The joint influence of the variables educational level and gender on children's drawings of the plant world.

Drawing is a form of creative expression that children enjoy from a young age. Drawing is also an effective and engaging strategy for exploring children's comprehension of the natural world. Examination of the content, colours, and developmental changes of children's drawings can provide us with valuable insights into how understanding of plant life develops during childhood. In this regard, previous studies have analysed the relationship that the representations that children draw when graphically expressing their understanding of the plant world have with the variables gender and educational level. This line of research has established that children's drawings of the plant world vary significantly when those drawn by older children are compared with those drawn by younger students and that the differences between girls and boys seem irrelevant. However, no studies have investigated the combined influence that both variables (gender and educational level) have on children's representation of the plant world. This study investigated this influence by examining 251 drawings by young children (aged 4-7 years). The results indicated that gender and educational level influenced key pictorial elements. Thus, that when comparing the understanding of biological phenomena through drawings between girls and boys, it is important to control for educational level.

Children's Drawing of Plant Life in the Time of COVID-19: An Analysis of the Changes Related to Content and Colour over a Two-Year Period.

This study analyses the depictions that a sample of young children completed to express their knowledge of plant life at two different times, two years apart. The pictorial content is examined by the complexity of the depictions of flora as well as the range of colour that the children in the sample chose. The study presents the changes that occurred in the children's illustrations of plants after 24 months. The conclusions are discussed in view of the data that preceding studies provide on the subject of botanical literacy in childhood, and raise the hypothesis that the unexpected results obtained in the study might reflect a learning loss in the understanding of the plant world as a consequence of the school closures that followed the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biomarkers in Oral Fluids as Diagnostic Tool for Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a prevalent worldwide chronic immuno-inflammatory skin disease with various variants and atypical cases. The use of biomarkers for the diagnosis of psoriasis can favor timely treatment and thus improve the quality of life of those affected. In general, the search for biomarkers in oral fluids is recommended as it is a non-invasive and fast technique. This narrative review aimed to identify biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva to diagnose psoriasis. To achieve this goal, we selected the available literature using the following MESH terms: "psoriasis", "saliva" and "gingival crevicular fluid". The studies analyzed for this review cover original research articles available in English. We found three full articles available for psoriasis biomarkers in GCF and ten articles available for psoriasis biomarkers in saliva. Studies showed that in the saliva of healthy individuals and those with psoriasis, there were differences in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, immunoglobulin A, and antioxidant biomarkers. In GCF, individuals with psoriasis showed higher levels of S100A8, IL-18 and sE-selectin in comparison to healthy individuals, independent of periodontal status. Despite these findings, more studies are required to determine an adequate panel of biomarkers to use in saliva or GCF for psoriasis.

Robot Localization in Tunnels: Combining Discrete Features in a Pose Graph Framework.

Robot localization inside tunnels is a challenging task due to the special conditions of these environments. The GPS-denied nature of these scenarios, coupled with the low visibility, slippery and irregular surfaces, and lack of distinguishable visual and structural features, make traditional robotics methods based on cameras, lasers, or wheel encoders unreliable. Fortunately, tunnels provide other types of valuable information that can be used for localization purposes. On the one hand, radio frequency signal propagation in these types of scenarios shows a predictable periodic structure (periodic fadings) under certain settings, and on the other hand, tunnels present structural characteristics (e.g., galleries, emergency shelters) that must comply with safety regulations. The solution presented in this paper consists of detecting both types of features to be introduced as discrete sources of information in an alternative graph-based localization approach. The results obtained from experiments conducted in a real tunnel demonstrate the validity and suitability of the proposed system for inspection applications.

