Adherencia terapéutica y funcionalidad familiar en pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas / Therapeutic adherence in patients with hematological diseases and family function / Adesão terapeutica e funcionamento familiar em pacientes com doenças hematológicas / l'adhésion chez les patients souffrant de maladies hématologiques et fonctionnement de leur famille

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre adherencia terapéutica y la funcionalidad familiar en pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas crónicas del Hospital General de Zona 46 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, con pacientes del Hospital General de Zona 46 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; aplicando la escala de adherencia terapéutica y el cuestionario de funcionamiento familiar FF-SIL. Resultados: El 76.2% (n=128) de los pacientes estudiados tiene moderada adherencia terapéutica, predomina el sexo masculino con 40.5% (n=68) comprendida en la edad de 31-45 años con un 42.2% (n=54) al igual que la funcionalidad familiar es mayor en el sexo masculino con un 50.6% (n=44) comprendida en la edad de 31-45 años con un 22.6% (n=38). Conclusiones: Existe relación en cuanto a la funcionalidad familiar y adherencia terapéutica. La mayoría de los pacientes estudiados presentó moderada adherencia formando parte de una familia nuclear moderadamente funcional.

Abstract Objective: To determine the relationship between therapeutic adherence and family functionality in patients with chronic hematological diseases of the General Hospital of Zone 46 of the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with patients from the General Hospital of zone 46, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; applying the therapeutic adherence scale and the family functioning questionnaire FF-SIL. Results: 76.2% (n = 128) of the studied patients have moderate therapeutic adherence, the male sex predominates with 40.5% (n = 68) comprised in the ages of 31-45 with 42.2% (n = 54) at as well as the family functionality is higher in the male sex with 50.6% (n = 44) comprised in the ages of 31-45 with 22.6% (n = 38). Conclusions: There is a relationship in terms of family functionality and therapeutic adherence. The majority of the patients studied showed moderate adherence as part of a moderately functional nuclear family.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a relação entre a adesáo terapéutica e o funcionamento familiar em pacientes com doençãs hematológicas crónicas do Hospital Geral da Zona 46 do Instituto Mexicano de Seguraba Social. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal com pacientes do Hospital Geral da zona 46, Instituto Mexicano do Seguro Social; aplicando a escala de adesáo terapéutica e o questionário de funcionamento familiar FF-SIL. Resultados: A adesão terapéutica é moderada em 76,2% (n = 128) dos pacientes estudados, 40,5% (n = 68) sáo de sexo masculino, a faixa etária de 31 a 45 anos predomina com 42,2% (n = 54). Quanto ao funcionamento familiar este é maior no sexo masculino com 50,6% (n = 44), sendo a faixa etária mais predominante a de 31-45 anos com 22,6% (n = 38). Conclusões: Existe uma relação entre o funcionamento familiar e a adesão terapéutica. A maioria dos pacientes estudados apresentou uma adesáo moderada, no ámbito de uma familia nuclear moderadamente funcional.

Résumé Objectif: Déterminer la relation entre l'observance thérapeutique et la fonctionnalité familiale chez des patients atteints de maladies hématologiques chroniques soignés a l'«Hospital General de Zona 46 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social¼. Matériels et méthodes: Une étude transversale descriptive a été réalisée avec des patients de l'«Hospital General de Zona 46 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social¼, au moyen d'une échelle d'observance thérapeutique et du questionnaire de fonctionnement familial FF-SIL. Résultats: 76,2% (n = 128) des patients étudiés ont une observance thérapeutique modérée, avec une plus grande représentation du sexe masculin (40,5%, n = 68) et de la tranche d'áge 31-45 ans (42,2%, n = 54). La fonctionnalité familiale est plus élevée pour le sexe masculin avec 50,6% des cas (n = 44) et dans la tranche d''áge 31-45 ans avec 22,6% des cas (n = 38). Conclusions: Il existe une relation entre la fonctionnalité familiale et l'observance thérapeutique. La majorité des patients étudiés ont montré une observance modérée dans le cadre d'une famille nucléaire modérément fonctionnelle.

Non-randomized controlled trial of the long-term efficacy of an Ecohealth intervention against Chagas disease in Yucatan, Mexico.

