Trivialization of Well-being and Perils of A-theoretical Research in Psychology: Considerations from the Case of Mindfulness.

This article addresses the implications of ´Understanding the process of Taoistic-informed mindfulness from a Meadian perspective´, a work by von Fircks (2023) published in this journal, which represents a vindication of the historic, philosophic, and subjective dimensions of research in psychology. From my perspective as an indigenous researcher, I share my own experience of how deceitful distinctions between more or less scientific research topics are fostered by the omission of those dimensions. I also introduce the indigenous understanding of well-being to emphasize the relational nature of this phenomenon and similarities with some conclusions arising from the autoethnographic approach of the author. Moreover, the trivialization of well-being and epistemic violence toward the indigenous corpus of knowledge are signaled as consequences of reductionism in psychological research and the pursuit of scientific status. In this vein, the lack of a critical perspective in psychology is considered functional to the order in which possibilities for well-being are seriously constrained.

The ion-gas-neutral interactions with surfaces-2 (IGNIS-2) facility for the study of plasma-material interactions.

The Ion-Gas-Neutral Interactions with Surfaces-2 (IGNIS-2) surface science facility has been designed at the Pennsylvania State University with the specific purpose of enabling experiments to study plasma-material interactions. This in situ surface modification and characterization facility consists of multiple reconfigurable substations that are connected through a central transfer chamber. This fully connected vacuum system ensures that the physical and chemical properties of samples are not altered between surface modification and analysis. The modification techniques in IGNIS-2 include a low-energy (<300 eV), high-flux (up to 1016 cm-2 s-1) broad-beam ion source, a liquid metal dropper, a lithium injection system, an RF sputter source, and an evaporator. Its characterization techniques include charged particle-based techniques, such as low-energy ion scattering (enabled by two <5 keV ion sources) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photon and light-based techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence, multi-beam optical stress sensors, and optical cameras. All of these techniques can be utilized up to mTorr pressures, allowing both in situ and in operando studies to be conducted. Results are presented on lithium wetting experiments of argon-irradiated tungsten-based composites, surface stress measurements of tungsten films during deuterium ion irradiation, and temperature-programmed desorption of deuterium-irradiated graphite to demonstrate the in situ capabilities of this new facility.

Quality indicators and satisfaction with care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Grading the quality of care in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and determining its relationship with care satisfaction may recognize gaps that could lead to better clinical practice. Eighteen quality indicators (QIs) were recently developed and validated for patients with SLE based on the 2019 EULAR management recommendations. Few studies have analyzed the relationship between quality of care and care satisfaction in patients with lupus. This was a cross-sectional study. We included patients at least 18 years old who met the EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria for SLE. We interviewed patients and retrieved data from medical records to assess their compliance with a set of 18 EULAR-based QIs. We calculated each QI fulfillment as the proportion of fulfilled QI divided by the number of eligible patients for each indicator. Care satisfaction was evaluated with the satisfaction domain of LupusPRO version 1.7. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between quality of care and care satisfaction. Seventy patients with a median age of 33 (IQR 23-48) were included, 90% were women. Overall adherence was 62.29%. The median care satisfaction was 100. Global adherence to the 18-QIs and the care satisfaction score revealed no correlation (r = 0.064, p = 0.599). Higher QI fulfillment was found in the group with remission versus the moderate-high activity group (p = 0.008). In our study, SLE patients in remission had higher fulfillment of quality indicators. We found no correlation between the quality of care and satisfaction with care.

The benzoyl-CoA pathway serves as a genomic marker to identify the oxygen requirements in the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons.

