The alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing response by repressing the pqsABCDE operon and activating vfr.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen. Several of its virulence-related processes, including the synthesis of pyocyanin (PYO) and biofilm formation, are controlled by quorum sensing (QS). It has been shown that the alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates QS through the reduction of lasR and rhlR transcription (encoding QS regulators). However, paradoxically, the absence of RpoS increases PYO production and biofilm development (that are RhlR dependent) by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that RpoS represses pqsE transcription, which impacts the stability and activity of RhlR. In the absence of RpoS, rhlR transcript levels are reduced but not the RhlR protein concentration, presumably by its stabilization by PqsE, whose expression is increased. We also report that PYO synthesis and the expression of pqsE and phzA1B1C1D1E1F1G1 operon exhibit the same pattern at different RpoS concentrations, suggesting that the RpoS-dependent PYO production is due to its ability to modify PqsE concentration, which in turn modulates the activation of the phzA1 promoter by RhlR. Finally, we demonstrate that RpoS favors the expression of Vfr, which activates the transcription of lasR and rhlR. Our study contributes to the understanding of how RpoS modulates the QS response in P. aeruginosa, exerting both negative and positive regulation.

Eficacia de los tratamientos psicológicos para los comportamientos autolesivos suicidas y no suicidas en adolescentes / Efficacy of psychological treatments for suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescents

Los comportamientos autolesivos y suicidas en adolescentes, por su creciente prevalencia como por sus fatales consecuencias, son en nuestrosdías un problema de salud pública que requiere de intervenciones eficaces. Con el objetivo de dilucidar los tratamientos psicológicos que, hasta lafecha, mejor funcionan para reducir o eliminar estos comportamientos, se realizó una revisión de estudios de metaanálisis y revisiones sistemáticasen las bases de datos PsycArticles, PsycInfo y MEDLINE. Los criterios de elegibilidad establecidos permitieron la selección final de 10 registros.Los resultados mostraron una elevada heterogeneidad y un alcance limitado de los tratamientos psicológicos con tamaños del efecto de pequeñosa moderados tanto para las conductas autolesivas, como para la ideación suicida, la suicidabilidad y especialmente para la intención suicida. Estosefectos tendían a debilitarse o desaparecer en el medio y largo plazo. La Terapia Dialéctica Conductual (TDC) resultó ser comparativamente la quemejores resultados obtuvo de las intervenciones analizadas. El alcance restringido de los resultados y las importantes limitaciones metodológicashalladas alertan de la necesidad de más investigación, así como del futuro diseño de intervenciones específicas para este tipo de problemas. (AU)

Self-injurious and suicidal behaviors in adolescents are nowadays a public health problem that requires effective interventions. In order to elucidate the psychological treatments that, to date,work best to reduce or eliminate these behaviors, a review of meta-analysis and systematic reviews was carried out in the PsycArticles, PsycInfo andMEDLINE databases. The established eligibility criteria allowed the final selection of 10 records. The results showed high heterogeneity and poorresults for the psychological treatments with small to moderate effect sizes for self-injurious behaviors, suicidal ideation, suicidality and especiallyfor suicidal attempts. These effects tended to weaken or disappear in the medium to long term. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) proved to becomparatively the best performing of the interventions analyzed. The limited scope of the results and the important methodological limitations alertus to the need for further research and the future design of specific interventions for this type of problems. (AU)

Single-Chain Fragment Variable: Recent Progress in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy.

Cancer remains a public health problem worldwide. Although conventional therapies have led to some excellent outcomes, some patients fail to respond to treatment, they have few therapeutic alternatives and a poor survival prognosis. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome this issue. The most recent approach is immunotherapy, particularly the use of recombinant antibodies and their derivatives, such as the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) containing the complete antigen-binding domains of a whole antibody that successfully targets tumor cells. This review describes the recent progress made with scFvs as a cancer diagnostic and therapeutic tool, with an emphasis on preclinical approaches and their potential use in clinical trials.

Recombinant Attenuated Salmonella enterica as a Delivery System of Heterologous Molecules in Cancer Therapy.

