Effects of Two Different Low-Volume Resistance Training Programs Applied During the Off-Season Period on the Speed-Power Performance of Elite Youth Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Nunes, RFH, Lampert, RR, Silva, RLP, Hespanhol, JE, Novack, LF, Conde, JHS, Pereira, LA, and McGuigan, MR. Effects of two different low-volume resistance training programs applied during the off-season period on the speed-power performance of elite youth soccer players. . J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 571-576, 2024-The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the speed-power performance of elite youth soccer players submitted to 2 different low-volume resistance training programs during the off-season period. Twenty under-17 players were randomly allocated to "traditional nonballistic" or "ballistic training" groups. Countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprinting speed, and half-squat (HS) power tests were performed after the final match of the season (pretesting session) and at the beginning of the subsequent season (post-testing session), after 4 weeks of detraining. Between-group differences were assessed using a 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. Performance variations were individually analyzed with the use of the "true changes" calculation. At post-tests, CMJ height and HS power remained unchanged ( p > 0.05) but similar and significant improvements in sprint speed were observed in both groups ( p < 0.05). However, notably, a larger number of players in the ballistic group exhibited "true changes" in HS power (i.e., 55 vs. 33%, compared with the traditional group, respectively). In conclusion, either low-volume ballistic or traditional resistance training schemes were able to increase sprint speed and maintain power output during a short interseason break in youth soccer players. Despite this apparent similarity, at the individual level, ballistic movements were more efficient at improving lower-body power. Practitioners can use the strategies described here to improve the sprint and power performance of soccer players during short periods of soccer-specific training cessation.

Rev1 promotes replication through UV lesions in conjunction with DNA polymerases η, ι, and κ but not DNA polymerase ζ.

Translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases (Pols) promote replication through DNA lesions; however, little is known about the protein factors that affect their function in human cells. In yeast, Rev1 plays a noncatalytic role as an indispensable component of Polζ, and Polζ together with Rev1 mediates a highly mutagenic mode of TLS. However, how Rev1 functions in TLS and mutagenesis in human cells has remained unclear. Here we determined the role of Rev1 in TLS opposite UV lesions in human and mouse fibroblasts and showed that Rev1 is indispensable for TLS mediated by Polη, Polι, and Polκ but is not required for TLS by Polζ. In contrast to its role in mutagenic TLS in yeast, Rev1 promotes predominantly error-free TLS opposite UV lesions in humans. The identification of Rev1 as an indispensable scaffolding component for Polη, Polι, and Polκ, which function in TLS in highly specialized ways opposite a diverse array of DNA lesions and act in a predominantly error-free manner, implicates a crucial role for Rev1 in the maintenance of genome stability in humans.

Sand and grass surfaces are equally effective in promoting positive adaptations in the sprint performance of elite young soccer players.

This study compared the effects of two sprint-jump training programmes, performed on either sand or grass surfaces, on the sprint and jump performance of elite young soccer players over an 8-week training period. Fifteen under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to the sand (n = 7) or grass (n = 8) group. Athletes performed 12 training sessions, comprising vertical and horizontal jump exercises, and linear and change-of-direction (COD) sprint drills. Pre- and post-measurements were completed in the following order: vertical jump, sprint speed at 10 m and 17 m, curve sprint (CS), and modified Zigzag COD tests. Between-group differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and effect sizes (ES). No improvements in jump performance were found in either group. Significant increases were observed in the sand group for acceleration in 0-10 m and for 10- and 17-m linear sprint velocity (ES = 1.15, 1.16, and 1.81, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were detected for acceleration and linear sprint velocity in the grass group, comparing pre- and post-tests (ES ranging from 0.01 to 0.47; P > 0.05). Both sand and grass groups revealed similar increases in the CS and COD velocities after the training period (ES ranging from 0.98 to 1.93; P < 0.05). In conclusion, sprint-jump training programmes performed on both grass and sand surfaces elicited significant improvements in CS and COD performances, whereas acceleration and linear sprint velocity increased only in the sand group, after a short-term training period. The sand training surface was proven to be a practical strategy to improve sprint performance in all its forms in soccer players, which is of great interest and importance for coaches and sport scientists working in elite soccer.

Genetic Control of Replication through N1-methyladenine in Human Cells.

