COVID-19 impacts on household solid waste generation in six Latin American countries: a participatory approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Americas, the continent with the highest number of COVID-related deaths according to WHO statistics. In Latin America, strict confinement conditions at the beginning of the pandemic put recycling activity to a halt and augmented the consumption of plastic as a barrier to stop the spread of the virus. The lack of data to understand waste management dynamics complicates waste management strategy adjustments aimed at coping with COVID-19. As a novel contribution to the waste management data gap for Latin America, this study uses a virtual and participatory methodology that collects and generates information on household solid waste generation and composition. Data was collected between June and November 2021 in six countries in Latin America, with a total of 503 participants. Participants indicated that the pandemic motivated them to initiate or increase waste reduction (41%), waste separation (40%), and waste recovery (33%) activities. Forty-three percent of participants perceived an increase in total volume of their waste; however, the quantitative data showed a decrease in household waste generation in Peru (-31%), Honduras (-25%), and Venezuela (-82%). No changes in waste composition were observed. Despite the limited sample size, this data provides a much-needed approximation of household waste generation and composition in the pandemic situation during 2021.

Behavioral Activation in Nursing Homes to Treat Depression (BAN-Dep): Results From a Clustered, Randomized, Single-Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if behavioral activation (BA) delivered by trained staff decreases prevalence of clinically significant symptoms of depression among older adults living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). METHODS: Clustered, randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial of BA for adults aged over 60 years living permanently in a RACF with symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9 ≥ 5). BA was delivered over 8-12 weeks using a structured workbook. The proportion of residents with PHQ-9 ≥ 10 at weeks 12, 26, and 52, as well as anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), physical (PCS), and mental (MCS) quality of life, loneliness, and loss to follow-up were main outcomes of interest RESULTS: We recruited 54 RACFs (26 intervention) and 188 of their residents (89 intervention). Participants were aged 61-100 years and 132 (70.2%) were women. PHQ-9 ≥ 10 interacted with BA at week 12 (OR = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.11-1.07), but differences between the groups were not statistically significant at any time-point. GAD-7 ≥ 10 interacted with BA at week 26 (OR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.02-0.58), but not at any other time-point. Overall, the intervention had no effect on the scores of the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCS, MCS, and loneliness scale. Loss to follow-up was similar between groups. Adherence to all stages of the intervention was poor (36.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing issues in RACFs undermined recruitment and adherence. In such a context, a BA program delivered by RACF staff was not associated with better mental health outcomes for residents over 52 weeks.

Medicinal plants used in traditional Mayan medicine for the treatment of central nervous system disorders: An overview.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: For thousands of years, different cultural groups have used and transformed natural resources for medicinal purposes focused on psychological or neurological conditions. Some of these are recognized as central nervous system (CNS) disorders and diseases, whereas other ethnopsychiatric interpretations are explained in culture-specific terms. In traditional Mayan medicine, several herbs have been part of treatments and rituals focused on cultural and ethnomedical concepts. AIM OF REVIEW: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal plants used in Mesoamerica by traditional healers and Mayan groups to CNS disorders and associate the traditional use with demonstrated pharmacological evidence to establish a solid foundation for directing future research. METHODS: A systematic search for primary sources of plant use reports for traditional CNS-related remedies of Mesoamerica were obtained from library catalogs, thesis and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct), and entered in a database with data analyzed in terms of the usage frequency, use by ethnic groups, plant endemism, and pharmacological investigation. RESULTS: A total of 155 plants used for ethnopsychiatric conditions in Mesoamerica by Mayan groups were found, encompassing 127 native species. Of these, only 49 native species have reported in vitro or in vivo pharmacological analyses. The most commonly reported ethnopsychiatric conditions are related to anxiety, depression, memory loss, epilepsy, and insomnia. The extent of the scientific evidence available to understand the pharmacological application for their use against CNS disorders varied between different plant species, with the most prominent evidence shown by Annona cherimola, Justicia pectoralis, J. spicigera, Mimosa pudica, Persea americana, Petiveria alliacea, Piper amalago, Psidium guajava, Tagetes erecta and T. lucida. CONCLUSION: Available pharmacological data suggest that different plant species used in traditional Mayan medicine may target the CNS, mainly related to GABA, serotonin, acetylcholine, or neuroprotective pathways. However, more research is required, given the limited data regarding mechanism of action at the preclinical in vivo level, identification of active compounds, scarce number of clinical studies, and the dearth of peer-reviewed studies.

