Tell me who your friends are?! The mediating role of friends' use in cannabis abuse.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between age at onset of cannabis use and cannabis abuse in a sample of Portuguese cannabis users, testing the mediating role of the number of friends using cannabis and comparing these relationships between male and female subsets. METHOD: A sample of 529 Portuguese cannabis users comprising 276 males and 244 females aged from 14 to 21 years completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), and answered four questions related to cannabis use. Data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Age at onset of cannabis use was negatively related to the number of friends using cannabis, while the number of friends using cannabis had a positive relationship with cannabis abuse. As predicted, the number of friends using cannabis seems to have a mediating role in the relationship between cannabis onset age use and cannabis abuse, since the indirect effect was found to be significant. The pattern of the relationships among the variables observed was found to be similar for both male and female subsets of the sample. However, males reported higher cannabis abuse than females. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the mediating role of friends' use of cannabis in the relationship between age at onset of cannabis use and users' abuse. These results highlight the importance of early intervention in cannabis use. In particular, the pattern of the relationships observed among the studied variables emphasizes the need to monitor and conduct peer training interventions or interventions to promote of social skills.

Tell me who your friends are?! The mediating role of friends' use in cannabis abuse

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the relationship between age at onset of cannabis use and cannabis abuse in a sample of Portuguese cannabis users, testing the mediating role of the number of friends using cannabis and comparing these relationships between male and female subsets. Method A sample of 529 Portuguese cannabis users comprising 276 males and 244 females aged from 14 to 21 years completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), and answered four questions related to cannabis use. Data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS version 26.0. Results Age at onset of cannabis use was negatively related to the number of friends using cannabis, while the number of friends using cannabis had a positive relationship with cannabis abuse. As predicted, the number of friends using cannabis seems to have a mediating role in the relationship between cannabis onset age use and cannabis abuse, since the indirect effect was found to be significant. The pattern of the relationships among the variables observed was found to be similar for both male and female subsets of the sample. However, males reported higher cannabis abuse than females. Conclusion The results highlight the mediating role of friends' use of cannabis in the relationship between age at onset of cannabis use and users' abuse. These results highlight the importance of early intervention in cannabis use. In particular, the pattern of the relationships observed among the studied variables emphasizes the need to monitor and conduct peer training interventions or interventions to promote of social skills.

Competencias profesionales para la atención prehospitalaria: Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social. Guayaquil 2019 / Professional competencies for pre-hospital care. Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security. Guayaquil 2019

La Atención Prehospitalaria (APH) es uno de los pilares fundamentales de los Sistemas de Emergencias Médicas que intenta brindar la mejor asistencia, en el menor tiempo y al menor costo. Para eso requiere componentes principales como recursos humanos y recursos físicos. Objetivo: Determinar si las competencias profesionales del personal del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) de la Ciudad de Guayaquil responden al Servicio de Atención Prehospitalaria de acuerdo con los perfiles legales de contratación. Materiales y métodos: La investigación es de enfoque cuantitativo, de diseño observacional, prospectivo y de corte transversal. El tipo de estudio es descriptivo; gracias a que permitió recoger información y medir de manera individual o grupal la variable estudiada. La población de este estudio se constituyó por los profesionales con cargo de paramédicos del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social de la Ciudad de Guayaquil, los cuales son un total de 32 profesionales. Resultados: Una vez obtenido los datos se reflejó que, el 56,3% de los profesionales son de sexo femenino. Con respecto al título de los profesionales registrado en el Senescyt, solo el 56,3% lo posee de manera incompleto. El 56,3% de los profesionales tienen el puesto de paramédico 1. El 81,3% cumple con su tiempo de experiencia en el trabajo equivalente. En el aseguramiento de la escena el 46,9% cumple lo requerido. Los procedimientos en la atención Prehospitalaria del IESS es uno de los puntos de suma importancia en este estudio, ya que se identificó que el 65,6% cumple de manera parcial este procedimiento de atención. Conclusión: En la revisión de las competencias deducimos que no todo el personal fue contratado de acuerdo al perfil de contratación emitido por el MDT. Se Pudo observar una clara diferencia entre los perfiles de contratación entre paramédico 1 al paramédico 5, lo cuales tienen diferentes tipos de relevancia, lo que nos demuestra que hay una falta de formación a todos los niveles(AU)

