A longitudinal pilot study examining the influence of the orthodontic system chosen in adult patients (brackets versus aligners) on oral health-related quality of life and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the demand for orthodontic treatment with aligners has increased, led by patient need, as aligners typically provide them with improved aesthetics and less physical discomfort. In deciding with the patient on an appropriate orthodontic system, it is important to take into account the potential discomfort and the perceptions that patients have in relation to their treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of brackets or aligners on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and anxiety levels in a sample of adult patients during the first month of treatment. METHODS: The pilot study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca between November 2023 and February 2024. Eighty adult patients who initiated orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into two groups: the brackets group (Victory®; 3 M Unitek, California, USA) (n = 40) and the aligners group (Invisalign®; Align Technology, California, USA) (n = 40). OHRQoL was analyzed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and anxiety was analyzed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The follow-up time was one month, with scores recorded at the beginning (T0) and one month after starting treatment (T1). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 33.70 (± 5.45) years old. The total sample (n = 80) consisted of 66.2% men and 33.8% women. In the brackets group, one month after starting treatment, the dimension with the highest impact was that of physical pain (5.62 ± 1.51). In the aligners group, where the dimension of psychological disability had the highest score (4.22 ± 1.02). In the brackets group the total OHIP score was higher at one month (T1) (33.98 ± 6.81) than at the start of treatment (T0) (21.80 ± 3.34); this greater impact on OHRQoL one month after starting treatment was not observed in the aligners group (T1 = 27.33 ± 6.83; T0 = 27.33 ± 6.22). The orthodontic system used did not influence participants' anxiety (p > 0.05). Age and sex were not influential factors in either OHRQoL or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The bracket system significantly influenced patients' OHRQoL. In the sample studied, no influence of the orthodontic system (brackets versus aligners) on anxiety was observed.

Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic.

Background: Varicose veins are a highly prevalent condition in the general population, generating variable reasons for consultation that can alter the patient's quality of life, with prevalence and associated factors that vary in different series. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological profile of patients who consulted for varicose veins by evaluating main symptoms and associated variables. Methods: Between 2019 and 2020, 1,136 patients attending vascular surgery consultation in a specialized outpatient center were evaluated. Demographic variables, presented symptoms, complications, and associated factors, such as body mass index, parity and family history, were recorded. Results: A total of 1136 patients were evaluated (79.8% women and 20.2% men), with a mean age of 53.51 years. The presence of symptoms was similar in men and women; the most frequent complications were ulcer, varicorrhage, and superficial venous thrombosis. Most patients showed CEAP 1, 2 and 3 (n = 909) and more than half were overweight or obese (n = 679) with a predominance of those classified as C4. Sixty-nine per cent had a positive family history of varicose veins. There was no difference between severity of varicose veins and time working in the standing or sitting position, but there was a greater presence of C5 or C6 ulcer among patients standing for more than 4 hours. Conclusions: Describing the characteristics of patients with varicose veins helps to understand the disease and to focus efforts towards those who are more susceptible. The results of this research are similar to those found in other populations.

Contexto: As varizes são uma condição altamente prevalente na população em geral, gerando motivos variáveis de consulta que podem alterar a qualidade de vida do paciente, com prevalência e fatores associados variando em diferentes séries. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes que consultaram por varizes, avaliando os principais sintomas e as variáveis associadas. Métodos: Entre 2019 e 2020, foram avaliados 1.136 pacientes que compareceram a uma consulta de cirurgia vascular em um centro ambulatorial especializado. Foram registradas variáveis demográficas, apresentando sintomas, complicações e fatores associados tais como índice de massa corporal, paridade e histórico familiar. Resultados: Foram avaliados 1.136 pacientes (79,8% mulheres e 20,2% homens), com idade média de 53,51 anos. A presença de sintomas foi similar em homens e mulheres; as complicações mais freqüentes foram úlcera, varicorragia e trombose venosa superficial. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava CEAP 1, 2 ou 3 (n = 909), e mais da metade tinha excesso de peso ou obesidade (n = 679), com predominância dos classificados como C4. Sessenta e nove por cento tinham histórico familiar positivo de veias varicosas. Não houve diferença entre a gravidade das varizes e o tempo gasto em pé ou sentado, mas havia uma presença maior de úlcera C5 ou C6 em pacientes que permaneciam em pé por mais de 4 horas. Conclusões: A descrição das características da população com varizes ajuda a entender a doença e a canalizar os esforços para aqueles mais suscetíveis. Os resultados desta investigação são semelhantes aos encontrados em outras populações.

