Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants as a risk factor of offspring metabolic syndrome development during childhood.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are exogenous, artificially made chemicals that can disrupt the biological system of individuals and animals. POPs encompass a variety of chemicals including, dioxins, organochlorines (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) that contain a long half-life and highly resistant to biodegradation. These environmental pollutants accumulate over time in adipose tissues of living organisms and alter various insulin function-related genes. Childhood Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) consists of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, insulin function being one of them. Over the years, the incidence of the syndrome has increased dramatically. It is imperative to explore the role of persistent organic pollutants in the development of Childhood Metabolic Syndrome. Some epidemiological studies have reported an association between prenatal exposure to POPs and offspring MetS development throughout childhood. These findings have been replicated in animal studies in which these pollutants exercise negative health outcomes such as obesity and increased waist circumference. This review discusses the role of prenatal exposure to POPs among offspring who develop MetS in childhood, the latest research on the MetS concept, epidemiological and experimental findings on MetS, and the POPs modes of action. This literature review identified consistent research results on this topic. Even though the studies in this review had many strengths, one major weakness was the usage of different combinations of MetS criteria to measure the outcomes. These findings elucidate the urgent need to solidify the pediatric MetS definition. An accurate definition will permit scientists to measure the MetS as a health outcome properly and allow clinicians to diagnose pediatric MetS and provide individualized treatment appropriately.

Novel 'main-part' isostructuralism in metal complexes with 1-methylimidazole: crystal structures, energy calculations and magnetic properties.

Two new transition metal complexes with 1-methylimidazole (1-MeIm) and azide as ligands, namely, [Co(1-MeIm)4(N3)2] (1) and [Ni(1-MeIm)4(N3)2] (2), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, Raman, UV-Vis and XPS spectroscopy. Their crystal structures were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The supramolecular self-assembly of the two complexes is governed by non-classical C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯π interactions. Lattice energies and intermolecular interaction energies for various molecular pairs are quantified using the PIXEL method. DFT computational studies to assess the binding energy through modern tools like non-covalent interaction (NCI plots) analysis and reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis have also been carried out. A detailed analysis of geometric descriptors revealed the existence of quasi-isostructural pairs or 'main-part' isostructuralism in a series formed by 1, 2, and a related cadmium complex, being more evident in the 1/2 pair. DFT studies using theoretical models have been used to disclose the relative importance of the H-bond and C-H⋯π noncovalent interactions. Magnetic measurements for compound 1 show weak ferrimagnetic coupling between adjacent M(II) centers, mediated by H-bonding and C-H⋯π non-covalent interactions.

Afecciones oculares en pacientes con lepra / No disponible

OBJETIVO: identificar las afecciones oculares diagnosticadas en los pacientes con Lepra que asistieron a consulta oftalmológica en el servicio de Uveitis e Inflamaciones Oculares (SUIO) del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramon Pando Ferrer en el periodo 2017-2019. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo observacional en pacientes con diagnóstico de lepra quienes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión de la investigación. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, afecciones oftalmológicas y grado de discapacidad. RESULTADOS: predomino el sexo masculino y el grupo de edad entre 45-59 años, la mayoría de los pacientes se diagnosticaron tardíamente después del ano del comienzo de los síntomas, las afecciones oculares predominaron en el segmento anterior del ojo y se diagnosticaron cuatro pacientes con diferentes grados de discapacidad ocular. CONCLUSIONES: las afecciones oculares del segmento anterior son frecuentes en los pacientes con lepra, sobre todo en las formas lepromatosas y pueden aparecer en el momento del diagnóstico, durante o después del tratamiento. Muchas de las causas de afecciones oculares en los pacientes con lepra son prevenibles, es primordial garantizar la asistencia oftalmológica en los mismos

