Refractory Hypothyroidism: Unraveling the Complexities of Diagnosis and Management.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory hypothyroidism (RH) represents a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment within the field of thyroidology. It is defined as the inability to achieve disease control despite using levothyroxine (LT4) doses of 1.9 µg/kg/d or higher. METHODS: A comprehensive review, encompassing 103 articles, was conducted using the Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, providing an approach to evaluation and diagnosis of this condition. RESULTS: LT4 disintegrates and dissolves within an acidic gastric environment before being absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. It then extensively binds to serum transporter proteins and undergoes deiodination to yield tri-iodothyronine, the biologically active hormone. There are various nonpathological causes of RH, such as noncompliance with treatment, changes in the brand of LT4, food and drug interferences, as well as pregnancy. Pathological causes include lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection, giardiasis, among others. The diagnosis of RH involves conducting a thorough medical history and requesting relevant laboratory tests to rule out causes of treatment resistance. The LT4 absorption test allows for the identification of cases of malabsorption. The treatment of RH involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of noncompliance or malabsorption. In cases of pseudomalabsorption, supervised and weekly administration of LT4 may be considered. DISCUSSION: Early recognition of RH and correction of its underlying cause are of utmost importance, as this avoids the use of excessive doses of LT4 and prevents cardiovascular and bone complications associated with this condition.

[A gender perspective analysis of perception and practices in coronary disease in women from northern México]. / Análisis con perspectiva de género sobre percepción y prácticas en enfermedad coronaria en mujeres en el norte de México.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of coronary risk and health care practices in a group of Mexican women, from a gendered perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mixed methods: survey of 140 women; nine in-depth interviews to women with coronary disease; eight semi-structured interviews to physicians. ANALYSIS: proportions contrast for quantitative data; and procedures of grounded theory for qualitative information. RESULTS: More than 50% of women don't know their coronary risk and how to reduce it. Despite having information about heart disease, vulnerable women with chest pain sought medical attendance less than non-vulnerable women (p=0.0l); and are blamed by physicians. Women consider they lack sufficient information about how to reduce the risk of coronary disease, and blame themselves when ill. CONCLUSIONS: There are vulnerability conditions in women that modulate a low perception of their being at risk, and the scarcity of health care practices.

Drug-induced hypothyroidism in tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse reactions to tuberculosis treatment can impact patient adherence and prognosis. Hypothyroidism is a frequent adverse reaction caused using ethionamide, prothionamide, and para-aminosalicylic acid and is often underdiagnosed. AREAS COVERED: We searched Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, including 67 articles. Antitubercular drug-induced hypothyroidism has a prevalence of 17%. It occurs after 2 to 3 months of treatment and resolves within 4 to 6 weeks after discontinuation. It is postulated to result from the inhibition of thyroperoxidase function, blocking thyroid hormone synthesis. Symptoms are nonspecific, necessitating individualized thyroid-stimulating hormone measurement for detection. Specific guidelines for management are lacking, but initiation of treatment with levothyroxine, as is customary for primary hypothyroidism, is recommended. Discontinuation of antitubercular drugs is discouraged, as it may lead to unfavorable consequences. EXPERT OPINION: Antitubercular drug-induced hypothyroidism is more common than previously thought, affecting one in six MDR-TB patients. Despite diagnostic and treatment recommendations, implementation is hindered in low-income countries due to the lack of certified laboratories. New drugs for tuberculosis treatment may affect thyroid function, requiring vigilant monitoring for complications, including hypothyroidism.

