Evaluation of planktonic cyanobacteria in Peruvian freshwater lentic water bodies: prevalence and regulatory framework to aid policy making.

Increasing reports of cyanobacteria or cyanotoxins around the world expose a major threat for the environment, animal, and human health. Current water treatment processes are ineffective at eliminating cyanotoxins; hence, risk management relies mostly on early detection and on the development of specific regulatory frameworks. In developed countries, well-documented monitoring activities offer a good assessment of the cyanobacterial and/or cyanotoxin status and are used to prevent intoxications. In developing countries such as Peru, despite their potential threat to the environment and public health, cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins are still poorly studied. We found that the regulatory measures regarding cyanobacteria and/or cyanotoxin are almost non-existent. We also present and discuss some examples of recent monitoring efforts underwent by isolated local authorities and scientific reports that, whereas limited, may provide some important insights to be considered nationally. A revision of the available information of planktonic cyanobacteria or cyanotoxins in Peruvian freshwater lentic water bodies revealed a total of 50 documented reports of 15 different genera across 19 water bodies, including the reported highly toxic Dolichospermum and Microcystis. A unique case of microcystin-LR has been documented. We propose some recommendations to be implemented to improve potential toxic cyanobacteria risk management that include incorporating a widespread monitoring of cyanobacterial communities in lakes and reservoirs used for human consumption via specific guidelines. Aligning Peruvian regulations on cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins to international standards may also support law enforcement and ensure compliance.

Preoperative Biopsychosocial Assessment and Length of Stay in Orthopaedic Surgery Admissions of Youth with Cerebral Palsy.

Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience stress surrounding orthopaedic surgery related to their child's pain and recovery needs. Social determinants of health can affect the severity of this stress and hinder health care delivery. A preoperative biopsychosocial assessment (BPSA) can identify risk factors and assist in alleviating psychosocial risk. This study examined the relationship between the completion of a BPSA, hospital length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission rates for children with CP who underwent hip reconstruction (HR) or posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Outcomes were compared with a matched group who did not have a preoperative BPSA. The BPSA involved meeting with a social worker to discuss support systems, financial needs, transportation, equipment, housing, and other services. A total of 92 children (28 HR pairs, 18 PSF pairs) were identified. Wilcoxon analysis was statistically significant (p = 0.000228) for shorter LOS in children who underwent PSF with preoperative BPSA (median = 7.0 days) vs. without (median = 12.5 days). Multivariate analysis showed that a BPSA, a lower Gross Motor Function Classification System level, and fewer comorbidities were associated with a shorter LOS after both PSF and HR (p < 0.05). Identifying and addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and caregivers prior to surgery can lead to more timely discharge postoperatively.

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Associated Factors in Indigenous Women in Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of death from malignancy in women in Ecuador. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent of CC. Although several studies have been conducted on HPV detection in Ecuador, there are limited data on indigenous women. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the prevalence of HPV and associated factors in women from the indigenous communities of Quilloac, Saraguro and Sevilla Don Bosco. The study included 396 sexually active women belonging to the aforementioned ethnicities. A validated questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests were used to detect HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These communities are located in the southern region of Ecuador and face geographical and cultural barriers to accessing health services. The results showed that 28.35% of women tested positive for both types of HPV, 23.48% for high-risk (HR) HPV, and 10.35% for low-risk (LR) HPV. Statistically significant associations were found between HR HPV and having more than three sexual partners (OR 1.99, CI 1.03-3.85) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (OR 2.54, CI 1.08-5.99). This study suggests that HPV infection and other sexually transmitted pathogens are common among indigenous women, highlighting the need for control measures and timely diagnosis in this population.

Can the Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation (SHUEE) Detect Change in Dynamic Position and Spontaneous Function of the Upper Limb in People With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