N1-methyl adenine (1-MeA) is formed in DNA by reaction with alkylating agents and naturally occurring methyl halides. The 1-MeA lesion impairs Watson-Crick base pairing and blocks normal DNA replication. Here we identify the translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases (Pols) required for replicating through 1-MeA in human cells and show that TLS through this lesion is mediated via three different pathways in which Pols ι and θ function in one pathway and Pols η and ζ, respectively, function in the other two pathways. Our biochemical studies indicate that in the Polι/Polθ pathway, Polι would carry out nucleotide insertion opposite 1-MeA from which Polθ would extend synthesis. In the Polη pathway, this Pol alone would function at both the nucleotide insertion and extension steps of TLS, and in the third pathway, Polζ would extend from the nucleotide inserted opposite 1-MeA by an as yet unidentified Pol. Whereas by pushing 1-MeA into the syn conformation and by forming Hoogsteen base pair with the T residue, Polι would carry out TLS opposite 1-MeA, the ability of Polη to replicate through 1-MeA suggests that despite its need for Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding, Polη can stabilize the adduct in its active site. Remarkably, even though Pols η and ι are quite error-prone at inserting nucleotides opposite 1-MeA, TLS opposite this lesion in human cells occurs in a highly error-free fashion. This suggests that the in vivo fidelity of TLS Pols is regulated by factors such as post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and possibly others.

The relationship between muscle thickness and pennation angle is mediated by fascicle length in the muscles of the lower extremities.

Muscle morphological architecture, a crucial determinant of muscle function, has fascinated researchers since the Renaissance. Imaging techniques enable the assessment of parameters such as muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), which may vary with growth, sex, and physical activity. Despite known interrelationships, robust mathematical models like causal mediation analysis have not been extensively applied to large population samples. We recruited 109 males and females, measuring knee flexor and extensor, and plantar flexor MT, PA, and FL using real-time ultrasound imaging at rest. A mixed-effects model explored sex, leg (dominant vs. non-dominant), and muscle region differences. Males exhibited greater MT in all muscles (0.1 to 2.1 cm, p < 0.01), with no sex differences in FL. Dominant legs showed greater rectus femoris (RF) MT (0.1 cm, p = 0.01) and PA (1.5°, p = 0.01), while vastus lateralis (VL) had greater FL (1.2 cm, p < 0.001) and PA (0.6°, p = 0.02). Regional differences were observed in VL, RF, and biceps femoris long head (BFlh). Causal mediation analyses highlighted MT's influence on PA, mediated by FL. Moderated mediation occurred in BFlh, with FL differences. Gastrocnemius medialis and lateralis exhibited FL-mediated MT and PA relationships. This study unveils the intricate interplay of MT, FL, and PA in muscle architecture.

Identification of a motif in BMRP required for interaction with Bcl-2 by site-directed mutagenesis studies.

Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein that inhibits apoptosis elicited by multiple stimuli in a large variety of cell types. BMRP (also known as MRPL41) was identified as a Bcl-2 binding protein and shown to promote apoptosis. Previous studies indicated that the amino-terminal two-thirds of BMRP contain the domain(s) required for its interaction with Bcl-2, and that this region of the protein is responsible for the majority of the apoptosis-inducing activity of BMRP. We have performed site-directed mutagenesis analyses to further characterize the BMRP/Bcl-2 interaction and the pro-apoptotic activity of BMRP. The results obtained indicate that the 13-17 amino acid region of BMRP is necessary for its binding to Bcl-2. Further mutagenesis of this motif shows that amino acid residue aspartic acid (D) 16 of BMRP is essential for the BMRP/Bcl-2 interaction. Functional analyses conducted in mammalian cells with BMRP site-directed mutants BMRP(13Ala17) and BMRP(D16A) indicate that these mutants induce apoptosis through a caspase-mediated pathway, and that they kill cells slightly more potently than wild-type BMRP. Bcl-2 is still able to counteract BMRP(D16A)-induced cell death significantly, but not as completely as when tested against wild-type BMRP. These results suggest that the apoptosis-inducing ability of wild-type BMRP is blocked by Bcl-2 through several mechanisms.