OBJECTIVE: to identify the ocular affections in patient with a diagnosis of leprosy in the department of Uveitis and Ocular (SUIO) Inflammations of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology Ramon Pando Ferrer during the period 2017-2019. METHODS: a prospective observational descriptive study in patients with diagnosis of leprosy who completed the admission or exclusion criteria of the investigation was carried out. The studied variables were age, sex, ophthalmological affections and grade of incapacity. RESULTS: The male gender and the age group among 45-59 years prevailed. Most of the patients were diagnosed belatedly after the year of the beginning of the symptoms, the ocular affections prevailed in the segment previous of the eye, and four patients were diagnosed with different grades of ocular discapacity. CONCLUSIONS: the ocular affections of the previous segment are frequent in the patients with leprosy, mainly in the lepromatous type of the disease and they can appear during the presentation of the patient and diagnosis or during or after the treatment. Many of the causes of ocular affections in the patients with leprosy can be prevented and the required ophthalmological care to avoid them must be provided

Genetic Characterization of an Endangered Chilean Endemic Species, Prosopis burkartii Muñoz, Reveals its Hybrids Parentage.

The hybridization of Prosopis burkartii, a critically endangered endemic species, and the identification of its paternal species has not been genetically studied before. In this study we aimed to genetically confirm the origin of this species. To resolve the parental status of P. burkartii, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), simple sequence repeats (SSR) and intron trnL molecular markers were used, and compared with Chilean species from the Algarobia and Strombocarpa sections. Out of seven ISSRs, a total of 70 polymorphic bands were produced in four species of the Strombocarpa section. An Multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and Bayasian (STRUCTURE) analysis showed signs of introgression of genetic material in P. burkartii. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis showed three clusters, and placed the P. burkartii cluster nested within the P. tamarugo group. Sequencing of the trnL intron showed a fragment of 535 bp and 529 bp in the species of the Algarobia and Strombocarpa sections, respectively. Using maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) trees with the trnL intron, revealed four clusters. A species-specific diagnostic method was performed, using the trnL intron Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP). This method identified if individuals of P. burkartii inherited their maternal DNA from P. tamarugo or from P. strombulifera. We deduced that P. tamarugo and P. strombulifera are involved in the formation of P. burkartii.

Incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo / Incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and possible risk factors

RESUMEN La endoftalmitis es considerada una forma grave de inflamación intraocular, generalmente de etiología infecciosa. Objetivo: Identificar la incidencia de la endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia en la población y los posibles factores de riesgo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" del año 2010 al 2015. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, diagnóstico preoperatorio, procedimientos asociados a la queratoplastia, tiempo de inicio de los síntomas, gérmenes aislados en cultivos y alternativas terapéuticas realizadas. Resultados: Se realizaron 1 442 queratoplastias; 0,41 por ciento de los casos (6 casos, 6 ojos) presentaron endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia. La causa más frecuente de la queratoplastia en estos pacientes fue la queratopatía bulosa pseudofáquica y fáquica, y al 33,3 por ciento se le había realizado cirugía combinada de queratoplastia y catarata. El 66,7 por ciento de los pacientes con endoftalmitis posqueratoplastia tenía más de 60 años de edad y correspondió al sexo masculino. El 50,0 por ciento de los gérmenes aislados eran gram postivos. El 100,0 por ciento de los pacientes recibió intravítreas de antibióticos y solo al 33,3 por ciento de ellos se les realizó vitrectomía precoz. Conclusiones: Es indispensable una estrecha comunicación entre el banco de ojos, los microbiólogos y los oftalmólogos para contribuir a la identificación y a la eliminación de los factores de riesgo, así como a la temprana detección y a una acertada elección terapéutica que favorezca tanto a su prevención como al mejor resultado funcional visual en pacientes portadores de esta devastadora complicación(AU)

ABSTRACT Endophthalmitis is considered to be a severe form of intraocular inflammation of frequent infectious etiology. Objective: Identify the incidence of post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis in the population and its possible risk factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in the period 2010-2015. The variables analyzed were age, sex, preoperative diagnosis, keratoplasty-related procedures, time of symptom onset, germs isolated in cultures and therapeutic alternatives implemented. Results: A total 1 442 keratoplasties were performed; 0.41 percent of the cases (6 cases, 6 eyes) presented post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis. The most common reason for keratoplasty among these patients was pseudophakic bullous and phakic keratopathy. 33.3 percent had undergone combined keratoplasty-cataract surgery. Of the patients with post-keratoplasty endophthalmitis, 66.7 percent were aged over 60 years and male. Of the germs isolated, 50.0 percent were gram-positive. 100.0 percent of the patients received intravitreal antibiotics, and only 33.3 percent of them underwent early vitrectomy. Conclusions: Close communication is indispensable between the eye bank, microbiologists and ophthalmologists to contribute to identification and elimination of risk factors, as well as early detection and appropriate therapeutic selection to facilitate prevention and obtain the best visual functional result in sufferers of this devastating complication(AU)

