Constructing Turing complete Euler flows in dimension 3.

Can every physical system simulate any Turing machine? This is a classical problem that is intimately connected with the undecidability of certain physical phenomena. Concerning fluid flows, Moore [C. Moore, Nonlinearity 4, 199 (1991)] asked if hydrodynamics is capable of performing computations. More recently, Tao launched a program based on the Turing completeness of the Euler equations to address the blow-up problem in the Navier-Stokes equations. In this direction, the undecidability of some physical systems has been studied in recent years, from the quantum gap problem to quantum-field theories. To the best of our knowledge, the existence of undecidable particle paths of three-dimensional fluid flows has remained an elusive open problem since Moore's works in the early 1990s. In this article, we construct a Turing complete stationary Euler flow on a Riemannian [Formula: see text] and speculate on its implications concerning Tao's approach to the blow-up problem in the Navier-Stokes equations.

Respiratory costs of producing and maintaining stem biomass in eight co-occurring tree species.

Given the importance of carbon allocation for plant performance and fitness, it is expected that competition and abiotic stress influence respiratory costs associated with stem wood biomass production and maintenance. In this study, stem respiration (R) was measured together with stem diameter increment in adult trees of eight co-occurring species in a sub-Mediterranean forest stand for 2 years. We estimated growth R (Rg), maintenance R (Rm) and the growth respiration coefficient (GRC) using two gas exchange methods: (i) estimating Rg as the product of growth and GRC (then Rm as R minus Rg) and (ii) estimating Rm from temperature-dependent kinetics of basal Rm at the dormant season (then Rg as R minus Rm). In both cases, stem basal-area growth rates governed intra-annual variation in R, Rg and Rm. Maximum annual Rm occurred slightly before or after maximum Rg. The mean contribution of Rm to R during the growing season ranged from 56% to 88% across species using method 1 and from 23% to 66% using method 2. An analysis accounting for the phylogenetic distance among species indicated that more shade-tolerant, faster growing species exhibited higher Rm and Rg than less shade-tolerant, slower growing ones, suggesting a balance between carbon supply and demand mediated by growth. However, GRC was not related to species growth rate, wood density, or drought and shade tolerance across the surveyed species nor across 27 tree species for which GRC was compiled. The GRC estimates based on wood chemical analysis were lower (0.19) than those based on gas exchange methods (0.35). These results give partial support to the hypothesis that wood production and maintenance costs are related to species ecology and highlight the divergence of respiratory parameters widely used in plant models according to the methodological approach applied to derive them.

Convexity of the moment map image for torus actions on bm -symplectic manifolds.

We prove a convexity theorem for the image of the moment map of a Hamiltonian torus action on a bm -symplectic manifold.This article is part of the theme issue 'Finite dimensional integrable systems: new trends and methods'.

Open problems, questions and challenges in finite- dimensional integrable systems.

The paper surveys open problems and questions related to different aspects of integrable systems with finitely many degrees of freedom. Many of the open problems were suggested by the participants of the conference 'Finite-dimensional Integrable Systems, FDIS 2017' held at CRM, Barcelona in July 2017.This article is part of the theme issue 'Finite dimensional integrable systems: new trends and methods'.

A clinical score to predict mortality in septic acute kidney injury patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy: the HELENICC score.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify predictors of early (7-day) mortality in patients with septic acute kidney injury (AKI) who required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: Prospective cohort of 186 septic AKI patients undergoing CRRT at a tertiary hospital, from October 2005 to November 2010. RESULTS: After multivariate adjustment, five variables were associated to early mortality: norepinephrine utilization, liver failure, medical condition, lactate level, and pre-dialysis creatinine level. These variables were combined in a score, which demonstrated good discrimination, with a C-statistic of 0.82 (95% CI = 0.76-0.88), and good calibration (χ 2 = 4.3; p = 0.83). SAPS 3, APACHE II and SOFA scores demonstrated poor performance in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The HEpatic failure, LactatE, NorepInephrine, medical Condition, and Creatinine (HELENICC) score outperformed tested generic models. Future studies should further validate this score in different cohorts.

Lactate clearance is associated with mortality in septic patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy: A cohort study.

