Reconectando vidas: práticas de cuidado em saúde sob o olhar de Pessoas Vivendo com HIV/Aids / Reconnecting lives: health care practices from the perspective of People Living With HIV/AIDS

RESUMO O estudo teve como objetivo identificar estratégias para qualificar as práticas de cuidado em saúde destinadas às Pessoas Vivendo com HIV/Aids (PVHA), sobretudo o acolhimento nos serviços de saúde. Foram realizadas, entre setembro de 2021 e fevereiro de 2022, quatro oficinas pedagógicas em que PVHA residentes em Belo Horizonte e Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte foram convidadas a compartilhar suas vivências com HIV/Aids e a refletir sobre como grupos formais e informais, representados graficamente pela técnica do Diagrama de Venn, podem contribuir para qualificar práticas de cuidados em saúde destinadas às PVHA. Participaram do estudo 20 PVHA, 13 homens cisgênero; 6 mulheres cisgênero e 1 mulher transgênero. Os elementos incluídos nos Diagramas foram categorizados nas dimensões: estrutural, informacional e relacional. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar de avanços na dimensão estrutural, evoluiu-se muito pouco no que diz respeito a elementos centrais das dimensões relacionais e informacionais. As metáforas moralizantes sobre HIV/Aids e o estigma permanecem modelando práticas de cuidado à saúde de PVHA enfatizando a urgência da reconstrução dessas práticas. Compreende-se que essa reconstrução exige o resgate da participação e da cidadania, alicerçada pelo fortalecimento das políticas de assistência e prevenção ao HIV/Aids e pela garantia dos direitos humanos.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to identify strategies to qualify the practices of health care destined to People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), especially the accompanying at health care services. Four pedagogical workshops were carried out, between September 2021 and February 2022, in which PLWHA who live in Belo Horizonte and Metropolitan region were invited to share their experiences regarding HIV/AIDS and to reflect about how formal and informal groups, represented graphically by the technique of Venn Diagram, can contribute to qualify health care practices destined to PLWHA. Twenty PLWHA joined the study; thirteen cisgender men, six cisgender women and one trans woman. The elements included at the Diagram have been categorized at dimensions: structural, informational, and relational. The results demonstrate that, despite the advance at structural dimension, we have evolved very little when it comes to main elements from relational and informational dimensions. The morals metaphors about HIV/AIDS and the stigma remain modeling practices of health care for PLWHA, emphasizing the urgent reconstruction of these practices. We comprehend that this reconstruction demands the rescue of the participation and citizenship, consolidated by the empowerment of assistance policies and prevention to HIV/AIDS as well the assurance of human rights.

Ataque al personal de la salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Latinoamérica / Attacks on healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America

Resumen En la actualidad los profesionales de la salud son el recurso más valioso con el que cuenta cada país para combatir la enfermedad COVID-19. Las tasas de contagio intrahospitalario son altas y ligadas al acto de atención sanitaria. Las medidas de protección por parte de los empleadores son fundamentales para el cuidado de los que cuidan. La situación de pánico generada por el temor a contraer o transmitir la enfermedad, siendo primeros respondedores en la línea de combate ante la pandemia, ha sido amplificada por varios factores. Cuestiones como presión psicológica, carga laboral, mediatización, aspectos judiciales, desprotección, falta de descanso, nuevos roles, discriminación y agresiones son algunas de las situaciones a las que se los profesionales se deben enfrentar.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1975).

Abstract Today, healthcare professionals are a country's most valuable resource for combating COVID-19. Hospital contagion rates are high and linked to the practice of health care. Employers' protective measures are essential in caring for the caregivers. The panic resulting from a fear of contracting or transmitting the disease, with first responders being at the front line of the battle against the pandemic, has been amplified by various factors. Issues such as psychological pressure, workload, media coverage, legal aspects, lack of protection, lack of rest, new roles, discrimination and assaults are some of the situations faced by these professionals.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1975).