Culturable bacteria associated with Anopheles darlingi and their paratransgenesis potential.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a major public health problem in South America, mostly in the Amazon region. Among newly proposed ways of controlling malaria transmission to humans, paratransgenesis is a promising alternative. Paratransgenesis aims to inhibit the development of parasites within the vector through the action of genetically modified bacteria. The first step towards successful paratransgenesis in the Amazon is the identification of Anopheles darlingi symbiotic bacteria, which are transmitted vertically among mosquitoes, and are not pathogenic to humans. METHODS: Culturable bacteria associated with An. darlingi and their breeding sites were isolated by conventional microbiological techniques. Isolated strains were transformed with a GFP expressing plasmid, pSPT-1-GFP, and reintroduced in mosquitoes by feeding. Their survival and persistence in the next generation was assessed by the isolation of fluorescent bacteria from eggs, larvae, pupae and adult homogenates. RESULTS: A total of 179 bacterial strains were isolated from samples from two locations, Coari and Manaus. The predominant genera identified in this study were Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Bacillus, Elizabethkingia, Stenotrophomonas and Pantoea. Two isolated strains, Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3, were successfully transformed with the pSPT-1-GFP plasmid and expressed GFP. The fluorescent bacteria fed to adult females were transferred to their eggs, which persisted in larvae and throughout metamorphosis, and were detected in adult mosquitoes of the next generation. CONCLUSION: Serratia-Adu40 and Pantoea-Ovo3 are promising candidates for paratransgenesis in An. darlingi. Further research is needed to determine if these bacteria are vertically transferred in nature.

Comparative study of intracisternal kaolin injection techniques to induce congenital hydrocephalus in fetal lamb.

PURPOSE: Kaolin (aluminum silicate) has been used to generate hydrocephalus by direct cisterna magna injection in animal models. The aim of the present study is to compare which method of Kaolin injection into fetal cisterna magna is feasible, safer, and more effective to induce hydrocephalus in fetal lambs. METHODS: Twenty-five well-dated pregnant ewes at gestational 85-90 days (E85-90) were used to compare three different kaolin injection puncture techniques into the fetal cisterna magna. Group 1, ultrasound guidance in a maternal percutaneous transabdominal (TA); group 2, without opening the uterus in a transuterine (TU) technique; group 3, by occipital direct access after exteriorizing fetal head (EFH); and group 4, control group, was normal fetal lambs without injection. The fetal lambs were assessed using lateral ventricle diameter ultrasonographic measurements prior the kaolin injection and on the subsequent days. We analyzed the effectivity, mortality, and fetal losses to determine the best technique to create hydrocephalus in fetal lamb. RESULTS: After fetal intracisternal kaolin (2%, 1mL) injection, lateral ventricle diameters increased progressively in the three different interventional groups compared with the normal values of the control group (p ≤ 0.05). We observed that the transabdominal method had a 60% of fetal losses, considering failure of injection and mortality, compared with the 12.5% in the open group (EFH), and 0% for the transuterine group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, we believe that both, open uterine (EFH) and transuterine approaches are more effective and safer than the transabdominal ultrasound-guided method to induce hydrocephalus.

Understanding transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease through complex vector-host networks.

Chagas disease is one of the most important vector-borne zoonotic diseases in Latin America. Control strategies could be improved if transmissibility patterns of its aetiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, were better understood. To understand transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease in Mexico, we inferred potential vectors and hosts of T. cruzi from geographic distributions of nine species of Triatominae and 396 wild mammal species, respectively. The most probable vectors and hosts of T. cruzi were represented in a Complex Inference Network, from which we formulated a predictive model and several associated hypotheses about the ecological epidemiology of Chagas disease. We compiled a list of confirmed mammal hosts to test our hypotheses. Our tests allowed us to predict the most important potential hosts of T. cruzi and to validate the model showing that the confirmed hosts were those predicted to be the most important hosts. We were also able to predict differences in the transmissibility of T. cruzi among triatomine species from spatial data. We hope our findings help drive efforts for future experimental studies.