Efecto de un programa de práctica imaginada sobre la autoconfianza de futbolistas / The Effect of an Imagery Training Intervention on Self-confidence in Football Players / Efeito de um programa de prática imaginada sobre a autoconfiança de futebolistas

Resumen Objetivo. Establecer el efecto de un programa de intervención en práctica imaginada, entendida como el uso de los sentidos para la creación o recreación de imágenes o experiencias y atribuirles significado, sobre la autoconfianza de los futbolistas. Método. Participaron 17 futbolistas hombres, 9 en el grupo intervención y 8 en el grupo control, entre los 18 y los 25 años (M = 21, DE = 2.2). La intervención se desarrolló durante 8 sesiones y se basó en el modelo PETTLEP. Se midió la habilidad de imaginería a través del SIAQ y la autoconfianza con la prueba TSCI. Resultados. Los participantes mostraron un efecto de interacción en la habilidad de imaginería (F (1, 15) = 4.57, p< 0.05, ηp2 = 0.23), mientras que para la autoconfianza solo se estableció un efecto principal en los grupos intervención y control (F (1, 15) = 6.13, p < 0.05, ηp2 =.29). Adicionalmente, se observó una correlación positiva alta entre imaginería y autoconfianza (r(8) = 0.79, p < 0.05). Conclusión. Se obtuvo un efecto positivo tras la intervención en práctica imaginada en la habilidad de imaginería, lo cual es un avance significativo para la aplicación de la práctica imaginada en deportes de conjunto, como el fútbol.

Abstract Objective. To examine the effect of imagery intervention on the self-confidence of university football players after participating in an 8-session imagery intervention. Method. 17 male football players between 18 and 25 years old (M = 21, SD = 2.2) participated, 9 in the intervention group and 8 in the control group. The intervention lasted 8 sessions and was based on the PETTLEP model. The imagery was measured through the SIAQ and self-confidence with TSCI. Results. The results showed an interaction effect on imagery (F (1, 15) = 4.57, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.23), while the main effect on self-confidence was established in the intervention and control groups (F (1, 15) = 6.13, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.29). Additionally, a high positive correlation was found between imagery and self-confidence (r (8) = 0.79, p < 0.05). Conclusion. A positive effect was obtained after an imagery intervention on the imagery ability, which is a significant advance for the application of imagery practice in team sports, such as football.

Resumo Escopo. Estabelecer o efeito de um programa de intervenção em prática imaginada, entendida como o uso dos sentidos para a criação ou recreação de imagens ou experiencias e lhes atribuir significado, sobre a autoconfiança dos futebolistas. Metodologia. Participaram 17 futebolistas homens, 9 no grupo de intervenção e 8 no grupo de controle, entre os 18 e os 25 anos (M = 21, DE = 2.2). A intervenção foi desenvolvida durante 8 sessões e foi baseada no modelo PETTLEP. Foi medida a habilidade de criar imaginários através do SIAQ e a autoconfiança com a prova TSCI. Resultados. Os participantes mostraram um efeito de interação na habilidade de criar imaginários (F (1, 15) = 4.57, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.23), enquanto que para a autoconfiança só foi estabelecido um efeito principal nos grupos de intervenção e controle (F (1, 15) = 6.13, p < 0.05, ηp2 =.29). Além do mais, foi observada uma correlação positiva alta entre imaginário e autoconfiança (r(8) = 0.79, p < 0.05). Conclusão. Foi obtido um efeito positivo depois da intervenção em prática imaginada na habilidade de criar imaginários, o que é um avanço significativo para aplicação da prática imaginada em esportes como o futebol.