Enfrentamiento de las infecciones de piel en el adulto / Managing adult skin infections

En la actualidad, las infecciones de piel y partes blandas forman parte de un alto porcentaje de las consultas en salud. Estas van desde infecciones leves, donde el manejo se realiza con tratamiento tópico, hasta aquellas con severo compromiso sistémico, requiriendo terapia antibiótica sistémica e incluso el desbridaje quirúrgico. En general, son producto de un desbalance entre los mecanismos de defensa de la barrera cutánea y los factores de virulencia y patogenicidad de los microorganismos que la afectan. Se pueden clasificar según distintos criterios, como por ejemplo, profundidad, gravedad, microorganismos involucrados y si estas son purulentas o no. El reconocer estas entidades clínicas es de suma importancia para llevar a cabo un adecuado tratamiento en los pacientes que presentan estas afecciones, ya que los diagnósticos erróneos llevan a las múltiples consultas con el consiguiente aumento de costos asociados en atención en salud.

Currently, skin and soft tissue infections are part of a high percentage of health consultations. These range from mild infections, where management is performed with topical treatment, to those with severe systemic compromise requiring systemic antibiotic therapy and even surgical debridement. In general, they are the product of an imbalance between the defense mechanisms of the skin barrier and the virulence and pathogenicity factors of the microorganisms that affect it, which can vary from bacterial, viral, fungal and parasites agents. Skin and soft tissue infections can be classified according to different criteria, such as depth, severity, microorganisms involved and whether they are purulent or not. Recognizing these clinical entities is of utmost importance to carry out adequate treatment in patients with these conditions, since erroneous diagnoses lead to multiple consultations with the consequent increase in costs associated with health care

Collagen in the media: An analysis of news published between 2016 and 2018.

This study examines 102 news items related to collagen as a dietary supplement, written in Spanish and published over a period of 2 years, in both digital and print media. The objective of this study is to evaluate the scientific rigor and consistency of the news information included in the sample. Errors and incorrect uses relative to the current scientific knowledge were identified in the analyzed information, and these errors were classified according to the criteria extracted from previous research. The evidence gathered shows a relevant frequency of errors in the information examined. The results are discussed in light of the role that the media plays in the transmission of beliefs regarding the value of collagen supplements.

Keratosis lichenoides chronica: First case reported in Chile.

We present a woman with a history of years of evolution of confluent hyperkeratotic papules and plaques with a generalized linear and reticulate pattern. Histopathological characteristics concordant with keratosis lichenoides chronica were finally evidenced after several non-specific biopsies. The cutaneous manifestations, chronicity. histopathology findings, and refractoriness to therapies are typical of this rare dermatosis.

Condición fisiológica de una población de Arca zebra (Bivalvia: Arcidae) del banco de Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela / Physiological condition of an Arca zebra (Bivalvia: Arcidae) population from Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela

ResumenLos índices de condición en sus diferentes versiones reflejan el desempeño del organismo en su ambiente, así como la condición somática, el valor nutritivo, la importancia comercial, el papel ecológico, y periodos de engorde. En este estudio se evaluaron diferentes índices fisiológicos, con la finalidad de conocer el estado de la población de Arca zebra y proponer estrategias de explotación y conservación con fines de consumo del recurso. Se recolectaron un total de 240 ejemplares entre julio 2010-julio 2011, en el banco de Chacopata. Mensualmente se midió la longitud total, altura y grosor de la concha. Los tejidos blandos fueron deshidratados para obtener la masa seca total. Se analizaron diferentes índices de condición: los basados en la masa del organismo, los que combinan masa y longitud de la concha, índice gonadal, índice muscular, rendimiento de la carne, la masa fresca de los tejidos blandos en relación a la longitud total y la masa seca de los tejidos blandos en relación a la longitud total. El modelo de crecimiento fue alométrico positivo entre la longitud-masa seca total. El peso de la gónada ejerció una marcada influencia sobre el índice de condición, índice gonadosmático y rendimiento.La población estuvo conformada por 82 machos y 158 hembras. Los incrementos de la masa de los tejidos blandos fueron proporcionales a las dimensiones de la concha. Se propone el índice que contrasta la masa fresca de los tejidos blandos en relación a la longitud total, como una herramienta que le permitiría a los pescadores a estimar la dinámica de la población de A. zebra, la cual ayudaría a ejercer una pesquería sustentable en el tiempo, mientras se mantengan los cánones de extracción.

