The mental health continuum-short form: The structure and application for cross-cultural studies-A 38 nation study.

OBJECTIVE: The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) is a brief scale measuring positive human functioning. The study aimed to examine the factor structure and to explore the cross-cultural utility of the MHC-SF using bifactor models and exploratory structural equation modelling. METHOD: Using multigroup confirmatory analysis (MGCFA) we examined the measurement invariance of the MHC-SF in 38 countries (university students, N = 8,066; 61.73% women, mean age 21.55 years). RESULTS: MGCFA supported the cross-cultural replicability of a bifactor structure and a metric level of invariance between student samples. The average proportion of variance explained by the general factor was high (ECV = .66), suggesting that the three aspects of mental health (emotional, social, and psychological well-being) can be treated as a single dimension of well-being. CONCLUSION: The metric level of invariance offers the possibility of comparing correlates and predictors of positive mental functioning across countries; however, the comparison of the levels of mental health across countries is not possible due to lack of scalar invariance. Our study has preliminary character and could serve as an initial assessment of the structure of the MHC-SF across different cultural settings. Further studies on general populations are required for extending our findings.

Study of radioactive contamination in silts and aerosols at Aldama City, Mexico, due to the operation of a yellow-cake processing plant.

The city of Aldama, Chihuahua, Mexico is located 30 km NNE of Chihuahua city. Three high-volume collectors with PM10 heads were placed in specific locations in Aldama during the year 2011 to measure radioisotope concentrations in the air. The city area of 16 km² was divided into 64 squares of 500 × 500 m. At the vertices of the grid, silt samples were taken between January and June 2011, before the rains began. The concentrations of natural, cosmogenic, and anthropogenic radioactive isotopes were calculated in both filters and silts samples. The isotopes selected for the measurement were ²³8U, ²³²Th, (7)Be, ¹³7Cs, and 4°K. Measurements of PM10 and silts were performed during 2011, coinciding with the accident at Fukushima, Japan, on March 11. For this reason, we could see the ¹³7Cs in PM10 increase between April and July; with the arrival of the rains, the ¹³7Cs concentration began to decrease in the air. The concentration of PM10 measured by the equipment located at the Mexican Uranium plant (URAMEX, initials in Spanish) that was processing radioactive ores exceeded the standard values in February and March, when the air velocity increases. At City Hall, the concentration of PM10 surpassed the value of the standard between May and July. This increased concentration is likely due to increased automobile traffic because City Hall is located in the city center. At a private home, the concentration of PM10 surpassed the standard on several days during the year because the home is located on the outskirts of the city, where most of the streets are not paved. Due to the high concentrations of PM10, especially at the collection point located at the private home, it is necessary to start taking steps to mitigate their spread before they cause health problems in the younger population and in older adults.

Impact of warm-up methods on strength-speed for sprinters in athletics: a mini review.

In athletics, achieving peak performance during competitions is crucial. Warm-up strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the strength-speed performance of sprinters in athletics, especially tailored to the physiological demands of speed events. The need to balance flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance power output makes the selection of an effective warm-up protocol essential. This narrative review examines different warm-up methods used by athletes and their effects on strength-speed in sprinters in athletics. The main findings indicate that Foam Rolling (FR), Isometric Exercises and Pre-Competitive Massages have no significant effects on sprint performance. Static stretching and prolonged Pre-Competitive Massages have negative impacts on strength and power. The Vibration Platform enhances step length, step rate and running velocity, jump height and total number of jumps performed in a 30-s period in non-experienced sprinters. Eccentric Exercise increases vertical force, Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) demonstrates a reduction in 100-meter time and short-term improvement in vertical and horizontal jumps. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) significantly improving jump height and flight time. Various warm-up methods have been identified, some focusing on flexibility, others potentially detrimental, and some enhancing strength and power. Implementing effective warm-ups, particularly those promoting strength and power, poses a challenge for coaches seeking reliable alternatives to boost performance.

[Use of cinacalcet in secondary hyperparathyroidism: assessment of nutritional, lipid and inflammatory status in chronic kidney disease]. / Uso de cinacalcet en hiperparatiroidismo secundario: evaluación del estado nutricional, lipídico e inflamatorio en enfermedad renal crónica.

