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Aim: the activity of patent claims by Mexican pharmaceutical companies is unknown. Objective: analyse the trend in patents of Mexican pharmaceutical companies. Method: a search for patents was carried out in the patent database of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, using the list of Mexican pharmaceutical companies belonging to the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries, and the codes A61K, A61P and C07 of the International Patent Classification. Results: the leading companies in patent applications were Liomont, Senosiain and RIMSA; however, Mexican pharmaceutical companies claim very few patents, only 266 patent applications in the period 2000-2020, with a technological factor with a value of zero, and a commercial factor of little value. Conclusion: Mexican pharmaceutical companies lack a robust patent system, without growth, and with a low percentage of patents with high commercial value.

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Despite the great scientific effort, there are still some aspects of a polymeric membrane-based fuel cell (PEMFC) operation that are difficult to access experimentally. This is the case of the so-called triple-phase boundary (TPB), where the ionomer (commonly Nafion) interacts with the supported nanocatalyst (commonly Pt) and is key to the catalytic activity of the system. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical experiments on a Nafion/Pt/C system. We perform a systematic analysis, at an atomistic level, to evaluate the effect of several fundamental factors and their intercorrelation on the electrochemically active area (ECSA) of the catalysts. Our results reveal that at high Nafion contents, the catalyst utilization is affected due to the strong interaction between the sulfonic groups of the ionomer and the surface of the Pt nanoparticles (NPs). On the other hand, when the hydration level of the membrane decreases, the sulfonic groups have a greater occupation on the NP surface, covering the active area with hydrophobic Nafion chains and therefore increasing the inactive area. Voltammograms can corroborate our calculations. Overall, this investigation allows us to rationalize how the catalyst utilization is affected, which is an important step in establishing the relationship between the environment and the effectiveness and durability of the PEMFC system.

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Biodegradable alternatives for the control of Aspergillus flavus in fig fruit were tested with the application of coatings based on chitosan (CS) and propolis (P). To potentiate the fungicidal effect, nanoparticles of these two (CSNPs and PNPs) were also considered. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effect of different formulations on: (a) the ripening process of the fig, (b) the incidence of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxins, and (c) the acceptance of the treated fruit by a panel. The nanostructured coatings did not influence the ripening process of the fruit during the 12 days of storage, however, the antioxidant activity increased by approximately 30% with the coating CS + PNPs + P. The figs treated with CS + CSNPs + PNPs + P, inhibited the growth of the fungus by about 20% to 30% under laboratory and semi-commercial conditions. For all treatments, the aflatoxin production was lower than 20 ppb compared to the control with values of c.a. 250 ppb. The sensory quality was acceptable among the panel. The edible coatings can be a non-toxic alternative for post-harvest preservation and the consumption of fig fruit. The next step will be its inclusion and evaluation at a commercial level in packing houses.

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INTRODUCTION: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resins are used to make dentures for edentulous patients. OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of Candida species in patients with and without removable prostheses from a dental clinic in León, Guanajuato, as well as to assess the antifungal effect and biological behavior of an experimental PMMA with silver nanoparticles for its possible application in prostheses. METHOD: To identify Candida species, smear samples were obtained from the palatal mucosa of 140 patients aged ≥ 60 years. The experimental PMMA with silver nnoparticles was placed in Candida albicans cultures, which were stained with the Live/Dead® kit for analysis under confocal microscopy; subsequently, it was implanted in Wistar rats in order to know its behavior in the surrounding tissues. RESULTS: Candida albicans was the most prevalent species in the evaluated patients, followed by Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei. The acrylic resin with silver nanoparticles significantly decreased the presence of Candida albicans. In the animal model, a discrete and controlled inflammatory reaction was found, which indicated biocompatibility of the acrylic resin that was used. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible for the nanostructured material with antifungal effect to be used in order to promote the reduction of oral Candida infections in edentulous patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las resinas acrílicas de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) son utilizadas para elaborar dentaduras para pacientes edéntulos. OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia de las especies de Candida en pacientes con y sin prótesis removibles de una clínica de odontología en León, Guanajuato; así como valorar el efecto antifúngico y el comportamiento biológico de un PMMA experimental con nanopartículas de plata para su posible aplicación en prótesis. MÉTODO: Para identificar las especies de Candida se obtuvieron muestras para frotis de la mucosa palatina de 140 pacientes con edad ≥ 60 años. El PMMA experimental con nanopartículas de plata fue colocado en cultivos de Candida albicans, los cuales fueron teñidos con el kit Live/Dead® para su análisis bajo microscopia confocal; posteriormente, se implantó en ratas Wistar para conocer su comportamiento en los tejidos circundantes. RESULTADOS: Candida albicans fue la especie más prevalente en los pacientes valorados, seguida de Candida tropicalis y Candida krusei. La resina acrílica con nanopartículas de plata disminuyó significativamente la presencia de Candida albicans. En el modelo animal se encontró reacción inflamatoria discreta y controlada, lo cual indicó la biocompatibilidad de la resina acrílica utilizada. CONCLUSIONES: Es posible utilizar el material nanoestructurado con efecto antifúngico para promover la reducción de infecciones orales por Candida en pacientes edéntulos.