Abstract:Condition indices reflect the performance of an organism in their environment, as well as their somatic condition, nutritional value, commercial importance, the ecological role and fattening periods. In this study, different physiological indices were evaluated in order to know the Arca zebra population status, and to suggest operation and sustainability strategies for this resource use and consumption. A total of 240 samples (82 males and 158 females) were collected between July 2010 and July 2011, from the Chacopata bank site. Bivalve biometric measurements were made monthly and considered: total shell length, height and width; besides, soft tissues were dehydrated to obtain total dry mass. Different condition indices were analyzed based on the body mass, or on the combination of mass and shell length: gonadal index, muscle index, meat yield, the fresh mass of soft tissue in relation to the total length, and dry mass of soft tissue relative to the total length. We found the model with positive allometric growth between the length-total dry mass. The gonadal weight exerted a marked influence on the condition index, gonadosomatic index and meat yield. Increases in soft tissue mass were proportional to the dimensions of the shell. The index contrasts fresh mass of soft tissue in relation to the total length, as a tool that would allow fishers to estimate the population dynamics of A. zebra, and to practice a sustainable fishery over time, while keeping the extraction canons. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (3): 1345-1352. Epub 2016 September 01.

The Responses of Tissues from the Brain, Heart, Kidney, and Liver to Resuscitation following Prolonged Cardiac Arrest by Examining Mitochondrial Respiration in Rats.

Cardiac arrest induces whole-body ischemia, which causes damage to multiple organs. Understanding how each organ responds to ischemia/reperfusion is important to develop better resuscitation strategies. Because direct measurement of organ function is not practicable in most animal models, we attempt to use mitochondrial respiration to test efficacy of resuscitation on the brain, heart, kidney, and liver following prolonged cardiac arrest. Male Sprague-Dawley rats are subjected to asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest for 30 min or 45 min, or 30 min cardiac arrest followed by 60 min cardiopulmonary bypass resuscitation. Mitochondria are isolated from brain, heart, kidney, and liver tissues and examined for respiration activity. Following cardiac arrest, a time-dependent decrease in state-3 respiration is observed in mitochondria from all four tissues. Following 60 min resuscitation, the respiration activity of brain mitochondria varies greatly in different animals. The activity after resuscitation remains the same in heart mitochondria and significantly increases in kidney and liver mitochondria. The result shows that inhibition of state-3 respiration is a good marker to evaluate the efficacy of resuscitation for each organ. The resulting state-3 respiration of brain and heart mitochondria following resuscitation reenforces the need for developing better strategies to resuscitate these critical organs following prolonged cardiac arrest.

[Physiological condition of an Arca zebra (Bivalvia: Arcidae) population from Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela]. / Condición fisiológica de una población de Arca zebra (Bivalvia: Arcidae) del banco de Chacopata, Sucre, Venezuela.

