Postoperative Complications in Emergency Surgeries at a Referral Hospital in Eastern Venezuela.

Background Postoperative complications (POC) are undesirable consequences of surgery and are a major area of concern adversely affecting the quality of surgical care and patient safety. Emergency surgery has been observed to have a higher incidence of different POC. The analysis of POC is of great importance due to their impact on the quality of life of patients and because they have become an indicator to measure the quality of hospital services. Objective This study aimed to describe the POC of emergency surgeries in patients from the general surgery department of a referral hospital in eastern Venezuela. Methodology A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, including patients undergoing emergency surgery at "Dr. Luis Razetti" University Hospital, Barcelona, Venezuela, between November 2022 and May 2023. Results Medical records of 178 patients were analyzed. Most were male (53.7%), with an average age of 34.98 and a standard deviation of 18.2 years. POC was registered in 28 (15.7%) patients, with surgical site infection being the most common in 21 (39.62%) patients. Those over 65 years old (21.4% vs. 6.4%, p=0.013), patients with a history of hypertension (25% vs. 6.3%, p=0.002), hypoalbuminemia (100% vs. 43.8%, p=0.027), diagnosed with peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation (21.4% vs. 6%, p=0.007), trauma (25% vs. 9.3%, p=0.018), and those with a midline incision (75% vs. 31.3%, p<0.001) had a higher frequency of POC. There was a mortality rate of 2.8% with no significant difference based on the development of POC. Conclusion POC represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing emergency surgeries. The studied sample showed a similar frequency of POC compared to previous reports but with lower mortality. Complications were associated with higher frequencies of hypertension, midline approach, hypoalbuminemia, and emergency surgery for peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation and trauma.

The Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis, Out-Migration, and Household Change Among Venezuelans in Venezuela and Abroad.

International migration is increasingly characterized by the need to evade threats to survival. Nevertheless, demographic understandings of how families-rather than individuals alone-decide to migrate or separate in response to threats remain limited. Focusing on the recent humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, we analyze 2012-2016 data on Venezuelans in Venezuela and 2018-2020 data on UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)-registered Venezuelans in nine receiving countries to illuminate the evolution of threats Venezuelans sought to evade, how threat evasion transformed households away from previous norms, the selection of migrants into different receiving countries and household structures, and demographic disparities in migrants' odds of reporting changes to their household because of specific migration-related processes (e.g., leaving someone in Venezuela, leaving someone in another country). Results underscore a simultaneous escalation of economic, safety, and political concerns that informed Venezuelans' increasing intentions to out-migrate. Where Venezuelans migrated and who ended up in their households abroad varied by demographic background and migration experiences. Among UNHCR-registered Venezuelans, 43% left family members in Venezuela, and more than 10% left or were left behind by members in another country. Such household separations, however, were unevenly distributed across factors such as age, gender, and country of reception.

Understanding the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: Despite nearly a quarter of Venezuelans remaining unvaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the country have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15th to 30th, 2022, using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The study analyzed data from 1,930 participants from all 24 states of Venezuela. The majority (93.4%) were vaccinated. The mean age was 40 years, predominantly female (67.3%), and held a university degree (70.6%). The mean KAP score was significantly higher among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones (7.79 vs. 3.94 points for knowledge, 40 vs. 24 points for attitudes, and 16 vs. 10 points for practices, all p < 0.001). Increases in the scores for KAP were associated with increased odds of being vaccinated (84.6%, 25.6%, and 33% respectively for each one-point increase, all p < 0.001). Certain demographic factors such as marital status, occupation, religious beliefs, monthly income, and location influence COVID-19 vaccine knowledge. Higher income and certain occupations decrease the odds of low knowledge, while residing in specific states increases it. Attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are influenced by age, health status, vaccination status, and location. Higher income and absence of certain health conditions decrease the odds of negative attitudes. Lastly, age, occupation, monthly income, and location affect vaccine practices. Advanced age and higher income decrease the odds of inappropriate practices, while residing in La Guaira state increases them. CONCLUSION: Factors such as age, education level, occupation, monthly income, and location were found to be associated with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine among the surveyed Venezuelans.

Persistent Food Insecurity and Material Hardships: A Latent Class Analysis of Experiences among Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants in Urban Colombia.

The causes and conditions of displacement often increase the vulnerability of migrant and refugee populations to food insecurity, alongside other material hardships. We aimed to examine the multidimensional aspects and patterns of food insecurity and other material hardships in a cross-sectional sample of 6221 Venezuelan refugees and migrants in urban Colombia using a latent class analysis. Using multinomial and logistic regression models, we investigated the demographic and migratory experiences associated with identified classes and how class membership is associated with multiple health outcomes among Venezuelan refugees and migrants, respectively. Approximately two thirds of the sample was comprised cisgender women, and the participants had a median age of 32 years (IQR: 26-41). Four heterogeneous classes of food insecurity and material hardships emerged: Class 1-low food insecurity and material hardship; Class 2-high food insecurity and material hardship; Class 3-high income hardship with insufficient food intake; and Class 4-income hardship with food affordability challenges. Class 2 reflected the most severe food insecurity and material hardships and had the highest class membership; Venezuelans with an irregular migration status were almost 1.5 times more likely to belong to this class. Food insecurity and material hardship class membership was independently associated with self-rated health, mental health symptoms, and recent violence victimization and marginally associated with infectious disease outcomes (laboratory-confirmed HIV and/or syphilis infection). Social safety nets, social protection, and other interventions that reduce and prevent material hardships and food insecurity among refugees and migrants, alongside the host community, may improve public health, support development, and reduce healthcare costs. In the long term, regularization and social policies for migrants aimed at enhancing refugees' and migrants' social and economic inclusion may contribute to improving food security in this population.

