[History and challenges of clinical simulation in the learning of procedural skills by nursing students]. / El rol de la simulación en el aprendizaje de habilidades procedimentales en estudiantes de enfermería: historia y desafíos.

Procedural skills are essential in the nursing profession and should be acquired during undergraduate training according to new regulations. Clinical simulation is a good alternative to teach such skills. During COVID pandemic, face-to-face learning activities were reduced to a minimum amount, thus hampering the use of clinical simulations. Since simulations should adapt to the new scenario, their virtual implementation appears as an alternative. The latter should become an important teaching tool while restrictions in mobility last. We herein review the evolution of clinical simulation as a teaching tool and to determine its future challenges.

El rol de la simulación en el aprendizaje de habilidades procedimentales en estudiantes de enfermería: historia y desafíos / History and challenges of clinical simulation in the learning of procedural skills by nursing students

Procedural skills are essential in the nursing profession and should be acquired during undergraduate training according to new regulations. Clinical simulation is a good alternative to teach such skills. During COVID pandemic, face-to-face learning activities were reduced to a minimum amount, thus hampering the use of clinical simulations. Since simulations should adapt to the new scenario, their virtual implementation appears as an alternative. The latter should become an important teaching tool while restrictions in mobility last. We herein review the evolution of clinical simulation as a teaching tool and to determine its future challenges.

[Results of the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis through hemiarthroplasty]. / Resultados del tratamiento de la artrosis glenohumeral primaria mediante hemiartroplastía.

INTRODUCTION: Glenohumeral osteoarthritis leads to a functional loss and a decrease in the quality of life of many patients that suffers it. Currently there is no agreement on the use of hemiarthroplasty or total arthroplasty as definitive treatment. The objective is to show the results of the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis through hemiarthroplasty in our service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 14 patients (19 hemiarthroplasties) performed between 2004 and 2013 in patients diagnosed with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis without glenoid morphological anomaly. We managed to collect data from eight patients (11 hemiarthroplasties), assessing functional status, pain, and performing activities of daily living using the Constant, ASES and DASH scores preoperatively and at five years of minimum follow-up (range 5-11 years), as well as related complications. The preoperative status was compared to the end of the follow-up. RESULTS: A significant improvement was found in all the parameters analyzed in the study (p. CONCLUSION: < 0.05). The average pain in EVA score decreased from 8.89 to 2.67. The ASES improved from 13.51 to 63. 51 half point. The Constant increase of 20.11 points to 65.11 points. The mean preoperative score in the DASH score was 73.68 and 28.30 postoperatively. The average survival of the implant was 81.82% in the seven years of average follow-up. Shoulder hemiarthroplasty obtains good functional results in the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with few complications. The cause of the failure were glenoid erosion in all the cases.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La artrosis glenohumeral conlleva a una pérdida funcional y a una disminución de la calidad de vida de muchos pacientes. Actualmente, no existe consenso en cuanto al uso de la hemiartroplastía o la artroplastía total como tratamiento definitivo para este padecimiento. El objetivo es mostrar los resultados del tratamiento de la artrosis glenohumeral primaria mediante hemiartroplastía en nuestro servicio. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisamos 19 hemiartroplastías (14 pacientes) realizadas entre 2004 y 2013 en pacientes con artrosis glenohumeral primaria sin alteración morfológica glenoidea. Se recabaron los datos de ocho pacientes (11 hemiartroplastías), valorándose el estado funcional, el dolor y la realización de actividades de la vida diaria mediante las escalas Constant, ASES y DASH preoperatorias, a los cinco años de seguimiento mínimo (rango 5-11 años), así como las complicaciones presentadas. Se comparó el estado preoperatorio y al final del seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una mejoría estadísticamente significativa (p. CONCLUSIÓN: < 0.05) en todos los parámetros analizados en el estudio. La media del dolor en la escala EVA disminuyó de 8.89 a 2.67. La escala ASES mejoró de 13.51 a 63.51 puntos de media. El Constant aumentó de 20.11 a 65.11 puntos. La puntuación media preoperatoria en la escala DASH fue de 73.68 y la postoperatoria de 28.30 puntos. La supervivencia media del implante fue de 81.82% a los siete años de seguimiento medio. Obtuvimos buenos resultados funcionales con la artrosis glenohumeral primaria, presentándose pocas complicaciones. La causa del fracaso fue la erosión glenoidea.

