Compact Wearable Antenna with Metasurface for Millimeter-Wave Radar Applications.

Three metasurfaces (MTS) are designed to be combined with a series end-fed 1 × 10 array antenna with a modified Dolph-Chebyshev distribution for imaging applications in the millimeter frequency range, 24.05-24.25 GHz. A reduction in secondary lobes and an increase in FTBR can be achieved while preserving gain, radiation efficiency, SLL and size using an MTS-array combination. Moreover, as a result of each single-layer MTS-array combination, operation bandwidth is widened, with gain and radiation efficiency enhancement. The overall devices' size is 86.8 × 12 × 0.762 mm3. The envisioned application is collision avoidance in aid to visually impaired people at a medium-long distance.

Effects of a Healthy Habit Promotion Strategy on Colombian Schoolchildren / Efectos de una estrategia de promoción de hábitos de vida saludable en niños colombianos en edad escolar / Efeitos de uma estratégia de promoção de hábitos de vida saudável em crianças colombianas em idade escolar

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD) show an increasing tendency, especially in low- and medium-income countries. It is necessary to develop and evaluate strategies to strengthen healthy habits at an early age in these countries. Objective: To determine the effect of the health promotion strategy "United for Healthier Kids" (U4HK) on health lifestyle habits of a group of Colombian schoolchildren for the 2018-2020 period. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study features treatment and control groups and pre- and post-intervention measurements. The study involved 1,011 schoolchildren between six and twelve years old from seven rural and urban schools of the Sabana Centro region of Colombia. We used the Healthy Habits Measurement Tool, previously validated in Colombia. Results: When comparing within and between groups, the UHK strategy showed statistically significant differences in healthy habits (p < 0.05) related to nutrition and physical activity in schoolchildren. Conclusions: The U4HK strategy had a positive effect and impact on the schoolchildren' healthy habits, especially in the 'chooses to drink water' and 'moves more' components. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups in four out of the five categories: drinks more water, chooses nutritios and varied options, eats and cooks as a family, and moves more. The U4HK strategy responds to current and future health problems in schoolchildren and helps prevent chronic diseases. It could be replicated in similar populations.

Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) muestran una tendencia creciente, en especial en los países de ingresos bajos y medios. Es necesario desarrollar y evaluar estrategias para fortalecer hábitos de vida saludable en edades tempranas en estos países. Objetivo: determinar el efecto de la estrategia de promoción de la salud "Unidos por niños más sanos" (U4HK, por sus siglas en inglés) en un grupo de estudiantes colombianos para el período 2018-2020. Materiales y métodos: este estudio cuasiexperimental cuenta con grupos de tratamiento y control y con mediciones previas y posteriores a la intervención. En el estudio participaron 1011 estudiantes de entre seis y doce años de siete instituciones educativas de Colombia. Se utilizó la Herramienta de medición de hábitos de vida saludable, previamente validada en Colombia. Resultados: al comparar dentro de los grupos y entre ellos, la estrategia U4HK mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los hábitos saludables relacionados con la nutrición y la actividad física en niños en edad escolar. Conclusiones: la estrategia U4HK tuvo un efecto y un impacto positivo en los hábitos saludables de los estudiantes, en particular en los componentes "beber más agua" y "moverse más". Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0.05) entre los grupos en cuatro de las cinco categorías: beber más agua, variedad y nutrición, comer y cocinar en familia y moverse más. La estrategia U4HK responde a los problemas de salud actuales y futuros de los estudiantes y ayuda a prevenir enfermedades crónicas. Además, podría replicarse en poblaciones similares.