Condition indices reflect the performance of an organism in their environment, as well as their somatic condition, nutritional value, commercial importance, the ecological role and fattening periods. In this study, different physiological indices were evaluated in order to know the Arca zebra population status, and to suggest operation and sustainability strategies for this resource use and consumption. A total of 240 samples (82 males and 158 females) were collected between July 2010 and July 2011, from the Chacopata bank site. Bivalve biometric measurements were made monthly and considered: total shell length, height and width; besides, soft tissues were dehydrated to obtain total dry mass. Different condition indices were analyzed based on the body mass, or on the combination of mass and shell length: gonadal index, muscle index, meat yield, the fresh mass of soft tissue in relation to the total length, and dry mass of soft tissue relative to the total length. We found the model with positive allometric growth between the length-total dry mass. The gonadal weight exerted a marked influence on the condition index, gonadosomatic index and meat yield. Increases in soft tissue mass were proportional to the dimensions of the shell. The index contrasts fresh mass of soft tissue in relation to the total length, as a tool that would allow fishers to estimate the population dynamics of A. zebra, and to practice a sustainable fishery over time, while keeping the extraction canons.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pediatric septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: Mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been linked to immune dysregulation and organ failure in adult sepsis, but pediatric data are limited. We hypothesized that pediatric septic shock patients exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction within peripheral blood mononuclear cells which in turn correlates with global organ injury. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Academic PICU. PATIENTS: Thirteen pediatric patients with septic shock and greater than or equal to two organ failures and 11 PICU controls without sepsis or organ failure. INTERVENTIONS: Ex vivo measurements of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and membrane potential (ΔΨm) were performed in intact peripheral blood mononuclear cells on day 1-2 and day 5-7 of septic illness and in controls. The Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score, inotrope score, and organ failure-free days were determined from medical records. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Spare respiratory capacity, an index of bioenergetic reserve, was lower in septic peripheral blood mononuclear cells on day 1-2 (median, 1.81; interquartile range, 0.52-2.09 pmol O2/s/10 cells) compared with controls (5.55; 2.80-7.21; p = 0.03). Spare respiratory capacity normalized by day 5-7. Patients with sepsis on day 1-2 exhibited a higher ratio of LEAK to maximal respiration than controls (17% vs < 1%; p = 0.047) with normalization by day 5-7 (1%; p = 0.008), suggesting mitochondrial uncoupling early in sepsis. However, septic peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited no differences in basal or adenosine triphosphate-linked oxygen consumption or ΔΨm. Oxygen consumption did not correlate with Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score, inotrope score, or organ failure-free days (all p > 0.05). Although there was a weak overall association between ΔΨm on day 1-2 and organ failure-free days (Spearman ρ = 0.56, p = 0.06), patients with sepsis with normal organ function by day 7 exhibited higher ΔΨm on day 1-2 compared with patients with organ failure for more than 7 days (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial dysfunction was present in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pediatric sepsis, evidenced by decreased bioenergetic reserve and increased uncoupling. Mitochondrial membrane potential, but not respiration, was associated with duration of organ injury.

Desarrollo de sesiones conjuntas de traumatólogos y médicos inspectores en la Unidad Médica del INSS / No disponible

Presentamos en este trabajo el desarrollo y ejecución de las consultas de alta resolución de traumatología (CART) en la Unidad Médica de la Dirección Provincial del INSS de Cáceres. Este tipo de consultas son un instrumento de trabajo derivado del trabajo en conjunto entre médicos inspectores del INSS y traumatólogos del servicio público de salud del SES. Con este tipo de consultas se valora con agilidad a trabajadores en Incapacidad laboral temporal traumatológica u ortopédica evitando listas de espera de especialista. Con esto modelo de trabajo se demuestra una reducción en los costes económicos por el descenso en el tiempo de gestión y la disminución del número de pruebas médicas necesarias para la evaluación. Permitiendo una eficiente gestión del tiempo utilizado en estas consultas. Proponiéndose realizar consultas similares para otras especialidades, como la siquiatría

We exhibit in this article the development and execution of the consultations of high resolution of orthopedic surgery (CART) in the Unit Medicates of the Dirección Provincial of the INSS of Caceres. This type of consultations are an instrument derived from the work as a whole between governing doctors of the INSS and orthopedic surgeons of the public service of health of the SES. With this type of consultations to workers in labor temporary Disability with Musculoskeletal diseases are valued by agility for labor temporary disability avoiding waiting-lists. With this model of work demonstrates a reduction in the economic costs for the decrease in the time of management and the decrease of the number of medical tests necessary for the evaluation. Allowing an efficient management of the time used in these consultations. Proposing to realize similar consultations for musculoskeletal diseases other specialties, as the psychiatry

Estudio sobre demoras de calificación en la provincia de Cáceres en el periodo 2008-2013 / No disponible

