[Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Health Workers During the Second Year of the Pandemic in Latin America: Cross-Sectional Survey Study]. / Impacto psicológico del COVID-19 en los trabajadores sanitarios durante el segundo año de pandemia en Latinoamérica: estudio de encuesta transversal.

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the mental health of healthcare personnel in Latin America (LA). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of psychological disturbances and associated risk factors for mental health in healthcare personnel in LA during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This multicenter cross-sectional study included a total sample of 5437 healthcare professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and a brief demographic questionnaire were used. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was estimated based on the cut-off points of the instruments. Two multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results: A population burden of anxiety (40.1%) and depression (62.2%) was found in healthcare personnel in LA. Among professionals in Argentina (OR = 1.374; P<.001), those working in state hospitals (OR = 1.536; P<.003), frontline healthcare workers for COVID patients (OR = 1.848; P<.001), general practitioners (OR = 1.335; P<.001), and specialists (OR = 1.298; P<.001), a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders was observed. Among women, younger personnel, and administrative staff, a higher probability of experiencing anxiety and depression was identified. Conclusions: The burden of mental disorders on healthcare personnel in Latin America is alarming. Psychological support services are necessary, aimed at providing measures for professionals to develop healthy coping mechanisms that mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their well-being and facilitate post-crisis adjustment.

Factors associated with cognitive impairment in Latin American older adults: A cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 confinement.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of COVID-19 confinement have been severe, especially in older adults. Therefore, we analyzed the factors associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in Latin America (LA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with a total of 5245 older adults from 10 countries in LA. Measurement: We used the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) and the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) scale. RESULTS: We found that age, depressive symptomatology, bone fractures, being widowed, having a family member with dementia, and unemployment were associated with an increased risk of CI. In contrast, higher education, hypertension with continuous treatment, quarantine, and keeping stimulating cognitive and physical activities were associated with a lower probability of CI. No significant association was found between suffering from diabetes or being retired and CI. DISCUSSION: It is essential to conduct follow-up studies on these factors, considering their relationship with CI and the duration of confinement.

Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle conditions in older adults from Centro American countries.

BACKGROUND: The impact of quarantine in older adults have been reported in several studies with contradictory results, reporting from negative effects to no significant outcomes or even beneficial consequences. Heterogeneity in aging plays a role in each region, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of quarantine on health conditions (physical and mental) and lifestyle in older adults in five Centro American countries during COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, n = 712 older adults 60 years and older from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica were assessed by telephone. Sociodemographic data, physical and mental health, lifestyle and quarantine conditions were asked previous informed consent. RESULTS: In general, mean of days in quarantine at the moment of the study was 142 days (approximately four months and three weeks). In the analysis of the impact of the days in quarantine effects were found on the frequency of falls, functional ability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general cognitive function, memory, orientation, language, frequency of drinking alcohol, having a balanced diet, and being active cognitively. Some differences were found between countries. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of quarantine on older adults in Centro America, requires attention of governments and healthcare to prevent long term morbidity and disability, and to promote healthy aging.

Prevalence of Dementia and Associated Factors among Older Adults in Latin America during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on cognitive health in Latin American older adults, increasing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of dementia and the associated factors in Latin American older adults during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: A multicentric first phase cross-sectional observational study was conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Five thousand two hundred and forty-five Latin American adults over 60 years of age were studied in 10 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. We used the telephone version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the "Alzheimer Disease 8" scale for functional and cognitive changes, and the abbreviated version of the Yesavage depression scale. We also asked for sociodemographic and lockdown data. All the evaluation was made by telephone. Cross-tabulations and χ2 tests were used to determine the variability of the prevalence of impairment by sociodemographic characteristics and binary logistic regression to assess the association between dementia and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: We observed that the prevalence of dementia in Latin America is 15.6%, varying depending on the country (Argentine = 7.83 and Bolivia = 28.5%). The variables most associated with dementia were race and age. It does not seem to be associated with the pandemic but with social and socio-health factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dementia shows a significant increase in Latin America, attributable to a constellation of ethnic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.