Assessing the oncolytic potential of rotavirus on mouse myeloma cell line Sp2/0-Ag14 / Evaluación del potencial oncolítico del rotavirus en la línea celular Sp2/0-Ag14 de mieloma de ratón

Introduction: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, surpassed only by cardiovascular disease. However, cancer has now overtaken cardiovascular disease as the main cause of death in 12 countries in Western Europe. The burden of cancer is posing a major challenge to health care systems worldwide and demanding improvements in methods for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Alternative and complementary strategies for orthodox surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy need to be developed. Objective: To determine the oncolytic potential of tumor cell-adapted rotavirus in terms of their ability to infect and lysate murine myeloma Sp2/0-Ag14 cells. Materials and methods: We inoculated rotaviruses Wt1-5, WWM, TRUYO, ECwt-O, and WTEW in Sp2/0-Ag14 cells and we examined their infectious effects by immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation assays. Results: Rotavirus infection involved the participation of some heat shock proteins, of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and integrin ß3. We detected the accumulation of viral antigens within the virus-inoculated cells and in the culture medium in all the rotavirus isolates examined. The rotavirus-induced cell death mechanism in Sp2/0-Ag14 cells involved changes in cell membrane permeability, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation, which were compatible with cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Conclusions: The ability of the rotavirus isolates Wt1-5, WWM, TRUYO, ECwt-O, and WTEW to infect and cause cell death of Sp2/0-Ag14 cells through mechanisms that are compatible with virus-induced apoptosis makes them potential candidates as oncolytic agents.

Introducción. El cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte en los Estados Unidos, solamente superado por la enfermedad cardiovascular. Sin embargo, el cáncer aventaja a la enfermedad cardiovascular como primera causa de muerte en doce países de Europa occidental. Se requieren mejores métodos de prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento para afrontar el gran desafío que el cáncer representa mundialmente para los sistemas de salud, y se necesita desarrollar estrategias alternativas y complementarias a la cirugía, la radioterapia y la quimioterapia convencionales. Objetivo. Evaluar el potencial oncolítico de rotavirus adaptados a células tumorales por su capacidad para infectar y lisar células Sp2/0-Ag14 de mieloma de ratón. Materiales y métodos. Los aislamientos de rotavirus Wt1-5, WWM, TRUYO, ECwt-O y WTEW se inocularon en células Sp2/0-Ag14 y se examinaron sus efectos infecciosos mediante inmunocitoquímica, inmunofluorescencia, citometría de flujo y ensayos de fragmentación del ADN. Resultados. La infección con los rotavirus Wt1-5, WWM, TRUYO, ECwt-O y WTEW implicó la participación de algunas proteínas de choque térmico, la proteína disulfuro isomerasa y la integrina ß3. La acumulación de antígenos virales intracelulares y extracelulares se detectó en todos los virus utilizados. Los mecanismos de muerte inducidos por los rotavirus en células Sp2/0-Ag14 indujeron cambios en la permeabilidad de la membrana celular, la condensación de cromatina y la fragmentación de ADN, los cuales fueron compatibles con citotoxicidad y apoptosis. Conclusiones. La capacidad de los rotavirus estudiados para infectar y causar la muerte de células Sp2/0-Ag14 mediante mecanismos compatibles con la apoptosis inducida viralmente los convierte en candidatos potenciales para ser utilizados como agentes oncolíticos.

Desde la historia hacia el futuro / From history to future

Los servicios médicos de la institución armada de la naciente revolución, declaraban inmediatamente después del triunfo, la importancia de contar con un órgano científico de divulgación y transmisión de las experiencias acumuladas en la guerra recién librada. La revista se proponía "…que a través de sus páginas se vean los trabajos realizados en los hospitales y distintas dependencias de la Sanidad Militar Cubana, que modificando su criterio individualista anterior, se convierte en la colaboración de todos los médicos militares, así como la cooperación de los colegas civiles cubanos hacia un fin que tenga verdadero valor científico, investigador y educativo(AU)

