Análisis psicométrico del inventario de síntomas prefrontales abreviado: evidencias de su validez y fiabilidad en la población general venezolana / Psychometric analysis of the prefrontal symptom inventory abbreviated: evidence of its validity and reliability in the general Venezuelan population

Introducción: Existen pocas herramientas para medir objetivamente las disfunciones de origen prefrontal autoinformadas por la población general. El inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP) es una prueba con excelentes propiedades psicométricas que permite dicha evaluación, y hasta el momento no se han realizado análisis robustos de su versión abreviada en castellano para Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Analizar las propiedades psicométricas del ISP abreviado, en términos de fiabilidad y validez en la población general dentro del contexto venezolano. Sujetos y métodos: Participaron 300 sujetos de población general. La estructura factorial del ISP abreviado se determinó a través del análisis factorial confirmatorio; la validez de constructo se evaluó a partir del contraste de grupos con/sin riesgo de deterioro cognitivo leve y la convergencia de puntuaciones con los dominios que componen la prueba cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Asimismo, se estimó la consistencia interna través de la omega de McDonald y el alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: Se contrastaron cinco modelos factoriales y se obtuvo una versión del ISP compuesta por 18 ítems, que presentó excelentes indicadores de bondad de ajuste: ?2 (132) = 200,057, p < 0,001, índice de ajuste comparativo = 0,955, índice de Tucker Lewis = 0,948, raíz cuadrática estandarizada de las medias residuales = 0,042, raíz cuadrática de la media del error de aproximación = 0,041; y consistencia interna (omega = 0,9; alfa = 0,89). Asimismo, se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos y correlaciones inversas con los apartados evaluados en la MoCA a excepción de la abstracción. Conclusión: El ISP-18 es una medida válida y confiable para ser utilizada en la población estudiada. Consistentemente, estudios previos dan cuenta de su versatilidad para que se use en investigación y en contextos de salud.(AU)

Introduction: Few tools exist to objectively measure dysfunctions of prefrontal origin self-reported by the general population. The Prefrontal Symptom Inventory (PSI) is a test with excellent psychometric properties that allows such assessment and so far, no robust analysis of its abbreviated version in Spanish for Latin America has been performed. Aims To analyze the psychometric properties of the abbreviated PSI in terms of reliability and validity in the general population in the Venezuelan context. Subjects and methods: 300 subjects from the general population participated. The factor structure of the abbreviated ISP was determined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); construct validity was assessed by contrasting groups with no risk of MCI and the convergence of scores with the domains that make up the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Likewise, internal consistency was estimated through McDonald’s w and Cronbach’s a. Results: Five factorial models were contrasted and a version of the PSI composed of 18 items was obtained, which presented excellent indicators of goodness of fit (c2 (132) = 200.057, p < 0.001, CFI=0.955, TLI=0.948, SRMR=0.042, RMSEA=0.041) and internal consistency (w = 0.90; a = 0.89). Likewise, statistically significant differences between groups and inverse correlations were evidenced with the sections evaluated in the MoCA except for abstraction. Conclusion: The PSI-18 is a valid and reliable measure to be used in the studied population. Consistently, previous studies show its versatility to be used in research and health contexts.(AU)

[Psychometric analysis of the prefrontal symptom inventory abbreviated: evidence of its validity and reliability in the general Venezuelan population]. / Análisis psicométrico del inventario de síntomas prefrontales abreviado: evidencias de su validez y fiabilidad en la población general venezolana.

INTRODUCTION: Few tools exist to objectively measure dysfunctions of prefrontal origin self-reported by the general population. The Prefrontal Symptom Inventory (PSI) is a test with excellent psychometric properties that allows such assessment and so far, no robust analysis of its abbreviated version in Spanish for Latin America has been performed. AIMS: To analyze the psychometric properties of the abbreviated PSI in terms of reliability and validity in the general population in the Venezuelan context. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 300 subjects from the general population participated. The factor structure of the abbreviated ISP was determined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); construct validity was assessed by contrasting groups with no risk of MCI and the convergence of scores with the domains that make up the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Likewise, internal consistency was estimated through McDonald's ? and Cronbach's a. RESULTS: Five factorial models were contrasted and a version of the PSI composed of 18 items was obtained, which presented excellent indicators of goodness of fit (?2 (132) = 200.057, p < 0.001, CFI=0.955, TLI=0.948, SRMR=0.042, RMSEA=0.041) and internal consistency (? = 0.90; a = 0.89). Likewise, statistically significant differences between groups and inverse correlations were evidenced with the sections evaluated in the MoCA except for abstraction. CONCLUSION: The PSI-18 is a valid and reliable measure to be used in the studied population. Consistently, previous studies show its versatility to be used in research and health contexts.