A comprehensive review of genetic causes of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease with a high, increasing worldwide prevalence. Genetic causes account for 7% of the cases in children with extreme obesity. DATA SOURCES: This narrative review was conducted by searching for papers published in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and SciELO databases and included 161 articles. The search used the following search terms: "obesity", "obesity and genetics", "leptin", "Prader-Willi syndrome", and "melanocortins". The types of studies included were systematic reviews, clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, cross-sectional and prospective studies, narrative reviews, and case reports. RESULTS: The leptin-melanocortin pathway is primarily responsible for the regulation of appetite and body weight. However, several important aspects of the pathophysiology of obesity remain unknown. Genetic causes of obesity can be grouped into syndromic, monogenic, and polygenic causes and should be assessed in children with extreme obesity before the age of 5 years, hyperphagia, or a family history of extreme obesity. A microarray study, an analysis of the melanocortin type 4 receptor gene mutations and leptin levels should be performed for this purpose. There are three therapeutic levels: lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment, and bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic study technologies are in constant development; however, we are still far from having a personalized approach to genetic causes of obesity. A significant proportion of the affected individuals are associated with genetic causes; however, there are still barriers to its approach, as it continues to be underdiagnosed. Video Abstract (MP4 1041807 KB).

Ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity in oncological patients.

INTRODUCTION: Ifosfamide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of various neoplasms. Its main adverse effects include renal damage. AREAS COVERED: A comprehensive review was conducted, including 100 articles from the Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. Ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity is attributed to its toxic metabolites, such as acrolein and chloroacetaldehyde, which cause mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in renal tubular cells. Literature review found a 29-year average age with no gender predominance and a mortality of 13%. Currently, no fully effective strategy exists for preventing ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity; however, hydration, forced diuresis, and other interventions are employed to limit renal damage. Long-term renal function monitoring is essential for patients treated with ifosfamide. EXPERT OPINION: Ifosfamide remains essential in neoplasm treatment, but nephrotoxicity, often compounded by coadministered drugs, poses diagnostic challenges. Preventive strategies are lacking, necessitating further research. Identifying timely risk factors can mitigate renal damage, and a multidisciplinary approach manages established nephrotoxicity. Emerging therapies may reduce ifosfamide induced nephrotoxicity.

Ifosfamide is a type of chemotherapy used to treat different types of cancers. However, one of its main side effects is kidney damage. Researchers reviewed 100 articles from medical databases to understand how ifosfamide affects the kidneys. The kidney damage is caused by harmful substances produced when ifosfamide is broken down in the body. These substances can harm the cells in the kidneys. Studies have shown that 13% of the patients treated with ifosfamide can die. Currently, there is no perfect way to prevent kidney damage from ifosfamide, but doctors try to protect the kidneys by giving patients plenty of fluids and using other treatments, so it's important for patients who receive ifosfamide to have their kidney function checked regularly. Although ifosfamide is effective against cancer, its potential kidney side effects should be carefully considered by doctors when deciding on the best treatment for each patient.

From liver to hormones: The endocrine consequences of cirrhosis.

Hepatocrinology explores the intricate relationship between liver function and the endocrine system. Chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can cause endocrine disorders due to toxin accumulation and protein synthesis disruption. Despite its importance, assessing endocrine issues in cirrhotic patients is frequently neglected. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disturbances in liver cirrhosis. The review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scielo databases, encompassing 172 articles. Liver cirrhosis is associated with endocrine disturbances, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, sarcopenia, thyroid dysfunction, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, bone disease, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone dysfunction, and secondary hyperaldosteronism. The optimal tools for diagnosing diabetes and detecting hypoglycemia are the oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring system, respectively. Sarcopenia can be assessed through imaging and functional tests, while other endocrine disorders are evaluated using hormonal assays and imaging studies. Treatment options include metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, and insulin, which are effective and safe for diabetes control. Established standards are followed for managing hypoglycemia, and hormone replacement therapy is often necessary for other endocrine dysfunctions. Liver transplantation can address some of these problems.

