Bioactive Compounds from Pigmented Corn (Zea mays L.) and Their Effect on Health.

Pigmented corn is a gramineae food of great biological, cultural and nutritional importance for many Latin American countries, with more than 250 breeds on the American continent. It confers a large number of health benefits due to its diverse and abundant bioactive compounds. In this narrative review we decided to organize the information on the nutrients, bioactive compounds and phytochemicals present in pigmented corn, as well as their effects on human health. Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins are some of the most studied and representative compounds in these grasses, with a wide range of health properties, mainly the reduction of pro-oxidant molecules. Carotenoids are a group of molecules belonging to the terpenic compounds, present in a large number of pigmented corn breeds, mainly the yellow ones, whose biological activity incorporates a wide spectrum. Bioactive peptides can be found in abundance in corn, having very diverse biological effects that include analgesic, opioid and antihypertensive activities. Other compounds with biological activity found in pigmented corn are resistant starches, some fatty acids, phytosterols, policosanols, phospholipids, ferulic acid and phlobaphenes, as well as a great variety of vitamins, elements and fibers. This review aims to disseminate and integrate the existing knowledge on compounds with biological activity in pigmented corn in order to promote their research, interest and use by scientists, nutrition professionals, physicians, industries and the general population.

Evidence of spatial clustering of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases in Greater Mexico City: report from the Mexican Inter-Institutional Group for the identification of the causes of childhood leukemia.

Background: A heterogeneous geographic distribution of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases has been described, possibly, related to the presence of different environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to explore the geographical distribution of childhood ALL cases in Greater Mexico City (GMC). Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted. Children <18 years old, newly diagnosed with ALL and residents of GMC were included. Controls were patients without leukemia recruited from second-level public hospitals, frequency-matched by sex, age, and health institution with the cases. The residence address where the patients lived during the last year before diagnosis (cases) or the interview (controls) was used for geolocation. Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic was used to detect spatial clusters (SCs). Relative risks (RR), associated p-value and number of cases included for each cluster were obtained. Results: A total of 1054 cases with ALL were analyzed. Of these, 408 (38.7%) were distributed across eight SCs detected. A relative risk of 1.61 (p<0.0001) was observed for the main cluster. Similar results were noted for the remaining seven ones. Additionally, a proximity between SCs, electrical installations and petrochemical facilities was observed. Conclusions: The identification of SCs in certain regions of GMC suggest the possible role of environmental factors in the etiology of childhood ALL.

Is there a preferred platinum and fluoropyrimidine regimen for advanced HER2-negative esophagogastric adenocarcinoma? Insights from 1293 patients in AGAMENON-SEOM registry.

BACKGROUND: The optimal chemotherapy backbone for HER2-negative advanced esophagogastric cancer, either in combination with targeted therapies or as a comparator in clinical trials, is uncertain. The subtle yet crucial differences in platinum-based regimens' safety and synergy with combination treatments need consideration. METHODS: We analyzed cases from the AGAMENON-SEOM Spanish registry of HER2-negative advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma treated with platinum and fluoropyrimidine from 2008 to 2021. This study focused exclusively on patients receiving one of the four regimens: FOLFOX (5-FU and oxaliplatin), CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin), CP (capecitabine and cisplatin) and FP (5-FU and cisplatin). The aim was to determine the most effective and tolerable platinum and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy regimen and to identify any prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among 1293 patients, 36% received either FOLFOX (n = 468) or CAPOX (n = 466), 20% CP (n = 252), and 8% FP (n = 107). FOLFOX significantly increased PFS (progression free survival) compared to CP, with a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI 0.58-0.92, p = 0.009). The duration of treatment was similar across all groups. Survival outcomes among regimens were similar, but analysis revealed worse ECOG-PS (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-Performance Status), > 2 metastatic sites, bone metastases, hypoalbuminemia, higher NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and CP regimen as predictors of poor PFS. Fatigue was common in all treatments, with the highest incidence in FOLFOX (77%), followed by FP (72%), CAPOX (68%), and CP (60%). Other notable toxicities included neuropathy (FOLFOX 69%, CAPOX 62%), neutropenia (FOLFOX 52%, FP 55%), hand-foot syndrome in CP (46%), and thromboembolic events (FP 12%, CP 11%). CONCLUSIONS: FOLFOX shown better PFS than CP. Adverse effects varied: neuropathy was more common with oxaliplatin, while thromboembolism was more frequent with cisplatin.

