Fat-free mass and maturity status are determinants of physical fitness performance in schoolchildren and adolescents

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the study was to verify whether (FFM), maturity status (MS) and chronological age (CA) are determinants of physical fitness performance, and to analyze FFM and physical performance aligned by CA and MS in children and adolescents. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was carried out in 863 schoolchildren. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), FFM, fat mass (FM), MS (Age at peak height velocity, APHV) were calculated. The physical tests of velocity 20 m, agility 5 m × 10rep, and horizontal jump (HJ) were evaluated. Results: The APHV was estimated in boys at 14.0 ± 0.36APHV and in girls at 11.96 ± 0.49APHV. The relationships between CA and APHV with FFM was r = 0.80 in boys and r = 0.44 to 0.45 in girls. The relationships between FFM and physical tests in boys were [HJ (r = 0.70), agility 5m × 10rep (r = -0.68), velocity (r = -0.61)] and in girls [HJ (r = 0.42), agility 5m × 10rep (r = -0.52), velocity (r = -0.20)]. The differences in FFM and physical fitness tests were more pronounced when aligned by APHV than by CA. Conclusion: It was verified that both FFM, CA, and APHV are determinants of physical fitness performance. In addition, the APHV should be introduced in physical education as a means of ranking physical performance among schoolchildren.

Fat-free mass and maturity status are determinants of physical fitness performance in schoolchildren and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to verify whether (FFM), maturity status (MS) and chronological age (CA) are determinants of physical fitness performance, and to analyze FFM and physical performance aligned by CA and MS in children and adolescents. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was carried out in 863 schoolchildren. Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), FFM, fat mass (FM), MS (Age at peak height velocity, APHV) were calculated. The physical tests of velocity 20 m, agility 5 m x 10rep, and horizontal jump (HJ) were evaluated. RESULTS: The APHV was estimated in boys at 14.0 ± 0.36APHV and in girls at 11.96 ± 0.49APHV. The relationships between CA and APHV with FFM was r = 0.80 in boys and r = 0.44 to 0.45 in girls. The relationships between FFM and physical tests in boys were [HJ (r = 0.70), agility 5m x 10rep (r = -0.68), velocity (r = -0.61)] and in girls [HJ (r = 0.42), agility 5m x 10rep (r = -0.52), velocity (r = -0.20)]. The differences in FFM and physical fitness tests were more pronounced when aligned by APHV than by CA. CONCLUSION: It was verified that both FFM, CA, and APHV are determinants of physical fitness performance. In addition, the APHV should be introduced in physical education as a means of ranking physical performance among schoolchildren.

Comparación de parámetros antropométricos y de composición corporal de futbolistas profesionales / A Comparison of Anthropometric Parameters and the Body Composition of Professional Soccer Players

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo comparar los parámetros antropométricos y de composición corporal en futbolistas profesionales en cinco temporadas. Se efectuó un estudio transversal (comparativo). Se estudió a 120 futbolistas, donde cada cohorte por año se evaluó a 24 futbolistas. El rango de edad fue de 18 a 37 años. Se evaluó a los futbolistas al inicio de cada temporada en los años 2012 a 2016: Se midió el peso, la estatura, seis pliegues cutáneos (Tríceps, subescapular, supra-iliaco, abdominal, muslo y pantorrilla). Se calculó el Índice de Masa corporal IMC, % de grasa, la masa grasa y masa libre de grasa MLG. El tejido adiposo se agrupó en tres grupos (brazo: (tricpes+subescapular, tronco: suprailiaco+abdominal, Piernas: muslo+pantorrilla). Hubo diferencias en el peso corporal, la estatura, la sumatoria de los 6 pliegues y la MLG a lo largo de los 5 años. [año 2012 (Peso: 76,6±7.8kg, estatura: 177.6±5.7cm, Pliegues: 58.7±12.8mm, MLG: 64.5±6.3mm), año 2013: (Peso: 77.8±6.4kg, Estatura: 178,4±4.4, Pliegues: 60.1±15.9mm, MLG:66.3±3.5mm), año 2014: (Peso: 74.9±5.7kg, Estatura: 177.0±5.8cm, Pliegues: 54.4±14.7mm, MLG: 64.5±4.5kg), año 2015: (Peso: 74.1±6.8kg, Estatura: 176.1±5.5cm, Pliegues: 54.9±15.6mm, MLG: 63.8±4.6kg), año 2016: (Peso: 72.7±kg, Estatura: 175.3±6.9kg, Pliegues: 50.8±12.mm, MLG: 62.8±5.9kg)]. Este estudio verificó que el perfil antropométrico y el tejido adiposo de los futbolistas fueron disminuyendo en cada temporada, mientras que la MLG reflejó similares valores en cada uno de las cohortes evaluadas.