Diagnostic Role of Tomography in Addison's Disease due to Adrenal Tuberculosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal tuberculosis remains the main cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in tuberculosis (TB)-prevalent regions. This case report details the presentation of PAI due to adrenal TB, where the etiological diagnosis involves Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT). CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old Peruvian woman with a history of TB contact displayed symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. PAI diagnosis was established, and CT imaging unveiled bilateral adrenal enlargement with calcifications. Treatment with prednisone and anti-TB therapy led to symptomatic improvement. Unfortunately, she succumbed to pneumonia after ten months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Adrenal TB must be considered in endemic regions and in the presence of a TB history. CT serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in settings with limited resources, revealing adrenal enlargement and calcifications. CONCLUSION: In patients with PAI, epidemiological history of TB, and when a rapid biopsy is not feasible, CT proves to be a valuable diagnostic method.

Cushing disease in pediatrics: an update.

Cushing disease (CD) is the main cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) and is produced by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary adenoma. Its relevance in pediatrics is due to the retardation of both growth and developmental processes because of hypercortisolism. In childhood, the main features of CS are facial changes, rapid or exaggerated weight gain, hirsutism, virilization, and acne. Endogenous hypercortisolism should be established after exogenous CS has been ruled out based on 24-hour urinary free cortisol, midnight serum or salivary cortisol, and dexamethasone suppression test; after that, ACTH dependence should be established. The diagnosis should be confirmed by pathology. The goal of treatment is to normalize cortisol level and reverse the signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery, medication, radiotherapy, or combined therapy. CD represents a challenge for physicians owing to its multiple associated conditions involving growth and pubertal development; thus, it is important to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment in order to control hypercortisolism and improve the prognosis. Its rarity in pediatric patients has led physicians to have limited experience in its management. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the current knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CD in the pediatric population.

Endocrine factors associated with infertility in women: an updated review.

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after unprotected sexual intercourse for at least 12 consecutive months. Our objective is to present an updated narrative review on the endocrine causes of infertility in women. AREAS COVERED: A comprehensive review was conducted using Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, comprising 245 articles. The pathophysiology of infertility in women was described, including endocrinopathies such as hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal disorders. The diagnostic approach was outlined, emphasizing the necessity of hormonal studies and ovarian response assessments. Additionally, the treatment plan was presented, commencing with non-pharmacological interventions, encompassing the adoption of a Mediterranean diet, vitamin supplementation, moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Subsequently, pharmacological treatment was discussed, focusing on the management of associated endocrine disorders and ovulatory dysfunction. EXPERT OPINION: This comprehensive review highlights the impact of endocrine disorders on fertility in women, providing diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. Despite remaining knowledge gaps that hinder more effective treatments, ongoing research and advancements show promise for improved fertility success rates within the next five years. Enhanced comprehension of the pathophysiology behind endocrine causes and the progress in genetic research will facilitate the delivery of personalized treatments, thus enhancing fertility rates.

Thyrotoxic Cardiomyopathy: State of the Art.

Thyroid hormones, mainly triiodothyronine, have genomic and non-genomic effects on cardiomyocytes related to the contractile function of the heart. Thyrotoxicosis, which is the set of signs and symptoms derived from the excess of circulating thyroid hormones, leads to increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance, increasing the volume of circulating blood and causing systolic hypertension. In addition, the shortening of the refractory period of cardiomyocytes produces sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. This leads to heart failure. Approximately 1% of patients with thyrotoxicosis develop thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy, a rare but potentially fatal form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy represents a diagnosis of exclusion, and prompt identification is crucial as it is a reversible cause of heart failure, and heart function can be recovered after achieving a euthyroid state using antithyroid drugs. Radioactive iodine therapy and surgery are not the best initial therapeutic approach. Moreover, it is important to manage cardiovascular symptoms, for which beta blockers are the first-line therapeutic option.

The Meta Salud Diabetes Implementation Study: Qualitative Methods to Assess Integration of a Health Promotion Intervention Into Primary Care to Reduce CVD Risk Among an Underserved Population With Diabetes in Sonora, Mexico.