Diversidad de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en quebradas con diferente cobertura ribereña en el bosque Protector Murocomba, Ecuador

El cambio de uso de la tierra con áreas de bosques nativos convertidas a la agricultura, la ganadería y las plantaciones de bosques exóticos, es el factor principal que afecta la vegetación ribereña y las comunidades acuáticas. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las respuestas del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados acuáticos al cambio en la cobertura ribereña en el bosque protector Murocomba, Valencia, Ecuador. Se realizaron muestreos en las temporadas seca (de junio a diciembre 2014) y de lluvias (diciembre hasta abril 2015) en tres quebradas con diferentes coberturas riparias: bosques nativos Q1-CBN, pastos para agricultura y ganadería Q2-CAG y plantaciones forestales Q3-CPF, en las que se recolectaron muestras de macroinvertebrados acuáticos y se midieron diferentes variables fisicoquímicas in situ. Según el IBF y el BMWP/Col, la mejor condición ecológica se presentó en la quebrada Q1-CBN, y el EPT disminuyó en la quebrada Q2-CAG en la estación lluviosa. El índice de Shannon-Weaver mostró valores más altos en Q1-CBN y Q3-CPF en el período seco, y la dominancia aumentó en Q3-CPF en la temporada de lluvias. Un total de 6 583 macroinvertebrados fueron recolectados. El orden Coleoptera mostró una mayor abundancia en Q1-CBN y Diptera en Q2-CAG, mientras que Hemiptera mostró la menor abundancia en Q3-CPF. Los taxones Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Leptophlebiidae, Veliidae, Simuliidae, Baetidae y Leptohyphidae se asociaron con los valores más altos de sólidos disueltos y pH, así como valores más altos de IBF y valores más bajos de los índices EPT, BMWP y profundidad del canal en Q2-CAG, mientras que Leptoceridae, Elmidae, Ptilodactylidae y Philopotamidae, se asociaron con valores más altos de EPT y BMWP y con mayor profundidad en Q1-CBN y Q3-CPF. Se evidenció una influencia negativa de las actividades antrópicas en las variables fisicoquímicas y la estructura del ensamblaje de macroinvertebrados. Esto indica que la vegetación ribereña es un factor determinante para el establecimiento y la estructura de las comunidades acuáticas.

Land-use change from native forests to agriculture, livestock and exotic forest plantations is a main factor affecting riparian vegetation and aquatic communities. The aim of this study was to assess responses of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages to riparian cover change in Murocomba protective forest, Valencia, Ecuador. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected and physicochemical variables were measured during dry (June-October 2014) and rainy (December-April 2015) seasons along three creeks with different riparian cover: native forests Q1-CBN, pasture for agricultural and livestock activities Q2-CAG, and exotic forest plantations Q3-CPF. According to the Macroinvertebrate Family Biotic Index (FBI) and the Biological Monitoring Working Party Index (BMWP/Col) the best conditions existed in the creek Q1-CBN, while the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera Index (EPT) decreased in the creek Q2-CAG during the rainy season. The Shannon-Weaver index showed higher values in Q1-CBN and Q3-CPF in the dry period, and the dominance increased in the Q3-CPF in rainy season. A total of 6 583 macroinvertebrates were collected. Trichoptera was the most abundant order and Hidropsychidae the most abundant family. The Coleoptera order showed greater abundance in Q1-CBN and Diptera in Q2-CAG, while Hemiptera showed the lowest abundance in Q3-CPF. Psephenidae, Chironomidae, Leptophlebiidae, Veliidae, Simuliidae, Baetidae and Leptohyphidae were associated with the highest values of total dissolved solids and pH, as well as higher values of IBF and lower values of EPT, BMWP, and depth of the channel in Q2-CAG, whereas Leptoceridae, Elmidae, Ptilodactylidae and Philopotamidae were associated with higher values of EPT, BMWP and depth of the channel in Q1-CBN and Q3-CPF. A negative influence of anthropic activities on the physicochemical variables and structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages was evidenced. This indicates that the riparian vegetation is a factor that determines the establishment and structure of aquatic communities.