Abstract The present cross-sectional (comparative) study aimed to compare the anthropometric and body composition parameters in professional soccer players over five seasons. It was conducted on 120 soccer players grouped in a cohort of 24 subjects per year. The age range was 18 to 37 years. The footballers were evaluated at the beginning of each season from 2012 to 2016; weight, height, six skin folds (triceps, subscapularis, supra-iliac, abdominal, thigh, and calf) were evaluated from 2012 to 2015. The Body Mass Index (BMI), fat percentage, fat mass, and FFM were calculated. The adipose tissue was grouped into three groups: arm (triceps + subscapular), trunk (supra iliac + abdominal), and legs (thigh + calf). Body weight, height, the sum of the 6 folds, and the MLG varied during the 5 years. For 2012 the results were the following: Weight, 76.6 ± 7.8kg; Height, 177.6 ± 5.7cm; Folds, 58.7 ± 12.8mm; MLG, 64.5 ± 6.3mm). In 2013, these were the results: Weight, 77.8 ± 6.4kg; Height, 178, 4 ± 4.4; Folds, 60.1 ± 15.9mm; MLG, 66.3 ± 3.5mm). These were the measures obtained in 2014: Weight, 74.9 ± 5.7kg; Height, 177.0 ± 5.8cm; Folds, 54.4 ± 14.7mm; MLG, 64.5 ± 4.5kg ). And these were of the year 2015: Weight, 74.1 ± 6.8kg; Height, 176.1 ± 5.5cm; Folds, 54.9 ± 15.6mm; MLG, 63.8 ± 4.6kg). Finally, in 2016 these were the measures collected: Weight, 72.7 ± kg; Height, 175.3 ± 6.9 kg; Folds, 50.8 ± 12.mm; MLG, 62.8 ± 5.9kg. This study verified that the soccer players' anthropometric profile and adipose tissue decreased each season, while the MLG reflected similar values in each of the evaluated cohorts.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar os parâmetros antropométricos e de composição corporal em jogadores profissionais de futebol durante cinco temporadas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal (comparativo). Foi estudado um total de 120 jogadores de futebol, onde cada coorte por ano foram avaliados 24 jogadores. A faixa etária era de 18 a 37 anos. Os futebolistas foram avaliados no início de cada temporada, nos anos de 2012 a 2016. Foram medidas altura, peso, seis dobras da pele (tríceps, subescapular, supra ilíaca, abdominal, coxa e calcanhar). Foram calculados índice de massa corporal IMC, % de gordura, massa de gordura e massa livre de gordura MLG. O tecido adiposo foi agrupado em três grupos (braço: tríceps + subescapular, tronco: suprailíaco + abdominal, pernas: coxa + calcanhar). Houve diferenças no peso corporal, na altura, a soma de 6 dobras e a MLG ao longo dos 5 anos: ano 2012 (Peso: 76,6±7,8kg, Altura: 177,6±5,7cm, Dobras: 58,7±12,8mm, GLM: 64,5±6,3mm), ano 2013 (Peso: 77,8±6,4kg, Altura: 178,4±4,4, Dobras: 60,1±15,9mm, GLM:66,3±3.5mm), ano 2014 (Peso: 74,9±5,7kg, Altura: 177,0±5,8cm, Dobras: 54,4±14,7mm, GLM: 64,5±4,5kg), ano 2015 (Peso: 74,1±6,8kg, Altura: 176,1±5,5cm, Dobras: 54,9±15,6mm, GLM: 63,8±4,6kg), ano 2016 (Peso: 72,7±kg, Altura: 175,3±6,9kg, Dobras: 50,8±12,mm, GLM: 62,8±5,9kg). Este estudo verificou que o perfil antropométrico e o tecido adiposo dos jogadores de futebol diminuíram em cada temporada, enquanto que a MLG refletiu valores similares em cada um dos coortes avaliados.

