Unequal expectations? Testing decisional mechanisms for secondary effects of social origin.

It is a common research practice to decompose the effect of social origin on an educational expectation into a primary effect, via academic performance, and a secondary effect, computed as the inequality that survives the control of performance. In this paper, I examine how specific decisional mechanisms described in the Cultural Capital and Rational Action theories contribute to explain the inequalities that survive the control of performance in the configuration of educational expectations. Cultural Capital Theory argues that participation in the dominant culture at schools, the endowment of educational resources and the development of skill-generating habits contribute to holding ambitious expectations over and above performance. In Rational Action Theory, students form expectations at each level of performance by gathering information, pondering benefits and costs, and evaluating the risk of academic failure and social demotion, which in turn might account for the secondary effect of social origin. Relying on Spanish data from 2018 PISA, I observe that Cultural Capital and Rational Action mechanisms are compatible in the explanation of the secondary effects of social origin, although two-thirds of that inequality remain unexplained. Nonetheless, I find differences in how those mechanisms perform in vertical (whether to enrol an educational level) and horizontal expectations (what alternative is preferred in that educational level).

Patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among transsexuals. / Patrones de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilegales en personas transexuales.

This study evaluated the patterns of substance use in a large sample of male-to-female (MtoF) and female-to-male (FtoM) transsexuals. A total of 251 transsexual subjects (163 MtoF and 88 FtoM), attended in the Catalonia Gender Unit, completed self-administrated questionnaires on consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and designer drugs. Results were compared with the general population in Catalonia using data from the National Health Service (EDADES 2013 study). Current consumption of alcohol (70.1%), tobacco (46.2%), and cannabis (16.3%) among transsexuals was similar when compared with men (72.1%, 42.1%, 12.8%) and increased when compared with women (57.6%, 35.2%, 5%); the consumption between MtoF and FtoM subgroups was similar.  The use of cocaine was almost ten times more prevalent in the MtoF subgroup than in the FtoM subgroup (1.1%), and in general population (less than 1%).  Only a few reported uses of opioids and designer drugs. In conclusion, the substance use among transsexuals, except for the use of cocaine, was similar between MtoF and FtoM subgroups, and resembled the consumption prevalence among men in the general population. The proportion of cocaine consumers in the MtoF subgroup was up to ten times higher than in other subgroups.

Este estudio evalúa los patrones de consumo de sustancias en personas transexuales de hombre a mujer (H-M) y de mujer a hombre (M-H). Un total de 251 personas transexuales (163 H-M y 88 M-H), atendidas en la Unidad de Identidad de Género de Cataluña, completaron un cuestionario autoadministrado sobre el consumo de alcohol, tabaco, cannabis, cocaína, opiáceos y drogas de diseño. Los resultados se compararon con datos del Servicio Nacional de Salud en población general en Cataluña (estudio EDADES 2013). La prevalencia del consumo de alcohol (70,1%), tabaco (46,2%) y cannabis (16,3%) actual en el total de personas transexuales de ambos sexos fue similar al de hombres en población general (72,1%, 42,1%, 12,8%) y mayor que la prevalencia en mujeres (57,6%, 35,2%, 5%); no se encontraron diferencias en dicho consumo entre H-M y M-H. El consumo de cocaína en H-M (9,8%) fue casi diez veces más prevalente que en el subgrupo M-H (1,1%) y que en ambos sexos en población general (menor del 1%). Sólo unos pocos referían consumo de opiáceos y drogas de diseño. En conclusión, el patrón de consumo de sustancias en personas transexuales, excepto para la cocaína, es similar entre ambos sexos, y se asemeja al patrón de consumo masculino en población general. El consumo de cocaína es hasta diez veces mayor en el grupo de mujeres transexuales (H-M) con respecto a los otros grupos.

A SIMPLE Pipeline for Mapping Point Mutations.

A forward genetic screen is one of the best methods for revealing the function of genes. In plants, this technique is highly efficient, as it is relatively easy to grow and screen hundreds or thousands of individuals. The cost efficiency and ease of data production afforded by next-generation sequencing have created new opportunities for rapid mapping of induced mutations. Current mapping tools are often not user friendly, are complicated, or require extensive preparation steps. To simplify the process of mapping new mutations, we developed a pipeline that takes next-generation sequencing fastq files as input, calls on several well-established and freely available genome-analysis tools, and outputs the most likely causal DNA changes. The pipeline has been validated in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and can be readily applied to other species, with the possibility of mapping either dominant or recessive mutations.