Restoration of Binocular Images Degraded by Optical Scattering through Estimation of Atmospheric Coefficients.

A binocular vision-based approach for the restoration of images captured in a scattering medium is presented. The scene depth is computed by triangulation using stereo matching. Next, the atmospheric parameters of the medium are determined with an introduced estimator based on the Monte Carlo method. Finally, image restoration is performed using an atmospheric optics model. The proposed approach effectively suppresses optical scattering effects without introducing noticeable artifacts in processed images. The accuracy of the proposed approach in the estimation of atmospheric parameters and image restoration is evaluated using synthetic hazy images constructed from a well-known database. The practical viability of our approach is also confirmed through a real experiment for depth estimation, atmospheric parameter estimation, and image restoration in a scattering medium. The results highlight the applicability of our approach in computer vision applications in challenging atmospheric conditions.

Stereo Image Matching Using Adaptive Morphological Correlation.

A stereo matching method based on adaptive morphological correlation is presented. The point correspondences of an input pair of stereo images are determined by matching locally adaptive image windows using the suggested morphological correlation that is optimal with respect to an introduced binary dissimilarity-to-matching ratio criterion. The proposed method is capable of determining the point correspondences in homogeneous image regions and at the edges of scene objects of input stereo images with high accuracy. Furthermore, unknown correspondences of occluded and not matched points in the scene can be successfully recovered using a simple proposed post-processing. The performance of the proposed method is exhaustively tested for stereo matching in terms of objective measures using known database images. In addition, the obtained results are discussed and compared with those of two similar state-of-the-art methods.

Curcumin Stimulates the Overexpression of Virulence Factors in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium: In Vitro and Animal Model Studies.

Salmonella spp. is one of the most common food poisoning pathogens and the main cause of diarrheal diseases in humans in developing countries. The increased Salmonella resistance to antimicrobials has led to the search for new alternatives, including natural compounds such as curcumin, which has already demonstrated a bactericidal effect; however, in Gram-negatives, there is much controversy about this effect, as it is highly variable. In this study, we aimed to verify the antibacterial activity of curcumin against the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth rate, virulence, and pathogenicity. The strain was exposed to 110, 220 or 330 µg/mL curcumin, and by complementary methods (spectrophotometric, pour plate and MTT assays), we determined its antibacterial activity. To elucidate whether curcumin regulates the expression of virulence genes, Salmonella invA, fliC and siiE genes were investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, to explore the effect of curcumin on the pathogenesis process in vivo, a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model was employed. No antibacterial activity was observed, even at higher concentrations of curcumin. All concentrations of curcumin caused overgrowth (35−69%) and increased the pathogenicity of the bacterial strain through the overexpression of virulence factors. The latter coincided with a significant reduction in both the lifespan and survival time of C. elegans when fed with curcumin-treated bacteria. Our data provide relevant information that may support the selective antibacterial effects of curcumin to reconsider the indiscriminate use of this phytochemical, especially in outbreaks of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

[Characterization of multiresistant gram-negative bacilli, isolated in patients hospitalized in health institutions in Barranquilla (Colombia)]. / Caracterización de bacilos gramnegativos multi-resistentes, aislados en pacientes hospitalizados en instituciones de salud de Barranquilla (Colombia).