Se presentan en este trabajo los datos extraídos de análisis de los expediente de IT (incapacidad temporal) valorados en el EVI (Equipo de valoración de incapacidades) de la Dirección Provincial de Cáceres, tras el agotamiento de los 18 meses, requiriéndose llegar a demorar y prolongar la IT hasta 24 meses, en el 33 % de todos estos procesos de IT que superan los 18 meses. En la evaluación de los motivos de las demoras se evidencio que el 20 % era por estar en listas de espera quirúrgica y 23,6 % pendiente de consultas médicas y 27 % pendiente de consulta de rehabilitación. Debido a este excesivo número de procesos de IT demorados proponemos una respuesta coordinada entre el INSS y el Servicio Público de Salud de Extremadura que evite estas situaciones. Promoviendo el cumplimiento de la normativa expuesta de la seguridad social española

They present in this work the information extracted from analysis of them IT's process (temporary disability) valued for the EVI (Equip of valuation of disabilities) of the Provincial Direction of Caceres, after the depletion of 18 months, being needed to manage to delay and prolong the IT up to 24 months, in 33 % of all these IT's processes that they overcome 18 months. In the evaluation of the motives of the delays I demonstrate that 20 % was for being in lists of surgical wait and 23,6 % dependent on medical consultations and 27 % dependent on consultation of rehabilitation. For this excessive number of processes of delayed IT we propose a response coordinated between the INSS and the Public Service of Health of Estremadura that avoids these situations. Promoting the fulfillment of the exposed regulation of the social Spanish safety

Can peripheral blood mononuclear cells be used as a proxy for mitochondrial dysfunction in vital organs during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation?

INTRODUCTION: Although mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to contribute to the development of posttraumatic organ failure, current techniques to assess mitochondrial function in tissues are invasive and clinically impractical. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would reflect cellular respiration in other organs during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. METHODS: Using a fixed-pressure HS model, Long-Evans rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg. When blood pressure could no longer be sustained without intermittent fluid infusion (decompensated HS), lactated Ringer's solution was incrementally infused to maintain the mean arterial pressure at 40 mmHg until 40% of the shed blood volume was returned (severe HS). Animals were then resuscitated with 4× total shed volume in lactated Ringer's solution over 60 min (resuscitation). Control animals underwent the same surgical procedures, but were not hemorrhaged. Animals were randomized to control (n = 6), decompensated HS (n = 6), severe HS (n = 6), or resuscitation (n = 6) groups. Kidney, liver, and heart tissues as well as PBMCs were harvested from animals in each group to measure mitochondrial oxygen consumption using high-resolution respirometry. Flow cytometry was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) in PBMCs. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were performed. RESULTS: Mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased in all tissues, including PBMCs, following decompensated HS, severe HS, and resuscitation. However, the degree of impairment varied significantly across tissues during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Of the tissues investigated, PBMC mitochondrial oxygen consumption and Ψm provided the closest correlation to kidney mitochondrial function during HS (complex I: r = 0.65; complex II: r = 0.65; complex IV: r = 0.52; P < 0.05). This association, however, disappeared with resuscitation. A weaker association between PBMC and heart mitochondrial function was observed, but no association was noted between PBMC and liver mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS: All tissues including PBMCs demonstrated significant mitochondrial dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Although PBMC and kidney mitochondrial function correlated well during hemorrhagic shock, the variability in mitochondrial response across tissues over the spectrum of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation limits the usefulness of using PBMCs as a proxy for tissue-specific cellular respiration.

