Spatio-temporal evaluation of air pollution using ground-based and satellite data during COVID-19 in Ecuador.

The concentration of gases in the atmosphere is a topic of growing concern due to its effects on health, ecosystems etc. Its monitoring is commonly carried out through ground stations which offer high precision and temporal resolution. However, in countries with few stations, such as Ecuador, these data fail to adequately describe the spatial variability of pollutant concentrations. Remote sensing data have great potential to solve this complication. This study evaluates the spatiotemporal distribution of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) concentrations in Quito and Cuenca, using data obtained from ground-based and Sentinel-5 Precursor mission sources during the years 2019 and 2020. Moreover, a Linear Regression Model (LRM) was employed to analyze the correlation between ground-based and satellite datasets, revealing positive associations for O3 (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 0.18) and NO2 (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 0.25) in Quito; and O3 (R2 = 0.74, RMSE = 0.23) and NO2, (R2 = 0.73, RMSE = 0.23) for Cuenca. The agreement between ground-based and satellite datasets was analyzed by employing the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), reflecting good agreement between them (ICC ≥0.57); and using Bland and Altman coefficients, which showed low bias and that more than 95% of the differences are within the limits of agreement. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, such as social distancing and isolation, on atmospheric conditions. This was categorized into three periods for 2019 and 2020: before (from January 1st to March 15th), during (from March 16th to May 17th), and after (from March 18th to December 31st). A 51% decrease in NO2 concentrations was recorded for Cuenca, while Quito experienced a 14.7% decrease. The tropospheric column decreased by 27.3% in Cuenca and 15.1% in Quito. O3 showed an increasing trend, with tropospheric concentrations rising by 0.42% and 0.11% for Cuenca and Quito respectively, while the concentration in Cuenca decreased by 14.4%. Quito experienced an increase of 10.5%. Finally, the reduction of chemical species in the atmosphere as a consequence of mobility restrictions is highlighted. This study compared satellite and ground station data for NO2 and O3 concentrations. Despite differing units preventing data validation, it verified the Sentinel-5P satellite's effectiveness in anomaly detection. Our research's value lies in its applicability to developing countries, which may lack extensive monitoring networks, demonstrating the potential use of satellite technology in urban planning.

Hemifacial microsomia: treatment alternatives-a systematic review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review literature on therapeutic options for treating hemifacial microsomia (HFM), in young patients with growth potential, classifying and comparing the different dentofacial treatment methods. STUDY DESIGN: An independent review of databases (Scopus, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library and PubMed) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), conducted by four evaluators. The protocol of this study was registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), under the number CRD42021293076. RESULTS: Between 1970-2021, a total number of 1137 articles were published of which 27 were included in this study according to the selection criteria: one randomized multicentric trial, two case-control studies, three case series and 21 case reports. CONCLUSIONS: The most common orthopedic treatments provide vertical stimulation of the maxillary process in the affected side. Orthodontic approaches are mainly applied for vertical correction and stabilization of the occlusal plane. Other treatment options include orthognathic surgery, osteogenic distraction, temporomandibular reconstruction and grafting. It is recommended that prospective clinical randomized controlled studies be conducted using homogeneous pediatric groups with long-term follow-up, to establish recommended evidence-based methods for treating each set of hemifacial microsomia symptoms.

Family and social environment associated with traits of antisocial personality disorder in the prison population of Peru.

INTRODUCTION: The prison environment in Peru is one of the worst in the continent. In situations such as these, where there is considerable stress, many inmates can develop antisocial disorders, especially if they come from a conflictive family setting. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between family relationships, social environment and features of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in the Peruvian prison population in 2016. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analytical cross-sectional study based on a sub-analysis of the First National Penitentiary Census of Peru in 2016. The sample is the prison population (≥18 years old) that participated in said census, which was carried out in 66 correctional facilities nationwide and reached a coverage of 98.8%. RESULTS: Of the 77,086 prisoners, 76,152 participated in the analysis. The prevalence of antisocial traits was 96% and half of the population met two criteria for the disorder. Independently associated factors were, being male (RPa: 1.35; 1.30-1.40), born outside the capital (RPa: 0.89; 0.88-0, 91), friends in the neighborhood who committed offences (RPa: 1.01; 1.00-1.02) and not living with a father (RPa: 1.00; 1.00-1.01). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of antisocial personality disorder traits in the Peruvian prison population was 96%. We found greater association with the male sex, in those born in Lima and in those who escaped from their home before the age of 15.

"Evening chronotype associates with increased triglyceride levels in young adults in two independent populations".

