Chemical Variations Induced by Ozonization of 5% Glucose Solution and Evaluation of Generated Compounds.

The most commonly studied method of administering ozone therapy is systemic ozone therapy. However, there may be situations where this method is not feasible due to technical issues, such as poor vein condition or anemia. As an alternative method, pre-ozonized solutions, such as 0.9% saline solution, have been investigated for their ease of preparation and administration. However, concerns have been raised regarding the formation of chlorine compounds. Currently, there is no available literature on the treatment potential of pre-ozonized glucose solution. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the chemical changes induced by ozonization of a 5% glucose solution and determine if any toxic compounds are produced. Our findings indicate that the chemical alterations following ozone infusion are quantitatively minimal and pose a negligible risk in terms of safety.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: A comparative longitudinal analysis of the association between risk perception, confidence, and the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, scientists rushed to develop vaccines to protect individuals and ferry the world out of the pandemic. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy is a major threat to the success of vaccination campaigns. Research on previous pandemics highlighted the centrality of perceived risk and confidence as core determinants of vaccine acceptance. Research on COVID-19 is less conclusive, and frequently it relies on one-country, cross-sectional data, thus making it hard to generalize results across contexts and observe these relationships over time. To bridge these gaps, in this article, we analyzed the association between perceived risk, confidence, and vaccine acceptance cross-sectionally at individual and country levels. Then, we longitudinally explored whether a within-country variation in perceived risk and confidence was correlated with a variation in vaccine acceptance. We used data from a large-scale survey of individuals in 23 countries and 19 time-points between June 2020 and March 2021 and comparative longitudinal multilevel models to estimate the associations at different levels of analysis simultaneously. Results show the existence of cross-sectional relationships at the individual and country levels but no significant associations within countries over time. This article contributes to our understanding of the roles of risk perception and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines' acceptance by underlining that these relationships might differ at diverse levels of analysis. To foster vaccine uptake, it might be important to address individual concerns and persisting contextual characteristics, but increasing levels of perceived risk and confidence might not be a sufficient strategy to increase vaccine acceptance rates.

Long-Term Safety of Systemic Ozone Therapy in a Patient With Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes (MELAS).

A patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease characterized by myopathy, epilepsy, encephalopathy, acidosis, and recurrent cerebral ischemic episodes, underwent systemic hematogenous ozone therapy for 17 years. Despite advancements in the study of mitochondrial diseases, there are currently no available treatments for MELAS. The patient in this case has received over 280 sessions of systemic hematic ozone therapy since 2003 (from the age of 10 years) till the time of publication, without reporting any adverse effects, achieving a normal level of development considering the comorbidities. Possible mechanisms of action of systemic hematogenous ozone therapy include improved efficiency of the mitochondrial oxidative chain through the induction of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutases {SOD}, peroxidase). More studies are needed to evaluate the actual safety of long-term systemic hematogenous ozone therapy in patients with mitochondrial diseases.

Shared understandings of vaccine hesitancy: How perceived risk and trust in vaccination frame individuals' vaccine acceptance.

Extensive research has framed vaccine hesitancy as a property of a heterogeneous group of individuals, ranging from total acceptance to complete refusal. Nevertheless, not much research has explored this heterogeneity, mainly focusing on central tendencies of single belief-related items. Using data from an original survey on a sample of Italian citizens, this paper examines this heterogeneity, exploiting individuals' cognitive variation to map clusters of individuals who share similar cognitive schemas on vaccine uptake. The results showed the existence three groups, characterized by a different articulation of predictors of vaccine hesitancy, revealing different understandings of vaccine uptake. We then analyzed within-cluster characteristics and showed that cognitive segmentation was connected to different levels of perceived risk, confidence, and support for vaccination. We further showed that cognitive clustering also entailed a mean of social stratification that was correlated with individuals' educational levels, and that the predictors of vaccine hesitancy were articulated differently in each group. This study, adopting a recent perspective in the analysis of systems of beliefs, moves one step further in disentangling the complexity of vaccine acceptance. Results suggested the usefulness of including individuals' cognitive characteristics in vaccine hesitancy research and in the development of interventions addressed at increasing vaccine acceptance.

Do cognitive styles affect vaccine hesitancy? A dual-process cognitive framework for vaccine hesitancy and the role of risk perceptions.