The first step of anaerobic benzoate degradation is the formation of benzoyl-coenzyme A by benzoate-coenzyme A ligase (BCL). The anaerobic route is steered by benzoyl-CoA reductase, which promotes benzoyl-CoA breakdown, which is subsequently oxidized. In certain bacteria at low oxygen conditions, the aerobic metabolism of monoaromatic hydrocarbons occurs through the degradation Box pathway. These pathways have undergone experimental scrutiny in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and have also been explored bioinformatically in representative Betaproteobacteria. However, there is a gap in our knowledge regarding the distribution of the benzoyl-CoA pathway and the evolutionary forces propelling its adaptation beyond that of representative bacteria. To address these questions, we used bioinformatic procedures to identify the BCLs and the lower pathways that transform benzoyl-CoA. These procedures included the identification of conserved motifs. As a result, we identified two motifs exclusive to BCLs, describing some of the catalytic properties of this enzyme. These motifs helped to discern BCLs from other aryl-CoA ligases effectively. The predicted BCLs and the enzymes of lower pathways were used as genomic markers for identifying aerobic, anaerobic, or hybrid catabolism, which we found widely distributed in Betaproteobacteria. Despite these enhancements, our approach failed to distinguish orthologs from a small cluster of paralogs exhibiting all the specified features to predict an ortholog. Nonetheless, the conducted phylogenetic analysis and the properties identified in the genomic context aided in formulating hypotheses about how this redundancy contributes to refining the catabolic strategy employed by these bacteria to degrade the substrates.

Infección urinaria de presentación atípica: caso clínico y revisión de literatura

Introducción: el síndrome de orina púrpura es una presentación clínica poco frecuente en el ámbito de urgencias, caracterizado por coloración anormal de la orina secundaria a una reacción química de algunos patógenos que producen infección de vías urinarias, siendo más frecuente en pacientes con múltiples comorbilidades y diferentes factores de riesgo. Objetivo: el objetivo de este manuscrito es presentar el caso de un paciente con síntomas atípicos de infección de vías urinarias. Presentación del caso: varón de 88 años de edad, con antecedente de diabetes mellitus no insulino-requiriente, con hiperplasia prostática benigna que ingresó al servicio de urgencias por síntomas irritativos urinarios asociados a uso de sonda vesical, con orina de coloración violeta en bolsa recolectora. El urocultivo reportó la presencia de Proteus vulgaris multisensible, por lo que se decidió dar manejo con cefepima de 1 gr cada ocho horas, con lo cual se obtuvo una adecuada evolución clínica. Discusión y conclusión: el síndrome de la bolsa de orina púrpura es una presentación clínica atípica, pero muy llamativa de la infección urinaria. Esta se genera como resultado de la conversión del triptófano en la dieta en indoxil sulfato que, una vez se elimina por la orina, se transforma en índigo (color violeta) e indirrubina (color rojo), dando este aspecto clínico.

Background: Purple urine syndrome is a rare clinical presentation in the emergency room, characterized by abnormal colouration of the urine secondary to a chemical reaction of some pathogens that cause urinary tract infection, being more frequent in patients with multiple comorbidities and different risk factor's. Purpose: The objective of the article is present the case of a patient with atypical symptoms of urinary tract infection. Clinical case: An 88-year-old male, with a history of non-insulin diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia, who was admitted to the emergency room due to irritative urinary symptoms associated with the use of a urinary catheter, with purple urine in a collection bag. Urine culture reported the presence of multisensitive Proteus vulgaris, for which it was decided to give treatment with Cefepime 1 g every 8 hours, with which it was obtained with adequate clinical evolution. Conclusions: Purple urine bag syndrome is an atypical but very striking clinical presentation of urinary tract infection. This is generated as a result of the conversion of tryptophan in the diet into indoxyl sulfate, which, once it is eliminated in the urine, transforms into indigo (purple color) and indirubin (red color), giving this clinical appearance.

Caracterización de la flora bacteriana en los pacientes con colelitiasis y colecistitis atendidos en un centro hospitalario de alta complejidad / Characterization of the bacterial flora in patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis treated in a high complexity hospital

Introducción. Las infecciones del árbol biliar surgen principalmente por estasis asociada a colecistitis aguda, coledocolitiasis y colecistitis alitiásica, siendo pilar del tratamiento un drenaje apropiado y un régimen antibiótico eficaz. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la flora bacteriana de los cultivos de bilis. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo de pacientes llevados a colecistectomía, colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica y colecistostomía en nuestra institución, a quienes se les tomó cultivo de líquido biliar entre 2017 - 2021. Resultados. Se incluyeron 119 pacientes intervenidos, de los cuales 55,4 % fueron mujeres y el promedio de edad fue de 63,1 (± 16). La clasificación Tokio 2 fue la más frecuente (55,4 %). El germen aislado con mayor frecuencia fue E. coli (51,2 %). El antibiótico más usado fue ampicilina más sulbactam (44,6 %) seguido de piperacilina tazobactam (40,3 %). Conclusión. La Escherichia coli es el germen aislado con mayor frecuencia en infecciones del árbol biliar. No hay claridad con respecto al uso de antimicrobianos de manera profiláctica en esta patología, por esto es conveniente generar protocolos para la toma de muestras y cultivos de bilis en esta población, con el fin de establecer la necesidad del uso de antibióticos y conocer los perfiles de resistencia bacteriana.