The aim of the study was to assess the clinical utility of lactate measured at different time points to predict mortality at 48 hours and 28 days in septic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).Consecutive critically ill patients with septic AKI requiring CRRT were prospectively studied. Variables were collected at initiation of CRRT and 24 hours later.In total, 186 patients were analyzed. Overall mortality at 48 hours was 28% and at 28 days was 69%. Initial lactate, lactate at 24 hours and the proportion of patients with a lactate clearance superior to 10% were different between survivors at 28 days [2.0 mmol/L, 1.95 mmol/L and 18/45 (40%)] and nonsurvivors [3.46 mmol, 4.66 mmol, and 18/94 (19%)]. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lactate at 24 hours and lactate clearance, but not initial lactate, were independently associated to mortality. Area under the ROC curves for 28-day mortality was 0.635 for initial lactate; 0.828 for lactate at 24 hours and 0.701 for lactate clearance.Lactate clearance and lactate after 24 hours of CRRT, but not initial lactate, were independently associated with mortality in septic AKI patients undergoing CRRT. Serial lactate measurements may be useful prognostic markers than initial lactate in these patients.

Perfil de competencias del profesional que cumple funciones de monitoreo, evaluación y gestión de evidencias de programas y proyectos de desarrollo: un aporte para las decisiones basadas en evidencias / Monitoring, evaluation and evidence-based management in development projects: professional competency profile: a contribution for evidence-based decision making

Los programas y proyectos de desarrollo que forman parte de las políticas públicas necesitan ser eficientes en la inversión y eficaces en el logro de sus objetivos y resultados. El monitoreo y la evaluación (ME) son funciones estratégicas y sistemáticas que buscan generar información confiable y rigurosa acerca del alcance y logros de metas y resultados previamente establecidos en los programas y proyectos de desarrollo. Existen consensos internacionales sobre la necesidad de desarrollar capacidades y profesionalizar el ME, adoptar estándares comunes, y reforzar las estrategias de desarrollo nacional, mejorando el uso de las evaluaciones para retroalimentar las políticas públicas y lograr evidencias que sustenten un desarrollo sostenible con inclusión y equidad. En nuestro país, los programas sociales y diversos programas presupuestales que desarrolla el Estado peruano, así como los programas y proyectos que apoya la cooperación internacional, hacen evidente la demanda de sistemas nacionales de ME capaces de obtener evidencias rigurosas sobre los resultados y que estos se reflejen tanto en la asignación presupuestal, como en la mejora de procesos y estrategias. El perfil de competencias del profesional que cumple funciones de ME es el conjunto de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes que debe poseer la persona para desempeñar adecuadamente sus funciones. En el presente artículo se identifican las funciones de los profesionales en el área de ME y se propone el perfil de competencias que deben adquirir así como los contenidos de las competencias específicas de ME. Se presenta el perfil de competencias validado como un aporte a la gestión por resultados y decisiones basadas en evidencias para su implementación en procesos de gestión de recursos humanos y sistemas de ME; es una herramienta para ser aplicada prioritariamente en la planificación y dotación, organización del trabajo, el desarrollo de capacidades y la compensación en el proceso de gestión de recursos humanos en el área y sistemas de ME. El perfil de competencias del profesional que cumple funciones de ME constituye una experiencia pionera en el país, y se pone a disposición de las instituciones académicas, instituciones gubernamentales u otras que ofrecen servicios de ME y a la comunidad en general.

Programs and development projects that are part of public policies need to be efficient in investment and effective in achieving objectives and results. Monitoring and evaluation (ME) are strategic and systematic functions that seek to generate rigorous and reliable information on effects of programs and development projects. There is consensus about the need to develop capacity and professionalize ME, to adopt common standards, and to strengthen national development strategies. This should result in better public policies, evaluations, which should support sustainable development with equity and inclusion. In our country, public social and budget programs, as well as programs and projects funded by international agencies require ME systems to obtain rigorous evidence on outcomes. They should be reflected in both budget allocation and in the improvement of processes and strategies. This article identifies specific functions of ME professionals, and proposes a profile of skills, attitudes and knowledges and specific competencies. A validated profile is presented as a contribution for results-based management and evidence-based decision making, and for its implementation in processes and systems related to human resources and ME management. It is a tool to be used primarily in planning and provision, work organization, capacity development and compensation. It is a pioneering experience in the country, and it is available for academic and governmental institutions or other actors involved in ME services.