Background: Within health promotion research, there is a need to assess strategies for integration and scale up in primary care settings. Hybrid interventions that combine clinical effectiveness trials with implementation studies can elicit important contextual information on facilitators and barriers to integration within a health care system. This article describes lessons learned in developing and implementing a qualitative study of a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with diabetes in Sonora, Mexico, 2015-2019. Methods:The research team worked cooperatively with health center personnel from 12 Centers that implemented the intervention. The study used observations, stakeholder meetings, case studies, staff interviews and decision maker interviews to explore issues such as staff capacity, authority, workflow, space, and conflicting priorities, as well as patients' response to the program within the clinical context and their immediate social environments. Applying a multi-layered contextual framework, two members of the research team coded an initial sample of the data to establish inclusion criteria for each contextual factor. The full team finalized definitions and identified sub nodes for the final codebook. Results: Characteristics of management, staffing, and the local environment were identified as essential to integration and eventual adoption and scale up across the health system. Issues included absence of standardized training and capacity building in chronic disease and health promotion, inadequate medical supplies, a need for program monitoring and feedback, and lack of interdisciplinary support for center staff. Lack of institutional support stemming from a curative vs. preventive approach to care was a barrier for health promotion efforts. Evolving analysis, interpretation, and discussion resulted in modifications of flexible aspects of the intervention to realities of the health center environment. Conclusion: This study illustrates that a robust and comprehensive qualitative study of contextual factors across a social ecological spectrum is critical to elucidating factors that will promote future adoption and scale up of health promotion programs in primary care. Application of conceptual frameworks and health behavior theory facilitates identification of facilitators and barriers across contexts. Trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02804698 Registered on June 17, 2016.

Meta Salud Diabetes study protocol: a cluster-randomised trial to reduce cardiovascular risk among a diabetic population of Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Northern Mexico has among the highest rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes in the world. This research addresses core gaps in implementation science to develop, test and scale-up CVD risk-reduction interventions in diabetics through a national primary care health system. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Meta Salud Diabetes (MSD) research project is a parallel two-arm cluster-randomised clinical behavioural trial based in 22 (n=22) health centres in Sonora, Mexico. MSD aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSD intervention for the secondary prevention of CVD risk factors among a diabetic population (n=320) compared with the study control of usual care. The MSD intervention consists of 2-hour class sessions delivered over a 13-week period providing educational information to encourage sustainable behavioural change to prevent disease complications including the adoption of physical activity. MSD is delivered within the context of Mexico's national primary care health centre system by health professionals, including nurses, physicians and community health workers via existing social support groups for individuals diagnosed with chronic disease. Mixed models are used to estimate the effect of MSD by comparing cardiovascular risk, as measured by the Framingham Risk Score, between the trial arms. Secondary outcomes include hypertension, behavioural risk factors and psychosocial factors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (1R01HL125996-01) and approved by the University of Arizona Research Institutional Review Board (Protocol 1508040144) and the Research Bioethics Committee at the University of Sonora. The first Internal Review Board approval date was 31 August 2015 with five subsequent approved amendments. This article refers to protocol V.0.2, dated 30 January 2017. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and presentation at international conferences and will be shared through meetings with health systems officials. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT0280469; Pre-results.

Medicinal plants used in rural communities from the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico / Plantas medicinales utilizadas en comunidades rurales del municipio de Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, México

This study recorded the use of medicinal plants in the rural communities from the municipality of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. Data were obtained through open semi-structured interviews with local respondents (n=181), and medicinal plants were recorded and identified in herbariums. The Relative importance (RI) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were calculated to analyze the survey data. In total, 68 plant species belonging to 33 families were reported. Asteraceae had the highest number of species, representing 14. The highest RI was accounted by Chamaemelum nobile (RI=2.0), followed by Thymus vulgaris (RI=1.83),and Moringa oleifera (RI= 1.60). The highest ICF was reported by diseases associated with the respiratory (ICF=0.80), digestive (ICF=0.75), and musculoskeletal systems including connective tissues (ICF= 0.71). Respondents have knowledge about medicinal plant use for primary health care and other chronic diseases. The information obtained here could be extrapolated to different rural areas in Mexico.