Risk of a vector-borne endemic zoonosis for wildlife: Hosts, large-scale geography, and diversity of vector-host interactions for Trypanosoma cruzi.

Drivers for wildlife infection are multiple and complex, particularly for vector-borne diseases. Here, we studied the role of host competence, geographic area provenance, and diversity of vector-host interactions as drivers of wild mammal infection risk to Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. We performed a systematic sampling of wild mammals in 11 states of Mexico, from 2017 to 2018. We tested the positivity of T. cruzi with the Tc24 marker in tissues samples for 61 wild mammal species (524 specimens sampled). 26 mammal species were positive for T. cruzi, of which 11 are new hosts recorded in Mexico 75 specimens were positive and 449 were negative for T. cruzi infection, yielding an overall prevalence of 14.3%. The standardized infection risk of T. cruzi of our examined specimens was similar, no matter the host species or their geographic origins. Additionally, we used published data of mammal positives for T. cruzi to complement records of T. cruzi infection in wild mammals and inferred a trophic network of Triatoma spp. (vectors) and wild mammal species in Mexico, using spatial data-mining modelling. Infection with T. cruzi was not homogeneously distributed in the inferred trophic network. This information allowed us to develop a predictive model for T. cruzi infection risk for wild mammals in Mexico, considering risk as a function of the diversity of vector-host spatial associations in a large-scale geographic context, finding that the addition of competent vectors to a multi-host parasite system amplifies host infection risk. The diversity of vector-host interactions per se constitutes a relevant driver of infection risk because hosts and vectors are not isolated from each other.

Disentangling the contributions of biotic and abiotic predictors in the niche and the species distribution model of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease.

The potential benefits of incorporating biotic, as well as abiotic, predictors in niche and species distribution models (SDMs), as well as how to achieve this, is still debated, with their interpretability and explanatory potential being particularly questioned. It is therefore important to stress test modelling methodologies that include biotic factors against use cases where there is ample knowledge of the potential biotic component of the niche. Relatively well studied and important vector-borne diseases offer just such an opportunity, where knowledge of the agents involved in the transmission cycle -vectors and hosts- can serve to calibrate and test the niche model and corresponding SDM. Here, we study the contributions of biotic -14 vectors, 459 potential hosts- and abiotic -258 climatic categories- predictors to the explanatory and predictive features of the niche and corresponding SDM for the etiological agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, in Mexico. Using an established spatial data mining technique, we generate biotic, abiotic and biotic+abiotic niche and SDM models. We test our models by comparing predictions of the most important probable hosts of Chagas disease with a previously published list of confirmed hosts. We quantify, compare, and contrast the individual and total contributions of predictors to the niche and distribution of Chagas disease in Mexico. We assess the relative predictive potential of these variables to model performance, showing that models that include relevant biotic niche variables lead to more predictive, more ecologically realistic SDMs. Our research illustrates a useful general procedure for identifying and ranking potential biotic interactions and for assessing the relative importance of biotic and abiotic predictors. We conclude that the inclusion of both abiotic and biotic predictors in SDMs not only provides more predictive and accurate models but also models that are more understandable and explainable from an ecological niche perspective.

Triatoma yelapensis sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Mexico, with a Key of Triatoma Species Recorded in Mexico.

Thirty-four species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are recorded in Mexico, Triatoma Laporte, 1832 the most speciose genus in this country. Here, we describe Triatoma yelapensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coast of Jalisco (Mexico). The most similar species to T. yelapensis sp. nov. is T. recurva (Stål, 1868), but they differ in head longitude, the proportion of labial segments, coloration pattern of corium and connexivum, spiracles location, and male genitalia. To provide statistical support for the morphological distinctiveness of the new species, we performed a geometric morphometric analysis of T. yelapensis sp. nov., T. dimidiata s.s. (Latreille, 1811), T. gerstaeckeri (Stål, 1859), and T. recurva (Stål, 1868), considering head morphology. We also provide an updated key of the genus Triatoma for species recorded in Mexico.

The Low Variability of Tc24 in Trypanosoma cruzi TcI as an Advantage for Chagas Disease Prophylaxis and Diagnosis in Mexico.