TITLE: Análisis psicométrico del inventario de síntomas prefrontales abreviado: evidencias de su validez y fiabilidad en la población general venezolana.Introducción. Existen pocas herramientas para medir objetivamente las disfunciones de origen prefrontal autoinformadas por la población general. El inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP) es una prueba con excelentes propiedades psicométricas que permite dicha evaluación, y hasta el momento no se han realizado análisis robustos de su versión abreviada en castellano para Latinoamérica. Objetivo. Analizar las propiedades psicométricas del ISP abreviado, en términos de fiabilidad y validez en la población general dentro del contexto venezolano. Sujetos y métodos. Participaron 300 sujetos de población general. La estructura factorial del ISP abreviado se determinó a través del análisis factorial confirmatorio; la validez de constructo se evaluó a partir del contraste de grupos con/sin riesgo de deterioro cognitivo leve y la convergencia de puntuaciones con los dominios que componen la prueba cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Asimismo, se estimó la consistencia interna través de la omega de McDonald y el alfa de Cronbach. Resultados. Se contrastaron cinco modelos factoriales y se obtuvo una versión del ISP compuesta por 18 ítems, que presentó excelentes indicadores de bondad de ajuste: ?2 (132) = 200,057, p menor de 0,001, índice de ajuste comparativo = 0,955, índice de Tucker Lewis = 0,948, raíz cuadrática estandarizada de las medias residuales = 0,042, raíz cuadrática de la media del error de aproximación = 0,041; y consistencia interna (omega = 0,9; alfa = 0,89). Asimismo, se evidenciaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos y correlaciones inversas con los apartados evaluados en la MoCA a excepción de la abstracción. Conclusión. El ISP-18 es una medida válida y confiable para ser utilizada en la población estudiada. Consistentemente, estudios previos dan cuenta de su versatilidad para que se use en investigación y en contextos de salud.

Evolución del síndrome de desgaste profesional, ansiedad y depresión en personal sanitario durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 / Evolution of burnout syndrome, anxiety and depression in healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha producido un impacto en la esfera psicológica de los trabajadores sanitarios. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la evolución del síndrome de desgaste profesional, la ansiedad y la depresión en el personal sanitario a lo largo de la pandemia de la COVID-19. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional de los profesionales sanitarios del Servicio de Neumología del Hospital Gregorio Marañón que ha prestado servicio entre diciembre de 2019 y enero de 2021. Se evaluó el síndrome de desgaste profesional mediante el cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) y la ansiedad y depresión mediante los cuestionarios de Zung referido a diciembre de 2019 (situación basal), marzo de 2020 (primera ola) y enero de 2021 (tercera ola) en diferentes profesiones sanitarias. Resultados. Se incluyeron 62 participantes, de los cuales 15 (24,2%) eran varones. En cuanto a las profesiones sanitarias, 24 (38,7%) eran médicos, 22 eran diplomados universitarios de enfermería (DUE), 12 (19,4%) eran técnicos en cuidados auxiliares de enfermería (TCAE), y 4 (6,5%) eran otros profesionales. Se documentó un cambio significativo al alza del estrés emocional y de despersonalización y a la baja de realización personal tanto de forma global como estratificado por diferentes profesiones sanitarias excepto en otros profesionales. Se objetivó un aumento progresivo de la ansiedad, mientras que el aumento de la depresión no fue estadísticamente significativo. Conclusión. Durante la pandemia de la COVID-19, los profesionales sanitarios sufrieron un aumento progresivo del desgaste profesional y de la ansiedad. Es importante tener en cuenta la salud psicológica de los sanitarios (AU)

