Improvement in Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life after Nasal Septoplasty with Turbinoplasty: A Pre- and Post-study

Abstract Introduction Septoplasty and turbinoplasty are common surgical interventions used to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms. Since it is difficult to measure the degree of nasal blockage, current literature wonders about the frequent performance of these procedures. Objective To evaluate the perceived change in the nasal obstruction and the quality of life (QoL) of patients that underwent a septoplasty along with a turbinoplasty by applying subjective scales, to describe the correlation between those scales, and to study the impact of clinical factors in the postoperative outcomes. Methods Prospective observational study. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) were assessed. The paired sample Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the difference between the pre- and postoperative surveys. The correlation coefficient between the subjective scales was calculated. A quantile regression was performed to evaluate the effect of surgery on the results adjusted for clinical and demographic variables. Results A total of 115 patients were interviewed. Postoperative NOSE scores were 45 points lower (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 53.53-- 35.46; p < 0.001) in comparison with the NOSE preoperative scores. Obesity was the only statistically significant factor associated with worse outcomes. Additionally, we found a high correlation between the NOSE and VAS scores and a negative correlation between the GBI and postoperative VAS scores. Conclusion Nasal septoplasty, when paired with a turbinoplasty, decreases nasal obstruction and improves QoL. Obesity was associated with worse results. There was a strong correlation between the NOSE and the VAS results and between the GBI and postoperative VAS results.

Improvement in Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life after Nasal Septoplasty with Turbinoplasty: A Pre- and Post-study.

Introduction Septoplasty and turbinoplasty are common surgical interventions used to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms. Since it is difficult to measure the degree of nasal blockage, current literature wonders about the frequent performance of these procedures. Objective To evaluate the perceived change in the nasal obstruction and the quality of life (QoL) of patients that underwent a septoplasty along with a turbinoplasty by applying subjective scales, to describe the correlation between those scales, and to study the impact of clinical factors in the postoperative outcomes. Methods Prospective observational study. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) were assessed. The paired sample Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the difference between the pre- and postoperative surveys. The correlation coefficient between the subjective scales was calculated. A quantile regression was performed to evaluate the effect of surgery on the results adjusted for clinical and demographic variables. Results A total of 115 patients were interviewed. Postoperative NOSE scores were 45 points lower (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 53.53-- 35.46; p < 0.001) in comparison with the NOSE preoperative scores. Obesity was the only statistically significant factor associated with worse outcomes. Additionally, we found a high correlation between the NOSE and VAS scores and a negative correlation between the GBI and postoperative VAS scores. Conclusion Nasal septoplasty, when paired with a turbinoplasty, decreases nasal obstruction and improves QoL. Obesity was associated with worse results. There was a strong correlation between the NOSE and the VAS results and between the GBI and postoperative VAS results.

Sustainable Castor Bean Biodiesel Through Ricinus communis L. Lipase Extract Catalysis.

The rise in oil prices, global warming, and the depletion of nonrenewable resources have led researchers to study sustainable alternatives to increasing energy demand. The autocatalysis from castor oil and castor lipases to produce biodiesel can be an excellent alternative to reduce the production costs and avoid the drawbacks of chemical transesterification. This study aimed to evaluate the catalytic activity of castor bean lipase extract (CBLE) on three vegetable oils hydrolysis, to obtain and enhance biodiesel yield by an autocatalysis from castor oil and CBLE. Furthermore, the enzymatic biodiesel physicochemical quality was analyzed. The enzymatic activity for olive oil was 76.12 U, 90.06 U for commercial castor oil, and 75.60 U in raw castor oil. The hydrolysis percentages were high at 25 °C, pH 4.5, for 4 h with 97.18% for olive oil, 98.86%, and 96.19% for commercial and raw castor oil, respectively. The CBLE catalyzed the transesterification reaction on castor oil to obtain 82.91% biodiesel yield under the selected conditions of 20% lipase loading, 1:6 oil/methanol molar ratio, and 10% buffer pH 4.5, 37 °C for 8 h. The castor biodiesel quality satisfied the ASTM-D6751 (USA) and EN-14214 (European Union) values, except for the density, viscosity, and moisture, as expected for this kind of biodiesel.

Fabrication and Testing of Multi-Hierarchical Porous Scaffolds Designed for Bone Regeneration via Additive Manufacturing Processes.

