ABSTRACT
Background: Growing information has emphasized the risk of benzodiazepines (BZD), particularly among the elderly. However, the information available in Latin America is scarce. Aim: to review the available information on the use of BZD in older adults in Latin America to achieve an overview of the information currently available, and a thorough understanding of this phenomenon in our region. Methods: A systematic review with MeSH terms elderly, latinamerican and benzodiazepines was performed in PubMed and with each Latin American country. A search in databases SciELO and LILACS was also performed. In all, 126 items of finally selected 21 that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Studies show that consumption of benzodiazepines in the elderly population in Latin America is high, with a preponderance of long half-life benzodiazepines in women, and frequent self-medication. Conclusions: The revised articles establish the importance of further study of the phenomenon of the use of benzodiazepines in our elderly population. Strikingly, scientific information is scarce, with most studies coming from only one country (Brazil). Moreover, most of them are transversal and descriptive, with few studies that explore long-term side effects, or specific hypotheses. Further studies should address these important issues.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use , Socioeconomic Factors , Benzodiazepines/adverse effects , Age Factors , Latin AmericaABSTRACT
Abstract: Objective: To determine prevalence trends of using Wood as the Main Cooking Fuel (WMCF) in Mexico and household characteristics that predict its use. Materials and methods: Estimates were obtained from the 1990, 2000 and 2010 censuses and from a national survey performed in 2012 and 2013. Results: In 2012-2013, 9.5% of the 66 321 surveyed households and 10.9% of their 252 011 residents used WMCF. Prevalence was higher in rural (40.5%) than urban areas (1.5%), p<0.0001. From 1990 to 2013 wood use decreased by 53% overall and by 28.6% in rural areas, gas use increased respectively by 17.5 and 52.7%. Predictors of using WMCF were living in rural or suburban areas and those associated with low socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Use of WMCF has decreased substantially in Mexico but at a slower pace in rural areas. Improving household characteristics and socioeconomic status may decrease use of WMCF at a higher rate.
Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar las tendencias temporales de prevalencia del uso de leña utilizada para cocinar (ULPC) y características del hogar que lo predicen. Material y métodos:. Los estimados se obtuvieron de los censos 1990, 2000 y 2010 y de la encuesta nacional de 2012-2013. Resultados: En el periodo 2012-2013, 9.5% de los 66 321 hogares y 10.9% de sus 252 011 residentes usaron LPC. La prevalencia fue mayor en áreas rurales (40.5%) que las urbanas (1.5%), p<0.0001. De 1990 a 2013 el ULPC disminuyó 53% en todo el país y 28.6% en áreas rurales. Contrariamente, el uso de gas incrementó 17.5 y 52.7% respectivamente. Los predictores del ULPC fueron el vivir en áreas rurales o suburbanas, y aquellos asociados al nivel socioeconómico bajo. Conclusión: El ULPC ha disminuido pero a ritmo lento en las áreas rurales de México. Mejorar las características del hogar y nivel socioeconómico pudiera disminuir el ULPC a mayor ritmo.
Subject(s)
Wood , Cooking/methods , Cooking/statistics & numerical data , Time Factors , Family Characteristics , MexicoABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Wild plant species with potential for use as ornamental green foliage are often reported. Nevertheless, there are few studies evaluating morphological and anatomical aspects associated with this use. Preliminary trials suggest that the species of Sphaeradenia (Sander ex Mast.) Harling, a Cyclantaceae that occurs from Costa Rica to Peru, is suitable to be used as fresh foliage because of attractiveness of their leaves in vase and its durability without showing tissue damage, compared with other genera of this family. Through the study of anatomical characters, it is possible to predict the potential of a species that can serve as ornamental foliage. In this study, three foliar anatomical features (thickness of the cuticle and leaf, and percentage of fibers in the mesophyll) of seven Cyclanthaceae species were evaluated, using anatomical techniques and image analysis with the LUCIA® and ImageJ softwares. Statistical analysis of the results suggests that this high durability is associated with the thickness of the cuticle and mesophyll, but not with the amount of fibers in the leaf.