Variation in boldness and novelty response between rural and urban predatory birds: The Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango as study case.

The study of traits that enable species to thrive in urban habitats is critical to a better understanding the evolution of urban ecosystems. Here, we examined variation in boldness, neophobia, and exploratory behavior in a generalist raptor, the Chimango Caracara, Milvago chimango, occurring in areas with different urbanization level. We also focused on the relationship between object exploration and neophobia in rural and urban population of this species. The results showed that birds from more urbanized habitats showed more tolerance to humans than rural raptors, without any effect of age and sex in this trait. Rural birds were also more neophobic and were slower to explore than urban raptors, though they dedicated a similar amount of time to exploring novel objects, indicating a non-correspondence between the speed to approach and contact these objects and the amount of exploration performed. Finally, we found a correlation between exploration speed and neophobia in rural birds, whereas for urban raptors this correlation was not observed. Our results show that urbanization not only influences the expression of risk-taking behaviors and novelty responses in the chimango, but can also modify the relationship between exploration and neophobia.

Función del profesional en enfermería en la atención del acoso escolar en niños, niñas y adolescentes / Role of the nursing professional in the attention of bullying in children and adolescents / Papel do profissional de enfermagem na atenção do bullying em crianças e adolescentes

Actualmente se ha incrementado y visualizado el fenómeno del acoso escolar o bullying (por su traducción al inglés); sin embargo,\r\nllama la atención que esta práctica ha existido durante mucho tiempo, pero solo ahora se evidencian las consecuencias que genera\r\nen los niños, niñas y adolescentes; además, según diversos estudios, puede conducir a suicidios en esta población. Diversas profesiones\r\nhan profundizado en el tema; a pesar de ello, no se ha visto avance en el manejo y prevención del acoso, y ha aumentado\r\nel número de casos que llegan a instituciones de salud relacionados con los daños físicos y psicológicos en quienes lo padecen.\r\nPara la enfermería es un reto poder abordar esta situación y proponer estrategias de intervención para su manejo y prevención no\r\nsolo en la víctima y victimario, sino también en la familia, las escuelas e instituciones de salud en los diferentes niveles de atención,\r\nya que cuenta con las herramientas para diseñar intervenciones en el manejo de la comunidad y del paciente institucionalizado.

Currently the phenomenon of bullying has increased and\r\nvisualized, however, it is striking that this practice has existed\r\nfor a long time, but it is up until now where the consequences\r\nthat it generates in the children and adolescents are shown,\r\nwhere, according to various studies, can generate suicides in\r\nthis population. Various professions have deepened the issue;\r\ndespite this, there has not been progress in the management\r\nand prevention of harassment and it has increased\r\nthe number of cases that reach health institutions related to\r\nphysical and psychological damage that are caused in the\r\nchild victim of bullying. It is a challenge for nursing to tackle\r\nthis situation and propose possible intervention strategies for\r\nits management and prevention, not only in the victim and\r\nvictimizer, but also in the family, schools, and health institutions\r\nin the different levels of care, since it has the tools to\r\ndesign interventions in the management of the community\r\nand the institutionalized patient.

Atualmente, o fenômeno do bullying está cada vez maior e\r\nvisível; no entanto, é impressionante que esta prática exista\r\nhá muito tempo, mas só agora que suas consequências em\r\ncrianças e adolescentes que, de acordo com vários estudos\r\npodem gerar suicídios nesta população, estão evidentes. Várias\r\nprofissões se aprofundaram no assunto. Porém, não houve\r\nprogresso na gestão e prevenção de assédio e o número de\r\ncasos que chegam a instituições de saúde relacionados ao\r\ndano físico e psicológico causado à criança vítima de assédio\r\nescolar aumentou. É um desafio para a enfermagem abordar\r\nesta situação e propor possíveis estratégias de intervenção\r\npara a sua gestão e prevenção, não só na vítima e perpetrador,\r\nmas também na família, escolas e instituições de saúde nos\r\ndiferentes níveis de cuidados, uma vez que tem as ferramentas\r\npara conceber intervenções no manejo da comunidade e do\r\npaciente institucionalizado.