Over a century ago, bacterial extracts were found to be useful in cancer therapy, but this treatment modality was obviated for decades. Currently, in spite of the development and advances in chemotherapies and radiotherapy, failure of these conventional treatments still represents a major issue in the complete eradication of tumor cells and has led to renewed approaches with bacteria-based tumor therapy as an alternative treatment. In this context, live-attenuated bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica, have demonstrated tumor selectivity, intrinsic oncolytic activity, and the ability to induce innate or specific antitumor immune responses. Moreover, Salmonella enterica also has strong potential as a delivery system of tumor-associated antigens, cytotoxic molecules, immunomodulatory molecules, pro-apoptotic proteins, and nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells, in a process known as bactofection and antitumor nanoparticles. In this review, we present the state of the art of current preclinical and clinical research on the use of Salmonella enterica as a potential therapeutic ally in the war against cancer.

Atypical Radicular Anatomy in Permanent Human Teeth: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the present study is to classify and quantify the anatomical variations of teeth in terms of form and number of root canals reported in human teeth employing the classification systems proposed previously. An electronic (PubMed) and manual search were performed to identify case reports noting any of the anatomical variations. Each alteration was studied independently. The electronic search was performed using the following keywords: anatomical aberration, root canal, permanent Dentition, case report, c-shaped canal, dens invaginatus, palato-radicular groove, palato-radicular groove, palato-gingival groove, radix entomolaris, dental fusion, dental gemination, taurodontism, dilaceration. The initial search revealed 1497 papers, of which 938 were excluded after analyzing the titles and abstracts. Therefore, 559 potential papers were considered. Of those, 140 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria. For the final revision, 419 papers were considered. We found that the mandibular first premolar had the highest prevalence of C-shaped canals. Dens invaginatus was more frequently found in the mandibular lateral incisor. Taurodontism was more prevalent in the maxillary first molar and in the mandibular first molar. Dilaceration was not clearly associated with a particular tooth. The classifications systems used in this review allowed for the better understanding and analysis of the many anatomical variations present in teeth. The variations in shape most found were dens invaginatus and radix entomolaris. The most frequently reported anatomical variation was in the number of canals.

Anatomical description and variations of the anterior arterial brain circulation in Colombian cadaveric specimens / Descripción anatómica y variaciones de la circulación cerebral arterial anterior en especímenes cadavéricos colombianos

SUMMARY: Understanding microsurgical neuroanatomy is a fundamental part of the training of neurosurgeons. Notwithstanding the fact that throughout history the study in cadavers has been a fundamental part of training, the publication of these studies has never marked a trend, and in our country the available studies are limited. A descriptive anatomical study was carried out on 22 specimens regarding the anatomical arrangement of the anterior circulation arteries of the brain and the most frequent anatomical variants in the sample used. To this end, bilateral pterional and bifrontal approaches were performed, obtaining a total of 132 arteries, including supraclinoid internal carotid arteries (ICA), anterior cerebral arteries in their A1 segment (ACA), and middle cerebral arteries in their M1 segment (MCA). measurements in each of these segments were made and anatomical variants were documented. Out of 22 cadaveric specimens, 17 (77 %) were male. the mean age was 59 years (range 36-81 years). Internal carotid artery mean length was 12.73 and 12.86 in the right and left side respectively. Anatomical variants identified were hypoplasia of segment A1 in 1 (4.5 %) specimen, duplication in 1 (4.5 %) and trifurcation of segment M1 in 3 (13.6 %) specimens. A similarity was found between our data and data reported by literature, with some differences, especially in the anterior communicating artery.