Bone implants or replacements are very scarce due to the low donor availability and the high rate of body rejection. For this reason, tissue engineering strategies have been developed as alternative solutions to this problem. This research sought to create a cellular scaffold with an intricate and complex network of interconnected pores and microchannels using salt leaching and additive manufacturing (3D printing) methods that mimic the hierarchical internal structure of the bone. A biocompatible hydrogel film (based on poly-ethylene glycol) was used to cover the surface of different polymeric scaffolds. This thin film was then exposed to various stimuli to spontaneously form wrinkled micropatterns, with the aim of increasing the contact area and the material's biocompatibility. The main innovation of this study was to include these wrinkled micropatterns on the surface of the scaffold by taking advantage of thin polymer film surface instabilities. On the other hand, salt and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles were included in the polymeric matrix to create a modified filament for 3D printing. The printed part was leached to eliminate porogen particles, leaving homogenously distributed pores on the structure. The pores have a mean size of 26.4 ± 9.9 µm, resulting in a global scaffold porosity of ~42% (including pores and microchannels). The presence of nHA particles, which display a homogeneous distribution according to the FE-SEM and EDX results, have a slight influence on the mechanical resistance of the material, but incredibly, despite being a bioactive compound for bone cells, did not show a significant increase in cell viability on the scaffold surface. However, the synergistic effect between the presence of the hydrogel and the pores on the material does produce an increase in cell viability compared to the control sample and the bare PCL material.

Síntomas otorrinolaringológicos asociados con infección positiva de SARS-CoV-2 confirmada con RT-PCR: un estudio de casos y controles en Colombia / Otolaryngological symptoms associated with positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case-control study in Colombia

Introducción: las alteraciones otorrinolaringológicas en pacientes con COVID-19 tienen particular importancia a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, todavía no hay consenso en la literatura acerca de la epidemiología, la gravedad y el tiempo de recuperación de estos trastornos. Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre los síntomas otorrinolaringológicos y la positividad del SARS-CoV-2 confirmada mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de transcripción inversa (RT-PCR), así como la gravedad, duración y recuperación de estos síntomas en pacientes de la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, un hospital de referencia de COVID-19 en Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, tipo casos y controles, realizado entre el 9 de octubre de 2020 y el 14 de enero de 2021. Los casos incluyeron adultos que obtuvieron una prueba positiva para el SARS-CoV-2 mediante RT-PCR. Los casos se emparejaron en una proporción de 2:1 con adultos sintomáticos seleccionados al azar con una prueba negativa, o con pacientes prequirúrgicos. Resultados: se incluyeron 130 casos y 253 controles entre los 10.004 pacientes sometidos a la prueba del SARS-CoV-2. La edad media era de 41,8 años (desviación estándar [DE]: 16,3). Los síntomas otorrinolaringológicos asociados a la positividad al SARS-CoV-2 fueron anosmia/hiposmia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5,82; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 %: 1,92-17,68), disgeusia/hipogeusia (aOR: 9,09; IC del 95 %: 2,86-28,92) y tos seca (aOR: 3,18; IC del 95 %: 1,56-6,48). La duración media de la anosmia/hiposmia y de la disgeusia/hipogeusia en los pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 positivos fue de 14,5 días y 15 días (rango intercuartílico [IQR]: 8-27), respectivamente. Hasta el 70,3 % y el 67,5 % de la población informó de una recuperación completa de la anosmia/hiposmia y la disgeusia/hipogeusia. En cuanto a la gravedad de los síntomas de anosmia/hiposmia y disgeusia/hipogeusia, el 62,1 % y el 65,4 % de la población positiva para SARS-CoV-2 los clasificó como graves. Sin embargo, solo el 6,1 % de ellos recibió tratamiento para estos síntomas. Conclusiones: los síntomas otorrinolaringológicos asociados con la positividad para SARS-CoV-2 son útiles para orientar el diagnóstico, pero establecer sus características clínicas también es esencial para un tratamiento adecuado.