BACKGROUND: The emergence of carbapenem resistant gramnegative bacilli has become a problem of public health worldwide, because it is associated with high mortality rates, increased levels of resistance to other antimicrobials, increased potential for dissemination transition and increase in health care costs. AIM: To characterize multiresistant gram-negative bacilli, isolated in patients hospitalized in health institutions of Barranquilla (Colombia). METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of bacterial resistance in infections associated with health care, mediated by carbapenemases in bacterial isolates sent by laboratories belonging to the laboratory network of the Department of Atlántico. RESULTS: KPC was the most frequent carbapenemase in Enterobacterales (27.6%), predominantly in Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.1%) alone and associated with other carbapenemases. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, VIM carbapenemase (32.8%) predominated and OXA in Acinetobacter baumannii (17.1%). CONCLUSION: A wide distribution of multi-resistant strains producing carbapenemases in Atlantic health institutions was found, which expressed the following resistance mechanisms: KPC, VIM, NDM, OXA.

Resistencia de Mycobacterium tuberculosis a quinolonas y fármacos inyectables en el departamento del Atlántico, 2013-2016 / Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to quinolone and injectable drugs in Atlántico department, 2013-2016

Introducción: En el departamento del Atlántico los estudios de resistencia del Mycobacterium tuberculosis se han limitado a drogas de segunda línea. Objetivo: Determinar prevalencia de resistencia a amikacina, kanamicina, capreomicina y ofloxacina en casos de tuberculosis resistente a isoniacida, rifampicina o a ambas drogas, en el periodo 2013 a 2016 en el departamento del Atlántico. Métodos: Estudio transversal de 194 aislamientos resistentes a isoniacida, rifampicina o ambas, por metodología Genotype MTBDR plus versión 2, enviados al Instituto Nacional de Salud en el periodo 2013 al 2016 para ser confirmados y procesados para drogas de segunda línea. La proporción de resistencia, se hizo según variables sociodemográficas, clínica y de vigilancia en salud pública. Resultados: Las comorbilidades frecuentes encontradas fueron desnutrición con el 18,56 por ciento, seguido de infección concomitante VIH-tuberculosis con el 13,40 por ciento. La ofloxacina en casos no tratados obtuvo la mayor resistencia global con el 1,50 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 0,18-5,33). En los que fueron previamente tratados la resistencia global a capreomicina fue del 8,10 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 2,7-17,8). En los resistentes a rifampicina, un caso fue extensivamente resistente y dos casos resistentes en los multidrogorresistente. Conclusiones: Se encontró baja resistencia a fluoroquinolonas y fármacos inyectables en pacientes no tratados resistentes a isoniacida, rifampicina o ambas, que muestra que todavía no constituye un problema mayor en el departamento del Atlántico. Se debe complementar su seguimiento con buen manejo tanto físico como psicológico y un equipo de salud fortalecido que actúe prontamente y ayude a la adherencia del paciente a los tratamientos(AU)

Introduction: In Atlántico department, resistance studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been limited to second-line drugs. Objective: Determine prevalence of resistance to amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin and ofloxacin in cases of tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin or both, in the period 2013 to 2016 in Atlántico department. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 194 isolations resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin or both, by Genotype MTBDR plus version 2 methodology, that were sent to the National Institute of Health from 2013 to 2016 to be confirmed and processed for second-line drugs. The resistance ratio was made according to sociodemographic, clinical and public health surveillance variables. Results: The common comorbilities found were malnutrition with 18.56 percent, followed by concomitant HIV-tuberculosis infection with 13.40 percent. Ofloxacin in non-treated cases achieved the highest overall resistance with 1.50 percent (95 percent CI 0.18-5.33). In those previously treated, global resistance to capreomycin was 8.10 percent (95 percent CI 2.7-17.8). In the ones resistant to rifampicin, one case was extensively resistant and two cases were resistant in multi-drugs resistant. Conclusions: Low resistance to fluoroquinolones and injectable drugs was found in non-treated patients who were resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin or both, showing that it is not yet a major problem in Atlántico department. Its follow-up should be complemented with good physical and psychological management and a strengthened health team that acts promptly and helps the patient adherence to treatments(AU)

Caracterización de bacilos gramnegativos multi-resistentes, aislados en pacientes hospitalizados en instituciones de salud de Barranquilla (Colombia) / Characterization of multiresistant gram-negative bacilli, isolated in patients hospitalized in health institutions in Barranquilla (Colombia)