RESUMEN: Entender la neuroanatomía microquirúrgica es una parte fundamental de la formación de los neurocirujanos. A pesar de que, durante la historia, el estudio en cadáveres ha sido parte fundamental del entrenamiento, no ha sido tendencia la publicación de estos estudios, y en nuestro país son limitados los que se encuentran. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo anatómico en 22 especímenes acerca de la disposición anatómica de las arterias de la circulación cerebral anterior y las variantes anatómicas más frecuentes en población colombiana. Para dicho objetivo se realizaron abordajes bilaterales pterionales, y bifrontales obteniendo un total de 132 arterias incluyendo las arterias carotídeas internas supraclinoideas (ACI), arterias cerebrales anteriores en su segmento A1 (ACA) y las arterias cerebrales medias en su segmento M1 (ACM), se realizaron mediciones en cada uno de estos segmentos y se documentaron las variantes anatómicas. De los 22 especímenes cadavéricos, 17 (77 %) eran masculinos, la edad media fue de 59 años (rango 36-81 años). La longitud media de la arteria carótida interna fue de 12,73 mm en el lado derecho y de 12,86 mm en el lado izquierdo. Las variantes anatómicas identificadas fueron hipoplasia del segmento A1 en 1 (4,5 %), duplicación de A1 en 1 (4,5 %) y trifurcación del segmento M1 en 3 (13,6 %) muestras. Se encontró una similitud entre nuestros datos y los reportados por la literatura, con algunas diferencias, especialmente en el segmento de la arteria comunicante anterior.

The effect of self myofascial release and static stretching on the antagonist muscles before agonist performance / Efecto de la autoliberación miofascial y el estiramiento estático previos de la musculatura antagonista en el rendimento de la musculatura agonista / Efeito da auto-liberação miofascial e alongamento estático no músculo antagonista antes do desempenho agonista

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare differences in volume load, total repetition performed and rating of perceived exertion between static stretching and self-myofascial release on antagonist muscles.Methods: Eighteen recreationally trained men (23.4 ± 3.3 years; 80.7 ± 11.1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.06 cm) performed 10 repetitions maximum test and retest in the leg extension exercise on the first two visits. Then, three experimental sessions were conducted in a random order, in which two consisted of self-myofascial release and static stretching on hamstrings, and the other was used as a control.Results: Significant higher repetitions were performed in the third set of static stretching when compared to control protocol. Additionally, significant reductions in total repetitions performed were observed only in the control session. No significant differences were noticed in the volume load of leg extension and rating of perceived exertion between protocols.Conclusion: Self-myofascial release and static stretching performed before a session in the antagonist muscles can maintain repetitions performance by optimizing recovery between sets and reducing fatigue of agonist muscle. (AU)

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las diferencias entre el volumen de la carga, el número total de repeticiones y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo, de la musculatura agonista, tras estiramiento estático y liberación miofascial de los músculos antagonistas.Método: Dieciocho hombres entrenados recreativamente (23.4 ± 3.3 años; 80.7 ± 11.1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.06 cm) realizaron un test retest de 10 repeticiones máximas de extensión de rodilla en las dos primeras visitas. A continuación, se llevaron a cabo tres series en orden aleatorio que consistieron dos en autoliberación miofascial y estiramiento estático de los isquiosurales, y la otra se usó como control.Resultados: En la tercera serie se obtuvo un mayor número de repeticiones tras estiramientos estáticos en comparación con el control. Además, se encontraron reducciones significativas en las repeticiones solo en la serie control. Entre los protocolos, no hubo diferencias en el volumen de rendimiento y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo.Conclusión: La liberación miofascial y el estiramiento estático de los músculos antagonistas, realizados antes de la sesión pueden mantener el rendimento en repeticiones a lo largo de las series, al optimizar la recuperación entre series y reducir la fatiga del músculo agonista. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar diferenças no volume de treinamento, repetições totais e percepção subjetiva de esforço entre alongamento estático e auto-liberação miofascial nos músculos antagonistas.Método: Dezoito homens recreacionalmente treinados (23.4 ± 3.3 anos; 80.7 ± 11,1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.06 cm) realizaram teste e reteste de 10 repetições máximas na cadeira extensora nas primeiras duas visitas. Em seguida, foram realizadas três sessões de ordem aleatória, onde duas consistiram de auto-liberação miofascial e alongamento estático, e outra foi usada como controle.Resultados: A terceira série apresentou maior número de repetições no alongamento estático em comparação ao controle. Além disso, foram verificadas reduções significativas de repetições somente no controle. Entre protocolos, não foram verificadas diferenças no volume de treinamento e percepção subjetiva de esforço.Conclusão: Auto-liberação miofascial e alongamento estático realizados nos músculos antagonistas antes de uma sessão podem manter o desempenho de repetições ao longo das séries a partir de uma recuperação entre séries e redução da fadiga nos músculos agonistas. (AU)

Evaluation of the performance of a collaborative proposal of multiple access in cognitive radio networks.