RATIONALE: In this study, we consider cognitive differences in vaccine hesitancy and how perceived risks intervene in this relationship. Recent research agrees on the existence of two cognitive processes, intuitive and analytic cognition. Different individuals lean toward one of these processes with varying degrees of strength, influencing day-to-day behavior, perceptions, and decisions. Thinking dispositions might influence, at the same time, vaccine acceptance and perceived risks of vaccine-preventable disease, but the implications of individuals' cognitive differences for vaccination uptake have seldom been addressed from a sociological standpoint. OBJECTIVE: We bridge this gap by adopting a dual-process framework of cognition and investigate how thinking styles have a direct association with vaccine hesitancy and an indirect one through perceptions of risk. METHODS: We use data from original surveys carried out between September and November 2019 on a sample of the Italian population, participating in an online panel run by a major Italian survey company. We use Karlson, Holm, and Breen (KHB) decomposition to compare coefficients of nested-nonlinear models, separate the direct and indirect association of cognitive processes with vaccine hesitancy, and disentangle the contribution of each measure of risk perception. RESULTS: Net of individual socio-demographic characteristics, intuitive thinking is positively associated with the likelihood of being vaccine hesitant, and this direct association is as important as the indirect one through risk perceptions. Affective risk perceptions account for over half of the indirect association, underlining the centrality of affective versus probabilistic approaches to risk perception. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of including cognitive characteristics in vaccine hesitancy research, and empirically showing individuals' qualitatively complex perceptions of risks. Taking into account individuals' preferred cognitive style and affective concerns might be important in developing better tailored communication strategies to contain vaccine hesitancy.

Impact of Glucocorticoid on a Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease: Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Function.

Stress seems to contribute to the neuropathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), possibly by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Oxidative distress and mitochondrial dysfunction are key factors involved in the pathophysiology of PD and neuronal glucocorticoid-induced toxicity. Animal PD models have been generated to study the effects of hormonal stress, but no in vitro model has yet been developed. Our aim was to examine the impact of corticosterone (CORT) administration on a dopaminergic neuronal cell model of PD induced by the neurotoxin MPP+, as a new combined PD model based on the marker of endocrine response to stress, CORT, and oxidative-mitochondrial damage. We determined the impact of CORT, MPP+ and their co-incubation on reactive oxygen species production (O2-•), oxidative stress cellular markers (advanced-oxidation protein products and total antioxidant status), mitochondrial function (mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate) and neurodegeneration (Fluoro-Jade staining). Accordingly, the administration of MPP+ or CORT individually led to cell damage compared to controls (p < 0.05), as determined by several methods, whereas their co-incubation produced strong cell damage (p < 0.05). The combined model described here could be appropriate for investigating neuropathological hallmarks and for evaluating potential new therapeutic tools for PD patients suffering mild to moderate emotional stress.

Analysis on the serum levels of the biomarker CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players over the course of one season.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the blood serum levels of CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players, at three different times during one season: at the start of the pre-season, four months later (a time that marks the middle of the season) and at the end of the season. METHODS: Fourteen male soccer players of mean age 19 years were included. Blood samples of 3 mL were collected from each individual. The samples were analyzed by means of Elisa tests. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the serum level of CTX-II in the indoor soccer players, from the beginning to the end of the season (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that joint degradation had occurred in these soccer players, by the end of this period. It is evident that further studies are needed, with methodological rigor, so as to make an effective contribution toward precise elucidation of the etiology of this osteoarthritis and its relationship with the biomarkers, as a tool for early diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os níveis séricos sanguíneos de CTX-II em atletas profissionais de futebol de salão, em três momentos distintos durante uma temporada: no início da pré-temporada, quatro meses após (período que marca o meio da temporada) e no fim da temporada. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 14 atletas do gênero masculino e média de idade de 19 anos. Foram coletados 3 mL de sangue de cada indivíduo. As amostras foram analisadas pelo teste do tipo Elisa. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo dos níveis séricos de CTX-II nos atletas de futebol de salão, comparando-se o início e o fim de uma temporada (p < 0.01). CONCLUSÃO: Esses dados sugerem a ocorrência de degradação articular nos atletas, ao término desse período. Fica evidente a necessidade de futuros estudos, com rigor metodológico, que possam contribuir efetivamente para a elucidação precisa da etiologia da OA e sua relação com os biomarcadores como instrumento de diagnóstico precoce.