BACKGROUND: The Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation (SHUEE) is a video-based measure designed to assess upper extremity function in people with cerebral palsy (CP). The SHUEE completes both dynamic positional analysis (DPA; position during functional activities) and spontaneous functional analysis (spontaneous use of the involved limb). Although the SHUEE has been suggested as a measure for planning upper limb interventions and evaluating outcomes, limited evidence of its ability to detect change exists. Thus, this study aimed to describe responsiveness of the SHUEE to detect change after orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective cohort study, we identified children with CP who were administered SHUEE on≥2 encounters. We formed pairs of initial and follow-up visits between temporally adjacent visits. Pairs were assigned to a surgery or non-surgery group based on intervening upper limb orthopaedic surgery. We compared differences in baseline SHUEE scores between groups and differences in temporally adjacent SHUEE scores within groups using Welch unequal variances t tests and paired t tests, respectively. RESULTS: Nineteen people (7 female) with hemiplegic CP had≥2 SHUEE assessments; Manual Ability Classification System levels I (3), II (8), III (7), IV (1); Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (10), II (7), IV (2); mean age at baseline 11.9 (5.1 to 19.1) years; and follow-up at 13.4 (5.5 to 19.7) years. Six people had≥2 visits leading to 14 surgical pairs and 10 non-surgical pairs. At baseline, DPA of the wrist and forearm were significantly lower in the surgical group ( P <0.05). At follow-up, no significant difference between the groups existed in DPA measures ( P >0.05). After surgical intervention, there was a significant change in overall and wrist DPA ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The DPA measures demonstrated responsiveness to expected positional changes in the arm after orthopaedic surgery in people with CP. The SHUEE was useful in identifying abnormal segmental alignment pre-surgically and documenting changes in alignment postoperatively. As orthopaedic surgery does not address limb neglect or bimanual ability, spontaneous functional analysis scores were as expected-unchanged. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Effectiveness of Serial Casting in the Treatment of Recurrent Equinovarus in Children With Arthrogryposis.

BACKGROUND: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is characterized by joint contractures in 2 or more body areas, often resulting in clubfoot deformities that are typically stiffer than those seen in idiopathic clubfoot deformities. While surgery is routinely used to treat clubfoot in AMC, it has a high rate of recurrence and complications. Current literature suggests serial casting (SC) could be useful in treating clubfoot in AMC, though evidence of its effectiveness is limited. METHODS: Passive range of motion (PROM), dynamic foot pressure, parent-reported Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument, brace tolerance, and the need for post-casting surgery were evaluated retrospectively in children with AMC treated with SC to address clubfoot deformities. Analysis of variance or paired t tests were used as appropriate on pre-casting, short-term (within 6 mo after SC) and/or longer-term (6 to 18 mo after SC) parameters to determine the effectiveness of SC. Brace tolerance before and after SC was analyzed using the Global Test for Symmetry, and medical records were reviewed to determine the need for surgery post-SC. RESULTS: Forty-six children (6.1±3.1 y old) were cast an average of 2.5±1.9 times, resulting in 206 SC episodes. PROM showed improvement in ankle dorsiflexion and forefoot abduction in the short term (P<0.05), returning to baseline measurements in the long term (P=0.09). Brace tolerance improved after casting (P<0.05). Only 15% of feet required surgery at follow-up at 10.3±5.5 years. There were no significant changes in dynamic foot pressure or Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument results after SC, except for an increase in the pain subtest (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Serial casting in children with AMC can be effective in temporarily improving PROM and improving brace tolerance, but it does not impact dynamic barefoot position. Positive impact of conservative management in children with AMC can potentially delay or reduce the need for invasive surgical intervention by improving PROM and brace tolerance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

The effect of medial only versus medial and lateral hamstring lengthening on transverse gait parameters in cerebral palsy.

Benefits of hamstring lengthening surgery on the sagittal plane in children with cerebral palsy have been previously demonstrated, but there is limited information on its effects on the transverse plane. This study compared the effects of medial hamstring lengthening (MHL) with those of medial and lateral hamstring lengthening (MLHL) procedures in the transverse plane. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I-III who had MHL or MLHL were included. Baseline, short- (1-2 years), and long-term (3+ years) postoperative three-dimensional gait analysis outcomes were compared using analysis of variance. Children were excluded if they had concurrent osteotomies or tendon transfers. One hundred fifty children (235 limbs) were included, with 110 limbs in the MHL group (age 8.5 ± 4.1 years, GMFCS I-27%, II-52%, and III-21%) and 125 limbs in the MLHL group (age 10.0 ± 4.0 years, GMFCS I-23%, II-41%, and III-37%). Time between surgery and short- and long-term follow-up gait analysis was 1.5 ± 0.6 years and 6.6 ± 2.9 years, respectively. Transmalleolar axis became more external after MHL at both short and long terms ( P < 0.05), whereas there were only significant differences at long term in MLHL ( P < 0.05). Although hamstring lengthening has a positive impact on stance phase knee extension in children with cerebral palsy, intact lateral hamstrings after MHL likely contribute to increased tibial external rotation after surgery. Significant increases in external rotation at the knee in the long term are likely related to a trend present with growth in children with cerebral palsy rather than a direct result of surgical intervention.

