Using high-resolution imaging to study the impact of the Kalogon wheelchair cushion on blood flow in the gluteal area.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated how the air-bladder offloading mode of the Orbiter by Kalogon wheelchair cushion (Orbiter) affected blood flow in the gluteal region of non-disabled subjects. The hypothesis was that the cushion's offloading mode would improve blood flow, resulting in reduced reactive hyperemia when compared to the static setting, or Loaded Control (LC). Furthermore, the study proposed a technique using a high-resolution image laser speckle contrast system to measure blood flow in the gluteal area. METHODS: Two procedures were carried out, one with the participant sitting on a cushion in LC, and the second, the cushion was set to offloading mode. Blood flow was measured through data imaging after each procedure. Three trials were performed, starting and ending in different cushion bladders. Customized algorithms were used to select regions of interest on the images for calculations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was conducted to compare the offloads and loaded control values of each region of interest. Results were considered significant at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Ten healthy, non-disabled adults participated in the study, seven females and three males. There were no significant differences among the participants. However, results showed that seven subjects tended to decrease reactive hyperemia in the offload sequence of trial when the last two bladders offloaded were the sacrum followed by the right ischial tuberosity. CONCLUSIONS: The high-resolution imager showed that the Orbiter Offloads helped reduce reactive hyperemia in seven subjects, potentially improving blood flow. More research is necessary to comprehend the mechanisms of these effects fully.

Impacts of exile on mental health: Considerations with a differential approach. State of the art 2000-2019 / Impactos del exilio sobre la salud mental: Consideraciones con enfoque diferencial. Estado del arte 2000-2019.

Introducción: : Resultados: Conclusiones: Introduction: Exile generates the fracture of the vital project and a high load of stress, which can induce the appearance of mental health disorders and health in general. The impact is subject to various demographic variables. Objective: The objective of this article is to present the product of a review of the impacts od exile on mental health based on age, gender and the most important risk and protection factors. Finally, reference is made to the most relevant approaches from the perspective of mental health Methodology: A search was carried out in various databases of academic literature between the period 2000-2019 using terms in Spanish, English and Portuguese in relation to the impacts of exile on the mental health of women, minor and older adults. The saturation criterion was used. Results: Although exile itself does not necessarily result in mental illness, the greatest risk is associated with armed conflicts; in women, the absence of an affective partner and the confluence of care roles; in older adults, loneliness, illness and poverty and in all ages and genders, being a victim of hostility or discrimination in the host society. As protective factors, younger age; family and social network; favorable economic conditions, higher level of educations, integration into social groups with cultural and linguistic affinity in the country of arrival. Conclusions: There is no single therapeutic approach. It´s important to highlight relevance of a comprehensive and cross-cultural perspective and the need for specific public policies.

Introducción: El exilio genera la fractura del proyecto vital y una alta carga de estrés, lo cual puede inducir la aparición de trastornos sobre la salud mental y sobre la salud en general. El impacto está sujeto a diversas variables demográficas y contextuales. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el producto de una revisión de los impactos del exilio sobre la salud mental en función de la edad, el género y a los más importantes factores de riesgo y protección. Por último, se hace referencia a los abordajes más relevantes desde la perspectiva de la salud mental. Metodología: Fue realizada búsqueda en diversas bases de datos de literatura científica entre los años 2000 y 2019 utilizando términos en español, inglés y portugués con relación a los impactos del exilio en la salud mental de mujeres, menores y adultos mayores. Fue utilizado criterio de saturación. Resultados: Aunque el exilio en sí no necesariamente resulta en enfermedad, el riesgo mayor se asocia a conflictos bélicos; en la mujer, a la ausencia de compañero afectivo y a la confluencia de roles de cuidado; en adultos mayores, la soledad, enfermedad y pobreza y en todas las edades y géneros, ser víctima de hostilidad o discriminación en la sociedad de acogida, representan factores de vulnerabilidad. Como factores de protección, menor edad; red de soporte familiar y social, condiciones económicas favorables, mayor nivel de escolaridad, inserción en grupos sociales con afinidad cultural y lingüística en el país de llegada. Conclusiones: No hay un abordaje terapéutico único. Se destaca la relevancia de una mirada integral y transcultural y la necesidad de políticas públicas específicas.