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General anesthetics are crucial drugs for surgical interventions, which are indicated to induce analgesia, diminish pain, and reduce anxiety in order to facilitate invasive procedures. In pediatric patients, benefits of general anesthetics also include abolishment of motility. Besides their probed benefits on surgery, the recent warning of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the use of general anesthetics in children yielded a controversy on their potential neurotoxic effects. In this review, the main facts of the cerebral development are studied, and the available evidence concerning the use of general anesthesia on the neuropsychological development of children is analyzed. Most of the studies found were uncontrolled retrospective cohorts for which conclusions are difficult to obtain. However, a few group of controlled studies, including the Mayo Anesthesia Safety in Kids study (MASK), have partially supported the FDA warning. Cumulated evidence appears to support the safety use of general anesthetics, but no conclusive data supporting that it may induce massive effects on the cognitive development of exposed children has been reported. Important evidence suggests that specific cognitive functions may result altered under long-term expositions. Such data must be considered for those involved in anesthetic procedures.

La anestesia general es una herramienta imprescindible para el proceso quirúrgico, ya que disminuye el dolor, reduce la ansiedad y genera inconsciencia. Sin ella, las cirugías serían dolorosas, riesgosas y emocionalmente traumáticas. La reciente emisión de una alerta sobre el uso de fármacos anestésicos en niños menores de 3 años por parte de la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) de los Estados Unidos generó controversia en torno a sus posibles efectos negativos. En este artículo se abordan los principales hitos del desarrollo neurobiológico del niño y se revisan las posibles consecuencias neuropsicológicas del uso de anestesia general en esta población. La mayoría de los reportes que abordan este tema son de tipo retrospectivo y arrojan resultados controversiales por sus inherentes dificultades metodológicas. Sin embargo, el estudio prospectivo sobre seguridad del uso de anestesia general en niños de la Clínica Mayo (MASK, Mayo Anesthesia Safety in Kids), junto con otros estudios a gran escala, han confirmado algunos datos obtenidos en los estudios experimentales que dieron sustento a la alerta emitida por la FDA. Así, las evidencias hasta ahora publicadas sugieren que el uso de anestesia general es seguro para el desarrollo cognitivo general del niño, aunque evidencian también alteraciones focalizadas en procesos cognitivos específicos que deben ser consideradas por el médico y la familia ante un procedimiento quirúrgico-anestésico.

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Resumen La anestesia general es una herramienta imprescindible para el proceso quirúrgico, ya que disminuye el dolor, reduce la ansiedad y genera inconsciencia. Sin ella, las cirugías serían dolorosas, riesgosas y emocionalmente traumáticas. La reciente emisión de una alerta sobre el uso de fármacos anestésicos en niños menores de 3 años por parte de la Food and Drug Administration (FDA) de los Estados Unidos generó controversia en torno a sus posibles efectos negativos. En este artículo se abordan los principales hitos del desarrollo neurobiológico del niño y se revisan las posibles consecuencias neuropsicológicas del uso de anestesia general en esta población. La mayoría de los reportes que abordan este tema son de tipo retrospectivo y arrojan resultados controversiales por sus inherentes dificultades metodológicas. Sin embargo, el estudio prospectivo sobre seguridad del uso de anestesia general en niños de la Clínica Mayo (MASK, Mayo Anesthesia Safety in Kids), junto con otros estudios a gran escala, han confirmado algunos datos obtenidos en los estudios experimentales que dieron sustento a la alerta emitida por la FDA. Así, las evidencias hasta ahora publicadas sugieren que el uso de anestesia general es seguro para el desarrollo cognitivo general del niño, aunque evidencian también alteraciones focalizadas en procesos cognitivos específicos que deben ser consideradas por el médico y la familia ante un procedimiento quirúrgico-anestésico.