Introduction: Introduction: observations in cell lines suggest that the use of cinacalcet could be associated with increase in body fat, inflammatory state, and alteration in lipid metabolism. However, when scaling the model to the clinical level, the occurrence of these effects is unknown. Objectives: to analyze the effect of cinacalcet therapy on anthropometric, inflammatory and lipid parameters in renal patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: observational study with two approaches. The retrospective study included 89 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2018 with a maximum follow-up of 36 months. Body mass index (BMI) variables, waist circumference, tricipital skinfold, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and biochemical profile were analyzed. The prospective study included 52 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2020 with a 12-month follow-up. BMI, PTH, lipid profile, and PCR variables were analyzed. Results: in the retrospective study, BMI was 27 kg/m2, with 62 % overweight and 65 % of patients with high cardiovascular risk. Cinacalcet reduced PTH by 12 % after six months (p < 0.01) and serum calcium decreased by 3.4 % at the end of follow-up (p = 0.04). According to the prospective study, BMI was 26.8 kg/m2, with 60 % overweight. PTH decreased by 8.4 % after six months. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased by 6.8 %, 12.5 %, and 5.5 %, respectively, at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: the prevalent nutritional status is excess weight. In patients with SHPT, cinacalcet improves PTH control without causing changes in anthropometric, lipid, and inflammatory parameters.

Introducción: Introducción: observaciones en líneas celulares sugieren que el uso de cinacalcet podría asociarse con un aumento de grasa corporal y del estado inflamatorio y una alteración del metabolismo lipídico. Sin embargo, al escalar el modelo a nivel clínico se desconoce la ocurrencia de estos efectos. Objetivos: analizar el efecto de la terapia con cinacalcet sobre parámetros antropométricos, inflamatorios y lipídicos en pacientes renales con hiperparatiroidismo secundario (HPT2). Métodos: estudio observacional con dos aproximaciones. El estudio retrospectivo incluyó 89 pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento de cinacalcet desde el año 2018 con un seguimiento máximo de 36 meses. Se analizaron variables de índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de cintura, pliegue tricipital, paratohormona (PTH) y perfil bioquímico. El estudio prospectivo incluyó 52 pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento con cinacalcet desde el año 2020 con un seguimiento de 12 meses. Se analizaron variables de IMC, PTH, perfil lipídico y proteína C reactiva (PCR). Resultados: en el estudio retrospectivo, el IMC fue de 27 kg/m2, con un 62 % de exceso de peso y un 65 % de los pacientes con riesgo cardiovascular elevado. Cinacalcet redujo la PTH un 12 % luego de seis meses (p < 0,01) y el calcio sérico disminuyó un 3,4 % al final del seguimiento (p = 0,04). En el estudio prospectivo, el IMC fue de 26,8 kg/m2, con un 60 % de exceso de peso. La PTH disminuyó un 8,4 % luego de seis meses. El colesterol total, el colesterol LDL y los triglicéridos disminuyeron en un 6,8 %, 12,5 % y 5,5 %, respectivamente, al finalizar el seguimiento. Conclusiones: el estado nutricional prevalente es el exceso de peso. En pacientes con HPT2 cinacalcet mejora el control de la PTH sin provocar cambios en parámetros antropométricos, lipídicos e inflamatorios.

Comparison of the Sensitivity of Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae-Meliponini) and Apis mellifera (Apidae-Apini) to Three Insecticides (Malathion, Imidacloprid, and Fipronil) Used in Costa Rica.