Reference values for bone density and bone mineral content from 5 to 80 years old in a province of Chile.

Background: The assessment of bone health throughout the life cycle is essential to determine fracture risk. The objectives of the work were (a) compare bone mineral density and content with international references from the United States, (b) determine maximum bone mass, (c) propose references for bone health measurements from ages 5 to 80 years old. Methods: Research was carried out on 5,416 subjects. Weight and height were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The total body was scanned using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Information was extracted from the bone health measures (bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC)) for both sexes, according to pediatric and adult software. Results and Discussion: Differences were identified between the mean values of Chilean and American men for BMD (~0.03 to 0.11 g/cm2) and BMC (~0.15 to 0.46 g). Chilean females showed average values for BMD similar to the US references (~-0.01 to 0.02 g/cm2). At the same time, they were relatively higher for BMC (~0.07 to 0.33 g). The cubic polynomial regression model reflected a relationship between BMD and BMC with chronological age in both sexes. For males, R2 was higher (R2 = 0.72 and 0.75) than for females (R2 = 0.59 and 0.66). The estimate of maximum bone mass (MBM) for males emerged at 30 years old (1.45 ± 0.18 g/cm2 of BMD and 3.57 ± 0.60 g of BMC) and for females at age 28 (1.22 ± 0.13 g/cm2 of BMD and 2.57 ± 0.44 g of BMC). The LMS technique was used to generate smoothed percentiles for BMD and BMC by age and sex. Results showed that maximum bone mass occurred in females at age 28 and in males at 30. Reference values obtained from this research may be used to evaluate bone health, diagnose bone fragility and osteoporosis in individuals and regional population groups.

Relationship between age and handgrip strength: Proposal of reference values from infancy to senescence.

Introduction: Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) has been proposed as a key component of frailty and has also been suggested as a central biomarker of healthy aging and a powerful predictor of future morbidity and mortality. Objectives: (a) To determine whether a nonlinear relationship model could improve the prediction of handgrip strength (HGS) compared to the linear model and (b) to propose percentiles to evaluate HGS according to age and sex for a regional population of Chile from infancy to senescence. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in a representative sample of the Maule region (Chile). The volunteers amounted to 5,376 participants (2,840 men and 2,536 women), with an age range from 6 to 80 years old. Weight, height, HGS (right and left hand) according to age and sex were evaluated. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method [(L (Lambda; asymmetry), M (Mu; median), and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. Results and discussion: There were no differences in HGS from 6 to 11 years of age in both sexes; however, from 12 years of age onwards, males presented higher HGS values in both hands (p < 0.05). The linear regression between age with HGS showed values of R 2 = 0.07 in males and R 2 = 0.02 in females. While in the non-linear model (cubic), the values were: R 2 = 0.50 to 0.51 in men and R 2 = 0.26 in women. The percentiles constructed by age and sex were: P5, P15, P50, P85, and P95 by age range and sex. This study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between chronological age with HGS from infancy to senescence. Furthermore, the proposed percentiles can serve as a guide to assess and monitor upper extremity muscle strength levels at all stages of life.