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological sphere of healthcare workers. The objective of this study is to analyze the evolution of burnout syndrome, anxiety and depression in healthcare personnel throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Material and methods. Observational study of the healthcare professionals of the Respiratory Department of Gregorio Marañón Hospital that worked between December 2019 and January 2021. Burnout syndrome was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire and anxiety and depression using the Zung questionnaires referred to December 2019 (baseline situation), March 2020 (first wave) and January 2021 (third wave) in different healthcare professions. Results. Sixty-two participants were included, of which 15 (24.2%) were male. Regarding the healthcare professions, 24 (38.7%) were doctors, 22 were nurses, 12 (19.4%) were technicians in auxiliary nursing care, and 4 (6, 5%) were other professionals. A significant upward change in emotional stress and depersonalization and a downward personal fulfillment were documented both globally and stratified by different healthcare professions except in other professionals. A progressive increase in anxiety was observed, meanwhile, the increase in depression was not statistically significant. Conclusion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals suffered a progressive increase in burnout and anxiety. It is important to consider the psychological health of the healthcare personnel (AU)

Estudio preliminar del efecto del consumo de metales pesados en el desarrollo e histología testicular del macho cabrío (Capra hircus) / Preliminary study of the effect of heavy metal consumption on the development and testicular histology of the male goat (Capra hircus)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desarrollo testicular y describir la calidad del parénquima testicular de machos cabríos alimentados con pasto, maíz molido y agua obtenidos de campos contaminados con residuos de minería. Se evaluó la concentración de plomo, arsénico y cadmio en sangre y tejido testicular, así como otros indicadores como testosterona, el parénquima testicular, la concentración espermática y porcentaje de espermatozoides malformados. Se encontró mayor concentración de cadmio (Cd) en el parénquima testicular, posiblemente debido a la mayor capacidad de bioacumulación de este metal. El promedio de concentración de testosterona fue de 0.16 mg/dL. El parénquima testicular presentó vacuolización del citoplasma, degeneración del epitelio germinativo con escasas células de Sertoli y Leydig, así como ausencia de espermatogénesis y espermatozoides. La concentración espermática estuvo por debajo de lo reportado como normal. La concentración de espermatozoides y testosterona pudo variar debido a un bajo conteo de células de Leydig y Sertoli. El consumo de alimento y agua contaminados con residuos de minería, permiten que metales pesados como cadmio y arsénico se acumulen en los testículos afectando negativamente el parénquima testicular, pero no el tamaño testicular. (AU)

The aim is to evaluate the testicular development and described the quality of the testicular parenchyma of male goats consuming grass, ground corn and water obtained from fields contaminated with mining residues. The concentration of lead, arsenic and cadmium in blood and testicular tissue was evaluated as well as other indicators such as testosterone concentration, testicular parenchyma, sperm concentration and abnormalities sperm. A higher concentration of cadmium (Cd) were found in the testicular parenchyma, possibly due to the increased bioaccumulation capacity of this metal. The average testosterone concentration was 0.16 mg/dL. The testicular parenchyma presented vacuolization of the cytoplasm degeneration of the germinative epithelium with few Sertoli and Leydig cells, as well as absence of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa. The sperm concentration was below that was reported as normal. The concentration of sperm and testosterone could vary due to a low number of Sertoli and Leydig cells. The intake of food and water contaminated with mining residues, allow heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic to accumulate in the testicles negatively affect testicular parenchyma, but not testicular size in male goats. (AU)

An Assessment of Old and New Characters Using Traditional and Geometric Morphometrics for the Identification of Dendroctonus approximatus and Dendroctonus parallelocollis (Curculionidae: Scolytinae).

There have been numerous changes in the nomenclature of species of Dendroctonus. The case of Dendroctonus parallelocollis Chapuis and Dendroctonus approximatus Dietz has been particularly noteworthy. These bark beetles colonize pine trees but are not aggressive species. The high morphological similarity, their overlapping geographical distribution, and the limited knowledge of these species have resulted in taxonomic confusion. The aim of the present study was to assess morphological characters reported in the literature and to scrutinize new characters that might be useful for the separation of these species. We evaluated 26 morphological attributes and performed geometric morphometrics analysis of the antenna, pronotum, spermatheca, and seminal rod to test if the variations in the shape of these structures allow the recognition of additional discrete characters to differentiate them. Our results show that five double-state characters of external morphology are useful to identify these species, and the shape of antenna, spermatheca, and seminal rod.