Mother-infant bonding in the postpartum period: assessment of the impact of pre-delivery factors in a clinical sample.

This study aims to examine the extent to which a variety of pre-delivery factors (demographic, reproductive, psychological, psychiatric, and psychopathological) predict disturbances in mother-infant bonding (MIB) in the postpartum period. Two hundred fifty-one pregnant women enrolled at a public perinatal psychiatric service were assessed between the first and second trimester of pregnancy and at 6-7 weeks after delivery. During pregnancy, the psychological risk factors were assessed with the Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire, the Marital Adjustment Scale, the Early Trauma Inventory, and the General Health Questionnaire. To detect psychopathology, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. At the postpartum evaluation, MIB was measured by the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. The results of the final regression model showed that emotional abuse in childhood, family psychiatric history, previous psychiatric hospitalization, and anxiety during pregnancy were significant predictors of MIB disturbances in postpartum, explaining 10.7% of the variance. The evaluation of women's risk factors in pregnancy is important in order to prevent MIB disturbances and thus to ensure the welfare of mothers and their babies.

A prospective study contrasting the psychiatric outcome in drug-resistant epilepsy between patients who underwent surgery and a control group.

OBJECTIVE: Psychiatric morbidity in drug-resistant epilepsy is frequent and has a negative influence on quality of life. Surgery is proven to be the best therapeutic alternative for treating seizures. However, it is inconclusive with the current evidence whether surgery, per se, is a risk factor or promotes amelioration of psychiatric disorders. Until now, most studies have been cross-sectional with small or heterogeneous groups. In addition, the few prospective studies did not have an identical control group. The present study aims to clarify the role of surgery in psychopathologic alterations. METHODS: We analyzed, through a prospective case-control study, the psychopathologic outcomes of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, comparing those who underwent surgery and those who continued with pharmacologic treatment due to not being suitable for surgery. The assessments were performed during presurgical evaluation and 6 months after surgery. We studied psychiatric changes for each group, compared differences between groups, and also analyzed de novo and remission cases. Finally, we determined associated factors for postsurgical psychiatric disturbances. RESULTS: The surgical group experienced a significant decrease in psychopathologic alterations in comparison with the control group. In addition, distress perception of surgical patients also improved, whereas it did not decrease in the control group. Patients who underwent surgery presented a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms, whereas the nonsurgical group increased its anxiety levels. De novo disturbances that appeared after surgery were less frequent than in nonsurgical patients. We observed significant favorable outcomes considering de novo versus remission cases for anxiety, depression, and total symptoms only in the surgical group. The two main predictors for psychiatric disorders after surgery were presurgical psychiatric functioning and surgery. SIGNIFICANCE: Provides evidence that surgery improves psychiatric functioning in drug-resistant epilepsy through a prospective controlled study.

Assessment of psychometric properties of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) in Spanish mothers.

The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) was developed to assess mother-infant bonding disturbances in the postpartum period. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the PBQ in a sample of Spanish postpartum women. Eight hundred forty mothers were recruited in the postpartum visit (4-6 weeks after delivery): 513 from a gynecology unit (forming the general population sample) and 327 mothers from a perinatal psychiatry program (forming the clinical sample). All women were assessed by means of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the PBQ. Neither the original four-factor structure nor alternative structures (Reck et al. 2006; Wittkowski et al. 2010) were replicated by the confirmatory factor analyses. An exploratory factor analysis showed a four-factor solution. The Schmid-Leiman transformation found a general factor that accounted for 61% of the variance of the PBQ. Bonding impairment showed higher associations with depressive symptomatology in both samples. The Spanish version of the PBQ showed adequate psychometric properties for use with clinical and general populations of Spanish postpartum women. The results suggest that the PBQ could be summarized by a general factor and confirm the utility of the use of the total score for detecting bonding impairment.