Changes in diversity and distribution of native fish due to the presence of two invasive species in the Atacames River, northwestern Ecuador / Cambios en diversidad y distribución de peces nativos por la presencia de dos especies invasoras en el río atacames, noroccidente del ecuador

RESUMEN La interpretación de la diversidad biológica puede resultar muy compleja, ya que existe una dinámica basada en el origen y en la diversificación de las especies, así como en los efectos antrópicos, tales como la introducción de especies invasoras, cuya consecuencia puede conducir a la extinción local de especies nativas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la variación temporal (2012 y 2017), tanto en composición como en distribución de la ictiofauna a lo largo del río Atacames, noroccidente del Ecuador. En 2012 se registró: 1) la presencia de Astyanax ruberrimus que se extinguió localmente para el 2017; y 2) la presencia de la tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) como única especie introducida a la que se sumó el guppy (Poecilia gillii) para el 2017. Adicionalmente, el aumento en las actividades humanas condujo a un arreglo en la diversidad, abundancia y distribución de peces a lo largo del cauce, lo que determinó además que algunas especies se dispersaran hacia la zona alta de la cuenca.

ABSTRACT The interpretation of biological diversity can be very complex, as it exists a dynamic based on the origin and diversification of species, in addition to anthropogenic effects, such as the introduction of invasive species, which can result in the local extinction of the native ones. The aim of this study was to analyze the temporal variation (2012 and 2017), in composition and distribution of the ichthyofauna along the Atacames River in northwestern Ecuador. In 2012 we recorded: 1) the presence of Astyanax ruberrimus, which was reported locally extinct by 2017; and 2) the tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) as the only introduced fish species present until 2017, when the addition of the non-native guppy (Poeciliagillii) occurred . In addition, the increase in human activities conduced to change in diversity, abundance and distribution of fish along the watercourse, which resulted in dispersing of some species towards the upper reaches of the river basin.

Pruebas de aptitud física que realizan los escolares / Physical fitness tests in schoolchildren

The objective was to determine the types of studies that have been carried out according to year and region and to verify the physical tests used according to physical fitness dimensions from 2010 to 2018. A systematic review was carried out. Physical fitness (study types and physical tests) was studied in Chile. The PubMed database was used, considering the period from 2010 to 2018. The keywords used in Spanish were: aptitud física, niños y adolescentes, Chile, and in English: physical aptitude, children and adolescents. The information was recorded on an observation sheet and for the data, the PRISM flow chart was used. 18 studies were identified. 88.9% are descriptive (cross-sectional) studies, 11.1% quasi-experimental. 38.9% were made in the Metropolitan region, 33.3% in Maule, 11% in Araucanía, 5.6% for each region of Los Lagos, Ñuble, and other unspecified regions. In the muscular dimension, it was determined that 38.9% used the manual clamping force and 50% the horizontal leap. In the cardiorespiratory dimension, 27.8% applied the Course-Navette test, 16.7% the 6-minute walk test, and 11% the 100-meter speed test. A high number of descriptive (cross-sectional) investigations were identified and the most commonly used physical tests were horizontal leap, manual clamping force, Course-Navette test, and 6-minute walk test. These results suggest the need to develop experimental and longitudinal studies, as well as the inclusion of morphological and motor dimensions in their protocols