Non-domiciliated intrusive triatomine vectors are responsible for a low but significant transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to humans. Their control is a challenge as insecticide spraying is of limited usefulness, and alternative strategies need to be developed for a sustainable control. We performed a non-randomized controlled trial of an Ecohealth intervention based on window insect screens and community participation to reduce house infestation by Triatoma dimidiata in two rural villages in Yucatan, Mexico. Efficacy of the intervention was measured over a three years follow-up period and entomological indicators showed that the proportion of triatomines found inside houses was significantly reduced in houses with insect screens, which effectively kept more bugs on the outside of houses. Using a previously developed model linking entomological data to the prevalence of infection in human, we predicted that the intervention would lead to a 32% reduction in yearly incidence and in the prevalence of T. cruzi infection. The cost for the coverage of all the windows of a house was of comparable magnitude to what families currently spend on various domestic insecticide, and most screens were still in good conditions after three years. In conclusion, the Ecohealth approach proposed here is effective for the long-term and sustainable control of intrusive T. dimidiata vectors in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico. This strategy may also be easily adapted to other intrusive triatomine species as well as other regions/countries with comparable eco-epidemiological settings, and would be an excellent component of a larger integrated program for the control of a variety of other vector-borne diseases, bringing additional benefits to the communities. Our results should encourage a further scaling-up of our implementation strategy in additional villages in the region.

Conocimiento, práctica del cuidador y factor pronóstico de infecciones respiratorias agudas en niños / Knowledge, caregiver practice and prognostic factor of acute respiratory infections in children / Conhecimento, prática do cuidador e fator prognóstico de infecções respiratórias agudas em crianças / Connaissance, pratique de l'aidant et facteur pronostique d'infections respiratoires aiguës chez les enfants

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la relación que existe entre conocimiento, práctica del cuidador de niños menores de 5 años y los factores de mal pronóstico de infecciones respiratorias agudas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y correlacional, conformado por la consulta externa en el periodo abril-mayo de 2017, seleccionados en un muestreo probabilístico aleatorio sistemático al cual se le aplicó un instrumento que evalúa el conocimiento y la práctica del cuidador en niños menores de 5 años con infecciones respiratorias agudas. Resultados: Cuidadores con conocimiento 56.4% (n=173) y sin conocimiento 43.6% (n=134). Realizaron prácticas correctas 30% (n=92) e incorrectas 70% (n=215). Las prácticas inadecuadas más frecuentes fueron: no realizar medidas para control térmico 62.87% (n=193) y no proporcionar lactancia materna exclusiva 40% (n=123). Los conocimientos deficientes más frecuentes fueron: no reconocer la respiración acelerada 9.2% (n=28) y la fiebre como signos de alarma 25% (n=78). Los niños menores de 5 años con IRAS que presentaron factores de mal pronóstico representaron más de la tercera parte de la población estudiada 47.9% (n=147). Conclusiones: Las madres jóvenes son los principales cuidadores, con escolaridad medio superior y ocupación labores del hogar y que se encuentran dentro de una familia tradicional. En la totalidad de los cuidadores que poseen conocimiento sobre cómo cuidar a los menores con IRAS no realizan prácticas de cuidado correctamente. Los niños en quienes se llevaron a cabo prácticas incorrectas, la mayoría presentó factores de mal pronóstico. No se encontró asociación entre factores de mal pronóstico y nivel de conocimiento y práctica.

Abstract Objective: To determine the relationship between knowledge, caregiver practice of children under 5 years of age and factors of poor prognosis of acute respiratory infections. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study, formed by the external consultation in April-May 2017 period, selected in a systematic random probabilistic sampling to which an instrument that assesses the knowledge and practice of the caregiver in children was applied. Children under 5 years old with acute respiratory infections. Results: Caregivers with 56.4% (n = 173) knowledge and without 43.6% (n = 134) knowledge. They performed 30% (n = 92) good practices and 70% (n = 215) incorrect. The most frequent inadequate practices were not to perform 62.87% (n = 193) measures for thermal control and not to provide exclusive 40% (n = 123) breastfeeding. The most frequent deficient knowledge were not recognizing 9.2% (n = 28) accelerated breathing and fever as 25% (n = 78) warning signs. Children under 5 years old with IRAS that presented poor prognostic factors accounted for more than a third of the study 47.9% (n = 147) population. Conclusions: Young mothers are the main caregivers, with average schooling and occupation of the home and who are within a traditional family. In all caregivers who have knowledge about how to care for children with IRAS do not perform care practices correctly. Children in whom incorrect practices were carried out, most presented factors of poor prognosis. No association was found between factors of poor prognosis and level of knowledge and practice.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a relação entre o conhecimento e a prática de cuidadores de criabas menores de 5 anos e os fatores de mau prognóstico de infecções respiratórias agudas. Materiais e métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e correlacional, formado pela consulta externa no período de abril a maio de 2017, selecionado por uma amostragem probabilística aleatória sistemática na que foi aplicado um instrumento que avalia o conhecimento e prática do cuidador em crianças. menores de 5 anos com infecções respiratórias agudas. Resultados: Verificou-se cuidadores com conhecimento 56,4% (n = 173) e sem conhecimento 43,6% (n = 134). Eles realizaram boas práticas 30% (n = 92) e 70% incorretas (n = 215). As práticas inadequadas mais freqüentes foram as que ñao permitiram realizar medidas de controlo térmico 62,87% (n = 193) e as que não permitiram a amamentação exclusiva 40% (n = 123). O conhecimento insuficiente mais freqüente foram: não reconhecer a respiração acelerada 9,2% (n = 28) e febre como sinais de alerta 25% (n = 78). As crianças menores de 5 anos com Insuficiencia Respiratória Aguda que apresentaram fracos fatores prognósticos representaram mais de um terço da população estudada, 47,9% (n = 147). Conclusões: As mães jovens são os principais cuidadores, com escolaridade média e ocupação da casa e que estão dentro de uma familia tradicional. Todos os cuidadores que tem conhecimento sobre como cuidar de crianças com IRAS, náo realizam práticas de cuidados corretamente. A maioria das crianças submetidas a práticas incorretas apresentou fatores de mau prognóstico. Não houve associação entre os fatores de mau prognóstico, o nível de conhecimento e a prática.