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Evening chronotype has been linked with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged and older adults. However, few studies have analyzed this association in young adults. The aim of this study was to assess potential associations between individual chronotype and cardiometabolic outcomes in young adults of two independent populations from Europe and America. METHODS: Total population comprised 2 223 young adults (18-29 years old), 525 from Spain (Europe) and 1 698 from Mexico (America). Anthropometric, body composition and biochemical analyses were performed. Circadian preference was determined using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). RESULTS: In these two young adult populations, a higher metabolic risk was found in those individuals with evening chronotypes, whereas those with neither or morning chronotypes showed lower cardiometabolic risk. Evening chronotypes showed lipid alterations with increased levels of triglycerides in both populations, VLDL-c in Spaniards and total cholesterol and LDL-c in Mexicans. Among the Mexican population, evening chronotypes showed higher MetS risk and more obesity traits than the other two chronotypes; no significant differences for the same comparison were found among the equivalent Spanish chronotypes. Evening chronotypes showed lower carbohydrates and higher fat intake in Spaniards, while they had lower fiber intake in Mexicans. The associations between MEQ score and cardiometabolic risk were independent of the dietary characteristics. Lifestyle factors differed among chronotypes with more smokers and habitual drinkers among evening chronotypes than in neither or morning chronotypes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study performed in two American and European independent populations shows that even in apparently healthy young adults, evening chronotypes have increased cardiometabolic risk and lipid alterations as compared to neither or morning chronotypes.

Bioaccumulation of mercury in Haemulopsis elongatus and Pomadasys macracanthus from the SE Gulf of California: condition indexes and health risk assessment.

Mercury (Hg) was measured in the muscle, liver, and gonads of Haemulopsis elongatus and Pomadasys macracanthus from Mazatlán (SE Gulf of California) to determine the relationships of the hepatosomatic index (HSI) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of fish with Hg concentrations in the corresponding tissues. Health risk to consumers was assessed by using the hazard quotient (HQ), considering the average rate of fish consumption in Mexico and Hg concentration in the edible tissue. In H. elongatus, the highest Hg levels were measured in the liver (3.748 µg g-1); in P. macracanthus, the highest Hg concentration was quantified in the muscle (0.574 µg g-1). In P. macracanthus, the HSI was negatively correlated with Hg concentration in the liver; in H. elongatus, there was also a negative relationship between Hg levels in gonads and the GSI. Mean HQ values in Haemulopsis elongatus (0.005) and Pomadasys macracanthus (0.002) were below the value (HQ ≥ 1) of concern. The significant reduction of HSI and GSI with Hg increase in the liver and gonads may suggest that Hg bioaccumulation in these fish shows adverse physiological effects. Though HQ values in both species were below the unit, i.e., the consumption of the muscle from this species does not represent a health risk, it is necessary to carry out surveys of fish consumption rates in coastal areas of Mexico to do a more precise health risk assessment associated to Hg intake.

[Measurement, monitoring and knowledge of blood pressure: May Measurement Month, Colombia 2017]. / Medición, control y conocimiento de la presión arterial: Iniciativa Mayo Mes de la Medición Colombia 2017.

AIM: To describe the findings of implementing May Measurement Month 2017 in the adult Colombian population to raise awareness of the importance of blood pressure measuring, monitoring, and awareness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: May Measurement Month is a cross-sectional survey that follows the directives of the International Society of Hypertension and the World Hypertension League, which gathers information on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure readings. Its implementation in Colombia was lead by the Santander Ophthalmological Foundation (FOSCAL) and the Latin American Society of Hypertension (LASH) with the support of the Colombian Network for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (RECARDI). RESULTS: Data was collected from 11 departments on 21,797 people, 58.7% of whom were female, with an average age of 40.5±17.7 years. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) was 20.8% (self-reported antihypertensive treatment or systolic blood pressure reading [systolic blood pressure≥140mmHg]). Of the total number of hypertensives, 46.5% had systolic blood pressure readings classified as uncontrolled (systolic blood pressure<140mmHg), and 26.4% were unaware that they were hypertensive who, in this report, we consider to be new cases of HBP. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of (elevated) blood pressure is high in this young adult population, whose lack of awareness of HBP is also high, and HBP in those aware of their condition is poorly controlled. These results highlight the need to implement effective detection programmes for hypertensive patients and to establish standardised treatments to improve HBP control as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular events.