Is Standing Function Improved After Orthopaedic Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy at GMFCS Levels III/IV?

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III/IV are at risk for losses in standing function during adolescence and transition to adulthood. Multilevel surgery (MLS) is an effective treatment to improve gait, but its effects on standing function are not well documented. The objectives of our study were to describe standing function in children with CP classified as GMFCS levels III/IV and evaluate change after MLS. METHODS: This retrospective study included children with CP (GMFCS III/IV) ages 6 to 20 years who underwent instrumented gait analysis. A subset who underwent MLS were evaluated for change. Primary outcome measures were Gross Motor Function Measure dimension D, gait velocity, functional mobility scale, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Additional impairment level measures included foot pressure, knee extension during stance phase of gait, and knee extension passive range of motion. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-seven instrumented gait analysis sessions from 321 children with CP (ages 13.7±4.8 y; GMFCS III-81%/IV-19%) were included. The GMFCS III group had higher Gross Motor Function Measure dimension D, gait velocity, PODCI scores, and better knee extension compared with the GMFCS IV group ( P <0.05); 94 MLS were evaluated for postoperative change 15.3±4.2 months after MLS. Children at GMFCS level III had improved PODCI scores ( P <0.05), better knee extension passive range of motion ( P <0.01), and improved coronal plane foot pressure ( P <0.05) post MLS. Maximum knee extension during stance and heel impulse improved significantly in both groups ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Standing function of children with CP at GMFCS IV was significantly more limited than at GMFCS III. After MLS, both groups (III/IV) showed improvement in impairment level outcomes (knee extension and foot position), whereas only those functioning at GMFCS III had improvement in activity/participation outcomes according to the PODCI. For children with CP at GMFCS levels IV, MLS may improve standing function, but appropriate goals related to assisted standing and measurement protocols sensitive to limited functional mobility should be adopted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados para el adulto mayor en el servicio de medicina interna / Potentially inappropriate medications for older adults in the internal medicine service

Introducción: se consideran prescripciones inapropiadas de medicamentos cuando el riesgo supera el beneficio, o en las que hay un incremento en el potencial de interacciones farmacológicas. Para evitarlo en el adulto mayor se han desarrollado herramientas como los criterios Beers y los PRISCUS. Objetivo: identificar las prescripciones potencialmente inapropiadas en la población adulta mayor que consultó al servicio de medicina interna del Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo mediante los listados Beers y PRISCUS. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en pacientes mayores de 65 años, se calculó el tamaño de la muestra en 357 pacientes. La información recolectada fue almacenada en el programa excel versión 2013 y analizada en EPI INFO versión 7.1.4. Resultados: la mediana de edad fue 75 años, el género masculino 52,66%, el promedio de medicamentos por paciente fue de 8,77 con una DE +/- 5. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue insuficiencia cardiaca con 29 casos (8,12 %). La prescripción inapropiada de medicamentos (PIM) según los criterios Beers, se observó en 4,9%, los más frecuentes fueron metoclopramida 20% y amiodarona 14%. La lista PRISCUS identificó 2.5% de prescripciones inapropiadas siendo prazosin (20%) el más relacionado. Conclusiones: los medicamentos encontrados según los criterios BEERS fueron metoclopramida, amiodarona, prazosina, betametildigoxina y con los PRISCUS, prazosina, haloperidol, betametildigoxina y difenhidramina.

Introduction: inappropriate drug prescribing is defined as the use of medicines whose risks outweigh their benefits, or when there is increased potential of drug-drug interactions. The Beers and PRISCUS criteria were developed as tools to prevent potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in the elderly. Objective: to identify PIM in the elderly population who attended the internal medicine service of Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo, by means of the Beers and PRISCUS criteria. Materials and methods: a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study in patients over age 65. The sample size was calculated in 357 patients. Excel version 2013 was used for data storage. EPI INFO version 7.1.4 was used for data analysis. Results: mean age 75 years, males 52.66%, average number of drugs per patient 8.77 (SD +/- 5). Heart failure was the most common diagnosis (29 cases - 8.12 %). According to the Beers criteria, PIM was identified in 4.9% of patients; metoclopramide (20%) and amiodarone (14%) being the most prescribed. The PRISCUS list identified PIM in 2.5%; prazosin (20%) being the most prescribed. Conclusions: the drugs identified by the BEERS criteria were metoclopramide, amiodarone, prazosin, and beta-methyl digoxin. Prazosin, haloperidol, beta-methyl digoxin, and diphenhydramine were identified by the PRISCUS criteria.

