Thermodynamic and Ab Initio Design of Multicomponent Alloys Based on (Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10)-xBx (x = 0, 5, 7, 10, and 15 at.%).

Multicomponent alloys have attained general interest in recent years due to their remarkable performance. Non-equiatomic alloys with boron addition as an interstitial element are being studied, exhibiting outstanding mechanical properties. In order to estimate the mechanical behavior of potential alloys, thermodynamic and ab initio calculations were utilized in this work to investigate phase stability and stacking fault energy (SFE) for (Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10)-xBx (x = 0, 5, 7, 10, and 15 at.%) systems. Thermodynamic experiments revealed two structural variations of borides, M2B(C16) with a tetragonal structure and M2B(CB) with an orthorhombic structure. Borides precipitate when boron content increases, and the FCC matrix becomes deficient in Mn and Cr. According to ab initio calculations, the presence of boron in the FCC and HCP structures primarily disrupts the surroundings of the Fe and Mn atoms, resulting in an increased distortion of the crystal lattice. This is related to the antiferromagnetic condition of the alloys. Furthermore, for alloys with a low boron concentration, the stacking fault energy was found to be near 20 mJ/m2 and greater than 50 mJ/m2 when 10 and 15 at.% boron was added. As boron concentrations increase, M2B borides are formed, generating changes in the matrix composition prone to fault-induced phase transitions that could modify and potentially impair mechanical properties.

Endometriosis cutánea primaria umbilical: a propósito de un caso / Umbilical Primary Cutaneous Endometriosis: A Case Report / Endometriose cutânea primária umbilical: relato de caso

Introducción: la endometriosis es una de las patologías ginecológicas más frecuentes, que se entiende como la implantación intrapélvica de tejido endometrial, sensible, en la gran mayoría de casos, al influjo hormonal. Extrauterinamente, se caracteriza por la presencia de glándulas y estroma endometrial en órganos o tejidos no ginecológicos. Sin embargo, la piel corresponde a uno de los sitios con menor fre-cuencia de implantación, ya sea de forma primaria o secundaria. Se calcula la incidencia de endometrio-sis cutánea en la zona umbilical en menos del 1 % de los casos. Presentación del caso: mujer de 36 años de edad, quien consulta con Cirugía General por un cuadro clínico de dos años de evolución, consistente en lesiones sobrelevantadas de la piel en la región umbilical, de color café oscuro, las cuales describe como dolorosas y sangrantes en el momento del ciclo menstrual. A pesar de haber sido resecadas en dos ocasiones, se encontró persistencia del cuadro. Discusión: la endometriosis cutánea primaria umbilical representa del 0.5 al 1.0 % de todas las pacientes con endometriosis ectópica, y el ombligo es uno de los sitios menos comunes de implantación. Esta condición afecta alrededor del 5 al 15 % de mujeres en edad fértil, y del 3 al 5 % de mujeres en edad menopaúsica. La presentación clínica más común se basa en una masa palpable, sangrado umbilical y dolor regular o irregular abdominal. Al asociar la endometriosis extrapélvica con la presencia de endometriosis pélvica, solamente alrededor del 20 % de las pacientes presentará esta última

Introduction: Endometriosis is one of the most frequent gynecological pathologies, understood as an intrapelvic implantation of endometrial tissue, sensitive to hormonal influence in most cases. At the extrauterine level, it is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the non-gy-necological organs or tissues. However, the skin corresponds to one of the sites with the least frequency of implantation, either primary or secondary, with the incidence of cutaneous endometriosis being calculated at the umbilical level in <1% of the cases. Case presentation: A 36-year-old female patient presented to the General Surgery department with a two-year history of dark brown, raised skin lesions in the umbilical region, which she described as painful, and bleeding at the time of the menstrual cycle. Despite having been resected twice, the condition still persisted. Discussion: Umbilical primary cutane-ous endometriosis represents 0.5%­1.0% of all patients with ectopic endometriosis, with the navel being one of the least common implantation sites. This condition affects about 5%−15% of women of childbear-ing age, and 3%−5% women of menopausal age. The most common clinical presentation is based on the palpable mass, umbilical bleeding, regular or irregular abdominal pain. Associating extrapelvic endo-metriosis with the presence of pelvic endometriosis, only about 20% of the patients will have the latter

Introdução: a endometriose é uma das patologias ginecológicas mais frequentes, entendida como o implante intrapélvico de tecido endometrial, sensível na grande maioria dos casos à influência hor-monal. No nível extrauterino, é caracterizada pela presença de glândulas e estroma endometriais em órgãos ou tecidos não ginecológicos. Porém, a pele corresponde a um dos locais com menor frequência de implantação, seja ela primária ou secundária, calculando-se a incidência de endometriose cutânea ao nível umbilical em menos de 1% dos casos. Apresentação do caso: paciente do sexo feminino, com 36 anos de idade, que consulta para Cirurgia Geral devido a quadro clínico de 2 anos de evolução, cons-tituído por lesões cutâneas elevadas na região umbilical, de coloração marrom-escura, que descreve como dolorosas e com sangramento no momento do ciclo menstrual. Apesar de ter sido ressecado em 2 ocasiões, o quadro era persistente. Discussão: a endometriose cutânea primária umbilical representa 0.5%-1.0% de todas as pacientes com endometriose ectópica, sendo o umbigo um dos locais de implan-tação menos comuns. Essa condição afeta cerca de 5% a 15% das mulheres em idade reprodutiva e 3% a 5% das mulheres em menopausa. A apresentação clínica mais comum baseia-se em massa palpável, sangramento umbilical, dor abdominal regular ou irregular. Ao associar a endometriose extrapélvica à presença de endometriose pélvica, apenas cerca de 20% das pacientes a apresentarão

