Competing endogenous RNAs in human astrocytes: crosstalk and interacting networks in response to lipotoxicity.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by a progressive deterioration of neuronal function, leading to motor and cognitive damage in patients. Astrocytes are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis, and their functional impairment is increasingly recognized as central to the etiology of various NDs. Such impairment can be induced by toxic insults with palmitic acid (PA), a common fatty acid, that disrupts autophagy, increases reactive oxygen species, and triggers inflammation. Although the effects of PA on astrocytes have been addressed, most aspects of the dynamics of this fatty acid remain unknown. Additionally, there is still no model that satisfactorily explains how astroglia goes from being neuroprotective to neurotoxic. Current incomplete knowledge needs to be improved by the growing field of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which is proven to be related to NDs, where the complexity of the interactions among these molecules and how they control other RNA expressions need to be addressed. In the present study, we present an extensive competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network using transcriptomic data from normal human astrocyte (NHA) cells exposed to PA lipotoxic conditions and experimentally validated data on ncRNA interaction. The obtained network contains 7 lncRNA transcripts, 38 miRNAs, and 239 mRNAs that showed enrichment in ND-related processes, such as fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis, FoxO and TGF-ß signaling pathways, prion diseases, apoptosis, and immune-related pathways. In addition, the transcriptomic profile was used to propose 22 potential key controllers lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axes in ND mechanisms. The relevance of five of these axes was corroborated by the miRNA expression data obtained in other studies. MEG3 (ENST00000398461)/hsa-let-7d-5p/ATF6B axis showed importance in Parkinson's and late Alzheimer's diseases, while AC092687.3/hsa-let-7e-5p/[SREBF2, FNIP1, PMAIP1] and SDCBP2-AS1 (ENST00000446423)/hsa-miR-101-3p/MAPK6 axes are probably related to Alzheimer's disease development and pathology. The presented network and axes will help to understand the PA-induced mechanisms in astrocytes, leading to protection or injury in the CNS under lipotoxic conditions as part of the intricated cellular regulation influencing the pathology of different NDs. Furthermore, the five corroborated axes could be considered study targets for new pharmacologic treatments or as possible diagnostic molecules, contributing to improving the quality of life of millions worldwide.

Sistema de información estadística integrado de intoxicaciones agudas como base del sistema de toxicovigilancia en Angola / Statistic Information Integrated System for Acute Intoxications as the based on the Toxicovigilance System in Angola

Introducción: la intoxicación aguda, considerada como una manifestación patológica definida por signos y síntomas, se presenta por la acción de una o varias dosis de un agente tóxico. Los sistemas de vigilancia toxicológica permiten, entre otras ventajas, identificar riesgos graves de intoxicación en la comunidad. Objetivo: estructurar un sistema integrado de información estadística de las intoxicaciones agudas, como base del sistema de toxicovigilancia en Angola. Material y Métodos: se realizó el diseño de un sistema automatizado de información estadística integrado de intoxicaciones agudas, para lo cual se revisaron los modelos de recogida de datos de los reportes estadísticos de otros centros reconocidos de países como Brasil, Cuba y los Estados Unidos y se elaboró un prototipo para el CIMETOX que se correspondiera con las evidencias de causas y factores de riesgo asociados con intoxicaciones agudas. Resultados: el Sistema de Información Estadística Integrado de Toxicología creado es un sistema de reporte de consultas toxicológicas y notificación de casos, conformado por tres modelos de recogida de datos: uno, para aplicar en los Centros de Toxicología; otro, para Policlínicos y Hospitales seleccionados como sitios centinelas para registrar y notificar los casos de Intoxicación aguda que sean atendidos. La información estadística recogida en ambos modelos se integra en un tercer modelo estadístico. Conclusiones: se estructuró un sistema de información estadística integrado de intoxicaciones agudas a partir de la definición de tres modelos de recogida que constituyen la fuente fundamental de la base de datos denominada Vigcimetox(AU)