Este estudio registró el uso de plantas medicinales en las comunidades rurales del municipio de Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, México. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de entrevistas abiertas semiestructuradas con encuestados locales (n=181), y las plantas medicinales se registraron e identificaron en los herbarios. La importancia relativa (RI) y el factor de consenso del informante (ICF) se calcularon para analizar los datos de la encuesta. En total, se reportaron 68 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 33 familias. Asteraceae tuvo el mayor número de especies, representando 14. El RI más alto fue contabilizado por Chamaemelum nobile (RI = 2.0), seguido por Thymus vulgaris (RI = 1.83) y Moringa oleifera (RI = 1.60). La ICF más alta se informó por enfermedades asociadas con los sistemas respiratorio (ICF = 0,80), digestivo (ICF = 0,75) y musculoesquelético, incluidos los tejidos conectivos (ICF = 0,71). Los encuestados tienen conocimientos sobre el uso de plantas medicinales para la atención primaria de salud y otras enfermedades crónicas. La información aquí obtenida podría extrapolarse a diferentes zonas rurales de México.

[The agribusiness industry in northwestern Mexico and the health of female farmworkers: a proposal for study]. / El campo de la agroindustria en el noroeste de México y la salud de sus jornaleras: una propuesta de estudio.

This article seeks to outline the structure of the export-oriented agribusiness industry in northwestern Mexico, so as to analyze the conditions of vulnerability of female farmworkers in terms of their access to health services and the medical attention they receive. Using a qualitative approach, focus groups and interviews were carried out with farmworkers and subject experts pertaining to academia and civil society. Their narratives were then analyzed using Pierre Bourdieu's concept of field. The primary results demonstrate a lack of access to health services and social security, and describe the main actors and their positions with respect to the vulnerability of this population.

Tiempo de contagio de pacientes con SARS-CoV-2: un análisis a diez meses de la pandemia / Time of contagión of patients with SARS-CoV-2: Analysis at ten months of pandemic

RESUMEN Bajo las actuales circunstancias de la pandemia por COVID-19, y dada la posibilidad de colapso de los sistemas de salud debido al aumento de contagios a nivel mundial, es necesario establecer el tiempo en el que un paciente infectado con SARS-CoV-2 mantiene la condición de contagiante. Determinar con mayor precisión la fase de transmisibilidad del agente infeccioso servirá para estandarizar el periodo de aislamiento del paciente y evitará la diseminación del virus a nivel comunitario y su reincorporación a la actividad laboral de forma segura. Mediante pruebas moleculares se ha establecido que el ARN viral es detectable en el tracto respiratorio desde 2 a 3 días antes de la manifestación de síntomas; alcanza su máximo nivel al inicio de los síntomas y disminuye progresivamente en los siguientes 7 u 8 días en la mayoría de pacientes. Sin embargo, la detección persistente del ARN viral mediante RT-PCR no necesariamente significa que el paciente conserve su capacidad infectante. Se ha reportado que en casos leves y moderados de COVID-19, la capacidad replicativa del virus perdura hasta el día 9 desde el inicio de síntomas, mientras que, en casos severos y críticos, se prolonga hasta el día 20 desde la aparición de síntomas. Actualmente, las estrategias propuestas por la OMS y los CDC para definir el tiempo de aislamiento de los contagiados se basan en el tiempo de manifestación de síntomas y la evolución clínica del paciente.