Association between animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality of beef carcasses, including Salmonella spp., from a slaughterhouse in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pre-slaughter management and slaughter operations are considered critical factors for animal welfare and meat quality. Previous studies have found poor animal welfare management at municipal slaughterhouses in Ecuador, and little is known about how this affects the microbiological quality of the meat. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the association of the microbiological quality of beef carcasses and animal welfare indicators in a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for 6 months were collected from a municipal slaughterhouse in Ecuador. Five trained researchers were strategically located along the slaughter process. A total of 351 animals were observed with regard to welfare indicators, and their carcasses were sampled to evaluate microbiological quality. Antemortem (slipping, falling, and vocalization) and postmortem animal welfare indicators (bleed interval, pH, temperature, and bruises) were measured. To determine the total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and Escherichia coli counts and the presence of Salmonella spp., we collected samples by swabbing four different points of each carcass. The association between microbiological quality and animal welfare indicators was studied using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: The mean TAB count was 5.3 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total count of E. coli was 2.4 log CFU/cm2. Salmonella spp. were isolated in 3.1% of the carcasses. An electric goad was used in all animals, 19.1% slipped at least once, and 19.9% vocalized. The mean pH of the carcasses was 7.2, and 79.2% of carcasses had bruises. Multivariate analysis showed that Salmonella spp. and the TAB count were associated with pH and the number of bruises (p = 0.01 in both cases). CONCLUSION: Although there was non-significant association between the majority of animal welfare indicators and microbiological quality, the poor management affecting animal welfare and carcass hygiene are worrisome.

An Open-label Study With Pirfenidone on Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) represents a severe lung disease often evolving to fibrosis with the subsequent destruction of the lung parenchyma. There are no approved therapies with confirmed efficacy to deal with this disease. METHODS: We performed an open-label, proof of concept study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone added to immunosuppressive drugs on the treatment of cHP. We included 22 patients assigned to two groups: Group 1, nine patients that received prednisone plus azathioprine and Group 2, thirteen patients, received prednisone plus azathioprine and pirfenidone (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02496182). There were no significant imbalances in clinically relevant baseline characteristics between two study groups. RESULTS: After 1 year of treatment, inclusion of pirfenidone was not associated with improved forced vital capacity (primary end-point). A not significant tendency to show higher improvement of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in the group receiving pirfenidone (p=0.06). Likewise, a significant improvement in the total score on the SGRQ was found in the group 2 (p=0.02) without differences in other two questionnaires related to quality of life (ATAQ-IPF and EQ-5D-3L). HRCT showed a decrease of the ground glass attenuation without changes in the fibrotic lesions and without differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the addition of pirfenidone to the anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with chronic HP may improve the outcome with acceptable safety profile. However, prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in largest cohorts are needed to validate its efficacy.

Conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas sobre el consumo de micronutrientes en niños Awajún y Wampis (Condorcanqui, Amazonas-Perú) / Knowledge, perception, and practices regarding micronutrient use in Awajun and Wampis children (Condorcanqui, Amazonas, Peru)

Objetivo: Explorar los conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas de familias, actores locales y personal de salud (PS) de la provincia de Condorcanqui, respecto al consumo de micronutrientes (MMN) en niños de 06 a 35 meses de edad. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo realizado entre junio y agosto del 2015, en población Awajún y Wampis de los distritos de Río Santiago, Cenepa y Nieva; incluyó 38 entrevistas en profundidad, 13 grupos focales y 28 observaciones directas. Resultados:La comunidad entendió que la anemia causaba palidez o delgadez en el niño y pueden tratarla con sus propios 'remedios'. El PS consideraba importante comprender al usuario y observaba problemas de acceso y adecuación cultural en su labor. Reconoció que la capacitación recibida fue insuficiente, pero cumplía con sensibilizar a la comunidad. Los MMN se dieron en la primera comida del día y con alimentos locales, observándose valoraciones positivas y negativas (causa diarrea, alergias o rechazo por su sabor u olor) sobre su aceptabilidad. Existe retroalimentación de la información monitoreada en la consulta y visita domiciliaria, pero no puede asegurarse el consumo y adherencia al MMN. Conclusiones: La intervención debe incorporar elementos culturales y mensajes claros sobre el beneficio y contenido de los MMN. Se deben generar alianzas estratégicas y promover el trabajo interinstitucional con diferentes actores sociales, para facilitar la sensibilización y acceso al MMN y alimentos básicos.

Objective: To explore knowledge, perception, and practices within families, local actors, and healthcare personnel (HP) in Condorcanqui Province, with respect to micronutrient use (MMN) in 6- to 36- month old children. Materials and Methods: This was a qualitative study performed between June and August 2015 in Awajun and Wampis communities in Rio Santiago, Cenepa, and Nieva districts. The study included 38 in-depth interviews, 13 focus group meetings, and 28 direct observation activities. Results: Persons in the community understand that anemia leads to pallor and wasting in children, and that they may treat this condition with their own local 'medicine'. Healthcare personnel understand that it is important to educate users and there are difficulties for access and cultural adaptation for performing their activities. They recognize that training may have been insufficient, but they do their best aiming to sensitize the community. MMN are given with the first meal of the day and combined with local food. Positive and negative comments (perceived as causative agents for diarrhea and nausea, or being rejected because of their taste and smell) were observed with respect to their acceptability. There is some feedback on information collected in office visits and household visits, but the use of MMN cannot be fully ensured. Conclusions: Any intervention must incorporate cultural elements and clear messages about benefits and contents of MMN. Strategic alliances should be established and inter-institutional activities should be performed with different social actors, in order to facilitate sensitization and access for using MMN as well as basic food components.