Cognitive radio networks (CRN) allow for an increase in spectral efficiency and performance of today's wireless networks. Currently, multiple proposals exist in the area of spectral decision-making and mobility; however, very few evaluate the impact of collaboration between secondary users and the performance of spectrum access by many secondary users. Unlike existing works, this article provides a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the performance of CRN taking into account access to the spectrum simultaneously by multiple users and decision making based on collaboration through the exchange of information between nearby secondary users. This proposal is developed through the implementation of four modules: Input Module, Multi-user Module, Collaborative module and Decision-making module, where the results are evaluated comparatively through the handoff rate generated with two multicriteria techniques: Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Multi-Criteria Optimization and Compromise Solution (VIKOR). The evaluation is carried out taking into account three levels of collaboration, three multi-user access scenarios, and two multi-criteria techniques for a total of 18 simulation scenarios. The results obtained show the importance of implementing collaboration strategies, as for multi-user access, the number of handoffs increases as the number of serial users increases. TOPSIS presented the best results in 76 % of the analyzed cases where VIKOR generated a smaller number of handoffs; TOPSIS maintained good performance with differences not exceeding 90 handoffs.

Comparison of Mechanical and Structural Properties of Nickel-titanium Alloy with Titanium-molybdenum Alloy and Titanium-niobium Alloy as Potential Metals for Endodontic Files.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the mechanical and structural properties of the nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy already used in endodontics with titanium-molybdenum (Ti-Mo) and titanium-niobium (Ti-Nb) alloys to determine if these can be suggested in the manufacture of endodontic files. Methods and Materials: Orthodontic wires made of the different alloys were used. The previously mentioned alloys were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and torsion tests. Cyclic fatigue tests were performed on a simulated canal with a curvature of 86° to 375 rpm. The fractured surfaces of the wires were observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A Kruskal-Wallis test and U Mann Whitney test were used to determine significant differences in cyclic fatigue between groups. Results: In the mechanical tests, similar values of torsion were found for the three alloys. In XRD, the Ti-Nb showed less structural changes. In the cyclic fatigue test, Ti-Nb was found to be significantly more resistant with respect to Ni-Ti and Ti-Mo. Conclusion: Based on our in vitro study, Ti-Nb is suggested as a possible alloy for the manufacture of rotary files due to its impressive properties.

Rényi Entropy-Based Spectrum Sensing in Mobile Cognitive Radio Networks Using Software Defined Radio.

A very important task in Mobile Cognitive Radio Networks (MCRN) is to ensure that the system releases a given frequency when a Primary User (PU) is present, by maintaining the principle to not interfere with its activity within a cognitive radio system. Afterwards, a cognitive protocol must be set in order to change to another frequency channel that is available or shut down the service if there are no free channels to be found. The system must sense the frequency spectrum constantly through the energy detection method which is the most commonly used. However, this analysis takes place in the time domain and signals cannot be easily identified due to changes in modulation, power and distance from mobile users. The proposed system works with Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for systems from Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) to 5G systems, the signals are analyzed in the frequency domain and the Rényi-Entropy method is used as a tool to distinguish the noise and the PU signal without prior knowledge of its features. The main contribution of this research is that uses a Software Defined Radio (SDR) system to implement a MCRN in order to measure the behavior of Primary and Secondary signals in both time and frequency using GNURadio and OpenBTS as software tools to allow a phone call service between two Secondary Users (SU). This allows to extract experimental results that are compared with simulations and theory using Rényi-entropy to detect signals from SU in GMSK and OFDM systems. It is concluded that the Rényi-Entropy detector has a higher performance than the conventional energy detector in the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh channels. The system increases the detection probability (PD) to over 96% with a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of 10dB and starting 5 dB below energy sensing levels.

Live Attenuated Salmonella enterica Expressing and Releasing Cell-Permeable Bax BH3 Peptide Through the MisL Autotransporter System Elicits Antitumor Activity in a Murine Xenograft Model of Human B Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma.