Résumé Objectif: Déterminer la relation entre les connaissances et les pratiques des soignants d'enfants de moins de 5 ans, et les facteurs de mauvais pronostic dans les infections respiratoires aigues (IRAS). Matériaux et méthodes: Étude descriptive, transversale et corrélationnelle, avec un échantillon aléatoire systématique provenant de la consultation externe d'avril a mai 2017. Un instrument évaluant les connaissances et les pratiques des aidants d'enfants de moins de 5 ans atteints d'infections respiratoires aigues a été appliqué. Résultats: 56,4% (n = 173) des aidants ont des connaissances et 43,6% (n = 134) n'en ont pas. 30% (n = 92) ont effectué de bonnes pratiques et 70% (n = 215) des pratiques incorrectes. Les pratiques inadéquates les plus fréquentes ont consisté a ne pas effectuer de mesures de contróle thermique (62,87% ; n = 193) et a ne pas fournir d'allaitement maternel exclusif (40% ; n = 123). Le manque de connaissances s'est manifesté le plus fréquemment para l'ignorance des signes avant-coureurs que constituent la respiration accélérée (9,2% ; n = 28) et la fievre (25% ; n = 78). Plus d'un tiers de l'échantillon (47,9% ; n = 147) a présenté des facteurs de mauvais pronostic. Conclusions: Les principales aidantes sont les jeunes meres, avec une scolarité moyenne, dédiées aux taches ménageres et appartenant a une famille traditionnelle. Dans tous les soignants qui ont des connaissances sur la façon de prendre soin des enfants avec IRAS ne pas effectuer correctement les pratiques de soins. Les enfants chez lesquels des pratiques incorrectes ont été pratiquées présentaient pour la plupart des facteurs de mauvais pronostic. Aucune association n'a été trouvée entre les facteurs de mauvais pronostic et le niveau de connaissance et de pratique.

Efectos de la terapia cognitivo-conductual en la sobrecarga del cuidador primario de adultos mayores / Cognitive-behavioral therapy effects on the overburden with the primary elder adults' caregiver / Efeitos da terapia cognitivo-comportamental sobre a sobrecarga de cuidadores primários de adultos idosos / Effets de la thérapie cognitivo-comportementale sur la surcharge des aidants principaux de personnes âgées

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la terapia cognitivo conductual en la sobrecarga de cuidadores primarios de adultos mayores. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuasi-experimental, pre y post intervención, prospectivo y analítico, muestra aleatoria irrestricta de 40 cuidadores en dos grupos de 20, uno experimental y el otro control. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y el Test de Zarit. Se manejaron las pruebas estadísticas U de Mann Whitney y prueba T. Resultados: El perfil de cuidador se describió como una mujer, ama de casa, con edad promedio de 49 años, de familia extensa compuesta y tradicional, el 100 % presentó sobrecarga severa en el pretest, posterior a la intervención con la terapia cognitivo-conductual la sobrecarga redujo a 25 % leve y 5% sin sobrecarga, con una significancia estadística (p=.000) en las dimensiones de impacto del cuidado y relación interpersonal, sin embargo, en la autoeficacia no se mostró tal efecto. Conclusiones: la terapia cognitivo-conductual tuvo efectos positivos en la disminución de la sobrecarga del cuidador primario y sus dimensiones; la caracterización del cuidador primario coincidió con los ofrecidos por diversos autores alrededor del mundo, haciéndolo un cuidador con características detectables; casi la mitad de los cuidadores fueron cuidadores únicos, y la problemática familiar fue causa del alejamiento de los familiares hacia el adulto mayor; el cuidador refirió que haría más por el paciente, sin embargo no sabe cómo. Se pueden desarrollar estrategias de detección de sobrecarga en el cuidador primario desde el primer nivel de atención, mejorando la calidad de vida tanto del cuidador como del adulto mayor.