Introduction. Infections of the biliary tree arise mainly from stasis associated with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and acalculous cholecystitis, with appropriate drainage and an effective antibiotic regimen being the mainstay of treatment. This research is proposed with the aim aim to characterize the bacterial flora of bile cultures.Methods. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients who underwent cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and cholecystostomy in our institution, whom bile fluid culture was taken between 2017 and 2021, was performed. Results. 119 operated patients were included, of which 55.4% were women, the average age was 63.1 (± 16). The TOKIO 2 classification was the most frequent with 55.4% of the patients. The most frequently isolated germ was E. coli with 51.2%. The most used antibiotic was ampicillin plus sulbactam with 44.6% prescription followed by piperacillin tazobactam with a prescription frequency of 40.3%.Conclusion. Escherichia coli is the most frequently isolated germ in infections of the biliary tree. There is no clarity regarding the use of antimicrobials prophylactically in this pathology. For this reason it is convenient to generate protocols for taking samples and bile cultures in this population, in order to establish the need for the use of antibiotics and to know the profiles of bacterial resistance.

Síndrome de Imerslund-Gränsbeck: revisión sistemática de casos clínicos / Imerslund-Gränsbeck Syndrome: systematic review of clinical cases

Resumen Introducción: el Síndrome de Imerslund-Gränsbeck es un trastorno congénito inusual que cursa con disminución de la Vitamina B12, anemia megaloblástica y proteinuria sin afección renal que cual se produce por una mutación de los cromosomas 10 y 14, que condicionan un defecto en el receptor del complejo vitamina B12-factor intrínseco del enterocito ileal. Fue descrita por Olga Imerslund y Armas Gransbeck. Objetivo: caracterizar a la población que ha padecido el Síndrome de Imerslund-Gränsbeck. Metodología: revisión sistemática de la literatura de casos clínicos. Resultados: se incluyeron 68 casos, en la mayoría de los casos el diagnostico en los primeros 10 años de vida, en el que se evidenció una mayor frecuencia en mujeres, y se encontró asociado con antecedentes familiares como consanguinidad entre padres (14,6%). La manifestación más frecuente fue palidez (20,9%), seguido de vomito (10,5%) y anorexia (9,8%). La anemia megaloblástica (66,2%) fue el hallazgo más frecuente y el tratamiento se dio con cianocobalamina (intramuscular u oral) para regular las concentraciones plasmáticas de esta vitamina. Conclusión: el Síndrome de Imerslund Gränsbeck tiene una baja prevalencia y se presenta con mayor frecuencia en el continente europeo, tiene predilección por el sexo femenino y se caracteriza por una disminución de la vitamina B12 que pueden que puede predisponer a otras alteraciones como ataxia y retraso en el crecimiento.

Abstract Introduction: Imerslund-Gränsbeck Syndrome is an unusual congenital disorder that causes a decrease in vitamin B12, megaloblastic anemia and proteinuria without kidney involvement that is caused by a mutation of chromosomes 10 and 14, which determine a defect in the complex receptor vitamin B12-ileal enterocyte intrinsic factor. It was described by Olga Imerslund and Armas Gransbeck. Objective: to characterize the population that has suffered from Imerslund Gränsbeck syndrome. Methodology: systematic review of the clinical case literature. Results: 68 cases were included, in most cases the diagnosis in the first 10 years of life, in which a higher frequency was found in women, and was found to be associated with family history such as consanguinity between parents (14.6%). The most frequent manifestation was paleness (20.9%), followed by vomiting (10.5%) and anorexia (9.8%). Megaloblastic anemia (66.2%) was the most frequent finding and treatment was given with cyanocobalamin (intramuscular or oral) to regulate plasma concentrations of this vitamin. Conclusion: Imerslund-Gränsbeck Syndrome has a low prevalence and occurs more frequently in the European continent, has a predilection for females and is characterized by a decrease in vitamin B12 that may predispose to other disorders such as ataxia and retardation in growth.

