A novel membrane-based process to concentrate nutrients from sidestreams of an Urban Wastewater Treatment Plant through captured carbon dioxide from biogas.

Among the challenges that wastewater treatment plants face in the path towards sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions and decrease the amount of waste highlight. Within these wastes, those that can cause eutrophication, such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) are of great concern. Herein we study a novel process to concentrate nutrients via membrane technology. In particular, we propose the use of forward osmosis, applying the carbonated solvent which contains the CO2 captured from the biogas stream as draw solution. This carbonated solvent has a high potential osmotic pressure, which can be used in forward osmosis to concentrate the nutrients stream. To this end, we present the results of an experimental plan specifically designed and performed to evaluate two main parameters: (1) nutrients concentration; and (2) water recovery. The process designed involves pH adjustment, membrane filtration to separate solids, pH reduction and forward osmosis concentration of nutrients. With this process, concentrations factor for nutrients in between 2 and 2.5 and water recovery of approximately 50 % with water flux of 7 to 8 L/(m2h) can be achieved.

Comparison of the Influence of Oxygen Groups Introduced by Graphene Oxide on the Activity of Carbon Felt in Vanadium and Anthraquinone Flow Batteries.

An increasing number of studies focus on organic flow batteries (OFBs) as possible substitutes for the vanadium flow battery (VFB), featuring anthraquinone derivatives, such as anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonic acid (2,7-AQDS). VFBs have been postulated as a promising energy storage technology. However, the fluctuating cost of vanadium minerals and risky supply chains have hampered their implementation, while OFBs could be prepared from renewable raw materials. A critical component of flow batteries is the electrode material, which can determine the power density and energy efficiency. Yet, and in contrast to VFBs, studies on electrodes tailored for OFBs are scarce. Hence, in this work, we propose the modification of commercial carbon felts with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and poly(ethylene glycol) for the 2,7-AQDS redox couple and to preliminarily assess its effects on the efficiency of a 2,7-AQDS/ferrocyanide flow battery. Results are compared to those of a VFB to evaluate if the benefits of the modification are transferable to OFBs. The modification of carbon felts with surface oxygen groups introduced by the presence of rGO enhanced both its hydrophilicity and surface area, favoring the catalytic activity toward VFB and OFB reactions. The results are promising, given the improved behavior of the modified electrodes. Parallels are established between the electrodes of both FB technologies.

An Environmental-friendly Procedure Based on Deep Eutectic Solvent for Extraction and Determination of Toxic Elements in Fish Species from Different Regions of Iraq.

In this study, an eco-friendly procedure was established by vortex-assisted liquid-phase microextraction based on deep eutectic solvent (VA-LPME-DES) combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The performance of this method was demonstrated by the extraction and analysis of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in fish samples. The hydrophobic DES is considered as a green extractant (environmentally friendly and less toxic than common organic solvents) and is a suitable alternative to common toxic organic solvents and is made of l-menthol and ethylene glycol (EG) with a molar ratio of 1:1. Under optimized conditions, the method linearity was in the ranges of 0.15-150 µg kg-1 with the coefficient of determinations (r2) higher than 0.996. Accordingly, the detection limits for Pb, Cd, and Hg were 0.05, 0.05, and 0.10 µg kg-1, respectively. The analysis of fish samples showed that the concentration of toxic elements in fish caught from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers is much higher than the concentration of these elements in locally farmed trout fish. Also, the analysis of fish-certified reference materials with presented procedure produced results that were in good agreement with the certified values. The results showed that VA-LPME-DES is a very cheap, fast, and environmental-friendly procedure for the analysis of toxic elements in different types of fish species.

Phosphate Ion Removal from Synthetic and Real Wastewater Using MnFe2O4 Nanoparticles: A Reusable Adsorbent.