Resultados del tratamiento de la artrosis glenohumeral primaria mediante hemiartroplastía / Results of the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis through hemiarthroplasty

Resumen: Introducción: La artrosis glenohumeral conlleva a una pérdida funcional y a una disminución de la calidad de vida de muchos pacientes. Actualmente, no existe consenso en cuanto al uso de la hemiartroplastía o la artroplastía total como tratamiento definitivo para este padecimiento. El objetivo es mostrar los resultados del tratamiento de la artrosis glenohumeral primaria mediante hemiartroplastía en nuestro servicio. Material y métodos: Revisamos 19 hemiartroplastías (14 pacientes) realizadas entre 2004 y 2013 en pacientes con artrosis glenohumeral primaria sin alteración morfológica glenoidea. Se recabaron los datos de ocho pacientes (11 hemiartroplastías), valorándose el estado funcional, el dolor y la realización de actividades de la vida diaria mediante las escalas Constant, ASES y DASH preoperatorias, a los cinco años de seguimiento mínimo (rango 5-11 años), así como las complicaciones presentadas. Se comparó el estado preoperatorio y al final del seguimiento. Resultados: Se encontró una mejoría estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.05) en todos los parámetros analizados en el estudio. La media del dolor en la escala EVA disminuyó de 8.89 a 2.67. La escala ASES mejoró de 13.51 a 63.51 puntos de media. El Constant aumentó de 20.11 a 65.11 puntos. La puntuación media preoperatoria en la escala DASH fue de 73.68 y la postoperatoria de 28.30 puntos. La supervivencia media del implante fue de 81.82% a los siete años de seguimiento medio. Conclusión: Obtuvimos buenos resultados funcionales con la artrosis glenohumeral primaria, presentándose pocas complicaciones. La causa del fracaso fue la erosión glenoidea.

Abstract: Introduction: Glenohumeral osteoarthritis leads to a functional loss and a decrease in the quality of life of many patients that suffers it. Currently there is no agreement on the use of hemiarthroplasty or total arthroplasty as definitive treatment. The objective is to show the results of the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis through hemiarthroplasty in our service. Material and methods: We reviewed 14 patients (19 hemiarthroplasties) performed between 2004 and 2013 in patients diagnosed with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis without glenoid morphological anomaly. We managed to collect data from eight patients (11 hemiarthroplasties), assessing functional status, pain, and performing activities of daily living using the Constant, ASES and DASH scores preoperatively and at five years of minimum follow-up (range 5-11 years), as well as related complications. The preoperative status was compared to the end of the follow-up. Results: A significant improvement was found in all the parameters analyzed in the study (p < 0.05). The average pain in EVA score decreased from 8.89 to 2.67. The ASES improved from 13.51 to 63. 51 half point. The Constant increase of 20.11 points to 65.11 points. The mean preoperative score in the DASH score was 73.68 and 28.30 postoperatively. The average survival of the implant was 81.82% in the seven years of average follow-up. Conclusion: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty obtains good functional results in the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with few complications. The cause of the failure were glenoid erosion in all the cases.

Análisis epidemiológico del programa de vigilancia activa de Piscirickettsia salmonis del Servicio Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura de Chile.

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the causative agent of piscirickettsiosis, a disease that causes significant economic losses in salmonid sea farms in Chile. The objective of this study was to determine and describe the geographical distribution, seasonality and time period when P. salmonis was first detected in farms studied under the active surveillance programme for piscirickettsiosis of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile (SERNAPESCA), which was conducted from January 2013 to March 2017. A 0.28% prevalence of piscirickettsiosis was determined in freshwater fish and one of 58.1% in sea farms. The prevalence of P. salmonis was 61.1% in the Aysén region, 59.8% in the Los Lagos region, 5.1% in the Los Ríos region and 3.0% in the Magallanes region. In Los Lagos and Aysén, eight clusters of sea farms were identified, in space and time, as having a positive diagnosis of P. salmonis, whereas, in Magallanes, none was identified, confirming the absence of horizontal transmission or spread of the agent in this geographical area. A seasonal variation was found in the monthly prevalence of P. salmonis, with increases in Salmo salar and Oncorhynchus mykiss in summer and autumn, and in Oncorhynchus kisutch in winter, spring and summer. It was determined that the average time required to detect the agent after fish had been transferred to the sea was 105 days (minimum, 7 days; maximum, 351 days), and no differences were found either between regions or species. Thus the results obtained from the active surveillance programme have helped to increase knowledge of the epidemiology of P. salmonis.