The decline of insect pollinators is a significant concern within the current biodiversity crisis. The paradox between the benefits that these animals represent to humans and the evidence of human activities driving their extinction calls for the urgent protection of bees. To address the role of chemical pollution in this scenario, we assessed the acute toxicity as well as four biomarker responses (cholinesterase [ChE], glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation [LPO]) elicited by dietary 24-h exposure to three insecticides (malathion, imidacloprid, and fipronil) on the stingless neotropical bee Tetragonisca angustula and the honeybee Apis mellifera. Malathion was the most toxic substance to both species, with 48-h median lethal doses (LD50s) of 0.25 ng/bee to A. mellifera and 0.02 ng/bee to T. angustula. Fipronil was also highly toxic and presented a similar toxicity to both species, with 48-h LD50s of 0.5 ng/bee (A. mellifera) and 0.4 ng/bee (T. angustula). Imidacloprid had the lowest acute toxicity with a 48-h LD50 of 29 ng/bee for A. mellifera, whereas T. angustula tolerated exposure higher than 35 ng/bee. Apparent biomarker responses were observed in bees of both species that survived exposure to higher concentrations of malathion (ChE inhibition) and fipronil (increased LPO). Our results suggest that specific sensitivity to insecticides varies greatly among compounds and pollinator species, but the use of different representative species can facilitate the prioritization of substances regarding their risk to pollinators. Further research is necessary to better characterize the risk that pesticides represent in neotropical agricultural landscapes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1022-1031. © 2023 SETAC.

Inflammatory macrophages prevent colonic goblet and enteroendocrine cell differentiation through Notch signaling.

Inflammatory macrophages in the intestine are a key pathogenic factor driving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we report the role of inflammatory macrophage-mediated notch signaling on secretory lineage differentiation in the intestinal epithelium. Utilizing IL-10-deficient (Il10-/-) mice, a model of spontaneous colitis, we found an increase in Notch activity in the colonic epithelium as well as an increase in intestinal macrophages expressing Notch ligands, which are increased in macrophages upon inflammatory stimuli. Furthermore, a co-culture system of inflammatory macrophages and intestinal stem and proliferative cells during differentiation reduced goblet and enteroendocrine cells. This was recapitulated when utilizing a Notch agonist on human colonic organoids (colonoids). In summary, our findings indicate that inflammatory macrophages upregulate notch ligands that activate notch signaling in ISC via cell-cell interactions, which in turn inhibits secretory lineage differentiation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Genomic assessment reveals signal of adaptive selection in populations of the Spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus from the Tropical Eastern Pacific.

Background: The lack of barriers in the marine environment has promoted the idea of panmixia in marine organisms. However, oceanographic conditions and habitat characteristics have recently been linked to genetic structure in marine species. The Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) is characterized by dynamic current systems and heterogeneous oceanographic conditions. The Gulf of Panama (part of the equatorial segment for the TEP) is influenced by a complex current system and heterogeneous environment, which has been shown to limit the gene flow for shoreline species. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has contributed to detect genetic differences in previously reported panmictic species by the assessment of loci associated with selection and to understand how selection acts affects marine populations. Lutjanus guttatus is a species distributed in the TEP for which previous studies using mitochondrial data recovered a panmictic pattern along its distributional range. In this study, we used SNP data of L. guttatus individuals sampled along its range to evaluate population genetic structure and investigate whether oceanographic factors influence the species' genetic architecture. Finally, we assessed the role of adaptive selection by evaluating the contribution of outlier and neutral loci to genetic divergence. Methods: The RADcap method was used to obtain 24 million paired reads for 123 individuals of L. guttatus covering nearly all its distributional area. Genetic variation was assessed using both spatial and non-spatial methods by comparing three different data sets: (i) a Combined Loci (CL dataset = 2003 SNPs); a search for putative loci under selection allowed the evaluation of (ii) Neutral Loci (NL dataset = 1858 SNPs) and (iii) Outlier Loci (OL dataset = 145 SNPs). We used the estimating effective migration surface (EEMS) approach to detect possible barriers to gene flow. Results: Genetic differences were found in the OL dataset, showing two clusters (Northern and Southern), whereas NL showed no differences. This result may be related to the Selection-Migration balance model. The limit between the Northern and Southern groups was in the Gulf of Panama, which has been previously identified as a barrier to gene flow for other species, mainly due to its heterogeneous oceanographic conditions. The results suggest that selection plays an important role in generating genetic differences in Lutjanus guttatus. A migration corridor was detected that coincides with the Costa Rica Coastal Current that flows from Central America to the Gulf of California, allowing the homogenization of the northern population. In the Southern cluster, a migration corridor was observed with the OL from Panama to Colombia, which could be associated with the currents found in the Gulf of Panama. Genetic variation found in the OL of Lutjanus guttatus highlights the usefulness of NGS data in evaluating the role of selection in population differentiation.