The purpose of this study was to eliminate phosphate (P) from wastewater using MnFe2O4 nanoparticles. BET, TGA/DTG, FTIR, SEM, TEM, VSM, XRD and EDX/Map analyses were used to determine the MnFe2O4 surface properties. The specific surface area of the adsorbent was 196.56 m2/g and VSM analysis showed that the adsorbent has a ferromagnetic property. The maximum P sorption efficiency using MnFe2O4 (98.52%) was achieved at pH 6, temperature of 55 °C, P concentration of 10 mg/L, time of 60 min, and sorbent dosage of 2.5 g/L, which is a significant value. Also, the thermodynamic study indicated that the P sorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Moreover, the utmost sorption capacity of P using MnFe2O4 was 39.48 mg/g. Besides, MnFe2O4 can be used for up to 6 reuse cycles with high sorption efficiency (>91%). Also, MnFe2O4 was able to remove phosphate, COD, and BOD5 from municipal wastewater with considerable removal efficiencies of 82.7%, 75.8%, and 77.3%, respectively.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Eight Blood Banks in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The true prevalence of Chagas disease in Mexico is unknown. However, it has been estimated that 1.1-4 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, which represents a potential risk for transmission of the disease via contaminated blood. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the Chagas disease seroprevalence in donors from eight blood banks in the north of Mexico City, and the northeast of the State of Mexico. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum samples from blood donors (n = 515,038) were tested to detect the presence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in eight blood banks. The serologic screening test was performed in each of the blood banks. To confirm the seropositive blood donors, only two out of the eight blood banks used a test with a different principle with the aim of identifying anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies. All tests were validated by the Mexican Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and ten blood donors were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, which represents a 0.23% seroprevalence (95% CI 0.22-0.25%). Of the seropositive blood donors, 97.03 % resided in the northeast area of the State of Mexico, Mexico City, and southern part of the State of Hidalgo. CONCLUSIONS: Active transmission of Chagas disease may be occurring in non-endemic regions in the northeast of the State of Mexico.

Análisis de costoefectividad de la oximetría de pulso como prueba de detección de las cardiopatías congénitas críticas en México.

OBJETIVO: Realizar un análisis de costoefectividad de la oximetría de pulso como prueba de detección neonatal de las cardiopatías congénitas críticas (CCC) en México. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de evaluación económica desde la perspectiva de los proveedores de servicios de salud. A través de un árbol de decisiones se comparó la examinación física versus la examinación física junto con la prueba de oxi-metría de pulso (POP). RESULTADOS: Por cada 10 000 recién nacidos, la alternativa con la POP detectó 32 casos adicionales de CCC, con una razón de costoefectividad incremental de 1 219 USD y una probabilidad de costoefectividad mayor a 90% con una disposición a pagar de 25 000 USD por cada detección temprana. Conclusión. La costoefectividad de la POP, como tamiz neonatal cardiaco, es mayor en México que en países de altos ingresos, y representa una inversión costoefectiva para ganar años de vida en la población infantil de México.

What Opportunities Exist for Making the Food Supply Nutrition Friendly? A Policy Space Analysis in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: As part of a global policy response for addressing malnutrition, food system actions have been proposed. Within food system interventions, policies directed to supply chains have the potential to increase the availability and affordability of a healthy diet. This qualitative study aimed to identify opportunities to integrate nutrition as a priority into the food supply policy space in Mexico. METHODS: Data were collected through analysis of 19 policy documents and 20 semi-structured stakeholder interviews. As an analytical framework, we used policy space analysis and embedded the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and the steps of the food chain of the conceptual framework of food systems for diets and nutrition. RESULTS: Policy issues relevant to nutrition were viewed differently in the economic and agricultural sectors versus the health sector. Overall, the main policy objective related to nutrition within the economic and agricultural sectors was to contribute to food security in terms of food quantity. Nutrition was an objective in itself only in the health sector, with a focus on food quality. Our policy space analysis reveals an opportunity to promote a new integrated vision with the recent creation of an intersectoral group working on the public agenda for a food system transformation. This newer integrative narrative on food systems presents an opportunity to shift the existing food security narrative from quantity towards considerations of diet quality. CONCLUSION: The political context and public agenda are favorable to pursue a food system transformation to deliver sustainable healthy diets. Mexico can provide a case study for other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for putting nutrition at the center of food policy, despite the ongoing constraints on achieving this.

