Higher levels of physical activity buffered the negative effect of pain severity on physical frailty in older Latinx adults.

This cross-sectional study examined whether and to what extent physical activity (PA) mediated the effect of chronic pain on physical frailty in a sample of predominantly older Latinx adults. Study participants were 118 community-dwelling older adults in southwest United States. Physical frailty was measured by a summary score of physical function tests. Pain severity and pain interference were measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. PA levels were defined as meeting the PA recommendation by 7-day accelerometry. Pain outcomes and PA were associated with physical frailty, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that PA mediated the relationship between pain severity and physical frailty. However, no mediation effect of PA was found in the relationship between pain interference and physical frailty scores. Higher levels of PA buffered the negative effect of pain severity on physical frailty. Future studies should pay attention to PA promotion to prevent the negative consequences of frailty in older minority adults.

Effect of the ceramic membrane properties on the microbial fuel cell power output and catholyte generation.

Ceramic membranes for MFCs offer a low cost alternative to the expensive ion exchange membranes, whilst promoting catholyte accumulation. However, their physicochemical properties need to be optimised, in order to increase the power output and the catholyte quality from MFCs. Two compositions of fine fire clay (FFC) cured under three firing cycles were manufactured, analysed and tested as ion-exchange and structural material for MFCs. The samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The power and catholyte generated from the ceramic MFCs with different FFC types was also evaluated. The results show a direct correlation between the ohmic resistance, the MFC power generation and the water absorption of the ceramics, giving a maximum power of 1 mW from the MFC with the most absorptive FFC (16.37% water absorbance). A slightly more alkaline catholyte was synthesised from the MFCs with higher water absorption FFC.

Testing Syndromes of Psychopathology in Parent and Youth Ratings Across Societies.

As societies become increasingly diverse, mental health professionals need instruments for assessing emotional, behavioral, and social problems in terms of constructs that are supported within and across societies. Building on decades of research findings, multisample alignment confirmatory factor analyses tested an empirically based 8-syndrome model on parent ratings across 30 societies and youth self-ratings across 19 societies. The Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6-18 and Youth Self-Report for Ages 11-18 were used to measure syndromes descriptively designated as Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn/Depressed, Somatic Complaints, Social Problems, Thought Problems, Attention Problems, Rule-Breaking Behavior, and Aggressive Behavior. For both parent ratings (N = 61,703) and self-ratings (N = 29,486), results supported aggregation of problem items into 8 first-order syndromes for all societies (configural invariance), plus the invariance of item loadings (metric invariance) across the majority of societies. Supported across many societies in both parent and self-ratings, the 8 syndromes offer a parsimonious phenotypic taxonomy with clearly operationalized assessment criteria. Mental health professionals in many societies can use the 8 syndromes to assess children and youths for clinical, training, and scientific purposes.

Renal damage induced by the pesticide methyl parathion in male Wistar rats.

Little information is apparently available regarding the nephrotoxic effects induced by pesticides. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of low doses of methyl parathion (MP) on the structure and function of the kidney of male Wistar rats. A corn oil (vehicle) was administered to control rats, whereas treated rats received MP at 0.56 mg/kg orally (1/25 of LD50), every third day, for 8 weeks. At the end of each week following MP exposure, creatinine and glucose levels were measured in plasma, while glucose, inorganic phosphate, total proteins, albumin, and activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) were determined in urine. Kidney histological study was also performed. Compared with control rats, MP significantly increased plasma glucose and creatinine levels accompanied by decreased urinary flow rate and elevated urinary excretion rates of glucose, phosphate, and albumin. Further, the activity of GGT in urine was increased significantly. The proximal cells exhibited cytoplasmic vacuolization, positive periodic acid Schiff inclusions, and brush border edge loss after 2 or 4 weeks following MP treatment. Finally, renal cortex samples were obtained at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of MP treatment, and the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. The mRNA expression levels of BAX and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also determined (RT-PCR). MP significantly decreased renal GSH levels, increased GPx activity, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and BAX. Densitometry analysis showed a significant reduction in TNF-α and BAX mRNA expression levels at 2 and 4 weeks following MP treatment. Low doses of MP produced structural and functional damage to the proximal tubules of male rat kidney.