Introduction: Otolaryngological disorders in COVID-19 patients have drawn attention worldwide. However, there is still no consensus regarding the prevalence, severity or recovery of these disorders. This study aimed to assess the association between otolaryngological symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 positivity confirmed by RT-PCR, as well as the severity, duration, and recovery of these symptoms in patients receiving care at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, a COVID-19 referral hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: Observational, analytic, prospective, case-control study conducted between October 9, 2020, and January 14, 2021. Cases included adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cases were matched in a 2:1 ratio with randomly selected symptomatic adults with a negative test, or patients awaiting surgery. Results: Of 10004 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2, 130 cases and 253 controls were included. The mean age was 41.8 years (standard deviation [SD]: 16.3). The otolaryngological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity were anosmia/hyposmia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-17.68), dysgeusia/ hypogeusia (aOR: 9.09; 95% CI: 2.86-28.92), and dry cough (aOR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.56-6.48). The median duration of anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/hypogeusia in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients was 14.5 days and 15 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 8-27), respectively. Up to 70.3% and 67.5% of the population reported a complete recovery of anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/hypogeusia. Regarding the severity of anosmia/hyposmia and dysgeusia/hypogeusia symptoms, 62.1% and 65.4% of the SARS-CoV-2 positive population classified them as severe. However, only 6.1% of them received treatment for these symptoms. Conclusions: Otolaryngological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity are a useful guide to diagnosis, although adequate treatment also requires determination of their clinical characteristics.

Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life Assessment After Septoplasty With Turbinoplasty: Correlation Between Subjective Scales.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of nasal obstruction is imprecise due to a low correlation between findings on the physical examination and objective measures with the severity of symptoms reported by the patient even after septoplasty with turbinoplasty is performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of subjective scales, and the correlation between them for the evaluation of nasal obstruction after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of undergoing septoplasty with turbinoplasty to relieve nasal obstructive symptoms and the quality of life in a mid-term period by using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent a septoplasty with turbinoplasty due to nasal septodeviation and secondary nasal obstructive symptoms at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Three scales were used to measure the outcomes one year after surgery: VAS (0-10), NOSE (0-100), and GBI (-100 to 100). RESULTS: Data from 56 patients (21 females, mean age 37.5 years of age, SD 12.13) was collected. The results showed that 75% of the patients had a post-surgical NOSE score below 50 and a VAS score below 6. Regarding the GBI scale, 75% of the patients improved in their quality of life. An inverse proportional correlation was found between the NOSE and GBI scales (rho = -0.3682) (95% CI -0.579 to -0.111), and there was a directly proportional correlation between the NOSE and VAS scales (rho = 0.7440) (95% CI 0.595 to 0.844). CONCLUSION: Subjective measures suggest there was an improvement in nasal obstructive symptoms and quality of life after surgery. Non-anatomical causes such as rhinitis can be confounding factors to consider in subsequent studies. VAS stands out as a possible interchangeable scale with NOSE to measure nasal obstruction in these patients.

Priorities to reduce the burden of stroke in Latin American countries.

The large and increasing burden of stroke in Latin American countries, and the need to meet the UN and WHO requirements for reducing the burden from non-communicable disorders (including stroke), brought together stroke experts and representatives of the Ministries of Health of 13 Latin American countries for the 1st Latin American Stroke Ministerial meeting in Gramado, Brazil, to discuss the problem and identify ways of cooperating to reduce the burden of stroke in the region. Discussions were focused on the regional and country-specific activities associated with stroke prevention and treatment, including public stroke awareness, prevention strategies, delivery and organisation of care, clinical practice gaps, and unmet needs. The meeting culminated with the adoption of the special Gramado Declaration, signed by all Ministerial officials who attended the meeting. With agreed priorities for stroke prevention, treatment, and research, an opportunity now exists to translate this Declaration into an action plan to reduce the burden of stroke.

Huella Hídrica de productos regionales: el caso de la cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus) / Water footprint of regional products: the case of white cachama (Piaractus brachypomus)

Como respuesta a la demanda por el recurso hídrico surge el indicador ecológico "Huella Hídrica", el cual se mide en términos del agua consumida y/o contaminada por litros de agua/kg/cosecha. La Huella Hídrica ayuda a optimizar el uso del recurso hídrico al disminuir recambios de agua, incrementar densidades de siembra, emplear sistemas cerrados con recirculación y/o tecnologías de aguas verdes. Para el cálculo de Huella Hídrica en estanques piscícolas del Piedemonte Llanero se caracterizó la climatología, meteorología y régimen hidrológico en el municipio de Restrepo-Meta-Colombia. Fueron realizados cálculos de evapotranspiración potencial, así como de la precipitación efectiva. También se consideró el volumen necesario para la asimilación de los contaminantes por los cuerpos de agua y el agua virtual para la elaboración del concentrado. Para el cultivo de cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus) se calculó una Huella Hídrica de 3848.5 L de agua/kg/cosecha, valor inferior a lo reportado para otros cultivos de peces e, inclusive, para otras actividades agropecuarias. También se encontró que la Huella Hídrica Indirecta (2913,3 L/kg) es la que más aporta para el valor total de Huella Hídrica. Esto demuestra la diferencia del consumo de agua en la producción de cachama aproximándola a un sistema de producción sostenible.