Análise dos níveis séricos do biomarcador CTX-II em atletas profissionais de futebol de salão durante uma temporada / Analysis on the serum levels of the biomarker CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players over the course of one season

OBJETIVO: Analisar os níveis séricos sanguíneos de CTX-II em atletas profissionais de futebol de salão, em três momentos distintos durante uma temporada: no início da pré-temporada, quatro meses após (período que marca o meio da temporada) e no fim da temporada. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 14 atletas do gênero masculino e média de idade de 19 anos. Foram coletados 3 mL de sangue de cada indivíduo. As amostras foram analisadas pelo teste do tipo Elisa. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo dos níveis séricos de CTX-II nos atletas de futebol de salão, comparando-se o início e o fim de uma temporada (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Esses dados sugerem a ocorrência de degradação articular nos atletas, ao término desse período. Fica evidente a necessidade de futuros estudos, com rigor metodológico, que possam contribuir efetivamente para a elucidação precisa da etiologia da OA e sua relação com os biomarcadores como instrumento de diagnóstico precoce.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to analyze the blood serum levels of CTX-II in professional indoor soccer players, at three different times during one season: at the start of the pre-season, four months later (a time that marks the middle of the season) and at the end of the season.METHODS:Fourteen male soccer players of mean age 19 years were included. Blood samples of 3 mL were collected from each individual. The samples were analyzed by means of Elisa tests.RESULTS:There was a significant increase in the serum level of CTX-II in the indoor soccer players, from the beginning to the end of the season (p< 0.01).CONCLUSION:These data suggest that joint degradation had occurred in these soccer players, by the end of this period. It is evident that further studies are needed, with methodological rigor, so as to make an effective contribution toward precise elucidation of the etiology of this osteoarthritis and its relationship with the biomarkers, as a tool fr early diagnosis.

Open kinetic chain exercises in a restricted range of motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that an early start of open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises for quadriceps strengthening in a full range of motion (ROM) could increase anterior knee laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with flexor tendons. However, there are no clinical trials that evaluated outcomes of OKC exercises in a restricted ROM for pain, function, muscle strength, and anterior knee laxity at 1 year after surgery. PURPOSE: To determine if an early start of OKC exercises for quadriceps strength in a restricted ROM would promote a clinical improvement without causing increased anterior knee laxity in patients after ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 49 patients between 16 and 50 years of age who underwent ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus and gracilis autografts were randomly assigned to an early start OKC (EOKC) exercise group or a late start OKC (LOKC) exercise group. The EOKC group (n = 25; mean age, 26 years) received a rehabilitation protocol with an early start of OKC (fourth week postoperatively) within a restricted ROM between 45° and 90°. The LOKC group (n = 24; mean age, 24 years) performed the same protocol with a late start of OKC exercises between 0° and 90° (12th week postoperatively). Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, 11-point numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Lysholm knee scoring scale, single-legged and crossover hop tests, and anterior knee laxity were measured to assess outcomes at the 12-week, 19-week, 25-week, and 17-month postoperative follow-up (range, 13-24 months). RESULTS: No difference (P < .05) was noted between groups with respect to demographic data. Both groups (EOKC and LOKC) had a higher level of function and less pain at the 19-week, 25-week, and 17-month assessments when compared with 12 weeks postoperatively (P < .05). The EOKC group had improved quadriceps muscle strength at the 19-week, 25-week, and 17-month follow-up when compared with 12 weeks postoperatively (P < .05); the LOKC group showed improvement only at the 17-month postoperative assessment. However, the analysis between groups showed no difference for all pain and functional assessments, including anterior knee laxity (P > .05). CONCLUSION: An early start of OKC exercises for quadriceps strengthening in a restricted ROM did not differ from a late start in terms of anterior knee laxity. The EOKC group reached the same findings in relation to pain decrease and functional improvement when compared with the LOKC group but showed a faster recovery in quadriceps strength. The nonweightbearing exercises seem appropriate for patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction, when utilized in a specific ROM. The magnitude of difference in quadriceps strength between the 2 rehabilitation protocols was around 5%; however, this difference was not clinically significant, especially because both groups had equal function on the hop tests.

ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN STRENGTH TESTS USING ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETRY BETWEEN FIELD AND INDOOR PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis on isokinetic strength assessments between field and indoor male professional soccer players and correlate the findings with the higher levels of injury risk described in the literature. METHODS: We analyzed 16 field soccer players and 15 indoor soccer players. All these professionals were male. Isokinetic muscle strength assessments were made on their knees. RESULTS: The mean weight was 81.81 kg for field soccer and 80.33 kg for indoor soccer. The right and left peak extensor torque left and right for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 302.50 and 313.31 Nm and 265.20 and 279.80 Nm, and for flexors, 178 and 184.88 Nm and 158.27 and 154 Nm. The peak torque rates according to body weight for the left and right extensors for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 3.84 and 3.7 Nm/kg and 3.32 and 3.52 Nm/kg, and for flexors, 2.17 and 2.26 Nm/kg and 1.98 and 1.93 Nm/kg. The balance relationships between flexors and extensors on the right and left sides for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 59.81 and 59.44% and 60.47% and 54.80%. The relationships for extensors between the right and left sides for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 11.44 and 9.20%, and for the flexors, 7.31 and 8.80%. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with international parameters, comparative analysis on isokinetic strength assessments between field and indoor male professional soccer players before the season showed that there was muscle balance and low probability of injury. There were no statistically significant differences in the parameters analyzed between the players of the two types of soccer.

Existe diferença nos testes de força da dinamometria isocinética entre jogadores profissionais de futebol de campo e de futebol de salão? / Are there differences in strength tests using isokinetic dynamometry between field and indoor professional soccer players?

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise comparativa dos resultados da avaliação isocinética de força entre jogadores de futebol masculino profissional de campo e de salão e correlacioná-los aos índices de maior risco de lesão descritos na literatura. MÉTODOS: Analisamos 16 atletas jogadores de futebol de campo e 15 atletas jogadores de futsal. Todos os profissionais eram do sexo masculino e tiveram seus joelhos submetidos à avaliação isocinética da força muscular. RESULTADOS: A média de peso foi de 81,81kg para futebol de campo e 80,33kg para o futsal. Os picos de torque extensor direito e esquerdo para o futebol de campo e salão foram, respectivamente, 302,50 e 313,31Nm e 265,20 e 279,80Nm e, para flexores, 178 e 184,88Nm e 158,27 e 154Nm. Os índices de pico de torque por peso corpóreo dos extensores direito e esquerdo para o futebol de campo e salão foram, respectivamente, 3,84 e 3,7Nm/kg e 3,32 e 3,52Nm/ kg e, para flexores, 2,17 e 2,26Nm/kg e 1,98 e 1,93Nm/kg. A relação de equilíbrio entre músculos flexores e extensores dos lados direito e esquerdo para o futebol de campo e futsal foram, respectivamente, 59,81 e 59,44% e 60,47 e 54,80%. Os índices da relação de extensores entre os lados direito e esquerdo do futebol de campo e salão foram, respectivamente, 11,44 e 9,20% e, para os flexores, 7,31 e 8,80%. CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com parâmetros internacionais, a análise comparativa dos resultados da avaliação isocinética de força entre jogadores de futebol masculino profissional de campo e de salão na pré-temporada mostra que existe equilíbrio muscular e baixa probabilidade de lesão. Não existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os parâmetros analisados dos jogadores das duas modalidades.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis on isokinetic strength assessments between field and indoor male professional soccer players and correlate the findings with the higher levels of injury risk described in the literature. METHODS: We analyzed 16 field soccer players and 15 indoor soccer players. All these professionals were male. Isokinetic muscle strength assessments were made on their knees. RESULTS: The mean weight was 81.81 kg for field soccer and 80.33 kg for indoor soccer. The right and left peak extensor torque left and rightfor field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 302.50 and 313.31 Nm and 265.20 and 279.80 Nm, and for flexors, 178 and 184.88 Nm and 158.27 and 154 Nm. The peak torque rates according to body weight for the left and right extensors for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 3.84 and 3.7 Nm/kg and 3.32 and 3.52 Nm/kg, and for flexors, 2.17 and 2.26 Nm/kg and 1.98 and 1.93 Nm/kg. The balance relationships between flexors and extensors on the right and left sides for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 59.81 and 59.44% and 60.47% and 54.80%. The relationships for extensors between the right and left sides for field soccer and indoor soccer were, respectively, 11.44 and 9.20%, and for the flexors, 7.31 and 8.80%. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with international parameters, comparative analysis on isokinetic strength assessments between field and indoor male professional soccer players before the season showed that there was muscle balance and low probability of injury. There were no statistically significant differences in the parameters analyzed between the players of the two types of soccer.