Migration process of Venezuelan women to Brazil: living conditions and use of health services in Manaus and Boa Vista, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: The last decade saw the emergence of a new significant migration corridor due to the mass migration of Venezuelans to neighboring countries in South America. Since 2018, Brazil became the third host country of Venezuelan displaced populations. Little is known about how migratory processes affect needs, access to social programs, and public health services of migrant women. The goal of this study is to shed light on the socio-economic profile, living conditions, and use of health services of Venezuelan migrant women in two main reception cities in Brazil. METHODS: A survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), and Manaus (Amazonas). The study included 2012 Venezuelan migrant women aged between 15 and 49 years old who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil between 2018 and 2021. Relative prevalence was calculated, and the χ2 test was used to analyse the homogeneity of proportions. All analyses considered the complex sampling. RESULTS: The main reasons for migrating relate to difficulties obtaining food (54%) and accessing health services (37.8%) in their country of origin. They were young and mixed race (65.7%) and had high school education (69.9%). In Manaus, 3.7% of the interviewees declared that they had no family income in the last month, while in Boa Vista, it was higher (66.2%) (p-value < 0.001). Almost one-third of them sought health care in the last 15 days, and 95% of them received care. The residents of Boa Vista arrived more recently and family income and access to paid work improved with time of residence in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing flow of Venezuelan migrants crossing to Brazil, a reception system was established for the provision of food, shelter, access to health services, and income transfer programs to migrants. This was the case despite high unemployment and poverty levels and income inequality, particularly in the city of Boa Vista. However, the majority had legal migrant status and had access to the public and universal healthcare system in Brazil (SUS). The use of the SUS was similar in both cities, acting as a buffer for the differences in opportunities offered.

Comparative reproductive ecology of Old and New World Trogons, an order in decline across the world.

Many tropical species show declining populations. The pantropical order Trogoniformes has 76% of its species ranked as declining, reflecting a worldwide problem. Here, we report on the reproductive ecology and life history traits of the declining and near-threatened old world Whitehead's Trogon (Harpactes whiteheadi), the declining new world Collared Trogon (Trogon collaris), and the stable Masked Trogon (T. personatus). We also reviewed the literature on reproductive ecology and life history traits of trogons to assess possible commonalities that might help explain population declines. We found that the declining Whitehead's and Collared Trogons had reasonable nest success (32% and 25%, respectively), while the stable Masked Trogon had poor reproductive success (9%), all contrary to population trends. However, the limited literature data suggested that poor reproductive success may be common among trogons, which may contribute to population declines. Parents fed young at a low rate and had long on-bouts for incubation and nestling warming that reduced activity at the nest, as favored by high nest predation risk over evolutionary time. We found that young fledged from the nest with poorly developed wings, as also favored by high nest predation risk. Evolved nestling periods among trogon species suggests that poor wing development is likely common. Wing development has been shown to affect juvenile survival after leaving the nest. The poor wing development may be an important contributor to population declines that deserves more attention. Evolved life history traits are important to recognize as creating population vulnerabilities in a changing world.

Varicela neonatal tardía: presentación en un paciente pediátrico / Late neonatalchickenpox: presentation in a pediatric patient

La varicela es una infección poco frecuente durante la gestación, el riesgo para el feto y las manifestaciones clínicas, variarán en función del momento del embarazo en que se produce la infección materna, cuando la erupción maculopapular materna se produce entre los 5 días previos al parto y las 48 horas posteriores, se habla de varicela neonatal tardía. La clínica es grave, con afectación visceral (pulmonar, cerebral, hepática, hemorragias cutáneas, etc.) y un 30 % de los casos desarrollarán una varicela fulminante. Se presenta el caso de neonato masculino que consultó por lesiones en piel, tipo pápulas eritematosas y vesiculares pleomorfas, de distribución dispersa. Con evolución clínica tórpida, permaneció 24 horas en la institución, con franco deterioro respiratorio y neurológico, compatible con cuadro de varicela neonatal tardía fulminante(AU)

Chickenpox is considered a rare infection during pregnancy, the risk to the fetus and the clinical manifestations will vary depending on the time of pregnancy when the maternal infection occurs, when the maternal maculo-papular injuries occurs within the previous 5 days after delivery and 48 hours after, there is talk of late neonatal chickenpox. The symptoms are severe with visceral involvement (lung, brain, liver, skin bleeding, etc.) and 30% of cases will develop fulminant chickenpox. We present the case of a male neonate who consults due to skin lesions, such as erythematous papules and pleomorphic vesicles, with scattered distribution. With a torpid clinical course, who remains in the institution for 24 hours, with frank respiratory and neurological deterioration compatible with late-neonatal fulminant varicella symptoms(AU)

Terminología anatómica: un camino difíci / Anatomical terminology: a difficult pat

En el presente artículo se hace una revisión sistemática o evaluativa de carácter descriptivo-exploratorio donde se buscaron los estudios más relevantes de forma sistematizada en relación a la terminología anatómica, se abordó su historia, su evolución hasta el presente y las dificultades existentes para su correcta aplicación y difusión(AU)