As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis mostram uma tendência crescente, em especial nos países de rendas baixa e média. É necessário desenvolver e avaliar estratégias para fortalecer hábitos de vida saudável de forma precoce nesses países. Objetivo: determinar o efeito da estratégia de promoção de saúde "Unidos por crianças mais saudáveis" (U4HK, por sua sigla em inglês) num grupo de estudantes colombianos para o período 2018-2020. Materiais e métodos: este estudo quase experimental conta com grupos de tratamento e controle, e com avaliações prévias e posteriores à intervenção. Do estudo, participaram 1 011 estudantes de entre 6 e 12 anos de sete instituições educacionais da Colômbia. Foi utilizada a Ferramenta de avaliação de hábitos de vida saudável, previamente validada na Colômbia. Resultados: ao comparar dentro dos grupos e entre eles, a estratégia U4HK mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos hábitos saudáveis relacionados com a nutrição e a atividade física em crianças em idade escolar. Conclusões: a estratégia U4HK teve efeito e impacto positivos nos hábitos saudáveis dos estudantes, em particular nos componentes "beber mais água" e "se movimentar mais". Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) entre os grupos em quatro das cinco categorias: beber mais água, variedade e nutrição, comer e cozinhar em família, e se movimentar mais. A estratégia U4HK responde aos problemas de saúde atuais e futuros dos estudantes e ajuda a prevenir doenças crônicas. Além disso, poderia ser reproduzida em populações semelhantes.

May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Mexico.

May Measurement Month 2019 (MMM19) in Mexico was an opportunistic survey, aimed to improve blood pressure (BP) awareness at the individual and population levels. This survey followed the methodology of MMM19, previously published. The total number of participants screened was 39 700, 56.7% female, 36.6% were of mixed ethnicity, mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 46.9 (17.4) years, and mean body mass index was 27.2 (SD: 4.4) kg/m2. Seven per cent of the participants reported having diabetes, 2.4% reported having a myocardial infarction in the past, 1.1% stroke, 2.0% were pregnant at the time of the survey, 3.7% of women had suffered from hypertension in a previous pregnancy, 11.4% declared that they were smokers, and 47.0% drank alcohol at least once a week. After multiple imputations, of all 39 700 participants, 10 140 (25.5%) had hypertension; of all participants with hypertension, 43.8% were aware of their diagnosis, 41.7% were on antihypertensive medication, and 27.8% had controlled BP (systolic BP <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg). Of those on antihypertensive medication, 27.8% had controlled BP. In Mexico, MMM is the largest hypertension survey ever done, it provides complementary data to the existing information on arterial hypertension in the country and helps to increase the visibility of hypertension: a priority health problem.

A Portable Electromagnetic System Based on mm-Wave Radars and GNSS-RTK Solutions for 3D Scanning of Large Material Piles.

In this paper, a portable three-dimensional (3D) scanning system for the accurate characterization of large raw material (e.g., cereal grain, coal, etc.) stockpiles is presented. The system comprises an array of high resolution millimeter-wave radars and a cm-level accuracy positioning system to accurately characterize large stockpiles by means of a high-resolution 3D map, making it suitable for automation purposes. A control unit manages the data received by the sensors, which are sent to a computer system for processing. As a proof of concept, the entire sensor system is evaluated in a real environment for electromagnetically scan a scaled stockpile of coal, used in the industry for handling raw materials. In addition, a highly efficient processing adaptive algorithm that may reconstruct the scanned structure in real-time has been introduced, enabling continuous dynamic updating of the information. Results are compared with those from a photogrammetry-like technique, revealing an excellent agreement.

Paving the Way to Eco-Friendly IoT Antennas: Tencel-Based Ultra-Thin Compact Monopole and Its Applications to ZigBee.

An ultrathin, compact ecofriendly antenna suitable for IoT applications around 2.45 GHz is achieved as a result of exploring the use of Tencel fabric for the antenna's design. The botanical ecofriendly Tencel is electromagnetically characterized, in terms of relative dielectric permittivity and loss tangent, in the target IoT frequency band. To explore the suitability of the Tencel, a comparison is conducted with conventionally used RO3003, with similar relative dielectric permittivity, regarding the antenna dimensions and performance. In addition, the antenna robustness under bent conditions is also analyzed by measurement. To assess the relevance of this contribution, the ultrathin ecofriendly Tencel-based antenna is compared with recently published antennas for IoT in the same band and also, with commercial half-wave dipole by performing a range test on a ZigBee-based IoT testbed.

On the Broadening of Single-Layer Metasurface Bandwidth by Coupling Resonances.