Modelo Explicativo del Desempeño Académico desde la Autoeficacia y los Problemas de Conducta / Explanatory Model of Academic Performance from Self-Efficacy and Behavior Problems / Modelo Explicativo do Desempenho Acadêmico a partir da Autoeficácia e dos Problemas de Comportamento

Resumen Se analizó un modelo explicativo del desempeño académico para conocer si los problemas de atención median la relación entre la autoeficacia académica y el desempeño académico y, si la ansiedad y la depresión moderan dicha relación. Participaron 326 estudiantes (11-18 años), quienes diligenciaron el Youth Self-Report (Achenback & Rescorla, 2001) y la escala de autoeficacia de Aguilar, Valencia y Martínez (2001). El desempeño académico se obtuvo del promedio de calificaciones de dos bimestres académicos en lenguaje, ciencias y matemáticas. El análisis de regresión mostró que los problemas de atención median la relación entre la autoeficacia, y logró explicar el 40% de la varianza. La variable ansiedad-depresión moderó esta misma relación evidenciando que a mayores niveles de ansiedad y de depresión menor autoeficacia y menor desempeño académico. En suma, la relación entre la autoeficia académica y el desempeño académico fue afectada por los problemas de conducta.

Abstract We analyzed a model about academic performance to know if attention problems, mediate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic performance specifically; and, if anxiety and depression moderate this relationship. In this study participated 326 students (11 - 18 ages); they filled the self-report behavioral out Youth Self-Report (Achenback & Rescorla, 2001) and the self-efficacy scale of Aguilar, Valencia y Martinez (2001). Academic performance was obtained from Grade Point Average (gpa) of two academic month periods in the language, science and mathematic areas. The multiple lineal regression model found that relation between self-efficacy and academic performance was mediated by attention problems. The model explained the 40% of the academic performance variance. The anxiety and depression moderated the relationship between variables, as a result, students with higher levels of anxiety and depression have lower self-efficacy and lower academic performance. In short, the academic self-efficacy and academic performance relationship affected by behavioral problems.

Resumo Analisou-se um modelo explicativo do desempenho acadêmico para conhecer se os problemas de atenção mediam a relação entre a autoeficácia acadêmica e o desempenho acadêmico, e se a ansiedade e a depressão moderam essa relação. Participaram 326 estudantes (11-18 anos), os quais preencheram o Youth Self- Report (Achenback & Rescorla, 2001) e a escala de autoeficácia de Aguilar, Valencia e Martínez (2001). O desempenho acadêmico se obteve da média de qualificações de dois bimestres acadêmicos em linguagem, ciências e matemática. A análise de regressão mostrou que os problemas de atenção mediam a relação entre a autoeficácia e explicam 40% da variação. A variável ansiedade-depressão moderou essa mesma relação e evidenciou que, quanto maiores os níveis de ansiedade e de depressão, menor autoeficácia acadêmica e menor desempenho acadêmico. Em resumo, a ansiedade entre a autoeficácia acadêmica e o desempenho acadêmico foi afetada pelos problemas de comportamento.

New record of Squalus cubensis Howell Rivero, 1936 (Chondrichthyes, Squalidae) in Colombia / Nuevo registro de Squalus cubensis Howell Rivero, 1936 (Chondrichthyes, Squalidae) en Colombia / Novo registro de Squalus cubensis Howell Rivero, 1936 (Chondrichthyes, Squalidae) em Colômbia

Abstract Two Cuban dogfish Squalus cubensis (Squalidae) are recorded for the first time in the area of influence of Isla Fuerte, an island located at the limit of the southern continental shelf of the Colombian Caribbean. Additionally, it is the first capture report of this species in Colombia by artisanal fishery and at shallower catch depths than those reported in previous records. Due to the little existing knowledge about the biology of this species in the country, information on the reproductive biology of the captured individuals is provided.