Prehospital Care (PHC) is one of the fundamental pillars of Emergency Medical Systems that attempts to provide the best assistance, in the shortest time and at the lowest cost. For this purpose, it requires main components such as human resources and physical resources. Objective: To determine if the professional competencies of the personnel of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) in the city of Guayaquil respond to the Prehospital Care Service in accordance with the legal hiring profiles. Materials and methods: The research has a quantitative approach, observational, prospective and cross-sectional design. The type of study is descriptive, since it allowed the collection of information and the individual or group measurement of the studied variable. The population of this study consisted of 32 professionals working as paramedics at the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security in the city of Guayaquil. The results: Once the data were obtained, 56.3% of the professionals were female. With respect to the degree of the professionals registered in Senescyt, only 56.3% of them have incomplete degrees. For the professionals, 56.3% have the position of paramedic 1. 81.3% have the equivalent amount of work experience. In securing the scene, 46.9% meet the requirements. Pre-hospital care procedures at the IESS is one of the most important points in this study, since 65.6% of the patients were found to be partially compliant with these care procedures. Conclusion: In the review of competencies, we deduced that not all personnel were hired according to the hiring profile issued by the MDT. We could observe a clear difference between the hiring profiles between paramedic 1 to paramedic 5, which have different types of relevance, which shows that there is a lack of training at all levels(AU)

Social networks as tools for the prevention and promotion of health among youth.

The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has generated a number of research questions, related to their use and potential risk, but also potentials for prevention or health promotion. Online social networks have become an important source of information for users as well as a tool for social relations. As traditional social networks, they can act as vehicles to improve the health of adolescents and youth, as well as play a key role in an educational context. The aim of this work is then to explore the theoretical relevance of ICT, particularly on online social networks, on disease prevention and health promotion of communicable diseases. Literature review points out the role of online social networks, particularly in the field of sexual health, body image, especially eating habits and overweight, as well as smoking and alcohol dependence. Data allow us to understand how online social network behavior and interaction is related to their burden and interventions developed in sexual health and addiction show positive results. More efforts in body image are needed in order to use these tools for prevention and promotion of health from early age.

Social networks as tools for the prevention and promotion of health among youth

Abstract The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has generated a number of research questions, related to their use and potential risk, but also potentials for prevention or health promotion. Online social networks have become an important source of information for users as well as a tool for social relations. As traditional social networks, they can act as vehicles to improve the health of adolescents and youth, as well as play a key role in an educational context. The aim of this work is then to explore the theoretical relevance of ICT, particularly on online social networks, on disease prevention and health promotion of communicable diseases. Literature review points out the role of online social networks, particularly in the field of sexual health, body image, especially eating habits and overweight, as well as smoking and alcohol dependence. Data allow us to understand how online social network behavior and interaction is related to their burden and interventions developed in sexual health and addiction show positive results. More efforts in body image are needed in order to use these tools for prevention and promotion of health from early age.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in healthy equine superficial digital flexor tendon: A study of the local inflammatory response.

The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a structure frequently affected by injuries in high-performance athletic horses, and there are limited therapeutic options. Regenerative medicine has evolved significantly in treating different illnesses. However, understanding the cellular behaviour during mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in healthy tissues is not fully known yet. To address the inflammatory response induced by allogeneic MSC transplantation, this study evaluated the local inflammatory response after the application of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) in the equine tendon compared to an autologous transplant and the control group. Eighteen thoracic limbs (TL) in nine animals were divided into three groups and subjected to the application of AT-MSCs in the healthy tendon. In the allogeneic group (Gallog), the animals received an allogeneic AT-MSC application in the TL. The autologous group (Gauto) received an application of autologous cells in the TL, and in the control group (Gcont), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied. There were no significant differences among the evaluated groups in the physical, morphological, thermography, and ultrasonography analyses. A higher number of CD3-positive lymphocytes was observed in the Gauto group compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, we did not observe different expressions of CD172 and microvascular density among the groups. The allogeneic transplantation of AT-MSCs did not result in an adverse or inflammatory reaction that compromised the use of these cells in this experiment. Their behaviour was similar to that of autologous transplantation.