Lepra ocular: a propósito de un caso / No disponible

La detección temprana y tratamiento de las afecciones oculares en pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen es muy importante ya que generalmente tienen un carácter crónico y son de difícil manejo pudiendo llevar al paciente a la disminución de la visión y/o ceguera. Las inflamaciones intraoculares se encuentran entre las complicaciones oculares que pueden presentarse en estos pacientes (4.6%). Se presenta un caso de una paciente femenina de raza negra de 42 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Hansen desde el año 2015 (Lepra Lepromatosa) llevando tratamiento completo con multidrogas durante un año. Se remite al servicio de Uveítis del Instituto Oftalmológico Ramón Pando Ferrer, diagnosticándose una panuveítis bilateral granulomatosa. Se indicó tratamiento intensivo con midriáticos, esteroides tópicos y en alta dosis por vía oral, con reducción progresiva de los mismos, logrando el control de su enfermedad ocular y mejoría de la agudeza visual. Las características de este tipo de paciente requieren una valoración personalizada. Por esto se presenta su manejo clínico y evolución

The early detection and treatment of ocular affections in patients with Hansen’s disease is very important since they are usually of a chronic nature, they are difficult to manage and may lead the patient to decreased vision and/or blindness. Intraocular inflammations are among the ocular complications that can occur in these patients (4.6%). We describe a case of a 42-year-old black female patient diagnosed with Hansen’s disease since 2015 (Leprosy Leprosy) taking complete treatment with multidrug therapy for one year. She referred to the Uveitis Department of the Ramón Pando Ferrer Ophthalmological Institute and was diagnosed of a bilateral granulomatous panuveitis. Intensive treatment was indicated with mydriatics, topical and high oral doses of steroids. A progressive reduction of them, achieved control of the ocular disease and improvement of visual acuity. The characteristics of this type of patient require a personalized assessment. This is why we present its clinical management and evolution

From 3D to 2D Transition Metal Nitroprussides by Selective Rupture of Axial Bonds.

1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (1m2p) is a solvent with proven abilities for 2D-solid exfoliation due to its extremely high surface tension. In principle, such a feature could be used also to induce the selective breaking of certain bonds in solids to obtain new materials. Such a hypothesis is demonstrated in this study for transition metal nitroprussides, where 2D solids are obtained from 3D frameworks by selective rupture of axial bonds. This contribution discusses the mechanism involved in such molecular manufacture. The crystal structure for the formed 2D solids was solved and refined from XRD powder patterns recorded using synchrotron radiation. Mössbauer, IR and Raman spectra provided fine details on the electronic structure of the resulting new series of layered materials. The experimental information was complemented with calculations for the molecule configuration in its non-activated and activated forms. In the obtained 2D solids, neighboring layers of about 1 nm of thickness remain separated by activated 1m2p molecules. The interaction between neighboring layers is of a physical nature, without the presence of a chemical bond between them, as corresponds to a 2D material.

Chagas screening and treatment among Bolivians living in Madrid, Spain: The need for an official protocol.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that around 52,000 people live with Chagas in Spain, but only 10% have been diagnosed. Migrants from Bolivia bear the burden of Chagas infection in Spain. However, little is known about their current management of Chagas diagnosis and treatment patterns. This study aimed to assess the Chagas related disease perception and health behaviour of Bolivians living in Madrid. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: For a first time, a cross-sectional survey about Chagas' knowledges and practices was carried out in Madrid, Spain. A total of 376 Bolivians were interviewed about their Chagas health-seeking behaviour. Differences between men and women were assessed Most of Bolivians living in Madrid have access to the public health services. 44% of Bolivians included in the survey had a Chagas screening test done. However, while women did their test for Chagas mostly at hospital (59.2%), men also used the community campaigns (17.5%) and blood banks (14.3%). The prevalence reported among Bolivians tested was 27.7%. Unfortunately, more than half of those reporting a positive test for Chagas did not begin or completed treatment. Only 45.7% of positives reported having had their children tested for Chagas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increase in the number of Chagas diagnoses done in Madrid, the number of Bolivians who tested positive and then started or completed treatment remains very low. The fact that most Bolivians' access to the health system is through the primary healthcare services should be considered for improving management of cases and follow-up of treatment adherence. Local and national protocol establishing guidelines for the screening and treatment of Chagas disease would help improving case detection and management at all levels of the healthcare system.