Myiasis in a Neglected Elderly: Urgent Action Needed in South America.

Background: Myiasis is an infestation by fly larvae. Some species exclusively affect humans, contaminating wounds, mucous membranes, and other tissues. It is a disease with marked socioeconomic connotations. Case Presentation: The current case involves a 95-year-old woman, an inhabitant of the Andean region of Ecuador with a history of resection of basal cell carcinoma in the left zygomatic region and a diagnosis of chronic leukemia. The surgical wound was secondarily infested with Cochliomyia hominivorax fly larvae and the patient was readmitted to the hospital to treat this complication. A marked clinical improvement was observed after surgical debridement, removal of larvae and administration of ivermectin and antibiotics. Conclusion: The determinants of this infestation were advanced age, neglect, and destitution in a patient with an open wound on the face after resection of a basal cell carcinoma. This case illustrates the appalling reality of the marginalized and excluded population of South America. Also of concern is the expansion of myiasis-producing fly populations to areas outside their natural humid and warm habitat. South American governments are called upon to act jointly and effectively against this ominous disease.

Virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo y factores asociados en mujeres de Ecuador / High-risk human papillomavirus and associated factors in women in Ecuador / Papilomavírus humano de alto risco e fatores associados nas mulheres equatorianas

El cáncer de cérvix en el 99% de los casos, es causado por el Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH) de alto riesgo, su prevalencia es elevada en países de bajos ingresos debido a la escasez de recursos para realizar programas generalizados de detección precoz, inmunización y tratamiento adecuado. El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar la frecuencia y los factores de riesgo de las infecciones del VPH de alto riesgo, en mujeres de 21 a 65 años de tres cantones de la zona 6 del Ecuador, periodo 2019. Este fue un estudio analítico, de corte transversal; con una muestra de registros clínicos de 109 pacientes encuestadas a partir del proyecto de epidemiologia en la provincia de El Oro que cumplieron los criterios inclusión. Los datos se recogieron en un formulario validado por método Delphi. Se usó programa SPSS v 24, para la asociación de las variables: Intervalo de Confianza 95%, Chi cuadrado (con valor de p < 0.05), Odds Ratio. Los resultados observados fueron de 31 (28,4%) casos de pacientes con VPH AR, de estas se identificó como el genotipo más común al VPH AR 39 (11,01%) en las participantes del estudio, seguido del VPH AR 31 (8,26%). Fueron factores considerados asociados a la infección del VPH AR sin significancia estadística el inicio de la vida sexual (IVSA) antes de los 20 años (OR = 1,2); y el número de parejas sexuales igual o mayor a 2 (OR = 1,7). Se concluye que el inicio de vida sexual temprano y el numero compañeros sexuales fueron factores asociados, pero sin significancia estadística.

Cervical cancer in 99% of cases is caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), its prevalence is high in low-income countries due to the scarcity of resources for widespread early detection programs, immunization and adequate treatment. The objective of the research was to identify the frequency and risk factors of high-risk HPV infections in women aged 21 to 65 years in three cantons of zone 6 of Ecuador, period 2019. This was an analytical, cross-sectional study; with a sample of clinical records of 109 patients surveyed from the epidemiology project in the province of El Oro who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected in a form validated by Delphi method. SPSS v 24 software was used for the association of variables: 95% confidence interval, Chi-square (with p value < 0.05), Odds Ratio. The results observed were 31 (28.4%) cases of patients with AR HPV, of which AR HPV 39 (11.01%) was identified as the most common genotype in the study participants, followed by AR HPV 31 (8.26%). Factors considered to be associated with AR HPV infection without statistical significance were sexual debut before the age of 20 years (OR = 1.2); and the number of sexual partners equal to or greater than 2 (OR = 1.7). It was concluded that early sexual debut and the number of sexual partners were associated factors, but without statistical significance.