In the present article a systematic or evaluative review of descriptive-exploration nature is made, where the most relevant studies searched in a systematic way in relation to the anatomic terminology, its history, its evolution to the present and the existing difficulties for its correct application and dissemination were addresse(AU)

Listeria monocytogenesy mecanismo de caballo de Troya a través de la barrera hematoencefálica / isteria monocytogenesand Trojan horse mechanism across the blood-brain barrier

Las infecciones del sistema nervioso central son potencialmente mortales, causadas por patógenos, como bacterias, virus y hongos. Para llegar hasta el cerebro, los microorganismos utilizan diversas vías y formas. Este patogeno es una bacteria grampositiva corta, flagelar e intracelular, con la capacidad de inducir su internalización en células fagocíticas (monocitos/macrófagos) y no fagocíticas (células endoteliales). Al infectar los macrófagos, estos microorganismos se valen de su capacidad de fijación, adhesión y migración transendotelial, para cruzar la barrera hematoencefálica, finalmente, generando meningitis bacteriana. En esta revisión describimos el mecanismo de caballo de Troya usado por Listeria monocytogenespara invadir el cerebro en el desarrollo de enfermedades infecciosas e incorporamos nuevos conocimientos sobre moléculas que intervienen en dicho mecanismo(AU)

Central nervous system infections are life-threatening, caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. To access the brain, microorganisms use various mechanisms. Listeria monocytogenes is a short, flagellar and intracellular gram-positive bacterium, with the ability to induce its internalization in phagocytic (monocytes/macrophages) and non-phagocytic (endothelial cells) cells. By infecting macrophages, these microorganisms take advantage of their binding, adhesion, and transendothelial migrationcapacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, finally generating bacterial meningitis. In this review we describe the Trojan horse mechanism used by Listeria monocytogenesto invade the brain in the development of infectious diseases and we incorporate new knowledge about molecules that intervene in this mechanism(AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de la técnica americana modificada en un puerto de trabajo para colecistectomía laparoscópica / Efficacy and safety of the modified american technique in a working port for laparoscopic

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la técnica americana modificada con un puerto de trabajo (TAMPT) en línea media para colecistectomía laparoscópica. Métodos: Se elaboró estudio prospectivo, comparativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, en pacientes con litiasis vesicular en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, durante enero-agosto 2022. Resultados: se realizaron 79 colecistectomía laparoscópicas, 34 por técnica americana y 45 con TAMPT. La TAMPT (40.26%) se ejecutó con intervalo de 30-60 min. La estancia hospitalaria promedio global fue 1,75 ± 0,87 días. El promedio global de dolor a las 24 horas fue de 4,43 ± 0,68, según escala visual analógica (EVA). Los procedimientos realizados con TAMPT no presentaron complicaciones, con la técnica americana, se reportó dos: bilioma y lesión de víscera hueca, representando 2.54%. Conclusiones: La TAMPT, ha demostrado ser una técnica segura y eficaz como tratamiento quirúrgico de la litiasis vesicular, tanto para procedimientos electivos como de emergencia(AU)

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of the modified American technique in a working port (MATWP) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A prospective, comparative, descriptive, cross-sectional, descriptive study was elaborate. In patients with vesicular lithiasis in the General Surgery Service of the Hospital Universitario de Caracas, during January-August 2022.Results: 79 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, 34 by American technique and 45 with modified technique. The modified technique (40.26%) was performed with an interval of 30-60 min. The overall average hospital stay was 1.75 ± 0.87 days.The global average pain at 24 hours was 4.43 ± 0.68, according to visual analog scale (VAS).The procedures performed with MATWP did notpresent complications; the American technique reported two bilioma and hollow viscera lesion, representing an overall rateof 2.54%. Conclusions: MATWP has proven to be a safe and effective technique for surgical treatment of gallbladder stones, both for elective and emergency procedure(AU)

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las neoplasias en la glándula parótida / Surgical treatment of the neoplasmsof the parotid gland

Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasias en glándula parótida, según el procedimiento quirúrgico efectuado, la técnica de identificación del nervio facial, y la relación de los hallazgos patológicos definitivos con los estudios de muestreo histológico preoperatorio. Métodos: Estudio multidisciplinario, multiinstitucional, descriptivo, cuantitativo y retrospectivo de 26 pacientes con diagnóstico de neoplasias en glándula parótida entre el año 2018 al 2023. Se dividieron de acuerdo a la histología en benignas y malignas. Las distintas frecuencias fueron expresadas en número y porcentaje. Se calculó la sensibilidad y especificidad de la punción con aguja fina como prueba de muestreo histológico. Resultados: Categoría benigna: 16 pacientes (61,5% %). El resto de la serie, diez pacientes, de la categoría de tumores malignos (38,5%). La lobectomía superficial parotídea fue el procedimiento más frecuente en las neoplasias benignas (75%) y malignas (60%). La técnica anterógrada de identificación del nervio facial fue la más común. Entre 25% a 30% de parálisis temporales en ambos grupos. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la punción con aguja fina para el diagnóstico de neoplasias benignas fue de 92,3% y 50%, el porcentaje de falsos negativos de 5,8%. Conclusión: La lobectomía superficial de la glándula parótida y la técnica anterógrada representaron el procedimiento quirúrgico y la técnica de identificación del nervio facial más frecuentemente realizado en ambas categorías. La baja especificidad de la punción con aguja fina y el porcentaje de falsos negativos representaron algunas de las dificultades a afrontar para decidir la extensión del tratamiento quirúrgico(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the surgical procedure, technique identification of nerve facial and correlate the pathological findings withthe preoperative histological sampling studies, in patients with neoplasms parotid underwent surgery. Methods: Study multi-institutiona, multi-disciplinary, descriptive y quantitative of 26 patients with neoplasm parotid between the years 2018 to 2023. We divided in two categories benign and malignant. The frequency was expressed in number and percentage. It was calculated the sensibility and specificity of the fine needle puncture. Results: Category benign: 16 patients (61,5% %). Malignant, ten patients (38,5%). The lobectomy superficial was the surgical procedure more frequent in the neoplasm benign (75%) and malignant (60%). The anterograde technique of identification of nerve facial was the more common. Between 25% and 30% presents facial palsytemporal. The sensibility and specificity of the fine needle puncture were 92,3% y 50%, the percentage of false negatives was 5,8%. Conclusion: In this study the lobectomy superficial and anterograde technique were the surgical procedure and technique of identification of nerve facial more frequent in both categories. The low specificity of fine needle puncture and the percentage of false negatives were some of the difficulties to affront in the decision of the surgery exten(AU)