Relationship Between Sensory Processing, Resilience, Attitudes and Drug use in Portuguese Adults / Relações entre Processamento Sensorial, Resiliência, Atitudes e Consumo de Drogas em Adultos Portugueses / Relación entre Procesamiento Sensorial, Resiliencia, Actitudes y Consumo de Drogas en Adultos Portugueses

Abstract: Research suggests that the relationship between resilience and substance use is a non-linear and multifactorial psychological process. Surprisingly, sensory processing is rarely mentioned as a variable associated with this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the relationship between resilience, sensory processing, attitudes and consumption behaviors for alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive substances. For this, we used four instruments: Adult / Adolescent Sensory Profile; Resilience Scale; Attitudes scales; Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Use Scale. The sample consisted of 340 healthy adult participants, of whom 261 (76.8%) were women and 79 (23.2%) men. As for chronological age, the youngest person was 18 and the oldest was 76 years (M = 39; DP = 11). Sensory processing was associated with the intake behaviors and attitudes. Sensory imbalances appeared to be implicated in decreased resilience.

Resumo: A investigação sugere que a relação entre resiliência e uso de substâncias é um processo psicológico não linear e multifatorial. Surpreendentemente, o processamento sensorial raramente é evocado enquanto variável associada a estes fenômenos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as relações entre processamento sensorial, resiliência, atitudes e frequência de comportamentos de consumo de álcool, tabaco e outras substâncias psicoativas em adultos saudáveis. Foram empregados quatro instrumentos: Perfil Sensorial para Adolescentes e Adultos; Escala de resiliência; Escalas de atitudes; Escala de consumo de tabaco, álcool e outras drogas. A amostra foi constituída por 340 participantes adultos mentalmente saudáveis, dos quais 261 (76.8%) eram mulheres. Quanto à idade cronológica, o indivíduo mais novo tinha 18 anos e o mais velho tinha 76 anos (M = 39; DP = 11). O processamento sensorial apresentou-se associado a atitudes e condutas de consumo. Os desequilíbrios sensoriais parecem estar implicados na diminuição da resiliência.

Resumen: Investigaciones sugieren que la relación entre la resiliencia y el uso de sustancias es un proceso psicológico no lineal y multifactorial. Sorprendentemente, el procesamiento sensorial raramente se menciona como una variable asociada a estos fenómenos. En el presente estudio fue investigado la relación entre el procesamiento sensorial, la resiliencia, las actitudes y el comportamiento de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y otras drogas. Fueron utilizados cuatro instrumentos de medida: Perfil Sensorial para Adolescentes y Adultos; Escala de Resiliencia; Escalas de Actitudes; Escala de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y otras drogas. La muestra fue constituida por 340 participantes adultos sanos, de los cuales 261 (76.8%) eran mujeres y 79 (23.2%) hombres. En cuanto a la edad cronológica, el individuo más joven tenía 18 años y el más viejo 76 años (M = 39; DP = 11). El procesamiento sensorial se mostró asociado a las actitudes y la conducta de consumo. Los desequilibrios sensoriales parecen estar implicados en la disminución de la resiliencia.

Preditores do uso do Facebook pelos adolescentes portugueses: Contributos de um estudo exploratório / Predictors of Facebook use among Portuguese adolescents: Contributes of an exploratory study

Resumo A generalização do uso das redes sociais online, tem trazido oportunidades e constrangimentos ao mesmo tempo-ou até mais depressa-que a investigação e o conhecimento sobre este tópico. Neste trabalho, pretendemos explorer o papel de variáveis pessoais e psicossociais no uso do Facebook, recorrendo a um conjunto de questionários de autorrelato junto de uma amostra de 386 adolescentes portugueses. Os resultados obtidos permitem verificar diferenças na utilização em função do género, uma relação positiva com a idade, a autorregulação e autoestima, sendo a interação com pares da sua rede de contactos offline o mais forte preditor para o uso das redes sociais. Estes dados sugerem o papel desta aplicação como um meio para manter o contacto com os pares.