In response for the demand of water resources, the ecological indicator "water footprint" emerges which is measured in terms of the water consumed and/or contaminated per liters of water/kg/crop. The Water Footprint helps to optimize the use of water resources by reducing water changes, increasing planting densities, using closed systems with recirculation and/or green water technologies. For the calculation of water footprint in fish ponds of the Piedemonte Llanero, the climatology, meteorology and hydrological regime in the Municipality of Restrepo, Meta, Colombia were characterized. Calculations of potential evapotranspiration, as well as effective precipitation were carried out. The volume required for the assimilation of pollutants by water bodies and virtual water for the preparation of the concentrate was also considered. A water footprint of 3848.5 L water/kg/crop was calculated for the cultivation of white cachama (Piaractus brachypomus), a value lower than that reported for other fish cultures and even for other agricultural activities. It was also found that the Indirect Water Footprint (2913.3 L/kg) is the one that contributes the most to the total value of the Water Footprint. This demonstrates the difference in water consumption in the production of cachama, bringing it closer to a sustainable production system.

Cáncer de estómago, primera causa de muerte en Panamá factor de riesgo "Helicobacter Pylori": un problema de estado y de salud / Stomach cancer, first cause of death in Panama risk factor \"Hilicobacter Pylori\": a problem of state and public health

Entre las causales de muerte por cáncer en la República de Panamá, el cáncer deestómago ocupa el primer lugar, constituyéndose en un problema serio de Salud Pública, parael país como un todo.Si las primeras causales de muerte en la población panameña son los cánceres, delcual el cáncer de estómago es la primera causa de muerte entre todos los cánceres a nivel depoblación, y el principal agente causal del cáncer de estómago es el Helicobacter Pylori,entonces estamos fallando en Panamá en los controles de higiene, en el Sistema de SaludPública, en lo referente al control de esta enfermedades infecciosas, relacionada con lacalidad e higiene de los alimentos, razón por la cual hay que poner atención. Es decir, estamosfallando en las prioridades de salud ambiental donde los determinantes básicos son: lacalidad del agua, el aire y la tierra. Determinantes estos que son indicadores de la higiene ysalud de los alimentos que se producen, preparan y preservan como fuente de alimentos parala población panameña, y visitantes.Si las investigaciones nos están demostrando que el principal factor que induce elcáncer de estómago es el Helicobacter Pylori, hemos fallado en lo referente a la primerafunción en Salud Pública, que es la educación en salud de la población en riesgo y elMinisterio de Salud está fallando en preservar la salud del ambiente donde los individuos, lasfamilias y las comunidades viven, estudian, trabajan, participan en actividades sociales yespecialmente en lugares donde los alimentos son: sembrados, producidos, empacados,distribuidos, vendidos, preparados para comer y consumir con probable calidad dudosa yfalta de seguridad alimentaria, lo cual afecta la salud de la población.

Between the cause of mortality in the Republic of Panama, stomach cancer, is in thefirsts position, and it represent a serious Public Health problem for the nation as a whole.Being cancer, the first causes of mortality in the Panamanian population and from allthe cancers, research had shown over time, that stomach cancer, is the first cause of deathat population level, if research are showing also that stomach cancer have the highestincidence of diagnostic procedure shown to be due to Helicobacter Pylori, means thatattention has to be center in environmental health and it determinants of health specificallythe quality of water, air, and soil use to produce, prepare and preserve food, as the source offood for the Panamanian population and visitors.The national statistics of Panama had also shown that one of the principal factor thatinduce stomach cancer is the Helicobacter Pylori, them we are failing in the Public Healthsystems, with regard to teach hygine and learn to identify the risk factors and the Ministryof Health is failing also in preserving the health of the environment were the individuals,family and community leave, study, work, participate in social activities and specially placeswere food is grow, produce, pack, distributed, sell, prepared to be consume in unhealthyenvironments, with lack of food safety for the population .One of the main problems are the working hours of the Public Health workers thatleave the population unprotected from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am hours that the population is at riskand more during night, that there is a lot of people and families that eat in unsave restaurants,due that Public Health workers in day time hours only, living the population unsafe atnational level, du to food sell in clandestine ways during night hours.