Protección solar en el trabajo asociado a características laborales en trabajadores de Latinoamérica: estudio base / Sun protection at work associated with the job characteristics of Latin America workers: base study

RESUMEN Los efectos nocivos de la radiación solar han sido reportados, pero casi no se ha estudiado la población laboral de Latinoamérica. Este es un estudio transversal analítico realizado en ocho países. Las preguntas sobre protección solar se tomaron de trabajos previos; además, se preguntó por las características laborales; ambos datos se cruzaron para obtener datos estadísticos de asociación. De los 3.222 trabajadores encuestados, el 71% (2270) tenía piel mestiza. Hubo asociación del enrojecimiento de la piel según la cantidad de horas de exposición solar directa (p<0,001) e indirecta (p<0,001). El 47% (995) usaban protector/bloqueador solar, el 54% (1150) usaban ropa adecuada y el 50% (1056) usaban alguna gorra o sombrero; siendo estadísticamente diferente el medio de adquisición de dichos equipos. El 21% (446) no usaba ninguno de los equipos de protección personal ante los efectos del sol. Concluimos que es alarmante el bajo porcentaje de trabajadores que reciben adecuada protección contra los efectos de la radiación solar. Esto podría generar problemas a corto, mediano y largo plazo entre los empleados, lo que podría aumentar la morbi-mortalidad y el riesgo de cáncer de piel.

ABSTRACT The harmful effects of solar radiation have been reported, but the work population in Latin America has hardly been studied. The objective is describe the type of sun protection they use and find associations according to their characteristics in Latin American workers. The methodology isCross-sectional analytical study carried out in 8 countries, the questions of sun protection were taken from previous work, in addition, asked about the labor characteristics; Both were crossed to obtain association statistics. Our results: Of the 3.222 workers surveyed, 71% (2270) had mestizo skin. There was association of skin redness according to the number of hours of direct (p <0.001) and indirect sun exposure (p <0.001). 47% (995) wore the sunscreen / protector, 54% (1150) wore appropriate clothing and 50% (1056) wore a cap or hat; statistically different according to the means of acquisition of such equipment (p value <0.001 for all three cases). 21% (446) did not wear any personal protective equipment to the effects of the sun. It is alarming that the low percentage of workers who receive adequate protection against the effects of solar radiation can cause problems in the short, medium and long term among employees. This could increase morbidity and mortality and the risk of skin cancer. It is important to do more research in this regard, as this issue is of utmost importance because of the changes that have occurred in radiation levels, which could generate a public health problem in this work group.

Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy associated with chemotherapy in four oncology centers of Colombia. / Prevalencia de neuropatia periferica asociada a quimioterapia en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common adverse reaction in a variety of medications frequently used for a great number of cancer treatments. This condition consists of mainly sensory-type symptoms, motor components and autonomic changes. Reported prevalence ranges from 30-68%, after the completion of chemotherapy in non-Latin American people with different populations and socioeconomic levels. AIM: To determine the prevalence of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in a Colombian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A real-world evidence cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in all patients from oncological clinical centers in Colombia, which received pharmacological therapy for any cancer between January 2015 and December 2016, with taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), alkylators (oxaliplatin), proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib), and epothilone B analogs (ixabepilone). RESULTS: A total of 1,551 patients in four cities were included, and 11,280 doses were applied; predominantly females (n = 1,094; 70.5%), with a mean age of 57 ± 13 years old. Paclitaxel was the most commonly prescribed drug (n = 788; 50.8%). Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy was developed in 48.9% of paclitaxel, 58.5% of oxaliplatin, 50.5% of docetaxel, 43.7% of bortezomib and 95.2% of ixabepilone patients. Thirty-three patients were treated with two of these medications simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a frequent adverse reaction to daily cancer therapy in Colombian patients managed with taxanes, alkylators, proteasome inhibitors, and epothilone B analogs. Hence, it is necessary to establish more successful diagnostic methods and incorporate validated scales in the routine evaluation of all patients receiving these medications in our environment.