Abstract The widespread use of social networks has brought opportunities and constraints at the same time, even faster than research and knowledge on this topic. In this paper, we intend to explore the role of personal and psychosocial variables in Facebook use, considering a set of self-report questionnaires to a sample of 386 Portuguese adolescents. We found gender differences in social network use, a positive relationship with age, self-regulation and self-esteem, with peer interaction with offline contacts as the strongest predictor for social network use. These data suggest the role of this application as a mean to maintain contact with peers.

The expansion of brown rot disease throughout Bolivia: possible role of climate change.

Bacterial wilt is a devastating plant disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum species complex and affects different crops. Bacterial wilt infecting potato is also known as brown rot (BR) and is responsible for significant economic losses in potato production, especially in developing countries. In Bolivia, BR affects up to 75% of the potato crop in areas with high incidence and 100% of stored potatoes. The disease has disseminated since its introduction to the country in the mid-1980s mostly through contaminated seed tubers. To avoid this, local farmers multiply seed tubers in highlands because the strain infecting potatoes cannot survive near-freezing temperatures that are typical in the high mountains. Past disease surveys have shown an increase in seed tubers with latent infection in areas at altitudes lower than 3000 m a.s.l. Since global warming is increasing in the Andes Mountains, in this work, we explored the incidence of BR in areas at altitudes above 3000 m a.s.l. Results showed BR presence in the majority of these areas, suggesting a correlation between the increase in disease incidence and the increase in temperature and the number of irregular weather events resulting from climate change. However, it cannot be excluded that the increasing availability of latently infected seed tubers has boosted the spread of BR.

Infección por VIH/sida en el mundo actual / Infection due to HIV/aids in the current world

Se revisan y analizan los elementos teóricos inherentes a los elementos más importantes sobre la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en cuanto biología de los virus del VIH, elementos clínicos que intervienen en la evolución natural de esta enfermedad, uso correcto de los exámenes complementarios, respuesta al tratamiento, medicamentos antirretrovirales disponibles actualmente, así como criterios de comienzo de dicha terapia y su influencia para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas afectadas(AU)

Theoretical elements inherent to the most important factors on the infection for the virus of the human immunodeficiency are reviewed and analyzed as for the biology of the HIV virus, clinical elements which intervene in the natural clinical course of this disease, correct use of the complementary tests, response to the treatment, currently available antiretroviral drugs, as well as criteria on the beginning of this therapy and their influence to improve the life quality of affected persons(AU)

Infección por VIH/sida en el mundo actual / Infection due to HIV/aids in the current world

Se revisan y analizan los elementos teóricos inherentes a los elementos más importantes sobre la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en cuanto biología de los virus del VIH, elementos clínicos que intervienen en la evolución natural de esta enfermedad, uso correcto de los exámenes complementarios, respuesta al tratamiento, medicamentos antirretrovirales disponibles actualmente, así como criterios de comienzo de dicha terapia y su influencia para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas afectadas.

Theoretical elements inherent to the most important factors on the infection for the virus of the human immunodeficiency are reviewed and analyzed as for the biology of the HIV virus, clinical elements which intervene in the natural clinical course of this disease, correct use of the complementary tests, response to the treatment, currently available antiretroviral drugs, as well as criteria on the beginning of this therapy and their influence to improve the life quality of affected persons.