Introduction: acute intoxication is considers like specific pathology defined by signs and symptoms, is presenting by one or several doses of a toxic agent. Toxicological surveillance systems allow among other advantage identified serious risk of community intoxication. Objective: to build an integrated informational statistic system of acute intoxications as database belonging to Angolan toxic –surveillance system. Material and Methods: the design of an informational integrated statistic automatized system of acute intoxication was made to do that were reviewed the collecting primary data models of statistic reports of other recognized centers in countries like Brasil, Cuba and United State of America and was made a prototype to the CIMETOX corresponding to evidences, causes and associated risk factors with acute intoxications. Results: the informational toxicology statistic integrated system created is a report toxicology consultation system and notifying cases, made by three data collecting model. One is for applying in Toxicology Center and other to Policlinic and selecting hospital like sentry sites to register and notify the cases consulted with acute intoxication. The statistic information collected in both models is included in a third statistic model. Conclusions: it was structured an informational integrated statistic system of acute intoxication from the definition of three collecting models which made the main source of database called Vigcimetox(AU)

Centro de Información de Medicamentos y Toxicología (CIMETOX): Primer reporte de intoxicaciones agudas en Angola / Drugs and Toxicology Information Center (CIMETOX): First report of acute intoxication in Angola

Introducción: en Angola la población se encuentra frecuentemente expuesta a diversos tipos de contaminantes tóxicos debido a la actividad minera, agropecuaria e hidrocarburífera, por mencionar solo algunos riesgos de exposición, a lo cual podemos añadir el uso de plaguicidas organoclorados en campañas antivectoriales en distintas comunidades del país, entre los que se incluye el dicloro difenil tricloroetano (DDT). No existen registros nacionales regulatorios de productos químicos. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento de las intoxicaciones agudas reportadas por primera vez en Angola a partir del funcionamiento del Centro de Información de Medicamentos y Toxicología durante el 2013. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, a partir de los casos atendidos en el 2013. Se evaluó una muestra de 327 sujetos. Se clasificaron según diagnóstico clínico y se estudiaron las variables toxicoepidemiológicas recogidas en la base de datos, entre ellas: tipo de agente tóxico asociado al evento, causa de intoxicación, edad, sexo y provincia de procedencia. Los resultados se analizaron utilizando procedimientos y técnicas estadísticas.Resultados: se registraron con diagnostico clínico de intoxicación 219 personas y 108 fueron diagnosticados como reacciones adversas a medicamentos. Se observó un predominio fundamentalmente de intoxicaciones por plaguicidas (17,8 por ciento), medicamentos (14,6 por ciento), productos químicos (12,5 por ciento) y animales ponzoñosos (8,6 por cienti). La mayor frecuencia fue observada en el sexo femenino (60,5 por ciento), y la clase de edad más afectada fue el comprendido entre 11-20 años (37,3 por ciento), seguido de la clase de edad 21-40 con (34,2 por ciento). Las provincias con mayor cantidad de llamadas fueron: Malanje (39,4 por ciento), Kwanza Norte (22,3 por ciento) y Luanda (18,9 por ciento). Conclusiones: hubo un predominio de las intoxicaciones ...(AU)

Introduction: Angolan´s population is frequently exposes to diverse contaminant toxic agents because mining industry activity, agricultural and hydrocarbons industry to mention only few risk of exposure, at side, we can add the use of organ chloride pest-suppressant used in vectorial campaigns in different communities along the country among them is included the DDT. There are not national regulations registers of chemical products. Objective: characterize the behavior of acute intoxications reported by the first time in Angola Republic from the starting of CIMETOX in 2013. Material and methods: a descriptive and transversal study was done taking the cases treated during 2013. The sample assessed included 327 patients and was studied toxic-epidemiological variables included in the database like: type of toxic agent associated to the toxic event, intoxication cause, province, age and sex. The results were processed using statistical techniques and statistical procedures. Results: 327 patients intoxicated were accepted mainly with intoxication caused by pest-suppressant (17,8 percent), drugs intoxication (14,6 percent), and chemical products (12,5 percent). The highest absolute frequency has been observed in female sex (60,5 percent) and the middle class more affected was 11-20 years old (37,3 percent), followed by 21-40 years old (34,2 percent). Provinces with more phone call were: Malanje (39,4 percent), North Kwanza (22,3 percent) and Luanda (18,9 percent). Conclusions: there was an increase of intoxication caused by pest-suppressant, drugs, chemical products, ponzoñosos animals. The highest frequency was observed in female sex and middle class age was between 11 to 20 years(AU)

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 within nucleus accumbens shell modulates environment-elicited cocaine conditioning expression.