Virus oncolíticos: un arma contra el cáncer / Oncolytic viruses: a weapon against cancer

Resumen Introducción. Los virus oncolíticos son virus atenuados, mutados o que por naturaleza se dirigen y matan específicamente células tumorales, sin afectar a las células normales. La administración intratumoral del virus ofrece la oportunidad de tratar el tumor primario pero no focos metastásicos, los cuales pueden ser alcanzados mediante la administración intravenosa. Sin embargo, su eficiencia puede disminuir por la presencia de una respuesta inmunológica preexistente en los sujetos tratados. Objetivo. Exponer las técnicas utilizadas para envolver y transportar los virus con el fin de eludir el sistema inmunológico antes de que el virus llegue al tumor. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda narrativa de la literatura original y de revisión en las bases de datos PubMed, JSTOR y EBSCO sobre métodos o técnicas utilizadas para el tratamiento del cáncer mediante el uso de virus oncolíticos. Resultados. La formación de nanocomplejos entre los virus oncolíticos y biopolímeros -ya sea mediante la unión química o mediante la unión a través de interacciones electrostáticas o el uso de micropartículas, células transportadoras, liposomas, ultrasonido o terapias combinadas- es eficaz para evitar la respuesta inmunológica del huésped contra el virus. Conclusión. Para evitar la respuesta inmunológica del huésped contra los virus oncolíticos se han desarrollo diversos métodos que permiten la liberación controlada y especifica de los mismos. Sin embargo, debido a la diversidad de los virus, se debe tener en cuenta que la eficacia de los métodos de protección y transporte depende de las características bioquímicas tanto del biomaterial como del virus.

Abstract Introduction: Oncolytic viruses are attenuated, mutated, or naturally ocurring viruses that specifically kill tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Intratumoral administration of the virus offers the opportunity to treat the primary tumor but not metastatic foci, which can be done through intravenous administration. However, its efficacy may be reduced by the presence of a pre-existing immune response in treated subjects. Objective: To present the techniques used to wrap and transport viruses in order to bypass the immune system before the virus reaches the tumor. Materials and methods: A narrative search of original and review literature was conducted in the PubMed, JSTOR and EBSCO databases on methods or techniques used for the treatment of cancer using oncolytic viruses. Results: The formation of nanocomplexes between oncolytic viruses and biopolymers -either by chemical binding or electrostatic interactions, or cell-derived microparticles, carrier cells, liposomes, ultrasound or combination therapies- is effective in preventing the host's immune response against the virus. Conclusion: Different methods that depend on the type of oncolytic virus have been developed to increase the efficacy of the therapeutic response. Controlled and specific-release virus delivery systems have been developed to avoid the immune response against them. However, due to the diversity of viruses, it should be borne in mind that the effectiveness of protection and transport methods depends on the biochemical characteristics of both the biomaterial and the virus.

The Brazilian version of the Bournemouth questionnaire for low back pain: translation and cultural adaptation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Bournemouth questionnaire is a multidimensional instrument for evaluating health domains among patients with low back pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Bournemouth questionnaire for individuals with low back pain, to Brazilian Portuguese. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the Bournemouth questionnaire was developed following the processes of translation, back-translation, committee review and pre-testing. The translation phase involved two independent bilingual translators whose mother language was Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation phase involved two independent translators whose mother language was English. In order to verify comprehension of the questionnaire, 44 individuals (43.1% men) with low back pain, and with mean age of 45.4 ± 13.8 years, participated in the pre-testing phase. RESULTS: During the translation phase, some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence to the original Bournemouth questionnaire. In the pre-testing phase, each item of the questionnaire showed a comprehension level of over 90%. CONCLUSION: The Bournemouth questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to the Portuguese language, to be used among individuals with low back pain.