TITLE: Prevalencia de neuropatia periferica asociada a quimioterapia en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia.Introduccion. La neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia es una reaccion comun a una variedad de medicamentos usados en el tratamiento del cancer, que consiste principalmente en sintomas sensitivos, con componentes motores y cambios autonomicos. La prevalencia es del 30-68% despues de terminar la quimioterapia en paises no latinoamericanos. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia en la poblacion colombiana. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo con evidencia del mundo real en la totalidad de pacientes atendidos en cuatro centros oncologicos de Colombia, quienes recibieron terapia farmacologica para algun tipo de cancer entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2016 con taxanos (paclitaxel, docetaxel), agentes alquilantes (oxaliplatino), inhibidores de proteasoma (bortezomib) y analogos de epotilona B (ixabepilona). Resultados. Se siguio a un total de 1.551 pacientes en cuatro ciudades a quienes se les aplicaron 11.280 dosis, con predominio femenino (n = 1.094; 70,5%) y una edad media de 57 ± 13 años. El paclitaxel fue el farmaco mas prescrito (n = 788; 50,8%). La neuropatia inducida por quimioterapia se presento en el 48,9% de los pacientes con paclitaxel, el 58,5% de los pacientes con oxaliplatino, el 50,5% de los pacientes con docetaxel, el 43,7% de los pacientes con bortezomib y el 95,2% de los pacientes con ixabepilona. Se trato a 33 pacientes con dos de estos medicamentos simultaneamente. Conclusiones. La neuropatia periferica inducida por quimioterapia es una reaccion adversa frecuente en pacientes con cancer en Colombia tratados con taxanos, alquilantes, inhibidores de proteasoma e ixabepilona. Es necesario establecer metodos diagnosticos efectivos e incorporar escalas validadas en la evaluacion rutinaria de los pacientes que reciben estas medicaciones.

[Ultrasound-guided infiltration results in chronic brachial biceps tendinitis]. / Resultados de infiltración guiada ecográficamente en tendinitis crónica del bíceps braquial.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior shoulder pain is one of the most common symptoms in the orthopedic consultation, much of it is associated with the pathology of the long head biceps tendon; in general, its management is conservative, including injections which are performed blindly as a common clinical practice. With the advent of imaging support in the performance of these procedures such as ultrasound can improve the accuracy of biceps tendon sheath injections to obtain a better clinical result. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical results of patients with chronic biceps tendinitis who were injected by ultrasound guidance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational single-cohort study with prospective follow-up which included patients with chronic tendonitis of the long biceps brachii who were candidates for ultrasound-guided infiltration. The presence of pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and functionality (Constant-Murley Test) was evaluated after two weeks. Quantitative variables are reported as averages and standard deviation. RESULTS: The study comprised 18 patients with an average age of 59.6 years, the EVA score decreased from 7.2 (SD 1.6) before-injection to 3.7 (2.7) post-injection. The Constant-Murley score improved from 51.1 (SD 9.5) before injection to 65.9 (15.7) at follow-up. No complications were reported. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound-guided infiltration is a safe procedure that results in improvement of pain and functionality of patients with tendonitis of the biceps brachial.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor anterior de hombro es uno de los síntomas más comunes en la consulta ortopédica, gran parte está asociada con la patología del tendón de la porción larga del bíceps; por lo general su manejo es conservador e incluye infiltraciones, las cuales se efectúan a «ciegas¼ como una práctica clínica común. Con el surgimiento del apoyo imagenológico en la realización de estos procedimientos, como la ecografía, se puede mejorar la precisión de las infiltraciones para obtener un mejor resultado clínico. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados clínicos de los pacientes con tendinitis crónica del bíceps que fueron infiltrados mediante guía ecográfica en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional de cohorte única y con seguimiento prospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes con tendinitis crónica de la porción larga del bíceps braquial que eran candidatos a infiltración guiada ecográficamente. Se evaluó la presencia de dolor (escala visual análoga) y funcionalidad (test de Constant-Murley) a las dos semanas. Las variables cuantitativas se reportan como promedios y desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 18 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 59.6 años. La intensidad del dolor disminuyó de 7.2 (DE 1.6) preinfiltración a 3.7 (DE 2.7) postinfiltración. La puntuación de Constant-Murley mejoró de 51.1 (DE 9.5) antes de la infiltración a 65.9 (15.7) en el seguimiento. No se registraron complicaciones. DISCUSIÓN: La infiltración guiada por ecografía es un procedimiento seguro que se traduce en mejoría de dolor y funcionalidad de pacientes con tendinitis del bíceps braquial.

Factores asociados a síntomas depresivos en madres con hijos hospitalizados en unidades de pediatría y neonatología en Perú: estudio de casos y controles / Factors associated to depressive symptoms in mothers with children hospitalized in pediatric and neonatology units of Peru: a case-control study