Alteraciones psiquiátricas en pacientes con antecedentes de infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Psychiatric alterations in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Objetivo: Caracterizar los trastornos mentales de los pacientes consultantes del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital Universitario de Caracas enero 2020 ­enero 2021, que acudieron por primera vez y habían presentado infección por COVID-19 3 a 6 meses antes de consultar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal en pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital Universitario de Caracas para emergencia (por primera vez y sucesivas) por presentar patologías mentales durante y posterior a infección por COVID-19 durante el periodo enero 2020-enero 2021. Resultados: De 718 pacientes, 53 que acudieron con patologías mentales habían presentado infección previa por COVID-19 representando el 7,38%. Edad promedio 27-29 años (66,03 %). La mayoría del sexo femenino (71,69 %). El 77,35 % provenían del Distrito Capital; el 18,86 % del estado Miranda, siendo el estado civil predominante la soltería con 73,58 %; el 56,60 % estaban desempleados y el 79,24 % no poseían nivel de instrucción. En relación a los diagnósticos: trastorno depresivo mayor con síntomas ansiosos (30,18 %), trastorno depresivo (18,86 %), episodio maniforme (1,88 %) episodio psicótico agudo (18,86 %), trastorno de ansiedad generalizada (7,54 %), entre otros. Conclusión: Los síntomas psiquiátricos originados por infección por COVID-19 aparecen de forma más tardía y persisten después de la infección. Las mujeres manifestaron mayor riesgo de presentar síntomas relacionados con la salud mental; se asocia a alto nivel de vulnerabilidad a causa de la influencia de los roles sociales, ciclo reproductivo y mayor morbilidad psiquiátrica(AU)

Objective: To characterize the mental disorders of the consulting patients of the Psychiatry Service of the University Hospital of Caracas January 2020 -January 2021, who came for the first time and hapresented COVID-19 infection 3 to 6 monthsbefore consulting. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out in patients who attended the Psychiatry Service of the University Hospital of Caracas for emergencies (for the first time and successive ones) due to presenting mental pathologies during and after COVID-19 during the period January 2020-January 2021. Results: Of 718 patients, 53 who came with mental pathologies had previous COVID-19 infection, representing 7.38%. Average age 27-29 years(66.03%). The majority were female (71.69%). 77.35% came from the Capital District; 18.86% from the state of Miranda, with the predominant marital status being single with 73.58%; 56.60% were unemployed and 79.24% had no educational level. In relation to the diagnoses: major depressive disorder with anxious symptoms (30.18%), depressive disorder (18.86%), maniform episode (1.88%), acute psychotic episode (18.86%), generalized anxiety disorder (7.54%), among others. Conclusion: Psychiatric symptoms caused by COVID-19 infection appear later and persist after infection. Women expressed a greater risk of presenting symptoms related to mental health; It is associated with a high level of vulnerability due to the influence of social roles, reproductive cycle and greater psychiatric morbidit(AU)

Complicaciones y mortalidad en pacientes neurocríticos / Complications and mortality in neurocritic patients

Objetivo: Relacionar las complicaciones y el riesgo de muerte en pacientes neurocríticos admitidos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) del Hospital Universitario de Caracas durante un período de 5 meses. Métodos: investigación observacional, prospectiva, descriptiva. La muestra estuvo conformada por 65 pacientes neurocríticos, ≥ 18 años, con patologías médicas o quirúrgicas, ingresados en la UCI. El análisis estadístico incluyó la determinación de frecuencias, promedios, porcentajes y medias para descripción de variables y el T de Student. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 50,98 ± 16,66 años; la población masculinarepresentó el 50,76%. Entre las complicaciones, la mayor incidencia correspondió a las no infecciosas (70,77 %) y los trastornos ácido-básicos de tipo metabólico, la anemia y las alteraciones electrolíticas fueron las más frecuentes; el 29,23% de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones infecciosas, y la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica fue la más frecuente (73,91 %). La comorbilidad con mayor incidencia fue hipertensión arterial sistémica (53,84%). El 90.70% requirió ventilación mecánica y el tiempo en VM fue 4.29 ± 6.43 días. La estancia en UCI fue 5.96 ± 7.72 días. El 29,23% presentó un puntaje en la escala APACHE II entre 5-9; el SAPS II presentó mayor incidencia entre los 6-21 y 22-37 puntos con (66,70%); el SOFA al ingreso se reportó < 15 puntos en 98,46% y > 15 en 1,53%. La mortalidad del grupo fue 23,08 % (n=15). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones no infecciosas predominaron sobre las infecciosas las primeras íntimamente relacionadas con la mortalida(AU)