(1) Background: Chagas disease is the main neglected tropical disease in America. It is estimated that around 6 million people are currently infected with the parasite in Latin America, and 25 million live in endemic areas with active transmission. The disease causes an estimated economic loss of USD 24 billion dollars annually, with a loss of 75,200 working years per year of life; it is responsible for around ~12,000 deaths annually. Although Mexico is an endemic country that recorded 10,186 new cases of Chagas disease during the period of 1990-2017, few studies have evaluated the genetic diversity of genes that could be involved in the prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of the parasite. One of the possible candidates proposed as a vaccine target is the 24 kDa trypomastigote excretory-secretory protein, Tc24, whose protection is linked to the stimulation of T. cruzi-specific CD8+ immune responses. (2) Methods: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fine-scale genetic diversity and structure of Tc24 in T. cruzi isolates from Mexico, and to compare them with other populations reported in the Americas with the aim to reconsider the potential role of Tc24 as a key candidate for the prophylaxis and improvement of the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Mexico. (3) Results: Of the 25 Mexican isolates analysed, 48% (12) were recovered from humans and 24% (6) recovered from Triatoma barberi and Triatoma dimidiata. Phylogenetic inferences revealed a polytomy in the T. cruzi clade with two defined subgroups, one formed by all sequences of the DTU I and the other formed by DTU II-VI; both subgroups had high branch support. Genetic population analysis detected a single (monomorphic) haplotype of TcI throughout the entire distribution across both Mexico and South America. This information was supported by Nei's pairwise distances, where the sequences of TcI showed no genetic differences. (4) Conclusions: Given that both previous studies and the findings of the present work confirmed that TcI is the only genotype detected from human isolates obtained from various states of Mexico, and that there is no significant genetic variability in any of them, it is possible to propose the development of in silico strategies for the production of antigens that optimise the diagnosis of Chagas disease, such as quantitative ELISA methods that use this region of Tc24.

Viral load and epidemiological profile of patients infected by pandemic influenza a (H1N1) 2009 and seasonal influenza a virus in Southern Brazil.

Correlation between virologic profile and clinical features of patients infected by influenza virus provides important information for epidemiological control and clinical management of future disease outbreaks. Samples from patients in Southern Brazil, from June to December 2009, were examined and the viral load was correlated with epidemiological data. All samples were analyzed by qRT-PCR for detection of the 2009-pandemic Influenza A (H1N1). Relative viral loads were assessed based on the 2(-ΔCT) method and epidemiological data were obtained for each patient, following ethical policies. A total of 933 samples were positive for pH1N1 (2009) influenza; 172 were positive for seasonal influenza A; 13 were undetermined; 1992 samples were negative for influenza A. Combined molecular and epidemiological data were available for 38 seasonal and 198 pandemic samples. The median viral load was higher in pandemic than in seasonal influenza samples; in patients infected with pH1N1 (2009), viral load associated positively with chills, myalgia and rhinorrhea, and negatively with dyspnea, but no association was observed with other symptoms, nor with clinical conditions such as pregnancy, smoking, immunodepression and co-morbidities. Regarding patients infected with seasonal influenza, viral loads did not show statistically significant association with any of the symptoms. This is the first study in Brazil that examines epidemiological and molecular data from the 2009 influenza pandemic. The results may serve as a basis for developing strategies to control human-to-human infection and viral dissemination, and for implementing effective measures and public health policies against future novel disease outbreaks.

Modeling Mosquitoes and their Potential Odonate Predators Under Different Land Uses.

To efficiently face the accelerated landscape transformation and its consequences in restructuring biotic communities and ecosystem services, one first question is which regional systems deserve prioritization for empirical assessments and interventive strategies. For the particular case of vector-borne disease control, we should consider generalist predators exhibiting differential responses to land-use change, as is the case of odonate insects. Thus, our aim was to infer land uses in Mexico where odonates (i.e., damselflies and dragonflies) might have some potential to predate mosquitoes of medical relevance. The study area included the hydrological basins of central Mexico. We modelled 167 species of odonates, four species of mosquitoes, and 51 land-use categories. Inferring spatial co-occurrence patterns from data mining and complex networks, we identified: (1) the ecological network of odonates and mosquitoes and (2) the land uses shared by these two groups. We inferred that 34% of odonate species co-occur with mosquitoes of medical relevance mainly in some preserved-mountain mesophyll cloud forest, high evergreen rainforest, and low tropical dry forest-but also in highly modified-human settlements, irrigation-based and pastures crop fields-land uses with strong human presence. Our findings highlight the relevance of community-regional studies for understanding the public health consequences of landscape change.