Abstract Objective: To evalúate the cognitive behavioral therapy effects on the overburden with the primary eider adults' caregiver Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study, pre and post intervention, prospective and analytical, unrestricted random sample of 40 caregivers in two groups of 20, one experimental and one controlled. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Zarit Test were used. Statistical tests U of Mann Whitney and T-test were used. Results: The caregiver profile was described as a woman, housewife, with an average age of 49, of a traditional and composite extended family, 100 % presented severe overburden in the pretest, after the intervention with cognitive-behavioral therapy the overburden reduced to a slight 25 % and a 5 % to a non overburden, with a statistical significance (p = .000) in the dimensions of care impact and interpersonal relationship, however in self- efficacy there was no such effect. Conclusions: cognitive behavioral therapy had positive effects on the reduction of primary caregiver overburden and its dimensions; the characterization of the primary caregiver coincided with those offered by different authors around the world, making him a caregiver with detectable characteristics; Almost half of the caregivers were single caregivers, and family problems caused the family members to move away from the elderly; The caregiver said he could do more for the patient, however he does not know how. Overburden detection strategies can be developed in the primary caregiver from the first level of care, improving the quality of life for both the caregiver and the older adult.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da terapia cognitivo-comportamental na sobrecarga de cuidadores primários de adultos idosos. Materiais e métodos: Estudo quase experimental, pré e pós intervenção, prospectivo e analítico, a mostra foi aleatoria sem restrição de 40 cuidadores em dois grupos de 20; um experimental e um controle. Foi utilizado um questionário sociodemográfico e o teste Zarit. Os testes estatísticos de Mann Whitney U e o teste t foram utilizados. Resultados: O perfil do cuidador foi descrito como uma mulher, dona de casa, com uma idade média de 49 anos, de uma família extensa composta e tradicional; 100% apresentaram sobrecarga grave no pré-teste, após a intervenção com terapia cognitivo-comportamental. a sobrecarga reduziu para um ligeiro 25 %, e 5 % sem sobrecarga, com significáncia estatística (p = .000) nas dimensões de impacto do cuidado e relação interpessoal, no entanto, na auto-eficácia não houve tal efeito. Conclusões: A terapia comportamental cognitiva teve efeitos positivos na redução da sobrecarga do cuidador primário e suas dimensões, a caracterização do cuidador primário coincidiu com os oferecidos por vários autores em tudo o mundo, tornando-se um cuidador com características detectáveis; quase a metade dos cuidadores eram únicos cuidadores, e os problemas familiares eram a causa do distanciamento dos familiares em relação ao adulto idoso; O cuidador relatou ser capaz de fazer mais para o paciente, porém ele não sabe como. As estratégias de detecção de sobrecarga podem ser desenvolvidas no cuidador primário do primeiro nível de cuidados, melhorando a qualidade de vida do cuidador e dos idosos.

Résumé Objectif: Évaluer les effets de la thérapie cognitivo-comportementale sur la surcharge des aidants principaux de personnes âgées. Matériaux et méthodes: étude quasi-expérimentale de type avant/apres intervention, prospective et analytique, avec un échantillon aléatoire sans restriction de 40 aidants divisés en deux groupes de 20, un expérimental et un de contróle. Un questionnaire sociodémographique et le Test de Zarit ont été appliqués. L'analyse statique a été réalisée avec le test U de Mann-Whitney et le Test t. Résultats: Le profil établit pour les aidants principaux est celui d'une femme au foyer, d'âge moyen de 49 ans, appartenant a une famille élargie et traditionnelle. 100 % des aidants présentaient une surcharge sévere lors du prétest. Apres l'intervention avec un traitement cognitivo-comportemental, 25% des aidants présentaient une surcharge légere et 5% ne présentaient plus de surcharge dans les dimensions de l'impact des soins et des relations interpersonnelles (avec une signification statistique p=.000). Cependant un tel effet n'a pas été établi pour l'auto-efficacité. Conclusions: La thérapie cognitivo-comportementale a eu des effets positifs sur la réduction de la surcharge globale de l'aidant principal, et de ses dimensions. La caractérisation de l'aidant principal a coincidé avec celles présentées par différents auteurs a travers le monde, ce qui en fait un aidant ayant des caractéristiques détectables. Pres de la moitié des aidants étaient des aidants uniques du fait d'une problématique familiale a l'origine d'une distanciation des membres de la famille envers la personne âgée. Des aidants ont indiqué qu'ils seraient pres a faire davantage pour le patient, mais qu'ils ne savent pas comment. Des stratégies de détection de surcharge peuvent etre développées chez l'aidant principal dés le premier niveau de soins pour améliorer la qualité de vie de l'aidant et de la personne âgée.