Objective: To relate complications and the risk of death in neurocritical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Caracas during a period of 5 months. Methods: observational, prospective, descriptive research. The sample was made up of 65 neurocritical patients, ≥ 18 years old, with medical or surgical pathologies, admitted to the ICU.The statistical analysis included the determination of frequencies, averages, percentages and meansfor description of variables and Student's T.Results: The average age was 50.98 ± 16.66 years; the male population represented 50.76%. Among the complications, the highest incidence corresponded to non-infectious complications (70.77%) and metabolic acid-base disorders, anemia and electrolyte alterations were the most frequent; 29.23% of patients presented infectious complications, and pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation was the most frequent (73.91%). The comorbidity with the highest incidence was systemic arterial hypertension (53.84%), 90.70% required mechanical ventilation and the time on MV was 4.29 ± 6.43 days. The ICU stay was 5.96 ± 7.72 days. 29.23% had a score on the APACHE II scale between 5-9; SAPS II presented the highest incidence between 6-21 and 22-37 points with (66.70%); The SOFA upon admission was reported to be < 15 points in 98.46% and > 15 in 1.53%. The mortality of the group was 23.08% (n=15). Conclusions: Non-infectious complications predominated over infectious complications, the former being closely related to mortalit(AU)

Escoliosis idiopática del adolescente / Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

La escoliosis idiopática del Adolescente (EIA) es una deformidad tridimensional de la columna vertebral que aqueja de diversas formas la condición de vida de quien la padece, afectando el desarrollo físico y psicológico del paciente. Proponemos evaluar el resultado clínico, radiológico y el componente de calidad de vida de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente con EIA, en el servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Jesús Yerena del Lídice. Se evaluó patrón de la curva, clasificación según Lenke, ángulo de Cobb pre y postquirúrgico, edad de tratamiento quirúrgico, gradode corrección, calidad de vida según cuestionario SRS-22 pre y postquirúrgica, valoración funcional mediante la escala de discapacidad de Oswestry (ODI) y complicaciones postoperatorias. Se estudiaron 22 casos (95 % femenino), el principal grupo etario fue de 11-14 años (55 %), la escoliosis tipo 1 fue la predominante (60 %), el ángulo de Cobb inicial fue mayor a 50° (50 %) y la madurez esquelética principal fue Risser 3 (55 %). La edad de resolución quirúrgica predominante fue entre 15-18 años (60 %), el grado de corrección postoperatorio fue de 75-100 % (73 %) y la densidad de los tornillos pediculares fue de 1.4-1.7 (64 %). En el cuestionario SRS-22, hubo mayor afectación en las dimensiones de autoimagen con una media de 1.8 y la valoración por ODI mostró un índice de incapacidad mínima, que fue mejorando en los controles sucesivos. Nuestra principal complicación fueron las infecciones (36 %). Concluimos que la cirugía correctiva temprana en la EIA ofrece a una mejoría clínica, radiológica y de la calidadde vida de estos paciente(AU)

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that affects the living condition of those who suffer from it in various ways, affecting the physical and psychological development of the patient. We propose to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome and the quality-of-life component of patients treated surgically with EIA, in the Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Jesús Yerena del Lídice. Curve pattern, Lenke classification, pre-and post-surgical Cobb angle, age at surgical treatment, degree of correction, quality of life according to pre-and post-surgical SRS-22 questionnaire, functional assessment using the Oswestry Disability Scale (ODI) and postoperative complications were evaluated. 22 cases were studied (95% female), the main age group was 11-14 years (55%), type 1 scoliosis was predominant (60%), the initial Cobb angle was greater than 50° (50%) and the main skeletal maturity was Risser 3 (55%). The predominant age of surgical resolution was between 15-18 years (60%), the degree of postoperative correction was 75-100% (73%) and the density of pedicle screws was 1.4-1.7 (64%). In the SRS-22 questionnaire, there was greater impairment in the self-image dimensions with a mean of 1.8 and the ODI assessment showed aminimal disability index, which improved in successive controls. Our main complication was infections (36%). We conclude that early corrective surgery in AIS offers clinical, radiological and quality of life improvement for these patient(AU)

Datos de composición de alimentos en Costa Rica: Fuentes, usos e impacto en políticas públicas / Food Composition Data in Costa Rica: Sources, Uses, and impact on public policies

Introducción: Las bases de datos y las tablas de composición de alimentos (BDCA y TCA, respectivamente) contienen información sobre la composición química-nutricional de los alimentos. Objetivo: Definir las fuentes de los datos de composición de alimentos que se usan en Costa Rica y que impacto tienen a nivel de políticas públicas. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron las TCA y BDCA disponibles en Costa Rica desde 1960 hasta el 2020. Se encuestaron usuarios de datos de composición de alimentos. Se analizaron los usos de estos datos y algunos alcances a nivel de política pública. Resultados: Se identifica la utilización predominante de datos de la BDCA de Estados Unidos, los datos nacionales son desactualizados en su mayoría y hay pocos datos de análisis directo (químico) de alimentos. Se evidencia la importancia de contar con datos propios, actualizados y representativos de composición de alimentos para la toma de decisiones en salud pública. Conclusiones: Se deben vincular las instituciones generadoras y compiladoras para maximizar los recursos para fortalecer la disponibilidad de datos de composición de alimentos en el país. Se evidencia la necesidad de generar un Sistema Nacional de Datos de Composición de Alimentos que se ajuste a las necesidades identificadas en cuanto a la calidad y presentación de la información(AU)