Em 99% dos casos, o câncer cervical é causado pelo papilomavírus humano de alto risco (HPV), e sua prevalência é alta em países de baixa renda devido à escassez de recursos para a detecção precoce generalizada, imunização e programas de tratamento adequados. O objetivo da pesquisa era identificar a freqüência e fatores de risco para infecções por HPV de alto risco em mulheres entre 21-65 anos de idade em três cantões da zona 6 do Equador, período 2019. Este foi um estudo analítico de corte transversal com uma amostra de registros clínicos de 109 pacientes pesquisados do projeto de epidemiologia na província de El Oro que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. Os dados foram coletados em um formulário validado pelo método Delphi. O software SPSS v 24 foi utilizado para a associação de variáveis: Intervalo de confiança 95%, Qui-quadrado (com valor de p < 0,05), Odds Ratio. Os resultados observados foram 31 (28,4%) casos de pacientes com AR HPV, dos quais AR HPV 39 (11,01%) foi identificado como o genótipo mais comum nos participantes do estudo, seguido por AR HPV 31 (8,26%). Fatores considerados associados à infecção por AR HPV sem significado estatístico foram a iniciação sexual (SAIV) antes dos 20 anos de idade (OR = 1,2); e número de parceiros sexuais igual ou maior que 2 (OR = 1,7). Concluímos que a estreia sexual precoce e o número de parceiros sexuais foram fatores associados, mas sem significado estatístico.

Especies invasoras de Ceratium Schrank, 1973 (Dinophyceae: Ceratiaceae) en cuerpos de agua continentales de Perú

La presente comunicación proporciona información de la presencia en Perú de dos especies invasoras del género Ceratium: C. hirundinella (O.F. Müller) Dujardin y C. furcoides (Levander) Langhans. Se brinda información sobre la distribución de ambas especies en cuerpos de agua peruanos, así como datos de sus abundancias.

This works provides information on the presence in Peru of two invasive species of the genus Ceratium: C. hirundinella (O.F. Müller) Dujardin and C. furcoides (Levander) Langhans. Information is provided on the distribution of both species in Peruvian water bodies, as well as data on their abundance.

Anticoncepción de emergencia, evaluación de conocimiento en adolescentes / Emergency contraception, knowledge assessment in teenagers / Contracepção de emergência, avaliação de conhecimento em adolescentes

El inicio sexual temprano, conlleva numerosos riesgos como embarazos precoces o enfermedades de transmisión sexual, abortos; por ello, la importancia de que los adolescentes conozcan la anticoncepción de emergencia, sobre todo, para la prevención del embarazo no deseado y las secuelas del aborto. Objetivo. Describir la anticoncepción de emergencia y la evaluación de su conocimiento en adolescentes. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemática, basado en criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se realizó la búsqueda de documentos entre los años 2020 y 2021, de las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Redalyc, Scielo. Se usaron las palabras clave de los DeCS y MeSH; además, se utilizó los operadores booleanos AND, OR. Se obtuvieron 18 artículos para elaborar esta investigación. Resultados. El uso de anticoncepción de emergencia (AE) varía entre el 10,6% hasta un 60% en dependencia de la población estudiada, además, gran parte de los factores de rechazo radican en una desinformación acerca de su mecanismo de acción y a la estigmatización de la misma, el cual es visto como un método abortivo. El nivel de conocimiento acerca de la AE es baja, destacando factores como el hecho de asistir a un colegio de menor nivel académico y ser inmigrante, los que se asocian con un menor conocimiento de la misma. Conclusiones. Pese a los esfuerzos por garantizar una salud sexual y reproductiva los niveles de conocimiento sobre el AE son bajos, siendo reflejado en la prevalencia de utilización y en los factores que limitan su adquisición y uso.

Early sexual initiation carries numerous risks such as early pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, abortions; therefore, it is important for adolescents to know about emergency contraception, especially for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and the sequelae of abortion. Objective. To describe emergency contraception and the evaluation of its knowledge in adolescents. Materials and methods. Systematic review, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, we searched for documents between 2020 and 2021, from PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Redalyc, Scielo databases. DeCS and MeSH keywords were used; in addition, the Boolean operators AND, OR were used. Eighteen articles were obtained to prepare this research. Results. The use of emergency contraception (EC) varies from 10.6% to 60% depending on the population studied. In addition, a large part of the rejection factors lie in misinformation about its mechanism of action and its stigmatization, which is seen as an abortive method. The level of knowledge about EC is low, with factors such as the fact of attending a school with a lower academic level and being an immigrant being associated with a lower level of knowledge. Conclusions. Despite the efforts to guarantee sexual and reproductive health, the levels of knowledge about EC are low, being reflected in the prevalence of use and in the factors that limit its acquisition and use.