Prevalencia de sobrepeso en los pacientes pediátricos con colelitiasis, atendidos en el Hospital San Rafael de Tunja durante los años 2010-2019 / Prevalence of obesity and cholelithiasis in pediatric patients of San Rafael hospital de Tunja during the years 2010-2019

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar prevalencia de sobrepeso en los pacientes pediátricos con colelitiasis atendidos en el hospital San Rafael de Tunja durante los años 2010 - 2019. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo, donde se evaluó las características de colelitiasis en los pacientes menores de 18 años de edad. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, imagenológicos y terapéuticas. Resultados: Se revisaron 84 expedientes clínicos de pacientes con diagnóstico de colelitiasis en un periodo comprendido entre el año 2010 al 2019. El 69,1% de la población de género femenino y el 30,9% al género masculino. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 15.07 años, la prevalencia de sobrepeso fue 35,7% y de obesidad 21,4%. Las manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron nauseas 85,71%, vómito 84,52% y signo de Murphy positivo en un 83,33%. en el 76% de los ----pacientes los cálculos fueron únicos, con un tamaño promedio de 7,45 mm (con un mínimo de 1 mm y máximo 25 mm). El 26,1% recibió tratamiento conservador, mientras que el 73,8% fue tratado mediante cirugía, de estos, en el 50% de los casos la intervención fue abierta y en el restante por vía laparoscópica de los cuales el 2,43% requirió conversión intraoperatoria. Respecto a las complicaciones las más presentadas fueron, el absceso hepático 2,38% y pancreatitis en un 4,76%. Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los niños con colelitiasis tenían obesidad (21,4%) y sobrepeso (35,7%), lo cual indica un problema de salud pública ya que puede incidir en otras patologías a futuro, además de ser fuerte predictor de la patología a estudio en este artículo.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of overweight in pediatric patients with cholelithiasis treated at the San Rafael de Tunja hospital during the years 2010 - 2019. Materials and methods: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study, in which the characteristics of cholelithiasis were evaluated in patients under 18 years of age. Sociodemographic, clinical, imaging, and therapeutic variables were evaluated. Results: 84 clinical records of patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis were reviewed in a period between 2010 to 2019. A percentage of 69.1% were female and 30.9% were male. The average age of the patients was 15.07 years, the prevalence of overweight was 35.7%, and 21.4% was obesity. The most frequent manifestations were nausea (85.71%), vomiting (84.52%), and Murphy's sign positive (83.33%). In 76% of the patients, the gallstones were unique since these had an average size of 7.45 mm (with a minimum of 1 mm and a maximum of 25 mm). 26.1% of the patients received conservative treatment while 73.8% of them were treated by surgery. From these, 50% of the cases were treated by open surgery and the rest by laparoscopic procedure, of which 2.43% required intraoperative conversion. Finally, the most common complications presented were liver abscess in 2.38% and pancreatitis in 4.76% of the patients. Conclusions: More than the half of children with cholelithiasis were obese (21.4%) and overweight (35.7%), which indicates a public health problem that leads to an increased health risk in this population since they are susceptible to a large set of pathologies associated with this comorbidity.

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report / [Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso].

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso / Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report

Resumen | La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Abstract | Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

Photodynamic therapy for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive spherical bacterium that commonly causes various infections which can range from superficial to life-threatening. Hospital strains of S. aureus are often resistant to antibiotics, which has made their treatment difficult in recent decades. Other therapeutic alternatives have been postulated to overcome the drawbacks of antibiotic multi-resistance. Of these, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising approach to address the notable shortage of new active antibiotics against multidrug-resistant S. aureus. PDT combines the use of a photosensitizer agent, light, and oxygen to eradicate pathogenic microorganisms. Through a systematic analysis of published results, this work aims to verify the usefulness of applying PDT in treating multidrug-resistant S.aureus infections. METHODS: This review was based on a bibliographic search in various databases and the analysis of relevant publications. RESULTS: There is currently a large body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in eliminating S.aureus strains. Both biofilm-producing strains, as well as multidrug-resistant strains. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there is sufficient scientific evidence that PDT is a useful adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy for treating S. aureus infections. Clinical application through appropriate trials should be introduced to further define optimal treatment protocols, safety and efficay.