Beneficial effects of quercetin on oxidative stress in liver and kidney induced by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in rats.

TiO2 nanoparticles used as vectors for the delivery of drugs have shown greater effectiveness. However, TiO2 nanoparticles can cause oxidative stress in liver and kidney, so we analyzed if a previous or simultaneous quercetin treatment could counteract this in rats. Five groups of male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were included: (1) healthy controls, (2) TiO2 group, (3) quercetin group, (4) preventive group: quercetin for 5 days prior to exposure of TiO2, and (5) therapeutic group: TiO2 (5 mg/kg, i.v.) plus quercetin single dose for 5 days (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Hepatic and renal function tests were made. Five animals from each group were sacrificed (0, 14 and 28 days), and liver and kidney tissue were obtained. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced/oxidized glutathione, and activity of glutathione peroxidase/reductase were measured, as well as the level of gene expression by q-PCR. There were no significant changes in serum ALT and AST activities. More damage was observed at 14 versus 28 days, because TiO2 was excreted in urine. Quercetin indeed showed a renal protective effect by increasing glutathione reductase and peroxidase levels and reducing MDA levels. On the other hand, TiO2 liver damage was less pronounced with quercetin as therapeutic treatment. TiO2 induces significantly the glutathione reductase expression and it can be down-regulated by quercetin. Biochemical tests in serum and urine showed a better effect of quercetin administered in the therapeutic group. Care should be taken with the dose and time of administration of quercetin, because this antioxidant could also have a pro-oxidant effect.

Pesticides in soil, groundwater and food in Latin America as part of one health.

We here report of a conference about "Pesticides in Soil, Groundwater and Food in Latin America as part of One Health" that took place at the "IV Seminario Internacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SISA)" in Varadero, Cuba, 8-12 May 2023. Researchers of Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico) and Switzerland (workshop initiator) held presentations about occurrence and effects of pesticides on the environment, human health, the replacement of highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) by agroecological alternatives and the agri-food value chain. In a subsequent round table discussion, the presenters identified deficits, needs, interests and opportunities. According to them, the lack of awareness of pesticide use affects the health and safety of workers applying the chemicals. Despite Latin America representing the main agricultural area in the world with a very intense pesticide use, monitoring data of pesticides in soil, surface and groundwaters, food, as well as in humans are missing. Risks of pesticides to humans should be assessed so that authorities can withdraw or limit within "short time" the access to corresponding formulations on the market. Also, communication is not state of the art and should be improved as, e.g. the teaching of workers and farmers, how to correctly use and apply pesticides or the briefing of decision makers. Pollinators suffer from multiple stressors not the least due to pesticides, and alternatives are badly needed. On the technical side, the different analytical methods to determine residues of active ingredients and transformation products in matrices of concern should be harmonized among laboratories.Seven future actions and goals were identified to overcome the above deficits. Next steps after the publishing of this conference report are to harmonize and complete the information status of the presenters by exchanging the results/data already present. Therefore, a platform of interaction to address issues described above and to enhance collaboration shall be created. Samples of different matrices shall be exchanged to harmonize the chemical analysis and establish interlaboratory comparisons. Such activities might be facilitated by joining international associations or organizations, where researchers can offer their expertise, or by forming a new pesticide network for Central and South America that could present tailored projects to national and international organizations and funding agencies.

Mechanical behaviour analyses of sap ascent in vascular plants.

A pure mechanical anisotropic model of a tree trunk has been developed based on the 3D finite element method. It simulates the microscopic structure of vessels in the trunk of a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in order to study and analyse its mechanical behaviour with different configurations of pressures in the conduits of xylem and phloem. The dependence of the strains at the inner bark was studied when sap pressure changed. The comparison with previously published experimental data leads to the conclusion that a great tensile stress-or 'negative pressure'-must exist in the water column in order to achieve the measured strains if only the mechanical point of view is taken into account. Moreover, the model can help to design experiments where qualitatively knowing the strains and the purely mechanical behaviour of the tree is required.