ABSTRACT Under the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and given the possibility of collapse of health systems due to the increase in infections worldwide, it is necessary to establish the time in which a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 maintains the contagious condition. Determining the infectious agent's transmissibility phase with greater precision will serve to standardize the isolation period of the patient and will prevent the spread of the virus at the community level and its safe return to work. Through molecular tests it has been established that viral RNA is detectable in the respiratory tract from 2 to 3 days before the manifestation of symptoms, reaching its maximum level at the onset of symptoms and decreasing progressively in the following 7 or 8 days in most of patients. However, persistent detection of viral RNA by RT-PCR does not necessarily mean that the patient remains infectious. It has been reported that in mild and moderate cases of COVID-19, the replicative capacity of the virus lasts until day 9 from the onset of symptoms, while, in severe and critical cases, it lasts until day 20 from the onset of symptoms. Currently, the strategies proposed by the WHO and the CDC to define the isolation time of those infected are based on the time of manifestation of symptoms and the clinical evolution of the patient.

Contribución del personal de salud en la implementación del programa Meta Salud Diabetes en el norte de México / Contribution of health personnel in the implementation of the Meta Salud Diabetes program in northern Mexico / Contribuição do pessoal de saúde na implementação do programa Meta Salud Diabetes no norte do México / Contribution du personnel de santé à la mise en œuvre du programme Meta Salud Diabetes dans le nord du Mexique

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar facilitadores y obstáculos en la implementación del programa Meta Salud Diabetes, una intervención educativa diseñada para disminuir el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares en personas con diabetes, que participan en Grupos de Ayuda Mutua de la Secretaría de Salud, en el norte de México. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte cualitativo. A partir de la Teoría del Proceso de Normalización, en particular del constructo de contribución, se analiza la información que da cuenta de la experiencia del personal encargado de la implementación del programa, en cuatro centros de salud seleccionados para este trabajo. Las fuentes constan de bitácoras de contacto con las encargadas de los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua, relatorías de reuniones de retroalimentación con éstas, diarios de campo de la observación no participante de las sesiones de Meta Salud Diabetes y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Resultados: Meta Salud Diabetes pudo ser implementado durante 13 semanas, en los centros de salud que participaron en el estudio. Quienes lo facilitaron, reconocieron su utilidad como un modelo educativo para mejorar las prácticas de autocuidado en las personas con diabetes. Se documentó que el acompañamiento institucional es muy importante para la implementación del programa. Conclusiones: Para la implementación del programa en el futuro, se requiere la asignación sistemática de recursos a los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua, el reconocimiento del trabajo de quienes los coordinan, la mejora en los procesos de supervisión, la contratación de más personal y la colaboración de diferentes profesionales de la salud. El enfoque de la Teoría del Proceso de Normalización para el análisis de la contribución de los agentes, permitió identificar los factores que facilitaron u obstaculizaron la implementación de Meta Salud Diabetes en los casos estudiados. Una limitación de este tipo de investigaciones es la dificultad de aislar el impacto que tienen en los diferentes agentes.