The survival of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has substantially improved with current treatments. Nevertheless, the appearance of drug-resistant cancer cells leads to patient relapse. It is therefore necessary to find new antitumor therapies that can completely eradicate transformed cells. Chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells are characterized by the overexpression of members of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein family, such as Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1. We have recently shown that peptides derived from the BH3 domain of the pro-apoptotic Bax protein may antagonize the anti-apoptotic activity of the Bcl-2 family proteins, restore apoptosis, and induce chemosensitization of tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of releasing this peptide into the tumor microenvironment using live attenuated Salmonella enterica, which has proven to be an ally in cancer therapy due to its high affinity for tumor tissue, its ability to activate the innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, and its potential use as a delivery system of heterologous molecules. Thus, we expressed and released the cell-permeable Bax BH3 peptide from the surface of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL3261 through the MisL autotransporter system. We demonstrated that this recombinant bacterium significantly decreased the viability and increased the apoptosis of Ramos cells, a human B NHL cell line. Indeed, the intravenous administration of this recombinant Salmonella enterica elicited antitumor activity and extended survival in a xenograft NHL murine model. This antitumor activity was mediated by apoptosis and an inflammatory response. Our approach may represent an eventual alternative to treat relapsing or refractory NHL.

A Monte Carlo study of the electrical double layer of a shape-asymmetric electrolyte around a spherical colloid.

In this paper, we present a Monte Carlo simulation study on the structure of the electrical double layer around a spherical colloid surrounded by a binary electrolyte composed of spherical and non-spherical ions. Results are provided for the radial distribution functions between the colloid and ions, the orientation correlations between the colloid and non-spherical particles, and the integrated charge. Work is reported mainly for non-spherical particles modeled as spherocylinders, although a particular comparison is made between spherocylindrical particles and dimers. For the conditions investigated here, spherocylinders and dimers produce essentially the same structural information. Additionally, it is shown that spherocylinders mostly orient tangentially to the colloid at its surface; this preferred orientation disappears for larger distances. We also evidence that, near the colloid, the integrated charge attenuates monotonically when the macroparticle is highly charged, whereas for intermediate and low charged states of the colloid, the integrated charge can display charge reversal, overcharging, or both, with magnitudes that are sensitive to the salt concentration and to the localization of charge inside the spherocylinders.

Relationship of morningness-eveningness questionnaire score to melatonin and sleep timing, body mass index and atypical depressive symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal women.

Previous work shows a relationship between measures of morning or evening preference (e.g., morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) scores) and melatonin and sleep timing, body mass index (BMI) and mood. This study explores the relationship of these factors to atypical depression (ATD) symptoms, particularly increased appetite and hypersomnia, in depressed and non-depressed peri- and post-menopausal women. Participants were 19 normal control subjects and 10 depressed patients, 46-72 years of age. In a university hospital setting, we administered the MEQ and Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Seasonal Affective Disorders (SIGH-SAD version), which includes a measure of ATD, 3-5 weeks before obtaining nighttime polysomnography and overnight plasma melatonin in dim light (<30lx). Scores on SIGH-SAD appetite-related items were significantly correlated with MEQ, dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) time and midsleep time (MST); BMI was related to MST, sleep end time, phase-angle differences between sleep and melatonin timing, and appetite measures. Results suggest that relative to women with earlier DLMOs and MSTs, depressed peri- and post-menopausal women whose DLMOs and MSTs are phase-delayed may experience increases in appetite, hypersomnia, and BMI. These symptoms might be relieved by sleep or light manipulations that advance melatonin and sleep timing parameters.

