicating poorer quality of life. Visual field loss was strongly positively correlated (correlation coefficient = 0.759, P < 0.01) with the GQL?15 score, while a weaker positive correlation was found with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cup disc ratio, and duration of treatment. Conclusion: Besides controlling or reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) to the target level, the goal of glaucoma treatment should be to provide an individual with good functional vision to maintain an acceptable quality of life. It would also help in providing patients with the best possible treatment, not only in terms of good vision but also in maintaining or improving their overall quality of life.

The chronicle of the ups and downs that made Bacillus thuringiensis a natural insecticide

Bacillus thuringiensis is a worldwide known bacterium for its capacity to control insect pests thanks to the action of its parasporal crystal. The objective of this paper deals with the history, in some cases unknown, of the study of Bacillus thuringiensis that led it to be a crucial biological alternative in controlling pest insects. How the mode of action for killing insects was understood, as well as the field tests that were carried out to evaluate its effectiveness and to develop the first commercial products, are reflected in this review that presents and discusses the scientific successes and failures that marked the course of B. thuringiensis.

Bacillus thuringiensis es una bacteria conocida mundialmente por su capacidad para controlar insectos plaga, gracias a la acción de su cristal parasporal. El objetivo de esta revisión trata de la historia, en algunos casos desconocida, del estudio de Bacillus thuringiensis que la llevó a ser una importante alternativa biológica en el control de insectos plaga. Cómo se llegó a comprender el modo de acción para matar insectos, así como las pruebas de campo que se realizaron para evaluar su efectividad y lograr desarrollar los primeros productos comerciales están plasmados en esta revisión que presenta y discute los aciertos y desaciertos científicos que marcaron el rumbo de B. thuringiensis.

Estilo cognitivo en la dimension de dependencia-independencia de campo de estudiantes universitarios del área de Manizales / Cognitive Style in the Field Dependence-independence Dimension of University Student from the Manizales Area

Resumen El presente artículo reporta un estudio que busca identificar el estilo cognitivo en la dimensión de independencia-dependencia de campo en una población estudiantil universitaria y establecer sus asociaciones con el género y la carrera que cursan. La muestra total fue de 1.379 estudiantes (797 mujeres y 582 hombres), de tres universidades del área metropolitana de Manizales, Colombia, de 18 carreras profesionales, quienes respondieron la prueba SG-EFT que permite identificar el nivel de independencia de campo. Se llevaron a cabo pruebas t de Student y análisis de varianza para examinar diferencias por género y carrera. Los resultados indican diferencias significativas en los puntajes de la prueba por carrera universitaria en independencia del género, y a su vez, se discuten en relación con resultados previos y sus implicaciones para la construcción del perfil del estudiante en cada carrera.

Abstract This paper reports a study that seeks to identify the cognitive styles, in the field independence-dependence dimension, in a university student population and to establish its associations with gender and career. The total sample consisted of 1.379 students (797 females and 582 males) from three universities in the metropolitan area of Manizales (Colombia), from 18 professional careers, who answered the SG-EFT test which measures levels of field independence. Analyses of variance and t- Student tests were carried out to examine differences by gender and career. Significant differences in the SG-EFT scores were found regarding career choice, independently of gender. Results are discussed with respect to previous findings and their implications for the construction of the student profile in each career.

La prueba de figuras enmascaradas en la versión SaWa sobre figuras Gottschaldt ­presentación e indicadores psicométricos / The Embedded Figures Test in the SaWa Version on Gottschaldt Figures ­Presentation and Psychometric Indicators­ / O teste de figuras mascaradas na versão SaWa em figuras de Gottschaldt ­Apresentação e indicadores psicométricos­