The metabotropic glutamate receptors 5 (mGluRs5) within the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) have been implicated in the modulation of psychostimulant reward. We hypothesized that blockade of mGluR5 within the NAc shell would impair cocaine conditioning in rats. For this study, animals were implanted with cannulae within the NAc shell, and separate groups were exposed to a multimodal environment within activity chambers that signaled cocaine (cocaine-paired) or saline (controls, cocaine-unpaired) injections. Prior to placing the animals in the chambers, rats received systemic intraperitoneal injections of saline or cocaine for 10 consecutive sessions. In the test session (D12), animals were exposed to the multimodal environment without any cocaine or saline pre-treatment. Before placing the rats in the chambers, separate groups of animals were infused within the NAc shell with 2.5, 12 or 25 nmol/0.5 µl/side of 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP), an antagonist of mGluR5 or with vehicle. Blockade of the mGluR5 subtype at a 2.5 nmol dose showed no significant difference in either the ambulatory distance (AD) or the vertical plane move time (VPT). In contrast, mGluR5 blockade at 12 nmol and 25 nmol decreased conditioned locomotion in the cocaine-paired groups. An association of the environmental cues with the effects of cocaine implies the involvement of memory process during the conditioning response. Our results suggest that mGluR5 within the NAc shell could be modulating the expression of memory related to the association of environmental cues with the effects of cocaine. We suggest that mGluR5 could be taking into account to further studies related with cocaine exposure and cocaine addiction treatments.

Programa educativo para ampliar información sobre infecciones de transmisión sexual en adolescentes femeninas / Educational program for further information on sexually transmitted infections in female adolescents

Se realizó un estudio de intervención pre-experimental con el objetivo de valorar la efectividad de un programa educativo para ampliar el nivel de información sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual y el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, causante del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida en un grupo de adolescentes femeninas del Consultorio Médico 89-3, ubicado en el Consejo Popular Virginia, perteneciente al Policlínico Universitario Martha Abreu de Estévez, Municipio de Santa Clara, Provincia de Villa Clara, en el período comprendido de enero de 2010 a enero de 2012. De una población de 96 adolescentes fueron seleccionadas, por el muestreo no probabilístico aleatorio simple, 40 féminas con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 19 años, previo consentimiento informado. El programa se realizó en tres etapas: presentación y creación del clima favorable al estudio, identificación de las necesidades de información y etapa de valoración de la intervención. Las adolescentes expresaron necesidades de apoyo emocional e información con relación a las infecciones de transmisión sexual y el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, causante del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida. Se ejecutó el programa de intervención, que resultó ser satisfactorio para capacitar a las adolescentes, que obtuvieron un mayor nivel de información y elevaron la percepción del riesgo sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual, así como sobre la calidad de vida; se logró una sexualidad segura y responsable en el grupo en estudio(AU)

Detección de violencia basada en género. Análisis de situación del sistema de atención primaria de salud en Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Detection of gender based violence. Analysis of the situation on the primary health care system on the city of Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCION: la justificación del presente estudio se basa en la consideración de la violencia basada en género (VBG) como un problema de salud pública y del sector salud como un espacio privilegiado para su detección. La VBG es todo acto o amenaza de tal que tenga o pueda tener como resultado un daño o sufrimiento físico, sexual o psicológico para la mujer.OBJETIVO: realizar un análisis de situación del sistema de Atención Primaria de Salud de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) en relación a su capacidad de respuesta frente a la VBG. METODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis de situación para caracterizar, analizar e interpretar cada centro frente a la VGB.Se aplicaron dos encuestas. Los sujetos fueron todos aquellos profesionales que atienden a mujeres de 21 años y más en los Centros de Salud y Acción Comunitaria de la CABA. RESULTADOS:respondieron 512 participantes, 415 eran mujeres, edad promedio de 44 años. El 49,7% refirió tener conocimientos poco o nada suficientes en esta problemática. Entre el 81,7 % yel 88, 6 % se reconoció como medianamente o poco capacitado en detección de VBG. El 72,3% consideró que la detección de VBG en la consulta debe realizarse en forma sistemática.CONCLUSIONES: los resultados indican la importancia de la capacitación de los profesionales de la salud para mejorar su práctica en la detección de la VBG (AU)