Funcionalidad familiar y estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con cáncer de mama / Family functionality and coping strategies in patients with breast cáncer / Funcionamento familiar e estratégias de enfrentamento em pacientes com câncer de mama / Fonctionnement familial et stratégies d'adaptation chez les patients atteints d'un cancer du sein

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la funcionalidad familiar y las estrategias de afrontamiento en las pacientes con cáncer de mama. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal de correlación, en el cual participaron 63 mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama entre 2 a 24 meses de evolución. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas mediante una entrevista; las estrategias de afrontamiento con el instrumento "Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento" y funcionalidad familiar con el cuestionario de Percepción de Función Familiar FFSIL. La información obtenida se procesó mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS 23, se empleó estadística descriptiva y analítica, Pearson, X2 y razón de prevalencia. Resultados: Las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas fueron las de tipo activo en 68% de las mujeres estudiadas, siendo la resolución de problemas la más frecuente en 43%. Los factores que se relacionaron con el afrontamiento activo fueron edad (p.019), estado civil (p= .013), y pertenecer a familia funcional (p=.000). Conclusiones: La funcionalidad familiar es un factor protector para las estrategias de afrontamiento activo en las pacientes con cáncer de mama.

Abstract Objective: To determine the relation among Family functionality and Coping strategies in breast cáncer patients. Materials and methods: A correlational transversal descriptive study was made in which 63 breast cancer diagnosis women, within 2 to 24 months of evolution, participated. Sociodemographic variables and some clinics were studied by an interview; the Coping strategies with the "Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento" (Coping strategies Inventory) instrument and family functionality using a "Percepción de Función Familiar" FFSIL, (Family Function Perception) questionnaire. The information obtained was processed through the statistic package SPSS 23, PEARSON, X2 a prevalence reason and an analytical and a descriptive statistics were used. Results: The most used Coping strategy was the active type being a 43% the most frequent problem solution in 68% from the studied women. The factors that were related with the active Coping were age (p.019), marital status (p=.013) and to belong to a functional family (p=.000). Conclusions: The family functionality is a protection factor to the active Coping strategies in breast cancer patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a relação entre o funcionamento familiar e as estratégias de enfrentamento em pacientes com cáncer da mama. Materiais e métodos: Estudo descritivo, de correlação cruzada. Estudaram-se 63 mulheres com diagnóstico de cáncer da mama entre 2-24 meses de evolução. Foram analisadas as variáveis sociodemográficas, o tratamento recebido, a co-morbidade, as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas, através do "Inventário de estratégias de enfrentamento" e as variáveis do instrumento de funcionalidade familiar avaliadas com o questionário sobre as percepções da Função Familiar de FFSIL. O tratamento dos dados foi efetuado diante o SPSS 23 onde aplicou-se a estatística descritiva, o coeficiente de Pearson, X2 e o risco relativo. Resultados: A estratégia de enfrentamento mais comumente utilizada foi a do tipo ativo em 68% das mulheres, mais frequente em 43%. Os fatores relacionados ao enfrentamento ativo foram a idade (p = 0,019), o estado civil (p = 0,013) e o bom funcionamento da familia (p = 0,000). Conclusões: O funcionamento familiar adequado é um fator protetor para as estratégias de enfrentamento ativo em pacientes com cáncer da mama.