Improving maternal health and safety through adherence to postpartum hemorrhage protocol in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To determine provider compliance with protocols for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and provider characteristics associated with adherence and non-adherence. METHODS: A multicenter descriptive study was conducted involving 78 direct observations of provider-implemented protocols and 52 interviews with Peruvian maternal healthcare providers at 4 Peruvian clinical sites representing the local, regional, and national levels of care. Parturient participants planning a normal vaginal delivery were 17-49 years of age and 34-42 weeks pregnant. Primary outcomes were compared using χ2 testing, while quantitative survey data were evaluated using means, standard deviations, and Student t test or analysis of variance for statistical significance. RESULTS: There were 3 significant differences between the national, regional, and local levels of care: adherence to all 3 interventions (P<0.001); professional experience (P<0.04); and retention of healthcare providers (P<0.001). There were no differences in provider training (P<0.097), and the retention of experienced healthcare providers was not associated with greater adherence to protocols. There were no significant differences in parturient characteristics. CONCLUSION: Individual characteristics and institutional beliefs may have more influence than experience or training on adherence to protocols for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage; addressing these biases may improve patient safety in Peru and throughout Latin America.

Recurrent and persistent cytomegalovirus infection in a kidney recipient caused by the L595S mutation in UL97 phosphotransferase gene.

Ganciclovir (GCV) is the first therapeutic choice for prevention and treatment of active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid organ transplant recipients in Bahia state, Brazil. Prolonged and repeated GCV therapy may result in drug-resistant virus, associated with progressive and disseminated disease. We present a case report of a young male kidney recipient, who was CMV-seronegative with a CMV-seropositive donor (D(+)/R(-)), and who developed clinical GCV resistance, confirmed by mutation in viral UL97 phosphotransferase responsible for GCV activation. Under prophylactic therapy with intravenous GCV for 6 weeks post-transplantation, he developed severe anaemia and hepatic enzyme increases, probably due to drug side effects. At this moment, the drug was discontinued and he started to be monitored by pp65 antigen test. At week 10 post-transplantation, he presented fever, myalgia, thrombocytopenia and neutropaenia, with a positive CMV antigen test. During treatment with intravenous GCV, antigenaemia assay demonstrated a higher number of positive cells, requiring GCV at higher doses. Pre-emptive therapy lasted for 31 days and he started the maintenance therapy with oral GCV. However, antigenaemia assay demonstrated an extremely high number of positive cells, and he was rehospitalized and prescribed intravenous GCV. Severe leukopaenia led to GCV interruption, but immunosuppressive dose reduction helped to control the active CMV infection. GCV-resistant CMV infection resulted in increased morbidity, rehospitalization episodes and increased costs; therefore, implementation of resistance diagnostic tests in the transplantation routine is of great importance. We documented the first case of GCV-resistant CMV infection due to the L595S mutation in UL97 phosphotransferase gene in a kidney recipient from Bahia state, Brazil.

Resultados de la endarterectomía carotídea en pacientes ancianos / Results of carotid endarterectomy in elderly patients

Introducción. El 45% de los pacientes con ictus presenta una estenosis accesible quirúrgicamente. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir la respuesta a la endarterectomía (EA) carotídea en pacientes muy ancianos en relación con los más jóvenes. Material y método. Evaluación retrospectiva de la historia clínica de todos los pacientes intervenidos de endarterectomía en un hospital de tercer nivel entre enero de 1995 y diciembre de 2006. Los pacientes se agruparon en 75 años o más y los menores de esa edad. Se evaluó la incidencia de complicaciones perioperatorias en el primer mes de la cirugía y la mortalidad a largo plazo mediante un análisis de supervivencia. Resultados. Se recogieron datos de 147 EA en 134 pacientes de 75 o más años y 201 EA en 177 pacientes menores de 75 años. La incidencia de complicaciones perioperatorias fue similar en ambos grupos con una mortalidad del 2% en el grupo de mayor edad y una incidencia de ictus del 2,6% (la mitad, accidentes isquémicos transitorios). Los pacientes más ancianos tuvieron un seguimiento medio de 4,1 años con una supervivencia al año del 86% y a los 5 años del 54%, siendo la principal causa de muerte la cardiopatía. Conclusiones. La EA carotídea es una técnica segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de la estenosis carotídea extracraneal en los ancianos, presentando la misma morbimortalidad perioperatoria que en los jóvenes. La edad no debe modificar nuestra actitud terapéutica, aunque, en los ancianos debe realizarse un exhaustivo estudio cardiológico previo a la intervención(AU)