[Social Representations Related to Anemia in Children Under Three years in Awajún and Wampis Communities of Peru]. / Representaciones sociales relacionadas a la anemia en niños menores de tres años en comunidades Awajún y Wampis, Perú.

OBJECTIVES: To understand the social representations of the Awajún and Wampis communities related to the symptoms and treatment of anemia in children younger than 3 years, as well as the relationship of these representations with the symbolism, constructs, and type of diet of these populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted from June to August 2015 in the districts of Río Santiago, Cenepa, and Nieva (Amazon region, Peru), and included in-depth interviews (IDIs) of health personnel, community authorities, parents, and focus groups (FGs) for mothers. RESULTS: A total of 38 IDIs and 13 FGs were conducted. The evaluated populations had limited awareness about anemia and health personnel, but anemia with symptoms were correlated with social representations and cultural manifestations. This behavior was reflected in the parents' choice of treatments that were not necessarily the same as those indicated by the health personnel, and these social groups preferred the consumption of certain foods that were considered to cure the "putsumat". Visiting a health care center or using micronutrients was not their first treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: Social representations and traditional practices still exist, and include interpretative systems in health, disease, and disease management. The logic, meaning, and coherence of these practices depend on the cultural group considered. The "putsumat" or "putsuju" is an interpretive model for anemia, and the symptoms in children include pallor, thinness, and fatigue; this model is based on the cultural system of the Awajún and Wampis populations.

OBJETIVOS: Conocer las representaciones sociales de las comunidades awajún y wampis en torno a síntomas y tratamiento de la anemia en niños menores de 03 años, la relación con sus simbolismos, constructos y tipo de alimentación. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo realizado entre junio y agosto del 2015, en los distritos de Río Santiago, Cenepa y Nieva (región Amazonas, Perú); que incluyó entrevistas en profundidad (EP) para personal de salud, autoridades de la comunidad y padres de familia, y grupos focales (GF) para madres de familia. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 38 EP y 13 GF. La población no tuvo un significado claro sobre la anemia, ni manejaba la misma descripción del personal de salud; sino que lo relacionaba con una sintomatología en base a sus representaciones sociales y manifestaciones culturales. Esto aplicaba en la decisión de los padres por el tratamiento a optar, no necesariamente, lo indicado por el personal de salud, y que prefieren el consumo de ciertos alimentos que podrían curar el putsumat. El acudir al establecimiento de salud o utilizar multimicronutrientes no era entonces su primera opción de tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: Las representaciones sociales y prácticas tradicionales continúan existiendo y poseen sistemas interpretativos sobre la salud, la enfermedad y su manejo, con lógicas, sentidos y coherencia según grupo cultural. El putsumat o putsuju es un modelo interpretativo equivalente para la anemia, con una sintomatología presentada por los niños con palidez, delgadez, cansancio, sustentado en el sistema cultural simbólico de las poblaciones awajún y wampis.

[Health Surveys: Essentials Tools in the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Budgetary Programs]. / Encuestas en salud: instrumentos esenciales en el seguimiento y evaluación de los programas presupuestales.

This article analyzes the use of health surveys in the monitoring and evaluation of the Budgetary Programs. From its beginnings in 2008, in Peru, the Budget for Results (PpR) has meant not only a modification of the organization of the State budget, but a shift towards a perspective based on scientific evidence that prioritizes the results in the population and the necessary goods and services. National health surveys have played a relevant role, since they provide population information at the product and results level, information that has also supported the changes in the management cycle of State interventions, under a structure in which the availability of information constitutes the best input for decision making. Finally, it presents the considerations that must be taken into account for the adequate use of the information that comes from health surveys and the complementarity that it requires of other sources of information, so as to facilitate the integral approach in the monitoring and evaluation of the chain of results of budgetary programs in health. Surveys are important tools for monitoring and evaluating budget programs, their detailed knowledge allows them to improve their use in decision-making.

El presente artículo analiza el uso de las encuestas de salud en el seguimiento y la evaluación de los programas presupuestales. Desde sus inicios, el año 2008, en el Perú, el presupuesto por resultados (PpR) ha significado no solo una modificación de la organización del presupuesto del Estado, sino un giro hacia una perspectiva basada en evidencia científica que prioriza los resultados en la población y los bienes y servicios necesarios. Las encuestas nacionales de salud han tenido para ello un rol relevante, pues brindan información poblacional a nivel de productos y resultados, información que, además, ha apoyado los cambios en el ciclo de gestión de las intervenciones del Estado, bajo una estructura en la que la disponibilidad de información constituye el mejor insumo para la toma de decisiones. Por último, presenta las consideraciones que debemos tener en cuenta para el uso adecuado de la información que proviene de encuestas en salud y la complementariedad que requiere de otras fuentes de información, de manera que se facilite el abordaje integral en el seguimiento y la evaluación de la cadena de resultados de los programas presupuestales en salud. Las encuestas constituyen herramientas importantes para el seguimiento y evaluación de programas presupuestales, su conocimiento detallado permite mejorar su uso en la toma de decisiones.