Grapefruit Root and Rhizosphere Responses to Varying Planting Densities, Fertilizer Concentrations and Application Methods.

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has caused a severe decline in citrus production globally over the past decade. There is a need for improved nutrient regimens to better manage the productivity of HLB-affected trees, as current guidelines are based on healthy trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer application methods and rates with different planting densities on HLB-affected citrus root and soil health. Plant material consisted of 'Ray Ruby' (Citrus × paradisi) grapefruit trees grafted on 'Kuharske' citrange (Citrus × sinensis × Citrus trifoliata). The study consisted of 4 foliar fertilizer treatments, which included 0×, 1.5×, 3× and 6× the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture (UF/IFAS) recommended guidelines for B, Mn and Zn. Additionally, 2 ground-applied fertilizer treatments were used, specifically controlled-release fertilizer (CRF1): 12-3-14 + B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients at 1× UF/IFAS recommendation, and (CRF2): 12-3-14 + 2× Mg + 3× B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients, with micronutrients applied as sulfur-coated products. The planting densities implemented were low (300 trees ha-1), medium (440 trees ha-1) and high (975 trees ha-1). The CRF fertilizer resulted in greater soil nutrient concentrations through all of the time sampling points, with significant differences in soil Zn and Mn. Grapefruit treated with ground-applied CRF2 and 3× foliar fertilizers resulted in the greatest bacterial alpha and beta diversity in the rhizosphere. Significantly greater abundances of Rhizobiales and Vicinamibacterales were found in the grapefruit rhizosphere of trees treated with 0× UF/IFAS foliar fertilizer compared to higher doses of foliar fertilizers.

Perspective: Phosphorus monitoring must be rooted in sustainability frameworks spanning material scale to human scale.

Phosphorus (P) is a finite resource, and its environmental fate and transport is complex. With fertilizer prices expected to remain high for years and disruption to supply chains, there is a pressing need to recover and reuse P (primarily as fertilizer). Whether recovery is to occur from urban systems (e.g., human urine), agricultural soil (e.g., legacy P), or from contaminated surface waters, quantification of P in various forms is vital. Monitoring systems with embedded near real time decision support, so called cyber physical systems, are likely to play a major role in the management of P throughout agro-ecosystems. Data on P flow(s) connects the environmental, economic, and social pillars of the triple bottom line (TBL) sustainabilty framework. Emerging monitoring systems must account for complex interactions in the sample, and interface with a dynamic decision support system that considers adaptive dynamics to societal needs. It is known from decades of study that P is ubiquitous, yet without quantitative tools for studying the dynamic nature of P in the environment, the details may remain elusive. If new monitoring systems (including CPS and mobile sensors) are informed by sustainability frameworks, data-informed decision making may foster resource recovery and environmental stewardship from technology users to policymakers.

Baseflow estimation based on a self-adaptive non-linear reservoir algorithm in a rainy watershed of eastern China.

Accurate baseflow estimation is critical for water resources evaluation and management, and non-point source pollution quantification. Nonlinear reservoir algorithm (NRA) has been increasingly applied to baseflow separation because of its good approximation to the real groundwater discharge (commonly dominated by the unconfined aquifer) in most watersheds. However, in the rainy regions, large uncertainties may remain in the traditional NRA-separated baseflow sequences due to its empirical transition function for the rising limb of discharge process, and the evident variations of baseflow recession in the initial period of the falling limb caused by the disturbance from surface flow or rainfall events. To improve the reliability of baseflow separation, a self-adaptive non-linear reservoir algorithm (SA-NRA) was developed in this study based on the NRA, a self-adaptive groundwater discharge modified parameter, and the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO). The validation of SA-NRA in a rainy watershed of eastern China showed that SA-NRA could be the approach to provide a goodness-of-fit for baseflow recession behaviors in the rainy regions. The traditional NRA and Eckhardt's two-parameter recursive digital filter (ERDF), calibrated (or validated) only with the pure baseflow recession data, can hardly provide reliable baseflow predictions for the non-pure baseflow recession periods (including the rising limb and the falling limb with surface flow or rainfall disturbance) due to the apparent variations of baseflow recession behavior. Therefore, more attentions should be paid to the uncertainties of baseflow separation for the non-pure baseflow recession periods in the rainy regions.