In this contribution a new technique to increase the bandwidth of metasurfaces without increasing their profile is presented. This work takes advantage of the potential multiresonant behavior of a metamaterial whose unit cells comprise nested metallization geometries in the same layer. The novelty stems from the possibility of overlapping these resonances for increasing the bandwidth (instead of obtaining a multiresonant metasurface). Several guidelines to achieve the aforementioned bandwidth broadening, which are applicable to all metasurface designs, will be provided. An equivalent circuit model will be used to better explain the presented technique; then, it will be applied to several metasurface absorbers (MTAs), showing not only a bandwidth broadening but also an absorption reinforcement. Measurements will be also presented to corroborate the simulation results.

Zirconia-Based Ultra-Thin Compact Flexible CPW-Fed Slot Antenna for IoT.

An ultra-thin compact flexible CPW-fed slot monopole antenna suitable for the Internet of Things (IoT) applications was achieved as a result of exploring the use of Zirconia-based ENrG's Thin E-Strate® for the antenna's design. The electromagnetic characterization of the novel material at the frequency range of interest was analyzed. A comparison was made concerning the required dimensions and the simulation results regarding impedance matching and radiation properties, for three different dielectric substrates: Novel flexible ceramic (ENrG's Thin E-Strate), rigid Arlon 25N, and flexible Polypropylene (PP). Two different metallization techniques-electrotextile-based and inkjet printing-were used in the fabrication of prototypes based on ENrG's Thin E-Strate. Return losses measured results for the fabricated prototypes with both procedures was compared, as well as with simulation. The best prototype on the ENrG's Thin E-Strate was compared with one on Arlon 25N, in terms of radiation properties in an anechoic chamber, and conclusions were drawn.

Spatial and temporal variability of atmospheric mercury concentrations emitted from a coal-fired power plant in Mexico.

Atmospheric mercury in the environment as a result of the consumption of fossil fuels, such as coal used in electricity generation, has gained increased attention worldwide because of its toxicity, atmospheric persistence, and bioaccumulation. Determining or predicting the concentration of this pollutant in ambient air is essential for determining sensitive areas requiring health protection. This study investigated the spatiotemporal variability of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations and its dry deposition surrounding the Presidente Plutarco Elías Calles (CETEPEC) coal-fired power plant, located on Mexico's Pacific coast. The CALPUFF dispersion model was applied on the basis of the daily consumption of coal during 2013 for each generating unit in the power plant and considering the local scale. The established 300-ng/m3 annual average risk factor considered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. DHHS) and Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) must not be exceeded to meet satisfactory air quality levels. An area of 65 × 60 km was evaluated, and the results show that the risk level for mercury vapor was not exceeded because the annual average concentration was 2.8 ng/m3. Although the predicted risk level was not exceeded, continuous monitoring studies of GEM and of particulates in the atmosphere, soil, and water may be necessary to identify the concentration of this pollutant, specifically that resulting from coal-fired power plants operated in environmental areas of interest in Mexico. The dry mercury deposition was low in the study area; according to the CALPUFF model, the annual average was 1.40E-2 ng/m2/sec. These results represent a starting point for Mexico's government to implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which Mexico signed in 2013. IMPLICATIONS: The obtained concentrations of mercury from a bigger coal-fired plant in Mexico, through the application of the CALPUFF dispersion model by the mercury emissions, are below the level recommended according to the US Department of Health and Human Services and Integrated Risk Information System. These results provide evidence of important progress in the planning and installation to the future of monitoring mercury stations in the area of interest.

A Six-Fold Symmetric Metamaterial Absorber.

A novel microwave metamaterial absorber design is introduced along with its manufacturing and characterization. Significant results considering both bandwidth and angular stability are achieved. Parametric analysis and simplified equivalent circuit are provided to give an insight on the key elements influencing the absorber performance. In addition, the constitutive parameters of the effective medium model are obtained and related to the absorber resonant behavior. Moreover, a new thinner and more flexible absorber version, preserving broad bandwidth and angular insensitive performance, is simulated, and an 8 × 8 unit-cells prototype is manufactured and measured for a limited angular margin in an anechoic chamber.

A Thin C-Band Polarization and Incidence Angle-Insensitive Metamaterial Perfect Absorber.