[Presacral haemorrhage during rectal cancer resection: morphological and hydrodynamic considerations]. / Hemorragia presacra durante la resección rectal por cáncer. Consideraciones morfológicas e hidrodinámicas.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim is to identify the location and size of the anterior foramina of sacral vertebral bodies and analyse the haemodynamic variables that could influence the haemorrhagic severity of the injury of the presacral venous plexus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using computed axial tomography the morphological data of 70 sacral bones in 67 patients with rectal cancer were recorded, as well as measuring the height between the vena cava and S5. After transfemoral catheterisation the inferior vena cava pressure was recorded in 10 patients with rectal cancer. Hydrodynamic principles, according to Bernoulli's Law, were applied to calculate sacral venous plexus pressure, and the flow rate according to the calibre of a hypothetical venous injury. RESULTS: The maximum diameter ranged from 0.5mm to 4mm in 22% of the cases. All foramina of 2 or more millimetres were located in the S4-S5 region. Sacral plexus venous pressure in lithotomy was almost double the inferior vena cava pressure in normal position. Blood flow ranged from 498 to 1,994 ml/min for injuries of sizes between 2 and 4mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Larger calibre foramina are found in vertebral bodies of S4-S5. Venous injury at these levels can reach a flow rate of 2 l/min.

Design and economic investigation of a Multicolumn Countercurrent Solvent Gradient Purification unit for the separation of an industrially relevant PEGylated protein.

Conjugation of biopharmaceuticals to polyethylene glycol chains, known as PEGylation, is nowadays an efficient and widely exploited strategy to improve critical properties of the active molecule, including stability, biodistribution profile, and reduced clearance. A crucial step in the manufacturing of PEGylated drugs is the purification. The reference process in industrial settings is single-column chromatography, which can meet the stringent purity requisites only at the expenses of poor product recoveries. A valuable solution to this trade-off is the Multicolumn Countercurrent Solvent Gradient Purification (MCSGP), which allows the internal and automated recycling of product-containing side fractions that are typically discarded in the batch processes. In this study, an ad hoc design procedure was applied to the single-column batch purification of an industrially relevant PEGylated protein, with the aim of defining optimal collection window, elution duration and elution buffer ionic strength to be then transferred to the MCSGP. This significantly alleviates the design of the continuous operation, subjected to manifold process parameters. The MCSGP designed by directly transferring the optimal parameters allowed to improve the yield and productivity by 8.2% and 17.8%, respectively, when compared to the corresponding optimized batch process, ensuring a purity specification of 98.0%. Once the efficacy of MCSGP was demonstrated, a detailed analysis of its cost of goods was performed and compared to the case of single-column purification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a detailed economic investigation of the MCSGP across different manufacturing scenarios and process cadences of industrial relevance, which demonstrated not only the viability of this continuous technology but also its flexibility.

Deletion mutational analysis of BMRP, a pro-apoptotic protein that binds to Bcl-2.

Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that protects cells from apoptosis induced by a large variety of stimuli. The protein BMRP (MRPL41) was identified as a Bcl-2 binding partner and shown to have pro-apoptotic activity. We have performed deletion mutational analyses to identify the domain(s) of Bcl-2 and BMRP that are involved in the Bcl-2/BMRP interaction, and the region(s) of BMRP that mediate its pro-apoptotic activity. The results of these studies indicate that both the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 and its central region encompassing its BH1, BH2, and BH3 domains are required for its interaction with BMRP. The loop region and the transmembrane domain of Bcl-2 were found to be dispensable for this interaction. The Bcl-2 deletion mutants that do not interact with BMRP were previously shown to be functionally inactive. Deletion analyses of the BMRP protein delimited the region of BMRP needed for its interaction with Bcl-2 to the amino-terminal two-thirds of the protein (amino acid residues 1-92). Further deletions at either end of the BMRP(1-92) truncated protein resulted in lack of binding to Bcl-2. Functional studies performed with BMRP deletion mutants suggest that the cell death-inducing domains of the protein reside mainly within its amino-terminal two-thirds. The region of BMRP required for the interaction with Bcl-2 is very relevant for the cell death-inducing activity of the protein, suggesting that one possible mechanism by which BMRP induces cell death is by binding to and blocking the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-2.

Uso preoperatorio de fármacos hemostáticos para disminuir la transfusión de hemocomponentes en histerectomía total abdominal / Preoperative use of hemostatic drugs to reduce hemocomponent transfusion in total abdominal hysterectomy