Determinación de sangre oculta en heces (SOH) por Inmunocromatografía en estudiantes primer año de la Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Bioquímicas de la UMSA y su entorno familiar, en la Gestión 2016 / Determination of occult blood in heces (SOH) by immunocromatography in students first year of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Biochemical Sciences of the UMSA and its family environment, in management 2016

El presente es un estudio de tipo descriptivo no experimental para determinar sangre oculta de heces (SOH) en población aparentemente sana. La presencia de SOH, puede estar relacionada con varias causas, como gastritis, úlcera péptica o duodenal, parasitosis intestinal, sangrado de encías o cáncer colorectal. Se analizaron 1093 muestras de heces fecales provenientes de estudiantes que cursaban la cátedra de Anatomía y Fisiología de la FCFB de la UMSA y su entorno familiar. Utilizando el método inmunocromatográfico (SUMASOHF), todos los investigadores que participaron fueron capacitados para realizar el análisis. Las muestras se procesaron, por duplicado y aquellas que dieron resultado positivo, se procesaron nuevamente. Los resultados se analizaron con el programa estadístico SPSS 22. Se encontró presencia de SOH en el 16,1% de todas las muestras procesadas. El porcentaje de casos positivos de SOH fue ligeramente superior en el género masculino y en el grupo etario de 61-80 años. En el grupo de fumadores se reveló un 24.50% de casos positivos y un 19.20% en las personas que declararon consumir bebidas alcohólicas. También se consideraron otras causas de SOH, como la insuficiencia cardiaca, la gastritis, la ingestión de medicamentos como la aspirina y el ibuprofeno. A todos los casos que dieron positivo de SOH, se recomendó consultar con su médico para realizar otros exámenes más específicos. En conclusión la pérdida de sangre por heces fecales es un problema, que puede pasar desapercibido por la ausencia de sintomatología; por lo tanto, sugerimos que esta prueba sea incluida en la evaluación rutinaria de pacientes.

A descriptive, non-experimental study was carried out to determine the presence of fecal occult blood (SOH) considering its relation with the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. We analyzed 1093 fecal samples from students who were in the Chair of Anatomy and Physiology of the FCFB of UMSA and their family environment. Using the immunochromatographic method (SUMASOHF), all the researchers who participated were trained to perform the analysis. The samples were processed in the laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology, using a inmunocromatographic metod, (SUMASOHF). The investigatours were trained to perform the test and the samples were processed with the supervision of the professors. All samples were processed in duplicate and all positive samples were reprocessed. All results were registrated in the correspondy datasheet. The data were analysed using the a statistical program SPSS 22. We found presence of fecal occult blood in 16.1 % of the samples. The percentage of positive cases of SOH in the male gender was slightly higher compared to the number of positive cases was higher in goner of 61 to 80 age group. In the group of smokers revealed a 24.50% of positive cases and 19.20% in the group that consumes alcohol. Other causes of SOH were also investigated such as heart failure, gastritis, ingestion of drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. In some cases, no probable cause of bleeding was found. It was recommended to all participant with a positive test, consult their doctors for more specific diagnosis. Here were concluded that stool blood loss is a problem, which is ignored since there is absence of symptomatology, therefore, we suggest that this test be included in the routine evaluation of patients.

The Current Status of the Distribution Range of the Western Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis (Curculionidae: Solytinae) in Northern Mexico.

The distribution range of the western pine beetle Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is supported only by scattered records in the northern parts of Mexico, suggesting that its populations may be marginal and rare in this region. In this study, we review the geographical distribution of D. brevicomis in northern Mexico and perform a geometric morphometric analysis of seminal rod shape to evaluate its reliability for identifying this species with respect to other members of the Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) complex. Our results provide 30 new records, with 26 distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental and 4 in the Sierra Madre Oriental. These records extend the known distribution range of D. brevicomis to Durango and Tamaulipas states in northern Mexico. Furthermore, we find high geographic variation in size and shape of the seminal rod, with conspicous differences among individuals from different geographical regions, namely west and east of the Great Basin and between mountain systems in Mexico.