A novel metamaterial absorber design able to operate in the C frequency band is presented, along with an analysis and a method to improve both its bandwidth and its angular stability. Simulation results for a FR4-based design are shown for comparison with existing designs. In addition, a simplified equivalent circuit is provided for a better understanding of the great angular stability and wide bandwidth exhibited by the proposed structure. Moreover, simulations, manufacturing and measurements of a thinner and more flexible metamaterial absorber, keeping the angular stability of the former one, while providing a wide bandwidth, are presented.

Real-time observation of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cell absorber layer formation from nanoparticle precursors.

The selenization of Cu-Zn-Sn-S nanocrystals is a promising route for the fabrication of low-cost thin film solar cells. However, the reaction pathway of this process is not completely understood. Here, the evolution of phase formation, grain size, and elemental distributions is investigated during the selenization of Cu-Zn-Sn-S nanoparticle precursor thin films by synchrotron-based in situ energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction and fluorescence analysis as well as by ex situ electron microscopy. The precursor films are heated in a closed volume inside a vacuum chamber in the presence of selenium vapor while diffraction and fluorescence signals are recorded. The presented results reveal that during the selenization the cations diffuse to the surface to form large grains on top of the nanoparticle layer and the selenization of the film takes place through two simultaneous reactions: (1) a direct and fast formation of large grained selenides, starting with copper selenide which is subsequently transformed into Cu2ZnSnSe4; and (2) a slower selenization of the remaining nanoparticles. As a consequence of the initial formation of copper selenides at the surface, the subsequent formation of CZTSe starts under Cu-rich conditions despite an overall Cu-poor composition of the film. The implications of this process path for the film quality are discussed. Additionally, the proposed growth model provides an explanation for the previously observed accumulation of carbon from the nanoparticle precursor beneath the large grained layer.

Technologies to better serve the millions of diabetic patients: a holistic, interactive and persuasive ICT model to facilitate self care, in extremely poor rural zones of Central America.

Health indicators express remarkable gaps between health systems at a world-wide level. Countries of the entire world are overflowed by the need of new strategies, methodologies and technologies to better serve the millions of patients, who demand better medical attention. The present archaic and ephemerally systematized systems widen the gap even more than the quality of medical services that should be provided for the millions of diabetic patients. It is therefore necessary to develop highly familiar environments with diabetic patients and their care needs. A Holistic, Interactive and Persuasive ICT model to facilitate self care of patients with diabetes (hIPAPD), is proposed as an innovative technological development in Panama to health optimized treatment for diabetic patients. Three health centers located in the District of Aguadulce, Province of Cocle, located on Panama's Pacific Coast, were selected to validate the model; the area presents extremely poor population, mostly with one daily meal, without any health insurance and with a high illiteracy rate. A series of experiences in the application and validation process are presented and analyzed in order to confirm the application, value and contribution of ICTs in health care in poor regions of Central America.

Scope of information communications technology in the health of diabetes patients in poor rural zones of panama through holistic, interactive, and persuasive model to facilitate self-care of diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, public health systems that manage and warrant the health of the population lack mechanisms and technological capabilities that enable them to accept and adopt initiatives focused to guide, look after, and improve the quality of life of millions of patients with diabetes who need attention and special care. However, the proposal presented here for a holistic, interactive, and persuasive model to facilitate self-care of diabetes patients (hiPAPD) is the first proposal in Panama, Central America, and the Caribbean Region to develop and implement information communications technology (ICT) platforms for the care of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. METHODS: The process of experimentation was initiated with an agreement with all the staff of the project to comply with the international biomedical studies stipulations, having as reference the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association (Recommendations to Guide to Doctors in Biomedical Research on People). RESULTS: After several months of evaluation and ongoing work the study obtained successful validation of the hiPAPD model. The project had the support of 107 patients with diabetes, their families, friends, doctors, nurses and nursing assistants, and social groups in rural communities. Finally, the project contributed to society with a highly innovative ICT environment that facilitates self-care of diabetes patients without financial resources and health. CONCLUSIONS: A timely health treatment at a decisive moment may be the difference in care for patients. Through the validation process conducted in this research initiative, it was demonstrated that the hiPAPD model, from the perspective of the patient with diabetes, relatives, friends, health workforce (nurses and nursing assistants), doctors, and societal contexts, allowed the improvement of the quality of life of patients with diabetes in poor rural zones of Panama.