Resumen: Introducción: en la actualidad se usan fármacos para disminuir el sangrado transoperatorio, la transfusión de hemoderivados como el ácido tranexámico que es un antifibrinolítico análogo de la lisina y desmopresina que actúa incrementando de forma autóloga el factor VIII y el factor de Von Willebrand (FVW) en individuos sanos. Objetivo: demostrar la eficacia del uso y seguridad del ácido tranexámico vs desmopresina para disminuir la transfusión de hemocomponentes en pacientes sometidos a histerectomía total abdominal electiva. Material y métodos: se estudiaron 72 pacientes, los cuales se dividieron en dos grupos (36 pacientes cada uno) asignados al azar para recibir ácido tranexámico 10 mg/kg de peso o desmopresina 0.3 mg/kg de peso, ambos por vía intravenosa 20 minutos previo al evento quirúrgico. Resultados: en comparación del ácido tranexámico contra desmopresina para la disminución del sangrado transoperatorio, 100% de las pacientes a las que se les administró el ácido tranexámico no requirieron transfusión de hemoderivados y presentado el 100% de efectividad siendo estadísticamente significativos con un valor de p < 0.05. Conclusiones: la administración de ácido tranexámico resultó más eficaz para disminuir la administración de hemoderivados en pacientes sometidos a histerectomía total abdominal electiva. Además, no se presentaron efectos adversos graves durante su administración.

Abstract: Introduction: drugs are currently used to reduce intraoperative bleeding, transfusion of blood products such as tranexamic acid, which is an antifibinolytic lysine analogue, and desmopressin, which acts by autologously increasing factor VIII and VWF in healthy individuals. Objective: demonstrate the efficacy of the use and safety of tranexamic acid vs desmopressin to reduce the transfusion of blood components in patients undergoing elective total abdominal hysterectomy. Material and methods: 72 patients were studied, divided into two groups (36 patients each one) randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg weight or desmopressin 0.3 mg/kg weight, both intravenously 20 minutes prior to the surgical event. Results: the comparison of tranexamic acid against desmopressin for the reduction of intraoperative bleeding, 100% of the patients who were administered tranexamic acid did not require transfusion of blood products and presented 100% effectiveness, being statistically significant with a value of p < 0.05. Conclusions: the administration of tranexamic acid was more effective in reducing the administration of blood products in patients undergoing elective total abdominal hysterectomy.

Consenso colombiano de expertos sobre recomendaciones basadas en evidencias para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal

Contexto: la enfermedad de Fabry se comporta como una enfermedad crónica con compromiso multisistémico y alto costo en salud. Objetivo: generar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento de la enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal mediante un consenso de expertos. Metodología: a partir de la búsqueda de evidencia en Pubmed, Embase y Google Scholar entre 2010 y agosto 2020, se formulan recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Fabry en población adulta, las cuales se consultan a un panel de expertos a través de la metodología de consenso Delphi modificado. La calidad de los documentos se evaluó por equipo metodológico aplicando herramientas en función del tipo de documento incluido. Resultados: se formularon 53 recomendaciones sobre la definición, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. Un panel de cinco expertos clínicos nacionales e internacionales externos al grupo desarrollador participaron en la consulta preconsenso y 50 recomendaciones fueron acordadas para su inclusión, para tres de ellas se requirió una sesión formal de consenso que se dio en una ronda, incorporando tres nuevas recomendaciones. Conclusiones: las recomendaciones basadas en evidencia y experticia clínica permitirán orientar de manera estandarizada a nivel nacional y regional, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de pacientes con sospecha o enfermedad de Fabry con compromiso renal.

Background: Fabry disease behaves like a chronic condition, with multisystem involvement and high health care costs. Objective: To generate evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of the Anderson-Fabry disease with renal commitment, through an expert consensus. Methodology: Based on the search of evidence in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar between 2010 and August, 2020, recommendations on the definition, diagnosis and treatment of Fabry Disease in adult population were formulated after consulting with an expert panel through the modified Delphi consensus methodology. The quality of the documents was assessed by methodological team applying tools according to the type of document included. Results: 53 recommendations for the definition, diagnosis and treatment were formulated. A panel of five national and international clinical experts external to the developer group participated in the pre-consensus consultation and 50 recommendations were agreed upon for their inclusion. For 3 recommendations, a formal consensus session which took place in one round was required, and 3 new recommendations were incorporated. Conclusions: The recommendations based on evidence and clinical expertise will allow us to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Fabry disease with renal involvement or suspicion thereof in a standardized manner at national and regional levels.