Introduction. Forty-five per cent of stoke patients have a surgically accessible stenosis. The objective of our study is to describe the response to carotid endarterectomy (EA) in patients of advanced age compared to younger ones. Material and method. Retrospective evaluation of the clinical history of all patients who underwent an endarterectomy in a tertiary hospital between January 1995 and December 2006. The patients were grouped into those 75years or older and those less than this age. The incidence of peri-operative complications in the first month after surgery, and the long-term mortality was evaluated using a survival analysis. Results. Data were collected on 147 EA in 134 patients of 75years or more, and on 201 EA in 177 patients less than 75 years-old. The incidence of peri-operative complications was similar in both groups, with a mortality of 2% in the older age group and a stroke incidence of 2.6% (half transient ischaemic accidents). The older patients had a mean follow-up of 4.1years, with a survival of 86% at one year and 54% at 5years and with the main cause of death being heart disease. Conclusions. Carotid EA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of extracranial carotid stenosis in the elderly, having the same peri-operative morbidity and mortality as younger ones. Age must not affect our therapeutic attitude, although an exhaustive cardiology study must be made in the elderly prior to the operation(AU)

[Results of carotid endarterectomy in elderly patients]. / Resultados de la endarterectomía carotídea en pacientes ancianos.

INTRODUCTION: Forty-five per cent of stoke patients have a surgically accessible stenosis. The objective of our study is to describe the response to carotid endarterectomy (EA) in patients of advanced age compared to younger ones. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective evaluation of the clinical history of all patients who underwent an endarterectomy in a tertiary hospital between January 1995 and December 2006. The patients were grouped into those 75 years or older and those less than this age. The incidence of peri-operative complications in the first month after surgery, and the long-term mortality was evaluated using a survival analysis. RESULTS: Data were collected on 147 EA in 134 patients of 75 years or more, and on 201 EA in 177 patients less than 75 years-old. The incidence of peri-operative complications was similar in both groups, with a mortality of 2% in the older age group and a stroke incidence of 2.6% (half transient ischaemic accidents). The older patients had a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, with a survival of 86% at one year and 54% at 5 years and with the main cause of death being heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid EA is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of extracranial carotid stenosis in the elderly, having the same peri-operative morbidity and mortality as younger ones. Age must not affect our therapeutic attitude, although an exhaustive cardiology study must be made in the elderly prior to the operation.

Experiencias para la capacitación de recursos humanos en salud para la atención integral de víctimas de violencia en una zona urbano marginal de Lima, Perú / Experiences in the training of health human resources for the integral care of the victims of violence in a suburban area of Lima, Peru

En el año 2003, en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, se creó el Programa Permanente de Capacitación para la Atención Integral de las Víctimas de la Violencia, y viene realizando programas de capacitación de recursos humanos para la atención integral de las víctimas de violencia. En ese sentido, se consideró necesario desarrollar una metodología para profesionales de la salud, identificando sus necesidades de capacitación y sus condiciones de trabajo en lo relacionado a este tipo de atenciones. Es en ese contexto, que el año 2004, se delineó un estudio de línea de base en la Microrred de Salud Huaycán, al este de la ciudad de Lima; el cual comprendió diversas etapas con un enfoque multisectorial con el objetivo de identificar las necesidades de capacitación de los profesionales de salud, así como la evaluación del soporte logístico y administrativo para el desarrollo de actividades de capacitación a diversos niveles. En el presente artículo se expone, de modo sucinto, los procedimientos y principales resultados encontrados. Se evidenció que la población de Huaycán se encontraba afectada por las secuelas de la violencia política; no obstante, los servicios de salud tienen recursos limitados para realizar una adecuada atención de estas personas, emerge la necesidad de capacitación en varias esferas; existen condiciones administrativas y logísticas para efectuar estas actividades. Consideramos que esta metodología facilitará construir productos e instrumentos para una adecuada y específica capacitación para la atención integral en salud a las víctimas de la violencia.