Resumen Introducción: La resistencia a carbapenémicos en bacilos gramnegativos es un problema de salud pública mundial, debido a que se asocia con altas tasas de mortalidad, aumento en los niveles de resistencia a otros antimicrobianos, elevación en el potencial de diseminación e incremento en los costos de atención en salud. Objetivo: Caracterizar bacilos gramnegativos multirresistentes, aislados en pacientes hospitalizados en instituciones de salud de Barranquilla (Colombia). Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo acerca de la caracterización fenotípica y genotípica de la resistencia bacteriana en las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud, mediada por carbapenemasas en aislados bacterianos enviados por los laboratorios pertenecientes a la red de laboratorios del Departamento del Atlántico. Resultados: La KPC fue la carbapenemasa más frecuente en las Enterobacterales (27,6%), predominando en Klebsiella pneumoniae (13,1%) sola y asociada a otras carbapenemasas. En Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominó la carbapenemasa VIM (32,8%) y la OXA en Acinetobacter baumannii (17,1%). Conclusión: Se encontró una amplia distribución de cepas multi-resistentes productoras de carbapenemasas en instituciones de salud de Barranquilla, las cuales expresaron los siguientes mecanismos de resistencia: KPC, VIM, NDM, OXA.

Abstract Background: The emergence of carbapenem resistant gramnegative bacilli has become a problem of public health worldwide, because it is associated with high mortality rates, increased levels of resistance to other antimicrobials, increased potential for dissemination transition and increase in health care costs. Aim: To characterize multiresistant gram-negative bacilli, isolated in patients hospitalized in health institutions of Barranquilla (Colombia). Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of bacterial resistance in infections associated with health care, mediated by carbapenemases in bacterial isolates sent by laboratories belonging to the laboratory network of the Department of Atlántico. Results: KPC was the most frequent carbapenemase in Enterobacterales (27.6%), predominantly in Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.1%) alone and associated with other carbapenemases. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, VIM carbapenemase (32.8%) predominated and OXA in Acinetobacter baumannii (17.1%). Conclusion: A wide distribution of multi-resistant strains producing carbapenemases in Atlantic health institutions was found, which expressed the following resistance mechanisms: KPC, VIM, NDM, OXA.

Perfil de resistencia del Mycobacterium tuberculosis a fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea y sus combinaciones / Resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs and their combinations

Introducción: En Colombia el control de la tuberculosis se ha visto amenazado por la resistencia a los fármacos antituberculosos y especialmente la tuberculosis multidrogorresistente. Objetivo: Determinar la resistencia global y perfiles de resistencia del Mycobacterium tuberculosis a fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea y combinaciones. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, en el que se evaluaron 2 701 pacientes con tuberculosis en el Departamento del Atlántico (Colombia), durante los años 2011 a 2016. Se valoraron aspectos sociodemográficos, clínicos y condiciones de riesgo. Se realizó análisis de frecuencias relativas y absolutas, diferencia de proporciones ((2) y razón de prevalencias. Resultados: El 66,5 por ciento de los pacientes eran hombres, el 53 por ciento tenían entre 15 y 44 años de edad. El 47,34 por ciento con pérdida en el seguimiento y el 11,62 por ciento monorresistentes a isoniacida. La resistencia en casos nuevos fue 7,30 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 6,3-8,5), para este grupo la multidrogorresistencia fue de 1,1 por ciento; mientras que en los previamente tratados la resistencia fue de 18,27 por ciento (IC95 por ciento: 15,6- 22,4) y la multidrogorresistencia de 5,7 por ciento. Los factores asociados a resistencia fueron presencia de VIH/TB (RP= 2,6; p= 0,000), otros factores inmunosupresores (RP= 3,5; p= 0,009), contacto de paciente con tuberculosis multidrogorresistente (RP= 16; p= 0,000) y caso previamente tratado (RP= 2,24; p= 0,00). Conclusiones: Se evidencia un descenso en la resistencia global a rifampicina e isoniacida, así como en la prevalencia multidrogorresistente tanto en casos nuevos como en previamente tratados en la población estudiada; lo que genera una línea base para la toma de decisiones que permita continuar mejorando la vigilancia y control de la resistencia del M. tuberculosis a fármacos de primera línea, debido a los nuevos retos que este microorganismo representa para la salud pública(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis control in Colombia has been hampered by resistance to antituberculosis drugs and particularly by multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Objective: Determine the overall resistance and resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to first-line antituberculosis drugs and their combinations. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted of 2 701 tuberculosis patients from Atlántico Department in Colombia in the period 2011-2016. The evaluation included sociodemographic aspects, clinical characteristics and risk conditions. Data analysis was based on relative and absolute frequencies, proportion difference (x2) and prevalence ratio. Results: Of the total sample, 66.5 percent were men and 53 percent were aged 15-44 years. 47.34 percent were lost to follow-up and 11.62 percent were monoresistant to isoniazid. In new cases resistance was 7.30 percent (CI 95 percent: 6.3-8.5) and multi-drug resistance was 1.1 percent, whereas in previously treated cases resistance was 18.27 percent (CI 95 percent: 15.6-22.4) and multi-drug resistance was 5.7 percent. The factors associated to resistance were the presence of HIV/TB (AR= 2.6; p= 0.000), other immunosuppressive factors (AR= 3.5; p= 0.009), contact with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patient (AR= 16; p= 0.000) and previously treated case (AR= 2.24; p= 0.00). Conclusions: A reduction is observed in overall resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid, as well as in the prevalence of multi-drug resistance, both in new cases and in previously treated cases, which creates a baseline for the taking of decisions aimed at the continuing improvement of the surveillance and control of M. tuberculosis resistance to first-line drugs, due to the new challenges posed by this microorganism to public health(AU)