Comparação da força, potência muscular, agilidade e flexibilidade entre as posições de praticantes de futebol com idades entre 10 e 15 anos / Strength, muscle power, agility and flexibility comparison among soccer field positions in players aged between 10 and 15 years old

O futebol é um esporte que exige habilidades individuais e capacidades físicas. Estas características podem ser especificas às posições no campo, a fim de otimizar o desempenho e rendimento atlético. No entanto, ainda há necessidade de estudos para verificar se há diferença na força e potência muscular, agilidade e flexibilidade entre as posições em campo de crianças e adolescentes praticantes de futebol. O objetivo desse estudo é comparar o desempenho de força e potência muscular, agilidade e flexibilidade entre as posições de praticantes de futebol com idades entre 10 e 15 anos e do gênero masculino. Participaram 39 indivíduos recrutados de uma escola de futebol, com idade média de 13,1 ± 1,94 anos, tempo de prática de futebol de 5,9 ± 2,6 anos, do gênero masculino, classificados de acordo com a posição no campo. Foram realizados os testes: Single Hop Test, Shuttle Run, Teste Sentar e Alcançar e a avaliação de força dos membros inferiores por meio do dinamômetro isométrico. Os resultados foram comparados entre as posições em campo dos atletas, e não houve diferenças significativas em nenhuma das variáveis analisadas (p > 0,05). Os praticantes de futebol com idades entre 10 e 15 anos não apresentaram diferença de força e potência muscular, agilidade, flexibilidade entre as posições em campo...(AU)

Soccer is a sport that requires individuals abilities and physical fitness. These characteristics may vary according to the field position, in order to improve athletic performance and efficiency. However, there is a lack of studies that verified differences on strength, muscle power, agility and flexibility among field positions in children and adolescents soccer players. The aim of the present study is to compare muscle strength, muscle power, agility and flexibility performance among field positions of male soccer players aged between 10 and 15 years old. Thirty-nine male individuals recruited from a soccer school , with mean age of 13.1 ± 1.94 years, practice time of 5.9 ± 2.6 years, were assigned according to field positions. Single Hop Test, Shuttle Run, Sit and Reach and isometric dynamometer for lower limb strength assessment were performed. The results of the all tests comparisons showed no significant difference among field positions (p > 0.05). Soccer players aged between 10 and 15 years old showed no difference on strength, muscle power, agility and flexibility performance among soccer field positions...(AU)

Breve resumen del trabajo realizado durante el año 2018 / Brief report of 2018 work

Para comenzar 2019, realizaremos un breve resumen de los principales aspectos del trabajo realizado durante el año recién concluido. Publicamos el volumen 47, con sus cuatro números. Fueron 52 artículos en 502 páginas de las diferentes secciones de la revista. Todos los números salieron publicados en la primera mitad del periodo de vigencia de la revista(AU)

Species composition and frequency of habitat use by medium and large-sized mammals in the Brazilian Cerrado Biome, State of Tocantins

The Cerrado biome is the second largest natural vegetation type existing in Brazil after the Amazon, covering 91% of the State of Tocantins, with 30% of the territory changed as a result of the expansion of economic development areas. The substitution of natural vegetation means habitat loss on species, and may put the survival of medium and large-sized mammal species under extinction risk. These species represent significant energy demands and high requirements of area within the habitat. This study aims to assess the species composition and the frequency of use of physiognomic types of vegetation by medium and large-sized mammals. The study was conducted from 2001 to 2011 using a set of complementary and alternative techniques in fragments of seven different physiognomic types of vegetation. Fourth-seven medium and large-sized mammals were registered. This record corresponds to 92% of species already described within the biome, and five additional species to thoseregistered in the data base of the State of Tocantins. Fourteen of these species are at certain degree of threat of extinction. The most used physiognomic types of vegetation in terms of canopy cover were Cerradao, Typical Cerrado, Riparian Forest and Dense Cerrado, and the less used were Gallery Forest, Campo Sujo and Vereda.