Piscirickettsia salmonis est l'agent étiologique de la piscirickettsiose, une maladie à l'origine de lourdes pertes économiques pour la filière de la salmoniculture marine du Chili. Les auteurs présentent les résultats d'une étude visant à déterminer et à décrire la distribution géographique, les variations saisonnières et le moment où P. salmonis est détectée pour la première fois dans les fermes salmonicoles couvertes par le programme de surveillance active de la piscirickettsiose mis en oeuvre par le Service national de la pêche et de l'aquaculture (Sernapesca) du Chili de janvier 2013 à mars 2017. Les taux de prévalence de la piscirickettsiose étaient de 0,28 % chez les poissons d'eau douce et de 58,1% dans les sites marins. Au niveau des régions, le taux de prévalence de P. salmonis était de 61,1 % à Aysén, de 59,8 % à Los Lagos, de 5,1 % à Los Ríos et de 3,0 % à Magallanes. À Los Lagos et à Aysén huit groupements de fermes salmonicoles marines ont été identifiés dans l'espace et le temps comme ayant été infectés par l'agent pathogène, tandis qu'à Magallanes aucune détection n'a eu lieu, ce qui confirme l'absence de transmission horizontale et de dissémination de l'agent pathogène dans cette zone géographique. La prévalence mensuelle de P. salmonis fait ressortir une variation saisonnière, avec une prévalence accrue en été et en automne chez Salmo salar et Oncorhynchus mykiss, et en hiver, au printemps et en été chez O. kisutch. Il a été établi que le laps de temps nécessaire pour détecter l'agent pathogène après le transfert en mer des poissons était de 105 jours en moyenne (minimum 7 jours, maximum 351 jours), moyenne non affectée par la région ou l'espèce. Ces résultats ont donc permis de mieux appréhender l'épidémiologie de l'agent pathogène grâce au programme de surveillance active.

Piscirickettsia salmonis es el agente causal de la piscirickettsiosis, enfermedad que causa importantes pérdidas económicas en los centros marinos de cultivos de salmónidos de Chile. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar y describir la distribución geográfica, la estacionalidad y momento de la primera detección de P. salmonis en los centros de cultivo estudiados en el programa de vigilancia activa de la piscirickettsiosis del Servicio Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura (Sernapesca) de Chile, que se llevó a cabo entre enero de 2013 y marzo de 2017. Se determinó una prevalencia de piscicrickettsiosis del 0,28% en peces de agua dulce y del 58,1% en centros marinos. En la región de Aysén, la prevalencia de P. salmonis fue del 61,1%, en Los Lagos, del 59,8%, en Los Ríos, del 5,1%, y en Magallanes, del 3,0%. En Los Lagos y Aysén, se identificaron ocho conglomerados de centros marinos, en el espacio y en el tiempo, con diagnóstico positivo del agente, en cambio, en Magallanes no se detectó, lo cual confirma la inexistencia de transmisión horizontal y de diseminación del agente en esta área geográfica. Se observó una variación estacional en la prevalencia mensual de P. salmonis, en la cual se comprueba un alza en verano y otoño en el caso de Salmo salar y Oncorhynchus mykiss, y en invierno, primavera y verano en el caso de O. kisutch. Se determinó que la media de tiempo necesario para la detección del agente desde la transferencia de los peces al mar era de 105 días (mínimo, 7; máximo, 351 días), y no se observaron diferencias entre regiones o especies. Así los resultados contribuyen a conocer la epidemiología del agente a través del programa de vigilancia activa.