Salud intercultural desde la visión de las comunidades mapuche de Canete y Tirúa / Intercultural Health from the Perspective of the Mapuche Communities of Cahete and Tirúa / Saúde intercultural desde a visão das comunidades mapuche de Cahete e Tirúa

Resumen Introducción: a más de dos décadas de la introducción del concepto de salud intercultural en América Latina, su definición no está clara, pues ha adquirido diferentes significados dependiendo de su uso. Existen tensiones entre la tendencia a reducir la salud intercultural a la conciliación entre la biomedicina y la medicina indígena, y una perspectiva crítica que hace visible las inequidades entre ambas. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo comprender el concepto de salud intercultural, desde la visión de dos comunidades mapuche que han implementado programas de salud intercultural y que mantienen acciones de reivindicación de derechos indígenas. Desarrollo: se realizo un estudio cualitativo. Los datos se recogieron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a usuarios mapuche, profesionales de salud, facilitadores interculturales e informantes clave de las comunas de Canete y Tirúa. Esta información se analizó mediante un análisis temático. Los hallazgos acerca de la visión de la salud intercultural se agruparon en cuatro temas: atender las necesidades de salud más urgentes de la comunidad; respetar al usuario y su cultura; respetar el sistema de salud indígena; y respetar los derechos colectivos del pueblo mapuche. Conclusiones: la salud intercultural se considera un enfoque que debe asegurar la atención de calidad, la participación de la comunidad y el respeto a la salud tradicional. En esta, los derechos de los pueblos indígenas son la piedra angular. En un contexto marcado por la inequidad y la discriminación hacia los pueblos indígenas, la complementariedad entre sistemas médicos no es un tema prioritario.

Abstract Introduction: More than two decades after the introduction of the concept intercultural health in Latin America, its definition is not clear, as it has acquired different meanings depending on its use. There are tensions between the tendency to reduce intercultural health to the conciliation between biomedicine and indigenous medicine, and a critical perspective that makes visible the inequalities between the two. The aim of this study was to understand the concept of intercultural health from the perspec tive of two Mapuche communities that have implemented intercultural health programs that maintain actions to claim indigenous rights. Content: This is a qualitative study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with Mapuche users, health professionals, intercultural facilitators, and key informants in the cities of Canete and Tirúa. This information was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings on the vision of intercultural health were grouped into four themes: addressing the most urgent health needs of the community, respecting the user and their culture, respecting the indigenous health system, and respecting the collective rights of the Mapuche people. Conclusions: Intercultural health is seen as an approach that must ensure quality care, community participation, and respect for traditional health, in which the rights of indigenous peoples are the cornerstone. In a context marked by inequality and discrimination against indigenous peoples, complementarity between medical systems is not a priority issue.

Resumo Introdução: depois de mais de duas décadas da introdução do conceito de saúde intercultural na América Latina, sua definição não está clara, pois têm adquirido diferentes significados dependendo de seu uso. Existem tensões entre a tendência a reduzir a saúde intercultural à conciliação entre a biomedicina e a medicina indígena, e uma perspectiva crítica que faz visível as inquietudes entre ambas as duas. Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender o conceito de saúde intercultural, desde a visão de duas comunida des mapuche que têm implementado programas de saúde intercultural e que mantém ações de reivindi cação de direitos indígenas. Desenvolvimento: se realizou um estudo qualitativo. Os dados se recolheram através de entrevistas semiestruturadas a usuários mapuche, profissionais de saúde, facilitadores inter-culturais e informantes chave das comunas de Canete e Tirúa. Esta informação foi analisada através de análise temática. Os resultados acerca da visão da saúde intercultural agruparam-se em quatro temas: atender as necessidades de saúde mais urgentes da comunidade, respeitar ao usuário e sua cultura, res peitar o sistema de saúde indígena e respeitar os direitos coletivos do povo mapuche. Conclusões: a saúde intercultural é vista como um enfoque que deve assegurar a atenção de qualidade, a participação da comunidade e o respeito à saúde tradicional, onde os direitos dos povos indígenas são a pedra angular. Em um contexto marado pela inequidade e a discriminação para os povos indígenas, a complementariedade entre sistemas médicos não é um tema prioritário.