Infección por Helicobacter pylori y la hemorragia digestiva alta / Helicobacter Pylori infection and upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Determinar la relación entre la infección por Helicobacter pylori y hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) y su frecuencia fue el objetivo de la investigación, siendo ésta de tipo descriptivo correlacional con 50 pacientes con hemorragia digestiva, que acudieron al Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza de Perú, durante los meses de julio a octubre del 2021. Se elaboró un instrumento de recolección de información para las variables; edad, género, procedencia, ocupación y grado de instrucción. Se determinó la presencia de H. pylori a través de la realización de biopsia gástrica (identificación histopatológica). Para determinar la correspondencia entre las variables de la investigación, se utilizó la correlación de Pearson. Al evaluar el riesgo entre las patologías gastrointestinales y sufrir HDA se encontró para enfermedad ulcero péptica un (OR=7,1 IC: 1,394-35,987), gastritis (OR=13,7 IC: 1,068-174,81), y litiasis vesicular (OR=1,2 IC: 1,056-1,352). Dentro de los hábitos de los pacientes con HDA, 1 de cada 4 reportó consumir bebidas alcohólicas, 1 de cada 8 manifestó tabaquismo, y 1 de 2 reportó hábito cafeico. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre las variables hemorragia digestiva alta e infección por H. Pylori, ya que el coeficiente reportado es igual a 0,685. Se determinó una correlación positiva entre las variables hemorragia digestiva alta e infección por H. pylori en pacientes valorados por el servicio de gastroenterología del hospital. La infección por H. Pylori es de prevalencia elevada en la población general, sin embargo, el estudio muestra que no se manifiesta frecuentemente con sintomatología sangrante alta(AU)

Determining the relationship between infection by Helicobacter pylori and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGH) and its frequency was the objective of the investigation, this being descriptive correlational with 50 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, who attended the Gastroenterology Service of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital. from Peru, during the months of July to October 2021. An information recollection instrument was developed for the variables; age, gender, origin, occupation and level of education. The presence of H. pylori was determined by performing a gastric biopsy (histopathological identification). To determine the correspondence between the research variables, the Pearson correlation was used. When evaluating the risk between gastrointestinal pathologies and suffering from UGIB, peptic ulcer disease (OR=7.1 CI: 1.394-35.987), gastritis (OR=13.7 CI: 1.068-174.81), and gallstones were found. (OR=1.2 CI:1.056-1.352). Among the habits of patients with HDA, 1 out of 4 reported consuming alcoholic beverages, 1 out of 8 reported smoking, and 1 out of 2 reported a coffee habit. A positive correlation was found between the variables upper gastrointestinal bleeding and H. Pylori infection, since the reported coefficient is equal to 0.685. A positive correlation was found between the variables upper gastrointestinal bleeding and H. pylori infection in patients assessed by the gastroenterology service of the hospital. H. Pylori infection is highly prevalent in the general population, however, the study shows that it does not manifest frequently with high bleeding symptoms(AU)

Actividad física, composición corporal y capacidad músculo-esquelética en adolescentes escolarizados de Floridablanca, Colombia / Physical activity, body composition and musculoskeletal capacity of teenage students from Floridablanca, Colombia