Aplicación de un factor de corrección para el cálculo del lente intraocular en pacientes con cámara anterior / Application of a correction factor for intraocular lens power calculation in patients with a narrow anterior chamber and augmented crystalline lens thickness

Objetivo: evaluar la aplicación de un factor corrección en el cálculo del lente intraocular en pacientes con cámara anterior estrecha y grosor del cristalino aumentado. Métodos: se realizó un estudio experimental donde se aplicó un factor de corrección y se comparó con dos grupos de control. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino con el 71 por ciento de los casos. La edad fue de 70 años y más. El 48,4 por ciento de los pacientes presentó una esfera posoperatoria entre ± 0,50 dioptrías; el 19,4 por ciento estuvo por debajo de -0,50 dioptrías y el 32,3 por ciento de los pacientes por encima de + 0,50 dioptrías. El grupo 3 (grosor del cristalino mayor que 4,60 mm si factor de corrección) tuvo el mayor porcentaje de esfera posoperatoria ± 0,50 dioptrías (58,3 por ciento). El grupo 2 tuvo el mayor porcentaje de pacientes con esfera obtenida mayor de 0,50 dioptrías (38,2 por ciento). Conclusiones: los pacientes a quienes se les aplica el factor de corrección obtienen una esfera posoperatoria cercana a la emetropía a pesar de que la muestra no es homogénea y no se obtienen esferas por encima de 1 dioptría(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the application of a correction factor for intraocular lens power calculation in patients with a narrow anterior chamber and augmented crystalline lens thickness. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in which a correction factor was applied and compared with two control groups. Results: Female sex prevailed with 71 percent of the cases. Age was 70 years and over. 48.4 percent of the patients had a postoperative sphere between ± 0.50 diopters; 19.4 percent were below - 0.50 diopters and 32.3 percent were above + 0.50 diopters. Group 3 (crystalline lens thickness above 4.60 mm without correction factor) had the highest postoperative sphere percentage of ± 0.50 diopters (58.3 percent). Group 2 had the highest percentage of patients with an achieved sphere above 0.50 diopters (38.2 percent). Conclusions: Patients to whom the correction factor was applied achieved a postoperative sphere close to emmetropia, despite the fact that the sample was not homogeneous and spheres above 1 diopter were not obtained(AU)

Modificaciones corneales posqueratoplastia penetrante óptica / Corneal changes after penetrating optical keratoplasty

Objetivo: determinar las modificaciones de la córnea donante en el primer año de la posqueratoplastia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de serie de casos en 45 pacientes. Para el procesamiento de las variables se utilizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con corrección de Yates asociada a pruebas de rangos con signos de Wilcoxon y la prueba de probabilidades exactas de Fischer. Resultados: el diagnóstico más frecuente fue la queratopatía bullosa (35,5 por ciento). La pérdida celular anual fue de 22,8 por ciento; el astigmatismo oblicuo con 61,5 por ciento y la media del cilindro queratométrico de 5,96. En microscopia confocal encontramos ausencia de fibras nerviosas (86,7 por ciento), presencia de queratocitos activados (22,2 por ciento) y haze (11,1 por ciento). Los injertos transparentes correspondieron al 82,2 por ciento. Observamos queratocitos activados en 80 por ciento de córneas no transparentes. El 33,3 por ciento de los leucomas corneales se opacificaron. La complicación más frecuente fue el glaucoma secundario (33,3 por ciento). El 100 por ciento de las úlceras corneales bacterianas evolucionaron a fallo del injerto. Conclusiones: la córnea posqueratoplastia presenta una pérdida celular endotelial anual de 22,8 por ciento, astigmatismo oblicuo, cilindro queratométrico entre 3-6 dioptrías, presencia de queratocitos activados y haze corneal como factores pronósticos de pérdida de transparencia del injerto. El leucoma corneal posúlcera, la queratopatía bullosa como diagnóstico preoperatorio y la úlcera corneal bacteriana como complicaciones provocan pérdida de transparencia del injerto(AU)