The flavonoid quercetin protects and prevents against potassium dichromate-induced systemic peroxidation of lipids and diminution in renal clearance of para-aminohippuric acid and inulin in the rat.

It is well known that exposure to chromium (Cr) can lead to nephrotoxicity. Quercetin is a flavonoid of interest because of its proposed health-promoting effects. The aim of this work was to elucidate the role of quercetin against the nephrotoxicity caused by Cr in rats. Quercetin may have positive effects in combating, or helping to prevent, nephrotoxicity. It was observed that a single dose of potassium dichromate resulted in both an increase of systemic peroxidation of lipids and a decrease of the renal clearance of para-aminohippuric acid and inulin. Our results show that treatment with quercetin protected and prevented against these damaging effects.

Potassium dichromate-induced changes on urinary-specific activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase enzymes.

It has been reported that potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity is evidenced by diminution in creatinine clearance, increase in urinary protein, and structural damage to the proximal tubules. Damage to tissue often leads to the release of enzymes from the injured cells into the extracellular fluids. The aim of this study was to establish whether potassium dichromate induces changes in the urinary-specific activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase enzymes. Our results show that the administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of potassium dichromate decreased the activity of such enzymes in urine.

Acute renal failure induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats with hepatic cirrhosis.

Relationship between cirrhosis and renal dysfunction is not yet fully understood. A model of cirrhosis with acute hepatic and renal damage (RF), produced by CCl4 in rats, with hemodynamic and renal functional alterations, similar to those observed in decompensated cirrhosis (DC) in man, was used to study chemical nephrotoxicity in animals. We performed in male Wistar rats hepatic and renal functional and hemodynamic studies in control, cirrhotic and decompensated cirrhotic (DC) groups. Cirrhosis was induced with carbon tetrachloride by chronic administration. Association between liver and renal functional alterations was detected in rats with decompensated cirrhosis, showing fall in mean arterial pressure and reduction of glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction. Renal hemodynamics did not change in cirrhotic rats, similarly to what occurs in compensated cirrhotic patients. However, DC rats exhibited increased sodium, glucose and phosphate urinary excretions and decreased ATP in renal cortex. DC animals had severe hypoglycemia. There was an extensive liver fibrosis. Glomeruli had hypercellularity and tubules showed extensive vacuolization in cirrhotic and DC rats. The present study suggests that in this model, damage typical of acute tubular necrosis ensues in cirrhotic rats. We describe functional and morphological damage in liver and kidney in a model of cirrhosis that might predispose to the development of acute renal failure when an individual with hepatic damage is exposed in acute way to chemical toxicants.

Natural Dietary Pigments: Potential Mediators against Hepatic Damage Induced by Over-The-Counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs.

Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most widely prescribed and purchased drugs around the world. Most analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, are metabolized in the liver. The hepatocytes are responsible for drug metabolism and detoxification. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are phase I enzymes expressed mainly in hepatocytes and they account for ≈75% of the metabolism of clinically used drugs and other xenobiotics. These metabolic reactions eliminate potentially toxic compounds but, paradoxically, also result in the generation of toxic or carcinogenic metabolites. Cumulative or overdoses of OTC analgesic drugs can induce acute liver failure (ALF) either directly or indirectly after their biotransformation. ALF is the result of massive death of hepatocytes induced by oxidative stress. There is an increased interest in the use of natural dietary products as nutritional supplements and/or medications to prevent or cure many diseases. The therapeutic activity of natural products may be associated with their antioxidant capacity, although additional mechanisms may also play a role (e.g., anti-inflammatory actions). Dietary antioxidants such as flavonoids, betalains and carotenoids play a preventive role against OTC analgesics-induced ALF. In this review, we will summarize the pathobiology of OTC analgesic-induced ALF and the use of natural pigments in its prevention and therapy.

The Ginkgo biloba Extract Reverses the Renal Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Adult Male Rats.

The Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) is a commercial product used as a nutraceutic herbal remedy in Europe and US. It contains 27% of the polyphenols isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and quercetin, as antioxidants. We used male adult Wistar rats (200-300 g), divided into four groups: control group (treated with 5.0 mg/kg of sodium chloride, intravenous), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) group (5.0 mg/kg, intravenous), GbE group (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and GbE + TiO2-NPs group (treated 24 h before with 10 mg/kg of GbE, intraperitoneal), followed, 24 h later, by 5.0 mg/kg of TiO2-NPs intravenously. The statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test for grouped data with ANOVA posttest. The GbE protected renal cells against the effects of TiO2-NPs because it reversed the increased activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and the enzymatic activity of dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV at all times tested (0-5, 5-24, 24-48, and 48-72 h). Also it reversed the glucosuria, hypernatriuria, and urine osmolarity at three times tested (5-24, 24-48, and 48-72). Thus, we conclude that GbE has a beneficial activity in the cytoplasmic membranes of brush border cells on the renal tubules, against the adverse effects that can be produced by some xenobiotics in this case the TiO2-NPs, in experimental rats.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha Fruits against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Damage.

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious health problem in developed countries. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the current therapy for APAP-induced ALF, is not always effective, and liver transplantation is often needed. Opuntia spp. fruits are an important source of nutrients and contain high levels of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha extracts against APAP-induced ALF. In addition, we analyzed the antioxidant activities of these extracts. Fruit extracts (800mg/kg/day, orally) were given prophylactically to male Wistar rats before intoxication with APAP (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Rat hepatocyte cultures were exposed to 20mmol/LAPAP, and necrosis was assessed by LDH leakage. Opuntia robusta had significantly higher levels of antioxidants than Opuntia streptacantha. Both extracts significantly attenuated APAP-induced injury markers AST, ALT and ALP and improved liver histology. The Opuntia extracts reversed APAP-induced depletion of liver GSH and glycogen stores. In cultured hepatocytes, Opuntia extracts significantly reduced leakage of LDH and cell necrosis, both prophylactically and therapeutically. Both extracts appeared to be superior to NAC when used therapeutically. We conclude that Opuntia extracts are hepatoprotective and can be used as a nutraceutical to prevent ALF.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women in Aguascalientes City, Mexico: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: We determined the seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in Aguascalientes City, Mexico. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Pregnant women were enrolled in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 338 pregnant women who attended prenatal care in 3 public health centres. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Women were examined for IgG/IgM antibodies to T. gondii by using commercially available enzyme immunoassays, and an avidity test. Multiple analyses were used to determine the association of T. gondii seropositivity with the characteristics of the pregnant women. RESULTS: Of the 338 pregnant women studied, 21 (6.2%) had IgG antibodies to T. gondii, and 1 (4.8%) of them was also positive for IgM antibodies to T. gondii. Avidity of IgG antibodies to T. gondii was high in the IgM-positive sample. Logistic regression analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural and housing variables showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with white ethnicity (OR=149.4; 95% CI 10.8 to 2054.1; p<0.01), not washing hands before eating (OR=6.41; 95% CI 1.73 to 23.6; p=0.005) and use of latrine (OR=37.6; 95% CI 4.63 to 306.31; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that pregnant women in Aguascalientes City have a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection. However, this low prevalence indicates that most pregnant women are at risk for a primary infection. Factors associated with T. gondii exposure found in this study, including food hygiene, may be useful to determine preventive measures against T. gondii infection and its sequelae.

Flowable resin used as a sealant in molars affected by dental fluorosis: a comparative study.