Entre as causas de morte por câncer na República do Panamá, o câncer de estômagoocupa o primeiro lugar, constituindo um grave problema de saúde pública para o país.Se a primeira causa de morte na população panamenha é o câncer, do qual o câncerde estômago é a principal causa de morte entre todos os tipos de câncer, no nível dapopulação, e o principal agente causador do câncer de estômago é Helicobacter pylori, entãoestamos falhando no Panamá nos controles de higiene, no Sistema de Saúde Pública, emrelação ao controle dessas doenças infecciosas, relacionadas à qualidade e higiene dosalimentos, e é por isso que devemos prestar mais atenção.Ou seja, estamos falhando em prioridades de saúde ambiental onde osdeterminantes básicos são: a qualidade da água, do ar e da terra. Determinantes que sãoindicadores de higiene e saúde dos alimentos produzidos, preparados e preservados paraconsumo pela população panamenha e visitantes.Se a pesquisa está nos mostrando que o principal fator que induz o câncer deestômago é Helicobacter pylori, falhamos em relação à primeira função em Saúde Pública,que é a educação em saúde da população em risco e o Ministério da Saúde É incapaz depreservar a saúde do ambiente onde vivem pessoas, famílias e comunidades, estudar,trabalhar, participar de atividades sociais e especialmente em locais onde a alimentação éplantada, produzida, embalada, distribuída, vendida, preparada para comer e consumir comprovável qualidade duvidosa e falta de segurança alimentar, o que afeta a saúde da população.

Phylogeography of herbarium specimens of asexually propagated paper mulberry [Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent. (Moraceae)] reveals genetic diversity across the Pacific.

Background and Aims: Paper mulberry or Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent. (Moraceae) is a dioecious species native to continental South-east Asia and East Asia, including Taiwan, that was introduced to the Pacific by pre-historic voyagers and transported intentionally and propagated asexually across the full range of Austronesian expansion from Taiwan to East Polynesia. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the dispersal of paper mulberry into Oceania through the genetic analysis of herbaria samples which represent a more complete coverage of the historical geographical range of the species in the Pacific before later introductions and local extinctions occurred. Methods: DNA from 47 herbarium specimens of B. papyrifera collected from 1882 to 2006 from different islands of the Pacific was obtained under ancient DNA protocols. Genetic characterization was based on the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer ITS-1 sequence, a sex marker, the chloroplast ndhF-rpl32 intergenic spacer and a set of ten microsatellites developed for B. papyrifera. Key Results: Microsatellites allowed detection of 15 genotypes in Near and Remote Oceanian samples, in spite of the vegetative propagation of B. papyrifera in the Pacific. These genotypes are structured in two groups separating West and East Polynesia, and place Pitcairn in a pivotal position. We also detected the presence of male plants that carry the Polynesian chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) haplotype, in contrast to findings in contemporary B. papyrifera populations where only female plants bear the Polynesian cpDNA haplotype. Conclusions: For the first time, genetic diversity was detected among paper mulberry accessions from Remote Oceania. A clear separation between West and East Polynesia was found that may be indicative of pulses during its dispersal history. The pattern linking the genotypes within Remote Oceania reflects the importance of central Polynesia as a dispersal hub, in agreement with archaeological evidence.

Morfoanatomia foliar de phoradendron obtusissimum(miq ) eichler (viscaceae), "ka'a votyre'y", utilizado con fines medicinales en una comunidad de Colonia Independencia, Paraguay / Leaf morphoanatomy of Phoradendron obtusissimum(Miq) Eichler (V iscaceae), "ka'avotyre'y", used for medicinal purposes in a community of Colonia Independencia, Paraguay