A tensegrity driven DNA nanopore.

Control of transport across membranes, whether natural or synthetic, is fundamental in many biotechnology applications, including sensing and drug release. Mutations of naturally existing protein channels, such as hemolysin, have been explored in the past. More recently, DNA channels with conductivities in the nanosiemens range have been designed. Regulating transport across DNA channels in response to external stimuli remains an important challenge. Previous designs relied on steric hindrance to control the inner diameter of the channel, which resulted in unstable electric signatures. In this paper we introduce a new design to control electric channel conductance of a DNA nanopore. The tensegrity driven mechanism inhibits the flux of small analytes while keeping a tightly controlled ionic transport modulated by the addition of specific DNA sequences. Current signals are clearly defined, with no sign of gating, opening new perspectives in single molecule DNA sensing.

ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM OF PSYCHOTHERAPY OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATION IN THE AREA OF BIOETHICS.

This research refers to the case study of a patient, a male college student, who was given psychotherapeutic care. Initially, the patient self-referral to the Mental Health area, which is a service permanently offered by the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, through the Research Center in Medical Sciences (CICMED). The process of the case allowed analyzing the administrative procedure that operates in the CICMED and the process between this and the educational establishment in which the patient studied.

Prevalencia y factores asociados de la discapacidad moderada y severa en pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular aguda y fibrilación auricular en un hospital universitario de Bogotá / Prevalence and risk factor in moderate and severe disability in patients with stroke and atrial fibrilation in a university hospital of Bogotá

Introducción: Existe escasa información en Colombia acerca de la discapacidad en enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica (ECVi) y fibrilación auricular (FA). Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a discapacidad moderada a severa en pacientes con ECVi y FA. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó una serie consecutiva de pacientes con ECVi y FA, que ingresó de julio de 2013 a febrero de 2014, con estancia hospitalaria de 11,88 ± 8,1 días. Analizamos la prevalencia puntual, discapacidad (eRm) y mortalidad al egreso. Resultados: Pacientes con ECVi: 368; de ellos, 63 (17%) con FA (54% hombres; 77,6 ± 10,25 años), hipertensión arterial (77,8%), ECVi previo (58,7%), cardiopatía dilatada (46%), antiplaquetarios o anticoagulantes previos (58,7%), arteria cerebral media (74,6%), infartos parciales circulación anterior (PACI) (47,6%), dilatación auricular (60,3%), afasia (36,5%), convulsión (7,9%), discapacidad moderada a severa (eRm 3-5) (41,3%) y mortalidad (17,4%). Observamos que el sexo femenino (OR 3,68; IC 1,01-13,39; p = 0,048), ECVi previo (OR 3,94; IC 1,15-13,57; p = 0,03) y afasia (OR 6,86; IC 1,7-27,66; p = 0,007) fueron factores asociados independientes para discapacidad moderada-severa y mortalidad. Conclusión: En esta serie el sexo femenino, antecedente de ECVi previo y afasia, son los principales factores asociados a morbimortalidad en nuestros pacientes.

Introduction: There is little information in Colombia about ischemic stroke and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) disability. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with moderate to severe disability in patients with stroke and AF. Materials and methods: We analyzed consecutive cases with stroke and AF, admitted from July 2013 to February 2014 hospital stay 11.88 ± 8.1 days was analyzed. We analyze the prevalence, disability (mRs) and mortality at discharge. Results: 368 patients with ischemic stroke and 63 (17%) with AF (54% male), aged (77.6 ± 10.25 years), hypertension (77.8%), prior stroke (58.7%), Heart Failure (46%), prior antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment (58.7%), Middle Cerebral Artery (74.6%), partial anterior circulation infarcts (PACI) (47.6%), atrial dilatation (60.3%), aphasia (36.5%), seizures (7.9%), moderate and severe disability (eRm 3-5) (41.3%) and deaths (17.4%). We observed that female gender (OR 3.68; CI 1.01-13.39; p = 0.048. ), Prior CVD (OR 3.94; CI 1.15-13.57; p = 0.03) and aphasia (OR 6.86; CI 1.7-27.66; p = 0.007) were independent factors associated with moderate to severe disability and mortality. Conclusion: In this series the female sex, history of prior CVD and aphasia are the main factors associated with morbidity and death in our patients.