INTRODUCCIÓN La depresión postparto ha sufrido un crecimiento significativo, pero en la sierra central peruana no existen estudios acerca de este tema. OBJETIVOS Identificar y establecer los factores de riesgo para desarrollar depresión postparto en las madres que tienen a sus hijos hospitalizados en unidades de pediatría y neonatología en la ciudad de Huancayo. MÉTODOS Estudio de casos y controles. Se incluyeron las fichas de recolección de datos de las madres que tuvieron hospitalizados a sus hijos en unidades de pediatría y neonatología durante 2017. Los casos fueron las que tuvieron "presencia de síntomas de depresión postparto". Se cruzó esta variable con otras mediante la regresión logística. Se obtuvieron los Odds ratio, sus intervalos de confianza al 95% y los valores p. RESULTADOS Se evaluaron 61 fichas de madres que padecieron depresión postparto (casos) y 61 fichas de madres sin este tipo de patología (controles). Al realizar el análisis multivariado, se encontró que aquellas madres con una condición laboral de tipo desempleada (p < 0,001), así como aquellas que fueron solteras (valor p < 0,001) y las que tuvieron un embarazo no planificado (p = 0,003); tuvieron una mayor posibilidad de depresión postparto). Por el contrario, aquellas que manifestaron tener problemas graves con su pareja tuvieron una menor oportunidad de depresión postparto (p = 0,003); ajustado por nueve variables. CONCLUSIONES Se encontraron diversos factores relacionados con la depresión postparto: el estado civil, la relación con la pareja, la condición laboral y la no planificación del embarazo.

INTRODUCTION Postpartum depression has increased significantly worldwide, but in the central Peruvian mountain, there are no studies that address this problem. OBJECTIVES To identify and to establish risk factors for postpartum depression in mothers whose children are hospitalized in pediatrics/neonatology units in Huancayo. METHODS This is a case-control study. Medical records of mothers whose children were hospitalized in pediatrics/neonatology units during 2017 were included. The cases were defined as patients who "had symptoms of postpartum depression." This variable was crossed with other variables using logistical regression, odds ratio were obtained, their confidence intervals were set to 95%, and the p values were calculated. RESULTS Sixty-one medical records of mothers with postpartum depression (cases) and 61 medical records of mothers without postpartum depression (control) were evaluated. In the multivariate analysis, the unemployed mothers had a bigger chance of postpartum depression (p < 0.001), as well as single mothers (p < 0.001), and those with an unplanned pregnancy (p = 0.003). Conversely, mothers who reported having serious problems with their partner had a smaller chance of postpartum depression (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Different factors were found to be related to postpartum depression: marital situation, relationship with their partners, work conditions, and having an unplanned pregnancy.

Deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres post cirugía bariátrica Roux en Y / Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among women with Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery / Deficiência e Insuficiência de vitamina D em mulheres post cirurgia bariátrica Roux em Y

Objetivo Determinar la relación entre la falta de seguimiento, adherencia al tratamiento con multivitamínicos y niveles séricos de 25-OH vitamina D (Vit-D) en mujeres post-cirugía BPRY, en la UNEME de la ciudad de Tijuana, Baja California, México. Métodos Estudio Transversal analítico que incluyó mujeres post-cirugía BPRY (GCa, n=13), con Obesidad Mórbida (GOM, n=13) y mujeres aparentemente sanas (GCo, n=13). Posterior a la autorización mediante consentimiento informado escrito, se realizó una historia clínica, valoración antropométrica, aplicación del instrumento de medición y en una segunda cita se tomó una muestra sanguínea para la cuantificación de Vit-D. El instrumento de medición fue validado mediante Kappa de Cohen mayor al 80% y alfa de Cronbach de 1. El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó mediante pruebas de diferencia de medias t de Student y ANOVA donde se consideró una p < 0.05 en una prueba a dos colas. Se determinó prevalencia, significancia estadística de la falta de adherencia y seguimiento en relación a los niveles de Vit-D. Resultados La prevalencia de falta de adherencia al tratamiento multivitamínico en estas mujeres con post-cirugía BPRY fue de 85% y la falta de seguimiento post quirúrgico que incluye pruebas de laboratorio de micronutrientes fue del 100%. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las medias de los niveles de Vit-D entre las mujeres con y sin adherencia al multivitamínico p < 0.05, IC 95%. Conclusiones Se demostró que la falta de adherencia y seguimiento al tratamiento con multivitamínicos son factores de riesgo para la insuficiencia y deficiencia de Vit-D en pacientes con post-cirugía BPRY.

Objective To determine the interrelationships among lack of compliance, multi-vitamin treatment adherence, and serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D among women with Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery in the UNEME of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Methods This is an analytical and transversal study on women with Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery (GCa, n=13) with morbid obesity (GOM, n=13), and apparently healthy women (GCo, n=13). After the corresponding written informed consents, in a first appointment, the medical record, the anthropometric assessment, and the administration of the instrument were performed, while in a second appointment, blood samples were taken in order to measure the vitamin D levels. The assessment instrument was validated through a Cohen Kappa greater than 80% and a Cronbach Alpha of 1. Student's t test and two-tailed, p < 0.05 ANOVAS were calculated. Results While a lack of adherence to multi-vitamin treatment was found in 85% of the women, a lack of post-surgical follow-up, including micro-nutrients lab tests, was found in 100%. A statistically significant difference between the mean vitamin D levels of women with and without multi-vitamin treatment adherence was found (p < 0.05, CI 95%). Conclusions It was demonstrated that the lack of adherence to multi-vitamin treatments is a vitamin D deficiency risk factor among patients with Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery.