Dhat syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dhat syndrome is a widely recognized clinical condition often seen on the Indian subcontinent that is characterized by a preoccupation with semen loss in urine and other symptoms such as fatigue or depressed mood. Although it has been considered to be a culture-bound syndrome, it may also be regarded as a distinct manifestation of depression or another medical illness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to carry out a systematic review on Dhat syndrome. METHODS: A review of the literature published up until February 2012 was conducted using the key words [Dhat syndrome] or [semen-loss anxiety] or [semen-loss syndrome]. We included only original studies. REVIEW: The majority of studies reported patients from the Indian subcontinent. There was a high degree of heterogeneity among the studies. Dhat was a common condition in young people from certain cultures and origins. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were common, including fatigue, sleepiness, and sexual dysfunction. Good clinical engagement, social support, and sexual education were useful in some cases. Given the high rate of comorbid depressive symptoms, antidepressant has been used. DISCUSSION: In an increasingly globalized world, clinicians must be able to properly diagnose and treat patients from other cultures, who may report symptoms that are influenced by their beliefs, culture, or place of origin. Dhat may be a common manifestation of a depressive or anxiety disorder in certain cultures. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of this condition, to clarify its nosologic status, and to offer appropriate treatment to affected individuals.

[Core competencies in public health: a regional framework for the Americas]. / Competencias esenciales en salud pública: un marco regional para las Américas.

The response is described to the 2010 call from the Pan American Health Organization to develop a Regional Framework on Core Competencies in Public Health, with a view to supporting the efforts of the countries in the Americas to build public health systems capacity as a strategy for optimal performance of the Essential Public Health Functions. The methodological process for the response was divided into four phases. In the first, a team of experts was convened who defined the methodology to be used during a workshop at the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico in 2010. The second phase involved formation of the working groups, using two criteria: experience and multidisciplinary membership, which resulted in a regional team with 225 members from 12 countries. This team prepared an initial proposal with 88 competencies. In the third phase, the competencies were cross-validated and their number reduced to 64. During the fourth phase, which included two workshops, in March 2011 (Medellín, Colombia) and June 2011 (Lima, Peru), discussions centered on analyzing the association between the results and the methodology.

Increased glutamate/glutamine compounds in the brains of patients with fibromyalgia: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) has been defined as a systemic disorder that is clinically characterized by pain, cognitive deficit, and the presence of associated psychopathology, all of which are suggestive of a primary brain dysfunction. This study was undertaken to identify the nature of this cerebral dysfunction by assessing the brain metabolite patterns in patients with FM through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques. METHODS: A cohort of 28 female patients with FM and a control group of 24 healthy women of the same age were studied. MRS techniques were used to study brain metabolites in the amygdala, thalami, and prefrontal cortex of these women. RESULTS: In comparison with healthy controls, patients with FM showed higher levels of glutamate/glutamine (Glx) compounds (mean +/- SD 11.9 +/- 1.6 arbitrary units [AU] versus 13.4 +/- 1.7 AU in controls and patients, respectively; t = 2.517, 35 df, corrected P = 0.03) and a higher Glx:creatine ratio (mean +/- SD 2.1 +/- 0.4 versus 2.4 +/- 1.4, respectively; t = 2.373, 35 df, corrected P = 0.04) in the right amygdala. In FM patients with increased levels of pain intensity, greater fatigue, and more symptoms of depression, inositol levels in the right amygdala and right thalamus were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: The distinctive metabolic features found in the right amygdala of patients with FM suggest the possible existence of a neural dysfunction in emotional processing. The results appear to extend previous findings regarding the dysfunction in pain processing observed in patients with FM.

Depersonalization and personality in panic disorder.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence and clinical correlates of depersonalization symptoms have been associated with panic disorder. Personality traits might increase the likelihood of experiencing depersonalization symptoms or depersonalization disorder in panic patients. AIMS: The objectives of this study are to establish the prevalence of depersonalization symptoms during the panic attack and in depersonalization disorder and to examine the personality factors associated with the presence of depersonalization in patients with panic disorder. METHODS: The sample comprised 104 consecutive adult outpatients with panic disorder, diagnosed according to the Semistructured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Axis I/II disorders). Participants were assessed with the Cambridge Depersonalization Scales, the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of the sample had depersonalization symptoms during the panic attack, whereas 20% of patients had a depersonalization disorder. Women presented more depersonalization disorders than did men (P = .036). Patients with panic disorder with depersonalization disorder had a more severe panic disorder (P = .002). Logistic regression analysis showed that self-transcendence trait (odds ratio, 1.089; 95% confidence interval, 1.021-1.162; P = .010) and severity of panic (odds ratio, 1.056; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.110; P = .032) were independently associated with depersonalization disorder. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of depersonalization symptoms and depersonalization disorder was confirmed in patients with panic disorder, supporting a dosage effect model for understanding depersonalization pathology. Self-transcendence trait and severity of panic disorder were reported as risk factors for depersonalization disorder.

The Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire: psychometric properties in Spanish postpartum women.

The Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire (VPSQ) is a nine-item self-report scale developed to asses personality traits which increase the risk of postpartum depression. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the VPSQ in a sample of postpartum women. A cohort of 309 postpartum women was followed up for 32 weeks after delivery. All women were assessed with the Spanish version of the VPSQ, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-R Short Scale, the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and the harm avoidance dimension of the Temperament and Character Inventory at 2-3 days postpartum. Depressive symptoms were evaluated at 8 and 32 weeks after delivery by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a diagnostic interview was used to confirm the presence of major depression disorder. Factor analysis results revealed the unidimensionality of the Spanish version of the VPSQ. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the VPSQ total score was 0.63. The test-retest reliability indicated a good temporal stability (ICC = 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.82-0.91). A moderate association between the VPSQ and other personality measures provided evidence for its construct validity. Logistic regression analyses showed that women with higher scores on the VPSQ had a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.11-1.29) and major depression (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.07-1.26) throughout the 32 weeks after delivery. Overall, our results suggest adequate psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the VPSQ and its usefulness in identifying women with a personality style that increases the risk of developing postpartum depression.

Validation and test-retest reliability of Early Trauma Inventory in Spanish postpartum women.

The aims were to study the validity and test-retest reliability of the Early Trauma Inventory-Self Report (ETI-SR) and its short-form (ETI-SF), which retrospectively assess different childhood trauma, in a sample of Spanish postpartum women. A total of 227 healthy postpartum women completed the ETI-SR and ETI-SF. The longitudinal, expert, all data procedure was used as the external criterion for the assessment of childhood trauma. The ETI-SR and ETI-SF were also administered to a sample of 102 postpartum depressive women (DSM-IV) and the results were compared with those of the healthy postpartum sample. The area under the curve values of the ETI-SR and ETI-SF were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.84) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.72-0.85), the internal consistencies of the 2 scales were 0.79 and 0.72, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.80-0.97) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96), all respectively. The ETI-SR and ETI-SF had higher test-retest reliability on all subscales. The ETI-SR and ETI-SF are shown to be valid and reliable instruments for assessing childhood trauma in postpartum women.

The Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) is able to discriminate between simulation and fibromyalgia.

This study assessed the ability of the Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R) to discriminate between two groups of fibromyalgia patients (those who were about to begin a treatment including the explicit aim of returning to work and those who were initiating a legal procedure to obtain permanent disability compensation) and two groups of healthy volunteers (medical students and psychology graduates), who were asked to produce a symptomatic resemblance to a chronic pain disorder. Logistic regression analyses were applied to the SCL-90-R subscales and individual probabilistic indices of simulation were calculated. Results showed that the SCL-90-R was able to discriminate between healthy subjects and both groups of patients with a high sensitivity and specificity. The individual indices of simulation, which might be more useful in clinical practice than the comparison of the SCL-90-R profiles, also showed an appropriate level of accuracy.

A continuous emotional task activates the left amygdala in healthy volunteers: (18)FDG PET study.

Human amygdalar activation has been reported during facial emotion recognition (FER) studies, mostly using fast temporal resolution techniques (fMRI, H(2)(15)O PET or MEG). The (18)FDG PET technique has never been previously applied to FER studies. We decided to test whether amygdala response during FER tasks could be assessed with this technique. The study was conducted in 10 healthy right-handed volunteers who underwent two scans on different days in random order. Content of the tasks was either emotional (ET) or neutral (CT) and lasted for 17 (1/2) min. Three SPM2 analyses were completed. The first, an ET-CT contrast, showed left amygdalar activation. The second ruled out order effect as a confounder factor. Finally, the whole brain contrast showed activation of the emotional recognition-related areas. Time responses and errors indicated high rates of accuracy in both tasks. We discuss the results and the role of habituation phenomena and the possibility of applying this technique to samples of patients with psychiatric disorders. In conclusion, our study reveals left amygdalar activation assessed with FDG PET, as well as other major emotion recognition-related brain areas during FER tasks.

Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychiatric characteristics of transsexuals from Spain.