Comparisons of recovery, external and internal load by playing position and match outcome in professional soccer

AIMS: To compare the internal and external load and the recovery by playing position and the match outcome (wins, losses or draws) in professional soccer. METHODS: 23 male professional soccer athletes from a team of the first division of the Brazilian Championship took part into the study (age 26.1 ± 3.8 years old, weight 77.5 ± 5.0 kg, height 177.6 ± 5.1 cm). During the games, athletes were monitored by GPS and the variables of external loads were taken. Additionally, the session rating of perceived exertion (session RPE) and the perceived recovery scale (PRS) were collected 30 minutes and 40h after the end of the matches, respectively. RESULTS: The external load was greater on full-backs and defense midfielders (p<0.05). The full-backs cover higher total distances compared to attackers, and, compared to all the others positions, they have more stimuli > 20 km/h, covering higher distances >20 km/h; these stimuli makes them to perceive less recovered than defenders, defense and attack midfielders (p<0.05). Moreover, the defenders are those who cover lower distances by the minute and the defense midfielders are those who present the lower Peak Velocity (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between GPS variables, internal load and recovery. In addition, it was found a correlation between the external and the internal load (r=0.66; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The GPS variables and the perceived recovery are influenced by the playing position, but not by the match outcome.(AU)

[State of supply services for industrial hygiene and safety in Colombia]. / Estado de la oferta técnica de servicios de higiene y seguridad industrial, Colombia, 2010.

INTRODUCTION: Institutions that supply occupational health services must offer services that are reliable and of high quality across the spectrum of industrial hygiene and safety needs. OBJECTIVE: Services for occupational health were identified at several institutions, and the technical quality and reliability of these services were compared in different regions of Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study identified the services available for industrial hygiene and safety in 15 cities of Colombia. A survey was conducted in 192 institutions offering such services and a statistical analysis of these results was undertaken. This sample was taken from a nationwide list of institutions purportedly licensed for this activity. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent (61) of the evaluated institutions provided hygiene services, and 48% (93) provided safety services. The range of health services was provided on a subcontract basis both for professional personnel and the equipment. Six institutions in the area of industrial hygiene and 1 in the area of industrial security were supplying services with pending or suspended institutional licenses. CONCLUSION: Deficiencies in the quality, infrastructure and levels of automation were identified at institutions that supply services of hygiene and industrial security. The resulting recommendatios are that the Ministry of the Social Protection fortifies mechanisms for (1) the evaluation and control of the supplied services, and (2) verify that the institutional activity is in accordance with current and valid licensing.

A formação de jovens futebolistas além das quatro linhas: uma análise sob a ótica dos técnicos de Brasil e Portugal / The formation of young footballers beyond the four lines: an analysis from the point of view of technicians from Brazil and Portugal / La formación de los jugadores jóvenes más allá de las cuatro líneas: un análisis desde la perspectiva de los técnicos de Brasil y Portugal

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o processo de formação de jovens futebolistas sob a pers-pectiva de técnicos do Brasil e Portugal. Oito técnicos participaram deste estudo, sendo quatro brasileiros e quatro portugueses. Foi utilizada a entrevista semiestruturada, da qual emergiram quatro categorias. O processo de formação de atletas é diferente entre os países. O contexto social e pedagógico no Brasil passa por diversos departamentos específicos antes de chegar ao técnico, por outro lado, em Portugal o técnico tem mais proximidade com as questões sociais que envolvem os atletas. Uma realidade pode aprender com a outra, a fim de que os atletas se desenvolvam não só tecnicamente, mas também desenvolvam outras competências no caso de insucesso no futebol.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the process of training of young soccer players under the perspective of coaches from Brazil and Portugal. Eight coaches took part in the study, being four Brazilian and four Portuguese. A semi-structured interview was used to generate data, from which four categories emerged. The process of training athletes is differ-ent in each country. The social and pedagogical context in Brazil goes through diverse de-partments before coming to the coach; on the other hand, in Portugal the coach is closer to the social factors involving their athletes. Both realities can learn with each other, so that athletes can develop not only technically, but also develop other skills in case of failure in soccer.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el proceso de formación de jóvenes futbolistas desde la perspectiva de técnicos de Brasil y de Portugal. Ocho técnicos participaron en este estudio, cuatro brasileños y cuatro portugueses. Se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada y, a partir de esa entrevista, surgieron cuatro categorías. El proceso de formación de atletas es diferente entre países. El contexto social y educativo en Brasil pasa por varios departamentos específi-cos antes de llegar al técnico. Por el contrario, en Portugal el entrenador tiene más proximidad con las cuestiones sociales que envuelven a los atletas. Una realidad puede aprender con la otra, con el objetivo de que los atletas se desarrollen no apenas técnicamente, sino también que desarrollen otras habilidades en el caso de que no obtengan suceso en el fútbol.

zRICH, a protein induced during optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish, promotes neuritogenesis and interacts with tubulin.