Increased sensitivity to light-induced melatonin suppression in premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Increased sensitivity to light-induced melatonin suppression characterizes some, but not all, patients with bipolar illness or seasonal affective disorder. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), categorized as a depressive disorder in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), have altered sensitivity to 200 lux light during mid-follicular (MF) and late-luteal (LL) menstrual cycle phases compared with normal control (NC) women. As an extension of a pilot study in which the authors administered 500 lux to 8 PMDD and 5 NC subjects, in the present study the authors administered 200 lux to 10 PMDD and 13 NC subjects during MF and LL menstrual cycle phases. Subjects were admitted to the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) in dim light (<50 lux) to dark (during sleep) conditions at 16:00 h where nurses inserted an intravenous catheter at 17:00 h and collected plasma samples for melatonin at 30-min intervals from 18:00 to 10:00 h, including between 00:00 and 01:00 h for baseline values, between 01:30 and 03:00 h during the 200 lux light exposure administered from 01:00 to 03:00 h, and at 03:30 and 04:00 h after the light exposure. Median % melatonin suppression was significantly greater in PMDD (30.8%) versus NC (-0.2%) women (p = .040), and was significantly greater in PMDD in the MF (30.8%) than in the LL (-0.15%) phase (p = .047). Additionally, in the LL (but not the MF) phase, % suppression after 200 lux light was significantly positively correlated with serum estradiol level (p = .007) in PMDD patients, but not in NC subjects (p > .05).

Determinación de poblaciones de parásitos gastrointestinales pulmonares y hepáticos en búfalos de agua (Bubalus bubalis) en el Magdalena Medio Colombiano / Determination of gastrointestinal, pulmonary and hepatic parasite population in water buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) at middle Magdalena river, Colombia

La presente investigación se llevó a cabo en la hacienda bufalera La Suiza, localizada en el Magdalena Medio colombiano, de enero a diciembre del año 2004. El trabajo hizo parte de un macroproyecto de investigación sobre la especie bufalina, la cual involucró además de la presente investigación, la determinación de constantes fisiológicas, parámetros hematológicos y curvas de eliminación de huevos por gramo de parásitos gastrointestinales. De un total de 4200 búfalos se seleccionaron al azar 150 animales los cuales fueron divididos en tres grupos etáreos (< 12 meses, 12-36 meses y > 36 meses). A cada animal se le tomó una muestra de materia fecal una vez al mes por un lapso de 12 meses, realizándose las pruebas parasitológicas de sedimentación flotación, Baermann, Dennis y coprocultivo. Se pudo determinar la no presencia de parásitos como Dictiocaulus spp, Fasciola spp y la presencia de Nematodirus spp, Cooperia spp Ostertagia spp, Trichuris spp, Oesofagostomum spp, Bunostomum spp, Trichostrongylus spp, Strongyloides spp, Eimeria spp, Moniezia spp, Toxacara spp y Haemonchus spp en la población bufalina de la hacienda La Suiza.

Monitoreo de la calidad de los servicios de salud oral prestados por tres IPS privadas de Bogotá 2002 / Quality of oral health services in three private clinics in Bogotá evaluated during 2002

ANTECEDENTES: para garantizar la calidad de la atención en salud, el sistema colombiano de Seguridad Social en Salud creó condiciones de competencia entre Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud (IPS). La competencia se fundamenta en la calidad de la prestación de los servicios. Se ha observado que muchas IPS han fracasado en este objetivo y los usuarios y profesionales de la salud no se encuentran satisfechos. OBJETIVO: monitorear la calidad de los servicios de salud oral, prestados por tres IPS privadas de Bogotá, durante el año 2002, MÉTODOS: se seleccionaron tres IPS privadas de Bogotá, a las que se les aplicaron los Formatos de Inspección de Estructura, Proceso y Resultados del libro Auditoría en Salud. Para el análisis de la información de cada Formato de inspección se determinó: ponderación, calificación de los componentes o indicadores de cada área, columna de calificación ponderada y grado de adecuación, RESULTADOS: las tres IPS cumplen con la infraestructura y el recurso humano necesario para prestar un servicio adecudo. La IPS 3 no cuenta con la cantidad y optimas condiciones de recurso físico necesario para la prestación de los servicios de salud oral. Igualmente, esta IPS no presenta un organigrama y manual de funciones definido, como tampoco los protocolos adecuados de manejo, con lo cual es difícil dar cumplimiento a los mismos. Las tres IPS reportaron que el número de tratamientos terminados durante el 2002 es de aproximadamente del 70/100 y el número de tratamientos repetidos por las tres IPS es inferior al 0.02/100.