INTRODUCTION: the justification of the present study is based on the consideration of gender based violence(GBV) as a public health issue and the health sector as a privileged space for its detection. GBV is understood as any act or threat that has or could have as a result injuries or physical, sexual or psychological suffering for a woman.OBJECTIVES: To perform an analysis of the situation in the Primary Health Care System, on the City of Buenos Aires in relationship to its responding capacity to Gender based Violence (GBV). METHODS: Descriptive study on transversal cut. The analysis allowed characterizing, understanding andinterpreting the situation of each centre in relationship to GBV. Two polls were carried out. The subjects were all those professionals who attend to women over 21 years of age on the Health and Community Centers in CABA. RESULTS:512 participants responded. 415 were women; average age was 44 years old. The 49.7% acknowledged having little or no knowledge regarding the problematic. Between the 81.7 % and 88.6% recognized them selves as being medium or little qualified on detecting GBV. The 72.3 % considered that GBV detection in health appointments should be done systematically. CONCLUSIONS: the results indicate the importance of health professionalÆs qualification in order to improve their practice in detecting GBV (AU)

Detección de violencia basada en género: análisis de situación del sistema de atención primaria de salud en Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Detection of gender based violence: analysis of the situation on the primary health care system on the city of Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCIÓN: la justificación del presente estudio se basa en la consideración de la violencia basada en género (VBG) como un problema de salud pública y del sector salud como un espacio privilegiado para su detección. La VBG es todo acto o amenaza de tal que tenga o pueda tener como resultado un daño o sufrimiento físico, sexual o psicológico para la mujer.OBJETIVO: realizar un análisis de situación del sistema de Atención Primaria de Salud de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) en relación a su capacidad de respuesta frente a la VBG. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se realizó un análisis de situación para caracterizar, analizar e interpretar cada centro frente a la VGB.Se aplicaron dos encuestas. Los sujetos fueron todos aquellos profesionales que atienden a mujeres de 21 años y más en los Centros de Salud y Acción Comunitaria de la CABA. RESULTADOS:respondieron 512 participantes, 415 eran mujeres, edad promedio de 44 años. El 49,7% refirió tener conocimientos poco o nada suficientes en esta problemática. Entre el 81,7 % yel 88, 6 % se reconoció como medianamente o poco capacitado en detección de VBG. El 72,3% consideró que la detección de VBG en la consulta debe realizarse en forma sistemática.CONCLUSIONES: los resultados indican la importancia de la capacitación de los profesionales de la salud para mejorar su práctica en la detección de la VBG.

INTRODUCTION: the justification of the present study is based on the consideration of gender based violence(GBV) as a public health issue and the health sector as a privileged space for its detection. GBV is understood as any act or threat that has or could have as a result injuries or physical, sexual or psychological suffering for a woman.OBJECTIVES: To perform an analysis of the situation in the Primary Health Care System, on the City of Buenos Aires in relationship to its responding capacity to Gender based Violence (GBV). METHODS: Descriptive study on transversal cut. The analysis allowed characterizing, understanding andinterpreting the situation of each centre in relationship to GBV. Two polls were carried out. The subjects were all those professionals who attend to women over 21 years of age on the Health and Community Centers in CABA. RESULTS:512 participants responded. 415 were women; average age was 44 years old. The 49.7% acknowledged having little or no knowledge regarding the problematic. Between the 81.7 % and 88.6% recognized them selves as being medium or little qualified on detecting GBV. The 72.3 % considered that GBV detection in health appointments should be done systematically. CONCLUSIONS: the results indicate the importance of health professional’s qualification in order to improve their practice in detecting GBV.

Eficiencia técnica de la atención al paciente con diabetes en el primer nivel / Technical efficiency in primary care for patients with diabetes