Comparing the Energy-Stretch Properties of Two Compression Bandage Systems in a Laboratory-Based Test under Controlled Conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of two commercially available compression systems, a dual-compression bandage system (DCS) and a traditional two-layer bandage (TLB), using a laboratory bench test. METHODS: The compression systems were evaluated in a computer-controlled tensile test to generate force-deflection curves for each sample. The compressive work and the theoretical pressure applied to the limb by the respective compression bandages were calculated at the maximum stretch and a stretch instructed by the manufacturers. The manufacturer of the DCS provides reference points on how much the bandage should be stretched to provide the desired pressure, and the TLB stretch was calculated from the product's datasheet. RESULTS: The combined results of layers 1 and 2 for the DCS showed greater load and work than the TLB at both the maximum and recommended stretch. The recommended stretch for DCS and TLB was less than 50% of the deflection up to the breaking point. CONCLUSIONS: The high work provided by the two layers of the DCS suggests a wider range of performance than the TLB when applied to the lower limb, especially after the limb volume is initially reduced by compression. Moreover, using the tensile test and the guide of the reference points on layers 1 and 2 from DCS, the calculated pressure achieved the expected values stated by the manufacturer. Human studies should be conducted to determine whether the reference points provided by DCS are beneficial for obtaining repeatable values.

Estrategias de afrontamiento en familiares de pacientes críticos / Coping strategies for relatives of critically ill patients

Introducción: la estadía en la unidad de cuidados intensivos genera cambios en la dinámica familiar causados por las alteraciones en las actividades diarias que obligan a utilizar estrategias que los mitiguen. Objetivo: describir las estrategias de afrontamiento de los familiares de pacientes críticos. Materiales y métodos: revisión integradora de literatura en las bases de datos y metabuscadores PUBMED, LILACS, EPISTEMONIKOS, CUIDEN, SCIELO, CINAHL y CLINICALKEY, obteniendo 13 artículos: 7 estudios cuantitativos observacionales, 4 cualitativos fenomenológicos y 2 revisiones sistemáticas. Resultados: se determinó que las estrategias más utilizadas por los familiares de pacientes críticos son respuesta emocional, apoyo social, valores y creencias y crisis familiar. La más recurrente en los estudios revisados es la respuesta emocional debido a la implicación afectiva que tiene en los familiares la hospitalización de su ser querido. Conclusión: la respuesta emocional usada por los familiares como estrategia evidencia la necesidad de que los enfermeros garanticen espacios de acercamiento y expresión de sentimientos. Los servicios de salud deben priorizar el trato humanizado y una comunicación acorde con las necesidades de los familiares.

Introduction: the stay in the intensive care unit generates changes in the family dynamics caused by alterations in its daily activities that force the use of strategies that mitigate them. Objective: to describe the coping strategies for the relatives of critically ill patients. Materials and methods: integrative review of the literature in the PUBMED, LILACS, EPISTEMONIKOS, CUIDEN, SCIELO, CINAHL y CLINICALKEY databases, obtaining 13 articles: 7 quantitative observational studies, 4 qualitative phenomenological studies and 2 systematic reviews. Results: it was determined that the most used strategies by relatives of critically ill patients are emotional response, social support, values and beliefs and family crisis. The most recurrent in the studies reviewed is the emotional response due to the emotional involvement of the family members in the hospitalization of their loved ones. Conclusion: the emotional response used by relatives as a strategy shows the need for nurses to guarantee spaces for approaching and expressing feelings. Health services should prioritize humanized treatment and communication according to the need of family members.