Cancer and aging in Ibero-America

Population aging represents a worldwide challenge. In Ibero-America (Spain, Portugal, and the American countries in which the Spanish or Portuguese language are spoken), the number of older adults is growing, leading to an increase in aging-related diseases such as cancer. Older adults already account for half of all cancer cases in Ibero-America, and this proportion will continue to increase. Furthermore, Ibero-American healthcare systems are not adequately prepared to provide care for older adults with cancer, mainly due to a lack of resources and generalized paucity of geriatric training for healthcare providers. Across the region, several clinical initiatives, educational activities and research collaborations have been established to set the foundations of Ibero-American geriatric oncology and to increase the geriatric knowledge among healthcare providers. This article provides an overview of the current landscape of geriatric oncology in Ibero-America, highlighting its critical challenges, opportunities for improvement and collaboration, and future directions

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Correlation of the Renal Cortex Volume With the Glomerular Filtration Rate in Live Donors for Renal Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: As a pretransplantation evaluation, renal function is determined by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the use of renal scintigraphy (RS) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). To date, there are few studies that correlate renal cortex volume with eGFR determined with renal gammagram (GR) and eGFR by equations (Cockroft-Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) in Latin American living donors. AIM: This study sought to determine whether there is correlation of the volume of the renal cortex by Herts equation with the GFR determined with renal gammagram (GFR-GR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study. A review of the donor charts from January 1, 2014, to December 1, 2014, with a complete clinical file, kidney measurements, predonation tomography volume, and eGFR by different formulas and by renal scintigraphy. RESULTS: Thirty-three donors were included, 51.5% male and 48.5% female. The mean age was 38.58 ± 10 years, with an average volume of 127.83 ± 28.30 mL, with diethylenetriamine-pentaacetate (DTPA) of 54.80 ± 7.13 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the donated kidney. Spearman correlation showed the best association with the Herts equation (r = 0.346) reaching significance (P = .049) when comparing the different equations against the GFR with DTPA. Using the Bland-Altman method, the lowest variability and best significance was verified with the same equation compared to the other formulas (P = .0002). CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus regarding which is the best formula for calculating the GFR of both kidneys. Of the different formulas, the one that best correlated with the GFR was the Herts method, which uses the volume of the kidney.

Cancer and aging in Ibero-America.

Population aging represents a worldwide challenge. In Ibero-America (Spain, Portugal, and the American countries in which the Spanish or Portuguese language are spoken), the number of older adults is growing, leading to an increase in aging-related diseases such as cancer. Older adults already account for half of all cancer cases in Ibero-America, and this proportion will continue to increase. Furthermore, Ibero-American healthcare systems are not adequately prepared to provide care for older adults with cancer, mainly due to a lack of resources and generalized paucity of geriatric training for healthcare providers. Across the region, several clinical initiatives, educational activities and research collaborations have been established to set the foundations of Ibero-American geriatric oncology and to increase the geriatric knowledge among healthcare providers. This article provides an overview of the current landscape of geriatric oncology in Ibero-America, highlighting its critical challenges, opportunities for improvement and collaboration, and future directions.