Resumen Dos especímenes de tiburón galludo cubano, Squalus cubensis (Squalidae), se registraron por primera vez en el área de influencia de Isla Fuerte, localizada en el límite de la plataforma continental sur del Caribe Colombiano. Se trata, además, del primer reporte de captura de la especie en Colombia por medio de pesca artesanal a profundidades menores de las reportadas anteriormente. Para contribuir al conocimiento, hasta ahora escaso, acerca de la biología de esta especie en el país, se proporciona información sobre la biología reproductiva de los individuos capturados.

Resumo Reporta-se por primeira vez a presença de dois indivíduos de Cação-Bagre Squalus cubensis (Squalidae) na área de influência da Isla Fuerte, uma ilha localizada no limite da plataforma continental sul do Caribe Colombiano. Adicionalmente, este é o primeiro relato de captura dessa espécie em Colômbia por meio de pesca artesanal e a uma profundidade de captura menor do que as reportadas anteriormente. Devido ao pouco conhecimento existente sobre a biologia desta espécie no país, se aporta informação sobre a biologia reprodutiva dos indivíduos capturados.

Changes in pulse pressure variation and plethysmographic variability index caused by hypotension-inducing hemorrhage followed by volume replacement in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in pulse pressure variation (PPV) and plethysmographic variability index (PVI) induced by hemorrhage followed by volume replacement (VR) in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS: 7 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Each dog was anesthetized with isoflurane and mechanically ventilated. End-tidal isoflurane concentration was adjusted to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 60 to 70 mm Hg before hemorrhage. Controlled hemorrhage was initiated and continued until the MAP decreased to 40 to 50 mm Hg, then autologous blood removed during hemorrhage was retransfused during VR. Various physiologic variables including PPV and PVI were recorded immediately before (baseline) and after controlled hemorrhage and immediately after VR. RESULTS: Mean ± SD PPV and PVI were significantly increased from baseline after hemorrhage (PPV, 20 ± 6%; PVI, 18 ± 4%). After VR, the mean PPV (7 ± 3%) returned to a value similar to baseline, whereas the mean PVI (10 ± 3%) was significantly lower than that at baseline. Cardiac index (CI) and stroke index (SI) were significantly decreased from baseline after hemorrhage (CI, 2.07 ± 0.26 L/min/m(2); SI, 20 ± 3 mL/beat/m(2)) and returned to values similar to baseline after VR (CI, 4.25 ± 0.63 L/min/m(2); SI, 36 ± 6 mL/beat/m(2)). There was a significant positive correlation (r(2) = 0.77) between PPV and PVI after hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that both PPV and PVI may be useful for identification of dogs that respond to VR with increases in SI and CI (ie, dogs in the preload-dependent limb of the Frank-Starling curve).

Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes de colegios públicos de Pereira / Eating disordder among adolescents in public schools from Pereira

Los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) son la tercera enfermedad crónica más prevalente en adolescentes, por lo que se consideran un problema de salud pública.Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de trastornos de la conducta alimentariaen estudiantes de media académica de colegios públicos de la zona urbana dela ciudad de Pereira Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con muestreo aleatorio mediante distribución proporcional entre los colegios públicos de la zona urbana de Pereira agrupados por sectores según su ubicación. Se aplicó la Encuesta de Comportamiento Alimentario (ECA).Resultados: Se encuestaron 382 estudiantes, 58,9% hombres. La ECA fue positiva en el 24,3% de los encuestados. Según el Índice de Masa Corporal el 9,7% de la población se encontraba en rangos de delgadez, 5,8% sobrepeso y 1,6% obesidad. Se encontró relación (p<0,05) entre el género femenino y la ECA positiva (RM=3,83), realización de dietas (RM=1,55), alteración de la auto imagen (RM=1,79), uso de laxantes (RM=2,58) e inducción del vómito (RM=4,41). El 33,4% reportó tener con alguna frecuencia episodios de consumo de grandes cantidades de alimentos acompañados de sensación de culpa.Discusión: Existen alteraciones comportamentales relacionadas con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en esta población, por lo que es necesariogenerar programas de prevención y promoción de los TCA enfocados paraadolescentes...