OBJETIVO: Cuantificar en un primer nivel la eficiencia técnica de la atención al paciente con diabetes y distinguir la provisión de servicios y los resultados en salud, además de reconocer las fuentes potenciales de variación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron insumos, actividades clínicas y resultados en salud de 47 clínicas familiares del IMSS Nuevo León. La medida de la eficiencia se realizó mediante el análisis envolvente de datos y se aplicaron modelos de regresión de Tobit. RESULTADOS: Siete clínicas fueron eficientes en cuanto a la provisión de servicios y nueve en salud; dos coincidieron en ambos aspectos. La localización metropolitana y el total de consultas favorecieron la eficiencia en relación con la provisión de servicios, cualesquiera que fueran los atributos del paciente; y la edad del médico, la eficiencia de los resultados en salud. CONCLUSIONES: El desempeño varió en una misma unidad y entre una y otra; algunas fueron eficientes para suministrar servicios y otras para mejorar la salud. Las fuentes de variación también difirieron. Se recomienda incluir ambos productos en el estudio de la eficiencia en diabetes en el primer nivel.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the technical efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings, characterize the provision of services and health results, and recognize potential sources of variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data envelopment analysis with inputs and outputs for diabetes care from 47 family units within a social security agency in Nuevo Leon. Tobit regression models were also used. RESULTS: Seven units were technically efficient in providing services and nine in achieving health goals. Only two achieved both outcomes. The metropolitan location and the total number of consultations favored efficiency in the provision of services regardless of patient attributes; and the age of the doctor, the efficiency of health results. CONCLUSIONS: Performance varied within and among family units; some were efficient at providing services while others at accomplishing health goals. Sources of variation also differed. It is necessary to include both outputs in the study of efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings.

[Technical efficiency in primary care for patients with diabetes]. / Eficiencia técnica de la atención al paciente con diabetes en el primer nivel.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the technical efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings, characterize the provision of services and health results, and recognize potential sources of variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data envelopment analysis with inputs and outputs for diabetes care from 47 family units within a social security agency in Nuevo Leon. Tobit regression models were also used. RESULTS: Seven units were technically efficient in providing services and nine in achieving health goals. Only two achieved both outcomes. The metropolitan location and the total number of consultations favored efficiency in the provision of services regardless of patient attributes; and the age of the doctor, the efficiency of health results. CONCLUSIONS: Performance varied within and among family units; some were efficient at providing services while others at accomplishing health goals. Sources of variation also differed. It is necessary to include both outputs in the study of efficiency of diabetes care in family practice settings.

Preferential selection of Cys-constrained peptides from a random phage-displayed library by anti-glucitollysine antibodies.

Phage-displayed peptides recognized by two monoclonal antibodies against glucitollysine were selected. The most prominent feature of the peptide panel was the presence of paired Cys in most of them (21/24 peptides). The availability of a wide variety of peptides having differently spaced paired Cys, as well as truly linear Cys-free peptides, gave the opportunity to explore the role of disulfide bridges in phage selection. Some Cys-containing peptides came from a Cys-flanked cyclic 9-mer library, but most of them (18/21) were derived from a totally random 12-mer library, and hence the presence of Cys was dictated by the selector antibodies. Motifs shared by several peptides (potentially involved in binding) often contained or were flanked by Cys residues. Binding of all Cys-containing phage-displayed peptides was abolished/decreased after a reducing treatment. Screening a random peptide library (without invariant Cys residues) is powerful enough to clearly reveal the need, preferences, and diversity of Cys-mediated structural constraints for recognition.

Flower morphology, pollination biology and mating system of the complex flower of Vigna caracalla (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vigna caracalla has the most complex flower among asymmetrical Papilionoideae. The objective of this study was to understand the relationships among floral characteristics, specialization, mating system and the role of floral visitors under different ecological contexts. METHODS: Five populations were studied in north-western Argentina, from 700 to 1570 m a.s.l. Anthesis, colour and odour patterns, stigmatic receptivity, visitors and pollination mechanism were examined and mating-system experiments were performed. KEY RESULTS: The petals are highly modified and the keel shows 3.75-5.25 revolutions. The sense of asymmetry was always left-handed. Hand-crosses showed that V. caracalla is self-compatible, but depends on pollinators to set seeds. Hand-crossed fruits were more successful than hand-selfed ones, with the exception of the site at the highest elevation. Bombus morio (queens and workers), Centris bicolor, Eufriesea mariana and Xylocopa eximia trigger the pollination mechanism (a 'brush type'). The greatest level of self-compatibility and autonomous self-pollination were found at the highest elevation, together with the lowest reproductive success and number of pollinators (B. morio workers only). CONCLUSIONS: Self-fertilization may have evolved in the peripheral population at the highest site of V. caracalla because of the benefits of reproductive assurance under reduced pollinator diversity.

Detection of Rubisco and mycotoxins as potential contaminants of a plantibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen purified from tobacco.