La alta prevalencia de lesiones premalignas gástricas y el bajo rendimiento diagnóstico de la visión endoscópica son argumentos a favor de la toma sistemática de biopsias gástricas por Protocolo Sydney / The high prevalence of gastric premalignant lesions and the low diagnostic performance of endoscopic vision advocate towards a systematic gastric biopsy sampling using Sydney Protocol

Background: Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are stages that appear in the process of gastric carcinogenesis. Their presence requires programmed endoscopic vigilance. Objectives: To determine the frequency of AG and IM in gastric biopsies (GB) taken according to Sydney Protocol and to correlate them with endoscopic findings. Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of 233 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with GB per Sydney Protocol. OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) and OLGIM (Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) scores were calculated based on the GB description. Endoscopic findings were analyzed for atypical findings and compared to the GB report. Statistic analysis for Kappa and ANOVA was performed via Stata 12. Results: Mean age of patients was 58 ± 12 years. 69% were women. The frequency of AG and IM was 44% and 33% in the antrum, 31% and 20% in the angular incisure and 14% and 9% in the body, respectively. AG and IM were more frequent in the antrum (p < 0.05). AG and IM were more severe in the angular incisure and body (p < 0.05). We were unable to calculate OLGA and OLGIM in 6% and 9% of cases, respectively, due to absence of severity description in GB. 53% were OLGA 0, 42% OLGA I-II and 5% OLGA III-IV. 70% were OLGIM 0, 25% OLGIM I-II and 5% OLGIM III-IV. Agreement between endoscopic and histological findings was best for IM in the antrum (75.5%, Kappa 0.4). Sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic findings were 39% and 70% for AG, and 30% and 85% for IM, respectively. Conclusion: AG and IM are frequent findings in our patients. Due to the low endoscopic sensitivity for AG and IM, we suggest a systematic GB sampling using Sydney Protocol in patients over 40 years old.

Introducción: La gastritis crónica atrófica (GCA) y la metaplasia intestinal (MI) son etapas en el proceso de carcinogénesis gástrica, su presencia requiere control endoscópico programado. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de GCA y MI en biopsias gástricas (BG) por protocolo de Sydney y relacionarlas con el hallazgo endoscópico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo mediante revisión de 233 endoscopias digestivas altas con BG por Protocolo Sydney. Se graduó puntaje OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) y OLGIM (Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) según la descripción de la BG. Se definió el hallazgo endoscópico según su informe y se comparó con BG como patrón de referencia. Estadística: Stata 12 para Kappa y ANOVA. Resultados: Edad promedio 58 ± 12 años, 69% mujeres. La frecuencia de GCA y MI en antro fue de 44 y 33%, en ángulo 31 y 20% y en cuerpo 14 y 9%, respectivamente. Hubo mayor frecuencia de GCA y MI en antro (p < 0,05). La graduación de GCA y MI fue mayor en ángulo y cuerpo (p < 0,05). No se obtuvo OLGA en 6% y OLGIM en 9% por ausencia de graduación. La frecuencia de OLGA 0 fue de 53%, OLGA I-II 42%, OLGA III-IV 5%, OLGIM O 70%, OLGIM I-II 25% y OLGIM III-IV 5%. La mejor correlación se observó entre la MI antral endoscópica con la histológica (75,5%, Kappa 0,4). La sensibilidad y especificidad endoscópica fue de 39 y 70% para GCA y 30 y 85% para MI. Conclusión: GCA y MI son hallazgos frecuentes en nuestros pacientes. Por la baja sensibilidad endoscópica en la identificación de GCA y MI sugerimos la toma sistemática de BG por protocolo de Sydney en pacientes mayores de 40 años.