In the year 2003, in the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the Permanent Program of Training for the Integral Attention of the Victims of Violence was created, has been training human resources for the comprehensive health care to victims of violence. In this sense, we was considered necessary to develop a methodology for health professionals, identifying their training needs and the conditions under how they work. It is in this context, that the year 2004, a base line study was delineated in the Microrred de Salud Huaycán, in the east of Lima city; that included diverse stages with a multisectorial approach with the aim to identify the training needs of the health professionals, as well as the evaluation of the logistic and administrative support for the development of training activities to diverse levels. In this paper, the procedures and principal results are exposed, in a succinct way. There was demonstrated that the population of Huaycán were affected by the sequels of the political violence; nevertheless, the health services have severe limited resources to give appropriate health care to victims of violence. The health professionals require an intensive training on this issue. An adequate logistic and administrative conditions allowed to carry out an appropriate training program. We suggest that this methodology will facilitate to construct products and instruments for a suitable and specific training for the integral health care to the victims of the violence.

[Experiences in the training of health human resources for the integral care of the victims of violence in a suburban area of Lima, Peru]. / Experiencias para la capacitación de recursos humanos en salud para la atención integral de víctimas de violencia en una zona urbano marginal de Lima, Perú.

In the year 2003, in the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the Permanent Program of Training for the Integral Attention of the Victims of Violence was created, has been training human resources for the comprehensive health care to victims of violence. In this sense, we was considered necessary to develop a methodology for health professionals, identifying their training needs and the conditions under how they work. It is in this context, that the year 2004, a base line study was delineated in the Microrred de Salud Huaycán, in the east of Lima city; that included diverse stages with a multisectorial approach with the aim to identify the training needs of the health professionals, as well as the evaluation of the logistic and administrative support for the development of training activities to diverse levels. In this paper, the procedures and principal results are exposed, in a succinct way. There was demonstrated that the population of Huaycán were affected by the sequels of the political violence; nevertheless, the health services have severe limited resources to give appropriate health care to victims of violence. The health professionals require an intensive training on this issue. An adequate logistic and administrative conditions allowed to carry out an appropriate training program. We suggest that this methodology will facilitate to construct products and instruments for a suitable and specific training for the integral health care to the victims of the violence.

Evaluación de los planes curriculares y sílabos de las asignaturas de la Facultad de Medicina de la UNMSM, sobre la atención integral de salud a personas afectadas por la violencia / Assessment of Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos curricula and syllabi on subjects related to integral health care of persons affected by violence

Propósito: En el año 2005 se realizó un Estudio de Línea de Base en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) para conocer la realidad de la formación de los alumnos del pregrado sobre conocimientos y competencias relacionados a la violencia y violación de derechos humanos (DDHH), bajo la hipótesis que este problema nacional de salud no había sido considerado en forma adecuada y suficiente en los planes curriculares de la Facultad de Medicina. Objetivos: Diagnosticar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la Facultad de Medicina sobre la atención integral de salud a personas afectadas por efectos de la violencia y violación de los derechos humanos. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo, transversal evaluativo de análisis. Institución: Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Materiales: Planes de estudios de las 5 escuelas académico profesionales (EAP) de la Facultad. Intervenciones: Por juicio de un grupo de expertos, se seleccionó 81 asignaturas que, por sus características, debían contener temas relacionados con la violencia y violación de los derechos humanos (DDHH). Se analizó los sílabos de las asignaturas seleccionadas. Se efectuó coordinaciones con los directores de las 5 Escuelas Académico Profesionales. Se realizó presentaciones de los objetivos de la investigación y del Programa a los coordinadores de los departamentos de Psiquiatría, Medicina, Cirugía, Ginecología y Obstetricia, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, así como entrevistas a docentes interesados en el tema de violencia y violación de los DDHH. A los docentes que acudieron a la entrevista se les indagó sobre su conocimiento, experiencia e interés sobre los temas señalados y se les explicó las características del Programa, con la finalidad de seleccionarlos para una futura capacitación. Principales medidas de resultados: Contenido sobre violencia en los sílabos de las escuelas académico profesionales. Resultados: El estudio demostró que solo 30/81 sílabos (37 por ciento) tenía algún contenido sobre violencia, de los cuales correspondía a la EAP de Medicina 9/19 (47,3 por ciento), EAP de Obstetricia 9/20 (45 por ciento), EAP de Enfermería 5/12 (41,6 por ciento), EAP de Tecnología Médica 6/19 (31,5 por ciento) y la EAP de Nutrición 1/11 (9,1 por ciento). Conclusiones: Estos resultados demuestraron la validez de la hipótesis, que efectivamente existía un vacío en la formación de los futuros profesionales de la salud respecto a sus conocimientos y competencias sobre violencia.