A iniciação sexual precoce acarreta inúmeros riscos, como gravidez precoce ou doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, abortos; portanto, é importante que as adolescentes estejam cientes da contracepção de emergência, especialmente para a prevenção da gravidez indesejada e das conseqüências do aborto. Objetivo. Para descrever a anticoncepção de emergência e a avaliação de seus conhecimentos em adolescentes. Materiais e métodos. Revisão sistemática, baseada em critérios de inclusão e exclusão, pesquisamos documentos entre 2020 e 2021, nas bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Redalyc, Scielo. Foram utilizadas as palavras-chave DeCS e MeSH; além disso, foram utilizados os operadores Booleanos AND, OR. Dezoito artigos foram obtidos para esta pesquisa. Resultados. O uso da anticoncepção de emergência (CE) varia de 10,6% a 60% dependendo da população estudada. Além disso, uma grande parte dos fatores de rejeição reside na desinformação sobre seu mecanismo de ação e sua estigmatização, o que é visto como um método abortivo. O nível de conhecimento sobre CE é baixo, com fatores como o fato de freqüentar uma escola com um nível acadêmico inferior e ser um imigrante sendo associado a um nível de conhecimento inferior. Conclusões. Apesar dos esforços para garantir a saúde sexual e reprodutiva, os níveis de conhecimento sobre CE são baixos, como refletido na prevalência do uso e nos fatores que limitam sua aquisição e uso.

Statistical kinematic modelling: concepts and model validity.

Data reduction techniques are applied to reduce the volume of data while maintaining its integrity. For cyclic motion data, a reliable overview comparing these methods is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the features of the different data reduction techniques by applying them to large public data sets. The periodicity of cyclic motion can be exploited by either analysing a single cycle or studying a series of cycles. Analysing single cycles requires a pre-processing step to isolate the amplitude variability. Three different alignment techniques were evaluated, namely Linear length normalisation (LLN), piecewise LLN (PLLN) and continuous registration (CR). CR showed to remove the most phase variation. For the data reduction, three techniques were assessed (i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), principal polynomial analysis (PPA) and multivariate functional PCA (MFPCA)) based on the in- and out-of-sample error, the compactness and the computation time. The differences were found to be minimal. From our results, PPA appeared to be most useful for data compression. Further, we recommend PCA and MFPCA for classification and feature extraction purposes. We suggest the use of PCA when computation time is key and we advise the use of MFPCA when the inclusion of different data sources is desired. In contrast, the analysis of a series of cycles requires a pre-processing step to decompose the series. Further, a regression model was used to compensate for the difference in fundamental frequency. PCA on FC and MFPCA with splines were applied on the frequency compensated curves. Both methods performed as good.

Genotipos del Virus del Papiloma Humano en citología alterada del cuello uterino / Human Papillomavirus genotypes in altered cervical cytology / Genótipos do papilomavírus humano em citologia cervical alterada

En Ecuador el cáncer de cuello uterino se ubica en el segundo lugar y, está relacionada a una infección genital persistente por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) de alto riesgo. Objetivo general: determinar la relación entre virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo y las lesiones intraepiteliales del cuello uterino, en mujeres de 21 a 65 años en tres cantones de la provincia de El Oro, periodo 2019. Se trata de un estudio de tipo descriptivo relacional de corte transversal. Se realizó el estudio en 109 mujeres que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Para la relación de las variables se utilizó los estadísticos del Chi cuadrado (con valor de p 0,05) y, la lesión más frecuente fue el de células escamosas atípicas de importancia no determinada. Se concluye que las lesiones intraepiteliales fueron más frecuentes que las reportadas en la literatura como general, y los genotipos 39, 16, 18 estuvieron presentes en las lesiones intraepiteliales de bajo grado del cuello uterino.

In Ecuador, cervical cancer is in second place and is related to persistent genital infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). General objective: to determine the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus and cervical intraepithelial lesions in women aged 21 to 65 years in three cantons of the province of El Oro, period 2019. This is a descriptive relational cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 109 women who met the inclusion criteria. Chi-square statistics (with p value 0.05) and the most frequent lesion was atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance. It is concluded that intraepithelial lesions were more frequent than those reported in the literature in general, and genotypes 39, 16, 18 were present in low-grade intraepithelial lesions of the cervix.