Abstract General anesthetics are crucial drugs for surgical interventions, which are indicated to induce analgesia, diminish pain, and reduce anxiety in order to facilitate invasive procedures. In pediatric patients, benefits of general anesthetics also include abolishment of motility. Besides their probed benefits on surgery, the recent warning of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the use of general anesthetics in children yielded a controversy on their potential neurotoxic effects. In this review, the main facts of the cerebral development are studied, and the available evidence concerning the use of general anesthesia on the neuropsychological development of children is analyzed. Most of the studies found were uncontrolled retrospective cohorts for which conclusions are difficult to obtain. However, a few group of controlled studies, including the Mayo Anesthesia Safety in Kids study (MASK), have partially supported the FDA warning. Cumulated evidence appears to support the safety use of general anesthetics, but no conclusive data supporting that it may induce massive effects on the cognitive development of exposed children has been reported. Important evidence suggests that specific cognitive functions may result altered under long-term expositions. Such data must be considered for those involved in anesthetic procedures.

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OBJECTIVES: To describe the mechanisms of implementation of Zika virus diagnosis, prevention, and management guidelines in Colombia, and to characterize their influence on efforts to defend sexual and reproductive rights. METHODS: A qualitative study performed between February and April 2018 in three municipalities in Colombia. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews and five focus groups with key informants who played a role during the epidemic. These included decision-makers, program coordinators, healthcare providers, pregnant women diagnosed with Zika virus, and members of affected communities. RESULTS: We identified barriers to and facilitators for the implementation of the national Zika virus response plan. Barriers included a lack of coordination between vector control efforts and in the realms of sexual and reproductive rights. Facilitators included healthcare providers' response to the epidemic, the development of technical skills, and the establishment of coordination and referral networks across different institutions. CONCLUSION: A multidimensional approach that considers healthcare services, gender issues, and the environment is crucial. We highlight the epidemic's effects on women's sexual and reproductive rights, mainly related to inequalities in sexual and reproductive health such as the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable women.

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ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nonsyndromic congenital sensorineural hearing loss at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia, and to describe the risk factors associated with this condition. Materials and Methods A prospective, observational cross-sectional study with bivariate analysis was conducted. A three-phase process using the Otoacoustic Emissions test screened all live newborns between June 2013 and June 2014. Negative cases were confirmed by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response test. Results A total of 962 newborns were screened with Otoacoustic Emissions test bilaterally: 401 males (46.36%), 464 females (53.64%). The mean weight was 2 798.10 g (95%CI: 2 766.51 - 2 839.76). The mean height was 48.60 cm (95%CI: 48.38 - 48.79). The mean age was 16.24 days (95%CI: 15.47 - 17.01). The mean maternal age was 27.37 years (95%CI: 26.76 - 27.98). There was a family history of hearing loss in 9.48% of the cases (n=90), and a family history of genetic diseases in 100 cases (10.56%). There were 14 cases of TORCH infections (1.45%), 375 admissions to the NICU (39.06%), 160 cases of neonatal jaundice (20.1%), and 79 cases of postpartum infections (8.21%). One live newborn presented with microtia. Conclusions The prevalence of congenital sensorineural hearing loss was 0.31% in both ears, and 0.11% in one ear. Currently, Colombia lacks a public universal newborn hearing screening program, and its future implementation faces great challenges.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivos Este estudio busca determinar la prevalencia de la hipoacusia neurosensorial congénita no sindrómica en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio de Bogotá, Colombia, y describir sus factores de riesgo. Materiales y Métodos Estudio observacional, transversal y prospectivo con análisis bivariado. Todos los nacidos vivos entre junio de 2013 y junio de 2014 fueron tamizados con Emisiones Otoacusticas. Los casos negativos fueron confirmados con Potenciales Evocados Auditivos de Tronco Cerebral. Resultados Un total de 962 neonatos fueron tamizados de forma bilateral con Emisiones Otoacústicas: 401 de sexo masculino (46,36%) y 464 de sexo femenino (53,64%). El peso promedio fue de 2 798,10 g (IC95%: 2 766,51 - 2 839,76). La talla promedio fue de 48.60 cm (IC95%: 48,38 - 48,79). La edad promedio fue de 16,24 días (IC95%: 15,47 -17,01). La edad materna promedio fue de 27,37 años (IC95%: 26,76 - 27,98). Se encontró historia familiar de hipoacusia en 9.48% de los casos (n=90) e historia familiar de enfermedades genéticas en 100 casos (10,56%). Hubo 14 casos de infecciones por TORCH (1,45%), 375 admisiones a la UCI Neonatal (39,06%), 160 casos de ictericia neonatal (20,1%) y 79 casos de infecciones postnatales (8,21%). Un nacido vivo presentó microtia. Conclusiones Se encontró una prevalencia de hipoacusia neurosensorial congénita del 0,31% en ambos oídos y de 0,11% en un oído. Actualmente Colombia carece de un programa nacional de tamización de hipoacusia neonatal, y su futura implementación conlleva grandes retos.(AU)