The Triatoma phyllosoma species group (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), vectors of Chagas disease: Diagnoses and a key to the species.

The Triatoma phyllosoma species group includes 17 species of kissing bugs, most of them implicated in the transmission of Chagas disease in the Americas. The species of this group are T. bassolsae Alejandre-Aguilar, Nogueda-Torres, Cortz-Jmenez, Jurberg, Galvo Carcavallo, 1999, T. brailovskyi Martnez, Carcavallo Pelaez, 1984, T. dimidiata (Latreille, 1811), T. gerstaeckeri (Stl, 1859), T. gomeznunezi Martnez, Carcavallo Juberg, 1994, T. hegneri Mazzotti, 1940, T. huehuetenanguensis Lima-Cordn, Monroy, Stevens, Rodas, Rodas, Dorn Justi, 2019, T. indictiva Neiva, 1912, T. longipennis Usinger, 1939, T. mazzottii Usinger, 1941, T. mexicana (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1848), T. mopan Dorn, Justi, Dale, Stevens, Galvo, Lima-Cordn Monroy, 2018, T. pallidipennis (Stl, 1872), T. phyllosoma (Burmeister, 1835), T. picturata Usinger, 1939, T. recurva (Stl, 1868), and T. sanguisuga (LeConte, 1855). The validity of some species of the group was uncertain, because of both cryptic species and hybrid occurrence. Species exhibiting these particularities were formerly classified in the T. dimidiata and T. phyllosoma complexes. Although we recognize the historical value of these species complexes, we do not recommend their further use. Instead, we recognize the T. phyllosoma species group here reviewed, considering the current knowledge of the systematics and reproductive behavior of the group. We implement the cohesion species concept, validating the species status of T. bassolsae, T. longipennis, T. mazzottii, T. pallidipennis, T. phyllosoma, and T. picturata. We also provide diagnoses, photographs and a taxonomic key including the recently described species.

Molecular and serological prevalence of Coronavirus in Chiropterans: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

In recent years, and now especially with the arrival of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there has been increased interest in understanding the role of bats in the dynamics of transmission and origin of this pandemic agent. To date, no systematic reviews have been published on this topic. This systematic review aimed to summarize and highlight the frequency of bat infections reported in currently available observational studies for coronavirus. The purpose of this study was also to examine the differences between the pool prevalence by technique and country. We performed a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, using three databases to assess coronavirus (CoV) infection in bats and its diagnosis by serological and molecular tests. We carried out random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). In all, 824 articles were retrieved (1960-2021). After screening by abstract/title, 43 articles were selected for full-text assessment. Of these, 33 were finally included for qualitative and quantitative analyses. From the total of studies, the pool prevalence by RT-PCR (n=14,295 bats) for CoV was 9.8% (95% CI 8.7-10.9%); Italy reported the highest pooled prevalence (44.9%, 95% CI 31.6-58.1%), followed by the Philippines (29.6%). Regarding the ELISA, the pool prevalence for coronavirus from 15 studies, including 359 bats, was 30.2% (95% CI 14.7-45.6%). The results for coronaviruses with the MIF were significantly lower, 2.6% (95% CI 1.5-3.7%). A considerable proportion of infected bats tested positive, particularly by molecular tests. This essential condition highlights the relevance of bats and the need for future studies to detail their role as potential reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2. In this meta-analysis, bats were positive in almost 10% by RT-PCR, suggesting their relevance and the need to understand their potential participation in maintaining wild zoonotic transmission.

One-year follow-up of epithelial corneal cell sheet allografts mounted on platelet poor plasma in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of epithelial corneal sheets mounted on platelet poor plasma (PPP) for allograft transplantation of rabbits with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and to prove its efficacy at 1 year after surgery. METHODS: LSCD was induced in 21 female rabbits by mechanical keratectomy. To configure the grafts, limbal biopsies were taken from male rabbits and cells were cultured on a fibroblast feeder layer grown on clotted autologous PPP. After keratectomy, grafts were sutured over the stroma. Control groups consisted of no implant or an implant of clotted PPP. Rabbits were euthanized at 3 and 12 months. Corneas and cultured sheets were processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (K3/12 and K19). Gender analysis was performed at 4 and 7 months. RESULTS: One rabbit had endophthalmitis, and another died of no apparent cause. The rest of the animals treated had no inflammation, showed a stratified epithelium, keratin 3/12 expression, and no expression of keratin 19. At 1 year, seven of eight rabbits showed no LSCD or corneal rejection signs. Y chromosomes were detected at 4 and 7 months postoperatively. All controls showed LSCD signs, erratic epithelium, and minimal cell differentiation; they revealed a slight expression of K3/12 and an expression of K19 in patchy patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Allografts contributed to restoring a healthy eye surface without signs of graft rejection. This technique seems to be a promising procedure for bilateral ocular surface diseases and may be useful for new therapeutic strategies.