O câncer cervical é a segunda principal causa de câncer cervical no Equador e está relacionado à infecção genital persistente por papilomavírus humano de alto risco (HPV). Objetivo geral: determinar a relação entre papilomavírus humano de alto risco e lesões intra-epiteliais do colo uterino em mulheres de 21 a 65 anos de idade em três cantões da província de El Oro, período 2019. Este é um estudo descritivo, transversal e relacional. O estudo foi conduzido em 109 mulheres que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. As estatísticas qui-quadradas (com valor p 0,05) e a lesão mais freqüente foi a célula escamosa atípica de importância indeterminada. Conclui-se que as lesões intra-epiteliais eram mais freqüentes do que as relatadas na literatura em geral, e os genótipos 39, 16, 18 estavam presentes em lesões intra-epiteliais de baixo grau do colo uterino.

Infecciones producto de catéter venoso central y factores asociados en neonatos del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga

Resumen La utilización de dispositivos intravasculares centrales para la administración de diversas sustancias los ha convertido en una herramienta esencial dentro del área de neonatología, sin embargo, su uso ha llevado al desarrollo de complicaciones infecciosas las cuales son cada vez más frecuentes. Objetivo . Determinar la prevalencia de infecciones producto de catéter venoso central y sus factores asociados en neonatos del Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga durante los años 2013 a 2018. Materiales y métodos . Es un estudio cuantitativo analítico de cohorte longitudinal retrospectivo. La población estuvo conformada por las historias clínicas de neonatos a los cuales se les coloco catéter venoso central, según datos obtenidos del departamento de estadística del Hospital "José Carrasco Arteaga". El tamaño de la muestra fue calculado por un muestreo simple aleatorizado mediante el programa Epidat v4.2, con un nivel de confianza del 95%, se obtuvo un tamaño de muestra de 172 neonatos. Para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados. Se determina una prevalencia de 56 neonatos con infección producto del uso de catéter venoso central equivalente al 32.6%, predominando como agente etiológico causal el Estafilococo epidermidis; durante la realización del estudio, la prematuridad, el bajo peso al nacer y el tiempo de uso de catéter por más de 15 días son los factores que más se asocian con la infección. Conclusión. Se demostró que el bajo peso al nacer, neonatos pretérmino y el uso de catéter por más de 15 días son uno de los factores predisponentes.

Abstract The use of central intravascular devices for the administration of various substances has made them an essential tool within the area of neonatology, however, their use has led to the development of infectious complications which are increasingly frequent. Objective. To determine the prevalence of infections caused by the central venous catheter and its associated factors in neonates of the José Carrasco Arteaga Hospital during the years 2013 to 2018. Materials and methods. It is a quantitative analytical retrospective longitudinal cohort study. The population was made up of all neonates to whom a central venous catheter was placed, according to data obtained from the statistics department of the "José Carrasco Arteaga" Hospital. The sample size was calculated by a simple randomized sampling using the Epidat v4.2 program, with a confidence level of 95%, a sample size of 172 neonates was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis. Results. A prevalence of 56 neonates with infection resulting from the use of a central venous catheter was determined, equivalent to 32.6%, with Staphylococcus epidermidis as the causal etiological agent; During the study, prematurity, low birth weight and time of catheter use for more than 15 days are the factors most associated with infection. Conclusion . Low birth weight, preterm infants and the use of a catheter for more than 15 days were shown to be one of the predisposing factors.

Resumo O uso de dispositivos intravasculares centrais para a administração de diversas substâncias tem tornado-os uma ferramenta essencial dentro da área de neonatologia, porém, seu uso tem levado ao desenvolvimento de complicações infecciosas cada vez mais frequentes. Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência de infecções causadas pelo cateter venoso central e seus fatores associados em neonatos do Hospital José Carrasco Arteaga durante os anos de 2013 a 2018. Materiais e métodos . Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo analítico de coorte longitudinal retrospectivo. A população foi constituída por todos os neonatos aos quais foi colocado cateter venoso central, conforme dados obtidos no setor de estatística do Hospital "José Carrasco Arteaga". O tamanho da amostra foi calculado por uma amostragem aleatória simples no programa Epidat v4.2, com nível de confiança de 95%, obteve-se um tamanho de amostra de 172 neonatos. Estatísticas descritivas foram utilizadas para a análise. Resultados. Foi determinada uma prevalência de 56 neonatos com infecção decorrente do uso de cateter venoso central, equivalente a 32,6%, sendo o Staphylococcus epidermidis o agente etiológico causal; durante o estudo, prematuridade, baixo peso ao nascer e tempo de uso do cateter por mais de 15 dias são os fatores mais associados à infecção. Conclusão. Baixo peso ao nascer, prematuridade e uso de cateter por mais de 15 dias mostraram-se um dos fatores predisponentes.