Representaciones sociales relacionadas a la anemia en niños menores de tres años en comunidades Awajún y Wampis, Perú / Social Representations Related to Anemia in Children Under Three years in Awajún and Wampis Communities of Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos Conocer las representaciones sociales de las comunidades awajún y wampis en torno a síntomas y tratamiento de la anemia en niños menores de 03 años, la relación con sus simbolismos, constructos y tipo de alimentación. Materiales y métodos Estudio cualitativo realizado entre junio y agosto del 2015, en los distritos de Río Santiago, Cenepa y Nieva (región Amazonas, Perú); que incluyó entrevistas en profundidad (EP) para personal de salud, autoridades de la comunidad y padres de familia, y grupos focales (GF) para madres de familia. Resultados Se realizaron 38 EP y 13 GF. La población no tuvo un significado claro sobre la anemia, ni manejaba la misma descripción del personal de salud; sino que lo relacionaba con una sintomatología en base a sus representaciones sociales y manifestaciones culturales. Esto aplicaba en la decisión de los padres por el tratamiento a optar, no necesariamente, lo indicado por el personal de salud, y que prefieren el consumo de ciertos alimentos que podrían curar el putsumat. El acudir al establecimiento de salud o utilizar multimicronutrientes no era entonces su primera opción de tratamiento. Conclusiones Las representaciones sociales y prácticas tradicionales continúan existiendo y poseen sistemas interpretativos sobre la salud, la enfermedad y su manejo, con lógicas, sentidos y coherencia según grupo cultural. El putsumat o putsuju es un modelo interpretativo equivalente para la anemia, con una sintomatología presentada por los niños con palidez, delgadez, cansancio, sustentado en el sistema cultural simbólico de las poblaciones awajún y wampis.

ABSTRACT Objectives To understand the social representations of the Awajún and Wampis communities related to the symptoms and treatment of anemia in children younger than 3 years, as well as the relationship of these representations with the symbolism, constructs, and type of diet of these populations. Materials and methods This qualitative study was conducted from June to August 2015 in the districts of Río Santiago, Cenepa, and Nieva (Amazon region, Peru), and included in-depth interviews (IDIs) of health personnel, community authorities, parents, and focus groups (FGs) for mothers. Results A total of 38 IDIs and 13 FGs were conducted. The evaluated populations had limited awareness about anemia and health personnel, but anemia with symptoms were correlated with social representations and cultural manifestations. This behavior was reflected in the parents' choice of treatments that were not necessarily the same as those indicated by the health personnel, and these social groups preferred the consumption of certain foods that were considered to cure the "putsumat". Visiting a health care center or using micronutrients was not their first treatment option. Conclusions Social representations and traditional practices still exist, and include interpretative systems in health, disease, and disease management. The logic, meaning, and coherence of these practices depend on the cultural group considered. The "putsumat" or "putsuju" is an interpretive model for anemia, and the symptoms in children include pallor, thinness, and fatigue; this model is based on the cultural system of the Awajún and Wampis populations.

Encuestas en salud: instrumentos esenciales en el seguimiento y evaluación de los programas presupuestales / Health Surveys: Essentials Tools in the Monitoring and Evaluation of the Budgetary Programs

RESUMEN El presente artículo analiza el uso de las encuestas de salud en el seguimiento y la evaluación de los programas presupuestales. Desde sus inicios, el año 2008, en el Perú, el presupuesto por resultados (PpR) ha significado no solo una modificación de la organización del presupuesto del Estado, sino un giro hacia una perspectiva basada en evidencia científica que prioriza los resultados en la población y los bienes y servicios necesarios. Las encuestas nacionales de salud han tenido para ello un rol relevante, pues brindan información poblacional a nivel de productos y resultados, información que, además, ha apoyado los cambios en el ciclo de gestión de las intervenciones del Estado, bajo una estructura en la que la disponibilidad de información constituye el mejor insumo para la toma de decisiones. Por último, presenta las consideraciones que debemos tener en cuenta para el uso adecuado de la información que proviene de encuestas en salud y la complementariedad que requiere de otras fuentes de información, de manera que se facilite el abordaje integral en el seguimiento y la evaluación de la cadena de resultados de los programas presupuestales en salud. Las encuestas constituyen herramientas importantes para el seguimiento y evaluación de programas presupuestales, su conocimiento detallado permite mejorar su uso en la toma de decisiones.

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the use of health surveys in the monitoring and evaluation of the Budgetary Programs. From its beginnings in 2008, in Peru, the Budget for Results (PpR) has meant not only a modification of the organization of the State budget, but a shift towards a perspective based on scientific evidence that prioritizes the results in the population and the necessary goods and services. National health surveys have played a relevant role, since they provide population information at the product and results level, information that has also supported the changes in the management cycle of State interventions, under a structure in which the availability of information constitutes the best input for decision making. Finally, it presents the considerations that must be taken into account for the adequate use of the information that comes from health surveys and the complementarity that it requires of other sources of information, so as to facilitate the integral approach in the monitoring and evaluation of the chain of results of budgetary programs in health. Surveys are important tools for monitoring and evaluating budget programs, their detailed knowledge allows them to improve their use in decision-making.

Lateral prefrontal activity as a compensatory strategy for deficits of cortical processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in childhood and is characterized by a delay of cortical maturation in frontal regions. In order to investigate interference control, which is a key function of frontal areas, a functional MRI study was conducted on 17 ADHD boys and 17 typically developing (TD) boys, while solving the multi source interference task (MSIT). This task consists of two conditions, a "congruent condition" and an "incongruent condition". The latter requires to inhibit information that interferes with task-relevant stimuli. Behavioral results showed that ADHD subjects committed more errors than TD children. In addition, TD children presented a larger MSIT effect -a greater difference in reaction times between the incongruent and the congruent conditions- than ADHD children. Associated to the MSIT effect, neuroimaging results showed a significant enhancement in the activation of the right lateral prefrontal cortex (rlPFC) in ADHD than in TD subjects. Finally, ADHD subjects presented greater functional connectivity between rlPFC and bilateral orbitofrontal cortex than the TD group. This difference in connectivity correlated with worse performance in both groups. Our results could reflect a compensatory strategy of ADHD children resulting from their effort to maintain an adequate performance during MSIT.