Lesões musculoesqueléticas em atletas de luta olímpica / Musculoskeletal injuries in wrestling athletes

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as lesões musculoesqueléticas em atletas de elite da luta olímpica. MÉTODOS: Avaliação retrospectiva de 95 atletas por meio de um questionário estruturado contendo informações sobre lesões prévias e dados clínicos e epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS: Foram relatadas 145 lesões em 81 (85,3 por cento) atletas. As regiões anatômicas mais freqüentemente acometidas foram o joelho (25,5 por cento), o ombro (20 por cento), a coxa (15,2 por cento) e o tornozelo (14,5 por cento). As entorses e as lesões musculares foram as lesões mais comumente relatadas com 34,5 por cento e 30,4 por cento, respectivamente. O tratamento cirúrgico foi necessário em 9 por cento das lesões e a maioria destas lesões (61,5 por cento) localizavam-se nos membros.inferiores. CONCLUSÕES: Lesões do aparelho locomotor são frequentes nos praticantes de luta olímpica e os membros inferiores são o segmento mais acometido.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate musculoskeletal injuries in elite Brazilian wrestlers. METHODS: Ninety-five wrestlers completed a structured questionnaire to asses wrestling injury history and clinical and demographic data. RESULTS: Eighty one athletes (85,3 percent) informed 145 lesions. The most commonly injured body regions were knee (25,5 percent), shoulder (20 percent), thigh (15,2 percent) and ankle (14,5 percent). Sprains (34,5 percent) and muscle lesions (30,4 percent) were the most common injuries. Surgical treatment was performed in 9 percent of the lesions and the majority of these lesions (61,5 percent) were located in the lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal lesions are common in wrestling athletes and the lower limbs are the most frequently injured site.

A cluster of hepatitis C virus infections associated with ozone-enriched transfusion of autologous blood in Rome, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of hepatitis C virus (HCV). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient department of a hospital in Rome, Italy. PATIENTS: All 42 patients exposed to ozone therapy by autohemotherapy or intramuscular injection from January to June 2001. METHODS: Epidemiologic investigation, serologic analysis, and virus genotyping. RESULTS: Thirty-one (74%) of the patients agreed to participate in the study. Three (9.7%) had symptoms of HCV infection. This incidence rate was higher than the rate of 1.4 per 100,000 per year in the regional population. Six patients were positive for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA for a prevalence rate of 19.4%, which was much higher than the estimate of 0.9% in the population. Virus genotype 1b was found in two case-patients (one symptomatic) and 2c in four case-patients (two symptomatic), one of whom was known to have an HCV infection since 1986 and could have been the source of infection. The infected patients were all being exposed to ozone-enriched transfusions of autologous blood. Although the specific mode of transmission between patients was not detected, transmission probably occurred during one of the three busiest therapeutic sessions in the 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission of HCV infection may occur during medical procedures with limited bleeding. Standard precautions must be applied in any healthcare setting; restricting the number of individuals treated during each therapeutic session could be an effective way of avoiding accidental transmission of infection.

Fratura articular do cacâneo: resultado clínico-funcional do tratamento cirúrgico / Displaced intra-articular calcaneous fracture: clinical and functional evaluation of 41 cases after surgical treatment

Quarenta e um pacientes (45 pés) submetidos à redução aberta e fixação interna devido a fratura articular desviada do calcâneo foram reavaliados no período de janeiro de 1999 a julho de 1999, com o objetivo de determinar o resultado clínico-funcional. Foram utilizadas como variáveis a escala funcional da American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), a satisfação do paciente com o resultado do tratamento, a presença de dor residual, o grau de correção do formato do calcâneo - avaliado pelos ângulos de Böhler, Gissane, calcâneo-solo e declinação do tálus pré e pós-operatório - e a amplitude de movimentação da articulação subtalar. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 54 meses. Segundo a escala funcional da AOFAS, se obteve pontuação média de 84,7 pontos. Trinta e sete pacientes estavam satisfeitos com os resultados do tratamento. Dor residual no seio do tarso foi a principal queixa pós-operatória, presente em 62,2 por cento dos pés. Limitação de mais de 50 por cento da movimentação da articulação subtalar foi observada em 70,2 por cento dos 45 pés avaliados e complicações cutâneas ocorreram em 18 pés, mas não influenciaram na evolução clínica. Os autores concluem que o resultado clínico-funcional do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas articulares do calcâneo foi satisfatório em 89 por cento dos pés operados. Este tratamento permite correção considerável do formato original do calcâneo.