Mammals do not regenerate axons in their central nervous system (CNS) spontaneously. This phenomenon is the cause of numerous medical conditions after damage to nerve fibers in the CNS of humans. The study of the mechanisms of nerve regeneration in other vertebrate animals able to spontaneously regenerate axons in their CNS is essential for understanding nerve regeneration from a scientific point of view, and for developing therapeutic approaches to enhance nerve regeneration in the CNS of humans. RICH proteins are a novel group of proteins implicated in nerve regeneration in the CNS of teleost fish, yet their mechanisms of action are not well understood. A number of mutant versions of the zebrafish RICH (zRICH) protein were generated and characterized at biochemical and cellular levels in our laboratory. With the aim of understanding the effects of RICH proteins in neuronal axon outgrowth, stable transfectants derived from the neuronal model PC12 cell line expressing zRICH Wild-Type or mutant versions of zRICH were studied. Results from differentiation experiments suggest that RICH proteins enhance neuronal plasticity by facilitating neurite branching. Biochemical co-purification results have demonstrated that zRICH binds to the cytoskeletal protein tubulin. The central domain of the protein is sufficient for tubulin binding, but a mutant version of the protein lacking the terminal domains, which cannot bind to the plasma membrane, was not able to enhance neurite branching. RICH proteins may facilitate axon regeneration by regulating the axonal cytoskeleton and facilitating the formation of new neurite branches.

Estado de la oferta técnica de servicios de higiene y seguridad industrial, Colombia, 2010 / State of supply services for industrial hygiene and safety in Colombia

Introducción. Las instituciones prestadoras de servicios de prevención de riesgos laborales tienen la función de ofrecer servicios técnicos y confiables en salud ocupacional, seguridad e higiene industrial. Objetivo. Identificar la oferta de servicios existentes respecto a la prevención de riesgos laborales (parte de higiene y seguridad industrial), considerando sus características técnicas y de calidad, en diferentes regiones del país. Materiales y métodos. Corresponde a un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal (2009-2010) de cobertura nacional (15 ciudades) para identificar la oferta de servicios de higiene y seguridad industrial. Se obtuvo un listado nacional de instituciones con licencia para prestar este tipo de servicios, se seleccionó una muestra de 192 instituciones, se aplicó una encuesta y se hizo el análisis estadístico de la información. Resultados. Sesenta y una (31,77 %) de las instituciones evaluadas prestan servicios de higiene y, 93 (48,44 %), de seguridad industrial. El estudio evidenció una oferta de servicios de higiene basada en la subcontratación. Se encontró que 6 (6,52 %) instituciones en el área de higiene industrial y 1 (0,52 %) en el área de seguridad industrial, no contaban con licencia vigente para la prestación del servicio. Conclusión. Se identificaron deficiencias en la calidad, condiciones de infraestructura y tecnificación de las instituciones que ofrecen servicios de higiene y seguridad industrial. Es necesario que el Ministerio de la Protección Social fortalezca los mecanismos para la evaluación y control de los servicios ofrecidos y revise la forma en que hoy se expiden las licencias que autorizan la prestación de estos servicios.

Introduction. Institutions that supply occupational health services must offer services that are reliable and of high quality across the spectrum of industrial hygiene and safety needs. Objective. Services for occupational health were identified at several institutions, and the technical quality and reliability of these services were compared in different regions of Colombia. Materials and methods. This descriptive study identified the services available for industrial hygiene and safety in 15 cities of Colombia. A survey was conducted in 192 institutions offering such services and a statistical analysis of these results was undertaken. This sample was taken from a nationwide list of institutions purportedly licensed for this activity. Results. Thirty-two percent (61) of the evaluated institutions provided hygiene services, and 48% (93) provided safety services. The range of health services was provided on a subcontract basis both for professional personnel and the equipment. Six institutions in the area of industrial hygiene and 1 in the area of industrial security were supplying services with pending or suspended institutional licenses. Conclusion. Deficiencies in the quality, infrastructure and levels of automation were identified at institutions that supply services of hygiene and industrial security. The resulting recommendatios are that the Ministry of the Social Protection fortifies mechanisms for (1) the evaluation and control of the supplied services, and (2) verify that the institutional activity is in accordance with current and valid licensing.