Prevalence of Strongylida nematodes associated with African Snail, Achatina fulica, in Valle del Cauca, Colombia / Prevalencia de parásitos nematodos Strongylidos asociados al Caracol africano, Achatina fulica, en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Objectives. To establish the presence and prevalence of Strongylida nematode parasites in Achatina fulica in the Valle del Cauca, especially of nematodes that are potentially pathogenic for humans. Materials and methods. A. fulica individuals were collected in nine cities of the Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Direct visual examination was used to identify A. fulica parasites. Nematodes were separated from tissue or collected from mucus, washed in saline solution, and fixed in a hot AFA solution. Samples were mounted in glycerine and observed under the microscope. Results. The general nematode parasite prevalence was 35% in 2013. The city with highest prevalence during 2013 was Cartago (60%), following by Buenaventura (42.9%) and Cali (33%), while during 2014 were Cali (30%) and Buenaventura (30%). The Strongylida nematodes registered were classified in three genera: Angiostrongylus (14.7% prevalence), Aelurostrongylus (2.6%), and Strongyluris (2.6%). The city with highest positive records of Angiostrongylus was Cali during 2014 and Aelurostrongylus was Buenaventura during 2013. Strongyluris genus was recorded only in Cali during 2013, with a prevalence of 11%. Of the nine evaluated cities, five has presence of Angiostrongylus. Conclusions. Three genera of Strongylida nematode were recorded associated with A. fulicas specimens in the Valle del Cauca during 2013 and 2014. Therefore, the role that A. fulica and native mollusk species could be playing in the life cycle of these parasites at the local level should not underestimated.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Establecer la presencia y prevalencia de parásitos nematodos Strongylida en Achatina fulica en el Valle del Cauca, especialmente los nematodos que son potencialmente patogénicos para los humanos. Materiales y métodos. Individuos de A. fulica fueron colectados en nueve ciudades del Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Los nematodos fueron identificados mediante inspección directa de los individuos, estos se separaron de los tejidos y el mucus, luego, los nematodos se lavaron en solución salina, y fijaron en solución AFA caliente. Se montaron placas en glicerina para observar al microscopio. Resultados. La prevalencia general de parásitos nematodos fue 35% en 2013. La ciudad con mayor prevalencia durante 2013 fue Cartago (60%), seguido de Buenaventura (42.9%) y Cali (33%), mientras que en 2014 fue Cali (30%) y Buenaventura (30%). Los nematodos Strongylida registrados fueron clasificados en tres géneros: Angiostrongylus (prevalencia 14.7%), Aelurostrongylus (2.6%), y Strongyluris (2.6%). La ciudad con la mayor cantidad de positivos para Angiostrongylus fue Cali durante 2014 y Buenaventura con Aelurostorngylus para el 2013. El género Strongyluris solo se reportó en Cali durante 2013, con una prevalencia del 11%. En cinco de las nueves ciudades evaluadas se registró la presencia de Angiostrongylus. Conclusiones. Tres géneros de nematodos Strongylida se reportaron en individuos de A. fulica en el Valle del Cauca durante 2013 y 2014. Por lo tanto, no debe subestimarse el papel de A. fulica y las especies de moluscos nativas en el ciclo de vida de estos parásitos.

Competition between Superconductor - Ferromagnetic stray magnetic fields in YBa2Cu3O7-x films pierced with Co nano-rods.

Superconductivity and ferromagnetism are two antagonistic phenomena that combined can lead to a rich phenomenology of interactions, resulting in novel physical properties and unique functionalities. Here we propose an original hybrid system formed by a high-temperature superconducting film, patterned with antidots, and with ferromagnetic nano-rods grown inside them. This particular structure exhibits the synergic influence of superconductor (SC) - ferromagnetic (FM) stray fields, in both the superconducting behaviour of the film and the three-dimensional (3D) magnetic structure of nano-rods. We show that FM stray fields directly influence the critical current density of the superconducting film. Additional functionalities appear due to the interaction of SC stray fields, associated to supercurrent loops, with the non-trivial 3D remanent magnetic structure of FM nano-rods. This work unravels the importance of addressing quantitatively the effect of stray magnetic fields from both, the superconductor and the ferromagnet in hybrid magnetic nano-devices based on high temperature superconductors.