Antibodies have been one of the proteins widely expressed in tobacco plants for pharmaceutical purposes, which demand contaminant free preparations. Rubisco constitutes 40-60% of tobacco leaf soluble proteins; therefore it is the major potential protein contaminant of plantibodies, while mycotoxins are toxic compounds that could be introduced during the biomass production and post-harvest stages with important consequences to human health. The objective of this paper was to investigate whether Rubisco and mycotoxins are present in Plantibody HB-01 preparations used in the immunopurification of the hepatitis B surface antigen. Rubisco was purified from Nicotiana tabacum yielding 154 microg of protein per gram of leaves and purity over 95%. Among mouse monoclonal antibodies generated against this enzyme, the CBSS.Rub-2 was selected for its immunodetection. It recognizes a conserved sequential epitope of Rubisco large subunit with an affinity constant of 0.13 x 10(8)M(-1). Rubisco quantification limit was 1 microg spreading to the measurement of this contaminant less than 4% of plantibodies samples. Additionally, according to a Reverse Phase-HPLC used to measure the level of adventitiously introduced contaminants, it can be concluded that aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 were undetected in the purified Plantibody HB-01 samples.

[Perception of mistreatment during medical residency training]. / Percepción de maltrato durante la capacitación de médicos residentes.

Because previous investigations show that mistreatment during residency is frequent we undertook this research to assess the prevalence of psychological abuse, physical violence and sexual harassment in residency training programs and the professional status of perpetrators. Through a literature review and a previous qualitative study we developed a self-administered questionnaire. Thirteen events that could be experienced by residents and ten possible perpetrators were described in the questionnaire. Residents were asked to record whether they had experienced these events, at least once, and who was responsible. This survey was distribuided among the residents from three hospitals of Buenos Aires city. A total of 322 residents answered the questionnaire (55% women) 72% of whom worked in clinical programs, 22% in surgical programs, and 6% in diagnostic programs. Mistreatment was reported by 89% of the residents. On average each resident recorded 8 different episodes of mistreatment, such as being criticized for not completing administrative work (75%), being shouted at (64%), being humiliated in public (57%), sexual harassment (10%), being exposed to pornographic material without permission (7%), being hit or pushed (15%), suffering racial or religious discrimination (10%). The most common perpetrators were senior residents (26%), chief resident (19%), attending physicians (14%), and nurses (8%). Mistreatment and abuse are commonly experienced by residents in training programs. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address this problem in the training environment.

[Validation of a short questionnaire to use in clinical consultations to detect gender violence]. / Validación de un cuestionario breve para detectar situaciones de violencia de género en las consultas clínicas.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a Spanish-language questionnaire to be used in primary care consultations to detect cases of violence against women. METHODS: The validation study was carried out between October 2002 and October 2003 in the Program of General Internal Medicine of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Buenos Aires, in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The original version of this Spanish-language questionnaire had been developed in sexual and reproductive health clinics of five countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The questionnaire covered the most frequent forms of gender-based violence (emotional, physical, sexual, and sexual abuse during childhood); explored how and when the violence occurred and who perpetrated it; and investigated the patient's perception of her current risk. In the research in Buenos Aires the format and theoretical content of the survey were evaluated, and linguistic and psychometric validations were also carried out. The reliability of the tool was assessed in terms of its reproducibility, stability, and internal consistency. RESULTS: The study found that the women surveyed in Buenos Aires had a good understanding of the questions, the examples given with the questions, and the response options. The women did not perceive the survey as being intimidating or as an intrusion into their private lives. The women generally regarded the use of the survey in primary care settings as a key opportunity for them to express their suffering and to receive assistance. The level of agreement for the answers to the questions in all five areas (psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse during childhood, and perception of current risk) was very high, in terms of both reproducibility (kappa values of 0.63 to 1.00) and stability (kappa values of 0.62 to 1.00). The alpha correlation coefficient for internal consistency was 0.755 for psychological violence and physical violence, 0.498 for psychological violence and sexual violence, 0.596 for physical violence and sexual violence, and 0.715 for the different manifestations of violence (psychological, physical, sexual, and abuse during childhood). CONCLUSION: This research demonstrated the soundness of the brief questionnaire, in terms of its format, content, comprehensiveness, and reliability. This instrument can be used in clinical consultations to detect situations of psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, and sexual abuse during childhood.