Factores de riesgo para infección por VIH en indígenas de la etnia warao del Municipio Antonio Díaz, Estado Delta Amacuro, Venezuela. Octubre ­ diciembre 2015

Delta Amacuro asienta la mayor población indígena de la etnia Warao en comunidades de difícil acceso y limitadas condiciones de vida. En 2007, la Cruz Roja venezolana diagnosticó los primeros casos de infección por VIH en este estado; posteriormente, diversas publicaciones han reportado que la prevalencia de infección por VIH en comunidades de la etnia Warao es 10 veces mayor a la prevalencia mundial. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar factores de riesgo para infección por VIH en indígenas del municipio Antonio Díaz, Estado Delta Amacuro durante octubre ­ diciembre 2015. Los factores de riesgo fueron agrupados en: características socioeconómicas, estatus migratorio, hábitos psicobiológicos y conocimiento sobre la enfermedad. Se realizó un estudio analítico de tipo casos y controles. Se evaluaron 50 pacientes VIH positivo de 7 comunidades y 100 controles del mismo sexo, comunidad y edad. A todos se les realizó una entrevista directa. Se compararon los resultados utilizando pruebas Chi cuadrado y se determinaron los Odds Ratio. La inestabilidad en la pareja sexual, las prácticas de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres, las relaciones sexuales fortuitas y durante viajes, el inicio precoz de relaciones sexuales, el sexo oral, sexo anal y el no uso de métodos de barrera constituyeron factores de riesgo para infección por VIH en la población estudiada. El desconocimiento de la forma de trasmisión y prevención resultaron también estadísticamente significativos. La falta de conocimiento, movimientos migratorios frecuentes y las prácticas sexuales de riesgo pueden explicar la elevada prevalencia de infección por VIH en esta población.

In Delta Amacuro state is established the biggest Amerindian community belonging to the Warao ethnic. This people live in difficult access communities with precarious life conditions. In 2007 the Venezuelan Red Cross diagnosed the first HIV infection cases in the state. Later, many publications have reported HIV prevalence in Waraos communities ten times higher than worldwide prevalence. The main objective was to evaluate risk factors for HIV infection in Waraos Amerindians who live in Antonio Diaz municipality, Delta Amacuro state between October and December 2015. Risk factors were grouped in: socioeconomic conditions, migratory status, sexual and psychobiologic habits and disease knowledge. An analytic case-control study was conducted. Fifty HIV patients from seven communities and 100 controls were evaluated. The information from cases and controls was collected through a direct interview. The results were compared using chi square test, odds ratios were calculated. No stability in sexual partners, men who have sex with other men, casual sex, sex during trips, early sexual initiation, oral sex and anal sex and lacking in use of barrier contraceptive methods were risk factors for HIV infection in the study group. Lack of knowledge about transmission and prevention of the disease were also statistically significant risk factors. Lack of knowledge, frequent migratory movements and risk sexual behavior may explain the high prevalence of HIV infection in this population.

Alternative glacial-interglacial refugia demographic hypotheses tested on Cephalocereus columna-trajani (Cactaceae) in the intertropical Mexican drylands.

Historic demography changes of plant species adapted to New World arid environments could be consistent with either the Glacial Refugium Hypothesis (GRH), which posits that populations contracted to refuges during the cold-dry glacial and expanded in warm-humid interglacial periods, or with the Interglacial Refugium Hypothesis (IRH), which suggests that populations contracted during interglacials and expanded in glacial times. These contrasting hypotheses are developed in the present study for the giant columnar cactus Cephalocereus columna-trajani in the intertropical Mexican drylands where the effects of Late Quaternary climatic changes on phylogeography of cacti remain largely unknown. In order to determine if the historic demography and phylogeographic structure of the species are consistent with either hypothesis, sequences of the chloroplast regions psbA-trnH and trnT-trnL from 110 individuals from 10 populations comprising the full distribution range of this species were analysed. Standard estimators of genetic diversity and structure were calculated. The historic demography was analysed using a Bayesian approach and the palaeodistribution was derived from ecological niche modelling to determine if, in the arid environments of south-central Mexico, glacial-interglacial cycles drove the genetic divergence and diversification of this species. Results reveal low but statistically significant population differentiation (FST = 0.124, P < 0.001), although very clear geographic clusters are not formed. Genetic diversity, haplotype network and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) demographic analyses suggest a population expansion estimated to have taken place in the Last Interglacial (123.04 kya, 95% CI 115.3-130.03). The species palaeodistribution is consistent with the ABC analyses and indicates that the potential area of palaedistribution and climatic suitability were larger during the Last Interglacial and Holocene than in the Last Glacial Maximum. Overall, these results suggest that C. columna-trajani experienced an expansion following the warm conditions of interglacials, in accordance with the GRH.