Uranium in the surrounding of San Marcos-Sacramento River environment (Chihuahua, Mexico).

The main interest of this study is to assess whether uranium deposits located in the San Marcos outcrops (NW of Chihuahua City, Mexico) could be considered as a source of U-isotopes in its surrounding environment. Uranium activity concentrations were determined in biota, ground, and surface water by either alpha or liquid scintillation spectrometries. Major ions were analyzed by ICP-OES in surface water and its suspended matter. For determining uranium activity in biota, samples were divided in parts. The results have shown a possible lixiviation and infiltration of uranium from geological substrate into the ground and surface water, and consequently, a transfer to biota. Calculated annual effective doses by ingestion suggest that U-isotopes in biota could not negligibly contribute to the neighboring population dose. By all these considerations, it is concluded that in this zone there is natural enhancement of uranium in all environmental samples analyzed in the present work.

The Recruitment of the Recalcitrant-Seeded Cryptocarya alba (Mol.) Looser, Established via Direct Seeding Is Mainly Affected by the Seed Source and Forest Cover.

Natural regeneration of recalcitrant-seeded tree species is strongly limited in Mediterranean-type climate zones due to increasing droughts imposed by climate change. Direct seeding can be a low-cost alternative to seedling establishment, but there is still limited information for some species. This study aimed to assess the effects of the seed source and forest cover on the germination and survival of the endemic Cryptocarya alba Mol. established through direct seeding. Three habitat types differing in forest cover were identified within the natural park Reserva Natural Altos de Cantillana, Metropolitan Region, Chile. The forest cover corresponded to open (canopy density <25%), semi-dense (canopy density around 50%), and dense forest (canopy density >75%). All forest cover had C. alba as one of the dominant species. At each habitat type, 38 families from four seed sources (Cuesta La Dormida (CD), Antumapu (AN), Cantillana (CA, local seed source) and Cayumanque (CY)) were directly seeded. Germination (Germin) and survival (Surv) were evaluated weekly during one growing season. There were significant differences between seed sources in Germin and Surv, with means values varying from 7.8% to 37% for Germin and 0% to 20% for Surv. The local seed source CA had the highest values in both traits. A significant variation was also observed between families within seed sources only for Germin. The dense forest cover had the highest Germin (22%) and Surv (55%) results compared to the other forest cover types, which was partially associated with differences in soil moisture, temperature, and bulk density. Due to the most frequent droughts in these Mediterranean-type climate zones, the use of local seeds on dense forest cover is recommended for the direct seeding of the species in the initial recruitment.

Effect of the Soil Matric Potential on the Germination Capacity of Prosopis chilensis, Quillaja saponaria and Cryptocarya alba from Contrasting Geographical Origins.

As a consequence of the megadrought in Central Chile, it is expected that most of the distribution of woody species will be narrowed in the northern limits because of restrictions imposed by soil matric potential on seed germination. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the soil matric potential on seed germination and initial recruitment of the sclerophyllous species Prosopis chilensis, Quillaja saponaria and Cryptocarya alba from contrasting geographic origins (i.e., seed sources). We evaluated the germination capacity (%) under different matric potentials (i.e., 0, -6, -33, -750 and -1250 kPa) for 100 days. Soil matric potential of -1250 kPa negatively affected the germination capacity of the three species. P. chilensis seeds stopped germinating under soil matric potential close to -1200 kPa, whereas in Q. saponaria and C. alba the complete inhibition of germination was under -1000 kPa. Seed sources also differed in their germination capacity by soil matric potential: northern seed sources of P. chilensis germinated with the lowest soil matric potential. There was no clear trend in Q. saponaria and C. alba, but in general, southern seed sources performed better than the northern ones. The results showed that Ñ°m in the soil played an important role in the germinative capacity against different seed source origins, but not in soils with a north-south gradient.

The COVID-19 Symptom to Isolation Cascade in a Latinx Community: A Call to Action.