Introduction: Databases and food composition tables (FCDB and FCT, respectively) provide information about the chemical-nutritional composition of foods. Objective: of this work was to define the sources of food composition data used in Costa Rica and their impact on public policies. Materials and methods: It was analyzed which TCA and FCDB have been available in Costa Rica from 1960 to 2020. Users were surveyed about food composition data. It was analyzed the uses of these data and some of their impacts on public policy. Results: The predominant use of data from the U.S. FCDB is identified, the national data are mostly outdated, and there is little data from direct (chemical) analysis of food. The importance of having our own, up- to-date, and representative data on food composition for public health decision-making is evident. Conclusions: Generating and compiling institutions should be linked to maximize resources to strengthen the availability of food composition data in the country. The need to generate a National Food Composition Data System that meets the identified needs in terms of quality and presentation of information is evident(AU)

Perception and food consumption frequency due to the Covid-19 pandemic among University students in Trujillo City, Perú / Percepción y frecuencia del consumo de alimentos debido a la pandemia del COVID-19 entre estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Trujillo, Perú

Introduction: The confinement due to COVID-19 significantly affected people's food consumption, especially university students who had to adapt to virtual education. Objective: To determine the perception and food consumption frequency due to the COVID-19 pandemic among Peruvian students from a private university in Trujillo City, Peru. Materials and method: The research design was non-experimental, descriptive, and cross- sectional. The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 169 students and the instrument used was a virtual survey (Cronbach's alpha = 0.846). Results: It is shown that there is a higher frequency of young people (n = 116) and adolescents (n = 45) who participated in the study, and that the average age was 22.15 ± 3.77 years. Likewise, the Frequency of Consumption dimension, it showed a higher frequency in the "Sometimes" scale, where it is related to whether it exceeded the number of meals per day (34.9%), eating out of control (38.5%), desires to eat unhealthy food (32.0%) and whether it influenced eating (30.8%). Similarly, it was shown that the majority of respondents consumed fruits (68.6%) and vegetables (58.0%) and considered water consumption essential (98.3%). On the other hand, there was a higher frequency regarding the consumption of ultra-processed foods (n = 95, 56.2%). Conclusion: The population of a private university made up mostly of young people and adolescents perceives that there was a change in their diet during the COVID-19 pandemic(AU)

Introducción: El confinamiento por COVID-19 afectó notablemente el consumo de alimentos de las personas, sobre todo de los universitarios quienes tuvieron que adaptarse a una educación virtual. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción y la frecuencia del consumo de alimentos a causa de la pandemia por COVID-19 en estudiantes de una universidad privada de la ciudad de Trujillo (Perú). Materiales y métodos: El diseño de la investigación fue no experimental de tipo descriptivo, y de corte transversal. La muestra no probabilística estuvo conformada por 169 estudiantes y el instrumento utilizado fue una encuesta virtual (Alfa de Cronbach = 0,846). Resultados: Se muestra que hay una mayor frecuencia de jóvenes (n = 116) y adolescentes (n = 45) que participaron en el estudio, y que la edad promedio fue de 22,15 ± 3,77 años. Así mismo, en la dimensión Frecuencia de Consumo, tuvo una mayor frecuencia en la escala "A veces", donde se relaciona a si excedió el número de comidas al día (34,9%), comer fuera de control (38,5%), deseos de comer comida poco saludable (32,0%) y si influenció en la alimentación (30,8%). De la misma manera, se mostró que la mayoría de encuestados consumió frutas (68,6%) y verduras (58,0) y consideró imprescindible el consumo de agua (98,3%), por otro lado, hubo una mayor frecuencia respecto al consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados (n = 95, 56,2%). Conclusiones: La población de una universidad privada conformada mayoritariamente por jóvenes y adolescentes percibe que si hubo un cambio en su alimentación durante la pandemia del COVID-19(AU)

Food consumption and remote working conditions among Brazilian Primary Schools teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic / Consumo de alimentos y condiciones de trabajo remoto en maestros brasileños de básica durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Introduction: Teaching work, which is characterized by being exhausting, with a significant workload, with synchronous and/or asynchronous remote classes. Objective: To describe associations between the working conditions of school teachers at home and their food consumption during the suspension of face-to-face classes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire with 15,372 working teachers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variables analyzed were the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. Independent variables included sociodemographic factors, remote work conditions, understanding of online technologies, computer access, and quality of Internet connection. The Poisson model with robust variance was used to determine the association between working conditions and food consumption. Results: In the analysis of the adjusted multivariate model, there was a significant association between eating habits and the following variables: gender, age, working hours (per week), feelings regarding teachers' work during the pandemic, working hours during the pandemic and quality work internet connection. Our data shows that teachers' remote working conditions are associated with worse food consumption. They also showed that working hours equal to or greater than 40 hours per week, feelings of dissatisfaction with working conditions during the pandemic, increased working hours during the pandemic and poor quality of internet connection were variables correlated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Conclusions: Remote working conditions during the pandemic influenced primary school teachers' food choices. More studies are needed to delve deeper into issues related to teachers' working conditions and the implications for food choices(AU)