Objetivo Determinar a relação entre a falta de seguimento, aderência ao tratamento com multivitamínicos e niveis séricos de 25-OH vitamina D (Vit-D) em mulheres post-cirurgia BPRY, na UNEME da cidade de Tijuana, Baja California, México. Métodos. Estudo Transversal analítico que incluiu mulheres post-cirurgia BPRY (GCa, n=13), com Obesidade Mórbida (GOM, n=13) e mulheres aparentemente saudáveis (GCo, n=13). Posterior à autorização mediante consentimento informado escrito, realizou-se uma história clínica, avaliação antropométrica, aplicação do instrumento de medição e em uma segunda consulta tomou-se uma amostra sanguínea para a quantificação de Vit-D. O instrumento de medição foi validado mediante Kappa de Cohen maior a 80% e alfa de Cronbach de 1. A análise estatística dos dados realizou-se mediante probas de diferencia de média t de Student e ANOVA onde se considerou uma p < 0.05 em um teste bilateral. Determinou-se prevalência, significância estatística da falta de aderência e seguimento em relação aos níveis de Vit-D. Resultados A falta de aderência ao tratamento multivitamínico nestas mulheres bariátricas foi de 85% e a falta de seguimento post cirúrgico que inclui testes de laboratório de micronutrientes foi de 100%. Encontrou-se uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a média dos níveis de Vit-D entre as mulheres com e sem aderência no multivitamínico p < 0.05, IC 95%. Conclusões . Demostrou-se que a falta de aderência e seguimento no tratamento com multivitamínicos são fatores de risco para a insuficiência e deficiência de Vit-D em pacientes bariátricos.

Factors associated with uninvestigated dyspepsia in students at 4 Latin American schools of medicine: A multicenter study. / Factores asociados a dispepsia no investigada en estudiantes de 4 facultades de medicina de Latinoamérica: estudio multicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Dyspepsia is a multifactorial disease that can involve alcohol, tobacco, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, as well as lifestyle, diet, socioeconomic elements, or psychologic factors. The aim of the present article was to establish the frequency of uninvestigated dyspepsia and determine its associated factors in students at 4 Latin American schools of medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted, in which a survey made up of closed-ended questions was applied at just one point in time. The association between the variables was then analyzed. A new questionnaire for the diagnosis of dyspepsia was one of the tests utilized to diagnose uninvestigated dyspepsia. Generalized linear models were used for the bivariate and multivariate analyses, employing the Poisson model with the log link function, obtaining crude prevalence ratios, adjusted prevalence ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 1,241 individuals surveyed, 54% (841) were females and the median age was 21 years (range: 19-23 years). Prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia was 46%. The factors that had a direct association with dyspepsia were: depression, difficulty sleeping, and coffee consumption. On the contrary, eating regularly in a boarding house and the male sex had an inverse association. CONCLUSIONS: Uninvestigated dyspepsia frequency was high in students at 4 Latin American schools. Depression, difficulty sleeping, and steady coffee drinking were factors directly associated with dyspepsia, whereas male sex and eating out at regular hours were factors with a reverse association. Therefore, we recommend that universities implement early detection programs for this highly preventable pathology.

Evaluation of concordance among three cardiac output measurement techniques in adult patients during cardiovascular surgery postoperative care.

INTRODUCTION: The standard method for cardiac output measuring is thermodilution although it is an invasive technique. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) offers a dynamic and functional alternative to thermodilution. OBJECTIVE: Analyze concordance between two TEE methods and thermodilution for cardiac output assessment. METHODS: Observational concordance study in cardiovascular surgery patients that required pulmonary artery catheter. TEE cardiac output measurement at both mitral annulus (MA) and left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) were performed. Results were compared with thermodilution. Correlation was evaluated by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Statistical analysis was undertaken in STATA 13.0. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Fifty two percent of patients were male, median age and ejection fraction was 63 years and 35% respectively. Median thermodilution, LVOT and MA -measured cardiac output was 3.25 L/min, 3.46 L/min and 8.4 L/min respectively. Different values between thermodilution and MA measurements were found (Lin concordance=0.071; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.009 to 0.151; Spearman's correlation=0.22) as values between thermodilution and LVOT (Lin concordance=0.232; Confidence Interval 95%=-0.12 a 0.537; Spearman's correlation 0.28). Bland-Altman analysis showed greater difference between MA measurements and thermodilution (DM=-0.408; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.809 to -0.007), than the other echocardiographic findings (DM=0.007; Bland-Altman Limits=-0.441 to 0.428). CONCLUSION: Results from cardiac output measurement by doppler and 2D-TEE on both MA and LVOT do not correlate with those obtained by thermodilution.