BACKGROUND: Rapid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis and isolation of infectious persons are critical to stopping forward transmission, and the care cascade framework can identify gaps in the COVID-19 response. METHODS: We described a COVID-19 symptom to isolation cascade and barriers among symptomatic persons who tested polymerase chain reaction positive for severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at a low-barrier testing site serving a low-income Latinx community in San Francisco. Steps in the cascade are defined as days from symptom onset to test, test to result, and result to counseling on self-isolation. We examined SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold (Ct) values to assess the likelihood of infectiousness on the day of testing and during missed isolation days. RESULTS: Among 145 persons, 97% were Latinx and 81% had an income of <$50 000. The median time from symptom onset to isolation (interquartile range [IQR]) was 7 (5-10) days, leaving a median (IQR) of 3 (0-6) days of isolation. Eighty-three percent had moderate to high levels of virus (Ct <33), but by disclosure 23% were out of their isolation period. The longest intervals were symptom onset to test (median [IQR], 4 [2-9] days) and test to results notification (median [IQR], 3 [2-4] days). Access to a test site was the most common barrier to testing, and food and income loss was the most common barrier to isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the 10-day isolation period passed by the time of disclosure, and over a fifth of people were likely outside the window of infectiousness by the time they received results. Improvements in test access and turnaround time, plus support for isolation, are needed for epidemic control of SARS-CoV-2 in highly impacted communities.

Objective and subjective indicators of happiness in Brazil: the mediating role of social class.

The authors tested the proposition that monetary household income affects subjective well-being (E. Deiner, E. M. Suh, R. E. Lucas, & H. L. Smith, 1999) through the mediating mechanisms of objective and subjective social classes. The present authors drew a representative sample in a door-to-door survey format from a Brazilian urban center. Using a back-translated version of E. Diener, R. A. Emmons, R. J. Larson, and S. Griffin's (1985) Satisfaction With Life Scale, the present authors demonstrated a significant relation with income. However, this effect was mediated by objectively and subjectively measured social classes. These effects reinforce, extend, and internationally generalize the Person x Situation perspective elaborated by E. Diener et al. (1999).

Correlation between meteorological parameters and nitrogen compounds present in wastewater in the formation of nitrous oxide in soils.

In the present work, nitrous oxide emissions were estimated [mg/L] by the use of lysimeters under the closed chamber technique for a six month period. The lysimeters were classified by the type of irrigation used: one for drinking water, and the other for treated wastewater. Each lysimeter had two different types of soil (sand and clay), based on the types of soil in Chihuahua City, Mexico. An additional classification based on the depth was done (reticular and vadose zone). Each zone collected gas by the use of a closed chamber technique, allowing the samples to be taken for subsequent quantification and analysis by gas chromatography. A statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were conducted to identify the most influential variables or parameters in the formation of nitrous oxide. The variables that were considered for analysis were total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), and nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), along with meteorological parameters. In total, 58944 mg/L of N2O were emitted during the measurement period. The results showed that concentration emissions of N2O where the type of soil is sandy were smaller than those of clay soil, while the mean concentration in the vadose zone was higher than those in the reticular zone, regardless the type of soil. The parameters that showed greater influence in the N2O emissions were NO2-N and NO3-N concentrations. Temperature also played an important role in the emissions (the highest emissions were emitted during the cold months). Furthermore, denitrification appeared to be the dominant process in the production of nitrous oxide in soils. Implications: Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions produced in lysimeters with two types of soil (sand and clay) at two different depths (vadose and reticular zones) using treated waste water showed that the higher emissions of N2O are derived from clay soils in vadose zone; it could be due to the formation of clogging that favors the formation of anoxic conditions for the denitrification process. The parameters that showed more influence in the N2O emissions were nitrite (NO2-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) concentrations along with the temperature.

Uso de cinacalcet en hiperparatiroidismo secundario: evaluación del estado nutricional, lipídico e inflamatorio en enfermedad renal crónica / Use of cinacalcet in secondary hyperparathyroidism: assessment of nutritional, lipid and inflammatory status in chronic kidney disease