The adolescent self-regulatory inventory (ASRI) adaptation to portuguese context / Adaptação do inventário de autorregulação na adolescência para o contexto português / Adaptación del inventario de autorregulación en la adolescencia para el contexto portugués

In this study we present the results of the adaptation of the Adolescent Self-Regulatory Inventory (ASRI) to Portugal. The measure was used with two samples of high school students to which ASRI was administered with Self-Regulation Scale as control measure. In the first study the measures were administered to 823 adolescents and the construct validity analysis was assessed with exploratory factor analysis. The results allow us to find an adequate structure with proper psychometric properties, in their construct and content validity, and reliability. A second study involved 435 adolescents, being tested three models using confirmatory factor analyses. The final version of the ASRI-2 presents an acceptable fit of the data in construct and concurrent validity, given its moderate or high correlation with academic success and substance use. The implications of this new approach to the self-regulation study are discussed and directions to further studies are suggested...

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar os resultados da adaptação do Inventário de Autorregulação na Adolescência (IARA) para Portugal. O instrumento foi testado com duas amostras de estudantes do ensino secundário com a Escala de Autorregulação como medida de controle. No primeiro estudo, os instrumentos foram testados junto de 823 adolescentes e a análise de validade de construto foi feita com recurso à análise factorial exploratória. Os resultados indicaram uma estrutura apropriada com propriedades psicométricas adequadas referentes à validade de conteúdo e construto, e fidelidade. Um segundo estudo envolveu 435 adolescentes, sendo testados três modelos com análise factorial confirmatória. A versão final do IARA-2 apresenta valores de ajustamento aceitáveis em termos de validade de contruto e concorrente, dadas as correlações moderadas a elevadas com o sucesso acadêmico e uso de substâncias. As implicações desta nova abordagem ao estudo da autorregulação são discutidas e direções para próximos estudos são sugeridas...

En este estudio se presentan los resultados de la adaptación del Inventario de Autorregulación en la Adolescencia (IARA) para Portugal. El instrumento fue administrado con dos muestras de estudiantes de secundarias públicas con la Escala de Autorregulación como medida de control. En el primer estudio, los instrumentos fueron testados con 823 adolescentes y la validez de constructo se evaluó con análisis factorial exploratorio. Los resultados indicaron una estructura apropiada con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas respecto a su validez de contenido y constructo y fidelidad. Un segundo estudio involucró 435 adolescentes, testando tres modelos con análisis factorial confirmatoria. La versión final del IARA-2 muestra valores de ajuste satisfactorios en términos de validez concurrente y de constructo, ante las correlaciones moderadas a altas con el éxito académico y uso de sustancias. Las implicaciones de este nuevo enfoque para el estudio de la autorregulación son discutidas y direcciones para futuros estudios son sugeridas...

The adolescent self-regulatory inventory (ASRI) adaptation to portuguese context / Adaptação do inventário de autorregulação na adolescência para o contexto português / Adaptación del inventario de autorregulación en la adolescencia para el contexto portugués

In this study we present the results of the adaptation of the Adolescent Self-Regulatory Inventory (ASRI) to Portugal. The measure was used with two samples of high school students to which ASRI was administered with Self-Regulation Scale as control measure. In the first study the measures were administered to 823 adolescents and the construct validity analysis was assessed with exploratory factor analysis. The results allow us to find an adequate structure with proper psychometric properties, in their construct and content validity, and reliability. A second study involved 435 adolescents, being tested three models using confirmatory factor analyses. The final version of the ASRI-2 presents an acceptable fit of the data in construct and concurrent validity, given its moderate or high correlation with academic success and substance use. The implications of this new approach to the self-regulation study are discussed and directions to further studies are suggested.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar os resultados da adaptação do Inventário de Autorregulação na Adolescência (IARA) para Portugal. O instrumento foi testado com duas amostras de estudantes do ensino secundário com a Escala de Autorregulação como medida de controle. No primeiro estudo, os instrumentos foram testados junto de 823 adolescentes e a análise de validade de construto foi feita com recurso à análise factorial exploratória. Os resultados indicaram uma estrutura apropriada com propriedades psicométricas adequadas referentes à validade de conteúdo e construto, e fidelidade. Um segundo estudo envolveu 435 adolescentes, sendo testados três modelos com análise factorial confirmatória. A versão final do IARA-2 apresenta valores de ajustamento aceitáveis em termos de validade de contruto e concorrente, dadas as correlações moderadas a elevadas com o sucesso acadêmico e uso de substâncias. As implicações desta nova abordagem ao estudo da autorregulação são discutidas e direções para próximos estudos são sugeridas.(AU)