Adaptation of a scale to measure coping strategies in informal primary caregivers of psychiatric patients.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Informal caregivers of psychiatric patients are vulnerable to many disturbances associated with the stress related to their activity. Caregivers who show a coping style focused on problem-solving report less psychological distress, and this approach positively influences the recovery process of the psychiatric patient. There are some questionnaires to measure coping styles in caregivers of psychiatric patients, but most of them do not have the minimum psychometric properties that a scale must fulfil. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The authors present an adapted and validated scale for measuring both active and passive coping strategies used by informal caregivers to face daily stressful situations with psychiatric patients. The study is an example of how scales can be adapted to small samples (n < 200). WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The scale could be helpful for generating strategies to support the family caregiver, as well as for measuring the results of interventions. The scale could also be used to identify how coping styles of informal caregivers are related to recovery process of psychiatric patients. ABSTRACT: Background The recovery process of a psychiatric patient is related to his primary informal caregiver's style of coping with stress. There is insufficient literature on validations of instruments that measure coping styles in this population. Objective To adapt and validate a scale to measure coping strategies in primary informal caregivers. Method The adapted scale was based on the Extreme Coping Scale of López-Vázquez and Marván. Items from that scale were adapted for application to informal caregivers. The scale was administered to 122 primary informal caregivers of patients from two psychiatric institutions in Mexico. Psychometric analyses were performed to determine the scale's properties. Results The scale was composed of 20 items (six less than in the original scale) and two factors: (i) active coping (Cronbach's alpha = .837) and (ii) passive coping (Cronbach's alpha = .718). Discussion The findings are discussed in the light of the importance of studying the relationship between coping styles and the well-being of both informal caregivers and psychiatric patients. Implications for practice The scale could be used by health practitioners and researchers to generate strategies to support the family caregiver, as well as to measure the results of interventions.

Functional nickel-based deposits synthesized by focused beam induced processing.

Functional nanostructures fabricated by focused electron/ion beam induced processing (FEBIP/FIBIP) open a promising route for applications in nanoelectronics. Such developments rely on the exploration of new advanced materials. We report here the successful fabrication of nickel-based deposits by FEBIP/FIBIP using bis(methyl cyclopentadienyl)nickel as a precursor. In particular, binary compounds such as nickel oxide (NiO) are synthesized by using an in situ two-step process at room temperature. By this method, as-grown Ni deposits transform into homogeneous NiO deposits using focused electron beam irradiation under O2 flux. This procedure is effective in producing highly pure NiO deposits with resistivity of 2000 Ωcm and a polycrystalline structure with face-centred cubic lattice and grains of 5 nm. We demonstrate that systems based on NiO deposits displaying resistance switching and an exchange-bias effect could be grown by FEBIP using optimized parameters. Our results provide a breakthrough towards using these techniques for the fabrication of functional nanodevices.

[Total serum calcium and corrected calcium as severity predictors in acute pancreatitis]. / Calcio sérico total y calcio corregido como predictores de severidad en pancreatitis aguda.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate total serum calcium (TC) and albumin-corrected calcium (ACC) as prognostic severity factors in acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Ninety-six patients were included in the study. They were diagnosed with AP and admitted to the Hospital Regional de Veracruz within the time frame of January 2010 to December 2012. AP severity was determined through the updated Atlanta Classification (2013). TC and ACC values were measured in the first 24hours of admittance and the percentages of sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were calculated through ROC curves and contingency tables. RESULTS: In accordance with the updated Atlanta Classification, 70 patients presented with mild AP, 17 with moderately severe AP, and 9 with severe AP. Of the patient total, 61.5% were women, and 69.8% presented with biliary etiology. The maximum TC cut-off point was 7.5mg/dL, with values of S, 67%; Sp, 82%; PPV, 27%, and NPV, 96%. The maximum ACC cut-off point was 7.5mg/dL, with values of S, 67%; Sp, 90%; PPV, 40%; NPV, 96%. Both had values similar to those of the Ranson and APACHE II prognostic scales. CONCLUSIONS: TC and ACC, measured within the first 24hours, are useful severity predictors in acute pancreatitis, with sensitivity and predictive values comparable or superior to those of the conventional prognostic scales.

Improvement of domain wall conduit properties in cobalt nanowires by global gallium irradiation.