Dolor lumbopélvico asociado a discapacidad durante el tercer trimestre de embarazo y su evolución posterior al parto / Lumbopelvic pain associated with disability during the third trimester of pregnancy and its evolution after delivery

RESUMEN El dolor lumbopélvico es una condición muy frecuente, afectando un 50 a 70% de las mujeres durante el embarazo. En la mayoría de los casos ha habido una recuperación al mes o 3 meses postparto. Sin embargo, estudios reportan que la mejoría es incompleta, pudiendo persistir o aumentar años posterior al parto. Esta condición puede causar limitaciones en la vida diaria, provocando algún grado de discapacidad que muchas veces no es abordado con la importancia que se merece. Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de dolor lumbopélvico y su relación con el grado de discapacidad durante el tercer trimestre de embarazo y 3 meses postparto. Material y método Estudio observacional y cohorte prospectivo; la muestra son 81 mujeres estudiadas en su tercer trimestre de embarazo y 3 meses postparto atendidas durante 2014-2015 en el Departamento de Obstetricia & Ginecología, Clínica Las Condes. Se aplicó un cuestionario y el Índice de discapacidad Oswestry en ambas etapas y autoadministrada. El análisis de datos se realizó con STATA10.0. Resultados El 81,48% de las embarazadas presentaron dolor lumbopélvico, siendo más prevalente y con una asociación significativa en el tercer trimestre (72,84%, p<0,001). El 25,93% de las mujeres lo mantiene después del parto. Existe una asociación significativa entre dolor lumbopélvico y grado de discapacidad (p<0,001), específicamente con actividades de la vida diaria, actividad sexual y actividades domésticas. Conclusiones Existe una alta prevalencia de dolor lumbopélvico en el embarazo, y un porcentaje no menor lo mantiene postparto, y en ambos casos está asociado a un grado de discapacidad.

ABSTRACT Lumbopelvic pain is a very frequent condition that affects between 50 to 70% of pregnant women. In many cases have been a recovery over the month or three months postpartum. However, some studies showed an incomplete improvement, so it could persist or increase through years after childbirth. This condition can cause daily life limitations, it is provoking some disability grade, that many times it didn't understand with the importance that deserve. Aim To identify the lumbopelvic pain prevalence and the relation with disability grade during the third trimester of pregnancy and three months postpartum. Material and Methods Observational and prospective cohort study; the sample was 81 women studied in her third trimester of pregnancy and three months postpartum during 2014-2015 in the "Departamento de Obstetricia & Ginecologia de Clínica Las Condes". It applied a questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index in both stages and self-administered. Data analysis was using STATA 10.0 software. Results 81, 48% of pregnant showed lumbopelvic pain, there were being more prevalent and significantly associated with third trimester (72, 84%, p<0,001). 25, 93% of women maintained this condition postpartum. There is a significant association between lumbopelvic pain and disability grade (p<0,001), specifically with daily life, sexual and domestic activities. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy, and not less percentage maintained this condition postpartum, that associated with a high disability grade.

Cáncer gástrico incipiente gigante: reporte de un caso / A case report: Giant early gastric cancer

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer gástrico es la primera causa de muerte por cáncer, en hombres, en Chile, siendo el adenocarcinoma la variante más frecuente. Caso clínico: Reportamos el caso de un cáncer gástrico incipiente gigante de 7,2 cm en un hombre de 74 años tratado en la Clínica INDISA en Santiago de Chile. El paciente fue sometido exitosamente a una gastrectomía total con linfoadenectomía D2 y esófago-yeyuno anastomosis en Y de Roux. La histología evidenció un adenocarcinoma bien diferenciado, polipoide, invasivo hasta la submucosa, sin compromiso ganglionar. A los 5 años de su cirugía, el paciente se encuentra asintomático y sin recidiva tumoral.

Abstract Introduction: The gastric cancer is the first cause of death from cancer, in men, in Chile, being the adenocarcinoma the most frequent variant. Clinical case: We report the case of a large early gastric cancer of 7.2 cm in a 74-year-old man who was treated in INDISA Clinic in Santiago, Chile. A total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy with End-to-Side esophagojejunostomy in a Roux-en-Y anastomosis was successfully performed. The histology showed a polypoid well differentiated adenocarcinoma infiltrating up to the submucosa without regional lymph node involvement. Five years after the surgery, he remains asymptomatic and without tumor recurrence.

Puberty arises with testicular alterations and defective AMH expression in rams prenatally exposed to testosterone.