Introducción: observaciones en líneas celulares sugieren que el uso de cinacalcet podría asociarse con un aumento de grasa corporal y del estado inflamatorio y una alteración del metabolismo lipídico. Sin embargo, al escalar el modelo a nivel clínico se desconoce la ocurrencia de estos efectos. Objetivos: analizar el efecto de la terapia con cinacalcet sobre parámetros antropométricos, inflamatorios y lipídicos en pacientes renales con hiperparatiroidismo secundario (HPT2). Métodos: estudio observacional con dos aproximaciones. El estudio retrospectivo incluyó 89 pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento de cinacalcet desde el año 2018 con un seguimiento máximo de 36 meses. Se analizaron variables de índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de cintura, pliegue tricipital, paratohormona (PTH) y perfil bioquímico. El estudio prospectivo incluyó 52 pacientes que iniciaron tratamiento con cinacalcet desde el año 2020 con un seguimiento de 12 meses. Se analizaron variables de IMC, PTH, perfil lipídico y proteína C reactiva (PCR). Resultados: en el estudio retrospectivo, el IMC fue de 27 kg/m2, con un 62 % de exceso de peso y un 65 % de los pacientes con riesgo cardiovascular elevado. Cinacalcet redujo la PTH un 12 % luego de seis meses (p < 0,01) y el calcio sérico disminuyó un 3,4 % al final del seguimiento (p = 0,04). En el estudio prospectivo, el IMC fue de 26,8 kg/m2, con un 60 % de exceso de peso. La PTH disminuyó un 8,4 % luego de seis meses. El colesterol total, el colesterol LDL y los triglicéridos disminuyeron en un 6,8 %, 12,5 % y 5,5 %, respectivamente, al finalizar el seguimiento. Conclusiones: el estado nutricional prevalente es el exceso de peso. En pacientes con HPT2 cinacalcet mejora el control de la PTH sin provocar cambios en parámetros antropométricos, lipídicos e inflamatorios. (AU)

Introduction: observations in cell lines suggest that the use of cinacalcet could be associated with increase in body fat, inflammatory state, and alteration in lipid metabolism. However, when scaling the model to the clinical level, the occurrence of these effects is unknown. Objectives: to analyze the effect of cinacalcet therapy on anthropometric, inflammatory and lipid parameters in renal patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Methods: observational study with two approaches. The retrospective study included 89 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2018 with a maximum follow-up of 36 months. Body mass index (BMI) variables, waist circumference, tricipital skinfold, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and biochemical profile were analyzed. The prospective study included 52 patients who started cinacalcet treatment since 2020 with a 12-month follow-up. BMI, PTH, lipid profile, and PCR variables were analyzed. Results: in the retrospective study, BMI was 27 kg/m2, with 62 % overweight and 65 % of patients with high cardiovascular risk. Cinacalcet reduced PTH by 12 % after six months (p < 0.01) and serum calcium decreased by 3.4 % at the end of follow-up (p = 0.04). According to the prospective study, BMI was 26.8 kg/m2 , with 60 % overweight. PTH decreased by 8.4 % after six months. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased by 6.8 %, 12.5 %, and 5.5 %, respectively, at the end of follow-up. Conclusions: the prevalent nutritional status is excess weight. In patients with SHPT, cinacalcet improves PTH control without causing changes in anthropometric, lipid, and inflammatory parameters. (AU)

Comparación de series mensuales de precipitación y temperaturas de los Modelos CMIP6 para Guatemala / Monthly series comparison of precipitation and temperatures of the CMIP6 Models for Guatemala

Se comparan las métricas de 37 modelos climáticos globales (GCMs, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Fase 6 del Proyecto de Intercomparación de Modelos Acoplados (CMIP6) con el objetivo de simular el clima de Guatemala del periodo de 1971 al 2014. La temperatura y precipitación mensual fue comparada con los datos de observación de la Unidad De Investigación Climática de la Universidad del este de Anglia (CRU). Se generó un ranquin de modelos basado en la menor distancia entre tres dimisiones basado en tres métricas; Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson (CCP), Error medio cuadrático (RMSE) y Desviación estándar (DS). Este ordenamiento coincide con los mejores valores de eficiencia Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) para temperatura y eficiencia Kling-Gupta (KGE) para la precipitación, demás se calculan las métricas; coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (CCS), errores de sesgo medio (MBE) y el absoluto medio (MAE). Para precipitación los primeros 5 modelos presentan valores KGE de entre 0.5 y 0.7, el CCP y CCS entre 0.7 a 0.8 comparados con CRU. Para temperatura los primeros 5 modelos presenta valores de NSE de entre 0.5 a 0.6, CCP y CCS de 0.8. Los modelos sobreestiman levemente la temperatura y subestiman la precipitación. Los modelos con mejor habilidad fueron CIESM para temperatura¼ y el modelo IPSL-CM6A-LR para precipitación. Adicionalmente se compara el promedio de 66 estaciones locales con CRU, presentando un KGE de 0.51, CCP de 0.77 para precipitación y NSE de -0.17 y un CCP de 0.20 para temperatura. Finalmente, se presenta una tabla con los 10 primeros modelos para cada variable.