A comparison of air-cell and gel surgical table pads and an evaluation of the influence of pressure distribution and other factors on pressure injury prevention.

Guidelines for pressure injury prevention consider the use of pressure-redistributing pads to prevent tissue deformation. However, limited research exists to assess the pressure distribution provided by the operating tables and the effectiveness of pressure-redistributing pads in preventing pressure injuries. In this study, we compared the pressure distribution properties of two surgical table pads and identified parameters influencing pressure injury outcomes after a lengthy surgical procedure. Twenty-seven patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation surgery participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to use either an air cell-based pad or a gel pad. Interface pressure was recorded during the surgery. We analyzed the effect of surgical table pad type, interface pressure distribution and pressure injury outcomes and analyzed what characteristics of the patients and the interface pressure are most influential for the development of pressure injuries. Comparing the interface pressure parameters between the air-cell group and the gel group, only the peak pressure index x time was significantly different (p < 0.05). We used univariate logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors for the pressure injury outcome. The support surface was not significant. And, among patient characteristics, only age and BMI were significant (p ≤ 0.05). Among the interface pressure parameters, pressure density maxima, peak pressure index x time, and coefficient of variation were significant for pressure injury outcome (p ≤ 0.05). Peak pressure index, average pressure, and the surgery length were not statistically significant for pressure injury outcomes.

[Variación estacional de las amputaciones en un hospital universitario de Monterrey, México (2009-2012)]. / Seasonality variation of amputations in a university hospital from Monterrey, Mexico (2009-2012).

ANTECEDENTES: Una de las principales complicaciones de la diabetes mellitus es la amputación de alguna extremidad. En todo el mundo, la prevalencia de amputaciones asociadas a la diabetes es muy variada y tiene un impacto considerable en la calidad de vida del paciente. OBJETIVO: Analizar la frecuencia de las amputaciones en el Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González y evaluar si se presenta un patrón estacional. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 2009 a 2012, en el que se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes diabéticos que se sometieron a amputación. La estacionalidad se analizó con la bondad de ajuste de ji al cuadrado. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 456 amputaciones. Los resultados muestran que febrero es el mes que presenta la mayor frecuencia de amputaciones. La estación anual con mayor número de amputaciones fue el invierno. CONCLUSIONES: Las amputaciones en pacientes diabéticos del área metropolitana de Monterrey presentan un patrón estacional, siendo los meses de invierno los de mayor frecuencia. BACKGROUND: The amputation of an extremity is a main complication of Diabetes mellitus. Worldwide the prevalence of amputations associated with diabetes mellitus is variable and had a considerable impact in the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the frequency of amputations in the University Hospital, Dr José E González and evaluate if a seasonal pattern is present. METHOD: A retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2012 was carried out. Clinical files of diabetic patients undergoing to amputation were studied. The seasonality was evaluated with a chi square goodness of fit. RESULTS: A total of 456 amputations were studied. Results shown that February was the month with highest frequency of amputations while winter was the annual season with highest frequency of amputations. CONCLUSIONS: Amputations of diabetic patients from Metropolitan Monterrey Mexico show a seasonal pattern being the winter months those that present highest frequency.

Tamaño de la población mínima con necesidad de cuidados paliativos en México (2000-2011) / Minimum population size requiring Palliative Care in Mexico (2000-2011)

No disponible

Perception of the risk of adverse reactions to analgesics: differences between medical students and residents.

Background. Medications are not exempt from adverse drug reactions (ADR) and how the physician perceives the risk of prescription drugs could influence their availability to report ADR and their prescription behavior. Methods. We assess the perception of risk and the perception of ADR associated with COX2-Inbitors, paracetamol, NSAIDs, and morphine in medical students and residents of northeast of Mexico. Results. The analgesic with the highest risk perception in both group of students was morphine, while the drug with the least risk perceived was paracetamol. Addiction and gastrointestinal bleeding were the ADR with the highest score for morphine and NSAIDs respectively. Discussion. Our findings show that medical students give higher risk scores than residents toward risk due to analgesics. Continuing training and informing physicians about ADRs is necessary since the lack of training is known to induce inadequate use of drugs.