El objetivo fue determinar los tipos de estudio que se han efectuado según año y región, y verificar las pruebas físicas utilizadas según dimensiones de la aptitud física durante 2010 a 2018. Se efectuó una revisión sistemática. Se estudió la aptitud física (tipos de estudio y pruebas físicas) en Chile. Se utilizó la base de datos PubMed, considerando el período 2010 a 2018. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron, en español: aptitud física, niños y adolescentes, Chile, y en inglés: physical aptitude, children and adolescents. La información se registró en una ficha de observación y para la organización de datos se utilizó el diagrama de flujo PRISMA. Se identificaron 18 estudios. El 88.9% son de tipo descriptivo (transversales); el 11.1%, cuasiexperimentales. El 38.9% se efectuó en la región Metropolitana; el 33.3%, en El Maule; 11%, en la Araucanía; 5.6% para cada región de Los Lagos, Ñuble y no especificada. En la dimensión muscular, se determinó que el 38.9% utilizó la fuerza de prensión manual y el 50% el salto horizontal. En la dimensión cardiorrespiratoria, el 27.8% aplicó el test de Course Navette; el 16.7%, la caminata de 6 minutos, y el 11%, la prueba de velocidad de 100 metros. Se identificó un elevado número de investigaciones descriptivas (transversales) y las pruebas físicas más utilizadas fueron salto horizontal, fuerza de presión manual prueba de Course Navette y la caminata de 6 minutos. Estos resultados sugieren la necesidad de desarrollar estudios experimentales y longitudinales, así como la inclusión de dimensiones morfológicas y motoras en sus protocolos

Efectos de la especie invasora Poecilia gillii(Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) sobre Pseudopoecilia fria en ríos costeros de la región del Chocó, Ecuador / Effects of the invasive species Poecilia gillii (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) on Pseudopoecilia fria in coastal rivers of the Choco region, Ecuador

Una de las causas que aportan a la disminución de la biodiversidad es la introducción de especies exóticas que muchas veces terminan siendo invasoras, y por lo tanto terminan compitiendo con especies locales. Esta competencia no siempre es equitativa ya que las especies invasoras comúnmente cuentan con ventajas adaptativas que le otorgan beneficios ante las especies locales. Este estudio realizado en microcuencas del noroccidente del Ecuador identifica los efectos de la reciente presencia de Poecilia gillii sobre la especie nativa Pseudopoecilia fria; mediante un análisis poblacional (distribución longitudinal, parámetros de crecimiento y morfometría). Los resultados muestran un desplazamiento de P. fria hacia la parte alta del río, un aceleramiento en su crecimiento y por lo tanto una madurez anticipada con la consecuente disminución del tamaño corporal y finalmente un cambio en el alto del cuerpo con deslizamiento posterior de la aleta pectoral.

One of the causes contributing to the decrease of biodiversity is the introduction of exotic species that often end up being invasive, and end up competing with local species. This competition is not always "fair" since invaders commonly have adaptive advantages that give them an advantage over local species. This study was carried out in small watersheds in northwestern Ecuador and identifies the effects of the recent introduction of P. gillii on the native species P. fria; using population analysis (longitudinal distribution, growth parameters and morphometry). The results show a displacement of P. fria towards the upper part of the river, acceleration in its growth and therefore an earlier sexual maturity with a consequent decrease in body size and finally a change in body depth with posterior displacement of the pectoral fin.

Aspectos clínicos de la infección por influenza en el Hospital Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador, entre noviembre de 2017 y febrero 2018 / Clinical aspects of influenza infection at the Metropolitan Hospital of Quito, Ecuador, between November 2017 and February 2018

Introducción: la influenza es altamente contagiosa. Sus manifestaciones sintomáticas son variables; 10% presenta síntomas severos que pueden deberse a factores propios del huésped o a la cepa del virus. Objetivo: describir el perfil clínico del brote de influenza en un hospital privado de Quito-Ecuador. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo observacional en pacientes con influenza atendidos en los Servicios de Emergencia y Hospitalización del Hospital Metropolitano de Quito. Resultados: se registraron 422 casos de influenza. El síntoma más frecuente fue la tos (83%). 69,1% recibió oseltamivir, 26,5% fue tratado con oseltamivir y antibioticoterapia. 203 pacientes fueron hospitalizados (48,1%), de ellos 46,8% fueron menores de 5 años, 60% requirió aporte de oxígeno, la complicación más frecuente fue la neumonía (38,9%), 9 ingresaron a cuidados intensivos y 4 fallecieron. Conclusión: la influenza causa altas tasas de morbilidad y graves complicaciones.