Adrenomedullin induces pulmonary vasodilation but does not attenuate pulmonary hypertension in a sheep model of acute pulmonary embolism.

AIMS: The pulmonary vasodilation induced by adrenomedullin may be beneficial in the acute pulmonary embolism (APE) setting. This study examined effects of adrenomedullin in sheep with microsphere-induced APE. MAIN METHODS: Twenty four anesthetized, mechanically ventilated sheep were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=8 per group): animals not subjected to any intervention (Sham), animals with APE induced by microspheres (500 mg, intravenously) treated 30 min later by intravenous physiological saline (Emb group) or intravenous adrenomedullin (50 ng/kg/min) during 30 min (Emb+Adm group). Plasma concentrations of cyclic adenosine (cAMP) and guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were determined by enzyme immunoassay. KEY FINDINGS: Variables did not change over time in sham animals. In both embolized groups, microsphere injection significantly (P<0.05) increased pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) from baseline by 181% and 111-142%, respectively (% change in mean values). Adrenomedullin significantly decreased PVRI (18%-25%) and significantly increased cardiac index (22%-25%) from values recorded 30 min after APE (E30), without modifying MPAP. Adrenomedullin decreased mean arterial pressure (18%-24%) and systemic vascular resistance index (32%-40%). Embolization significantly increased arterial-to-end tidal CO2 gradient, alveolar-to-arterial O2 gradient, and pulmonary shunt fraction from baseline, but these variables were unaffected by adrenomedullin. While adrenomedullin significantly increased plasma cAMP, cGMP levels were unaltered. SIGNIFICANCE: Adrenomedullin induces systemic and pulmonary vasodilation, possibly via a cAMP mediated mechanism, without modifying the gas exchange impairment associated with APE. The pulmonary anti-hypertensive effect of adrenomedullin may be offset by increases in cardiac index.

Geometrical nuclear diagnosis and total paths of cervical cell evolution from normality to cancer.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of cervix cytology has problems of inter-observer reproducibility. Methodologies based on fractal geometry objectively differentiated normal, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (L-SIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (H-SIL) states. AIMS: The aim was to develop a mathematical-physical diagnosis and a theoretical generalization of the evolution paths of cervical cells from normal to carcinoma based on their occupation in the box-counting space. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Overlaying a grid of 8 x 8 pixels, the a number of squares occupying the nucleus surface and cytoplasm of 5 normal cells, 5 ASCUS, 5 L-SIL and 5 H-SIL were evaluated, as well as the ratio C/N, establishing differences between states. Sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood ratio, and Kappa coefficient over the gold standard were calculated. Also was developed a generalization of all possible paths from normality to carcinoma. RESULTS: The occupancy spaces of the nuclear surface allow differentiating normal L-SIL and H-SIL thus avoiding the indeterminacy of ASCUS cells. Compared to the Gold Standard, this method has sensitivity and specificity of 100%, negative likelihood ratio of 0, and Kappa coefficient of 1. 62,900 possible routes of evolution were determined between normal and H-SIL, states, based on the structural basis of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: it was obtained an objective and reproducible diagnostic methodology of the development of preneoplastic and neoplastic cervical cells for clinical application. Additionally were developed all possible paths of preneoplastic cellular alteration to carcinoma which facilitates the tracking of patients over time to clinical level, warning of alterations that lead to malignancy, based on the spatial occupation measurements of the nucleus in fractal space regardless of causes or risk factors.

Effects of different inspired oxygen fractions on sildenafil-induced pulmonary anti-hypertensive effects in a sheep model of acute pulmonary embolism.