The male gonadal tissue can be a sensitive target to the reprogramming effects of testosterone (T) during prenatal development. We have demonstrated that male lambs born to dams receiving T during pregnancy-a model system to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-show a decreased number of germ cells early in life, and when adult, a reduced amount of sperm and ejaculate volume. These findings are a key to put attention to the male offspring of women bearing PCOS, as they are exposed to increased levels of androgen during pregnancy which can reprogram their reproductive outcome. A possible origin of these defects can be a disruption in the expression of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), due to its critical role in gonadal function at many postnatal stages. Therefore, we addressed the impact of prenatal T excess on the expression of AMH and factors related to its expression like AP2, SOX9, FSHR, and AR in the testicular tissue through real-time PCR during the peripubertal age. We also analyzed the testicular morphology and quantified the number of Sertoli cells and germ cells to evaluate any further defect in the testicle. Experiments were performed in rams at 24 wk of age, hence, prior puberty. The experimental animals (T-males) consisted of rams born to mothers receiving 30 mg testosterone twice a wk from Day 30 to 90 of pregnancy and then increased to 40 mg until Day 120 of pregnancy. The control males (C-males) were born to mothers receiving the vehicle of the hormone. We found a significant increase in the expression of the mRNA of AMH and SOX9, but not of the AP2, FHSR nor AR, in the T-males. Moreover, T-males showed a dramatic decrease in the number of germ cells, together with a decrease in the weight of their testicles. The findings of the present study show that before puberty, T-males are manifesting clear signs of disruption in the gonadal functions probably due to an alteration in the expression pattern of the AMH gene. The precise way by which T reprograms the expression of AMH gene remains to be established.

Effectiveness of Hypnosis in Combination with Conventional Techniques of Behavior Management in Anxiety/Pain Reduction during Dental Anesthetic Infiltration.

Background and Objective. Anxiety/pain are experiences that make dental treatment difficult for children, especially during the time of anesthesia. Hypnosis is used in pediatric clinical situations to modify thinking, behavior, and perception as well as, recently, in dentistry; therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hypnosis combined with conventional behavior management techniques during infiltration anesthetic. Methods. Anxiety/pain were assessed with the FLACC scale during the anesthetic moment, as well as heart rate variability and skin conductance before and during the anesthetic moment, between the control and experimental group. Results. A marginal statistical difference (p = 0.05) was found in the heart rate between baseline and anesthetic moment, being lower in the hypnosis group. No statistically significant differences were found with the FLACC scale or in the skin conductance (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Hypnosis combined with conventional behavior management techniques decreases heart rate during anesthetic infiltration showing that there may be an improvement in anxiety/pain control through hypnotic therapy.

Evidence and molecular characterization of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas in neotropical bats in Brazil.

The order Chiroptera is considered the second largest group of mammals in the world, hosting important zoonotic virus and bacteria. Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that parasite different mammals' species, including humans, causing different clinical manifestations. The present work aimed investigating the occurrence and assessing the phylogenetic positioning of Bartonella spp. and Mycoplasma spp. in neotropical bats sampled from Brazil. Between December 2015 and April 2016, 325 blood and/or tissues samples were collected from 162 bats comprising 19 different species sampled in five states of Brazil. Out of 322 bat samples collected, while 17 (5·28%) were positive to quantitative PCR for Bartonella spp. based on nuoG gene, 45 samples (13·97%) were positive to cPCR assays for hemoplasmas based on 16S rRNA gene. While seven sequences were obtained for Bartonella (nuoG) (n = 3), gltA (n = 2), rpoB (n = 1), ftsZ (n = 1), five 16S rRNA sequences were obtained for hemoplasmas. In the phylogenetic analysis, the Bartonella sequences clustered with Bartonella genotypes detected in bats sampled in Latin America countries. All five hemoplasmas sequences clustered together as a monophyletic group by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. The present work showed the first evidence of circulation of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas among bats in Brazil.

Latin America: the next region for haematopoietic transplant progress.