Influence of precursor porosity on sodium and sulfur promoted iron/carbon Fischer-Tropsch catalysts derived from metal-organic frameworks.

Iron-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with varying porosity are converted by pyrolysis into iron/carbon catalysts with predetermined composition and tailored pore structural features for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of lower C2-C4 olefins. Significantly higher activity arises for catalysts with higher porosity and decreased iron particle size derived from hierarchical MOF xerogel/aerogel precursors as compared to a purely microporous MOF. Post-synthetic functionalization using sodium and sulfur promoters further enhances the catalytic properties.

Elastic and anelastic relaxation behaviour of perovskite multiferroics II: PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 (PZT)-PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3 (PFT).

Elastic and anelastic properties of ceramic samples of multiferroic perovskites with nominal compositions across the binary join PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3-PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3 (PZT-PFT) have been assembled to create a binary phase diagram and to address the role of strain relaxation associated with their phase transitions. Structural relationships are similar to those observed previously for PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3-PbFe0.5Nb0.5O3 (PZT-PFN), but the magnitude of the tetragonal shear strain associated with the ferroelectric order parameter appears to be much smaller. This leads to relaxor character for the development of ferroelectric properties in the end member PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3. As for PZT-PFN, there appear to be two discrete instabilities rather than simply a reorientation of the electric dipole in the transition sequence cubic-tetragonal-monoclinic, and the second transition has characteristics typical of an improper ferroelastic. At intermediate compositions, the ferroelastic microstructure has strain heterogeneities on a mesoscopic length scale and, probably, also on a microscopic scale. This results in a wide anelastic freezing interval for strain-related defects rather than the freezing of discrete twin walls that would occur in a conventional ferroelastic material. In PFT, however, the acoustic loss behaviour more nearly resembles that due to freezing of conventional ferroelastic twin walls. Precursor softening of the shear modulus in both PFT and PFN does not fit with a Vogel-Fulcher description, but in PFT there is a temperature interval where the softening conforms to a power law suggestive of the role of fluctuations of the order parameter with dispersion along one branch of the Brillouin zone. Magnetic ordering appears to be coupled only weakly with a volume strain and not with shear strain but, as with multiferroic PZT-PFN perovskites, takes place within crystals which have significant strain heterogeneities on different length scales.

Behavior in vitro of the dentin-enamel junction in human premolars submitted to high temperatures: prediction of the maximum temperature based on logistic regression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide scientific evidence that would permit DEJ separation to be used as a parameter to estimate the temperature to which burnt, carbonized or incinerated cadavers or human remains had been subjected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive pseudo-experimental study was carried out in vitro using cone beam tomography to determine the physical behavior of the dentine-enamel junction in 60 human premolars submitted to high temperatures (200°C, 400°C, 600°C, 800°C and 1000°C). RESULTS: Spearman's concordance and correlation index was used to determine the relationship between longitudinal separation of the dentine-enamel junction (mm) and temperature (°C) and a simple linear regression model developed to show that once micro- and macrostructural changes are initiated in the enamel and dentine. CONCLUSIONS: The dentine-enamel junction begins to separate from the cervical towards the occlusal as temperature increases.

Association between follicular gastritis and Helicobacter pylori in children seen at a public hospital in Peru. / Asociación entre gastritis folicular y Helicobacter pylori en niños atendidos en un hospital público peruano.

BACKGROUND: For the last 15 years, infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been recognized in gastritis pathogenesis, and is known to trigger an important inflammatory response in these patients. AIM: To determine the association between follicular gastritis and H. pylori infection in children seen at a public hospital in Peru. METHODOLOGY: An analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted on all the children treated at the Hospital Nacional Docente Madre "Niño San Bartolomé" in Lima, Peru, within the time frame of 2011-2012. All the personal data from the patients' medical histories and endoscopic procedures were collected. The crude prevalence ratios (PR) were obtained and adjusted (aPR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), using generalized linear models with the binomial family and log link function. RESULTS: A total of 123 children met the study criteria. Forty-eight (39%) of the study sample were girls and the mean age of the children was 12 years. H. pylori was present in 44% of the sample and 9% presented with more than 100 bacteria per field (classified as +++). Thirty-five percent of the children had esophagitis due to concomitant reflux. The presence of H. pylori was associated with follicular gastritis (P<0.01; aPR: 2.3; 95% CI:1.49-3.49), adjusted by the children's age. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data analyzed, it was concluded that the children with follicular gastritis had a greater likelihood of having H. pylori than those that did not present with gastritis. These results can be extrapolated to other similar populations and should be evaluated in each setting so that this does not become a public health problem within the next few years.