The decline in prevalence and incidence of dental caries in developed countries over the last two decades is considered to be due mainly to the widespread use of fluoride in different forms, but simultaneously with decline in caries, an increase in dental fluorosis has been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the Conventional Sealant Technique (CST) and Enameloplasty Sealant Technique (EST) using a flowable resin as sealant in molars affected by dental fluorosis. A total of 40 extracted third molars affected by dental fluorosis were divided at random into two groups of 20 teeth each, and Tetric Flow resin was used as sealant. All teeth were studied for lateral adaptation and resin penetration by direct and indirect techniques; all samples were replicated in epoxy resin and were evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that EST allowed a deeper sealant penetration and a superior sealant adaptation than CST, both in direct and indirect evaluations by SEM. The most important variables being penetration-interface and penetration depth both being statistically significant (p<0.05). The CST did not flow into the bottom of the fissures, leaving spaces that can favor the fracture of the material and initiate the process of dental caries. We conclude that a flowable ceromer is an excellent material alternative to be used as sealant and that EST is quite necessary in molars affected by dental fluorosis, the combination of both being a reliable method to be used as primary prevention approach of dental caries in endemic areas of dental fluorosis.

[Anatomic variations and references of the sphenopalatine foramen in cadaveric specimens: a Mexican study]. / Variantes y referencias anatómicas del foramen esfenopalatino en especímenes cadavéricos: un estudio en población mexicana.

BACKGROUND: The sphenopalatine foramen is located on the lateral nasal wall and has multiple variants and anatomic landmarks that are important to know to optimize RESULTS in the surgical management of posterior epistaxis. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the endoscopic anatomy of the sphenopalatine foramen, related structures and anatomic variations in a Mexican population. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational, and experimental study. Five cadaveric specimens were included. Dissections were performed to identify the anatomy of the sphenopalatine foramen and anatomic variants. Measurements were obtained from different anatomic references to the columella. RESULTS: Of a total of ten dissections, in 100% of cases ethmoid crests were identified anterior to the sphenopalatine foramen. Localization of the sphenopalatine foramen in the lateral nasal wall in 60% cases was in the transition from middle meatus with superior meatus. The vidian nerve in 90% of cases was located superior and posterior to the sphenopalatine foramen. For the measurements, no significant differences between the two sides of each specimen were noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The sphenopalatine foramen presents multiple anatomic variants and numerous landmarks, which are important to comprehend in order to perform a successful and safe endoscopic sinus surgery.

ANTECEDENTES: el foramen esfenopalatino se localiza en la pared nasal, con múltiples variantes y referencias anatómicas que es importante conocer para optimizar los RESULTADOS del tratamiento quirúrgico y la epistaxis posterior. OBJETIVO: describir la anatomía endoscópica del foramen esfenopalatino, las estructuras relacionadas, y las variantes anatómicas en población mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo, observacional y experimental. Se incluyeron 5 especímenes cadavéricos, se realizaron las disecciones para identificar la anatomía del foramen esfenopalatino y sus variantes anatómicas, se midieron diferentes referencias anatómicas a la columela. RESULTADOS: de 10 disecciones realizadas, en 100% de los casos se identificó la cresta etmoidal anterior al foramen esfenopalatino, la localización en la pared nasal en 60% de los casos fue en la transición del meato medio con el meato superior, el nervio Vidiano en 90% de los casos se localizó posterosuperior al foramen esfenopalatino. En relación con las mediciones no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ambos lados de cada fosa nasal. CONCLUSIONES: las variantes anatómicas del foramen esfenopalatino son múltiples, por lo que contar con referencias anatómicas es de suma importancia para poder localizarlo durante la cirugía endoscópica nasal. Palabras clave: foramen esfenopalatino, arteria esfenopalatina, nervio vidiano, epistaxis posterior, cresta etmoidal, pared nasal.

Aportes de la investigación a las políticas públicas en salud en el distrito capital 2010-2013 / Contributions of the research to the public policies in health in the capital district 2010-2013