Haematopoietic cell transplant activity in the 28 countries comprising Latin America is poorly defined. We conducted a voluntary survey of members of the Latin American Bone Marrow Transplantation Group regarding transplant activity 2009-2012. Collated responses were compared with data of transplant rates from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation for other geographic regions. Several socio-economic variables were analysed to determine correlations with transplant rates. In total, 94 teams from 12 countries reported 11 519 transplants including 7033 autotransplants and 4486 allotransplants. Annual activity increased from 2517 transplants in 2009 to 3263 in 2012, a 30% increase. Median transplants rate (transplant per million inhabitants) in 2012 was 64 (autotransplants, median 40; allotransplants, median 24). This rate is substantially lower than that in North America and European regions (482 and 378) but higher than that in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Pacific regions (30 and 45). However, the Latin America transplant rate is 5-8-fold lower than that in America and Europe, suggesting a need to increase transplant availability. Transplant team density in Latin America (teams per million population; 1.8) is 3-4-fold lower than that in North America (6.2) or Europe (7.6). Within Latin America, there is substantial diversity in transplant rates by country partially explained by diverse socio-economic variables including per capita gross national income, health expenditure and physician density. These data should help inform future health-care policy in Latin America.

Valores de referencia de HOMA-IR y QUICKI durante el embarazo en mujeres mexicanas / HOMA-IR and QUICKI reference values during pregnancy in Mexican women

Resumen: OBJETIVO: determinar los valores de referencia del Homeostatic Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) y Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) para establecer el diagnóstico de resistencia a la insulina en mujeres mexicanas no embarazadas y embarazadas, por trimestre de gestación. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio transversal al que se incluyeron mujeres embarazadas y no embarazadas sin alteraciones concomitantes, mayores de18 años de edad, índice de masa corporal pregestacional entre 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. A todas las participantes se les realizó la curva de tolerancia a la glucosa oral de 75 g-2h. Se excluyeron las mujeres con diabetes gestacional o cualquier alteración pregestacional, índice de masa corporal pregestacional menor de 18.5 o más o menos mayor de 25 kg/m2 y embarazo múltiple. Se calcularon los percentiles 5 y 95 como valores de referencia para definir resistencia a la insulina por HOMA-IR y QUICKI en mujeres sin embarazo y en cada trimestre del embarazo. Resultados: se incluyeron 400 mujeres, agrupadas de la siguiente forma: Grupo de mujeres sin embarazo (SE): n=42, grupo trimestre (T) 1: n=82, grupo T2: n=159 y grupo T3: n=117. Los valores de referencia de HOMA-IR para el percentil 5 y 95 fueron: 0.33-2.6, 0.35-1.6, 0.40-2.9 y 0.38-2.6 y para QUICKI: 0.33-0.46, 0.35-0.46, 0.32-0.45 y 0.33-0.45, para los grupos SE, T1, T2 y T3, respectivamente. Conclusión: el valor de referencia de HOMA-IR para establecer el diagnóstico de resistencia a la insulina en mujeres mexicanas no embarazadas (SE) es ≥ 2.6 y en pacientes embarazadas por trimestre: T1 ≥1.6, T2 ≥2.9 y T3 ≥2.6; respecto de QUICKI, los valores de referencia son SE <0.33, T1 <0.35, T2 <0.32 y T3 <0.33, respectivamente.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the reference values of Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance, (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) to define insulin resistance (IR) in women without pregnancy (WP) and each trimester of pregnancy among Mexican women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, women without pregnancy and pregnant women age >18 years, without pathologies, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 were included. All participants underwent CTOG 75gr-2h to rule out diabetes. We excluded women with gestational diabetes or any pre-pregnancy pathology, pre-pregnancy BMI <18.5 or ≥25 kg/m2 and multiple pregnancy. Percentiles 5 and 95 were calculated as reference values to define RI by HOMA-IR and QUICKI in women without pregnancy and each trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 400 women were included, which were grouped as follows: Group of women without pregnancy (SE): n = 42, quarter Group (T) 1: n = 82, T2 Group: n = 159 and T3 group: n = 117. The reference values of HOMA-IR for the 5th and 95th percentile were: 0.33-2.6, 0.35-1.6, 0.40-2.9 and 0.38-2.6 and QUICKI: (0.33 to 0.46, 0.35 to 0.46, 0.32 to 0.45 and 0.33- 0.45, for groups SE, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. CONCLUSION: The reference value of HOMA-IR to define RI in Mexican women should be ≥2.6 and the T1 ≥1.6, T2 pregnancy: ≥2.9 and T3 ≥2.6 and QUICKI in women <0.33, T1 <0.35, T2 <0.32 and T3 <0.33.