Frecuencia y variabilidad de la morfología dental de molares temporales y permanentes en un grupo de mestizos caucasoides de Popayán (Cauca, Colombia) / Frequency and variability of dental morphology of temporal and permanent molars in a group of Caucasoid mestizos from Popayán (Cauca, Colombia)

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y variabilidad de la morfología dental en molares temporales y permanentes de un grupo de mestizos caucasoides de Popayán (Cauca, Colombia), con el fin de generar nuevos marcadores grupales que permitan comparar las diferentes poblaciones colombianas y mundiales a partir de nueve rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales (RMDC). Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal cuantitativo que determinó la frecuencia y variabilidad de nueve RMDC (cúspide de Carabelli, reducción del hipocono, metaconulo, patrón cuspídeo, número de cúspides, pliegue acodado, protostílido, cúspide 6 y cúspide 7) mediante la metodología ASUDAS en 101 individuos autoreconocidos como mestizos caucasoides (59 femeninos y 42 masculinos), con edades comprendidas entre los 10 y los 17 años. Resultados: Se identificaron frecuencias significativas de reducción del hipocono (89,9%), Patrón cuspídeo en Y (81,6%) y número de cúspides (92,7%); y bajas frecuencias de metacónulo (0,2%), protostílido (0,6%) y cúspide 6 (0,2%). No se encontró dimorfismo sexual y asimetría bilateral en los RMDC estudiados. Conclusiones: La muestra estudiada se caracteriza por presentar una morfología dental propia de poblaciones mestizas colombianas que se incluyen en el complejo dental caucasoide (cúspide Carabelli, reducción del hipocono y número de cúspides); sin embargo, debido a los procesos etnohistóricos de la región geográfica donde se ubican, presentan influencia de grupos indígenas (patrón cuspídeo) incluidos en el complejo dental mongoloide. Palabras clave: Antropología dental, morfología dental, dientes molares, rasgos morfológicos dentales coronales, mestizos caucasoides

Objective: To determine the frequency and variability of dental morphology in temporary and permanent molars of a group of Caucasoid mestizos from Popayán (Cauca, Colombia), in order to generate new group markers that allow comparing the different Colombian and world populations from nine coronal dental morphological features (NMDT). Materials and methods: quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study that determined the frequency and variability of nine NMDT (Carabelli trait, hypocone reduction, metaconule, cusp pattern, cusp number, defleckting wrinkle, protostilyd, cusp 6 and cusp 7) using the ASUDAS methodology In 101 self-described individuals as Caucasoid mestizos (59 females and 42 males), aged between 10 and 17 years. Results: Significant reduction frequencies of the hypoconus (89.9%), cusp pattern in Y (81.6%) and number of cusps (92.7%) were identified; And low frequencies of metacele (0.2%), protostilyd (0.6%) and cusp 6 (0.2%). No sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry were found in the NMDT studied. Conclusions: The sample studied is characterized by a dental morphology characteristic of Colombian mestizo populations that are included in the Caucasoid dental complex (Carabelli cusp, reduction of the hipocono and number of cusps). However, due to the ethnohistorical processes of the geographic region where they are located, they are influenced by indigenous groups (cuspid expression) included in the mongoloid dental complex

[Facilitators and barriers to implementation of intercultural health policy in Chile]. / Facilitadores y obstaculizadores de la implementación de la política de salud intercultural en Chile.

Objective To identify elements that either facilitate or hinder implementation of Chile's intercultural health policy. Methods A descriptive study was conducted with the participation of health services users from the Mapuche ethnic group, biomedical health professionals, intercultural facilitators, and key informants in two health facilities serving towns with a high density of Mapuche population. The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews that were analyzed thematically. Results Factors identified as facilitating the implementation of this policy include laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of indigenous peoples, the empowerment of users around their rights, the formation of implementation teams, the presence of professionals of Mapuche origin in health facilities, and the existence of processes for systematization of the work carried out. The asymmetric relationship between the Mapuche people and the state, and between the Mapuche health system and the biomedical model, constitutes a fundamental barrier. Other obstacles include the lack of theoretical and practical clarity around the concept of intercultural health and a lack of resources. Conclusions Despite the facilitators identified and the achievements to date, meaningful progress in implementation of an intercultural health policy is limited by barriers that are hard to change. These include the usual forms of government planning and the hegemony of the biomedical model.