The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of transsexuals from Spain. A total of 252 consecutive applicants for sex reassignment were evaluated using a standardized semistructured clinical interview and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (Spanish Version 5.0.0) to record demographic, clinical, and psychiatric data. Transsexualism was diagnosed in 230 patients, with a male to female (MF)/female to male (FM) ratio of 2.2:1. Transsexual patients frequently had low employment status, lived with their parents, and mainly had a sexual orientation toward same-sex partners. The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were adjustment disorder and social phobia in both groups, and alcohol and substance-related disorders in the MF group. MF transsexuals were older than FM transsexuals when requesting sex reassignment, but did not differ in age when starting hormonal therapy (often on their own); fewer MFs were in employment requiring high educational qualification, more were non-Spanish natives, and more had previous and current histories of alcohol and substance abuse or dependence. The basic characteristics of transsexuals from Spain were similar to those of other European countries, except for the higher proportion of patients living with their parents and the higher proportion of MFs who reported same-sex sexual orientation compared with previous studies.

Psychiatric Symptoms in Refractory Epilepsy During the First Year After Surgery.

Psychiatric morbidity in drug-resistant epilepsy is frequent. Surgery is the best therapeutic alternative for treating seizures, but the current evidence concerning the effects of surgery on psychiatric disorders (PDs) is inconclusive. We aim to clarify surgery's role in long-term PDs. Using a prospective controlled study, we analyzed the psychopathologic outcomes of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, comparing those who underwent surgery to those who did not due to not being suitable. Surgical candidates were paired (n = 84) with the immediately following nonsurgical candidates (n = 68). Both groups continued their usual medical treatment. We studied psychiatric changes for each group and analyzed de novo and remission cases. The assessments were made during the presurgical evaluation, and at 6 months (6-M) and 12 months (12-M) after surgery. Finally, we determined associated factors for postsurgical PDs. At 12 months, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), anxiety improved in both groups (p = 0.000), while depression improved only in the surgical group (p = 0.016). Moreover, all symptom dimensions on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90), as well as severity, distress, and total symptoms, decreased only in the surgical group. These ameliorations reached not only statistical significance but also clinical significance for depression (HADS) (p = 0.014) and the interictal dysphoric disorder (p = 0.013). The main predictors for PDs after surgery were as follows: the presurgical and 6-month psychiatric symptoms, the absence of surgery, seizure outcomes, and some antiepileptic and psychiatric drugs. This study provides evidence that surgery for epilepsy could have a role in improving some symptoms of psychiatric disorders 12-M after the surgery.

Climatic adaptation and ecological descriptors of wild beans from Mexico.

Despite its economic, social, biological, and cultural importance, wild forms of the genus Phaseolus are not well represented in germplasm banks, and they are at great risk due to changes in land use as well as climate change. To improve our understanding of the potential geographical distribution of wild beans (Phaseolus spp.) from Mexico and support in situ and ex situ conservation programs, we determined the climatic adaptation ranges of 29 species and two subspecies of Phaseolus collected throughout Mexico. Based on five biotic and 117 abiotic variables obtained from different databases-WorldClim, Global-Aridity, and Global-PET-we performed principal component and cluster analyses. Germplasm was distributed among 12 climatic types from a possible 28. The general climatic ranges were as follows: 8-3,083 m above sea level; 12.07-26.96°C annual mean temperature; 10.33-202.68 mm annual precipitation; 9.33-16.56 W/m2 of net radiation; 11.68-14.23 hr photoperiod; 0.06-1.57 aridity index; and 10-1,728 mm/month of annual potential evapotranspiration. Most descriptive variables (25) clustered species into two groups: One included germplasm from semihot climates, and the other included germplasm from temperate climates. Species clustering showed 45% to 54% coincidence with species previously grouped using molecular data. The species P. filiformis, P. purpusii, and P. maculatus were found at low-humidity locations; these species could be used to improve our understanding of the extreme aridity adaptation mechanisms used by wild beans to avoid or tolerate climate change as well as to introgress favorable alleles into new cultivars adapted to hot, dry environments.

Unique cell-type-specific patterns of DNA methylation in the root meristem.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that differs between plant organs and tissues, but the extent of variation between cell types is not known. Here, we report single-base-resolution whole-genome DNA methylomes, mRNA transcriptomes and small RNA transcriptomes for six cell populations covering the major cell types of the Arabidopsis root meristem. We identify widespread cell-type-specific patterns of DNA methylation, especially in the CHH sequence context, where H is A, C or T. The genome of the columella root cap is the most highly methylated Arabidopsis cell characterized so far. It is hypermethylated within transposable elements (TEs), accompanied by increased abundance of transcripts encoding RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway components and 24-nt small RNAs (smRNAs). The absence of the nucleosome remodeller DECREASED DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1), required for maintenance of DNA methylation, and low abundance of histone transcripts involved in heterochromatin formation suggests that a loss of heterochromatin may occur in the columella, thus allowing access of RdDM factors to the whole genome, and producing an excess of 24-nt smRNAs in this tissue. Together, these maps provide new insights into the epigenomic diversity that exists between distinct plant somatic cell types.