Metrics from 37 global climate models (GCMs) from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) with the purpose of simulating the climate of Guatemalan from 1971 to 2014. Monthly temperature and precipitation were compared with data from observation of the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia (CRU). A ranking of models was generated based on the shortest distance between three resignations based on three metrics; Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (PCC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Standard Deviation (SD). This ordering coincides with the best values of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) for temperature and Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) for precipitation; other metrics are calculated; Spearman's correlation coefficient (CCS), mean bias errors (MBE), and mean absolute error (MAE). For precipitation, the first 5 models present KGE values between 0.5 and 0.7, the CCP and CCS between 0.7 and 0.8 compared to CRU. For temperature, the first 5 models present NSE values between 0.5 to 0.6, CCP, and CCS of 0.8. The models slightly overestimate temperature and underestimate precipitation. The models with the best ability were CIESM for temperature and the IPSL-CM6A-LR model for precipitation. Additionally, the average of 66 local stations is compared with CRU, presenting a KGE of 0.51, CCP of 0.77 for precipitation, and NSE of -0.,17, and a CCP of 0.20 for temperature. Finally, a table is presented with the first 10 models for each variable.

Comportamiento meteorológico durante la sequía de medio verano en Guatemala / Meteorological behavior during the mid-summer drought in Guatemala

El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en explorar el comportamiento histórico de la temperatura, precipitación y la radiación saliente de onda larga (OLR) para Guatemala, durante el período de sequía de medio verano (canícula). El procedimiento metodológico partió del uso de la base de datos de 38 estaciones meteorológicas del Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología, de Guatemala (Insivumeh), del periodo de 1971-2019. Se realizaron promedios para cada región del país; Norte, Caribe, Franja Trasversal, Pacífico, Boca Costa, Oriente y Altiplano. Mediante series de tiempo con resolución temporal diaria, se evaluaron señales de cambio y se hicieron gráficas de OLR con la base de datos del Centro Nacional de Predicción Ambiental (NCEP, por sus siglas en inglés) de 2.5° x 2.5° de resolución. Los resultados muestran que la temperatura ha aumentado en dicho periodo, encontrando que en algunas regiones climáticas el aumento ha sido de 1 ºC y en otras de 2 ºC. Asimismo, se encontró que los días sin lluvia tienen una tendencia hacia el aumento, al igual que la radiación saliente de onda larga. La canícula, es un fenómeno meteorológico que está siendo afectado por el cambio climático, y en la medida que se siga experimentando un calentamiento diferencial entre los océanos Pacífico y Atlántico, influirá en el cambio de clima para Guatemala. En conclusión, durante la canícula se manifestaron señales de tendencia hacia el aumento de la temperatura, aumento de días sin lluvia y aumento de OLR.

The objective of this research was to explore the historical behavior of temperature, precipitation and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) for Guatemala, during the midsummer drought period (canícula). The methodological procedure was based on the use of the database of 38 stations of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology, of Guatemala (Insivumeh), from the period 1971-2019. Averages were made for each region of the country; North, Caribbean, Transversal Strip, Pacific, Boca Costa, East and Altiplano. Using time series with daily temporal resolution, signals of change were evaluated and OLR plots were made using the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) database at 2.5° x 2.5° resolution. The results show that the temperature has reached in this period, finding that in some climatic regions the increase has been 1 ºC and in others 2 ºC. Likewise, it was found that the days without rain have a tendency to increase, as well as the outstanding longwave radiation. The heat wave is a meteorological phenomenon that is being affected by climate change, and to the extent that differential heating between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans continues to be experienced, it will influence the climate change for Guatemala. In conclusion, during the heat wave there are signs of a trend towards an increase in temperature, an increase in days without rain and an increase in OLR,