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Comparison of different methods and times for reading the tuberculin skin test.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines vary on the recommended method and time for measuring tuberculin skin test (TST) indurations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best time and method for assessing TST results and which purified protein derivative (PPD) to administer. DESIGN: Standard PPD (PPD-S) and PPD-RT23 were applied concurrently on each forearm in random order in 78 nurses. MEASUREMENTS: TST induration was measured at 48, 72 and 96 h by two nurses by palpation and a ruler, palpation and a Vernier caliper, ballpoint pen and a ruler or ballpoint pen and a Vernier caliper. TST differences were assessed using mixed-effects analysis. We also assessed the rate of false-positive/-negative results and the variability of the TST measurements. RESULTS: We performed 767 TST measurements. The adjusted mean TST size was larger with PPD-S than with PPD-RT23 (12.8 vs. 10.8 mm, P < 0.001), and at 72 h than at 48 h and 96 h (13.4 vs. 11.8 vs. 10.1 mm, P < 0.05). The smallest number of false results was observed with PPD-S, the ballpoint pen-ruler and at 72 h; palpation+ruler had the least variability at 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: The TST should ideally be performed with PPD-S and measured at 72 h with the ballpoint pen+ruler or palpation+ruler methods.

Effect of feed withdrawal and dietary energy source on muscle glycolytic potential and blood acid-base responses to handling in slaughter-weight pigs.

The effects of dietary energy source and feed withdrawal on muscle glycolytic potential (GP) and blood acid-base responses to handling were investigated in slaughter-weight pigs (initial BW 94.7 ± 1.01 kg). Crossbred pigs (n = 96; 48 barrows, 48 gilts) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: l) diet [control, high fat (10% supplemental fat), low-digestible carbohydrate (20% total starch), and high-fat/low-digestible carbohydrate (10% supplemental fat and 20% total starch)]; 2) feed withdrawal (0 and 36 h); and 3) sex (barrow and gilt). Diets were fed for 28 d before the feed withdrawal treatment was applied, at the end of which all pigs were individually moved through a 12.20-m-long × 0.91-m-wide passageway for 16 laps (195 m total distance), with the assistance of an electric goad (2 times per lap). Longissimus muscle biopsies were collected at the beginning of the feeding and feed withdrawal periods and immediately after and 4 h after the handling procedure. Venous blood was collected 2 h before and immediately after the handling procedure to measure acid-base responses. At the end of the feeding period, pigs fed the control and high-fat diets were heavier (P < 0.001) than those on the low-digestible carbohydrate and the high-fat/low-digestible carbohydrate diets (129.8, 130.9, 114.0, and 122.1 kg, respectively; SEM 1.91). Diet, feed withdrawal, and sex did not affect (P > 0.05) blood acid-base responses to handling. Muscle GP at the end of the feeding period and 4 h posthandling was least (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the high-fat diet and similar for the other 3 diet treatments. Pigs subjected to 36 h compared with 0 h of feed withdrawal had less GP (P < 0.05) immediately after and 4 h after the handling procedure. There was an interaction between diet and feed withdrawal treatments for changes in GP from the start of feed withdrawal to 4 h posthandling. The reduction in GP was greater (P < 0.05) for fasted than for fed pigs receiving the control and high-fat diets, but was similar (P > 0.05) for fasted and fed pigs receiving the 2 low-digestible carbohydrate diets. In conclusion, neither dietary energy source nor fasting affected blood acid-base responses to handling; however, fasting-induced changes in LM GP were diet dependent.

Risk factors for developing tuberculosis: a 12-year follow-up of contacts of tuberculosis cases.