Facilitadores y obstaculizadores de la implementación de la política de salud intercultural en Chile / Facilitators and barriers to implementation of intercultural health policy in Chile

Objetivo. Identificar elementos facilitadores y obstaculizadores del proceso de implementación de la política de salud intercultural chilena. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el cual participaron usuarios de servicios de salud de la etnia mapuche, profesionales de la salud biomédica, facilitadores interculturales e informantes clave de dos establecimientos de salud de comunas con alta densidad de población mapuche. La información se obtuvo mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, que se analizaron por medio del análisis temático. Resultados. Como facilitadores de la implementación de dicha política, se identificaron la normativa referida a los derechos de los pueblos originarios, el empoderamiento de los usuarios en torno a sus derechos, la creación de equipos encargados de la implementación, la presencia de profesionales de origen mapuche en los establecimientos, y la existencia de procesos de sistematización del trabajo implementado. La asimetría en la relación entre el pueblo mapuche y el Estado, por una parte, y entre el sistema de salud mapuche y el modelo biomédico, por otra, aparece como obstaculizador fundamental, así como la falta de claridad teórica y práctica sobre el concepto de salud intercultural y de recursos. Conclusiones. El avance sustantivo en la implantación de una política de salud intercultural, pese a los logros y facilitadores identificados, está limitado por obstaculizadores difíciles de modificar tales como las formas de planificación habituales en el aparato estatal y la hegemonía del modelo biomédico.

Objective. To identify elements that either facilitate or hinder implementation of Chile’s intercultural health policy. Methods. A descriptive study was conducted with the participation of health services users from the Mapuche ethnic group, biomedical health professionals, intercultural facilitators, and key informants in two health facilities serving towns with a high density of Mapuche population. The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews that were analyzed thematically. Results. Factors identified as facilitating the implementation of this policy include laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of indigenous peoples, the empowerment of users around their rights, the formation of implementation teams, the presence of professionals of Mapuche origin in health facilities, and the existence of processes for systematization of the work carried out. The asymmetric relationship between the Mapuche people and the state, and between the Mapuche health system and the biomedical model, constitutes a fundamental barrier. Other obstacles include the lack of theoretical and practical clarity around the concept of intercultural health and a lack of resources. Conclusions. Despite the facilitators identified and the achievements to date, meaningful progress in implementation of an intercultural health policy is limited by barriers that are hard to change. These include the usual forms of government planning and the hegemony of the biomedical model.

Facilitadores y obstaculizadores de la implementación de la política de salud intercultural en Chile / Facilitators and barriers to implementation of intercultural health policy in Chile

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar elementos facilitadores y obstaculizadores del proceso de implementación de la política de salud intercultural chilena. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el cual participaron usuarios de servicios de salud de la etnia mapuche, profesionales de la salud biomédica, facilitadores interculturales e informantes clave de dos establecimientos de salud de comunas con alta densidad de población mapuche. La información se obtuvo mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, que se analizaron por medio del análisis temático. Resultados Como facilitadores de la implementación de dicha política, se identificaron la normativa referida a los derechos de los pueblos originarios, el empoderamiento de los usuarios en torno a sus derechos, la creación de equipos encargados de la implementación, la presencia de profesionales de origen mapuche en los establecimientos, y la existencia de procesos de sistematización del trabajo implementado. La asimetría en la relación entre el pueblo mapuche y el Estado, por una parte, y entre el sistema de salud mapuche y el modelo biomédico, por otra, aparece como obstaculizador fundamental, así como la falta de claridad teórica y práctica sobre el concepto de salud intercultural y de recursos. Conclusiones El avance sustantivo en la implantación de una política de salud intercultural, pese a los logros y facilitadores identificados, está limitado por obstaculizadores difíciles de modificar tales como las formas de planificación habituales en el aparato estatal y la hegemonía del modelo biomédico.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify elements that either facilitate or hinder implementation of Chile’s intercultural health policy. Methods A descriptive study was conducted with the participation of health services users from the Mapuche ethnic group, biomedical health professionals, intercultural facilitators, and key informants in two health facilities serving towns with a high density of Mapuche population. The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews that were analyzed thematically. Results Factors identified as facilitating the implementation of this policy include laws and regulations pertaining to the rights of indigenous peoples, the empowerment of users around their rights, the formation of implementation teams, the presence of professionals of Mapuche origin in health facilities, and the existence of processes for systematization of the work carried out. The asymmetric relationship between the Mapuche people and the state, and between the Mapuche health system and the biomedical model, constitutes a fundamental barrier. Other obstacles include the lack of theoretical and practical clarity around the concept of intercultural health and a lack of resources. Conclusions Despite the facilitators identified and the achievements to date, meaningful progress in implementation of an intercultural health policy is limited by barriers that are hard to change. These include the usual forms of government planning and the hegemony of the biomedical model.