Resumen El presente estudio presenta la descripción de la producción de conocimiento en salud, la calidad de vida, los factores globales que afectan la salud, los sistemas, servicios y políticas de salud, las estructuras y procesos que afectan diferencialmente la salud de la población en el marco de las prioridades del plan decenal de salud pública en Bogotá desde 2010 hasta 2013. Se tomaron en consideración los planteamientos del Plan Decenal de Salud Pública 2012-2021 y la agenda temática priorizada en CT+I para la Salud, Bogotá, 2013. Por consiguiente, a partir del análisis de 1516 documentos localizados en bibliotecas universitarias públicas y privadas, de instituciones de salud, publicaciones científicas en revistas y online. Se diseñó una base de datos, una ficha descriptiva con 140 ítems y una entrevista semiestructurada. La información obtenida se sometió a análisis tanto cuantitativos como cualitativos. En diferentes investigaciones se incluye el tema de la política pública como un eje clave para la producción y apropiación de conocimiento en el tema de salud. Otros estudios sugieren la necesidad de fortalecer los mecanismos de prevención y promoción de la salud, la atención de problemas específicos como las enfermedades transmisibles que ponen en riesgo la salud de la población residente en la capital. También se encuentran sugerencias para el mejoramiento de la calidad de los sistemas, servicios de salud. Se sugiere fortalecer la investigación en salud en la Capital para tener un conocimiento actualizado en este campo y contribuir al desarrollo de la política pública en salud para el Distrito Capital.

Abstract This study presents the description of knowledge production in health, quality of life, global factors that affect health, health systems, services and policies, structures and processes that differentially affect the health of the population in the framework of the priorities of the 10-year public health plan in Bogotá from 2010 to 2013. The proposals of the Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2012-2021 and the thematic agenda prioritized for Health, Bogotá, 2013 were taken into consideration. Consequently, from the analysis of 1516 documents located in public and private university libraries, health institutions and scientific publications. A database was designed, a descriptive sheet with 140 items and a semi-structured interview. The information obtained was subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analyzes. In different investigations, the topic of public policy is included as a key axis for the production and appropriation of knowledge in the subject of health. Other studies suggest the need to strengthen mechanisms for prevention and promotion of health, attention to specific problems such as communicable diseases that put the health of the population living in the capital at risk. Suggestions are also found for the improvement of the quality of the systems, health services. It is suggested to strengthen health research in the Capital to have updated knowledge in this field and contribute to the development of public health policy for the Capital District.

La minería ilegal en Colombia: un conflicto de narrativas / Illegal mining in Colombia: a conflict of narratives

En este trabajo se presenta una reflexión sobre el debate de la minería ilegal en Colombia. Se abordan aspectos tales como el contexto legal e ilegal de la minería, los enfoques narrativosdel mismo, los efectos ambientales y la existencia de una meta-narrativa que con supuestos básicos constituyentes contribuya a la solución del problema. Se utilizó un método de análisis de conceptos y criterios, dentro de un enfoque narrativo. El análisis indica quela metanarrativa de la comunidad con los supuestos constituyentes de la diversidad con inadecuación medios-fines y la relación productiva con el medio ambiente internalizandolos efectos ambientales, junto con una lógica policontextural y dialógica, pueden ayudar a superar el conflicto entre las diferentes narrativas.

This paper presents a reflection on the debate of illegal mining in Colombia. It addresses aspects such as the legal and illegal mining context, its narrative approaches, the environmental effects, and the existence of a meta-narrative that contributes to the solutionof the problem with constituent basic assumptions. A method of analysis of concepts and criteria, within a narrative approach, was used.

Afectaciones Psicológicas, Estrategias de Afrontamiento y Niveles de Resiliencia de Adultos Expuestos al Conflicto Armado en Colombia / Psychological Symptoms, Coping Strategies and Resilience in Adults Exposed to the Colombian Armed Conflict / Afetações Psicológicas, Estratégicas de Enfrentamento e Níveis de Resiliência de Adultos Expostos ao Conflito Armado na Colômbia

Se determinaron las afectaciones psicológicas, estrategias de afrontamiento y niveles de resiliencia de 677 adultos expuestos al conflicto armado en un municipio colombiano. Los participantes del estudio fueron seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio por afijación proporcional. Se aplicaron el cuestionario de síntomas, prueba de estrés postraumático y escalas de estrategias de afrontamiento y resiliencia. Las principales afectaciones psicológicas encontradas son el sentimiento de que alguien trata de hacerle daño, consumo de alcohol, alteraciones del estado de ánimo y síntomas de estrés postraumático. Las estrategias de afrontamiento más empleadas son la religión y esperar que las cosas se arreglen solas. El nivel de resiliencia es moderado. La percepción de salud es baja y la necesidad de atención es alta.