Abstract Objective: Identify facilitators and barriers to implementing Meta Salud Diabetes program, an educational intervention designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes who participate in Grupos de Ayuda Mutua [Self-help groups] organized by the Ministry of Health in northern Mexico. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study based on Normalization Process Theory, mainly the "contribution" construct, which analyzes information describing the experience of health personnel in charge of implementing the intervention in four health care centers selected for this article. Data sources include contact logs with Grupos de Ayuda Mutua facilitators and reports from feedback meetings, field notes from non-participant observation of the Meta Salud Diabetes sessions and semi-structured interviews. Results: Meta Salud Diabetes was succesfully implemented for 13 weeks in the health care centers selected for this study. Facilitators recognized its usefulness as an educational model that improves the self-care practices of people with diabetes. The importance of institutional support for the implementation of Meta Salud Diabetes was also documented. Conclusions: Future implementation of the program requires the systematic allocation of resources to the Grupos de Ayuda Mutua, recognition of the work of those who coordinate them, improvement of supervision processes, employing of more staff and collaboration between different health professionals. Using Normalization Process Theory to analyze agentic contribution allowed us to identify the factors that facilitated or hindered the implementation of Meta Salud Diabetes in the studied groups. However, a limitation of this type of study is the difficulty of isolating the specific impact on different agents.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar facilitadores e obstáculos na implementação do programa Meta Salud Diabetes, uma intervenção educacional destinada a reduzir o risco de doença cardiovascular em pessoas com diabetes que participam de Grupos de Ajuda Mútua do Ministério da Saúde no norte do México. Materiais e métodos: Estudo qualitativo baseado na Teoria do Processo de Normalização, particularmente no construto "contribuição", são analisadas informações que explicam a experiência do equipe na implementação e coordenação do programa em quatro centros de saúde selecionados para este trabalho. As fontes de informação incluem registros de contatos com os funcionarios dos Grupos de Ajuda Mútua, relatórios sobre reuniões de feedback com eles, jornais de observação de campo não participante das sessões de Meta Salud Diabetes e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Resultados: Meta Salud Diabetes pôde ser implementado por 13 semanas nos centros de saúde que participaram do estudo. Os facilitadores reconheceram sua utilidade como um modelo educacional que aprimora as práticas de autocuidado para pessoas com diabetes. A importância do apoio institucional para a implementação da Meta Salud Diabetes foi documentada. Conclusões: Para a implementação do programa no futuro, é necessária a alocação sistemática de recursos aos Grupos de Ajuda Mútua, o reconhecimento do trabalho daqueles que os coordenam, a melhoria dos processos de supervisão, a contratação de mais pessoal e a colaboração de diferentes profissionais de saúde. A abordagem da Teoria do Processo de Normalização para analisar a contribuição dos agentes, permitiu identificar os fatores que facilitaram ou dificultaram a implementação do Meta Salud Diabetes nos casos estudados. Uma limitação desse tipo de pesquisa é a dificuldade de isolar o impacto que eles têm sobre diferentes agentes.

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[SUCCESSFUL HANDLING OF HEMORRHAGES DUE TO JEJUNALVARICEAL VEIN WITH SCLEROTHERAPY AND ENDOLIGATURE: A REPORT ON ONE CASE] / Manejo exitoso de hemorragia por váriceyeyunal con escleroterapia y endoligadura: Reporte de un caso.

A case of jejunal bleeding is reported. A 68-year-o1d man, who suffered previous gastrectomy and sclerotherapy for esophageal varices presented jejunal variceal bleeding. These varices were sclered and banded with good results.

El campo de la agroindustria en el noroeste de México y la salud de sus jornaleras: una propuesta de estudio / The agribusiness industry in northwestern Mexico and the health of female farmworkers: a proposal for study

RESUMEN El artículo busca delinear cómo se conforma el campo de la agroindustria de exportación en el noroeste de México, con el propósito de analizar las condiciones de vulnerabilidad de las jornaleras agrícolas, respecto al acceso a los servicios de salud y a la atención médica que reciben. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, se realizaron grupos focales con las jornaleras y entrevistas con expertos en el tema, tanto de la academia como del ámbito de la sociedad civil, cuyos relatos se analizan a partir del concepto de campo de Pierre Bourdieu. Los resultados muestran la falta de acceso a los servicios de salud y a la seguridad social, y describen a los principales agentes y sus posicionamientos frente a la vulnerabilidad de esta población.

ABSTRACT This article seeks to outline the structure of the export-oriented agribusiness industry in northwestern Mexico, so as to analyze the conditions of vulnerability of female farmworkers in terms of their access to health services and the medical attention they receive. Using a qualitative approach, focus groups and interviews were carried out with farmworkers and subject experts pertaining to academia and civil society. Their narratives were then analyzed using Pierre Bourdieu's concept of field. The primary results demonstrate a lack of access to health services and social security, and describe the main actors and their positions with respect to the vulnerability of this population.