El artículo presenta la versión de la prueba EfT desarrollada por Sawa sobre las figuras Gottschaldt, como indicador de la capacidad de reestructuración perceptual y del estilo cognitivo en la dimensión de independencia- dependencia de campo. Se examina la consistencia interna del instrumento, su validez estructural y de constructo a partir de los datos recogidos en cuatro diferentes estudios en los que ha sido aplicado (n = 6.530). Los resultados indican altos niveles de consistencia interna y adecuados niveles de validez estructural del instrumento. La validez de constructo se determina mediante el examen de los comportamientos de la prueba frente al sexo y el grado/edad. Los resultados demuestran que el instrumento se comporta de acuerdo con lo esperado en el constructo. Por último, se presentan los baremos del instrumento

This paper presents the version of the Embedded Figures Test (EfT) that Sawa developed using Gottschaldt's figures. The test indicates the perceptual restructur- ing ability and the field dependence-independence dimension of cognitive style. The instrument's internal consistency and its structural and construct validity are examined using data collected in four previous studies in which the test was administered (n = 6.530). Results show high levels of internal consistency and adequate levels of structural validity. The construct validity was determined by examining the instrument's behavior regarding sex and grade/age. Results indicate that the test behaves as expected considering the construct. Finally, the instrument's norms are presented

O artigo apresenta a versão do teste EfT, desenvol- vida por Sawa sobre as figuras de Gottchaldt, como indicador da capacidade de reestruturação perceptiva e, do estilo cognitivo na dimensão independência- -dependência do campo. A consistência interna do instrumento, sua validade estrutural e sua validade de construto são examinadas a partir dos dados co- letados em quatro diferentes estudos em que o teste foi aplicado (n = 6.530). Os resultados indicam altos níveis de consistência interna e níveis adequados de validade estrutural do instrumento. A validade de cons- truto é determinada examinando os comportamentos de teste em relação ao gênero e nível de escolaridade/ idade. Os resultados indicam que o instrumento se comporta conforme o esperado no construto. Por fim, são apresentadas as escalas do instrumento.

Hidden blind spot and pseudofixation loss

Background: Correct mapping of the blind spot is important, as it serves as an estimate of fixation reliability. When the blind spot is not seen in the expected location in Humphrey visual field (HVF) printout, the clinician should give a thought to why this might be the case. Purpose: This video describes a series of cases, in which due to different reasons the blind spot could not be seen in the presumed expected location in the grayscale and numeric data of the HVF printout and the possible explanation behind this. Synopsis: When interpreting perimetry results, it is important to know whether the field test is reliable or not. A stimulus presented at the location of physiologic blind spot should not be seen by a patient with a steady fixation in Heijl– Krakau method. Responses will also occur, however, if the patient has a tendency for false?positive responses, or when the blind spot of the properly fixing eye is not in the location where the test stimulus is presented, because of anatomic variation, or if the patient's head is tilted while performing the test. Highlights: Perimetrist should recognize these potential artifact, during the test and relocate the blind spot. In case, such results are seen after finishing the test, it is recommended for the clinician to repeat the test

To compare central visual field progression using mean deviation and pointwise linear regression analysis

Purpose: To compare central visual field progression using mean deviation and pointwise linear regression (PLR) analysis. Methods: We analyzed the 10?2 Humphrey visual field (HVF) tests for moderate and advanced primary glaucoma who had undergone at least five reliable 10?2 visual field tests with a minimum follow?up of at least two years and best?corrected visual acuity better than 6/12. Regression slope less than ?1 dB/year at P < 0.01 at a point was defined as an individual threshold point progression. Results: Ninety?six eyes of 74 patients were included. The median follow?up duration was of 4 years (±1.97). Median 10?2 mean deviation (MD) at inclusion was ?19.01 dB (interquartile range [IQR] ?13.2, ?24.14) and ?21.90 (IQR ? 13.4, ?27.8) on 24?2 HVF. The median rate of MD change was ?0.13 dB/year (IQR ? 0.46, 0.08) for 10?2. The median rate for visual field index (VFI) change was 0.9% per year (IQR ? 1.5, 0.4). Twenty?eight percent of eyes (27 eyes) showed progression. Twelve percent (12 eyes) showed progression of two or more points in the same hemifield on pointwise linear regression (PLR) analysis, and 16% of eyes (15 eyes) showed progression of one point. The median rate of MD change was significantly more in progressing eyes based on PLR analysis than eyes with no progression (?0.5 vs. ?0.06 dB/year P < 0.001). One patient had likely and the second had possible progression on 24?2. In 24 eyes, event analysis did not show any change; the rest mean deviation was out of range. Conclusion: Central visual field PLR analysis is useful in detecting progression in advanced glaucomatous damage.