Resumen: El "ka'avotyre'y", Phoradendron obtusissimum (V iscaceae), es una especie empleada con fines medicinales en Paraguay para tratar enfermedades hepáticas. El presente trabajo se desarrolló dentro del marco del proyecto "Conservación, fortalecimiento y uso sostenible de la flora de Itá Azul y San Gervasio, Colonia Independencia, Reserva de Recursos Manejados Ybytyruzu, Paraguay" y tuvo por objetivo describir la morfoanatomía de P . obtusissimum. Los caracteres diferenciales son: estomas paracíticos en ambas epidermis, índice estomático en epidermis adaxial (5,71)-6,62-(8,33) y en epidermis abaxial (6,45)-1 1,20-(14,29); presencia de drusas en todo el mesófilo. Se presentan así elementos de diagnóstico útiles a la hora de identificar a la especie estudiada. Palabras clave: Phoradendron obtusissimum, morfoanatomía, planta medicinal.

Conocimientos sobre prácticas de autocuidado y su asociación con las características sociodemográficas de pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar, CLAS San Martín de Porres - Los Olivos - 2012 / Practical knowledge of self and its association with demographic characteristics in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, San Martin de Porres CLAS - Los Olivos - 2012

Objetivo: determinar el nivel de conocimientos sobre prácticas de autocuidado y su relación con las variables sociodemográficas en pacientes con tuberculosis pulmonar registrados en la estrategia nacional de prevención y control de tuberculosis pulmonar. Material y métodos: el tipo de estudio es descriptivo de corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 30 pacientes con diagnóstico de tuberculosis pulmonar pertenecientes al esquema de tratamiento I, que se encuentran registrados en la Estrategia Nacional de Prevención y Control de Tuberculosis Pulmonar del Centro de Salud CLAS ®San Martín de Porres¯. Se utilizó como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento el cuestionario estructurado, elaborado por las investigadoras. El instrumento fue validado por juicio de expertos y se realizó la prueba piloto. Para el procesamiento de datos se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS versión 15.0, para la recolección de datos se solicitó el permiso a la institución, se identificó a la población de estudio y se solicitó el consentimiento informado. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que, del total de pacientes evaluados predominó el nivel de conocimientos medio con 43,3%, mientras que 26,7% de los pacientes presentó un nivel de conocimientos bajo. El 43% de los pacientes de sexo femenino presentó un alto nivel de conocimientos. El 50% de pacientes entre 25, a 44 a¤os presentó un nivel de conocimiento medio. Las pacientes de nivel de educación superior presentan un nível de conocimiento alto; con relaciín al grado de instrucción el que predominó fue superior universitario con 50%; el 45% de pacientes que trabajan presentó un nível de conocimientos alto. Se respetaron los princípios bioéticos. Conclusiones: la mayor¡a de los pacientes con tuberculosis presentan un nivel de conocimiento medio bajo sobre autocuidado. Existe asociación significativa entre el nível de conocimiento al nivel de instrucción y la ocupación de los pacientes...

Objective: Determine the level of knowledge about self-care practices and their relationship with sociodemographic variables in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis registered in the national strategy for prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis. Material and Methods: Type of study is a descriptive cross sectional. The population consisted of 30 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis belonging to the treatment schedule I, which are recorded in the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis Lung Health Center CLAS ®San Martin de Porres¯. The survey was used as a technique and a tool structured questionnaire developed by the researchers. The instrument was validated by expert opinion and pilot testing was performed. For data processing SPSS version 15.0 was used for data collection to the institution permission was sought, identified the study population and informed consent was requested. Results: The results showed that, of the patients evaluated predominant medium level knowledge with 43.3%, while 26.7% of patients had a low level of knowledge. 43% of the female patients had a high level of knowledge. 50% of patients between 25 and 44 years presented a medium concimiento. Patients with higher level of education have a higher level of knowledge, relative to the level of education that prevailed was the top university with 50%, 45% of working patients presented a higher level of knowledge. Bioethical principles are respected. Conclusions. Most patients with tuberculosis have lower average level of knowledge about self-care. There is significant association between the level of knowledge to the level of education and occupation of patients. No significant association between knowledge of self-care practices to age and sex was found. There is significant association between the level of knowledge of self-care practices with the level of education and occupation.

Pregabalin beneficial effects on sleep quality or health-related quality of life are poorly correlated with reduction on pain intensity after an 8-week treatment course.