Objective: to determine the changes in the donor cornea after one year of keratoplasty. Methods: prospective, longitudinal and descriptive case series study conducted in 45 patients. For variable processing, the study used Yate's corrected Chi-square test associated to Wilcoxon's range test and to Fisher's exact test. Results: the most common diagnosis was bullous keratopathy (35.5 percent). The annual cell loss was 22.8 percent; oblique astigmatism with 61.5 percent and the mean of the keratometric cylinder was 5.96 percent. Using the confocal microscopy, we found lack of nervous fibers (86.7 percent), presence of activated keratocytes (22.2 percent) and haze (11.1 percent). Transparent grafts represented 82.2 percent. Activated keratocytes were observed in 80 percent of non-transparent corneas. In the study, 33.3 percent of corneal leukomas showed opacification. The most common complication was secondary glaucoma (33.3 percent). All the bacterial corneal ulcers evolved into failed graft. Conclusions: after keratoplasty, the cornea showed annual endothelial cell loss of 22.8 percent, oblique astigmatism, 3-6 diopter keratometric cylinder, presence of activated keratocytes and corneal haze as prognostic factors of loss of graft transparency. The post-ulcer corneal leukoma, bullous keratopathy as preoperative diagnosis and bacterial corneal ulcer as main complication cause loss of graft transparency(AU)

Modificaciones corneales posqueratoplastia penetrante óptica / Corneal changes after penetrating optical keratoplasty

Objetivo: determinar las modificaciones de la córnea donante en el primer año de la posqueratoplastia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de serie de casos en 45 pacientes. Para el procesamiento de las variables se utilizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado con corrección de Yates asociada a pruebas de rangos con signos de Wilcoxon y la prueba de probabilidades exactas de Fischer. Resultados: el diagnóstico más frecuente fue la queratopatía bullosa (35,5 por ciento). La pérdida celular anual fue de 22,8 por ciento; el astigmatismo oblicuo con 61,5 por ciento y la media del cilindro queratométrico de 5,96. En microscopia confocal encontramos ausencia de fibras nerviosas (86,7 por ciento), presencia de queratocitos activados (22,2 por ciento) y haze (11,1 por ciento). Los injertos transparentes correspondieron al 82,2 por ciento. Observamos queratocitos activados en 80 por ciento de córneas no transparentes. El 33,3 por ciento de los leucomas corneales se opacificaron. La complicación más frecuente fue el glaucoma secundario (33,3 por ciento). El 100 por ciento de las úlceras corneales bacterianas evolucionaron a fallo del injerto. Conclusiones: la córnea posqueratoplastia presenta una pérdida celular endotelial anual de 22,8 por ciento, astigmatismo oblicuo, cilindro queratométrico entre 3-6 dioptrías, presencia de queratocitos activados y haze corneal como factores pronósticos de pérdida de transparencia del injerto. El leucoma corneal posúlcera, la queratopatía bullosa como diagnóstico preoperatorio y la úlcera corneal bacteriana como complicaciones provocan pérdida de transparencia del injerto(AU)

Objective: to determine the changes in the donor cornea after one year of keratoplasty. Methods: prospective, longitudinal and descriptive case series study conducted in 45 patients. For variable processing, the study used Yate's corrected Chi-square test associated to Wilcoxon's range test and to Fisher's exact test. Results: the most common diagnosis was bullous keratopathy (35.5 percent). The annual cell loss was 22.8 percent; oblique astigmatism with 61.5 percent and the mean of the keratometric cylinder was 5.96 percent. Using the confocal microscopy, we found lack of nervous fibers (86.7 percent), presence of activated keratocytes (22.2 percent) and haze (11.1 percent). Transparent grafts represented 82.2 percent. Activated keratocytes were observed in 80 percent of non-transparent corneas. In the study, 33.3 percent of corneal leukomas showed opacification. The most common complication was secondary glaucoma (33.3 percent). All the bacterial corneal ulcers evolved into failed graft. Conclusions: after keratoplasty, the cornea showed annual endothelial cell loss of 22.8 percent, oblique astigmatism, 3-6 diopter keratometric cylinder, presence of activated keratocytes and corneal haze as prognostic factors of loss of graft transparency. The post-ulcer corneal leukoma, bullous keratopathy as preoperative diagnosis and bacterial corneal ulcer as main complication cause loss of graft transparency(AU)