Comportamiento de las afecciones oculares infantiles en la provincia de Cienfuegos. 2019 / Behavior of childhood eye conditions in the Cienfuegos province. 2019

RESUMEN Fundamento: En las edades pediátricas, el diagnóstico precoz de cualquier enfermedad oftalmológica es de gran relevancia, toda vez que, si permanecen sin tratamiento, los daños en la visión serán irreversibles, y las consecuencias, para toda la vida. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de las afecciones oculares en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto, de Cienfuegos. Se trabajó con la totalidad de los pacientes atendidos (N=1404) durante el año 2019. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, diagnóstico oftalmológico, tipo de tratamiento, y municipio de procedencia. Resultados: el 51 % de pacientes correspondió al sexo femenino. Las edades más representadas fueron las del grupo de 4 a 8 años, para un 35,4 %. Las ametropías y el estrabismo fueron las afecciones oftalmológicas más frecuentes, en el 36,4 y 22,7 % de los casos, respectivamente. El tratamiento más realizado fue la corrección óptica (40,3 %), y el municipio de Cienfuegos, el lugar de residencia más observado. Conclusión: las afecciones oculares no tienen preferencia marcada por ningún sexo, aunque las niñas acudieron más durante el período estudiado. El grupo de 4 a 8 años, etapa de inicio de la vida escolar, fue el más recibido en consulta, sobre todo, a causa de ametropías y estrabismo; lo que explica también el mayor uso de la corrección óptica.

ABSTRACT Background: In pediatric ages, the early diagnosis of any ophthalmic disease is of great relevance, since, if they remain untreated, vision damage will be irreversible, and the consequences, for life. Objective: to describe the behavior of eye conditions in pediatric patients. Methods: an observational, descriptive study was carried out at the Paquito González Cueto Pediatric University Hospital in Cienfuegos. All the patients attended (N = 1404) during the year 2019 were included in the research. The variables: age, sex, ophthalmological diagnosis, type of treatment, and municipality of origin were studied. Results: 51% of patients were female. The most represented ages were those of the group from 4 to 8 years, for 35.4%. Ametropia and strabismus were the most frequent ophthalmological conditions, in 36.4 and 22.7% of cases, respectively. The most performed treatment was optical correction (40.3%), and the municipality of Cienfuegos, the most observed place of residence. Conclusion: eye conditions do not have a marked preference for any sex, although girls attended more during the period studied. The group from 4 to 8 years old, the beginning stage of school life, was the most received in consultation, especially because of ametropia and strabismus; which also explains the greater use of optical correction.

Enriched environment delays the onset of hippocampal damage after global cerebral ischemia in rats.

An enriched environment has been shown to improve cognitive, behavioral and histopathological outcome after focal cerebral ischemia and head trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an enriched environment on histopathology following global cerebral ischemia. Wistar rats (21 weeks of age) were placed in different environments [standard cages (SC) or enriched environment (EE) cages] for 2 months before and either 6 days or 2 months after ischemia. Rats underwent 10 min of global ischemia by bilateral carotid artery occlusions plus hypotension. Five groups (n=4-5 in each group) were studied: (1) rats kept in SC before and 2 months after ischemia; (2) rats kept in SC before ischemia but transferred to an EE for 2 months after ischemia; (3) rats kept in EE before and after ischemia for 2 months; (4) rats kept in SC before and 6 days after ischemia; (5) rats kept in EE before and 6 days after ischemia. At 7 days or 2 months after ischemia, brains were perfusion-fixed, and ischemic injury was assessed by counting numbers of normal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 sector. Physiological variables showed no inter-group differences. Rats housed in EE for 2 months before and for 6 days (but not 2 months) after global ischemia showed significantly better preservation of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area when compared to control animals (middle CA1, 20.5+/-5.4 vs. 2.8+/-0.6; lateral CA1, 31.5+/-7.2 vs. 2.6+/-0.6, respectively). The present data suggest that housing in EE for 2 months before and 6 days after ischemia can delay the onset of damage to hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which eventually occurs despite 2-month EE.