BACKGROUND: Pregabalin (PGB) has been shown to improve sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as well as pain intensity in patients with neuropathic pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to explore the magnitude of the correlations between changes in pain intensity, sleep quality, and HRQoL after PGB treatment. METHODS: One hundred thirty-eight patients with neuropathic pain of any origin and without an adequate response to analgesics received an 8-week treatment course of PGB in an open-label fashion. Pain intensity, sleep quality, and HRQoL outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at week 8 by means of an 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale (NRS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the EuroQol health-state visuoanalogic scale (EQ-5D VAS) score, respectively. RESULTS: At week 8, mean PGB dose was 166.7 ± 7.8 mg/d. Pain intensity NRS score, PSQI total score, and EQ-5D VAS score were improved by 66.5% ± 1.9%, 40.0% ± 3.6%, and 26.4% ± 4.7% (all P < 0.01), respectively. Correlations between percent change from baseline in pain NRS score and PSQI total score or EQ-5D VAS scores were r = 0.36 (P < 0.01, R = 0.11) and r = -0.20 (P < 0.02, R = 0.05), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that PSQI score change below the median (ie, a better outcome) was related to higher EQ-5D VAS score change (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-4.25), whereas pain intensity NRS score change below the median was not (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval,0.78-3.23). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, PGB-related improvements in sleep quality and HRQoL were marginally related to reductions in pain intensity in patients with neuropathic pain. Improvement in sleep quality was a significant predictor of better HRQoL, whereas pain intensity reduction was not.

Morfoanatomía comparativa de dos especies de Acanthospermum (ASTERACEAE) / Comparative morpho-anatomy of two species of Acanthospermum (ASTERACEAE)

RESUMEN: Para el presente trabajo se ha escogido dos especies de las plantas reportadas como antiinflamatorias, dentro del marco del Proyecto "Un aporte para el control de calidad de drogas de origen vegetal: Análisis micrográfico de drogas vegetales empleadas en la medicina popular paraguaya como antiinflamatorias y comercializadas en los mercados de Asunción, Luque, San Lorenzo, Paraguarí y Caacupé": "tapekué", Acanthospermum australe (Loef.) Kuntze y "toro rati", A. hispidum DC. (Asteraceae); con el fin de realizar la caracterización morfoanatómica foliar y caulinar de ambas especies. Los caracteres morfoanatómicos diferenciales encontrados son: A. australe; hierba decumbente o ascendente, hoja levemente pubescente, rómbico-ovada; base atenuada, corto peciolo, fruto aquenio fusiforme cubierto de espinas ganchudas; parénquima en empalizada con dos hileras de células, pelos glandulares que forman una depresión en la superficie foliar . A. hispidum, hierba erecta, hoja ovada o deltoide ovada, base cuneiforme, sésil; fruto aquenio cuneiforme comprimido, cubierto de espinas ganchudas, de las cuales dos sobresalen en forma divergente a manera de cuernos; parénquima en empalizada con una hilera de células. Palabras clave: morfoanatomía, Acanthospermum, planta medicinal.

Cross-cultural validation of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Psychosocial questionnaire (SCOPA-PS) in four Latin American countries.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a cross-national validation of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-PsychoSocial questionnaire (SCOPA-PS) in four Latin American Countries. METHODS: Data quality (missing items), scale assumptions (item-test correlation), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, item homogeneity), factor structure, content validity, and precision (standard error of measurement, SEM) of the scale were explored, as was convergent validity with motor symptoms (Clinical Impression of Severity Index [CISI-PD], Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Motor Scale), emotional status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and health-related quality of life (Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39). Known-groups validity was studied by category of severity, based on Hoehn and Yahr staging (HY), CISI-PD, and disease duration. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-one Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with usable data participated (mean age 64.7 years; 42.3% female; mean PD duration 8.5 years; HY, 1 to 5). Data quality (missing items <10%), scale assumptions (item-total correlation = 0.43 - 0.71) and internal consistency of SCOPA-PS (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87; item homogeneity = 0.38) were satisfactory. Factor analysis suggested a unifactorial structure. High convergent validity was found for depression (r(S) = 0.61), anxiety (r(S) = 0.62), and health-related quality of life (r(S) = 0.82). Known-groups validity analyses indicated a gradual influence of severity category and disease duration on SCOPA-PS scores (P < 0.0001). SEM value was 8.24 (7 to 12 in previous studies). These magnitudes may be indicative of the threshold for a real change and a minimum important difference. CONCLUSIONS: The Latin American versions of the SCOPA-PS displayed appropriate psychometric attributes.