Confiabilidad del Senior Fitness Test versión en español, para población adulta mayor en Tunja-Colombia / Reliability of Senior Fitness Test version in Spanish for older people in Tunja-Colombia

Introducción: El Senior Fitness Test, batería de pruebas de la capacidad funcional del adulto mayor, compuesto por siete test confiables en versión original de Rikli y Jones, que evalúan la fuerza muscular, la resistencia aeróbica, la flexibilidad y la agilidad. Este texto, es resultado del proceso de investigación 'Validación del Senior Fitness Test', que en su primera etapa, identificó la validez de apariencia de la versión en español, por medio de un estudio descriptivo, a través de la adaptación transcultural manteniendo la equivalencia semántica, idiomática y conceptual, con un índice de acuerdo global de 0,9485. Objetivo: Determinar la confiabilidad de la versión en español del Senior Fitness Test a partir de la consistencia interna y la reproducibilidad de los tests de la batería. Metodología: Se aplicó el Senior Fitness Test versión en español a 237 adultos mayores entre 60 y 90 años. La confiabilidad se estableció mediante el Alpha de Cronbach y la reproducibilidad a través del coeficiente de correlación intraclase, al aplicarse la prueba con 12 días de diferencia. Para el registro y análisis de datos se usó programa estadístico SPSS® versión 20.0. Resultados: El Alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,708, la reproducibilidad de las pruebas obtuvo un CCI entre 0,851 y 0,960 con IC del 95% y un p < 0,005 en el test - retest. Conclusiones: Las pruebas del Senior Fitness Test versión en español, presentan altas propiedades psicométricas, evidenciado en el nivel de acuerdo de los expertos dentro de la validez de apariencia, sumado a los valores obtenidos en la consistencia interna y reproducibilidad, lo avala la utilidad de la batería para evaluar la capacidad funcional de los adultos mayores colombianos

Introduction: Senior Fitness Test, test battery of functional capacity of the elderly, reliable test consists of seven original version of Rikli and Jones, evaluating the muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and agility. This text is the result of the research process 'Validation of the Senior Fitness Test' which in its first stage, identified the face validity of the Spanish version, through a descriptive study, through the cross-cultural adaptation maintaining equivalence semantic, idiomatic and conceptual, with an index of global agreement of 0.9485. To determine the reliability of the Spanish version of the Senior Fitness Test from the internal consistency and reproducibility of the tests of the battery. Methodology: Senior Fitness Test version 237 older adults between 60 and 90 years was applied in Spanish. Reliability was established by Cronbach Alpha and reproducibility through the intraclass correlation coefficient, the test applied 12 days apart. For registration and data analysis statistical program SPSS version 20.0 was used. Results: Cronbach’s alpha was 0.708, the reproducibility of evidence obtained an ICC between 0.851 and 0.960 with 95% and p< 0.005 in the test - retest. Conclusions: Senior Fitness Test test version in Spanish, have high psychometric properties, as evidenced by the level of agreement among experts within the validity of appearance, combined with the values obtained from the internal consistency and reproducibility, which supports the usefulness of Battery for assessing the functional capacity of older adults Colombians

Detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies by computer-aided automated immunofluorescence analysis.