Résumé Objectif: Déterminer la relation entre le fonctionnement familial et les stratégies d'adaptation chez les patients atteints de cancer du sein. Matériaux et méthodes: Étude descriptive, transversale, de corrélation, dans laquelle ont participé 63 femmes avec un diagnostic de cancer du sein de 2 á 24 mois d'évolution. Les variables socio-démographiques et cliniques ont été étudiées au moyen d'un entretien; les stratégies d'adaptation avec l'instrument «Inventario de Estrategias de Afrontamiento¼ (Inventaire de stratégies d'affrontement¼), et la fonctionnalité familiale avec le questionnaire de «Percepción del Funcionamiento Familiar¼ (Perception du fonctionnement familial) (FF-SIL). L'information obtenue a été traitée á l'aide du logiciel statistique SPSS 23, en appliquant la statistique descriptive et analytique, Pearson, X2 et le risque relatif. Résultats: Les stratégies d'adaptation les plus utilisées ont été celles de type actif pour 68% des femmes étudiées, la résolution des problemes ayant été la stratégie la plus courante dans 43% des cas. Les facteurs liés á l'adaptation active ont été l'áge (p = 0,019), l'état civil (p = 0,013), et l'appartenance á une famille fonctionnelle (p = 0,000). Conclusions: Le fonctionnement familial est un facteur de protection pour les stratégies d'adaptation active chez les patients atteints de cancer du sein.

An innovative ecohealth intervention for Chagas disease vector control in Yucatan, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Non-domiciliated (intrusive) triatomine vectors remain a challenge for the sustainability of Chagas disease vector control as these triatomines are able to transiently (re-)infest houses. One of the best-characterized examples is Triatoma dimidiata from the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, where adult insects seasonally infest houses between March and July. METHODS: We focused our study on three rural villages in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, in which we performed a situation analysis as a first step before the implementation of an ecohealth (ecosystem approach to health) vector control intervention. RESULTS: The identification of the key determinants affecting the transient invasion of human dwellings by T. dimidiata was performed by exploring associations between bug presence and qualitative and quantitative variables describing the ecological, biological and social context of the communities. We then used a participatory action research approach for implementation and evaluation of a control strategy based on window insect screens to reduce house infestation by T. dimidiata. CONCLUSIONS: This ecohealth approach may represent a valuable alternative to vertically-organized insecticide spraying. Further evaluation may confirm that it is sustainable and provides effective control (in the sense of limiting infestation of human dwellings and vector/human contacts) of intrusive triatomines in the region.

Estudio randomizado a doble ciegas con Renalof en pacientes portadores de litaiasis renal de oxalato de calcio / Randomized double-blind study with Renalof in patients with calcium oxalate renal lithiasis

Con el objetivo de evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia con Renalof en pacientes portadores de urolitiasis cálcica, para la desaparición y/o disminución de litiasis cálcica, se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado, aleatorizado fase III, en 2 grupos en paralelos a doble ciegas con placebo. Se eligieron pacientes de 18 a 65 años de edad, portadores de litiasis menor de 10 mm, a los cuales se les indicó un esquema de tratamiento con un producto natural producido por laboratorio español Catálisis SA, en dosis de 1 cápsula 3 veces al día durante 3 meses, con un seguimiento clínico-radiológico, tomográfico y ecográfico mensuales, que registraron los efectos adversos. Como criterio principal de evaluación se tomó el tamaño y número del cálculo con respuesta favorable cuando el tamaño del cálculo disminuyó o desapareció. Se aleatorizaron a 110 pacientes para recibir Renalof (n=52) y placebo (n=58). La disminución de los cálculos fueron de 7,7 porciento, para el grupo con Renalof y de 0 porciento en el placebo al tercer mes, mientras que la desaparición de los cálculos fue del 86,5 porciento de respuesta al tercer mes con Renalof. La media del número de cólicos disminuyó a los 3 meses, solo el 0,4 ± 1,3 para el grupo de Renalof. Se concluye que el Renalof es un producto eficiente en la destrucción o disminución de los cálculos cálcicos renoureterales, sin efectos adversos(AU)

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group phase III clinical trial was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Renalof to remove and/or reduce calcium lithiasis in patients with calcium urolithiasis. The patients chosen were aged 18-65 and had stones smaller than 10 mm. These patients were treated with a natural product manufactured by the Spanish laboratory Catalisis SA, in a dosage of 1 capsule 3 times a day during 3 months, and monthly clinical, radiological, tomographic and echographic follow-up to record adverse effects. The main evaluation criterion was the size and number of the calculi, with favorable response when they either disappeared or their size was reduced. 110 patients were randomized to Renalof (n=52) and placebo (n=58). Stone size reduction was 7.7 percent for the Renalof group and 0 percent for the placebo group by the third month, whereas the stone disappearance response was 86.5 percent by the third month for the Renalof group. The mean number of colics decreased by the third month, with only 0.4 ± 1.3 for the Renalof group. It was concluded that Renalof is an efficient product for the destruction or reduction of calcium renoureteral calculi, with no adverse effects(AU)