Abordaje teórico y metodológico de la violencia psicológica en relaciones de pareja: un estado del arte / Theoretical and methodological approach to psychological violence in couple relationships: state of the art

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo identificar los conceptos y metodologías empleados para prevenir e intervenir la violencia psicológica en las relaciones de pareja. El estado del arte se enmarcó en un enfoque hermenéutico y de tipo cualitativo, se hizo un análisis categorial de documentos publicados entre 2009 y 2020 en bases de datos académicas como Scielo, Dialnet, Scopus, Science Direct y APA Psynet. Las categorías fueron: definición de violencia psicológica, bases teóricas y metodologías empleadas para su evaluación, prevención y tratamiento. Entre los resultados se destaca la ausencia de una definición consensuada de esta modalidad de violencia, un sinnúmero de conductas presentes en esta, y algunas hipótesis que explican cómo se origina y mantiene; además de varios instrumentos y estrategias de evaluación, y algunas metodologías que combinan principios de la prevención y la psicoterapia. Se recomienda elaborar tanto definiciones como planteamientos teóricos explicativos más afines al contexto y población objeto de estudio, y propender por realizar trabajos multidisciplinarios.

This article aims to identify the concepts and methodologies employed to prevent and intervene in psychological violence in couple relationships. This state of the art is delimited in a hermeneutic and qualitative approach, where a categorical analysis of documents published between 2009 and 2020 on databases, such as Scielo, Dialnet, Scopus, Science Direct, and APA Psynet, was carried out. The categories were: the definition of psychological violence, theoretical bases, and methodologies used for its evaluation, prevention, and treatment. Among the results, is noticeable the absence of a consensual definition of this form of violence, a countless amount of behaviors present in it, and some hypotheses that explain how they originate and maintain; as well as multiple evaluation tools and strategies, and some methodologies that combine principles of prevention and psychotherapy. It is recommended to elaborate definitions as explanatory theoretical approaches more related to the context and population under study, where a multidisciplinary work is suggested.

Percepción de madres sobre la atención de enfermería en el servicio de crecimiento y desarrollo / Mothers' perception of nursing care in the growth and development service / Percepção das mães sobre os cuidados de enfermagem no serviço de crescimento e desenvolvimento

Introducción: El programa de crecimiento y desarrollo es una estrategia que permite identificar la evolución adecuada de los menores de 5 años a través de la valoración de los profesionales de enfermería. Objetivo: Determinar el grado de satisfacción de madres sobre la atención recibida por enfermería en el servicio de control de crecimiento y desarrollo. Cartagena 2022. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo descriptivo de tipo transversal. La muestra correspondió a 604 madres con hijos menores de 1 año que asisten al Control de Crecimiento y Desarrollo y que desearan participar en el estudio, para la recolección de la información se aplicó el instrumento tipo escala de Likert denominado: Satisfacción de la madre. Resultados: En general, la satisfacción global de las madres fue alta 77%, dadas las habilidades del profesional de Enfermería durante la atención brindad al menor en la consulta de crecimiento y desarrollo. Datos consistentes con la valoración de cada una de las dimensiones de la satisfacción: humana 76%, oportuna 78%, continua 72% y segura 71%. Conclusión: Influye el comportamiento y las habilidades del profesional en enfermería para garantizar la adherencia al programa y a las sugerencias que se puedan derivar de la valoración del menor en cada control.