La trazabilidad en las mediciones del laboratorio clínico: impacto en la calidad y seguridad del paciente / Traceability in clinical laboratory measurements: impact on quality and patient safety

Las mediciones confiables, trazables metrológicamente y comparables proporcionan la base racional para la evaluación de la calidad de un resultado y el fortalecimiento de las redes de laboratorios clínicos, lo cual permite mejorar la calidad de atención y la seguridad del paciente. En este documento se revisan los principios básicos que deben seguirse para garantizar la trazabilidad de las mediciones del laboratorio clínico, las ventajas de utilizar métodos trazables, el impacto de no hacerlo, y se discuten las principales limitaciones para relacionar las mediciones con los estándares de medición de referencia apropiados

Reliable, metrologically traceable, and comparable measurements provide the rationale for evaluating the quality of a result and strengthening clinical laboratory networks, thereby improving quality of care and patient safety. This document reviews the basic principles that must be followed to ensure the traceability of clinical laboratory results, the advantages of using traceable methods, the impact of not doing so, and the main limitations in relating measurements to appropriate reference standards

Variables del Sistema Comprehensivo de Rorschach predictivas del proceso de Toma de Decisiones / Comprehensive Rorschach System predictive variables of the decision-making process

RESUMEN Se realizó una investigación aplicada, con enfoque cuantitativo y de diseño no experimental tipo transversal/descriptivo. El estudio tiene como objetivo identificar las variables del Sistema Comprehensivo de Rorschach (SCR), predictivas del proceso de toma de decisiones. La muestra, seleccionada de manera intencional, no probabilística, quedó constituida por 50 adultos. Los métodos empíricos utilizados fueron la entrevista, el Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) o Tarea de apuestas y el Psicodiagnóstico de Rorschach. Los estadígrafos utilizados fueron la prueba de bondad de ajuste de Shapiro-Wilks, el análisis de correlación de Spearman (rho) y la Regresión logística binaria. Se identificó el estilo de lambda como la principal variable predictora, responsable de las variaciones encontradas en la Tarea de apuestas.

ABSTRACT An applied research was carried out, with a quantitative approach, and a non-experimental cross-sectional / descriptive design. The study aims to identify the variables of the Comprehensive Rorschach System (SCR), predictive of the decision-making process. The sample, selected intentionally, not probabilistically, was made up of 50 adults. The empirical methods used were the interview, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) or Gambling Task and the Rorschach Psychodiagnosis. The statistics used were the Shapiro-Wilks goodness-of-fit test, Spearman's correlation analysis (rho), and binary logistic regression. LAMBDA was the most important predictive variable of the variations found in the Gambling Task.

Racial differences in cesareans: an analysis of U.S. 2001 National Inpatient Sample Data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate racial differences in potentially unnecessary cesareans in the United States. METHODS: The 2001 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to analyze various maternal demographic and clinical parameters among women having cesarean deliveries. For the purpose of our study, if there were no diagnoses related to cesarean delivery on the discharge certificate, the cesarean was classified as potentially unnecessary RESULTS: Using our methodology, 11% of 540,174 primary and 65% of 371,863 repeat cesareans for the year 2001 in the United States were classified as potentially unnecessary. After controlling for age, payment source, ZIP income, admission day, region of the country, and hospital size, location, and teaching status, black women had a higher likelihood of having potentially unnecessary primary cesareans when compared with white (P < .001) or Hispanic women (P < .001). White women had a higher likelihood of having potentially unnecessary repeat cesareans than black women (P < .001), although the magnitude of the odds ratio for race was not as striking as in primary cesarean. Potentially unnecessary primary cesareans were also more likely to occur in women aged 35 years or older, Medicare patients, weekend admissions, or those residing in the South or Northeast. Potentially unnecessary repeat cesareans were more likely to occur in women younger than 35 years, in rural hospitals, and in weekday admissions. CONCLUSION: In the United States, racial differences exist in the proportion of cesarean deliveries that are potentially unnecessary. Further exploration of these differences is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.