Maternal and paternal ages at conception of index child and risk of childhood acute leukaemia: A multicentre case-control study in Greater Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The parental age at conception has been reported to be a risk factor for childhood acute leukaemia (AL); however, the relationship is controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between parental age at conception and the risk of AL in Mexican children, a population with a high incidence of the disease and a high prevalence of pregnancies in adolescents and young adults. METHODS: A multicentre case-control study was conducted. Incident AL cases younger than 17 years of age diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were included. Controls were matched with cases according to age, sex, and health institution. Using logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were calculated for each maternal stratum after adjusting for paternal age at conception of index child. The maternal age between 25 and 29.99 years was selected as the reference category. RESULTS: In most strata where maternal and paternal ages were assessed, no association was found with the risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in their offspring. An increased risk for AML was observed when the mother was between 20 and 24.99 years of age and the father aged 25-29.99 years (aOR, 1.94; 95 % CI, 1.03-3.67). In addition, there was a positive association for ALL when the mother´s age was between 20 and 24.99 years and the father was <20 years of age, however, a very wide confidence interval was noted (aOR, 12.26; 95 % CI, 1.41-106.83). CONCLUSION: In the present study, maternal and paternal ages assessed in different strata showed little association with risk of developing ALL and AML in children. Positive associations between risk of both types of childhood AL were observed with younger paternal and maternal ages.

Reporte de necrosis avascular en un paciente con espondilitis anquilosante

La espondilitis anquilosante es definida como una espondiloartropatías crónica, inflamatoria e idiopática, que generalmente tiene un comienzo en edades tempranas de la vida. Se plantea que tiene predisposición por el sexo masculino y su principal manifestación clínica es la presencia de un dolor de tipo inflamatorio localizado en la espalda baja y que afecta principalmente la columna lumbar. Sin embargo, puede afectar otras articulaciones como las rodillas, hombros y coxofemorales. La necrosis avascular de la cabeza de fémur es el resultado de la interrupción brusca del aporte sanguíneo al hueso de causas intrínsecas o extrínsecas provocando necrosis y colapso óseo. Se presenta el caso de un paciente joven, de sexo masculino con diagnóstico de espondilitis anquilosante que acude con manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas que permiten llegar al diagnóstico de una necrosis avascular de la cabeza femoral