INTRODUCTION: NOVA View is a computer aided fluorescence microscope that is used for the automated reading and interpretation of indirect immunofluorescent tests in diagnostic immunology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of the NOVA View® system for the measurement of anti-dsDNA antibodies using the Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) technology. METHODS: Analytical performance of NOVA View CLIFT was assessed in repeatability (within run) and reproducibility (between runs and instruments) studies. Two hundred-fifty patient samples (N=200 consecutive samples and N=50 samples from systemic lupus erythematosus patients) were tested to evaluate the agreement between results generated with NOVA View CLIFT, and those obtained with manual microscopic reading of the same slides. Positivity rate in SLE was assessed on the 50 SLE samples. RESULTS: The NOVA View system showed high level of repeatability and reproducibility within runs, between runs, and between instruments. Agreement of NOVA View software interpretation and digital image reading results with manual microscopic reading results was 96.0%, and the same positivity rate was obtained on SLE samples by NOVA View digital image reading as that of manual microscopic reading (36.0% vs. 38.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Results generated by NOVA View CLIFT were equivalent to those obtained by manual microscopic reading on a large routine sample set. NOVA View demonstrated consistency within and between runs, and between instruments. Automation of CLIFT provides reliability and is a suitable alternative for routine clinical laboratories.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the English version of the Senior Fitness Test to Spanish / Adaptación transcultural de la versión en inglés del Senior Fitness Test al español

Background. The physical condition of the elderly is related to health and functional independence. One specific and scientifically valid instrument measuring this parameter is the Senior Fitness Test, of which the original version is in English. Objective. To identify the face validity of the test for use in Spanish language based on the cultural adaptation of the English version. Materials and methods. Descriptive study, for which cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish was performed. This involved translation, evaluation of conceptual equivalence by three bilingual experts, synthesis of observations, calculation of values for the index of agreement and applicability. Results. The overall agreement rate is 0.9485. No disagreements arose between the judges for any of the items, and intelligibility is of 85.2%, according to subjects of different ages and levels of schooling. Conclusions. A version of the Senior Fitness Test adapted to Spanish was obtained. The test is backed up by face validity and comprehensibility, and conserves semantic, idiomatic, and conceptual equivalence to the original version.

Antecedentes. La condición física del adulto mayor está relacionada con el estado de salud y su independencia funcional. Uno de los instrumentos específicos y científicamente validos que mide este parámetro es el Senior Fitness Test, cuya versión original es en inglés. Objetivo. Identificar la validez de apariencia del test para uso en español desde la adaptación transcultural de la versión en inglés. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, donde se realizó la adaptación transcultural al español, así: traducción, valoración de la equivalencia conceptual por tres expertos bilingües, síntesis de las observaciones, obtención del índice de acuerdo y prueba de aplicabilidad. Resultados. El índice de acuerdo global es de 0,9485; en ninguno de los ítems se presentó desacuerdo entre los jueces y la comprensibilidad es de 85,2%, referida por sujetos de diversa escolaridad y edad. Conclusiones. Se obtuvo la versión adaptada al español del Senior Fitness Test, respaldada en la validez de apariencia y comprensibilidad, conservando la equivalencia semántica, idiomática y conceptual en relación a la versión original.

Algunos factores de riesgo en la adolescencia, hallazgos en un área de salud / Some risk factors in adolescence, findings in a health area

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal para identificar algunos factores de riesgo en adolescentes de un área de salud de la capital cubana en el año 2004. El universo estuvo constituido por los alumnos que asisten a 2 secundarias básicas ubicadas en el área y por los profesores generales integrales que imparten clases a estos estudiantes. Se aplicó una encuesta a 364 adolescentes, entre estudiantes y profesores. La selección se realizó mediante un muestreo estratificado y por conglomerado monoetápico. Se encontró que la edad media de comienzo del hábito de fumar y el inicio de las relaciones sexuales fue de 12 años para los estudiantes y 16 para los profesores; 46 por ciento ha ingerido bebidas alcohólicas en edades tempranas y más del 5 por ciento no está seguro de si en algún momento de su vida probarían las drogas. El inicio precoz de hábitos tóxicos son algunos de los principales riesgos encontrados.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was made to identify risk factors in adolescents from a health area of the Cuban capital during 2004. The universe was composed of students attending two secondary schools located in the area, and of integral general professors teaching these students. 364 adolescents, among students and professors, were surveyed. The selection was made by a stratified sampling and monostage conglomerate. It was observed that mean age to start smoking and to begin sexual relations was 12 years old for students and 16 for professors; 46 percent had drunk alcohol at early ages, and more than 5 percent were not sure if they would use drugs at a certain moment of their lives. The early beginning of toxic habits was among the main risks found.