TSH levels are associated with increased risk of thyroid carcinoma in patients with nodular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown an increased risk of thyroid malignancies in patients with elevated TSH levels, even if these levels fell within the normal range. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between TSH and risk of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 622 patients with thyroid nodules evaluated by fine needle aspiration and/or thyroidectomy and diagnosed by cytology or histology. Clinical and laboratory data, such as gender, weight, ultrasound findings, serum TSH, and free T4, were obtained from medical records or collected during each patient's first visit to our centre, prior to any intervention. RESULTS: Thyroid cancer was more prevalent in males (p = 0.012) and in patients with a solitary nodule (p < 0.01). Malignant tumours were predominantly solid, whereas benign tumours were solid or mixed (p = 0.053). The carcinoma risk in patients with thyroid nodules increased with increasing serum TSH concentration, with a significant elevation in patients with serum TSH levels above 1.64 mU/L (p < 0.001). This relationship persisted even when the subgroup of patients undergoing thyroidectomy was analysed separately. Patients with follicular lesions presented with significantly higher TSH levels compared to patients with benign cytology (p < 0.001). We also found correlation between elevated TSH and tumour size (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in patients with nodular thyroid disease the carcinoma risk rose in parallel with serum TSH concentration, with significant increases evident in patients with serum TSH greater than 1.64 mU/L.

Evaluation of percutaneous ethanol injections in benign thyroid nodules / Avaliação do tratamento com injeção percutânea com etanol em nódulos benignos de tireoide

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Subjects and methods We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. Results Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. Conclusion This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):912-7 .

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da injeção percutânea de etanol (IPE) no tratamento de nódulos tireoidianos benignos. Sujeitos e métodos Foram avaliados 120 pacientes com nódulos benignos de tireoide. Todos realizaram dosagens de TSH, T4 livre, ecografia cervical (US) e cintilografia de tireoide (em pacientes com TSH suprimido). A aplicação de etanol estéril a 99% foi guiada por US e o volume de etanol injetado correspondeu a um terço do volume nodular calculado. A resposta foi considerada completa (redução de 90%); parcial (redução entre 50 e 90%) ou ausência de resposta (redução menor que 50%). Nos nódulos autônomos, foi avaliada a normalização do TSH. Resultados Entre os nódulos estudados, 30,8% eram sólidos, 56,7% eram mistos, 12,5% eram císticos e 21,6%, nódulos hiperfuncionantes. O volume inicial dos nódulos tratados variou de 0,9 a 74,8 mL (média 13,1 ± 12,4 mL). Foram realizadas de 1 a 8 sessões de IPE (média 2,8), com aplicação média de 6,2 mL de etanol por paciente. Após dois anos de seguimento, 17% dos pacientes obtiveram resposta completa (redução de 94%), 53% obtiveram resposta parcial (redução de 70%) e 30% não responderam. Houve redução de volume nos nódulos autônomos em 70% dos casos, e 54% normalizaram o valor do TSH. Os efeitos colaterais registrados foram decorrentes apenas do desconforto no local de aplicação. Conclusão Este trabalho mostrou que a IPE é um procedimento seguro e eficaz para tratamento de nódulos benignos, sólidos ou mistos de tireoide. ...

Evaluation of percutaneous ethanol injections in benign thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. RESULTS: Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function.