Strain behavior and lattice dynamics in Ni50Mn35In15.

The lattice dynamics in the polycrystalline shape-memory Heusler alloy Ni50Mn35In15 have been studied by means of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS). RUS spectra were collected in a frequency range 100-1200 kHz between 10 and 350 K. Ni50Mn35In15 exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at 313 K in the austenite phase and a martensitic transition at 248 K accompanied by a change of the magnetic state. Furthermore it displays a paramagnetic to ferrimagnetic transition within the martensitic phase. We determined the temperature dependence of the shear modulus and the acoustic attenuation of Ni50Mn35In15 and compared it with magnetization data. Following the structural softening, which accompanies the martensitic transition as a pretransitional phenomenon, a strong stiffening of the lattice is observed at the martensitic magneto-structural transition. Only a weak magnetoelastic coupling is evidenced at the Curie temperatures both in austenite and martensite phases. The large acoustic damping in the martensitic phase compared with the austenitic phase reflects the motion of the twin walls, which freezes out in the low temperature region.

Elastic and magnetoelastic relaxation behaviour of multiferroic (ferromagnetic + ferroelectric + ferroelastic) Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 perovskite.

Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy has been used to characterize elastic and anelastic anomalies in a polycrystalline sample of multiferroic Pb(Fe(0.5)Nb(0.5))O(3) (PFN). Elastic softening begins at ~550 K, which is close to the Burns temperature marking the development of dynamical polar nanoregions. A small increase in acoustic loss at ~425 K coincides with the value of T(*) reported for polar nanoregions starting to acquire a static or quasi-static component. Softening of the shear modulus by ~30-35% through ~395-320 K, together with a peak in acoustic loss, is due to classical strain/order parameter coupling through the cubic → tetragonal → monoclinic transition sequence of ferroelectric/ferroelastic transitions. A plateau of high acoustic loss below ~320 K is due to the mobility under stress of a ferroelastic microstructure but, instead of the typical effects of freezing of twin wall motion at some low temperature, there is a steady decrease in loss and increase in elastic stiffness below ~85 K. This is attributed to freezing of a succession of strain-coupled defects with a range of relaxation times and is consistent with a report in the literature that PFN develops a tweed microstructure over a wide temperature interval. No overt anomaly was observed near the expected Néel point, ~145 K, consistent with weak/absent spin/lattice coupling but heat capacity measurements showed that the antiferromagnetic transition is actually smeared out or suppressed. Instead, the sample is weakly ferromagnetic up to ~560 K, though it has not been possible to exclude definitively the possibility that this could be due to some magnetic impurity. Overall, evidence from the RUS data is of a permeating influence of static and dynamic strain relaxation effects which are attributed to local strain heterogeneity on a mesoscopic length scale. These, in turn, must have a role in determining the magnetic properties and multiferroic character of PFN.

Diagnosis and risk stratification in patients with anti-RNP autoimmunity.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-RNP autoantibodies occur either in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (with a frequently favorable prognosis), or in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases with aggressive major organ disease. It is uncertain how to assess for the risk of severe disease in anti-RNP + patients. METHODS: Following institutional review board-approved protocols, clinical data and blood were collected from patients with known or suspected anti-RNP autoimmunity and normal controls in a cohort study. Samples were screened for parameters of immune activation. Groups were compared based on clinical diagnoses, disease classification criteria, disease activity and specific end-organ clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Ninety-seven per cent of patients satisfying Alarcon-Segovia MCTD criteria also met Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic (SLICC) SLE criteria, while 47% of the anti-RNP + SLE patients also met MCTD criteria. Among SLICC SLE patients, MCTD criteria were associated with reduced rates of renal disease (odds ratio (OR) 4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-14.0), increased rates of Raynaud's phenomenon (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.5) and increased serum B-cell maturation antigen, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor and TNFα levels. Circulating immune markers and markers of type I interferon activation were not effective at distinguishing clinical subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Among anti-RNP patients, the question of MCTD versus SLE is not either/or: most MCTD patients also have lupus. MCTD classification criteria (but not a broad set of immune markers) distinguish a subset of SLE patients at reduced risk for renal disease.