Ankylosing spondylitis is defined as chronic, inflammatory and idiopathic spondyloarthropathy, which generally begins at an early age. It is stated that it is predisposed by the male sex and its main clinical manifestation is the presence of a pain of inflammatory type located in the lower back and that mainly affects the lumbar spine. However, it can affect other joints such as the knees, shoulders and coxofemoral joints. The avascular necrosis of the head of the femur is the result of abrupt interruption of the blood supply to the bone of intrinsic or extrinsic causes, causing necrosis and bone collapse. We present the case of a young, male patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis who presents with clinical and radiological manifestations that allow the diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Complicaciones articulares severas en la artritis reumatoide

La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmune ampliamente distribuida que puede presentar severos daños a larga data. Se caracteriza por un cuadro articular inflamatorio, autoinmune y sistémico que generalmente afecta articulaciones pequeñas, por ende las que se ven más afectadas son las articulaciones de las extremidades, tanto de las manos como de los pies. Estas afecciones provocan distintos grados de discapacidad funcional y disminución de la percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento oportuno previene o al menos enlentece la aparición de deformidades e impotencia funcional. Se presenta un caso de una paciente femenina, joven con secuelas óseas severas en ambos pies.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a widely distributed autoimmune disease that can present severe long-term damage. It is characterized by an inflammatory, autoimmune and systemic joint that usually affects small joints, therefore those that are most affected are the joints of the extremities, both the hands and the feet. These conditions cause different degrees of functional disability and decrease in the perception of the quality of life related to health. Early diagnosis and timely treatment prevent or at least slow down the appearance of deformities and functional impotence. We present a case of a female patient, young with severe bone sequelae on both feet.

A greater birthweight increases the risk of acute leukemias in Mexican children-experience from the Mexican Interinstitutional Group for the Identification of the Causes of Childhood Leukemia (MIGICCL).

In Mexico, due to the high rates of diabetes, overweight, and obesity, there has also been noted an increased newborn weight, which may be contributing to the elevated incidence rate of childhood acute leukemia (AL). We conducted a case-control study in public hospitals of Mexico City aimed to know whether a greater weight at birth is associated with a higher risk of developing leukemia. We included incident cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed between 2010 and 2015. Controls were frequency-matched to the cases by age, sex, and health institution. Logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting risks by child's sex, overcrowding index, birth order, and mother's age at the time of pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. A total of 1455 cases and 1455 controls were included. An evident association between ALL and child's birthweight ≥2500 g was found (aOR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.59, 2.66) and also, in those with birthweight ≥3500 g (aOR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.41). In AML patients with birthweight ≥2500 g and ≥3500 g, an aOR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.94) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.03-1.95) was observed, respectively. No association was noticed with either type of AL and a birthweight ≥4000 g. To sum up, we found a moderate association between not having a low birthweight and an increased risk of acute leukemias. Birthweight ≥3500 g was also a risk factor for both types of leukemia. This suggests that a greater birthweight may increase the risk of acute leukemias in Mexican children.

Estructura interna del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Violencia Escolar Infantil y Primaria en un entorno violento de México / Internal structure of the Childhood and Primary School Violence Assessment Questionnaire

El objetivo de este estudio es validar la estructura interna del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Violencia Escolar en Infantil y Primaria en una muestra del noreste de México. Es un estudio de corte cuantitativo y transversal. Se incluyeron, 733 niños, de los cuales, 49.8% son hombres, 50.2% mujeres, mediante un muestreo intencional, obtenido de 78 instituciones de educación básica de la ciudad de Saltillo, Coahuila, México. La edad promedio fue de 12 años. Los resultados confirmaron una estructura factorial de tres dimensiones que miden situaciones presenciadas, vividas y realizadas. El instrumento se redujo a 30 indicadores de dichas dimensiones conservando la fiabilidad obtenida en estudios previos. La aportación del estudio es la incorporación de una herramienta que permita una valoración del acoso escolar y del daño percibido y sus características, evitando principalmente la subestimación y normalización de la violencia.