Nitrogen fertilization of self-seeding Italian ryegrass: effects on plant structure, forage and seed yield / Adubação nitrogenada em azevém anual, proveniente de ressemeadura natural: efeitos sobre a estrutura de plantas, produção de forragem e de sementes

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of self-seeding Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and nitrogen rates - applied additionally after two defoliations - on plant structure, in forage and seed yield. Levels of self-seeding were classified as very high (777 kg ha-1), high (736 kg ha-1), intermediate (624 kg ha-1), and low (234 kg ha-1). Populations were fertilized with zero, 20.25, 40.50, and 60.75 kg ha-1 of supplemental nitrogen applied after two defoliations; respectively, in very high, high, intermediate, and low levels. Higher levels of self-seeding promoted greater forage yield and uniformity of vegetation structure. Number of fertile tillers and number of seeds per plant have benefited by the combination of high self-seeding and supplemental nitrogen fertilization. Despite influencing the uniformity and amount of forage obtained in two defoliations, the very high and low self-seeding levels did not differ in Italian ryegrass seed production. However, linear addition for this same variable was obtained with the inclusion of supplemental nitrogen fertilization. In pastures from low and intermediate self-seeding levels, total dry mass increases linearly with the levels of nitrogen fertilization assessed in this research.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de ressemeadura natural de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), bem como, doses suplementares de nitrogênio sobre a estrutura de plantas, produção de forragem e de sementes. Os níveis de ressemeadura foram classificados como: muito elevada (777 kg ha-1); elevada (736 kg ha-1); intermediária (624 kg ha-1) e baixa (234 kg ha-1). Populações oriundas destes níveis foram fertilizadas com zero, 20.25, 40.50, and 60.75 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, aplicado de forma suplementar após duas desfolhas. Maiores níveis de ressemeadura propiciaram maior colheita de forragem e maior uniformização da estrutura da vegetação. A quantidade de perfilhos férteis e o número de sementes por planta foram beneficiados pela combinação de elevada ressemeadura e aplicação de nitrogênio. Apesar de influenciar a uniformização e a quantidade de forragem obtida em duas desfolhas, os níveis de ressemeadura natural, muito elevada e baixa não diferiram entre si na produção de sementes no ano subsequente. Todavia, acréscimo linear para esta mesma variável foi verificado com avanço suplementar da adubação nitrogenada. Em pastagem de azevém anual proveniente dos níveis baixo e intermediário, a produção de massa seca total é acrescida linearmente com os níveis de fertilização avaliados no presente trabalho.

[Insecticide susceptibility evaluation in Aedes aegypti populations of Caldas, Colombia, in 2007 and 2011]. / Evaluación de la sensibilidad a insecticidas en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, en 2007 y 2011.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous use of insecticides for the control of dengue transmission may lead to decreased susceptibility levels in mosquito vector populations. Timely monitoring is necessary to ensure detection of any potential resistance problems. OBJECTIVE: To determine the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti to insecticides used in public health in Caldas, Colombia, during 2007 and 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Susceptibility tests to the organophosphates temephos, malathion, fenitrothion and pirimiphos methyl, as well as to the pyrethroid deltamethrin, were carried out using standard World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols. RESULTS: In 2007, resistance to temephos was detected in Ae. aegypti populations from La Dorada with resistance ratios of 11.5 and 13.3, prompting the Caldas Health Department to suspend the use of this larvicide. A reduction in resistance ratios to temephos was observed in 2011, as well as an apparent resistance to pirimiphos methyl. All Ae. aegypti populations tested were susceptible to deltamethrin, malathion and fenitrothion in both years. CONCLUSION: Evaluating the resistance ratios during two distinct periods allowed a decrease in resistance to be detected after suspension of the use of temephos. Surveillance of mosquito populations for changes in susceptibility levels to the insecticides used in dengue control programs is therefore recommended.

Evaluación de la sensibilidad a insecticidas en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, en 2007 y 2011 / Insecticide susceptibility evaluation in Aedes aegypti populations of Caldas, Colombia, in 2007 and 2011

Introducción. El uso continuo de insecticidas para el control de la transmisión del dengue puede generar una reducción en los niveles de sensibilidad de las poblaciones de los mosquitos vectores. La vigilancia oportuna es necesaria para detectar cualquier problema potencial de resistencia. Objetivo. Determinar el estado de la sensibilidad a insecticidas de uso en salud pública en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti del departamento de Caldas, Colombia, en el 2007 y el 2011. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron pruebas de sensibilidad a los organofosforados temefós, malatión, fenitrotión y metil-pirimifós y al piretroide deltametrina, siguiendo las metodologías estandarizadas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y de los Centers for Disease Control and Prevention de los Estados Unidos. Resultados. En el 2007 se encontró resistencia al temefós en dos barrios del municipio de La Dorada, con grados de resistencia de 11,5 y 13,3. Por ello, la Dirección Territorial de Salud de Caldas suspendió el uso de este larvicida en dichos barrios. Cuatro años después, en el 2011, se observó una reducción en los grados de resistencia al temefós, así como resistencia al metil-pirimifós. Todas las poblaciones evaluadas fueron sensibles a los insecticidas deltametrina, malatión y fenitrotión en los dos períodos. Conclusión. La cuantificación de los grados de resistencia en dos períodos permitió evidenciar la reducción de la resistencia al temefós después de suspender su uso. Se recomienda mantener la vigilancia de los niveles de sensibilidad de los insecticidas usados en los programas de control de dengue.