Análisis con perspectiva de género sobre percepción y prácticas en enfermedad coronaria en mujeres en el norte de México / A gender perspective analysis of perception and practices in coronary disease in women from northern México

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la percepción de riesgo coronario y prácticas de cuidados de un grupo de mujeres mexicanas, desde una perspectiva de género. Material y métodos: Estudio realizado de septiembre de 2013 a diciembre de 2014 en el estado de Sonora, México. Diseño mixto: encuesta a 140 mujeres. Análisis: contraste de proporciones; nueve entrevistas en profundidad a mujeres con enfermedad coronaria; ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos. Aplicación de técnicas de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: Más de 50% desconoce su riesgo y cómo reducirlo. Mujeres informadas vulnerables con dolor de pecho buscan menos atención médica que las no vulnerables p=0.01 y son responsabilizadas por parte del personal médico sobre su enfermedad. Las mujeres consideran que están desinformadas sobre cómo reducir el riesgo de enfermedad coronaria; sin embargo, se culpabilizan por enfermar. Conclusiones: Las condiciones de vulnerabilidad de las mujeres modulan una baja percepción de riesgo coronario y mínimas prácticas de cuidados.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the perception of coronary risk and health care practices in a group of Mexican women, from a gendered perspective. Materials and methods: Mixed methods: survey of 140 women; nine in-depth interviews to women with coronary disease; eight semi-structured interviews to physicians. Analysis: proportions contrast for quantitative data; and procedures of grounded theory for qualitative information. Results: More than 50% of women don't know their coronary risk and how to reduce it. Despite having information about heart disease, vulnerable women with chest pain sought medical attendance less than non-vulnerable women (p=0.0l); and are blamed by physicians. Women consider they lack sufficient information about how to reduce the risk of coronary disease, and blame themselves when ill. Conclusions: There are vulnerability conditions in women that modulate a low perception of their being at risk, and the scarcity of health care practices.

Uso de mapas conceptuales como instrumento de evaluación del aprendizaje en estudiantes de odontología / Using concept maps as an evaluation tool of learning in dentistry students

Objetivo. Determinar si los mapas conceptuales pueden ser utilizados en forma eficaz, en la evaluación del aprendizaje de periodoncia. Material y métodos. La muestra estuvo conformada por 104 estudiantes, del quinto ciclo, de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de San Martín de Porres, de ambos sexos y con edades entre 19 y 24 años. Los estudiantes recibieron clases teóricas cuyos contenidos correspondían a una técnica quirúrgica periodontal, paralelamente fueron capacitados en la elaboración de mapas conceptuales. La muestra fue dividida en dos grupos, el primero resolvió pruebas con mapas conceptuales para completar conceptos en los nodos. Seguidamente debía resolver otra prueba con mapas conceptuales para completar información de los enlaces. El segundo grupo desarrolló pruebas objetivas referidas al mismo tema. Resultados. Se encontró que el promedio de la calificación obtenida en las pruebas objetivas fue similar al promedio de la calificación con mapas conceptuales para completar conceptos (p = 0.451) y enlaces (p = 0.99); sin embargo se observó diferencias al comparar el promedio obtenido en la calificación de los mapas conceptuales de completamiento de enlaces con los de completamiento de conceptos (p= 0.0001). Conclusiones. Los hallazgos sugieren que los mapas conceptuales son una buena elección para ser utilizados como instrumentos de evaluación del aprendizaje de periodoncia.

Objective. To determine whether concept maps can be used effectively to the assessment of learning periodontics. Material and methods. The sample consisted of 104 students, the fifth cycle, the Faculty of Dentistry, University of San Martín de Porres, both sex, aged between 19 and 24 years. The students received lectures whose content corresponded to a periodontal surgical technique, in parallel were trained in the concept mapping. The sample was divided into two groups, first met the tests to complete concept maps concepts at nodes. Then had to solve another test with concept maps for complete information links. The second group developed objective test on the same subject Results. It was found that the average grade obtained in the objective tests was similar to the average rating with concepts to complete concept maps (p = 0.451) and links (p = 0.99) but differences were observed when comparing the average obtained in the classification of concept maps for completion of links to the concept of completion (p = 0.0001). Conclusions. The findings suggested that concept maps may be a good choice as assessment tools of periodontic learning.