Sífilis en madres adolescentes en la ciudad de Posadas, Provincia de Misiones / Syphilis in adolescent mothers in Posadas, Province of Misiones

En un estudio prospectivo de abril a junio de 1997, se estudiaron consecutivamente 1238 mujeres en el momento del parto, en el Hospital R. Madariaga. En 26 mujeres (2.1 por ciento) se detectó sífilis y en 15 de ellas (57.7 por ciento) se encontró sífilis congénita en sus niños, uno de los cuales nació muerto. La mediana de la edad fue 20 años, 16 (61.5 por ciento) tenía 20 años o menos, 17 (65.4 por ciento) eran solteras, 5 (19.2 por ciento) con pareja estable y 4 (15.4 por ciento) eran casadas. El 69.2 por ciento había concluído la escuela primaria. Aun con este nível de instrucción, el 73 por ciento no había iniciado o completado los controles de embarazo. No pudo demostrarse que ninguna actuara como trabajadora sexual o consumiera drogas de abuso. El 57.7 por ciento no tenía trabajo, las restantes trabajaban como empleadas domesticas o continuaban estudiando. La menarca se estableció a los 13 años (mediana) y el comienzo de relaciones sexuales a los 15 (mediana). Los casos de sífilis se concentraron en cuatro áreas de barrios pobres, pero no villas de emergencia. Entre las mujeres con sífilis, la ausencia de control médico tiene un riesgo relativo mayor, en cuanto a la transmisión de sífilis congénita. La incidencia y prevalencia de sífilis entre los 15 y 24 años es relativamente alta y refleja una verdadera epidemia oculta en las áreas establecidas. En la actualidad se desarrolla un proyecto de intervención, interinstitucional y comunitario, el las áreas de alto riesgo, basado en grupos centinelas, con el que se prevé una mejora en el control de la sífilis. Si no se logra inducir la practica de sexo seguro en estos grupos, por lo menos con el uso correcto del preservativo, el espacio que pueda ganarse a sífilis, en muy poco tiempo va a ser ocupado por HIV.

Sífilis en madres adolescentes en la ciudad de Posadas, Provincia de Misiones / Syphilis in adolescent mothers in Posadas, Province of Misiones

En un estudio prospectivo de abril a junio de 1997, se estudiaron consecutivamente 1238 mujeres en el momento del parto, en el Hospital R. Madariaga. En 26 mujeres (2.1 por ciento) se detectó sífilis y en 15 de ellas (57.7 por ciento) se encontró sífilis congénita en sus niños, uno de los cuales nació muerto. La mediana de la edad fue 20 años, 16 (61.5 por ciento) tenía 20 años o menos, 17 (65.4 por ciento) eran solteras, 5 (19.2 por ciento) con pareja estable y 4 (15.4 por ciento) eran casadas. El 69.2 por ciento había concluído la escuela primaria. Aun con este nível de instrucción, el 73 por ciento no había iniciado o completado los controles de embarazo. No pudo demostrarse que ninguna actuara como trabajadora sexual o consumiera drogas de abuso. El 57.7 por ciento no tenía trabajo, las restantes trabajaban como empleadas domesticas o continuaban estudiando. La menarca se estableció a los 13 años (mediana) y el comienzo de relaciones sexuales a los 15 (mediana). Los casos de sífilis se concentraron en cuatro áreas de barrios pobres, pero no villas de emergencia. Entre las mujeres con sífilis, la ausencia de control médico tiene un riesgo relativo mayor, en cuanto a la transmisión de sífilis congénita. La incidencia y prevalencia de sífilis entre los 15 y 24 años es relativamente alta y refleja una verdadera epidemia oculta en las áreas establecidas. En la actualidad se desarrolla un proyecto de intervención, interinstitucional y comunitario, el las áreas de alto riesgo, basado en grupos centinelas, con el que se prevé una mejora en el control de la sífilis. Si no se logra inducir la practica de sexo seguro en estos grupos, por lo menos con el uso correcto del preservativo, el espacio que pueda ganarse a sífilis, en muy poco tiempo va a ser ocupado por HIV. (AU)