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors for the development of tuberculosis (TB) have been reported but have not been simultaneously assessed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of developing TB associated with each risk factor, after adjusting for all others. METHODS: We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study of the contacts of TB cases recorded in British Columbia, Canada. Known risk factors for the development of TB were assessed over a 12-year period; Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of TB, adjusting for the other factors. RESULTS: Among 33 146 TB contacts, 228 developed TB during the study period (TB rate 668 per 100,000 population, 95%CI 604-783). The main risk factors for TB development were malnutrition (HR 37.5), no treatment of latent TB infection (HR 25) or <6 months of treatment (HR 5.38), age 0-10 years (HR 7.87), being a household contact (HR 8.47) and having a tuberculin skin test induration of >or=5 mm (HR >or=4.99). Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination significantly reduced the risk of TB development (HR 0.32, 95%CI 0.20-0.50). CONCLUSIONS: Among contacts of TB cases, we have identified the few factors that carry a very high risk for developing TB. These factors identify populations at highest risk and permit more effective TB control.

Metabolizable energy content of refined glycerin and its effects on growth performance and carcass and pork quality characteristics of finishing pigs.

Two studies were conducted with refined glycerin (97.7 and 97.5% glycerin for studies I and II, respectively) to determine ME content and effects on growth performance and carcass and pork quality measures of finishing pigs. An energy balance study using 24 barrows (21.5 ± 0.6 kg initial BW) determined the apparent ME content of glycerin using a generalized randomized block design with 2 dietary treatments: 1) control (99.85% corn + vitamins and minerals) and 2) glycerin (30% of corn in the control diet replaced with glycerin). A 7-d adaptation was followed by a 5-d collection period for feces and urine. The energy content of diets, feces, and urine was determined by bomb calorimetry. The DE of the glycerin diet was greater (P < 0.01) than that of the control diet (4,298 vs. 3,902 kcal/kg of DM); however, the ME content of the 2 diets was similar (3,820 vs. 3,723 kcal/kg of DM). The ME of refined glycerin (estimated by difference) was 3,584 kcal/kg of DM. A growth study was conducted with 128 gilts housed in groups of 4 and reared from 92.5 ± 0.24 kg of BW for a 28-d period, using a split-plot design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) dietary glycerin level (0, 5, 10, and 15%) and 2) preslaughter handling (gentle vs. intense). The handling treatment was included to simulate the range in handling intensities that are likely to be experienced in practice. At the end of the 28-d period, one-half of the pens on study were slaughtered and used for carcass and pork quality evaluation with 2 pigs from each pen being subjected to each of the preslaughter handling treatments. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between dietary glycerin and preslaughter handling treatment. Dietary glycerin had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance, carcass measures, or meat quality. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the gentle and intense handling treatments for carcass or pork quality measures. In conclusion, feeding glycerin to finishing pigs at up to 15% of the diet had no negative effect on growth performance or carcass and pork quality characteristics.

[Assessment of patients with distal radius fracture treated with percutaneous fixation]. / Evaluación de pacientes con fractura de radio distal tratados con fijación percutánea.

UNLABELLED: The trend in distal radius fracture is towards open reduction and internal fixation; however, treatment with closed reduction and percutaneous nailing continues to provide good results, but physical therapy and appropriate early rehabilitation are needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed patients with distal radius fractures treated with reduction with percutaneous maneuvers and nailing; we used clinical functional scales, like the DASH, the Mayo Clinic wrist scale, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to assess pain. Patient results were compared at 12 and 24 weeks. We also compared patients with and without rehabilitation. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were assessed using the DASH scale; patients with rehabilitation had a score of 4.3, while those without rehabilitation had a score of 10.5 (p = 0.00001). In the Mayo Clinic scale, patients with rehabilitation had a score of 86.7, while those without rehabilitation had a score of 77.8 (p = 0.00001). The VAS was not significant. CONCLUSION: All patients showed improvement in their clinical assessment scales. However, when patients with and without rehabilitation are compared, the difference was greater in the Mayo Clinic scale and in the DASH scale.

Cost-effectiveness of a new interferon-based blood assay, QuantiFERON-TB Gold, in screening tuberculosis contacts.