Aproximación a la demanda potencial de los servicios de ortodoncia en Bogotá, Colombia / Approximate potential demand for orthodontic attendance in Bogotá, Colombia

ANTECEDENTES: La tendencia mundial de apertura, globalización y libre mercado en el sector salud en Colombia, hace mandatorio tener un conocimiento sobre la demanda de tratamientos de los posibles usuarios que presentan anomalías dentomaxilofaciales y que potencialmente pueden asistir a los servicios de ortodoncia en Bogotá. OBJETIVO: El presente estudio transversal pretendió hacer una descripción aproximada de la demanda potencial de los servicios de ortodoncia en la población de Bogotá, en dos grupos de edad específicos: de 5 a 14 años y de 5 a 44 años. METODOS: Para esto, se utilizaron los datos de prevalencia vigentes de las anomalías dentomaxilofaciales establecidas por el Estudio Nacional de Salud Bucal sobre la población descrita, mediante el uso de modelos de atención ideales para cada anomalía y bajo parámetros de estadísitica descriptiva. RESULTADOS: Los hallazgos muestran como la población está concentrada en su mayoría en los estratos dos y tres, y por lo tanto la demanda de la población con anomalías responde a dicha característica. Las anomalías más frecuentes son el apiñamiento mandibular, la sobremordida horizontal entre tres y seis milímetros y el apiñamiento maxilar.

Correlación entre las unidades formadoras de colonias (UFCs) y la experiencia de caries / Correlation beween colony-forming units (CFUs) and caries experience

Objetivo: Comprobar la relación entre el número de unidades formadoras de colonias (UFCs) de Streptococcus mutans y Lactobacillus, medido por medio de la prueba CRT-Bacteria (Vavadent/Ivoclar), y la experiencia de caries, teniendo en cuenta los índices de caries COP y coe. Método: La muestra, de origen multicéntrico y escogida intencionalmente, consistió en 80 pacientes, 40 por género, quienes fueron agrupados según ocho criterios de inclusión (niños sin erupción dental, adultos desdentados, pacientes con COP=0, pacientes con coe=0, pacientes con caries de mancha balnca, pacientes con cavitación, y pacientes con obturaciones de más de un año sin caries). La presentación de los resultados se hizo con estadísticas descriptivas, medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión, y la asociación entre las variables se analizó mediante las pruebas U de Mann Whitney y RHO de Spearman. Resultados: El género no mostró correlación con los índices de caries ni con el recuento de las UFCs de S mutans y Lactobacillus, (p>0,43). Por el contrario, la edad sí evidenció correlación estadísticamente significativa con el recuento de microorganismos (p<0,0). Conclusiones: No se halló relación entre los índices de caries y el recuento de microorganismos, mostrando poca sensibilidad de la pueba como para aplicarla en actividades de salud pública dental (p>0,33)

Parámetros para leer críticamente literatura científica. Parte 5: el problema de investigación / Parameters for reading scientific literature critically. Part 5: statement of the problem of research

Este artículo, el quinto del grupo dedicado a la lectura crítica de literatura científica, está centrado en el problema de la investigación. De acuerdo con muchos autores, un problema científico debe ser original, obejtivo, preciso, viabe, verificable y conducir a un fenómeno. Este documento pretende ser útil para escritores y lectores interesados en la literatura científica y para quienes necesitan realizar un ainvestigación coherente o encontrar artículos relevantes sobre estudios para consultarlos

Parámetros para leer críticamente literatura científica parte 4: La validez en relación con las características del conocimiento científico / Parameters for reading scientific literature critically part 4: validity related to characteristics of scientific knowledge

Se presenta un análisis de las características de la ciencia y el conocimiento científico, identificando los aspectos de un informe de investigación o un articulo científico donde estas pueden ser evaluadas. De acuerdo con algunos autores, se puede decir que la ciencia es: factible, trascendente a los hechos, analítica, especializada, clara y concisa, comunicable, verificable, metódica, sistemática, general, legal, explicativa, predicativa, abierta, útil, reproducible, objetiva, falible y racional.