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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nonsyndromic congenital sensorineural hearing loss at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia, and to describe the risk factors associated with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational cross-sectional study with bivariate analysis was conducted. A three-phase process using the Otoacoustic Emissions test screened all live newborns between June 2013 and June 2014. Negative cases were confirmed by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response test. RESULTS: A total of 962 newborns were screened with Otoacoustic Emissions test bilaterally: 401 males (46.36%), 464 females (53.64%). The mean weight was 2 798.10 g (95%CI: 2 766.51 - 2 839.76). The mean height was 48.60 cm (95%CI: 48.38 - 48.79). The mean age was 16.24 days (95%CI: 15.47 - 17.01). The mean maternal age was 27.37 years (95%CI: 26.76 - 27.98). There was a family history of hearing loss in 9.48% of the cases (n=90), and a family history of genetic diseases in 100 cases (10.56%). There were 14 cases of TORCH infections (1.45%), 375 admissions to the NICU (39.06%), 160 cases of neonatal jaundice (20.1%), and 79 cases of postpartum infections (8.21%). One live newborn presented with microtia. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of congenital sensorineural hearing loss was 0.31% in both ears, and 0.11% in one ear. Currently, Colombia lacks a public universal newborn hearing screening program, and its future implementation faces great challenges.

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Ramirez-Sandoval, Juan C., Maria F. Castilla-Peón, José Gotés-Palazuelos, Juan C. Vázquez-García, Michael P. Wagner, Carlos A. Merelo-Arias, Olynka Vega-Vega, Rodolfo Rincón-Pedrero, and Ricardo Correa-Rotter. Bicarbonate values for healthy residents living in cities above 1500 m of altitude: a theoretical model and systematic review. High Alt Med Biol. 17:85-92, 2016.-Plasma bicarbonate (HCO3(-)) concentration is the main value used to assess the metabolic component of the acid-base status. There is limited information regarding plasma HCO3(-) values adjusted for altitude for people living in cities at high altitude defined as 1500 m (4921 ft) or more above sea level. Our aim was to estimate the plasma HCO3(-) concentration in residents of cities at these altitudes using a theoretical model and compare these values with HCO3(-) values found on a systematic review, and with those venous CO2 values obtained in a sample of 633 healthy individuals living at an altitude of 2240 m (7350 ft). We calculated the PCO2 using linear regression models and calculated plasma HCO3(-) according to the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Results show that HCO3(-) concentration falls as the altitude of the cities increase. For each 1000 m of altitude above sea level, HCO3(-) decreases to 0.55 and 1.5 mEq/L in subjects living at sea level with acute exposure to altitude and in subjects acclimatized to altitude, respectively. Estimated HCO3(-) values from the theoretical model were not different to HCO3(-) values found in publications of a systematic review or with venous total CO2 measurements in our sample. Altitude has to be taken into consideration in the calculation of HCO3(-) concentrations in cities above 1500 m to avoid an overdiagnosis of acid-base disorders in a given individual.

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In this work a refractive index sensor based on a combination of the non-dispersive sensing (NDS) and the Tunable Laser Spectroscopy (TLS) principles is presented. Here, in order to have one reference and one measurement channel a single-beam dual-path configuration is used for implementing the NDS principle. These channels are monitored with a couple of identical optical detectors which are correlated to calculate the overall sensor response, called here the depth of modulation. It is shown that this is useful to minimize drifting errors due to source power variations. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of a refractive index sensing setup, based on an intrinsic micro Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) is described. Here, the changes over the FPI pattern as the exit refractive index is varied are analytically modelled by using the characteristic matrix method. Additionally, our simulated results are supported by experimental measurements which are also provided. Finally it is shown that by using this principle a simple refractive index sensor with a resolution in the order of 2.15 × 10(-4) RIU can be implemented by using a couple of standard and low cost photodetectors.