Introducción: La inactividad física es un factor de riesgo comportamental asociado a enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. La composición corporal y la capacidad músculo-esquelética son componentes de la aptitud física orientada a la salud. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación entre la composición corporal y la capacidad músculo-esquelética de la población de estudio. Métodos: Estudio correlacional realizado en 102 estudiantes adolescentes. Las variables se analizaron en medidas de tendencia central o frecuencias según su naturaleza. Se utilizó la prueba T de Student y exacta de Fischer para establecer diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las variables continúas y categóricas respectivamente. Se calculó coeficiente de Pearson para establecer una posible correlación en las variables de interés. El nivel de significancia fue de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: El 76,47 por ciento de los participantes no cumple con las recomendaciones de actividad física para la salud. El 16,66 por ciento de los estudiantes presentan sobrepeso/obesidad y el 26,47 por ciento presenta un porcentaje de grasa en riesgo para la salud. El 48,08 por ciento de los adolescentes presentan niveles de fuerza resistencia saludables. Se determinó una correlación negativa entre el porcentaje de grasa y la fuerza explosiva del tren inferior (p = 0,0000), y la fuerza resistencia del tren superior (p = 0,0000) Conclusiones: La mayoría de los estudiantes son físicamente inactivos, un poco más de la cuarta parte y la mitad de la población de estudio presenta un porcentaje de grasa y niveles de fuerza resistencia del tren superior poco saludables. Se estableció una correlación negativa entre el porcentaje de grasa y los niveles de fuerza de los participantes(AU)

Introduction: Physical inactivity is a behavioral risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. Body composition and musculoskeletal capacity are component parts of a health-oriented physical condition. Objective: Determine the correlation between body composition and musculoskeletal capacity in the study population. Methods: A correlational study was conducted of 102 teenage students. Variables were analyzed as measures of central tendency or frequencies, depending on their nature. Student's t-test and Fischer's exact test were used to establish statistically significant differences between continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Pearson's coefficient was estimated to establish a possible correlation in the variables of interest. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the total participants 76.47 percent do not comply with the recommendations about physical activity for health. 16.66 percent of the students are overweight / obese and 26.47 percent have a health-risky fat percentage. 48.08 percent of the teenagers display healthy resistance strength levels. A negative correlation was determined between fat percentage and explosive strength of the lower body (p = 0.0000) and resistance strength of the upper body (p = 0.0000). Conclusions: Most of the students are physically inactive. A bit over one fourth and half the study population have unhealthy fat percentages and upper body resistance strength levels. A negative correlation was established between the fat percentage and the strength levels of participants(AU)

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic early learning curve for major lung resections in a high volume training center.

BACKGROUND: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for major lung resections is a novel upcoming approach, with increasing popularity worldwide. However, there is little literature regarding this technique's learning curve. We present our experience of the early learning curve of the uniportal VATS major lung resections in a high volume training centre, whilst analysing the advantages. METHODS: Sixty selected consecutive patients underwent uniportal VATS major lung resections, for early stage disease of NSCLC and benign disease during the learning curve of a single surgeon in a high volume training centre from July to October 2015. The perioperative variables and outcomes were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The 60 patients undergoing a uniportal VATS approach included 47 lobectomies and 13 segmental resections, among which 56 cases of lung cancer and 4 of benign pulmonary disease were noted. Right upper lobectomy (RUL) was the most common procedure (42%). The mean operation time was 192.3±45.4 minutes, average blood loss was 167.9±94.4 mL. For patients with lung cancer, the total amount of lymph node stations sampled or dissected were 4.2±0.8. Chest drain duration was 2.9±0.9 days and length of hospital stay (LOS) was 4.38±1 days. Prolonged air leak (PAL) was the most common complication in 8.3% of the cases. PAL was the cause of prolonged hospital stay. One case was converted to thoracotomy for major bleeding. There were no deaths 30 days after surgery or readmissions. All cases had a R0 complete cancer resection on histology. CONCLUSIONS: The uniportal VATS lobectomy and segmentectomy early learning curve in a high volume training centre is a safe venture, allowing surgeons to reach an expert level faster and perform more complex resections with a shorter training time.