Introduction: The growth and development program is a strategy that allows to identify the adequate evolution of children under 5 years of age through the assessment of nursing professionals. Objective: To evaluate the degree of satisfaction of mothers on the quality of care received by nurses in the growth and development control service. Cartagena 2022. Materials and methods: cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study. The sample consisted of 610 mothers with children under 1 year of age who attended the Growth and Development Control Service and who wished to participate in the study. For the collection of information, a Likert scale type instrument was applied called: Mother's Satisfaction. Results: In general, the overall satisfaction of the mothers was high 77%, given the skills of the nursing professional during the care provided to the child in the growth and development consultation. Data consistent with the evaluation of each of the dimensions of satisfaction: humane 76%, timely 78%, continuous 72% and safe 71%. Conclusion: The behavior and skills of the nursing professional to ensure adherence to the program and the suggestions that can be derived from the assessment of the child in each control influences the behavior and skills of the professional in nursing to ensure adherence to the program and the suggestions that can be derived from the assessment of the child in each control.

Introdução: O programa de crescimento e desenvolvimento é uma estratégia para identificar a evolução adequada das crianças menores de 5 anos de idade através da avaliação dos profissionais de enfermagem. Objetivo: Avaliar o grau de satisfação das mães com a qualidade dos cuidados recebidos pelas enfermeiras do serviço de acompanhamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento. Cartagena 2022. Materiais e métodos: estudo quantitativo descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra foi constituída por 610 mães com filhos menores de 1 ano de idade que frequentaram a Consulta de Crescimento e Desenvolvimento e que desejaram participar no estudo. Para a recolha de informação foi utilizado um instrumento do tipo escala de Likert denominado: Satisfação da Mãe Resultados: De um modo geral, a satisfação global das mães foi elevada 77%, tendo em conta as competências do profissional de enfermagem durante os cuidados prestados à criança na consulta de crescimento e desenvolvimento. Dados coerentes com a avaliação de cada uma das dimensões da satisfação: humanizado 76%, atempado 78%, contínuo 72% e seguro 71%. Conclusão: O comportamento e as habilidades do profissional de enfermagem influenciam para garantir a adesão ao programa e as sugestões que podem ser derivadas da avaliação da criança em cada consulta de controle.

Advances in corneal stem-cell transplantation in rabbits with severe ocular alkali burns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of autologous corneal epithelial sheet implantation in restoring transparency of rabbit corneas severely injured by alkaline and the effect of photocoagulation in arresting corneal neovessel ingrowth. SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: Limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD) was induced in 14 rabbits by alkali burns. A limbal cell biopsy was done in the contralateral eye, and the cells were cultured on a fibroblast feeder layer grown on autologous clotted platelet-poor plasma or commercial fibrin for 21 days. Anterior keratectomy was followed by suturing corneal cell sheets over the stroma. If regrowth of vessels occurred, argon laser photocoagulation was applied to them. Rabbits were killed at 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 days and the corneas processed for histopathology and inmunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A small (2.5 mm(2)) limbal biopsy achieved stem-cell replication in vitro. Corneal clarity and epithelial defects evolved with a trend toward improvement. There was a significant reduction in corneal neovascularization. Histology showed a multilayered stratified epithelium including several epithelial-like cells with clear cytoplasm in the deepest part. There were no signs of intraepithelial mucin cells on the implanted corneas. Immunohistochemical results showed expression of cytokeratins 3 and 12 in the central corneal epithelium and an absence of cytokeratin 19. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation improved the corneal surface in eyes with LSCD. Photocoagulation of neovessel ingrowth was effective over the 1-year follow-up. Results may facilitate the application of this technique in patients.

Factores asociados con la enfermedad venosa crónica: estudio en 1.136 pacientes tratados por várices de miembros inferiores en una clínica especializada en Colombia / Epidemiologia das doenças venosas crônicas: um estudo de 1136 pacientes tratados por varizes de membros inferiores em uma clínica especializada na Colômbia / Factors associated with chronic venous disease: study in 1,136 patients treated for varicose veins of the lower limbs in a specialized clinic