Estudio randomizado a doble ciegas con Renalof en pacientes portadores de litaiasis renal de oxalato de calcio / Randomized double-blind study with Renalof in patients with calcium oxalate renal lithiasis

Con el objetivo de evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia con Renalof en pacientes portadores de urolitiasis cálcica, para la desaparición y/o disminución de litiasis cálcica, se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado, aleatorizado fase III, en 2 grupos en paralelos a doble ciegas con placebo. Se eligieron pacientes de 18 a 65 años de edad, portadores de litiasis menor de 10 mm, a los cuales se les indicó un esquema de tratamiento con un producto natural producido por laboratorio español Catálisis SA, en dosis de 1 cápsula 3 veces al día durante 3 meses, con un seguimiento clínico-radiológico, tomográfico y ecográfico mensuales, que registraron los efectos adversos. Como criterio principal de evaluación se tomó el tamaño y número del cálculo con respuesta favorable cuando el tamaño del cálculo disminuyó o desapareció. Se aleatorizaron a 110 pacientes para recibir Renalof (n=52) y placebo (n=58). La disminución de los cálculos fueron de 7,7 porciento, para el grupo con Renalof y de 0 porciento en el placebo al tercer mes, mientras que la desaparición de los cálculos fue del 86,5 porciento de respuesta al tercer mes con Renalof. La media del número de cólicos disminuyó a los 3 meses, solo el 0,4 ± 1,3 para el grupo de Renalof. Se concluye que el Renalof es un producto eficiente en la destrucción o disminución de los cálculos cálcicos renoureterales, sin efectos adversos

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group phase III clinical trial was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Renalof to remove and/or reduce calcium lithiasis in patients with calcium urolithiasis. The patients chosen were aged 18-65 and had stones smaller than 10 mm. These patients were treated with a natural product manufactured by the Spanish laboratory Catalisis SA, in a dosage of 1 capsule 3 times a day during 3 months, and monthly clinical, radiological, tomographic and echographic follow-up to record adverse effects. The main evaluation criterion was the size and number of the calculi, with favorable response when they either disappeared or their size was reduced. 110 patients were randomized to Renalof (n=52) and placebo (n=58). Stone size reduction was 7.7 percent for the Renalof group and 0 percent for the placebo group by the third month, whereas the stone disappearance response was 86.5 percent by the third month for the Renalof group. The mean number of colics decreased by the third month, with only 0.4 ± 1.3 for the Renalof group. It was concluded that Renalof is an efficient product for the destruction or reduction of calcium renoureteral calculi, with no adverse effects

Actividad antimicrobiana de bacterias marinas aisladas del Golfo de México / Antimicrobial activity of marine bacteria isolated from Gulf of Mexico

Currently there is a need for new antibiotics with an alternative mode of action and new chemical structures. Bacterial pathogens are gradually becoming more resistant to conventional antibiotics, generating an emergence of infectious diseases and they are becoming a great problem in the field of public health. In this study, seven different isolated bacteria were obtained from offshore seawater and sediment of the Gulf of Mexico from Campeche, Mexico. They were substance producers which inhibit growth of human pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one of them was a polymer producer on peptone and glucose culture. They were characterized phenotipically by means of morphological techniques and physiologically by conventional tests. Four of them were Gram-positive bacteria and the Scanning Electron Microscope analysis revealed their size between 0.6 – 1.5 µm. One of seven marine strains, Gram negative, yellow pigmented, slightly curved rods, was identified as Pseudoalteromonas sp. on the analysis of the gen16S rRNA sequence.

Hoy en día existe la necesidad de encontrar antibióticos con nuevas estructuras químicas y modos de acción alternativos. Se ha observado que bacterias patógenas comunes progresivamente desarrollan resistencia al tratamiento con antibióticos tradicionales, surgiendo y resurgiendo enfermedades infecciosas que generan un gran problema en salud pública. En este estudio, se obtuvieron siete colonias bacterianas pigmentadas de agua de mar y de sedimento marino procedente de las costas de Campeche, México. Las colonias aisladas produjeron sustancias que inhibieron el crecimiento de bacterias patógenas a humanos como Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Las bacterias marinas fueron caracterizadas fenotípicamente de acuerdo a su morfología microscópica y por pruebas fisiológicas convencionales. Cuatro de los aislados resultaron ser bacterias Gram positivas y las otras tres fueron Gram negativas. Cuando se observaron por microscopía electrónica de barrido, su tamaño aproximado fue entre 0,6 – 1,5 µm. Uno de los aislados fue una colonia amarilla con bacilos cortos Gram negativos y ligeramente curvos, identificado por la secuencia del gen16S rRNA como Pseudoalteromonas sp.