AIMS: Sildenafil is a pulmonary anti-hypertensive agent whose action could be modified by different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2). We compared the effects of pure oxygen (FiO2 > 90%) or room air (21% FiO2) on the cardiopulmonary actions of sildenafil in sheep with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). MAIN METHODS: Thirty-two anesthetized, mechanically ventilated sheep (34.9 ± 5.4 kg), were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 8 per group): FiO2 > 90% without intervention; APE induced by microspheres with FiO2 > 90%, followed 30 min later by placebo (Emb90); or APE followed 30 min later by intravenous sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg over 30 min) with FiO2 > 90% (Emb + Sild90) or 21% FiO2 (Emb + Sild21) [Corrected]. Variables were recorded until 30 min after the end of treatment administration. KEY FINDINGS: Microsphere injection increased (P < 0.05) mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) in all embolized groups (111-140% higher than that of baseline). Compared with values recorded 30 min after induction of APE (E30), sildenafil induced greater decreases in MPAP in the Emb + Sil90 group than in the Emb + Sil21 group (23% and 14% lower than E30, respectively). Hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg) was precipitated by sildenafil due to systemic vasodilation in the Emb + Sil21 group. Embolization lowered the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and increased venous admixture, but sildenafil did not alter the oxygenation impairment induced by APE. SIGNIFICANCE: Sildenafil induces a more consistent pulmonary anti-hypertensive effect and causes less interference with the systemic circulation with the concomitant use of pure oxygen than that with room air in the APE setting.

Tarea cognitiva de detección y corrección de errores en la comprensión de textos narrativos en niños de básica primaria / Cognitive detection and error correction task in narrative text comprehension in elementary school children

El presente artículo tiene como propósito fundamental presentar la construcción y desarrollo de una tarea cognitiva ubicada en el campo problemático de la comprensión del lenguaje, la cual constituye una alternativa metodológica para capturar el proceso de autorregulación, durante la lectura de un texto narrativo. Desde la perspectiva funcional, la tarea induce a la detección y corrección de errores semánticos, sintácticos y pragmáticos por parte de quien la ejecuta. La tarea, con gran fortaleza psicométrica (Alfa de Cronbach .820), inscrita en el paradigma de la contradicción, surgió del interés por construir herramientas de medición válidas y confiables que constituyan además alternativas metodológicas para el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas y metacognitivas, cruciales en la habilidad de comprensión de textos narrativos...

This paper aims to present the construction and development of a cognitive task located in the problematic area of language understanding, which is an alternative methodology to capture the self-regulatory process during the reading of a narrative text. From the functional perspective, the task leads to the detection and correction of errors semantic, syntactic and pragmatic on the part of whoever is running. The psychometric task with great fortitude (Cronbach’s alpha .820) entered in the paradigm of contradiction arose from the interest in building tools valid and reliable measurement also constitute alternative methodologies for the development of cognitive skills and metacognitive skills crucial in understanding narrative texts...

The association between schizophrenia and smoking: unexplained by either the illness or the prodromal period.

Age at onset of daily smoking (AODS) was compared in schizophrenia (N=258), mood disorders (N=166) and controls (N=381) to replicate a different AODS in schizophrenia patients, and to confirm that this is not necessarily explained by the prodromal period. The cumulative hazard curves for schizophrenia, mood disorders and controls were significantly different (p<0.001), even after controlling for gender and education (p<0.001). After excluding the patients who started smoking within 5 years of starting psychiatric medication, the cumulative hazard curve for schizophrenia patients was significantly different from that for ever-smoker controls (p=0.002), even after adjusting for gender and education (p=0.03).