Resumen Contexto Las várices son una condición altamente prevalente en la población general, generando motivos variables de consulta que pueden alterar la calidad de vida del paciente, con prevalencia y factores asociados variando en diferentes series. Objetivos Describir el perfil epidemiológico de pacientes que consultaron por várices, evaluando los principales síntomas y las variables asociadas. Métodos Entre 2019 y 2020, se evaluaron a 1.136 pacientes que asistieron a una consulta de cirugía vascular en un centro ambulatorio especializado. Se registraron variables demográficas, sintomatología, complicaciones y factores asociados, como índice de masa corporal, paridad e historia familiar. Resultados Se evaluaron 1.136 pacientes (79,8% mujeres y 20,2% hombres), con edad media de 53,51 años. La presencia de síntomas fue similar en hombres y mujeres; las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron úlcera, varicorragia y trombosis venosa superficial. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaba CEAP 1, 2 o 3 (n = 909), y más de la mitad tenía sobrepeso u obesidad (n = 679), con predominancia de los clasificados como C4. Sesenta y nueve por ciento tenían historia familiar positiva de várices. No hubo diferencia entre la severidad de las varices y el tiempo laborado de pies o sentado, pero hubo mayor presencia de úlcera C5 o C6 en pacientes que permanecían de pies por más de 4 horas. Conclusiones La descripción de las características de la población con várices ayuda a entender la enfermedad y a concentrar los esfuerzos en aquellos más susceptibles. Los resultados de esta investigación son semejantes a los de otras poblaciones.

Resumo Contexto As varizes são uma condição altamente prevalente na população em geral, gerando motivos variáveis de consulta que podem alterar a qualidade de vida do paciente, com prevalência e fatores associados variando em diferentes séries. Objetivos Descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes que consultaram por varizes, avaliando os principais sintomas e as variáveis associadas. Métodos Entre 2019 e 2020, foram avaliados 1.136 pacientes que compareceram a uma consulta de cirurgia vascular em um centro ambulatorial especializado. Foram registradas variáveis demográficas, apresentando sintomas, complicações e fatores associados tais como índice de massa corporal, paridade e histórico familiar. Resultados Foram avaliados 1.136 pacientes (79,8% mulheres e 20,2% homens), com idade média de 53,51 anos. A presença de sintomas foi similar em homens e mulheres; as complicações mais freqüentes foram úlcera, varicorragia e trombose venosa superficial. A maioria dos pacientes apresentava CEAP 1, 2 ou 3 (n = 909), e mais da metade tinha excesso de peso ou obesidade (n = 679), com predominância dos classificados como C4. Sessenta e nove por cento tinham histórico familiar positivo de veias varicosas. Não houve diferença entre a gravidade das varizes e o tempo gasto em pé ou sentado, mas havia uma presença maior de úlcera C5 ou C6 em pacientes que permaneciam em pé por mais de 4 horas. Conclusões A descrição das características da população com varizes ajuda a entender a doença e a canalizar os esforços para aqueles mais suscetíveis. Os resultados desta investigação são semelhantes aos encontrados em outras populações.

Abstract Background Varicose veins are a highly prevalent condition in the general population, generating variable reasons for consultation that can alter the patient's quality of life, with prevalence and associated factors that vary in different series. Objectives To describe the epidemiological profile of patients who consulted for varicose veins by evaluating main symptoms and associated variables. Methods Between 2019 and 2020, 1,136 patients attending vascular surgery consultation in a specialized outpatient center were evaluated. Demographic variables, presented symptoms, complications, and associated factors, such as body mass index, parity and family history, were recorded. Results A total of 1136 patients were evaluated (79.8% women and 20.2% men), with a mean age of 53.51 years. The presence of symptoms was similar in men and women; the most frequent complications were ulcer, varicorrhage, and superficial venous thrombosis. Most patients showed CEAP 1, 2 and 3 (n = 909) and more than half were overweight or obese (n = 679) with a predominance of those classified as C4. Sixty-nine per cent had a positive family history of varicose veins. There was no difference between severity of varicose veins and time working in the standing or sitting position, but there was a greater presence of C5 or C6 ulcer among patients standing for more than 4 hours. Conclusions Describing the characteristics of patients with varicose veins helps to understand the disease and to focus efforts towards those who are more susceptible. The results of this research are similar to those found in other populations.

Effects of concurrent random-time schedules on the spatial distribution of behavior in rats.

We evaluated the effects of concurrent random temporal contingencies of water delivery on the location of rats' behavior. In this experiment, two concurrent random-time schedules delivered water in two dispensers that were located at opposite ends of the chamber, and provided complementary frequencies of water deliveries while the overall number of deliveries stayed constant. Time allocation in the areas adjacent to each water dispenser covaried with water deliveries, although no proportional relation was found. Rats showed a preference for the area where water was initially presented. The results point to the importance of examining spatial properties and patterning of behavior.