Economic impact of dengue in Mexico considering reported cases for 2012 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Given that dengue disease is growing and may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), data on economic cost and disease burden are important. However, data for Mexico are limited. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Burden of dengue fever (DF) and DHF in Mexico was assessed using official databases for epidemiological information, disabilities weights from Shepard et al, the reported number of cases and deaths, and costs. Overall costs of dengue were summed from direct medical costs to the health system, cost of dengue to the patient (out-of-pocket expenses [medical and non-medical], indirect costs [loss of earnings, patient and/or caregiver]), and other government expenditures on prevention/surveillance. The first three components, calculated as costs per case by a micro-costing approach (PAATI; program, actions, activities, tasks, inputs), were scaled up to overall cost using epidemiology data from official databases. PAATI was used to calculate cost of vector control and prevention, education, and epidemiological surveillance, based on an expert consensus and normative construction of an ideal scenario. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for Mexico in 2016 were calculated to be 2283.46 (1.87 per 100,000 inhabitants). Overall economic impact of dengue in Mexico for 2012 was US$144 million, of which US$44 million corresponded to direct medical costs and US$5 million to the costs from the patient's perspective. The estimated cost of prevention/surveillance was calculated with information provided by federal government to be US$95 million. The overall economic impact of DF and DHF showed an increase in 2013 to US$161 million and a decrease to US$133, US$131 and US$130 million in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The medical and economic impact of dengue were in agreement with other international studies, and highlight the need to include governmental expenditure for prevention/surveillance in overall cost analyses given the high economic impact of these, increasing the necessity to evaluate its effectiveness.

Strategies to improve the medical device life cycle in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of stakeholders to three alternative strategies to improve processes and practices regarding the regulation, assessment, and management of orthopaedic medical devices in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on document analysis and 17 structured interviews with multiple key actors within the Mexican health system to inform a stakeholder analysis aiming at assessing the political feasibility of these strategies. RESULTS: Central level government agencies, those with a relation to quality of care, were identified as most relevant stakeholders to influence the adaption and application of the strategies. Major barriers identified are financial and human resources, and organisational culture towards reform. CONCLUSIONS: Discussed strategies are political feasible. However, solving identified barriers is crucial to achieve changes directed to improve outputs and outcomes of medical device life cycle and positively influence the quality of health care and the health system's performance.

Strategies to improve the medical device life cycle in Mexico / Estrategias para mejorar el ciclo de vida de dispositivos médicos en México

Abstract Objective To analyze the role of stakeholders to three alternative strategies to improve processes and practices regarding the regulation, assessment, and management of orthopaedic medical devices in Mexico. Materials and methods The study was based on document analysis and 17 structured interviews with multiple key actors within the Mexican health system to inform a stakeholder analysis aiming at assessing the political feasibility of these strategies. Results Central level government agencies, those with a relation to quality of care, were identified as most relevant stakeholders to influence the adaption and application of the strategies. Major barriers identified are financial and human resources, and organisational culture towards reform. Conclusion Discussed strategies are political feasible. However, solving identified barriers is crucial to achieve changes directed to improve outputs and outcomes of medical device life cycle and positively influence the quality of health care and the health system's performance.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el papel de actores clave ante tres estrategias para mejorar los procesos y prácticas relacionados con la regulación, evaluación y gestión de dispositivos médicos ortopédicos en México. Material y métodos Análisis de grupos de interés (stakeholder analysis) basado en un análisis documental y 17 entrevistas estructuradas con actores clave, dirigido a evaluar la viabilidad política de las estrategias. Resultados El papel de las agencias federales de gobierno, principalmente las relacionadas con calidad de atención, fue identificado como central y con mayor poder para influenciar la adaptación y aplicación de las estrategias. Como barreras se identificaron los recursos financieros y humanos, y reorientar la cultura organizacional hacia la reforma. Conclusión Las estrategias discutidas son políticamente viables. Resolver las barreras es importante para lograr cambios que optimicen el ciclo de vida de los dispositivos médicos e influyan positivamente en la calidad de atención y el desempeño del sistema de salud.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is a technically more complex procedure than uniportal VATS lobectomy, since a detailed comprehension of the segmental anatomy is required. Anatomic sublobar resection can achieve outcomes equivalent to lobectomy in selected patients with stage IA non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). In this paper we describe our clinical experiences and introduce the technical details of uniportal VATS segmentectomy, including expertise advice ("tips and tricks") in patient selection, positioning and incisions and technical highlights of the most common types of segmentectomies. Uniportal VATS segmentectomy is a demanding technique, safe and feasible in selected patients with good results in the literature that seems to be an acceptable alternative to conventional VATS or open thoracotomy when the surgeon completed the training period and learning curve.