Aims: In 2005 a baseline study was conducted in order to know the curricular plans and syllabi contents of the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, related to violence health disorders given to undergraduate students of the 5 Academic Professional Schools (APS), under the hypothesis that this national health problem has not been considered sufficiently and adequately in the curricular plans of the Faculty. Objectives: To determine the Faculty of MedicineÆs teaching-learning process on integral health care to persons affected by violence and human rights violation. Design: Descriptive, transversal evaluative analysis. Setting: Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Materials: Curricular plans of the 5 FacultyÆs academic professional schools. Interventions: A total of 81 syllabi courses were considered would have contents on themes related to violence. Coordination work with the directors of the Academic Professional Schools of Medicine, Midwifes, Nursery, Medical Technology and Nutrition was carried out. Formal presentations of the objectives of the Program and this research were done to the Department heads of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology-Obstetrics, Psychiatry, Preventive Medicine and Public Health. Interviews to professors to determine their knowledge, experience and interest in the field of violence were conducted as to consider future training. Main outcome measures: Academic professional schoolsÆ curricular plans contents on violence. Results: This study showed that only 30 out of 81 syllabi (37 per cent) had any content on violence, distributed as follows: Medicine 9/19 (47,3 per cent), Midwifes 9/20 (45 per cent), Nursery 5/12 (41,6 per cent), Medical Technology 6/19 (31,5 per cent) and Nutrition 1/11 (9,1 per cent). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the validity of the work hypothesis in the sense that teaching of violence health consequences in the Faculty of Medicine had not been sufficiently considered.

[Comparisons of quality of life measures between women and men on hemodialysis]. / Comparações de medidas de qualidade de vida entre mulheres e homens em hemodiálise.

OBJECTIVE: To compare men and women on chronic hemodialysis in relation to their scores in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and evaluate the potential influence of age and comorbidities on the comparison. METHODS: Cross-section of the baseline data of 254 women and 349 men, participants of the PROHEMO Study that has been developed in dialysis units of Salvador. By using the version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form KDQOL-SF, validated for the Brazilian population, the following scores were determined: physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary [MCS] and the scale for symptoms/problems related to renal disease. The PCS and MCS scores were derived from the eight generic KDQOL-SF scales. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate differences in the scores of men and women (DS), adjusted for age, years on hemodialysis, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vasculopathy, diabetes, serum hemoglobin and serum albumin. RESULTS: Mean ages were 48.1+/-14.1 and 49.4+/-14.0 years for women and men, respectively. Women had lower scores for all generic HRQOL scales. They also had significantly (P<0.001) lower scores for PCS (DS=2.4 points), MCS (DS=3 points) and symptoms/problems (DS = 6.6 points). Differences were independent of comorbidties and greater in the group over 49 years of age. CONCLUSION: Data indicate that for several scales of HRQOL, women treated chronically by hemodialysis had lower scores than men. Lower scores in women were observed for different age groups, independently of comorbidities.

Comparações de medidas de qualidade de vida entre mulheres e homens em hemodiálise / Comparisons of quality of life measures between women and men on hemodialysis

OBJETIVO: Comparar homens e mulheres, tratados cronicamente por hemodiálise, quanto a escores de qualidade de vida relacionada com saúde (QVRS) e avaliar potenciais influências da idade e comorbidades. MÉTODOS: Corte transversal dos dados da linha de base de 254 mulheres e 349 homens participantes do estudo PROHEMO, sendo desenvolvido em unidades de diálise de Salvador. Utilizando a versão do Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF), validada para a população brasileira, foram determinados os escores das escalas: sumário do componente físico [PCS], sumário do componente mental [MCS] e sintomas/problemas relacionados à doença renal. Os escores do PCS e MCS foram determinados utilizando as oito escalas genéricas do KDQOL-SF. Regressão linear múltipla foi usada para estimar diferenças de escores (DE) entre homens e mulheres, ajustadas para idade, anos em hemodiálise, insuficiência cardíaca, doença cerebrovascular, diabetes, doença arterial periférica e níveis séricos de hemoglobina e albumina. RESULTADOS: Médias de idade de mulheres e homens foram, respectivamente, 48,1±14,1 e 49,4±14,0 anos. As mulheres apresentaram menores escores em todas as escalas genéricas de QVRS. Apresentaram também médias significantemente menores (P<0.01) no PCS (DE = 2,4 pontos), MCS (DE = 3 pontos) e sintomas/problemas (DE = 6,6 pontos). As diferenças foram independentes dos efeitos de comorbidades e mais amplas no grupo com idade superior a 49 anos. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados indicam que em várias escalas de QVRS as mulheres tratadas cronicamente por hemodiálise apresentam menores escores do que os homens. Os menores escores de QVRS em mulheres foram observados em diferentes grupos etários, independente de comorbidades.