Abstract: Background: Influenza is highly contagious. It presents variable clinical manifestations. 10% presents severe symptoms that can be due to factors associated with the infected individual as well as the virus strain. Objective: To describe clinical characteristics of influenza outbreak in a private hospital in Quito-Ecuador. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study of patients with influenza who were admitted to Emergency and Hospitalization of Hospital Metropolitano of Quito. Results: 422 influenza cases were identified. The most frequent symptom was cough (83%). 69.1% was treated with oseltamivir and 26.5% with oseltamivir and antibiotics. 203 patients were hospitalized (48.1%), of which 46.8% were children less than 5 years of age. 60% required oxygen, the most frequent complication was pneumonia (38.9%). 9 patients were admitted to intensive care unit. 4 patients died. Conclusions: Influenza causes high morbidity rates and severe complications. Key words: influenza, complications, hospitalization

Ultraestructura del inmunofenotipo CD44+/CD24- de una línea de células de cáncer de mama triple negativo / Ultrastructure of the CD44 + / CD24- immunophenotype of a line of triple negative breast cancer cells

RESUMEN: El cáncer de mama es la principal causa de muerte debido al cáncer en mujeres. La microscopía electrónica permite establecer características constitutivas de las células entre diferentes poblaciones celulares. Las células madre del cáncer mamario con inmunofenotipo CD44alta/CD24baja son una población de células intratumorales asociada a la quimioresistencia y metástasis, cuya ultraestructura aún no ha sido bien estudiada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer características ultraestructurales de células con fenotipo de células madre del cáncer de la línea celular MDA-MB-436 de tumor mamario triple negativo comparándolas con células madre adiposas. Se utilizó microscopía electrónica de barrido y de transmisión. Previamente, mediante separación inmunomagnética positiva empleando anticuerpos anti CD44 y anti CD24 unidos a perlas magnéticas, se obtuvo una población de células con fenotipo CD44alta/CD24baja a partir de 10x106 células de la línea MDA-MB-436, la cual igual que las células madre adiposas fue cultivada en cubreobjetos para microscopía electrónica de barrido; en tanto que para microscopía electrónica de transmisión se obtuvo un pellet de células, luego se fijó con glutaraldehído al 2,5 % y post fijó con OsO4 1 %. Para microscopía óptica de alta resolución se usó azul de toluidina como tinción. Luego de obtener el fenotipo de células madre del cáncer se corroboró su pluripotencia detectando la expresión de los genes Oct4 y nanog mediante RT-PCR. Nuestros resultados muestran que las células de este fenotipo son pequeñas, redondeadas, recubiertas por microvellosidades abundantes pero cortas; el citoplasma tiene organelas de secreción celular y abundantes mitocondrias alargadas; el núcleo es excéntrico ocupando la mitad del volumen celular, el nucléolo es voluminoso y la heterocromatina está adosada a la membrana nuclear interna. Se concluye que el inmunofenotipo celular estudiado es una sub población celular dentro de la línea estudiada que difiere en tamaño y ultraestructura de las células madre adiposas.

SUMMARY: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Electron microscopy allows establishing constitutive characteristics of cells between different cell populations. CD44 high / CD24 low mammary cancer stem cells are a population of intratumoral cells associated with chemoresistance and metastasis, whose ultrastructure has not yet been well studied. The objective of this work was to know the ultrastructural characteristics of cells with cancer stem cell phenotype, of the triple negative mammary tumor cell line MDAMB-436 436 using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and to contrast them with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Previously, by immunomagnetic purification using anti CD44 and anti CD24 antibodies bound to magnetic beads, cells populations was obtained from 10x106 cells of the MDA-MB-436 line, which, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem whereas cultivated on coverslips for scanning electron microscopy; while for transmission electron microscopy a cell pellet was obtained, then fixed with 2.5 % glutaraldehyde and post fixed with OsO4 1 %. For high resolution optical microscopy, toluidine blue was used as staining. After obtaining the phenotype of cancer stem cells, their pluripotency was corroborated by detecting the expression of the Oct4 and nanog genes by RT-PCR. Our results show that the cells of this phenotype are small, rounded, covered by abundant but short microvilli; the cytoplasm has organelles of cellular secretion and abundant elongated mitochondria; the nucleus is eccentric occupying half of the cellular volume, the nucleolus is bulky and the heterochromatin is attached to the inner nuclear membrane. It is concluded that the cellular immunophenotype studied is a sub-cellular population within the line studied that differs in size and ultrastructure of the adipose stem cells.