[Comparison of Inflammatory Biomarkers Between Bipolar Disorder I Patients and Control Subjects]. / Comparación de biomarcadores inflamatorios en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar tipo I y sujetos controles.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory changes have been described in different affective episodes, as well as in the euthymic phase of Bipolar I Disease. These changes have been proposed as possible peripheral markers of the disease. For this reason well-designed studies are needed to explore this hypothesis. OBJECTIVE: Quantify and compare the serum levels of interleukins (IL) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in bipolar I patients and healthy subjects, including the comparison between the affective episodes of the disease. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 41 bipolar I patients and 11 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of IL-1B, IL-RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF were measured during the euthymic, depressive, and manic phases and were compared with the serum levels of the healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Manic phase patients had low education and high number of hospitalisations. Depressive phase patients showed high number of depressive episodes throughout life. No statistically significant differences were found in IL and TNF levels between bipolar I patients and healthy controls, or between the bipolar I subgroups (euthymic, manic and depressive states). An increase in the size of the sample is necessary in future studies, in order to enhance the statistical value of the results, and explore the inflammatory hypothesis of the bipolar disease.

Comparación de biomarcadores inflamatorios en pacientes con trastorno afectivo bipolar tipo I y sujetos controles / Comparison of Inflammatory Biomarkers Between Bipolar Disorder I Patients and Control Subjects

Introducción: En el trastorno afectivo bipolar tipo I (TABI) se han descrito cambios inflamatorios en los diferentes episodios afectivos y en la etapa de eutimia, propuestos como posibles marcadores periféricos del trastorno, razón por la cual son necesarios estudios con adecuados criterios de inclusión para explorar esta hipótesis. Objetivo: Cuantificar y comparar las concentraciones séricas de interleucinas (IL) y factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) en pacientes con TABI y en sujetos controles, incluyendo un análisis de comparación según el estado afectivo. Métodos: Estudio transversal sobre 41 pacientes con TABI y 11 controles, en los que se determinaron concentraciones de IL-1B, IL-RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 y TNF durante las fases de eutimia, depresión y manía, y se compararon con los de los sujetos controles. Resultados y conclusiones: El subgrupo de pacientes en manía tenía menor escolaridad y mayor número de hospitalizaciones, y el subgrupo de pacientes en depresión mostró mayor número de episodios depresivos a lo largo de la vida. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las concentraciones de IL y TNF de sujetos con TABI y sujetos controles ni entre los diferentes subgrupos de TABI (eutimia, depresión y manía). Es necesario aumentar la muestra en estudios posteriores con el fin de mejorar el poder estadístico y explorar la hipótesis infamatoria del trastorno bipolar.

Introduction: Inflammatory changes have been described in different affective episodes, as well as in the euthymic phase of Bipolar I Disease. These changes have been proposed as possible peripheral markers of the disease. For this reason well-designed studies are needed to explore this hypothesis. Objective: Quantify and compare the serum levels of interleukins (IL) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in bipolar I patients and healthy subjects, including the comparison between the affective episodes of the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study including 41 bipolar I patients and 11 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of IL-1B, IL-RA, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF were measured during the euthymic, depressive, and manic phases and were compared with the serum levels of the healthy subjects. Conclusions: Manic phase patients had low education and high number of hospitalisations. Depressive phase patients showed high number of depressive episodes throughout life. No statistically significant differences were found in IL and TNF levels between bipolar I patients and healthy controls, or between the bipolar I subgroups (euthymic, manic and depressive states). An increase in the size of the sample is necessary in future studies, in order to enhance the statistical value of the results, and explore the inflammatory hypothesis of the bipolar disease.