NT-proBNP, fluid volume overload and dialysis modality are independent predictors of mortality in ESRD patients.

BACKGROUND: N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of both fluid volume overload and myocardial damage, and it has been useful as a predictor of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been suggested that continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and haemodialysis (HD) may have different effects on fluid volume and blood pressure control; however, whether the independent predictive value of NT-proBNP for mortality is preserved when analysed in conjunction with fluid overload and dialysis modality is not clear. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort of 753 prevalent adult patients on CAPD, APD and HD was followed up for 16 months. Plasmatic levels of NT-proBNP, extracellular fluid volume/total body water ratio (ECFv/TBW) and traditional clinical and biochemical markers for cardiovascular damage risk were measured, and their role as predictors of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was analysed. RESULTS: NT-proBNP level, ECFv/TBW and other cardiovascular damage risk factors were not evenly distributed among the different dialysis modalities. NT-proBNP levels and ECFv/TBW were correlated with several inflammation, malnutrition and myocardial damage markers. Multivariate analysis showed that NT-proBNP levels and ECFv/TBW were predictors of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, independently of dialysis modality and the presence of other known clinical and biochemical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP is a reliable predictor of death risk independently of the effect of dialysis modality on fluid volume control, and the presence of other clinical and biochemical markers recognized as risk factors for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. NT-pro-BNP is a good predictor of mortality independently of fluid volume overload and dialysis modality.

Dengue virus-infected Aedes aegypti in the home environment.

We determined abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and presence of dengue virus (DENV) in females collected from premises of laboratory-confirmed dengue patients over a 12-month period (March 2007 to February 2008) in Merida, Mexico. Backpack aspiration from 880 premises produced 1,836 females and 1,292 males indoors (predominantly from bedrooms) and 102 females and 108 males from patios/backyards. The mean weekly indoor catch rate per home peaked at 7.8 females in late August. Outdoor abundances of larvae or pupae were not predictive of female abundance inside the home. DENV-infected Ae. aegypti females were recovered from 34 premises. Collection of DENV-infected females from homes of dengue patients up to 27 days after the onset of symptoms (median, 14 days) shows the usefulness of indoor insecticide application in homes of suspected dengue patients to prevent their homes from becoming sources for dispersal of DENV by persons visiting and being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

Use of Google Earth to strengthen public health capacity and facilitate management of vector-borne diseases in resource-poor environments.

OBJECTIVE: Novel, inexpensive solutions are needed for improved management of vector-borne and other diseases in resource-poor environments. Emerging free software providing access to satellite imagery and simple editing tools (e.g. Google Earth) complement existing geographic information system (GIS) software and provide new opportunities for: (i) strengthening overall public health capacity through development of information for city infrastructures; and (ii) display of public health data directly on an image of the physical environment. METHODS: We used freely accessible satellite imagery and a set of feature-making tools included in the software (allowing for production of polygons, lines and points) to generate information for city infrastructure and to display disease data in a dengue decision support system (DDSS) framework. FINDINGS: Two cities in Mexico (Chetumal and Merida) were used to demonstrate that a basic representation of city infrastructure useful as a spatial backbone in a DDSS can be rapidly developed at minimal cost. Data layers generated included labelled polygons representing city blocks, lines representing streets, and points showing the locations of schools and health clinics. City blocks were colour-coded to show presence of dengue cases. The data layers were successfully imported in a format known as shapefile into a GIS software. CONCLUSION: The combination of Google Earth and free GIS software (e.g. HealthMapper, developed by WHO, and SIGEpi, developed by PAHO) has tremendous potential to strengthen overall public health capacity and facilitate decision support system approaches to prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in resource-poor environments.

Mutations of CD40 ligand in two patients with hyper-IgM syndrome.

Two patients with the X-linked form of the hyper-IgM syndrome have been studied. Both patients present: 1. Mutations in the CD40L gene (a nonsense point mutation that introduces a termination codon at the extracellular domain of the protein, and a deletion that eliminates exon 4 as consequence of an abnormal splicing). 2. Lack of CD40L expression on the lymphocyte surface after stimulation with ionomycin and PMA. 3. Altered lymphocytic proliferation in response to anti-CD3. 4. Hyper IgM, low IgG and IgA levels and neutropenia. One of the patients shows, in addition, low Natural Killer cell numbers and severe herpetic infections, which distinguishes this case from the common hyper-IgM syndrome phenotype. Finally, a hyper-IgM stable phenotype has been immortalized by Herpes virus Saimiri for the first time.