BACKGROUND: Recent approval of interferon-gamma release assays that are more specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis has given new options for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of Quanti-FERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) vs. the tuberculin skin test (TST) in diagnosing LTBI in contacts of active TB cases using a decision analytic Markov model. METHODS: Three screening strategies--TST alone, QFT-G alone and sequential screening of TST then QFT-G--were evaluated. The model was further stratified according to ethnicity and bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status. Data sources included published studies and empirical data. Results were reported in terms of the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) of each strategy compared with the baseline strategy of TST-based screening in all contacts. RESULTS: The most economically attractive strategy was to administer QFT-G in BCG-vaccinated contacts, and to reserve TST for all others (INMB CA$3.70/contact). The least cost-effective strategy was QFT-G for all contacts, which resulted in an INMB of CA$-11.50 per contact. Assuming a higher prevalence of recent infection, faster conversion of QFT-G, a higher rate of TB reactivation, reduction in utility or greater adherence to preventive treatment resulted in QFT-G becoming cost-effective in more subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Selected use of QFT-G appears to be cost-effective if used in a targeted fashion.

Wood smoke-associated lung disease: a clinical, functional, radiological and pathological description.

BACKGROUND: Approximately half of the world's population, and up to 90% of households in rural areas of developing countries, depend on biomass for cooking and heating. SETTING: The National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, México City. OBJECTIVE: To describe wood smoke-associated lung disease (WSLD). DESIGN: Description of the clinical, functional and radiological manifestations of patients with WSLD, and a comparison of pathological findings of patients who died of WSLD and smokers who died of chronic bronchitis. RESULTS: All patients with WSLD were non-smoking women with chronic bronchitis, in whom asthma, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, extreme obesity and alfa-1 antitrypsin deficiency had been excluded. All patients used wood for cooking and had been exposed to wood smoke for a median of 45 years. Dyspnoea, airway obstruction, air trapping, increased airway resistance, pathological evidence of anthracosis, chronic bronchitis, centrilobular emphysema and pulmonary hypertension were present in most patients with WSLD. Bronchial squamous metaplasia was a common finding. There were no significant differences in the histopathological findings between patients with WSLD and smokers. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis was absent in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with WSLD have obstructive lung disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and pulmonary hypertension comparable to smokers.

Effects of season and distance moved during loading on transport losses of market-weight pigs in two commercially available types of trailer.

This study evaluated effects of trailer design and season on physical indicators of stress during loading and unloading and transport losses (dead and nonambulatory pigs) in market-weight pigs (BW = 129.6 +/- 0.40 kg). A total of 109 trailer loads of pigs (n = 17,256 pigs) from 1 farm were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) trailer design (potbelly vs. straight-deck) and 2) season (spring vs. summer vs. fall vs. winter). A subset of loads (n = 42) was used to examine effect of distance pigs were moved during loading [short (<24 m) vs. long (47 to 67 m)] on physical indicators of stress and transport losses. This study was conducted on 7 d per season at 1 farm with 4 loads (2 on potbelly and 2 on straight-deck trailers) being transported each day to 1 commercial packing plant. Pigs from different farm groups were mixed on the trailer and provided with 0.45 m(2)/pig floor space during an approximately 4-h journey to the plant. The percentage of pigs exhibiting open-mouth breathing, skin discoloration, and muscle tremors was recorded during loading and unloading. Additionally, dead pigs on arrival at the plant and nonambulatory pigs at the farm and at the plant were recorded. Effects of trailer design on open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration during unloading were dependent on season (trailer design x season interaction; P < 0.05). Pigs unloaded from potbelly trailers had a greater (P < or = 0.05) incidence of open-mouth breathing in the spring and summer and a greater (P < 0.05) incidence of skin discoloration in the spring, summer, and winter than pigs unloaded from straight-deck trailers. The incidence of total nonambulatory pigs at the plant was greater (P < 0.05) in the winter than in the spring and summer. The long compared with short distance moved treatment resulted in a greater (P = 0.001) incidence of open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration during loading and tended (P = 0.06) to increase the incidence of nonambulatory pigs at the farm. However, there was no effect of trailer design, season, or loading distance on total losses at the plant. In summary, physical indicators of stress (open-mouth breathing and skin discoloration) were increased with the long distance moved during loading treatment and were greater during unloading for potbelly than straight-deck trailers; however, trailer design, season, and loading distance had minimal effects on total transport losses.