Ventilación de alta frecuencia en la cirugía laríngea en Pediatría / High frequency ventilation in laringeal surgery in Pediatrics

La laringoscopía directa bajo anestesia general en Pediatría, representa un desafío para anestesiólogos y otorrinolaringólogos, al tener que compartir el reducido espacio de la vía aérea. Se estudiaron 100 pacientes de 5 a 16 años de edad para intervenciones laríngeas con anestesia general, en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente Pepe Portilla de la ciudad de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Se dividieron en 2 grupos de 50 pacientes, el primero con Ventilación a alta frecuencia (VAF), de 2 Hz (FR = 120 respiraciones/minuto) acoplado al Servo Ventilador 900D, y el segundo se ventiló por el método de Sander (modificado por Rivas). La VAF resultó ser un método sencillo y seguro, al poder determinar el volumen y la frecuencia respiratoria correspondiente a cada paciente, a la vez que facilitó el trabajo del cirujano. Las complicaciones fueron mínimas, comprobándose ventajas derivadas del bajo volumen utilizado, consiguiendo un intercambio efectivo de CO2 y O2 con menores presiones de pico, mínimas variaciones en las presiones y en los volúmenes de ventilación y por consiguiente, mínimo impacto sobre la función cardiovascular...(AU)

Direct laryngoscopy on general anesthesia in Pediatrics represents a challenge for anesthesiologists and otorrhinolaryngologists, because they have to share the small space of the airways. A number of 100 patients with 5 to 6 years of age were studied for latyngeal interventions with general anesthesia, at Pepe Portilla Provincial Childrens Hospital in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Patients were divided into two groups of 50, the first group with high-frequency ventilation (VAF), of 2 Hz (FR = 120 breaths/minute) with Servo Ventilator 900 D, and the second group was ventilated by Sanders method (modified by Rivas). VAP turned out a simple and safe method, by determining volume and the respiratory rate corresponding to each patient, which in turn made it easier for the surgeon. The complications were minimal, showing advantages derived from the low volume used, achieving an effective exchange of CO2 and O2 with lower peak pressures, minimal variations in pressures and volumes of ventilation and, consequently, minimal impact on the cardiovascular performance...(AU)

Ventilación de alta frecuencia en la cirugía laríngea en pediatría / High frequency ventilation in laringeal surgery in Pediatrics

La laringoscopía directa bajo anestesia general en Pediatría, representa un desafío para anestesiólogos y otorrinolaringólogos, al tener que compartir el reducido espacio de la vía aérea. Se estudiaron 100 pacientes de 5 a 16 años de edad para intervenciones laríngeas con anestesia general, en el Hospital Pediátrico Provincial Docente "Pepe Portilla", de la ciudad de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Se dividieron en 2 grupos de 50 pacientes, el primero con Ventilación a alta frecuencia (VAF), de 2 Hz (FR = 120 respiraciones/minuto) acoplado al Servo Ventilador 900D, y el segundo se ventiló por el método de Sander (modificado por Rivas). La VAF resultó ser un método sencillo y seguro, al poder determinar el volumen y la frecuencia respiratoria correspondiente a cada paciente, a la vez que facilitó el trabajo del cirujano. Las complicaciones fueron mínimas, comprobándose ventajas derivadas del bajo volumen utilizado, consiguiendo un intercambio efectivo de CO2 y O2 con menores presiones de pico, mínimas variaciones en las presiones y en los volúmenes de ventilación y por consiguiente, mínimo impacto sobre la función cardiovascular.

Direct laryngoscopy on general anesthesia in Pediatrics represents a challenge for anesthesiologists and otorrhinolaryngologists, because they have to share the small space of the airways. A number of 100 patients with 5 to 6 years of age were studied for latyngeal interventions with general anesthesia, at Pepe Portilla Provincial Children's Hospital in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Patients were divided into two groups of 50, the first group with high-frequency ventilation (VAF), of 2 Hz (FR = 120 breaths/minute) with Servo Ventilator 900 D, and the second group was ventilated by Sander's method (modified by Rivas). VAP turned out a simple and safe method, by determining volume and the respiratory rate corresponding to each patient, which in turn made it easier for the surgeon. The complications were minimal, showing advantages derived from the low volume used, achieving an effective exchange of CO2 and O2 with lower peak pressures, minimal variations in pressures and volumes of ventilation and, consequently, minimal impact on the cardiovascular performance.