Diferencias en las circunstancias de riesgo al volante en universitarios guatemaltecos y españoles / Differences in mobility, traffic accidents and associated circumstances in guatemalan and spanish university students

Comparar las diferencias en las circunstancias de riesgo al volante en universitarios de Guatemala y España. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado durante el 2007 a 2011 en una muestra de 2130 conductores (1016 en Guatemala y 1114 en España), quienes respondieron un cuestionario autoadministrado que valoraba: patrones de movilidad, uso de dispositivos de seguridad, estilos de conducción e implicación en accidentes de tránsito. Resultados. Los estudiantes de Guatemala se implicaron con mayor frecuencia en circunstancias de riesgo como hablar por el teléfono móvil (74,4% vs 24,3%), distraerse (47,1% vs 18,8%) o no usar el cinturón de seguridad (23,9% vs 5,9%) con respecto a los españoles; en el análisis ajustado el reporte de haber tenido algún accidente fue 4,8 veces mayor (IC 95% 3,1-7,4) en universitarios de Guatemala. Conclusiones. Existen factores dependientes del vehículo, entorno físico y de índole social, que podrían tener un rol importante en las diferencias detectadas en ambas poblaciones...

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of involvement in risky driving circumstances between Guatemalan and Spanish university students and identify in both populations the differences between the involvement in such circumstances and road crashes. Materials and methods. A cross sectional study was conducted during the academic courses 2007 to 2011 on a sample of 2 130 drivers (1 016 in Guatemala and 1 114 in Spain), who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed: mobility patterns, use of safety devices, driving styles and involvement in road traffic crashes. Results: Furthermore, they were involved more frequently in almost all the risky-driving circumstances compared with Spanish students, principally in: mobile use (74.4 % versus 24.3 %), distraction (47.1 % versus 18.8 %) or not using seatbelt (23.9% vs 5.9). Finally, the adjusted analysis yields an accident rate 4.8 times higher among Guatemalans (CI 95% 3.1-7.4). Conclusions: Considering the factors more frequently associated with suffer road traffic crashes dependent on human factor, it is noted physical and social factors as well as that the car-dependent issues, must play an important role in the marked differences detected in both populations...

[Differences in mobility, traffic accidents and associated circumstances in guatemalan and spanish university students]. / Diferencias en las circunstancias de riesgo al volante en universitarios guatemaltecos y españoles.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of involvement in risky driving circumstances between Guatemalan and Spanish university students and identify in both populations the differences between the involvement in such circumstances and road crashes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted during the academic courses 2007 to 2011 on a sample of 2 130 drivers (1 016 in Guatemala and 1 114 in Spain), who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed: mobility patterns, use of safety devices, driving styles and involvement in road traffic crashes. RESULTS: Furthermore, they were involved more frequently in almost all the risky-driving circumstances compared with Spanish students, principally in: mobile use (74.4 % versus 24.3 %), distraction (47.1 % versus 18.8 %) or not using seatbelt (23.9% vs 5.9). Finally, the adjusted analysis yields an accident rate 4.8 times higher among Guatemalans (CI 95% 3.1-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the factors more frequently associated with suffer road traffic crashes dependent on human factor, it is noted physical and social factors as well as that the car-dependent issues, must play an important role in the marked differences detected in both populations.

[Mobility, traffic accidents, and associated factors among Guatemalan university students]. / Movilidad, accidentalidad por tránsito y sus factores asociados en estudiantes universitarios de Guatemala.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the association between the amount of driving (km/year), traffic accidents, and other factors among university students in Guatemala. A cross-sectional study was performed during the 2010-2011 school year in a sample of 1,016 drivers who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed mobility patterns, use of safety accessories, driving style, and automobile crashes. The results showed a positive association between amount of driving and greater involvement in risky driving (adjusted regression coefficient 3.25, 95%CI: 2.23-4.27, for the highest level of exposure). More frequent involvement in risky driving and older age showed the strongest associations with traffic accidents. Although the amount of driving was positively associated with a higher accident rate, most of this association was found to be mediated by involvement in risky driving practices.