Reorganization and clinical management for hypertension control at primary healthcare / Reorganización y manejo clínico para el control de la hipertensión en el primer nivel

Background: In Mexico, 40% of hypertensive patients see their blood pressure under control. The evidence to keep hypertension (HT) under control is scarce, particularly in older adults who have the highest prevalence and require more health services. The objective was to determine the impact of a double intervention to increase the percentage of hypertensive patients with blood pressure levels under control and estimate differences among adults and older adults. Methods: Quasi-experimental design including reorganization and training to physicians using clinical guidelines in four primary healthcare units at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). We included adults who participated whether in the intervention group (IG) or in the control group without equivalence (CGNE). We used regression models for longitudinal data for systolic pressure (SP) and diastolic pressure (DP) variables and proportion of patients with hypertension under control. Results: 530 participants, 272 in the IG; 57.5% were ≥ 60 years. In the IG decreased the SP, ß= −5.93 (95%CI −9.59, −2.28) and increased the proportion with blood pressure under control in young adults (OR 1.48, 95%CI 1.02, 2.14). In the elderly the intervention decreased the DP among those with HT and other comorbidities, ß= −3.57(95%CI −6.72, −0.41), p < 0.05. Conclusion: The interventions reduced SP among adults and DP among older adults with hypertension and other comorbidities. Actions of secondary prevention addressed to each group of age are needed to achieve the control of hypertension at IMSS.

Introducción: en México, 40% de hipertensos observan la tensión arterial (TA) bajo control. La evidencia de intervenciones para controlar la hipertensión (HTA) es aún escasa, particularmente en adultos mayores que tienen mayor prevalencia y uso de servicios de salud. El objetivo fue determinar el impacto de una doble intervención para incrementar la proporción de pacientes con cifras de TA controladas y estimar las diferencias en el control de la TA entre adultos y adultos mayores. Métodos: estudio cuasi experimental que incluyó reorganización gerencial y capacitación clínica a médicos de cuatro unidades del IMSS. Se incluyeron adultos y adultos mayores que participaron en el grupo intervención (GI) o en el grupo control no equivalente (GCNE). Se usaron modelos de regresión para datos longitudinales para las variables de tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica y proporción con cifras TA controladas. Resultados: hubo 530 participantes, 272 en el GI y 258 en GCNE, 57.5% mayores de 60 años. En el GI disminuyó la TAS, ß = −5.93 (IC al 95% entre −9.59 y −2.28) e incrementó la proporción con TA en control entre los adultos jóvenes RM 1.48 (IC al 95% 1.02-2.14); en el grupo de adultos mayores, la intervención redujó niveles de TA diastólica de aquellos con HTA y otras comorbilidades, ß = −3.57(IC 95% entre −6.72 y −0.41), p < 0.05. Conclusión: las intervenciones redujeron la TA sistólica en adultos jóvenes y la TA diastólica en ancianos con HTA y otras comorbilidades. Son necesarias acciones de prevención secundaria para cada grupo de edad a fin de lograr el control de la HTA en el IMSS.

Pierre-Marie-Bamberger syndrome and solitary fibrous tumor: a rare association.