Relato de una estrategia lúdica educativa que promueve el control de insectos de importancia médica e interés en Salud Pública / Report of a ludic educational strategy that promotes the control of insects of medical importance and interest to public health

Introducción: Lugares sin baños y sin agua limpia, combinados con falta de higiene y bajo desarrollo económico, son condiciones que favorecen la aparición de insectos. Estos pueden actuar como vectores de peligrosos agentes patógenos, y por tal motivo su control es importante para la salud pública. Objetivo: Promover la importancia de controlar y combatir los insectos vectores de patógenos mediante la planificación y presentación de actividades lúdicas (fábulas/ teatro infantil) en una comunidad rural de Santo Antonio de Jesús - Bahia ­ Brasil. Materiales y métodos: Planificamos y trabajamos una actividad lúdica, con contenido científico teórico en entomología (insectos vectores) que mimetiza con la realidad presentada y la cultura de la población objetivo: niños en edad escolar de una comunidad rural. Donde los personajes principales eran diversos tipos de insectos (moscas, mosquitos, vichunca, piojos, pulgas, chinches y abejas). Resultados: En la fábula participaron los estudiantes y la comunidad siguiendo un texto preparado llamado "La fiesta de los insectos", era una escuela de educación infantil. Tanto los niños como los maestros, los padres y otras personas entendidas y aportaban en el diálogo de la fábula utilizando la música de mayor alegría y de integración. Conclusiones: La actividad lúdica permite una mejor asimilación y expresión del niño en los temas tratados (insectos vectores), por tanto, permite y fomenta una interpretación a través de la creatividad y la conciencia crítica, lo que permite una mayor eficacia en la multiplicación de lo trabajo de información para su entorno sociocultural.(AU)

Introduction: Locations without toilets and without clean water, combined with poor hygiene and low economic development, are conditions that favor the occurrence of insects. These insects can act as vectors that provide the vehicle disease agents, finding themselves thus major public health, revealing the constant need to fight them. Objective: To promote the importance of controlling and combating insect vectors from the manufacture and development of a playfulness activity (fable / children's theater) presented in a rural community of Santo Antônio de Jesus - Bahia - Brazil. Materials and methods: We worked up a playfulness activity, with scientific theoretical content in entomology (insect vectors) that blended with the reality presented and culture of the target population: schoolchildren in a rural community. Where the main characters were various types of insects (flies, mosquitoes, kissing bug, lice, fleas, bedbugs and bees). Results: In the fable there were inserted students and community in the prepared text "The feast of insects" integrating general guiding principles and child elements, as the scene of the action was a school of early childhood education. Both children and teachers, parents and other individuals understood and inserted in the fable dialogue, which used musical means to greater playfulness and integration. Conclusions. The playfulness activity crafted allowed a better assimilation and expression of the child in the issues addressed (insect vectors) therefore allowed and encouraged an interpretation through creativity and critical awareness, allowing greater efficiency in the multiplication of the work of information for their socio-cultural environment.(AU)

Uso de pruebas estadísticas inferenciales en la Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar / Use of Inferential Statistical Tests in the Cuban Journal of Military Medicine

Introducción: desde hace años, existe un debate sobre el uso de las pruebas estadísticas inferenciales en los reportes de resultados de investigación, se destaca la crítica al empleo de las pruebas de significación estadística y sus limitaciones. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de empleo de las pruebas de significación estadística (PSE) e intervalos de confianza (IC) por tipos de estudio publicado, cómo se reflejan los resultados de estas, la influencia del tamaño de la muestra, así comosu vinculación con las conclusiones. Resultados: en el periodo 2010 - 2015 de 150 artículos originales, 98 por ciento fueron descriptivos o explicativos y de ellos, el 95 por ciento emplea las PSE, solas o con IC. Predomina el uso de las PSE solas (69 por ciento de los trabajos). En el 25 por ciento se explica la selección del nivel de significación utilizado y el 53 por ciento de los estudios reflejan las cifras exactas de las pruebas realizadas. Solo el 15 por ciento menciona la influencia del tamaño de la muestra en relación con los resultados de las pruebas estadísticas. En las conclusiones, el 86 por ciento de los artículos se refieren adecuadamente a los objetivos del estudio. Conclusiones: predomina el uso de las PSE e IC, fundamentalmente de las PSE, más de la mitad de los trabajos mencionan los resultados precisos de las pruebas, la mayoría no argumenta la relación de estos resultados con el tamaño de la muestra y los autores elaboran las conclusiones de acuerdo con los objetivos planteados en el estudio(AU)