Introducción: La labor docente se caracteriza por ser agotadora, con una importante carga horaria, con clases remotas síncronas y/o asíncronas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación existente entre las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes de la educación básica y el consumo de sus alimentos durante el período de suspensión de las clases presenciales. Métodos: Es un estudio transversal mediante cuestionario en línea autoadministrado con 15.372 docentes activos en Minas Gerais, Brasil. Las variables dependientes analizadas fueron el consumo de los alimentos saludables y de los no saludables. Las variables independientes incluyeron los factores sociodemográficos, las condiciones del trabajo remoto, la comprensión de las tecnologías en línea, el acceso a las computadoras así como la calidad de la conexión a la Internet. Se utilizó el modelo de Poisson con variación robusta para determinar la asociación entre las condiciones del trabajo y el consumo de los alimentos. Resultados: En el análisis del modelo multivariado ajustado hubo una asociación significativa entre los hábitos alimentarios y las siguientes variables: el género, la edad, la jornada laboral semanal, el sentimiento sobre el trabajo durante la pandemia, la jornada laboral durante la pandemia y la calidad de la conexión a la internet. Nuestros datos demuestran que las condiciones del trabajo remoto de los docentes están asociadas con un empeoramiento en el consumo de los alimentos. También mostraron que la jornada laboral igual o superior a unas 40 horas semanales, los sentimientos de insatisfacción con las condiciones laborales, el aumento de la jornada laboral y la mala calidad de la conexión a la Internet durante la pandemia fueron variables correlacionadas con el consumo de alimentos no saludables. Conclusiones: Las condiciones del trabajo remoto durante la pandemia influyeron en las elecciones alimentarias de los docentes de la educación básica. Se necesitan más estudios para profundizar en los aspectos relacionados con las condiciones laborales de los docentes y sus implicaciones en la elección de sus alimentos(AU)

Asociación entre obesidad abdominal, consumo de alcohol y actividad física en universitarios panameños / Association between abdominal obesity, alcohol consumption and physical activity in Panamanian college students

Introducción. La obesidad abdominal es considerada un factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes. El consumo excesivo episódico de alcohol y la inactividad física también son factores de riesgo comportamentales asociados a enfermedades no transmisibles. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre la obesidad abdominal, el consumo de alcohol y la inactividad física en universitarios panameños. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico realizado en 374 estudiantes universitarios panameños en el periodo abril ­ diciembre de 2021. Se implementó el cuestionario para la vigilancia de factores de riesgo de enfermedades no transmisibles de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y se evaluó la circunferencia de cintura. La obesidad abdominal se estableció con una circunferencia de cintura ≥80 cm en mujeres y ≥90 cm en hombres. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados y múltiples usando modelos de regresión logística para determinar la asociación entre las variables del estudio. Las pruebas U Mann-Whitney y Chi cuadrado fueron utilizadas para analizar diferencias por sexo. Resultados: Una tercera parte de los universitarios participantes presentaron obesidad abdominal. Las mujeres reportaron mayores niveles de inactividad física (<0,0001) y conducta sedentaria (p=0,0010) que los hombres. Después de ajustar por sexo, edad y nivel socioeconómico, la obesidad abdominal estuvo asociada con la inactividad física (OR: 1,762, IC 95%: 1,040 ­ 2,985, p=0,035) y el consumo excesivo episódico de alcohol (OR 1,114, IC: 1,015 ­ 1,223, p=0,023). Conclusiones: Los universitarios panameños que reportaron bajos niveles de actividad física y consumo excesivo episódico de alcohol tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de registrar obesidad abdominal(AU)

Introduction. Abdominal obesity is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Episodic excessive consumption of alcohol and physical inactivity are behavioral risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases. Objective: To analyze the association between abdominal obesity, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity in Panamanian university students. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 374 Panamanian university students in the period April ­ December 2021. The questionnaire for the surveillance of risk factors for non-communicable diseases of the World Health Organization was implemented and waist circumference was evaluated. Abdominal obesity was established with a waist circumference ≥80 cm in women and ≥90 cm in men. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple analyzes were performed using logistic regression models to determine the association between the study variables. The Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests were used to analyze differences by sex. Results: A third of the participating university students had abdominal obesity. Women reported higher levels of physical inactivity (<0,0001) and sedentary behavior (p=0,0010) than men. After adjusting for sex, age and socioeconomic status, abdominal obesity was associated with physical inactivity (OR: 1,762, 95% CI: 1,040 ­ 2,985, p=0,035) and episodic heavy alcohol consumption (OR 1,114, CI: 1,015 ­ 1,223, p=0,023). Conclusions: Students who reported low levels of physical inactivity and binge drinking were more likely to have abdominal obesity(AU)

Ingesta de calcio y vitamina D: relación con exceso de peso en población costarricense / Calcium and vitamin D intake, its relationship with weight excess in Costa Rican population