Increased platelet storage time is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired platelet function.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic shock is a leading cause of death following severe trauma, and platelet transfusions are frequently necessary to achieve hemostasis. Platelets, however, require special storage conditions, and storage time has been associated with loss of platelet quality. We hypothesized that standard storage conditions have a deleterious effect on platelet mitochondrial function and platelet activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Platelet donations were collected from healthy donors (n = 5) and stored in gas-permeable collection bags according to American Association of Blood Bank recommendations. Platelet units were sampled from day of collection (day 0) until day 7. High-resolution respirometry was used to assess baseline mitochondrial respiration, maximal oxygen utilization, and individual mitochondrial complex-dependent respiration. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed to analyze mitochondrial content, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, the expression of P-selectin (both before and after challenge with thrombin receptor-activating peptide), and apoptosis. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation (P < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: Mitochondrial respiration decreased significantly in platelets stored longer than 2 d (P < 0.05). Platelets also demonstrated a persistent decrease in response to stimulation with thrombin receptor-activating peptide by the third day of storage (P < 0.05) as well as an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and apoptosis (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial respiration significantly correlated with platelet capacity to activate (r = 0.8, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet mitochondrial respiratory function and activation response decrease significantly in platelets stored for 3 d or more. Because platelet transfusions almost universally occur between the third and fifth day of storage, our findings may have significant clinical importance and warrant further in vivo analysis.

Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation are associated with peripheral blood mononuclear cell mitochondrial dysfunction and immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND: Trauma and hypovolemic shock are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and septic complications. We hypothesize that hypovolemic shock and resuscitation results in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mitochondrial dysfunction that is linked to immunosuppression. METHODS: With the use of a decompensated shock model, Long-Evans rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg until the blood pressure could no longer be maintained without fluid infusion. Shock was sustained by incremental infusion of lactated Ringer's solution until 40% of the shed volume had been returned (severe shock). Animals were resuscitated with four times the shed volume in lactated Ringer's solution over 60 minutes (resuscitation). Control animals underwent line placement but were not hemorrhaged. Animals were randomized to control (n = 5), severe shock (n = 5), or resuscitation (n = 6) groups. At each time point, PBMC were isolated for mitochondrial function analysis using flow cytometry and high-resolution respirometry. Immune function was evaluated by quantifying serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) after PBMC stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. The impact of plasma on mitochondrial function was evaluated by incubating PBMCs harvested following severe shock with control plasma. PBMCs from control animals were likewise mixed with plasma collected following resuscitation. Student's t test and Pearson correlations were performed (significance, p < 0.05). RESULTS: Following resuscitation, PBMCs demonstrated significant bioenergetic failure with a marked decrease in basal, maximal, and adenosine triphosphate-linked respiration. Mitochondrial membrane potential also decreased significantly by 50% following resuscitation. Serum IL-6 increased, while lipopolysaccharide stimulated TNF-α production decreased dramatically following shock and resuscitation. Observed mitochondrial dysfunction correlated significantly with IL-6 and TNF-α levels. PBMCs demonstrated significant mitochondrial recovery when incubated in control serum, whereas control PBMCs developed depressed function when incubated with serum collected following severe shock. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation was associated with the inhibition of PBMC response to endotoxin that may lead to an immunosuppressed state.

Environmental judgment in early childhood and its relationship with the understanding of the concept of living beings.

The evidence collected concerning the biocentric judgment that young children express when evaluating human actions on the environment leads some scholars to suggest that an essential understanding of the notion of living beings should appear earlier than previously believed. This research project aims to study that assumption. To this end, young children's choice when they are put in situation of having to compare and choose the most negative option between environmentally harmful actions and the breaking of social conventions are examined. Afterwards, the results are categorized in relation to those obtained from the study of children's grasp of the distinction between living beings and inanimate entities. The data is analysed according to the individuals' age and overall, it suggests a lack of relationship between environmental judgment and the understanding of the concept of living beings. The final results are discussed in keeping with recent research in the field of moral development that underscores the role that unconscious emotional processing plays in the individual's normative judgment.

The influence of climatic conditions on the transmission dynamics of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in Chile.