Introduction: For years there has been a debate about the use of inferential statistical tests in the reports of research results, highlighting the criticism to the use of tests of statistical significance and its limitations. Objectives: To determine the frequency of use of statistical significance tests (SST) and confidence intervals (CI) by published study types, how the results are reported, and the influence of sample size, as well as their relationship with the conclusions. Results: In the period 2010-2015 of 150 original articles, 98 percent were descriptive or explanatory and of them, 95 percent used SST alone or with CI. The use of SST alone (69 percent of the articles) predominates. In 25 percent the significance level selection is explained and 53 percent of the studies reflect the exact figures of the tests performed. Only 15 percent mentions the influence of sample size on the results of statistical tests. In the conclusions, 86 percent of the articles refer adequately to the objectives of the study. Conclusions: SST and CI use predominate, mainly SST, more than half of the studies mention the precise results of the tests, most do not argue the relation of these results to the sample size and the authors elaborate the conclusions in accordance with the objectives set out in the study(AU)

Morfoecología de gremios en escarabajos (Coleoptera: Passalidae) en un gradiente altitudinal en robledales de la Cordillera Oriental, Colombia / Morphoecology guild in beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) along an altitudinal gradient in oak forests of the Eastern Cordillera, Colombia

ResumenLos escarabajos pasálidos son componentes importantes de los bosques tropicales debido a que facilitan el reciclaje de nutrientes propios de madera en descomposición, ya sea por acción directa (consumo) o indirecta (facilitando la acción de otros organismos). En la actualidad los estudios ecológicos dentro del grupo son escasos y se han centrado en respuestas a cambios ambientales relacionados con su recurso alimenticio. En el presente estudio se caracterizó la composición gremial de escarabajos pasálidos, distribuida en un gradiente altitudinal, de acuerdo a sus características de aprovechamiento del recurso. Se cuantificaron aspectos morfoecológicos de importancia adaptativa para la explotación diferencial del recurso (medidas corporales, puntos homólogos en cuerpo y alas y series de Fourier en protibias). Se reconocieron cinco especies, 198 grupos familiares y tres gremios: el subcortícola, el alboduramícola y el generalista. La riqueza de la comunidad disminuyó conforme aumentó la altitud. Los cambios entre las variables morfométricas lineales se vieron influenciadas por la altitud; por su parte, los datos morfogeométricos se comportaron independientes del gradiente. El análisis de marcadores morfológicos (morfogeométrico) arrojó información relevante para la delimitación de los gremios ya establecidos en esta familia. Dentro de estos, la forma general del cuerpo junto a las tibias anteriores, aportaron la mayor información de agrupación gremial. La cuantificación de dichos marcadores evidenció la relación entre los tipos de aprovechamiento del recurso, ya que al ser estructuras importantes en el movimiento y consumo de la madera en microzonas particulares, permite plantear roles funcionales puntuales. Reconocer estas variables en interacción con aquellas ecológicas brinda herramientas para el entendimiento de la riqueza y los aportes funcionales de los escarabajos pasálidos al ecosistema.