Introducción: La presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad aumentan la morbimortalidad de la población latinoamericana. La deficiencia de micronutrientes como el calcio y la vitamina D se han relacionado con un aumento del riesgo de obesidad. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la ingesta de vitamina D y de calcio con los factores de riesgo para obesidad en la población urbana costarricense incluidas en el Estudio ELANS. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 798 participantes costarricenses del Estudio ELANS. Se determinó la distribución del consumo de calcio y vitamina D según las características socioeconómicas, la actividad física y los datos antropométricos. Se compararon los grupos con las pruebas U de Mann ­ Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis. Se realizaron modelos de regresión lineal y logística. Resultados: El consumo de calcio y vitamina D fue inadecuado en más del 98% de los participantes. Las mujeres, las personas con menor nivel socioeconómico, baja actividad física, de menor edad, con exceso de peso y obesidad abdominal presentaron un consumo menor de calcio y de vitamina D. El consumo de calcio y vitamina D es mayor en los grupos que tienen un menor IMC (p= 0,023 para calcio y p= 0,252 para vitamina D). Las personas con menor circunferencia de la cintura tuvieron más consumo de calcio y vitamina D (p= 0,002 para calcio y p= 0,008 para vitamina D). No hubo asociación del consumo en los modelos de regresión. Conclusiones: El consumo de calcio y vitamina D es deficiente en la población urbana costarricense y, presentó una relación inversa con el IMC(AU)

ntroduction: The presence of overweight and obesity increase the morbimortality of people in Latin America. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as calcium and vitamin D, are associated with an increased risk of obesity. Objective: To determine the relationship between vitamin D and calcium intake with risk factors for obesity in the Costa Rican urban population included in the ELANS Study. Materials and methods: For this analysis we used the 798 Costa Rican participants of the study (ELANS). The distribution of calcium and vitamin D intake was determined according to socioeconomic status, physical activity, and anthropometric measures. The Mann ­ Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis U tests were used, as well as linear and logistic regression models were performed. Results: Calcium and vitamin D intake was inadequate in more than 98% of the participants. Women, individuals with a lower socioeconomic level, low physical activity, younger age and those with excess weight and abdominal obesity presented lower consumptionofcalciumandvitamin D. Theconsumption of calcium and vitamin D was greater in the groups that have a lower BMI (p= 0.023 for calcium and p= 0.252 for vitamin D). The smaller the waist circumference, the greater the consumption of calcium and vitamin D (p= 0.002 for calcium and p= 0.008 for vitamin D). No association of the consumption of calcium and vitamin D was found in the regression models. Conclusions: Consumption of calcium and vitamin D is deficient in the Costa Rican urban population, and more prevalent among those with higher BMI. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2024(AU)

Caracterización fisicoquímica, nutricional y sensorial de dos complementos alimenticios biofortificados / Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characterization of two biofortified food supplements

Introducción: Las ciencias de la nutrición y los alimentos innovan en la industria elaborando productos con compuestos nutricionales que contribuyan a la resolución de problemáticas en salud pública. Pero, además de las características nutricionales, son importantes las características sensoriales, siendo un factor determinante en la aceptación de estos productos. Objetivo: Evaluar características fisicoquímicas, nutricionales y sensoriales de dos complementos alimenticios, tipo sopa y bebida achocolatada, desarrollados con biofortificación. Materiales y métodos: Se consideraron 3 fases, fase 1, preparación de dos tipos complementos alimenticios (4 formulaciones), usando la liofilización para la deshidratación de algunas materias primas, complementada con otras técnicas de procesamiento y cocción. Fase 2, evaluación sensorial por panel de expertos a través de prueba descriptiva cuantitativa y hedónica, y fase 3, caracterización bromatológica. El análisis de la información se realizó con el software Jamovi 2.3.21. mediante análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: El análisis sensorial evidenció que los alimentos que contiene corazón de res en un 5% fueron los más aceptados por los panelistas en todos los atributos sensoriales en ambos complementos. La caracterización bromatológica mostró que el complemento tipo bebida achocolatada con corazón es excelente fuente de proteína, zinc y calcio y buena fuente de hierro y vitamina E, mientras que, el complemento tipo sopa con corazón es excelente fuente de proteína, zinc, hierro, tiamina, omega 3, vitamina E y buena fuente de calcio de acuerdo con la normatividad colombiana de rotulado y etiquetado nutricional. Conclusiones: Ambos complementos con corazón mostraron una aceptación sensorial satisfactoria, presentaron una importante concentración de nutrientes, que, por su fuente natural y animal, son considerados de alta biodisponibilidad(AU)

Introduction: Nutrition and food sciences innovate in the industry by elaborating products with nutritional compounds that contribute to the resolution of public health problems. But, in addition to nutritional characteristics, sensory characteristics are important, being a determining factor in the acceptance of these products. Objective: To evaluate physicochemical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of two food supplements, soup and chocolate drink, developed with biofortification. Materials and methods: Three phases were considered: phase 1, preparation of two types of food supplements (4 formulations), using freeze-drying for dehydration of some raw materials, complemented with other processing and cooking techniques. Phase 2, sensory evaluation by expert panel through quantitative descriptive and hedonic test, and phase 3, bromatological characterization. The analysis of the information was carried out with Jamovi 2.3.21. software through descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: The sensory analysis showed that foods containing 5% beef heart were the most accepted by the panelists in all sensory attributes in both supplements. The bromatological characterization showed that the chocolate drink type supplement with heart is an excellent source of protein, zinc and calcium and a good source of iron and vitamin E, while the soup type supplement with heart is an excellent source of protein, zinc, iron, thiamine, omega 3, vitamin E and a good source of calcium in accordance with Colombian regulations on nutritional labeling and labeling. Conclusions: Both supplements with heart showed a satisfactory sensory acceptance, presented an important concentration of nutrients, which, due to their natural and animal source, are considered of high bioavailability(AU)