En este estudio se presentan los resultados de la adaptación del Inventario de Autorregulación en la Adolescencia (IARA) para Portugal. El instrumento fue administrado con dos muestras de estudiantes de secundarias públicas con la Escala de Autorregulación como medida de control. En el primer estudio, los instrumentos fueron testados con 823 adolescentes y la validez de constructo se evaluó con análisis factorial exploratorio. Los resultados indicaron una estructura apropiada con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas respecto a su validez de contenido y constructo y fidelidad. Un segundo estudio involucró 435 adolescentes, testando tres modelos con análisis factorial confirmatoria. La versión final del IARA-2 muestra valores de ajuste satisfactorios en términos de validez concurrente y de constructo, ante las correlaciones moderadas a altas con el éxito académico y uso de sustancias. Las implicaciones de este nuevo enfoque para el estudio de la autorregulación son discutidas y direcciones para futuros estudios son sugeridas.(AU)

Caracterización de los pacientes en fase sida con infecciones del sistema nervioso central / Characterization of aids patients with infections of the central nervous system

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 44 pacientes seropositivos al VIH/sida, atendidos en el Centro de Atención a Personas con VIH y en la consulta provincial de pacientes con VIH/sida del Hospital General Docente Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 1992 hasta diciembre de 2012, a fin de determinar la incidencia de las infecciones del sistema nervioso central y sus características clínicas en estos afectados. En la serie predominó el deterioro intelectual asociado a fiebre y cefalea. En los afectados con conteo bajo de linfocitos CD4 primaron la neurotoxoplasmosis, la meningitis por cryptococus, así como la combinación de ambas; para la primera resultó significativa la deficiencia motora y en la segunda no prevalecieron los signos meníngeos. A pesar de la respuesta positiva al tratamiento la neurotoxoplasmosis fue la infección que más recidivó(AU)

A descriptive and cross sectional study of 44 seropositive patients to HIV/aids, assisted in the Center for Care to people with HIV and in the provincial department of patients with HIV/aids from Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January, 1992 to December, 2012, in order to determine the incidence of infections to the central nervous system and their clinical characteristics in these affected patients. In the series the intellectual deterioration prevailed associated to fever and migraine. In those affected patients with low count of lymphocytes CD4, the neurotoxoplasmosis, meningitis due to cryptococus, as well as the combination of both prevailed; for the first one the motor deficiency was significant and in the second one the meningeal signs didn't prevail. In spite of the positive response to the treatment neurotoxoplasmosis was the most recurrent infection(AU)

Caracterización de los pacientes en fase sida con infecciones del sistema nervioso central / Characterization of aids patients with infections of the central nervous system

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 44 pacientes seropositivos al VIH/sida, atendidos en el Centro de Atención a Personas con VIH y en la consulta provincial de pacientes con VIH/sida del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 1992 hasta diciembre de 2012, a fin de determinar la incidencia de las infecciones del sistema nervioso central y sus características clínicas en estos afectados. En la serie predominó el deterioro intelectual asociado a fiebre y cefalea. En los afectados con conteo bajo de linfocitos CD4 primaron la neurotoxoplasmosis, la meningitis por cryptococus, así como la combinación de ambas; para la primera resultó significativa la deficiencia motora y en la segunda no prevalecieron los signos meníngeos. A pesar de la respuesta positiva al tratamiento la neurotoxoplasmosis fue la infección que más recidivó.

A descriptive and cross sectional study of 44 seropositive patients to HIV/aids, assisted in the Center for Care to people with HIV and in the provincial department of patients with HIV/aids from "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January, 1992 to December, 2012, in order to determine the incidence of infections to the central nervous system and their clinical characteristics in these affected patients. In the series the intellectual deterioration prevailed associated to fever and migraine. In those affected patients with low count of lymphocytes CD4, the neurotoxoplasmosis, meningitis due to cryptococus, as well as the combination of both prevailed; for the first one the motor deficiency was significant and in the second one the meningeal signs didn't prevail. In spite of the positive response to the treatment neurotoxoplasmosis was the most recurrent infection.