Morfina y clonidina epidural en el alivio del dolor post-operatorio

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 75 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente de forma electiva de histerectomía abdominal de Marzo 1999 a Marzo 2001 en pacientes con condición ASA I, se dividieron en 5 grupos de 15 pacientes, grupo I se le realizó anestesia peridural con bupivacaina que se dosificó por el esquema de Bromage (grupo control). Grupo II, bupivacaina y 5 mg de morfina. Grupo III, bupivacaina más 100 mcg de clonidina. Grupo IV, bupivacaina más 200 mcg de clonidina. Grupo V, 100 mcg de clonidina y 5 mg de morfina. Se comprobó la utilidad de la asociación clonidina-morfina en combinación con la anestesia peridural ya que se obtuvo un 86.6 por ciento de excelente en la calidad de la analgesia y en un mismo porciento una duración de más de 24 horas de esta. Las variaciones de la frecuencia cardiaca y la tensión arterial sistólica a los 20 minutos de comenzada la intervención quirúrgica en los grupos I y IV al compararlos no tuvieron diferencias con significado estadístico, no así la tensión arterial diastólica que fue altamente significativa a pesar de que las variaciones de esta en ningún momento comprometieron la estabilidad hemodinámica de los pacientes. En efectos indeseables encontrados sobresalió el prurito en el grupo II en un 33.3 por ciento y en 3 pacientes para un 20 por ciento en el grupo V, no se demostró depresión respiratoria clínica, se observó una evolución satisfactoria en todos los pacientes estudiados hasta su alta hospitalaria...(AU)

Treatment failure in intestinal strongyloidiasis: an indicator of HTLV-I infection.

BACKGROUND: The association of severe strongyloides with HTLV-I is well known; however, the seroprevalence of HTLV-I in other groups with strongyloidiasis is still unknown. We conducted a prospective study in patients with intestinal strongyloidiasis without known immunodepression who failed to respond to standard therapy with ivermectin or thiabendazole (failure was defined as one positive stool examination at the post-therapy follow up). All these patients were tested for HTLV-I by ELISA and Western Blot. RESULTS: Forty seven patients were evaluated: 74.5% (35 out of 47) were HTLV-I positive, without significant difference between males (76%) and females (72.7%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that all patients with uncomplicated intestinal strongyloidiasis, who fail standard therapy, be studied for HTLV-I infection.

Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes hospitalizados por Herpes Zoster en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre los años 1980-1998 / Retrospective study of patients hospitalized by Herpes Zoster in the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia between the years 1980-1998

Se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 53 pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de herpes zoster en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre 1980 y 1998. La mayoría de pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de herpes zoster no presentan condiciones asociadas que lleven a inmunosupresión. Las condiciones asociadas más frecuentes fueron infección por Virus de Inmunosuficiencia Humana (VIH) en 15.1 por ciento y corticoterapia en 11.3 por ciento. Las áreas comprometidas en los pacientes estudiados en orden de frecuencia fueron: trigeminal (45.3 por ciento), torácica (32 por ciento), lumbosacra (17 por ciento) y difuso (5.7 por ciento). Con respecto al tratamiento recibido por los pacientes, 62 por ciento recibió aciclovir, de ellos el 19 por ciento inició tratamiento dentro de las primeras 72 horas de inicio de la enfermedad. El tratamiento completo con aciclovir, considerado igual o mayor a 7 días fue recibido por 36 por ciento de los pacientes. La complicación más frecuente fue la sobreinfección de las lesiones (32 por ciento). Dentro de las complicaciones neurológicas, la meningoencefalitis (7.5 por ciento) y encefalitis (3.8 por ciento) conforman un grupo importante y dentro de las oftalmológicas, la conjuntivitis inespecífica (30 por ciento) fue la más frecuente. La letalidad en nuestra serie fue de 7.5 por ciento. De ellos 75 por ciento (3) presentaban herpes zoster difuso y 25 por ciento (1) tenía diagnóstico de VIH Estadio IVC, herpes zoster torácico y meningitis criptococócica, aparentemente ésta última fue la causal de muerte. El 32 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron neuralgia postherpética (NPH), encontrándose esta complicación en 37.5 por ciento de los casos con herpes trigeminal, 41.7 por ciento de los casos con herpes torácico y 11.11 por ciento de los casos con herpes lumbosacro. Al analizar la presentación de NPH por grupos de edad encontró que 53 por ciento de los pacientes pertenecían al grupo de 70 a 87 años, 29.4 por ciento pertenecían al grupo de 52 a 69 años, 11.7 por ciento pertenecían al grupo de 16 a 33 años y 5.8 por ciento al grupo de 34 a 51 años, encontrándose diferencia significativa entre los grupos.