Introduction: Continuous use of insecticides for the control of dengue transmission may lead to decreased susceptibility levels in mosquito vector populations. Timely monitoring is necessary to ensure detection of any potential resistance problems. Objective: To determine the susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti to insecticides used in public health in Caldas, Colombia, during 2007 and 2011. Materials and methods: Susceptibility tests to the organophosphates temephos, malathion, fenitrothion and pirimiphos methyl, as well as to the pyrethroid deltamethrin, were carried out using standard World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols. Results: In 2007, resistance to temephos was detected in Ae. aegypti populations from La Dorada with resistance ratios of 11.5 and 13.3, prompting the Caldas Health Department to suspend the use of this larvicide. A reduction in resistance ratios to temephos was observed in 2011, as well as an apparent resistance to pirimiphos methyl. All Ae. aegypti populations tested were susceptible to deltamethrin, malathion and fenitrothion in both years. Conclusion: Evaluating the resistance ratios during two distinct periods allowed a decrease in resistance to be detected after suspension of the use of temephos. Surveillance of mosquito populations for changes in susceptibility levels to the insecticides used in dengue control programs is therefore recommended.

Towards high accuracy classification of MER signals for target localization in Parkinson's disease.

In recent years Microelectrode recording (MER) analysis has proved to be a powerful localization tool of basal ganglia for Parkinson disease's treatment, especially the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN). In this paper, a signal-dependent method is presented for identification of the STN and other brain zones in Parkinsonian patients. The proposed method, refereed as optimal wavelet feature extraction method (OWFE), is constructed by lifting schemes (LS), which are a flexible and fast implementation of the wavelet transform (WT). The operators in the LS are optimized by means of Genetic Algorithms and Lagrange multipliers considering information contained in MER signals. Then a basic Bayesian classifier (LDC) is used to identify STN and other types of basal ganglia nuclei. The proposed method introduced several advantages from similar works reported in literature. First, the method is signal-dependent and non a priori information is required to decompose the MER signal. Second, the classification accuracy is mostly depended on the feature selection stage because it is not enhanced by elaborated classifiers such as support vector machines or hidden Markov models. Finally, the generalization property of the OWFE has been validated with two databases and different types of classifiers such as k-NN classifier and quadratic Bayesian classifier (QDC). Results have shown that proposed method is able to identify the STN with average accuracy superior than 97%.

Análisis computarizado de registros fonocardiográficos para la detección de soplos cardiacos / Computarized analysis of phonographic registers for the detection of heart murmurs

Este trabajo presenta algunos argumentos por los cuales se ha generado un interés en los últimos años para desarrollar investigaciones en señales de fonocardiografía digital, como apoyo al diagnóstico de los soplos cardiacos. Adicionalmente, se expone una metodología para la detección de soplos cardiacos causados por valvulopatías cardiacas mediante el análisis computarizado de registros fonocardiográficos, utilizando específicamente algoritmos de análisis acústico y técnicas de dinámica no lineal. Se compara la separación entre clases normal (ruidos cardiacos) y patológica (soplos cardiacos), producto de las medidas obtenidas utilizando las dos técnicas mencionadas y realizando la detección mediante un algoritmo clasificador, tanto en condiciones donde se disminuyen las perturbaciones acústicas de estos registros como en aquellas donde permanecen este tipo de perturbaciones.

The aim of this work is to present some arguments that during the last years have generated interest in the development of digital phonocardiography research, for supporting the diagnosis of heart murmurs. In addition, a methodology for the detection of heart murmurs caused by valvulopathies by means of computerized phonographic register analysis is exposed, using specifically acoustic algorhythms analysis and non-linear dynamic techniques. The separation between normal (heart sounds) and pathologic (murmurs) is compared through the measurements obtained by the already mentioned techniques and making the detection by means of a classifying algorhythm both in conditions where these acoustic perturbations are diminished as in those where these kind of perturbations remain.

Aneurisma de la arteria esplénica / Splenic artery aneurysm

Se reporta un caso de aneurisma de arteria esplénica en una mujer de 59 años de edad, que ingresó con el diagnóstico de una tumoración en cuadrante superior izquierdo. El estudio arteriográfico selectivo demostró un neurísma de la arteria esplénica de 20x15mm. El tratamiento quirórgico fue la resección del aneurisma mas esplenectomía. Se hace una revisión en la literatura médica de los casos publicados.