Well-Being of Ambulatory Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Education, Employment, and Physical Function of a Cohort Who Received Specialized Pediatric Care.

Introduction: The transition from pediatric health care and school systems presents enormous challenges for young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The lack of strong societal support during this seminal life event is well-documented and leads many adults with CP to struggle with independence, higher education, and employment. Despite the relatively high prevalence of CP, information about the experiences and function of adults with CP in our society continues to be limited. The purpose of this project was to describe well-being by assessing education, employment, physical function, walking activity, and utilization of health care in an ambulatory adult cohort with CP who received specialized pediatric care at our center. Method: In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective study, we invited former patients from our tertiary care pediatric CP center to complete a set of patient-reported outcomes including (1) the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System domains of physical function and pain interference, (2) the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a project-specific demographic questionnaire about education, employment, income, independence, pain, and health care utilization. Participants also wore a pedometer for 8 days to monitor community walking activity. Chi-squared pairwise or t-tests were used as appropriate to compare survey responses and walking activity data between three groups: participants who self-reported, those who reported by proxy, and published normative data from age-matched typically developing adult (TDA) samples. Results: One hundred twenty-six adults with CP consented to participate; 85 self-reported [age 29.7 ± 4.3 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System: I (28%), II (47%), and III, (25%)] and 41 reported by proxy [age 29.7 ± 4.1 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System: I (10%), II (68%), and III (22%)]. For the group who self-reported, high school graduation rate (99%) was similar to TDA (92%; p = 0.0173) but bachelor's degree achievement rate (55%) was higher than TDA (37%; p < 0.001). Despite more advanced education, the unemployment rate in this group was higher than national levels at 33% and was associated with high utilization of Social Security Disability Insurance (33%). Within the self-reporting group, 13% required a caregiver. For the group who reported by proxy, educational levels (73% high school graduates, 0 bachelor's degree) were lower than the general population (p < 0.001) and unemployment was higher than the national level, at 64%. Unemployment in this group was associated with high utilization of Social Security Disability Insurance (85%). Within the proxy-reporting group, 71% required a caregiver. The full cohort demonstrated lower levels of physical function according to the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and less community walking activity compared with TDA references (p < 0.001). This cohort of adults with CP reported significantly higher frequency of chronic pain (48 vs. 12% for TDA; p < 0.001), but less pain interference with daily activities than TDA based on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System results (p < 0.001). This cohort reported good to excellent overall health (93%) and high utilization of primary care (98%), but limited utilization of specialty care, specifically orthopedic care (21%) and physical therapy (15%). Discussion: This cohort of adults with CP had similar levels of education as the general population, but had relatively high rates of unemployment, caretaker need, and Social Security Disability Insurance utilization. Although chronic pain was frequent, the impact of pain on work and independent living did not exceed reports from a typically developing reference. Better targeted societal resources for adults with physical disabilities are urgently needed to allow equitable access to employment, promote opportunities for independence, and enable full participation in community life.

Mobility and gait in adults with cerebral palsy: Evaluating change from adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have looked at the short-term effectiveness of conservative and surgical treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP), but few have explored the long-term outcomes into adulthood using gait analysis and patient-reported outcome measures. RESEARCH QUESTION: How do gait, mobility, and patient-reported outcomes in adults with CP who received specialized pediatric orthopedic care change from adolescence? METHODS: We identified 645 adults with 1) CP, 2) age 25-45 years, and 3) an adolescent instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at our center. Measurement outcomes included physical examination, IGA, and select domains of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). RESULTS: Participants included 136 adults with CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I (21 %), II (51 %), III (22 %), and IV (7%); 57 % males; and average age 16 ± 3/29 ± 3 years (adolescent/adult visits). There was no significant difference in gait deviation index, stride length, or gross motor function between adolescent and adult visits. There were statistically significant but not clinically meaningful declines in gait velocity. At adulthood, PROMIS results revealed limitations in physical function compared with a normative sample but no differences in depression, participation, or pain interference. SIGNIFICANCE: In this relatively homogeneous group of adults with CP who received orthopedic care from one center, gait and gross motor function showed no clinically meaningful change from adolescence, which differs from recent reports of declining mobility in adulthood. Expert orthopedic care, guided by IGA, may prevent losses in functional mobility for adults with CP.