Prospectiva económica y financiera del sector salud en Santa Fe de Bogotá , D.C. / Economic and financial outlook for the health sector in Santa Fe de Bogota, D.C.

Los objetivos generales de la investigación fueron: diseñar y analizar los escenarios económico-financieros del sector salud en el Distrito Capital, de acuerdo con sus diferentes fuentes de financiamiento y hacer el contraste con las necesidades de salud de la población para determinar la suficiencia de los recursos esperados. Como objetivos específicos se señalaron los siguientes: analizar el comportamiento histórico de las fuentes de financiación del sector salud en el Distrito Capital, en los últimos diez años; evaluar los efectos de las fuentes de financiación en el cumplimiento de las políticas y objetivos sectoriales de salud; analizar en distintos escenarios las posibilidades de cobertura y de servicios para la población objeto de subsidios, teniendo en cuenta la transformación de los mismos; identificar y jerarquizar los principales problemas y limitaciones en el desarrollo del sector salud originados por los efectos de las fuentes de financiación; diseñar e implementar una base de datos confiable que facilite, mediante simulaciones económicas y financieras en diferentes escenarios, la toma de decisiones; crear una metodología permanente con variables e indicadores que permita el seguimiento y monitoreo continuo del comportamiento de las fuentes de financiación; presentar a la Secretaría Distrital de Salud las recomendaciones sobre las mejores alternativas para fortalecer las fuentes de financiación del sector salud en el Distrito Capital, mediante una propuesta de políticas, estrategias y acciones de corto, mediano y largo plazo para el financiamiento que permita el desarrollo del sector. La Secretaría Distrital de Salud, con el propósito de contar con las herramientas de planeación adecuadas para la formulación de políticas de salud orientadas a mejorar las coberturas, tanto para el componente de aseguramiento en el régimen subsidiado como para la atención a la población participante vinculada, y en lo referente al plan de atención básica, requiere la realización de esta investigación con el propósito de poder tomar decisiones estratégicas oportunas en materia de reasignaciones de recursos y de acciones específicas en salud.

The general objectives of the research were: to design and analyze the economic-financial scenarios of the health sector in the Capital District, according to its different sources of financing and to contrast them with the health needs of the population in order to determine the sufficiency of the expected resources. The specific objectives were as follows: to analyze the historical behavior of the sources of financing for the health sector in the Capital District over the last ten years; to evaluate the effects of the sources of financing on the fulfillment of sectoral health policies and objectives; to analyze in different scenarios the possibilities of coverage and services for the population subject to subsidies, taking into account their transformation; to identify and prioritize the main problems and limitations in the development of the health sector caused by the effects of the sources of financing; design and implement a reliable database that facilitates, through economic and financial simulations in different scenarios, decision making; create a permanent methodology with variables and indicators that allows the continuous follow-up and monitoring of the behavior of the financing sources; present to the District Health Secretariat the recommendations on the best alternatives to strengthen the financing sources of the health sector in the Capital District, through a proposal of policies, strategies and short, medium and long term actions for the financing that will allow the development of the sector. The District Health Secretariat, in order to have the appropriate planning tools for the formulation of health policies aimed at improving coverage, both for the insurance component in the subsidized regime and for the care of the participating population, and in relation to the basic care plan, requires this research in order to be able to make timely strategic decisions regarding the reallocation of resources and specific health actions.