Applications based on the movement of domain walls (DWs) in magnetic nanowires (NWs) require a good DW conduit behavior, i.e. a significant difference between DW nucleation and propagation fields. In this work, we have systematically studied how this property evolves in cobalt NWs grown by focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) as a function of global gallium irradiation, for irradiation doses up to 1.24 × 10(17) ions cm(-2). Whereas for high doses the DW conduit is lost, below 6.42 × 10(15) ions cm(-2) the difference between the two fields increases with irradiation, becoming up to ∼9 times larger than for non-irradiated wires, due to a strong increase in the nucleation field, while the propagation field remains approximately constant. This behavior stems from two effects. The first effect is a decrease in the magnetic volume of the parasitic halo around the NW, typically present in FEBID nanostructures, leading to the disappearance of weak nucleation centers. The second effect is the formation of a 20 nm outer shell with Co crystals about twice the size of those forming the NW core, causing a net increase of the local magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The results presented here are important for the potential use of magnetic NWs grown by FEBID in DW-based devices, and might also be of interest for magnetic NWs fabricated by other techniques.

Magnetic field-induced dissipation-free state in superconducting nanostructures.

A superconductor in a magnetic field acquires a finite electrical resistance caused by vortex motion. A quest to immobilize vortices and recover zero resistance at high fields made intense studies of vortex pinning one of the mainstreams of superconducting research. Yet, the decades of efforts resulted in a realization that even promising nanostructures, utilizing vortex matching, cannot withstand high vortex density at large magnetic fields. Here, we report a giant reentrance of vortex pinning induced by increasing magnetic field in a W-based nanowire and a TiN-perforated film densely populated with vortices. We find an extended range of zero resistance with vortex motion arrested by self-induced collective traps. The latter emerge due to order parameter suppression by vortices confined in narrow constrictions by surface superconductivity. Our findings show that geometric restrictions can radically change magnetic properties of superconductors and reverse detrimental effects of magnetic field.

Correlation between the magnetic imaging of cobalt nanoconstrictions and their magnetoresistance response.

Scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements are used to investigate the magnetic behavior of a nanoconstriction joining two micrometric electrodes (a pad and a wire). The reversal of the magnetization under variable external static magnetic fields is imaged. By means of a detailed analysis of the STXM images at the nanocontact area, the MR is calculated, based on diffusive anisotropic-MR. This MR agrees well with that obtained from electrical transport measurements, allowing a direct correlation between the MR signal and the magnetic reversal of the system. The magnetization behavior depends on the sample thickness and constriction dimensions. In 40 nm-thick samples, with 20 × 175 nm(2) contact areas, the magnetization at the two sides of the constriction forms a net angle of 90°, with a progressive evolution of the magnetization structure between the electrodes during switching. The MR in those cases has a more peaked shape than with 20 nm-thick electrodes and 10 × 80 nm(2) contact areas, where the magnetization forms 180° between them, with a wide domain wall pinned at the constriction. As a consequence of this configuration, a plateau in the MR is observed for about 20 Oe.

Focused electron beam induced etching of titanium with XeF2.

Titanium is a relevant technological material due to its extraordinary mechanical and biocompatible properties, its nanopatterning being an increasingly important requirement in many applications. We report the successful nanopatterning of titanium by means of focused electron beam induced etching using XeF(2) as a precursor gas. Etch rates up to 1.25 × 10(-3) µm(3) s(-1) and minimum pattern sizes of 80 nm were obtained. Different etching parameters such as beam current, beam energy, dwell time and pixel spacing are systematically investigated, the etching process being optimized by decreasing both the beam current and the beam energy. The etching mechanism is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Potential applications in nanotechnology are discussed.

Direct observation of stress accumulation and relaxation in small bundles of superconducting vortices in tungsten thin films.

We study the behavior of bundles of superconducting vortices when increasing the magnetic field using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at 100 mK. Pinning centers are given by features on the surface corrugation. We find strong net vortex motion in a bundle towards a well-defined direction. We observe continuous changes of the vortex arrangements, and identify small displacements, which stress and deform the vortex bundle, separated by larger rearrangements or avalanches, which release accumulated stress.

Stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of self-rated stigma and functioning in patients with bipolar disorder in Latin-America. METHODS: Two-hundred and forty-one participants with bipolar disorder were recruited from three Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia). Functional impairment was assessed with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and experiences with and impact of perceived stigma was evaluated using the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences (ISE). RESULTS: Higher scores of self-perceived stigma were correlated with lower scores of functioning. After multiple regression analysis, being on disability benefit, current mood symptoms and functioning were associated with self-perceived stigma. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate an association between stigma and poor functioning in bipolar disorder. Possible implications of such findings for practitioners are discussed. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study is that the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences has not yet been validated in a population of bipolar patients in our countries. The sample size and heterogeneous clinical subjects from different countries and cultures limit the generalization of the present findings.

Fe:O:C grown by focused-electron-beam-induced deposition: magnetic and electric properties.

We systematically study the effect of oxygen content on the magneto-transport and microstructure of Fe:O:C nanowires deposited by focused-electron-beam-induced (FEBID) deposition. The Fe/O ratio can be varied with an Fe content varying between ∼ 50 and 80 at.% with overall low C content (≈16 ± 3 at.%) by adding H(2)O during the deposition while keeping the beam parameters constant as measured by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The room-temperature magnetic properties for deposits with an Fe content of 66-71 at.% are investigated using the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and electric magneto-transport measurements. The nanostructure of the deposits is investigated through cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) imaging, allowing us to link the observed magneto-resistance and resistivity to the transport mechanism in the deposits. These results demonstrate that functional magnetic nanostructures can be created, paving the way for new magnetic or even spintronics devices.

Utilidad de la lipocalina asociada a la gelatinasa de neutrófilo urinaria como marcador temprano de insuficiencia renal aguda posterior a una cirugía cardíaca / Utility of the associated lipocalin to neutrophil gelatinase urinary as a marker early of renal failure acute after surgery cardiac

El objetivo del trabajo es determinar los niveles urinarios de la lipocalina asociada a la gelatinasa del neutrófilo (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL) en los pacientes que desarrollan insuficiencia renal aguda después de una cirugía cardíaca y su comparación con las concentraciones de creatinina sérica. El estudio incluyó una cohorte de 21 pacientes de entre 32 y 80 años, sometidos a una cirugía cardíaca en el Servicio de Salud Pública (Hospital San Roque) entre abril y agosto de 2011. Se determinaron los niveles urinarios de NGAL antes de la cirugía, a las 2 horas y a las 6 horas de la intervención. Los pacientes con insuficiencia renal aguda fueron diagnosticados según el criterio de clasificación AKIN. Seis pacientes (30%) desarrollaron insuficiencia renal aguda, cuyo diagnóstico basado en la creatinina sérica se retrasó por 2 o 3 días poscirugía. Por el contrario, los niveles urinarios de NGAL se elevaron significativamente a las 2 horas. En la medición de la NGAL urinaria a las 2 horas de la cirugía, el área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0,962; con una sensibilidad del 100% y una especificidad del 84,6% para predecir insuficiencia renal aguda con un valor de corte de 6,2 ng/ml. Se obtuvieron valores similares cuando se los corrigió por creatinina urinaria. La NGAL urinaria a las 2 horas poscirugía cardíaca fue un marcador precoz para predecir la insuficiencia renal aguda.(AU)

The objective of the study was to determine urinary levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients who develop acute renal failure after cardiac surgery and its comparison with serum creatinine concentrations. The study included a cohort of 21 patients between 32 and 80 years who underwent cardiac surgery in the Public Health Service (Hospital San Roque) during April and August 2011. Urinary NGAL levels were measured before surgery, 2 hours and 6 hours after the intervention. Patients with acute renal failure were diagnosed according to the AKIN classification criteria. Six patients (30%) developed acute renal failure and diagnosis based on serum creatinine was delayed by 2 to 3 days after surgery. By contrast, urinary NGAL levels were significantly elevated 2 hours after surgery. In the measurement of urinary NGAL at 2 hours post-surgery, the area under the ROC curve was 0.962, with a sensitivity 100% and specificity 84.6% to predict acute renal failure with a cut-off point of 6.2 ng/mL, similar values were obtained when they were corrected by urinary creatinine. Urinary NGAL levels 2 hours post-cardiac surgery proved to be an early marker for predicting acute renal failure.(AU)