The psychological symptoms, the coping strategies and the resilience levels of 677 adults exposed to armed conflict in a Colombian town were evaluated. The participants of the study were selected via random sampling by proportional allocation. A questionnaire of symptoms, a test of posttraumatic stress disorder, and several scales of coping strategies and resilience were applied. The main psychological symptoms found were the feeling that someone wanted to harm the participant, alcohol consumption, mood disorders, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The coping strategies most employed were religion and waiting until things straightened out by themselves. The level of resilience is moderate. The perception of health is low and the need for health care is high.

Neste estudo, foram determinados as afetações psicológicas, as estratégias de enfrentamento e os níveis de resiliência em 677 adultos expostos ao conflito armado num município colombiano. Os integrantes do estudo foram selecionados mediante amostragem aleatória por alocação proporcional ao tamanho do estrato amostragem. Aplicaram-se o questionário de sintomas, o teste de estresse pós-traumático e as escalas de estratégias de enfrentamento e resiliência. As principais afetações psicológicas achadas são o sentimento de que alguém tenta fazer-lhe mal, consumo de álcool, alterações do estado de ânimo e sintomas de estresse pós-traumático. As estratégias de enfrentamento mais empregadas são a religião e esperar que as coisas sejam ajustadas sozinhas. O nível de resiliência é moderado. A percepção de saúde é baixa, e a necessidade de atenção, alta.

Análisis cuantitativo de la investigación en salud, calidad de vida y enfermedad realizada en la ciudad de Bogotá durante los años 2010-2013: estudio transversal-descriptivo / Quantitative Analysis of Research in Health, Quality of Life and Disease Made in Bogota City During the Years 2010-2013: Cross-Descriptive Study

Se pretendió identificar, caracterizar y analizar las investigaciones realizadas en Bogotá D. C., en el campo de la salud, la calidad de vida y la enfermedad, durante el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2010 a diciembre de 2013. Mediante una investigación de carácter documental descriptiva y transversal, se analizaron 1466 documentos referidos a artículos publicados, tesis doctorales, de maestría, de especialidades médicas y documentos estatales generados por programas de formación posgradual, grupos de investigación, centros de investigación, e instituciones de salud. Para la recolección de la información se validó y utilizó una ficha de 140 ítems, en la que se registraban los aspectos formales, relacionados con la descripción del documento, metodología, resultados, discusión y recomendaciones. Los análisis descriptivos e inferenciales, evidencian que el campo en que más se ha investigado es el de la salud (41%) y el que menos se ha abordado es el de calidad de vida (0.2%). El enfoque de investigación más utilizado ha sido cuantitativo (54.3%) y el tipo de investigación descriptivo (53.2%). Los productos de investigación se han publicado en su mayoría en revistas colombianas del área de medicina (98.7%). Solo un 1% se ha hecho en revistas de lengua inglesa. Se encuentra una gran diversidad en temas de investigación y muy poca coherencia con las líneas de investigación propuestas por la agenda de la Secretaría de Salud de Bogotá.

The aim was to identify, characterize and analyze the research carried out in Bogotá D.C., in the health, the quality of life and disease areas, during the period from January 2010 to December 2013. Through an investigation of descriptive and cross- documentary, were analyzed 1466 documents referring to published articles, Phd and masters thesis, medical specializations research and state documents generated by programs of postgraduate training, research groups, research centers, and health institutions. To collect the information, was validated and used a record form with 140 items, which was registered the formal aspects, related to the document description, methodology, results, discussion and recommendations. The descriptive and inferential analysis, show that the area that more has been investigated is the health (41 %) and the least has addressed is the quality of life (.2 %). The research approach has been more used is quantitative (54.3 %) and the type of is descriptive research (53.2 %). The products of research have been published in most Colombian Journal in the area of medicine (98.7 %). Only 1% has been done in Journal of the English language. There is a large diversity in research topics and very low consistency with the lines of research proposals for the agenda of Secretaría de Salud de Bogotá.