Validación de un cuestionario breve para detectar situaciones de violencia de género en las consultas clínicas / Validation of a short questionnaire to use in clinical consultations to detect gender violence

Objetivos. Validar un cuestionario diseñado para detectar casos de violencia, en consultorios de atención primaria, hacia mujeres de habla hispana. Métodos. El estudio de validación se llevó a cabo entre octubre de 2002 y octubre de 2003 en el Programa de Medicina Interna General del Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El cuestionario original en español se había formulado en clínicas de salud sexual y reproductiva de cinco países de América Latina y el Caribe. En él se abarcaban las formas más frecuentes de violencia basada en el género (VBG) (emocional, física, sexual y abuso sexual durante la niñez); se exploraba cómo, cuándo y quién perpetró la agresión, y se indagaba acerca de la percepción de la paciente con respecto al peligro en que se encontraba. Durante la investigación en Buenos Aires se evaluaron el formato y el contenido teórico de la encuesta y se realizaron validaciones lingüística y psicométrica. Se evaluó la confiabilidad del instrumento en términos de reproducibilidad, estabilidad y coherencia interna. Resultados. Se comprobó que las mujeres encuestadas comprendieron bien las preguntas, los ejemplos dados y las opciones de respuesta y que no percibieron la encuesta como un elemento de intimidación, ni una intromisión en su vida privada. En general consideraron su aplicación en el ámbito de la atención primaria como una oportunidad clave para expresar su sufrimiento y recibir ayuda. El nivel de concordancia entre las respuestas en las cinco áreas exploradas (violencia psicológica, violencia psíquica, violencia sexual, abuso sexual en la niñez y percepción del riesgo actual) fue muy alta, tanto en lo que respecta a reproducibilidad (valores de kappa de 0,63 a 1,00) como a estabilidad (valores de kappa de 0,62 a 1,00). La coherencia interna, evaluada mediante el coeficiente de correlación alfa, fue de 0,755 entre la violencia psíquica y la física, de 0,498 entre la violencia psíquica y la sexual, de 0,596 entre la violencia física y la sexual, y de 0,715 entre las diferentes manifestaciones de violencia (psíquica, física, sexual y abuso sexual durante la niñez). Conclusión. Se demostró la solidez de este cuestionario breve de evaluación, tanto por su formato y su contenido como por su carácter integral y confiabilidad. Este cuestionario puede emplearse en las consultas clínicas para detectar situaciones de violencia psíquica, física y sexual, así como de abuso sexual durante la niñez

Objective. To validate a Spanish-language questionnaire to be used in primary care consultations to detect cases of violence against women. Methods. The validation study was carried out between October 2002 and October 2003 in the Program of General Internal Medicine of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Buenos Aires, in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The original version of this Spanish-language questionnaire had been developed in sexual and reproductive health clinics of five countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The questionnaire covered the most frequent forms of gender-based violence (emotional, physical, sexual, and sexual abuse during childhood); explored how and when the violence occurred and who perpetrated it; and investigated the patient's perception of her current risk. In the research in Buenos Aires the format and theoretical content of the survey were evaluated, and linguistic and psychometric validations were also carried out. The reliability of the tool was assessed in terms of its reproducibility, stability, and internal consistency. Results. The study found that the women surveyed in Buenos Aires had a good understanding of the questions, the examples given with the questions, and the response options. The women did not perceive the survey as being intimidating or as an intrusion into their private lives. The women generally regarded the use of the survey in primary care settings as a key opportunity for them to express their suffering and to receive assistance. The level of agreement for the answers to the questions in all five areas (psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, sexual abuse during childhood, and perception of current risk) was very high, in terms of both reproducibility (kappa values of 0.63 to 1.00) and stability (kappa values of 0.62 to 1.00). The alpha correlation coefficient for internal consistency was 0.755 for psychological violence and physical violence, 0.498 for psychological violence and sexual violence, 0.596 for physical violence and sexual violence, and 0.715 for the different manifestations of violence (psychological, physical, sexual, and abuse during childhood). Conclusion. This research demonstrated the soundness of the brief questionnaire, in terms of its format, content, comprehensiveness, and reliability. This instrument can be used in clinical consultations to detect situations of psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, and sexual abuse during childhood