Consumo de alcohol y factores intervinientes en estudiantes universitarios / Alcohol consumption and intervening factors observed in university students

Objetivo: dar cuenta de algunos elementos intervinientes en la conducta de beber, consumo de riesgo y la dependencia del alcohol, en un grupo poblacional de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos: estudio multimétodo de corte transversal en 538 estudiantes universitarios. Se aplicaron varios instrumentos previamente validados por expertos, entre ellos, el test de identificación de los trastornos debidos al consumo de alcohol, el cuestionario acerca de las expectativas hacia el alcohol y el cuestionario de creencias acerca del consumo de alcohol. Los datos se recopilaron entre marzo y junio de 2010. Para el análisis de correlaciones entre variables cualitativas se utilizó la prueba ji-cuadrada de independencia, la prueba exacta de Fisher y la prueba Z, para comparar las proporciones. En todos las ocasiones se trabajó con p £ 0,05. Resultados: del total de estudiantes entrevistados el 82,3 % había consumido alcohol en algún momento de su vida, el 66,0 %, no tenían problemas con el consumo de esta sustancia, 21,6 % tenían consumo perjudicial y el 12,5 % presentaban ya dependencia, según el test de identificación de los trastornos debidos al consumo de alcohol. Conclusiones: las expectativas, creencias, la publicidad, las costumbres familiares y sociales, tienen una relación favorable para el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios en Medellín, Colombia.

Objective: to present some intervening factors in drinking behavior, risky consumption and alcohol-dependence found in a population group of Medellin city in Colombia. Methods: cross-sectional multi-method study of 538 university students. Several expert-validated instruments were applied and through Rash's method, such as a test to identify alcohol consumption-related disorders, an alcohol expectancy questionnaire, expectancies, a questionnaire of beliefs on alcohol consumption and a questionnaire on rites, social and family traditions. Data were collected from March to June 2010. For the correlation analysis among the qualitative variables, Chi-square test of independence, Fisher's exact test and Z test were used to compare proportions. The value used was p £ 0.05. Results: out of the total number of students who were interviewed, 82.3 % had taken alcohol at some time of their lifetime, 66 % had no problems with alcohol consumption, 21.6 % showed harmful consumption and 12.5 were already alcohol-dependent, according to the test of identification of alcohol consumption-related disorders. Conclusions: expectancies, beliefs, advertising, family and social customs have favorable association with the alcohol consumption in university students in Medellin, Colombia.

Tuberculosis vertebral (mal de Pott) e infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Vertebral tuberculosis (Pott`s disease) and infection due to the human immunodeficiency virus

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente mozambicana de 60 años, con antecedentes de infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y sacrolumbalgia, quien ingresó en el Servicio de Medicina del Hospital Central de Beira por presentar dolor en la columna dorsal, deformidad ósea avanzada, fiebre, astenia, anorexia, pérdida de peso, malestar general y disminución de la fuerza muscular en miembros inferiores desde hacía 2 meses. Los exámenes imagenológicos efectuados confirmaron el diagnóstico de tuberculosis vertebral. Se indicó tratamiento antituberculoso y fue trasladada al Servicio de Neurocirugía para corrección quirúrgica de la mencionada deformidad(AU)

The case report of a 60 year-old woman from Mozambique, with a history of infection due to the human immunodeficiency virus and back low pain who was admitted to the Medicine Service from Beira Central Hospital for presenting with pain in the dorsal spine, advanced bony deformity, fever, asthenia, anorexia, weight loss, general discomfort and decrease of the muscles strength in lower limbs for 2 months is described. Image tests confirmed the diagnosis of vertebral tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was indicated and she was referred to the Neurosurgery Service for surgical correction of the mentioned deformity(AU)