Exceso ponderal y variables socioeconómicas en trabajadores del sector salud en la ciudad de Caracas / Weight excess and socioeconomic variables in health workers in Caracas

El desarrollo de obesidad y sobrepeso están influenciados por diversos factores. Se evalúa la relación entre exceso ponderal y algunas variables socio-económicas en trabajadores del sector salud. Se realizó un estudio diagnóstico, retrospectivo con una muestra no probabilística de 337 trabajadores de un centro de salud quienes fueron atendidos en una consulta de medicina preventiva. El promedio de edad fue 34,6 años, peso promedio 69,11 Kilogramos (Kg), estatura promedio 1,6 metros (m), Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) promedio 26,66 Kg/m2. Treinta y seis por ciento de los trabajadores presentaban un IMC normal, 40,06% sobrepeso y 23,44% obesidad. No se encontraron diferencias significativas de peso entre géneros. El IMC promedio más alto lo tuvo el grupo entre 35-40 años (28,88 Kg/m2). El IMC promedio más alto lo tuvieron los trabajadores del horario nocturno (27,84 Kg/m2) y el más bajo los de fines de semana (24,14 Kg/m2). La mayor frecuencia de sobrepeso la presentaron los trabajadores matutinos (53,41%), y de obesidad los del nocturno (32,81%). El grupo de obreros no especializados tuvo el IMC promedio más alto (31,36 kg/m2); el grupo de gerentes tuvo un IMC promedio menor (26,73 Kg/m2). El exceso de peso afecta dos terceras partes de la muestra estudiada. Existe relación entre algunos factores socio-económicos y la frecuencia de exceso ponderal en el grupo estudiado(AU)

The development of obesity and overweight is influenced by several factors. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the frequency of overweight and obesity and various socioeconomic variables among health care workers from Caracas, Venezuela. A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted using a nonrandom sample of 337 workers seenat a local health center for preventive care. The mean age of the workers was 34.6 years, their mean weight was 69.11 Kg, their mean height was 1.6 m, and their mean body mass index (BMI) was26.66 Kg/m2. Among them, 36% had a normal BMI, 40.06% were overweight and 23.44% were obese. No significant difference in BMI was found between men and women. The group of 35 to 40-year-olds had the highest mean BMI (28.88 Kg/m2). The highest mean BMI was found among those who worked the night shift (27.84 Kg/m2), and the lowest mean BMI among those who worked the weekend shift (24.14 Kg/m2). The highest frequency of overweight was found among those who worked the morning shift (53,41%), and the highest frequency of obesity among those working the night shift (32.81%). Unskilled workers had a mean BMI of 31.36 kg/m2, and those who worked in the most senior positions had a mean BMI of 26.73 kg/m2. Overall, excess weight affected two-thirds of the study sample. There is a relation ship between socioeconomic factors and frequency of excess weight in the study population(AU)

Factors associated with anemia in children under three years of age in Perú: analysis of the Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, ENDES, 2007-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the reduction of poverty in Perú, the prevalence of anemia in the country remains high.  OBJECTIVE: To identify socio-demographic, child and maternal-child care factors associated with anemia in children between 6 and 35 months in Perú.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an analytical and descriptive study that included registered data from the national survey on demography and family health, 2007-2013, on children between 6 and 35 months old, including the measurement of blood hemoglobin. Anemia was confirmed by hemoglobin-altitude corrected values below 11 mg/dl. We used multivariate logistic regression models to assess potential associated factors for anemia.  RESULTS: Anemia prevalence was high (47.9%). Twelve factors were independently associated with anemia in children: Socio-demographic factors such as living outside Lima and Callao, in a low socioeconomic household, and having an adolescent mother with low education level; child-related factors as being male, younger than 24 months of age, and having fever in the previous two weeks, and maternal-child care factors such as lack of prenatal control in the first trimester of pregnancy, lack or short period of iron supplementation during pregnancy, house delivery, anemia detection at the moment of the survey, and lack of intestinal anti-parasite preventive treatment in the child.  CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of survey data provided valuable information about factors associated with anemia in children between 6 and 35 months, which can be used to increase the coverage and effectiveness of maternal-child care practices.

[Quali-quantitative study on healthcare for children below the age of 3 at health establishments in nine underdeveloped regions of Peru]. / Estudio cuali-cuantitativo sobre la atención de salud de niños menores de tres años en establecimientos de salud de nueve regiones pobres del Perú.

OBJECTIVES: To assess five elements of healthcare quality (physical space, equipment, personnel, waiting time, and counseling) in growth and development services (GDS) at 18 healthcare establishments in nine regions of Peru with high rates of poverty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quali-quantitative study was carried out in the Amazonas, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Huancavelica, Puno, and Ucayali regions, that included direct observation (DO) during medical assistance in GDS, focus groups (FG, one user per healthcare establishment), and in-depth interviews (IDI) with healthcare workers (two per healthcare establishment). RESULTS: There were 18 DOs carried out to assess environment and equipment, 23 DOs of complete service shifts, 67 accompaniments to users during medical assistance in GDS, 18 FGs (118 participating mothers), and 36 IDIs. Both mothers and healthcare professionals agreed that there were limitations in infrastructure, equipment, materials, and personnel that impacted quality medical assistance in GDS. Delays in medical assistance, failure to comply with schedules, and lack of friendliness when providing medical care were the aspects that produced the greatest user dissatisfaction. Only 24.3% of the total amount of time spent at the healthcare establishment corresponded to beneficial activities for the user, although the Health Department was meeting the objective to promote improvement of childcare practices. CONCLUSIONS: The study was useful in identifying weaknesses and strengths that may help redirect GDS efforts within the framework of policies aimed at strengthening first-class medical assistance.