A solitary fibrous tumor originates in the pleura with variable degrees of invasion. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, known as Pierre-Marie-Bamberger syndrome, is characterized by clubbing of the fingers due to bone surface and soft tissue calcification, historically known as a bronchogenic carcinoma paraneoplastic syndrome; however, a few cases have been associated with solitary fibrous tumors. We describe the case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with clubbing of the fingers. Studies revealed an intrathoracic fibrous tumor that was successfully treated with improvement in symptoms.

Ecología y reproducción de Opsanus beta (Actinopterygii: Batrachoididae) en la Laguna de Alvarado, Veracruz, México / Ecology and reproduction of Opsanus beta (Actinopterygii: Batrachoididae) in the Alvarado Lagoon, Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen Opsanus beta es un habitante permanente del Sistema Lagunar de Alvarado, a pesar de participar en la transferencia energética entre los distintos componentes, no hay información sobre los aspectos ecológicos y reproductivos de esta especie. El presente trabajo se desarrolló, con la finalidad de evaluar aspectos de la biología como estacionalidad, alimentación, proporción de sexos, índice gonadosomático, hepatosomático y factor de condición para ambos sexos, así como la fecundidad y la relación peso-longitud, durante el período de abril 2008 a diciembre 2012. Se registraron los parámetros de temperatura ambiental y del agua, profundidad, salinidad, oxígeno disuelto y pH en cada uno de los seis sitios de recolecta que se ubicaron en el sistema. El análisis de los parámetros ambientales no mostró diferencias significativas entre los años del período de estudio, la salinidad registrada a lo largo del estudio correspondió a un ambiente oligohalino, el resto de los parámetros fisicoquímicos presentó variaciones que pueden explicarse por el patrón climático en el área. Se capturó un total de 519 organismos, 311 (59.9 %) machos y 208 (41.1 %) hembras, el comportamiento de la longitud patrón en los distintos meses muestra que en los machos, la longitud promedio es mayor que en las hembras. El espectro trófico se compone de 13 tipos alimenticios, destacan los crustáceos, moluscos y peces, adicionalmente se observó la práctica de canibalismo en los meses de marzo y abril. Los estadios de maduración gonádica más avanzados se registraron en los meses de noviembre a marzo para los machos, y de noviembre a febrero para las hembras. El IGS registró los valores más altos en los meses de noviembre a abril, el IHS y el FC presentaron un comportamiento inverso al IGS. La fecundidad de esta especie varía de 96 a 428 ovocitos por hembra. La relación peso-longitud por sexo y temporada presentó una mayor tasa de crecimiento (b) para los machos que para las hembras, y un crecimiento de tipo alométrico negativo. La información biológica y ecológica de O. beta en el SLA permite reconocer que esta especie es importante por el papel ecológico que juega en la estructura y dinámica de sus comunidades acuáticas y puede ser utilizada en la propuesta de manejo y aprovechamiento sustentable de este ecosistema.

Abstract Opsanus beta is a permanent species in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS), Veracruz, and eventhough it is not of economic importance, it might be actively involved in the energy transfer of the system. Currently, there is no information about the reproductive and ecological characteristics of this common fish, so this work aimed to evaluate those aspects, and to contribute with some ecological features. For this, a total of six sampling sites were selected and studied from April 2008 to December 2012. Per site, we determined fish seasonality, feeding, sex ratio, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic and condition factors for both sexes, as well as the fecundity and length-weight relationships. We also considered some environmental parameters such as temperature, water temperature, depth, salinity and pH. Our results on the environmental parameters analysis did not show significant differences for the study period; besides, salinity data confirmed an oligohaline environment, and the rest of the physico-chemical parameters, varied in accordance with the climatic pattern in the area. We captured a total of 519 fishes, 311 (59.9 %) males and 208 (41.1 %) females; the proportion of males resulted favorable against females throughout the study. The standard length found along the study period showed that the average was higher in males than in females. The trophic spectrum was composed of 13 food items, principally crustaceans, molluscs and fishes; in addition, cannibalism was observed over young individuals during March and April. The most advanced stages of gonadal maturation were recorded from November to March for males, and from November to February in females; generally, the Gonadosomatic index (IGS) recorded the highest values from November to April. The Hepatosomatic Index (IHS) and the Condition Factor (FC) presented an inverse relationship with the Gonadosomatic index (IGS). The fecundity of this species ranged from 96 to 428 oocytes per female. The weight-length relationship by sexes and seasons, showed a higher growth rate for males than for females, and an allometric growth type. The biological and ecological information of O. beta in ALS evidenced the importance of this species and its ecological role in the structure and dynamics of these aquatic communities. This species may be used as a model for future proposals dealing with the management and sustainable use of this ecosystem.