AbstractBess beetles are important components on tropical forest dead wood nutrient cycling, since they act as direct consumers and ease the consumption by another organism (indirect). Studies of bess beetle ecology are scarce and have focused on communities responses to environmental changes on alimentary resources. We characterized the bess beetles guild composition in an elevation gradient, according to their differential use of resources (microhabitat) and morphological traits quantification (geometric and lineal), as a potential tool to improve our understanding on resource use and functional ecology of beetles. Three guilds (underbark, sapwood-heartwood and generalists feeders), five species and 198 familiar groups were recognized; their richness decreased as elevation increased. Changes in linear morphometric measures were influenced by elevation; morphogeometrical measures were not associated with the elevation gradient, only grouping at guild level were observed. Morphological markers analysis (morphometric) provided information to guild delimitation. Body and metatibiae shape contributed with the best information to guild grouping. Quantification of those structural markers proved the relationship between resource repartition, because they are involved in movement on wood galleries and wood consumption, this fact allowed to propose specific functional roles. The identified patterns have contributed on the understanding of functional processes in Passalidae communities and their role in ecosystem function.

Quality of life evaluation of patients with neurogenic bladder submitted to reconstructive urological surgeries preserving the bladder

Treatment of neurogenic bladder (BN) aims to upper urinary tract protection. When the conservative clinical measures are insufficient, surgical treatment is indicated. Though admittedly important, the quality of life (QoL) has been little studied in these patients, there are even contradictory results. The aim of this study was to evaluate QoL before and after bladder augmentation in patients with BN refractory to medical treatment. We analyzed, prospectively, the data of 67 patients who underwent surgical treatment for BN by questionnaire SF-36® and Qualiveen® QoL before and after six months of operation. Comparisons using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon and the assumption of normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test were made. According to the analysis of the SF-36® questionnaire, the patients had higher QoL indices in the postoperative period in the areas functional capacity, general state of health, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects and mental health (n = 67; p <0.05). The questionnaire also revealed Qualiveen® best result in quality of life index in the postoperative period, and show lower specific negative impact by urinary problems (n = 36; p <0.05). The results show that, despite not being the main objective, the bladder augmentation results in significant improvement in QoL, probably related to the perception of better health and the resolution of urinary incontinence. Thus, the bladder augmentation associated with other urologic reconstruction techniques allows the upper urinary tract protection, and contribute to a better quality of life of patients with BN.

Paruresis / Paruresis

Paciente masculino de 36 años de edad, profesional universitario, casado en primeras nupcias, con dos hijos. Refiere dificultad para orinar en presencia de otras personas, “desde siempre”, pero actualmente le crea problemas, pues por el trabajo que ha desempeñado en los últimos 3 años tiene que viajar con relativa frecuencia. Plantea que es una persona sana, sin padecimientos psíquicos; maneja el estrés de forma satisfactoria y su situación económica la considera favorable. Previamente se estudió por urología. Se brinda información sobre la afección y se establece una estrategia de exposición in vivo, con la cooperación de la esposa y empleo de urinarios públicos para la práctica y exploración de avances. Luego de 6 meses de seguimiento y con discretos progresos, deja de asistir a consulta; regresa aproximadamente un año después, plantea que se siente mejor y la mayor parte de las veces logra efectuar la micción. Se espera a partir de la presentación de este caso, motivar a otros autores a estudiar y publicar sus hallazgos sobre esta afección en Cuba. Es la primera vez que en los años de práctica del autor como psiquiatra, un paciente le solicita ayuda por esta causa.

A 36 year-old male patient (college graduate, married his first wife, has two children) referred to always have difficulty at urinating in the presence of others, but currently this is a problem because he has to business travel quite often during in the last three years. He argues that he is healthy with no mental illnesses; he manages stress successfully and he considers having favorable economic situation. Previously he was studied at the urology service. Information about this condition is offered, and a strategy of in vivo exposure is established with the cooperation of his wife and using public urinals to practice and exploration progress. After 6 months follow-up and modest progress, he failed to attend consultation. He returned about a year later, he suggested that felt better and most of the time he achieved urination. It is expected, from the presentation of this case, to motivate others to study and publish their findings on this condition in Cuba. It is the first time a patient asks for support for this cause to this author in his years of practice as a psychiatrist.