The objective of this study is to validate the internal structure of the School Violence Evaluation Questionnaire in Children and Primary in a sample of northeastern Mexico. It is a quantitative and transversal study. A total of 733 children were included, of which 49.8% are men, 50.2% women, through intentional sampling, obtained from 78 basic education institutions in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The average age was 12 years. The results confirmed a factorial structure of three dimensions that measure situations witnessed, lived and carried out. The instrument was reduced to 27 indicators of these dimensions, conserving the reliability obtained in previous studies. The contribution of the study is validation of the internal structure of the evaluation tool that allows the identification of school bullying and perceived damage and its characteristics, avoiding mainly the underestimation and normalization of violence.

El cuidado de la piel a través de un weblog / Skin care through a weblog / A utilização das TIC nos cuidados da pele

Introducción: Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) constituyen un fenómeno mundial. Con su uso, enfermería hace viables acciones de prevención y cuidado de lesiones de piel relacionadas con la dependencia, pues estas herramientas tecnológicas informativas permiten empoderar al paciente, su cuidador y al equipo de salud. Objetivo: Poner en marcha de un weblog para la prevención, cuidado básico y avanzado de personas con lesiones de piel. La herramienta brinda información basada en la mejor evidencia científica disponible Resultados: Posicionamiento del weblog Pielarte UN como herramienta de información de cuidados en la plataforma Wordpress, por medio de la divulgación pertinente en diferentes eventos académicos. Conclusiones: Las TIC constituyen una estrategia útil para complementar las intervenciones de enfermería en materia de información a pacientes, cuidadores y profesionales, a fin de prevenir lesiones de piel relacionadas con el cuidado y la dependencia.

Introduction: ICT is a global phenomenon. With its use, Nursingmakes viable actions ofprevention and care ofskin lesions related to dependence. These informative technological tools, allow to empower the patient, his caregiver and the health team. Objective: To implementation of a weblog for the prevention, basic and advanced care of people with skin lesions. The tool will provide information based on the best scientific evidence available. Results: Positioning of the Pielarte UN weblog as a care information tool on the Wordpress platform, through relevant dissemination in different academic events. Conclusions: ICT is a useful strategy to complement Nursing interventions in the field of information to patients, caregivers and professionals in order to prevent skin lesions related to care and dependence.

Introdujo: As tecnologías da informado e comunicado (TIC) sao um fenómeno global. Enfermagem, com o seu uso, se torna a prevençáo e cuidados de lesóes relacionadas com a pele dependencia viável, pois essas ferramentas de tecnología da informado permitem capacitar o paciente, cuidador ea equipe de saúde. Objetivo: Implementar um weblog para a prevençáo, cuidados básicos e avanzados ás pessoas com lesóes cutáneas associadas á dependencia ou em risco de sofrimento. A ferramenta irá fornecer informaçóes com base ñas melhores evidencias científicas disponíveis Resultados: Posicionamento do weblog Pielarte UN como um cuidado ferramenta de informado na plataforma Wordpress, através da divulgado relevante em diferentes eventos académicos. Conclusóes: As TIC sao urna estrategia útil para complementar as interven

Vitamin D, not iron, is the main nutrient deficiency in pre-school and school-aged children in Mexico City: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the Mexican National Health Survey showed a moderate prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency, around 16%, in a national representative sample of children. A decreasing prevalence of anemia during the last 15 years has been observed in Mexico. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of vitamin D in children 3-8 years old in four different locations within the metropolitan area of Mexico City and to compare them to levels of iron and zinc as references of nutritional status. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen healthy children aged 3-8 years attending four hospitals in Mexico City were invited to participate. All children received medical and nutritional evaluation, and blood samples were obtained. RESULTS: Children were selected in the four hospitals between April and August 2008. More than half (51.3%) were boys; their average age was 5.5 ± 1.6 years. The mean height and weight of the children were 112.1 ± 11.2 cm and 20.2 ± 4.9 kg respectively, with a body mass index [BMI] of 15.8 ± 1.7 kg/m². The mean Z-score (BMI) was 0.007 ± 0.999. The prevalence of subjects with deficient levels of 25-OH-vitamin D (<50 nmol/l) was 24.77%. None of the children had haemoglobin levels below the anaemia threshold, and zinc determination revealed 8.26% of individuals with deficient levels (<65 µg/dL). These data confirm the findings reported in the latest National Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2012) about the sustained reduction of anaemia prevalence among preschool and schoolchildren since 1999 and the rising rates of vitamin D deficiency in the same population. Similar to other studies, we found a link between socioeconomic status and the deficiency of micronutrients, these being markers of better nutrition, and vitamin D is remarkably related to the quality of the diet. This finding has not been considered in our population before. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of a sustained decrease of anaemia in Mexican children due to general enrichment of foods and focus on vulnerable populations, while vitamin D deficiency seems to have increased. More studies are needed to obtain more information on vitamin D levels at different ages and definition of susceptible groups in order to investigate the possibility of general population measures such as enrichment, which have proven to be effective.