BACKGROUND: The role of demographic factors, climatic conditions, school cycles, and connectivity patterns in shaping the spatio-temporal dynamics of pandemic influenza is not clearly understood. Here we analyzed the spatial, age and temporal evolution of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in Chile, a southern hemisphere country covering a long and narrow strip comprising latitudes 17°S to 56°S. METHODS: We analyzed the dissemination patterns of the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic across 15 regions of Chile based on daily hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory disease and laboratory confirmed A/H1N1 influenza infection from 01-May to 31-December, 2009. We explored the association between timing of pandemic onset and peak pandemic activity and several geographical and demographic indicators, school vacations, climatic factors, and international passengers. We also estimated the reproduction number (R) based on the growth rate of the exponential pandemic phase by date of symptoms onset, estimated using maximum likelihood methods. RESULTS: While earlier pandemic onset was associated with larger population size, there was no association with connectivity, demographic, school or climatic factors. In contrast, there was a latitudinal gradient in peak pandemic timing, representing a 16-39-day lag in disease activity from the southern regions relative to the northernmost region (P < 0.001). Geographical differences in latitude of Chilean regions, maximum temperature and specific humidity explained 68.5% of the variability in peak timing (P = 0.01). In addition, there was a decreasing gradient in reproduction number from south to north Chile (P < 0.0001). The regional mean R estimates were 1.6-2.0, 1.3-1.5, and 1.2-1.3 for southern, central and northern regions, respectively, which were not affected by the winter vacation period. CONCLUSIONS: There was a lag in the period of most intense 2009 pandemic influenza activity following a South to North traveling pattern across regions of Chile, significantly associated with geographical differences in minimum temperature and specific humidity. The latitudinal gradient in timing of pandemic activity was accompanied by a gradient in reproduction number (P < 0.0001). Intensified surveillance strategies in colder and drier southern regions could lead to earlier detection of pandemic influenza viruses and improved control outcomes.

Actividad física y autoconcepto, físico y general, a lo largo de la edad adulta / Physical activity and physical and general self-concept during adulthood

Este estudio tiene por objetivo precisar las diferencias, asociadas con tres momentos de la edad adulta, en el autoconcepto y en las autopercepciones físicas así como la relación de dichas diferencias con el sexo y la actividad física. Participaron en el estudio 912 personas (350 hombres; 560 mujeres) de entre 23 y 64 años (M = 45.41; DE = 13.41) divididas en tres tramos de edad (23 a 34; 35 a 49; 50 a 64 años). Los participantes se autoclasificaron como personas activas o no activas. Para la medición del autoconcepto se utilizó el Cuestionario de Autoconcepto Físico (CAF) compuesto por las siguientes escalas: habilidad física, condición física, atractivo físico, fuerza física, autoconcepto físico general así como autoconcepto general. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que: a. varias de las dimensiones del autoconcepto disminuyen a medida que aumenta la edad de cada uno de los tres grupos estudiados; b. el descenso es menor en la mujeres que en los hombres; c. la percepción subjetiva de ser una persona activa se asocia positivamente con el autoconcepto físico; d. el descenso de autoconcepto asociado con la edad afecta en menor medida a las personas activas. Estos datos aportan nueva información a la investigación y pautas para la educación personal y física de las personas adultas (AU)

The purpose of this study consists in determining differences in self-concept and physical self-perceptions, as well as the relationship between these differences and physical activity and gender at three times during adulthood. A total number of 912 people (350 men, 560 women) between the ages of 23 and 64 (M = 45.41; SD = 13.41) participated in the study. The sample group was divided into three age ranges: 23-34; 35-49; and 50-64. The participants classified themselves as either active or non-active. Self-concept was measured by the Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire (CAF) made up of the following scales: physical ability, physical condition, physical attractiveness, physical strength, general physical self-concept and general self-concept. The results reveal that: a. various dimensions of self-concept decreased as age increased in all three groups studied; b. This decrease is less pronounced in females than in males; c. a subjective perception of oneself as an active person is positively associated with physical self-concept; d. the decrease in self-concept associated with age affects active people less than their non-active counterparts. These data provide new information for both research and the personal and physical education of adults (AU)