Factores asociados con la anemia en niños menores de tres años en Perú: análisis de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, 2007-2013 / Factors associated with anemia in children under three years of age in Perú: analysis of the Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, ENDES, 2007-2013

Introducción. A pesar de la disminución de la pobreza en Perú, la prevalencia de la anemia infantil en el país continúa siendo alta. Objetivo. Determinar los factores sociodemográficos y las características del cuidado materno-infantil asociadas con la anemia en niños de seis a 35 meses de edad en Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional que incluyó los datos sobre hemoglobina sanguínea registrados en la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES), 2007-2013, en niños entre los seis y los 35 meses de edad. Mediante un análisis multivariado de regresión logística, se identificaron los factores asociados con la anemia, definida como una hemoglobina corregida por altitud, menor de 11 mg/dl. Resultados. La prevalencia de anemia fue alta (47,9 %). Se identificaron doce factores asociados con la anemia: factores sociodemográficos como vivir fuera de Lima y Callao; en un hogar con bajo nivel socioeconómico; tener una madre adolescente y con bajo nivel educativo; ser de sexo masculino con edad menor de 24 meses y antecedentes de fiebre reciente, y factores relacionados con el cuidado materno-infantil como la falta de control prenatal en el primer trimestre, la falta de suplemento de hierro durante el embarazo o administrado durante un periodo breve, parto en el domicilio, diagnóstico de anemia en la madre en el momento de la encuesta y ausencia de tratamiento antiparasitario preventivo en el niño. Conclusiones. La ENDES proporcionó información valiosa sobre los factores asociados con la anemia en niños de seis a 35 meses, cuyo conocimiento debe mejorar la cobertura y la efectividad de prácticas adecuadas de cuidado materno-infantil.

Introduction: Despite the reduction of poverty in Perú, the prevalence of anemia in the country remains high. Objective: To identify socio-demographic, child and maternal-child care factors associated with anemia in children between 6 and 35 months in Perú. Materials and methods: We conducted an analytical and descriptive study that included registered data from the national survey on demography and family health, 2007-2013, on children between 6 and 35 months old, including the measurement of blood hemoglobin. Anemia was confirmed by hemoglobin-altitude corrected values below 11 mg/dl. We used multivariate logistic regression models to assess potential associated factors for anemia. Results: Anemia prevalence was high (47.9%). Twelve factors were independently associated with anemia in children: Socio-demographic factors such as living outside Lima and Callao, in a low socioeconomic household, and having an adolescent mother with low education level; child-related factors as being male, younger than 24 months of age, and having fever in the previous two weeks, and maternal-child care factors such as lack of prenatal control in the first trimester of pregnancy, lack or short period of iron supplementation during pregnancy, house delivery, anemia detection at the moment of the survey, and lack of intestinal anti-parasite preventive treatment in the child. Conclusions: The analysis of survey data provided valuable information about factors associated with anemia in children between 6 and 35 months, which can be used to increase the coverage and effectiveness of maternal-child care practices.

Estudio cuali-cuantitativo sobre la atención de salud de niños menores de tres años en establecimientos de salud de nueve regiones pobres del Perú / Quali-quantitative study on healthcare for children below the age of 3 at health establishments in nine underdeveloped regions of Peru

Evaluar cinco elementos importantes de la calidad de atención (espacio físico, equipamiento, personal, tiempo para la atención, y consejería) en servicios de crecimiento y desarrollo (CRED) de 18 establecimientos de salud (EE. SS.) en nueve regiones con altos índices de pobreza en Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cuali-cuantitativo realizado en Amazonas, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Huancavelica, Puno y Ucayali, que incluyó la observación directa (OD) durante la atención de CRED, grupos focales (GF) con usuarios (uno por establecimiento de salud), y entrevistas en profundidad (EEP) con trabajadores de salud (dos por establecimiento de salud). Resultados. Se realizaron 18 OD para la verificación de ambientes y equipos, 23 OD de turnos completos de atención, 67 acompañamientos a usuarios de los servicios de CRED, 18 GF (118 madres participantes), y 36 EEP. Las madres y los profesionales de salud coincidieron en que existen limitaciones de infraestructura, equipamiento, materiales y personal que afectarían una atención de CRED de calidad. La demora en la atención, el incumplimiento de horarios, y la falta de calidez en la atención son los aspectos que generaron mayor insatisfacción en los usuarios. Solo en 24,3% del tiempo total de los turnos observados se realizaron actividades que generaron beneficio al usuario. Por su parte, la consejería estaría cumpliendo el objetivo de promover el mejoramiento de las prácticas de cuidado del niño. Conclusiones. El estudio ha permitido identificar debilidades y áreas de oportunidad para reorientar los servicios de CRED, en el marco de la política de fortalecimiento del primer nivel de atención del sector Salud...

To assess five elements of healthcare quality (physical space, equipment, personnel, waiting time, and counseling) in growth and development services (GDS) at 18 healthcare establishments in nine regions of Peru with high rates of poverty. Materials and methods. A quali-quantitative study was carried out in the Amazonas, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Huancavelica, Puno, and Ucayali regions, that included direct observation (DO) during medical assistance in GDS, focus groups (FG, one user per healthcare establishment), and in-depth interviews (IDI) with healthcare workers (two per healthcare establishment). Results. There were 18 DOs carried out to assess environment and equipment, 23 DOs of complete service shifts, 67 accompaniments to users during medical assistance in GDS, 18 FGs (118 participating mothers), and 36 IDIs. Both mothers and healthcare professionals agreed that there were limitations in infrastructure, equipment, materials, and personnel that impacted quality medical assistance in GDS. Delays in medical assistance, failure to comply with schedules, and lack of friendliness when providing medical care were the aspects that produced the greatest user dissatisfaction. Only 24.3% of the total amount of time spent at the healthcare establishment corresponded to beneficial activities for the user, although the Health Department was meeting the objective to promote improvement of childcare practices. Conclusions. The study was useful in identifying weaknesses and strengths that may help redirect GDS efforts within the framework of policies aimed at strengthening first-class medical assistance...