Percepción de la vivencia del acceso oportuno al diagnóstico del VIH, en personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA: Acceso oportuno al test de VIH / Perceptions about the elisa test of people diagnosed at the aids stage

Background: The delay in the diagnosis of AIDS results in higher treatment costs. Aim: To reveal the experiences of people who were diagnosed in the AIDS stage about the access to the ELISA test. Material and Methods: In depth interviews were carried out to 15 participants from public hospitals who were in the AIDS stage at the moment of the diagnosis. The main questions asked were about the motivations to take the test, the barriers found and the help received from the health care personnel. All interviews were recorded and analyzed according to Kripperdorff. Results: The three categories that emerged were the motivations to take the test, the facilitators found and the difficulties to access to the test. The main motivation was a condition of vulnerability due to the suspicion or certainty of being infected. The main facilitator was the sensation of being accepted and not discriminated. The main difficulties were the fear of having a positive test and of being discriminated and the lack of information. Conclusions: Knowing these experiences will help to improve the early detection of HIV infections.

The challenge of improving boiling: lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial of water pasteurization and safe storage in Peru.

Boiling is the most common method of household water treatment in developing countries; however, it is not always effectively practised. We conducted a randomized controlled trial among 210 households to assess the effectiveness of water pasteurization and safe-storage interventions in reducing Escherichia coli contamination of household drinking water in a water-boiling population in rural Peru. Households were randomized to receive either a safe-storage container or a safe-storage container plus water pasteurization indicator or to a control group. During a 13-week follow-up period, households that received a safe-storage container and water pasteurization indicator did not have a significantly different prevalence of stored drinking-water contamination relative to the control group [prevalence ratio (PR) 1·18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·92-1·52]. Similarly, receipt of a safe-storage container alone had no effect on prevalence of contamination (PR 1·02, 95% CI 0·79-1·31). Although use of water pasteurization indicators and locally available storage containers did not increase the safety of household drinking water in this study, future research could illuminate factors that facilitate the effective use of these interventions to improve water quality and reduce the risk of waterborne disease in populations that boil drinking water.

[Perceptions about the elisa test of people diagnosed at the aids stage]. / Percepción de la vivencia del acceso oportuno al diagnóstico del VIH, en personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA: Acceso oportuno al test de VIH.

BACKGROUND: The delay in the diagnosis of AIDS results in higher treatment costs. AIM: To reveal the experiences of people who were diagnosed in the AIDS stage about the access to the ELISA test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In depth interviews were carried out to 15 participants from public hospitals who were in the AIDS stage at the moment of the diagnosis. The main questions asked were about the motivations to take the test, the barriers found and the help received from the health care personnel. All interviews were recorded and analyzed according to Kripperdorff. RESULTS: The three categories that emerged were the motivations to take the test, the facilitators found and the difficulties to access to the test. The main motivation was a condition of vulnerability due to the suspicion or certainty of being infected. The main facilitator was the sensation of being accepted and not discriminated. The main difficulties were the fear of having a positive test and of being discriminated and the lack of information. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing these experiences will help to improve the early detection of HIV infections.

"Improved" But Not Necessarily Safe: An Assessment of Fecal Contamination of Household Drinking Water in Rural Peru.

The indicator used to measure progress toward the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for water is access to an improved water supply. However, improved supplies are frequently fecally contaminated in developing countries. We examined factors associated with Escherichia coli contamination of improved water supplies in rural Pisco province, Peru. A random sample of 207 households with at least one child less than 5 years old was surveyed, and water samples from the source and storage container were tested for E. coli contamination. Although over 90% of households used an improved water source, 47% of source and 43% of stored water samples were contaminated with E. coli. Pouring or using a spigot to obtain water from the storage container instead of dipping a hand or object was associated with decreased risk of contamination of stored water (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42, 0.80). Container cleanliness (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.45, 1.00) and correct handwashing technique (aPR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42, 0.90) were also associated with decreased contamination risk. These findings highlighted the limitations of improved water supplies as an indicator of safe water access. To ensure water safety in the home, household water treatment and improved hygiene, water handling, and storage practices should be promoted.