Empoderamiento y apoyo social en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica: estudio de caso en Michoacán, México / Empowerment and social support for patients with chronic kidney disease: case study in Michoacán, Mexico / Empoderamento e apoio social de pacientes com nefropatia crônica: estudo de caso em Michoacán, México

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Identificar el nivel de empoderamiento y las características del apoyo social de los individuos con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Métodos. Estudio transversal en personas con enfermedad renal crónica que habitan en el municipio de Hidalgo, Michoacán, México, y que asisten a la Asociación de Enfermos del Riñón, Asociación Civil (A.C.). Se indagó sobre el perfil sociodemográfico y las características personales asociadas a la enfermedad, el nivel de empoderamiento, el nivel de apoyo social y el funcionamiento familiar. Resultados. Cerca de 90% de la muestra cuenta con apoyo social suficiente, mientras que 40% de los participantes pertenece a familias semirrelacionadas o relacionadas. El puntaje de empoderamiento global fue de 117,5 ± 14,3; el empoderamiento comunitario fue más alto en el grupo de mayor edad (P < 0,05). La interacción social positiva es el componente del apoyo social que correlaciona con mayor fuerza con el nivel de empoderamiento (r = 0,333; P < 0,01). Conclusiones. El empoderamiento está determinado por, y es un determinante del apoyo social y ha facilitado el acceso a la terapia de reemplazo renal en esta comunidad.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Identify the degree of empowerment and the characteristics of the social support for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. Cross-sectional study of people with chronic kidney disease living in the municipality of Hidalgo, Michoacán, Mexico, who belong to the Association of Kidney Patients, Civil Association. The study examined the sociodemographic profile and personal characteristics associated with the disease, the degree of empowerment, the degree of social support, and family functioning. Results. Close to 90% of the sample receives sufficient social support, while 40% of the participants belong to semi-cohesive or cohesive families The overall empowerment score was 117.5 ± 14.3; community empowerment was higher in the older group (P < 0.05). Positive social interaction is the social support component most strongly correlated with the degree of empowerment (r = 0.333; P < 0.01). Conclusions. Empowerment is determined by, and is a determinant of, social support and has facilitated access to renal replacement therapy in this community.Objective. Identify the degree of empowerment and the characteristics of the social support for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar o nível de empoderamento e apoio social de pacientes com nefropatia crônica. Métodos. Estudo transversal realizado com pacientes com nefropatia crônica residentes no município de Fidalgo, Michoacán, México, que participavam de uma associação civil de pacientes renais crônicos (Asociación de Enfermos del Riñón). Foram investigados aspectos pessoais e sociodemográficos dos pacientes associados à doença, nível de empoderamento e apoio social e funcionamento familiar. Resultados. Cerca de 90% da amostra estudada dispõem de uma rede de apoio social satisfatória e 40% pertencem a famílias com boa coesão ou coesão média. A pontuação global de empoderamento foi de 117,5 ± 14,3 e o empoderamento comunitário foi maior no grupo com idade mais avançada (P < 0,05). Interação social positiva é o componente da rede de apoio social com correlação mais forte com o nível de empoderamento (r = 0,333; P < 0,01). Conclusões. O empoderamento é determinado pela rede de apoio social, sendo também um determinante deste apoio, e facilita o acesso à terapia renal substitutiva nesta comunidade.