CONTEXTUAL LEARNING APPROACH FOR SYNDROME DISEASE NAMED ENTITY RECOGNITION

The groundwork for extracting a significant amount of biomedical information from unstructured texts into structured formats is the difficult research area of biological entity recognition from medical documents. The existing work implemented the named entity recognition for diseases using the sequence labelling framework. The performance of this strategy, however, is not always adequate, and it frequently cannot fully exploit the semantic information in the dataset. The Syndrome Diseases Named Entity problem is presented in this work as a sequence labelling with multi-context learning. By using well-designed text/queries, this formulation may incorporate more previous information and to decode it using decoding techniques such conditional random fields (CRF). We performed experiments on three biomedical datasets, and the outcomes show how effective our methodology is on the BC5CDR-Disease, JNLPBA and NCBI-Disease, compared with other techniques our methodology performs with accuracy levels of 96.70%,98.65 and 96.72% respectively.

Perspectiva de Segunda Pessoa em Psicoterapia: as inovações fenomenológicas de Carl Rogers / Second Person Perspective in Psychotherapy: the phenomenological innovations of Carl Rogers

O estudo aponta e analisa as inovações clínicas e científicas de Carl Rogers introduzidas à psicoterapia. O foco está no papel da intersubjetividade, aqui entendida como perspectiva de segunda pessoa, mas sem desconsiderar as contribuições advindas das perspectivas de terceira (evidência experimental) e de primeira pessoa (vivência experiencial). O estudo argumenta que a relevância dada a intersubjetividade, a não-diretividade e a abertura à experiência testifica a confluência entre Rogers e o movimento fenomenológico. Tal confluência é realçada pela atenção ao exame dos fatos e fenômenos em múltiplas perspectivas, orientadas pela ética fenomenológica. Neste sentido, o grande equívoco das comparações entre a teoria de Rogers e a fenomenologia está em tomar como ponto de partida uma dada definição de fenomenologia, e não a vivência e a descrição de eventos fenomenais. Por fim, mostra-se como os estudos científicos de Rogers encontram ressonâncias em pesquisas fenomenológicas contemporâneas aplicadas à psicologia.

The study points out and analyzes the clinical and scientific innovations that Carl Rogers introduced to psychotherapy. The focus is on the role of intersubjectivity, here understood as a second-person perspective, but without disregarding the perspectives from third-person (experimental evidence) and first-person (experiential experience). The study argues that the relevance given to intersubjectivity, non-directivity, and openness to experience testifies to the confluence between Rogers and the phenomenological movement. Such confluence is enhanced by examining facts and phenomena from multiple perspectives, guided by phenomenological ethics. In this sense, the mistake in the comparisons between Rogers' theory and phenomenology lies in taking as a starting point given definition of phenomenology, and not the experience and description of phenomenal events. Finally, it shows how Rogers' scientific studies find resonances in contemporary phenomenological research applied to psychology.

Inferior altitudinal visual loss and mask-wearing practices: A case series

Face mask-wearing practices and their impact on the visual field bear particular importance in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era. This case series examines 10 participants with no history of ocular impairment or visual field defects who underwent age-corrected visual field testing in both eyes with different types of face masks. Wearing duckbill N95 masks was consistently associated with increased accuracy errors in the inferior altitudinal visual field when compared to wearing surgical masks or no masks. These findings support public health guidance that has previously attributed the risks of falls and accidents to face mask wearing.