Persistent organic pollutant levels in eggs of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) point to a decrease in hatching success.

Sea turtles are susceptible to environmental pollution, since many harmful effects have been reported for different chemicals over the last two decades. In this context, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are of particular concern due to their endocrine-disrupting nature. The aims of this study were to provide additional baseline data on PCB and PBDE concentrations in eggs of Dermochelys coriacea; and to investigate whether any of the congeners could compromise reproductive success in this species. A total of 18 nests from different females were studied during the nesting season of 2008 at Reserva Pacuare Beach, in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Reproductive parameters (viability, fertility and hatching rates) were calculated for all nests and hatchling morphometrics were successfully measured in 8 of them. Two to three fresh eggs per nest were taken for contaminant study. Different congeners of POPs were purified and identified using gas chromatography (GC) coupled to an ion trap detector (GC-ITD MS/MS), as described below. Mean ± SD concentrations were calculated for POP congeners within each nest and clustering was also evaluated. Correlations were performed searching for potential relationships with reproductive parameters. POP levels were similar to those reported in French-Guiana populations and slightly lower than those associated to Florida populations. Sum of PBDEs showed a negative correlation to the hatching success, suggesting potential harmful effects of these contaminants on the reproduction of leatherbacks.

[The evolution of the borderline personality disorder diagnosis: past, present and future]. / La evolución del diagnóstico Borderline: pasado, presente y futuro.

The purpose of this paper is to go along the different senses and meanings that borderline diagnosis has had across time. On behalf of this, many original papers as well as textbooks and other works are analyzed, to define the way and significant points in the discovery or construction of this critical pathology, that even today still divides the opinions in health world community. From Prichard, to Stern, Deutsch, Grinker and Knight, till Kernberg, Gunderson, Linehan and Fonagy we try to put clear the most important contributions of each author.

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica de pacientes con asma bronquial en un consultorio rural de Chivirico / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of patients with bronchial asthma in a rural doctor's office in Chivirico

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 45 pacientes asmáticos, mayores de 15 años, pertenecientes al consultorio médico de la familia El Mazo en Chivirico, municipio de Guamá, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2006, ambos meses inclusive, con vista a caracterizarles para conocer cómo se manifestaba el asma bronquial en esta zona rural y se obtuvo una mayor incidencia de la enfermedad en las personas de 15 a 24 años y del sexo masculino. La generalidad de los encuestados tenían un bajo nivel de escolaridad y el mayor porcentaje de ellos presentó un estadio ligero intermitente del cuadro clínico. También se observó que el hábito de fumar, el género de vida regular y la ausencia del tratamiento intercrisis fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes en la casuística.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 45 asthmatic patients over age15, belonging to El Mazo family doctor's office in Chivirico, Guamá municipality, from January to December, 2006, including both months, with the purpose of characterizing them to know how evident bronchial asthma is in this rural area. A higher incidence of the disease was obtained in male patients between15 and 24 years. Most of the respondents had a low educational status and the highest percentage of them presented with an intermittent mild stage of the clinical pattern. It was also noted that smoking, a regular mode of life and the absence of intercrisis treatment were the most frequent risk factors in the case material.