Movilidad, accidentalidad por tránsito y sus factores asociados en estudiantes universitarios de Guatemala / Mobility, traffic accidents, and associated factors among Guatemalan university students / Mobilidade, acidentes de trânsito e fatores associados entre estudantes universitários da Guatemala

El objetivo fue identificar y cuantificar la asociación entre la intensidad de exposición (km/año recorridos), la accidentalidad y sus factores asociados en universitarios de Guatemala. Se realizó un estudio trasversal durante el curso 2010-2011, sobre una muestra de 1.016 conductores, quienes cumplimentaron un cuestionario autoadministrado que valoraba: patrones de movilidad, uso de dispositivos de seguridad, estilos de conducción y accidentalidad. Se obtuvieron asociaciones positivas entre la intensidad de exposición y la mayor implicación en circunstancias de riesgo al volante (coeficiente de regresión ajustado de 3,25, IC95%: 2,23-4,27, para las mayores exposiciones). Tanto una mayor implicación en tales circunstancias, como una mayor edad, fueron las variables más fuertemente asociadas con la mayor accidentalidad. Pese a que la intensidad de exposición se asocia positivamente con una mayor accidentalidad, se constató que la mayor parte de dicha asociación está mediada por una mayor implicación en circunstancias de riesgo al volante.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the association between the amount of driving (km/year), traffic accidents, and other factors among university students in Guatemala. A cross-sectional study was performed during the 2010-2011 school year in a sample of 1,016 drivers who completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed mobility patterns, use of safety accessories, driving style, and automobile crashes. The results showed a positive association between amount of driving and greater involvement in risky driving (adjusted regression coefficient 3.25, 95%CI: 2.23-4.27, for the highest level of exposure). More frequent involvement in risky driving and older age showed the strongest associations with traffic accidents. Although the amount of driving was positively associated with a higher accident rate, most of this association was found to be mediated by involvement in risky driving practices.

O objetivo foi identificar e quantificar a associação entre a intensidade de exposição (km/anos percorridos), a acidentalidade e os seus fatores em universitários da Guatemala. Realizou-se um estudo transversal durante o curso 2010-2011 sobre uma amostra de 1.016 condutores de veículos, que responderam a um questionário autoadministrado que valorizava: padrões de mobilidade, uso de dispositivos de segurança, maneira de condução e acidentalidade. Obtiveram-se associações positivas entre intensidade de exposição e maior implicância em circunstâncias de risco ao conduzir (coeficiente de regressão ajustado a 3,25; IC95%: 2,23-4,27, para as maiores exposições). Tanto a maior implicância em ditas circunstâncias como uma maioridade foram as variáveis mais fortemente associadas com a maior acidentalidade. Apesar de a intensidade de exposição ser associada positivamente com uma maior acidentalidade, estabelecemos que a maior parte da dita associação está mediada pela maior implicância em circunstâncias de risco ao conduzir.

Home versus hospital mortality from cancer in Mexico (1999-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the place of death from cancer in México from 1999 to 2009 and find the associated factors. METHODS: We collected data on mortality by cancer from the national database including age, gender, area of residence, level of education, place of death, and type of cancer. RESULTS: The proportion of deaths at home and hospital was 55.67% and 39%, respectively. Factors associated with home deaths were old age, female gender, rural area of residence, and lack of formal education. There was a short but significant decrease in home deaths for cervical cancer and leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: In México, mortality in home is greater than in hospital for patients with cancer. Our results have important implications for palliative care professionals and health services of México.

Impact of an infection control program on rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units in 2 Argentinean hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized, critically ill patients have a significant risk of developing nosocomial infection. Most episodes of nosocomial pneumonia occur in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV). OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the effect of an infection control program on rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs) in Argentina. METHODS: All adult patients who received MV for at least 24 hours in 4, level III adult ICUs in 2 Argentinean hospitals were included in the study. A before-after study in which rates of VAP were determined during a period of active surveillance without an infection control program (phase 1) were compared with rates of VAP after implementation of an infection control program that included educational and surveillance feedback components (phase 2). RESULTS: One thousand six hundred thirty-eight MV-days were accumulated in phase 1, and 1520 MV-days were accumulated during phase 2. Rates of VAP were significantly lower in phase 2 than in phase 1 (51.28 vs 35.50 episodes of VAP per 1000 MV-days, respectively, RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.98, P