Identificación de Salmonella y Escherichia coli en manos y guantes de manipuladores en planta de sacrificio y faenado de un municipio de Cundinamarca / Identification of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in hands and gloves of meat handlers in a slaughterhouse in a municipality in Cundinamarca

La presencia y consumo de alimentos contaminados con microorganismos patógenos en el hombre, tiene una alta incidencia en países en vía de desarrollo, en donde el tratamiento de dichas enfermedades tiene como consecuencia un impacto importante para el sistema de salud pública. El objetivo de este proyecto fue investigar la presencia de Salmonella y Escherichia coli en 40 muestras provenientes de los guantes y las manos de los operarios de bovinos y porcinos de una planta de sacrificio y faenado de un municipio de Cundinamarca, Colombia, por medio de cultivo microbiológico y pruebas bioquímicas. La metodología incluyó la aplicación de una encuesta de indagación sobre aspectos relacionados con el conocimiento y aplicación de normas higiénico–sanitarias y buenas prácticas de manufactura, la siembra de las muestras en caldo nutritivo, el aislamiento de los bacilos Gram negativos en agar Mac Conkey, Endo y XLD, la verificación microscópica con coloración de Gram a las 24 horas y la identificación con pruebas bioquímicas. Los resultados permitieron confirmar la presencia de una variedad significativa de agentes bacterianos implicados en contaminación en cárnicos como E. coli, y la ausencia de Salmonella spp. A partir del estudio, se recomendó optimizar la aplicación de las normas higiénico-sanitarias y de bioseguridad con el fin de ofrecer productos saludables para el consumo humano.

Variables associated with alcohol, drug, and daily smoking cessation in patients with severe mental illnesses.

BACKGROUND: Co-occurrence of substance use disorders and severe mental illnesses (SMIs) is a major U.S. public health issue, although the role of tobacco is usually neglected. This study explored variables associated with alcohol, drug, and smoking cessation in a naturalistic setting. METHOD: Logistic regression was used to study variables associated with cessation of alcohol and drug use disorder and daily smoking in 560 SMI inpatients and outpatients from central Kentucky facilities. Patients with a lifetime history of alcohol or drug use disorder were considered to be in cessation if they had not suffered from abuse or dependence during the last year. Alcohol and drug use disorder diagnoses were determined using the Clinician Rating of Alcohol and Drug Use Disorder. Patients were recruited from July 2000 to March 2003. RESULTS: The cessation rates for alcohol and drug use disorders were, respectively, 44% (95% CI = 39% to 49%) and 46% (CI = 40% to 51%); these were higher than the daily cigarette smoking cessation rate of 10% (CI = 7% to 13%). Drug use disorders (p < or = .02), outpatient status (p < .001), and having a medical complication of obesity (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia; p < .001) were significantly associated with alcohol cessation. Alcohol use disorder (p < .001), starting treatment with psychiatric medications after 33 years of age (p < .001), taking these medications for 14 years or more (p = .02), schizophrenia diagnosis (p < .001), outpatient status (p = .03), and obesity (p = .04) were significantly associated with drug cessation. Cessation of daily smoking was associated with hypertension (p = .02), late start of treatment with psychiatric medications (> 33 years old; p = .01), and lack of lifetime drug abuse (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results are limited by the cross-sectional and naturalistic design but suggest that public health experts, researchers, and clinicians need to mindfully address smoking cessation in patients with SMIs. Clinicians may want to consider that medical illnesses may motivate patients with SMIs to stop substance abuse and that patients with SMIs who abuse both alcohol and drugs rarely stop abusing just one of them.

Distribution of thrombospondin-4 in the bovine eye.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution of thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4) in the bovine eye. METHODS: Anterior and posterior segments of the bovine eyes were sectioned and stained by the indirect immunofluorescence method with an anti-TSP-4 antibody. The tissues were analyzed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine where the TSP-4 mRNA is produced. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining for TSP-4 indicated the presence of TSP-4 in the cornea (epithelium, basement membrane, and keratocytes), conjunctiva (epithelium and stroma), aqueous ducts, sclera, iris (stroma), ciliary processes and muscle, trabecular meshwork, Bruch's membrane, retina, lamina cribrosa, and optic nerve, and in all blood vessel walls. TSP-4 mRNA was expressed by the cells in all structures. CONCLUSIONS: TSP-4 is widely distributed in the bovine eye where it may play a role in the functions of basement membranes in various tissues. It is abundant in the trabecular and uveo-scleral pathways and may play a role in the regulation of aqueous outflow resistance.