Spermiogram and sperm head morphometry assessed by multivariate cluster analysis results during adolescence (12-18 years) and the effect of varicocele.

This work evaluates sperm head morphometric characteristics in adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age, and the effect of varicocele. Volunteers between 150 and 224 months of age (mean 191, n = 87), who had reached oigarche by 12 years old, were recruited in the area of Barranquilla, Colombia. Morphometric analysis of sperm heads was performed with principal component (PC) and discriminant analysis. Combining seminal fluid and sperm parameters provided five PCs: two related to sperm morphometry, one to sperm motility, and two to seminal fluid components. Discriminant analysis on the morphometric results of varicocele and nonvaricocele groups did not provide a useful classification matrix. Of the semen-related PCs, the most explanatory (40%) was related to sperm motility. Two PCs, including sperm head elongation and size, were sufficient to evaluate sperm morphometric characteristics. Most of the morphometric variables were correlated with age, with an increase in size and decrease in the elongation of the sperm head. For head size, the entire sperm population could be divided into two morphometric subpopulations, SP1 and SP2, which did not change during adolescence. In general, for varicocele individuals, SP1 had larger and more elongated sperm heads than SP2, which had smaller and more elongated heads than in nonvaricocele men. In summary, sperm head morphometry assessed by CASA-Morph and multivariate cluster analysis provides a better comprehension of the ejaculate structure and possibly sperm function. Morphometric analysis provides much more information than data obtained from conventional semen analysis.

Estudio del nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios del servicio odontológico de una IPS del régimen contributivo de Cali, Junio - Agosto 2010 / Study of the level of satisfaction of users of the dental service of an institution of the contributory regime in Cali, June - August 2010

Objective: To determine the level of satisfaction of users of dentistry of an institution of contributory regime at the city of Cali. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The calculated sample size was 242 patients obtained by simple random probability sampling. The dates were analyzed in the statistical package Epi-info v. 5.4 Results: Female gender predominated with 62,8% (CI 95%: 56,4 ­ 68,9); the more prevalent type of membership was contributor with 60,7% (CI 95%: 54,3 ­ 66,9). Despite of limitations of Health Mandatory Plan in dentistry area, the global rating of satisfaction was 4.1 in a scale from 1 to 5. Conclusions: The level of satisfaction of the users of dentistry service at the surveyed institution was 82%. Today the knowledge of level of satisfaction of users of health services is an important tool for the administration, researching, and marketing of these services...(AU)

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios del servicio odontológico de una IPS del Régimen Contributivo de Cali. Metodología: Esta investigación correspondió a un corte transversal. El tamaño de muestra para el proceso de cálculo fue de 242 pacientes obtenidos mediante un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio simple. Los datos se analizaron en el paquete estadístico Epi-info versión 3.5.1. Resultados: Predominó el género femenino con un 62,8% (IC 95%: 56,4 ­ 68,9); el tipo de afiliación que prevaleció fue el cotizante con un 60,7% (IC 95%: 54,3 ­ 66,9). A pesar de las limitaciones del Plan Obligatorio de Salud en el área odontológica, la calificación global de satisfacción fue de 4,1 en una escala de 1 a 5. Conclusiones: El nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios del servicio odontológico de la IPS investigada fue del 82%. Actualmente el conocimiento del nivel de satisfacción de usuarios de servicios de salud, es una herramienta importante para la administración, investigación y marketing de dichos servicios.:.(AU)