Descriptive, Longitudinal Study Results Applied to Statistical Models to Assess the Impact of Early Microbiological Cultures on the Economic Burden of Treatment for Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers at a Mexican Public Health Facility.

Infection plays a critical role in health care and impacts the cost of the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). To examine the cost reduction associated with the multidisciplinary treatment of infected DFU (IDFU) by obtaining early (ie, within 48 hours of admission) microbiological culture results, a descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted. Data were collected prospectively from patient medical charts of a cohort of 67 patients (mean age, 56.14 ± 12.3 years; mean duration of diabetes, 14.95 ± 8 years) with IDFU treated at a Mexican public health facility from January 1 to April 30, 2010. Information included demographic data (age, gender, marital status, time elapsed since first diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 [DM2]), and the following clinical records: Wagner classification, bacterium type, antimicrobial resistance, length of hospital stay, and the antibiotic schedule utilized, as well as number and type of laboratory tests, medications, intravenous therapy, surgical and supportive treatment, type and number of specialists, and clinical outcome. Microcosting was used to calculate the unit cost of each medical treatment element. Using the Monte Carlo and Markov predictive simulation economical models, cost reduction associated with early identification of the specific microorganism through bacterial culture in IDFU was estimated. Based on the statistical results, differences between real and estimated costs when including early microbiological culture were identified and the number and type of most common species of infectious bacteria were detected. The total cost observed in the patient cohort was $502 438.04 USD, mean cost per patient was $7177.69 ± $5043.51 USD, and 72.75% of the total cost was associated with the hospital stay length. The cost of the entire treatment including antibiotics was $359 196.16 USD; based on the simulation of early microbiological culture, the model results showed cost could be reduced by 10% to 25% (in this study, the cost could be as low as $304 624.63 USD). The use of early microbiological cultures on IDFU to determine the appropriate antibiotic can reduce treatment costs by >30% if hospital stay is part of the consideration.

Reconstrucción mandibular con injerto costocondral en microsomía hemifacial: reporte de un caso / Mandibular reconstruction with a costochondral graft in hemifacial microsomia: report of a case

La reconstrucción de la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) es una de las cirugías más demandantes para el cirujano maxilofacial y su equipo. Sus objetivos no sólo incluyen la rehabilitación del complejo mecanismo normal de la articulación, sino también la restauración de la simetría facial, mejorar la oclusión y a la vez la masticación. Las funciones de la ATM pueden verse afectadas por diferentes en enfermedades: tumorales, infecciosas, traumáticas y displasias. Éstas son las que constituyen la mayor indicación para la reconstrucción de la ATM, siendo las congénitas asociadas a síndromes las más difíciles de tratar. La microsomía hemifacial es el segundo defecto craneofacial más común, después de la fisura labio palatina. Es un síndrome que, a diferencia de otros, presenta una gran diversidad de opciones de tratamiento, los cuales van a ser aplicados con un enfoque multidisciplinario, ya que los tratamientos pueden ir desde los conservadores o no quirúrgicos como los de ortopedia funcional hasta los quirúrgicos que comprenden la reconstrucción de la ATM y rama mandibular, los cuales en su mayoría se realizan con injertos libres costocondrales. Se presenta el caso de un paciente femenino de cinco años de edad, la cual acude referida al Hospital Central ®Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto¼ con diagnóstico de microsomía hemifacial severa. Este trabajo se enfoca en describir el protocolo utilizado en nuestra institución para la reconstrucción mandibular de este síndrome desde edades tempranas, lo que beneficiará tanto la función articular como la estética facial.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction is one of the most demanding surgical procedures performed by maxillofacial surgeons and their teams, whose aim is not only to rehabilitate the complex normal mechanism of the joint but also to restore facial symmetry, and to improve occlusion and chewing. TMJ functions can be affected by various types of maladies: tumors, infectious diseases, trauma, and dysplasias, which constitute the main indicators for TMJ reconstruction, being those associated with congenital syndromes the most difficult to treat. Hemi-facial microsomia is the second most common craniofacial defect after cleft lip and palate. Unlike other syndromes, it presents a wide range of treatment options, all involving a multidisciplinary approach as that they can range from conservative or nonsurgical procedures to functional orthopedics, and surgical procedures in which the TMJ and the mandibular ramus are reconstructed...

Role of connexin channels in the retinal light response of a diurnal rodent.

Several studies have shown that connexin channels play an important role in retinal neural coding in nocturnal rodents. However, the contribution of these channels to signal processing in the retina of diurnal rodents remains unclear. To gain insight into this problem, we studied connexin expression and the contribution of connexin channels to the retinal light response in the diurnal rodent Octodon degus (degu) compared to rat, using in vivo ERG recording under scotopic and photopic light adaptation. Analysis of the degu genome showed that the common retinal connexins present a high degree of homology to orthologs expressed in other mammals, and expression of Cx36 and Cx43 was confirmed in degu retina. Cx36 localized mainly to the outer and inner plexiform layers (IPLs), while Cx43 was expressed mostly in cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. Under scotopic conditions, the b-wave response amplitude was strongly reduced by 18-ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (ß-GA) (-45.1% in degu, compared to -52.2% in rat), suggesting that connexins are modulating this response. Remarkably, under photopic adaptation, ß-GA increased the ERG b-wave amplitude in degu (+107.2%) while reducing it in rat (-62.3%). Moreover, ß-GA diminished the spontaneous action potential firing rate in ganglion cells (GCs) and increased the response latency of ON and OFF GCs. Our results support the notion that connexins exert a fine-tuning control of the retinal light response and have an important role in retinal neural coding.