OBJECTIVE: To compare men and women on chronic hemodialysis in relation to their scores in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and evaluate the potential influence of age and comorbidities on the comparison. METHODS: Cross-section of the baseline data of 254 women and 349 men, participants of the PROHEMO Study that has been developed in dialysis units of Salvador. By using the version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form KDQOL-SF, validated for the Brazilian population, the following scores were determined: physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary [MCS] and the scale for symptoms/problems related to renal disease. The PCS and MCS scores were derived from the eight generic KDQOL-SF scales. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate differences in the scores of men and women (DS), adjusted for age, years on hemodialysis, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vasculopathy, diabetes, serum hemoglobin and serum albumin. RESULTS: Mean ages were 48.1±14.1 and 49.4±14.0 years for women and men, respectively. Women had lower scores for all generic HRQOL scales. They also had significantly (P<0.001) lower scores for PCS (DS = 2.4 points), MCS (DS = 3 points) and symptoms/problems (DS = 6.6 points). Differences were independent of comorbidties and greater in the group over 49 years of age. CONCLUSION: Data indicate that for several scales of HRQOL, women treated chronically by hemodialysis had lower scores than men. Lower scores in women were observed for different age groups, independently of comorbidities.

Apolipoprotein D expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Apolipoprotein D (Apo D) is a protein component of the human plasma lipid transport system, and an androgen-regulated protein in both breast and prostate cancer cell lines. Our goal was to evaluate the expression of Apo D in malignant cutaneous melanomas, as well as to assess its possible relationship to clinical and pathological parameters. METHODS: Apo D expression was analyzed in 32 paraffin-embedded tissues from patients with invasive cutaneous malignant melanomas, in 8 samples from in situ melanoma, and in 10 samples from 10 benign lesions (4 dermal melanocytic nevi, 4 compound melanocytic nevi, and 2 dysplastic melanocytic nevi), using immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: The benign lesions were consistently negative for Apo D, whereas 3 of the 8 "in situ" melanomas (37.5%) and 12 of the 32 invasive melanomas (37.5%) showed positive immunostaining for Apo D. The percentage of Apo D-positive tumors was significantly higher in nodular than in superficial spreading melanomas (P = 0.011) and in melanomas with vertical growth phase than in melanomas with radial growth phase (P = 0.02). In addition, the percentage of Apo D-positive tumors was positively and significantly correlated with Clark's level of invasion (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Apo D may be a new prognostic factor of unfavorable evolution in cutaneous malignant melanoma.

El análisis crítico de la práctica en el marco de la educación permanente del personal de salud: Orientaciones metodológicas para su aplicación / The critical analysis of practice under the continuing education of health personnel: Methodological guidance for application

La presente publicación describe en la primera parte los aspectos conceptuales de la educación permanente en salud como una estrategia para el cambio; en la segunda, la explicación de los momentos del análisis crítico de la práctica y algunas dificultades que pueden surgir durante su aplicación; en la tercera, las referencias bibliográficas, y finalmente, una sección de anexo en la que se plantean sugerencias para dirigir un trabajo grupal

El análisis crítico de la práctica en el marco de la educación permanente del personal de salud: Orientaciones metodológicas para su aplicación / The critical analysis of practice under the continuing education of health personnel: Methodological guidance for application

La presente publicación describe en la primera parte los aspectos conceptuales de la educación permanente en salud como una estrategia para el cambio; en la segunda, la explicación de los momentos del análisis crítico de la práctica y algunas dificultades que pueden surgir durante su aplicación; en la tercera, las referencias bibliográficas, y finalmente, una sección de anexo en la que se plantean sugerencias para dirigir un trabajo grupal(AU)