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Colombia a dos años de cumplirse la fecha establecida para el alcance de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio (ODM), ha logrado un descenso progresivo en las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino durante el decenio 2000 - 2010. En este período, la tasa de mortalidad descendió significativamente para las mujeres de todas las edades (11,4% en 1998 - 6,9 en 2011, meta a 2015: 6,8%) y aumentó la proporción de casos in situ detectados oportunamente (63,31% en 2012). Colombia asumió el cáncer como un problema de salud pública y logró posicionarlo en la agenda pública. De igual forma, el cambio en el conocimiento y el autocuidado de la población, dieron como resultado un aumento en el pronóstico de las pacientes. A pesar de estos avances, el país continúa concentrando esfuerzos en reducir tasas de incidencia y mortalidad, aumentar los niveles de tecnología y promover mayor desarrollo en las regiones, mejorar sustancialmente el derecho de las mujeres a ser protegidos contra esta enfermedad, a través de acceso sin barreras a los programas de tamización y tratamientos del cáncer de cuello uterino. Y finalmente, la inclusión más amplia de la vacuna contra el VPH con intervalo de cada 5 años, y que tiene un mayor potencial, especialmente entre las mujeres más jóvenes. La pregunta clave hoy en día es cómo acelerar ese ritmo de progreso en otros indicadores ODM para 2015, y ofrecer suficientes ejemplos de estrategias eficaces y adecuadas, y proporcionar experiencias en un contexto latinoamericano.

Two years before the deadline set for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Colombia is experiencing a steady decline in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer during the 2000-2010 decade. During this time, the mortality rate decreased significantly for women of all ages (11.4% in 1998 - 6.9 in 2011; goal for 2015: 6.8%) and the ratio of in-situ cases detected in time increased (63.31% in 2012). Colombia perceives cancer as a public health problem and managed to include it in the public agenda. Similarly, the changes in the population's knowledge and self-care practices resulted in increased prognosis among patients. In spite of these advances, the Country continues focusing its efforts on reducing incidence and mortality rates, increasing levels of technology, promoting further development in the regions and substantially improving woman's right to be protected against this disease via full access to screening programs and treatments for cervical cancer. Finally, the Country also focuses on wider inclusion of the HPV vaccine with an interval of 5 years, as it has more potential, especially for younger women. The main question today is how to accelerate this progress for other MDG indicators by 2015 and how to provide enough examples of effective and appropriate strategies along with evidence of experiences in a Latin American context.

Colômbia a dois anos de cumprir-se o prazo estabelecido para a consecução dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio (ODM), tem conseguido uma diminuição progressiva nas taxas de incidência e mortalidade por câncer de colo do útero durante o decênio 2000 - 2010. Neste período, a taxa de mortalidade diminuiu expressivamente para as mulheres de todas as idades (11,4% em 1998 - 6,9 em 2011, meta a 2015:) 6,8%) e aumentou a proporção de casos in situ detectados oportunamente (63,31% em 2012). A Colômbia assumiu o câncer como um problema de saúde pública e conseguiu posicioná-lo na agenda pública.Da mesma maneira, a mudança no conhecimento e autocuidado da população, tiveram como resultado um aumento no prognóstico das pacientes. A pesar destes avanços, o país continua reunindo esforços para reduzir as taxas de incidência e mortalidade, aumentar os níveis de tecnologia e promover maior desenvolvimento nas regiões, melhorar substancialmente o direito das mulheres a serem protegidas contra esta doença, através do acesso sem obstáculos aos programas de peneiração e tratamento do câncer de colo do útero.E finalmente, a inclusão mais ampla da vacina contra o HPV com intervalo de cada 5 anos, e que tem um maior potencial, especialmente entre as mulheres mais jovens. A pergunta chave na atualidade é como acelerar esse ritmo de progresso em outros indicadores ODM para 2015, e oferecer suficientes exemplos de estratégias eficazes e adequadas, e fornecer experiências em um contexto latino-americano.

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Robust temporal and spatial patterns of cell types emerge in the course of normal development in multicellular organisms. The onset of degenerative diseases may result from altered cell fate decisions that give rise to pathological phenotypes. Complex networks of genetic and non-genetic components underlie such normal and altered morphogenetic patterns. Here we focus on the networks of regulatory interactions involved in cell-fate decisions. Such networks modeled as dynamical non-linear systems attain particular stable configurations on gene activity that have been interpreted as cell-fate states. The network structure also restricts the most probable transition patterns among such states. The so-called Epigenetic Landscape (EL), originally proposed by C. H. Waddington, was an early attempt to conceptually explain the emergence of developmental choices as the result of intrinsic constraints (regulatory interactions) shaped during evolution. Thanks to the wealth of molecular genetic and genomic studies, we are now able to postulate gene regulatory networks (GRN) grounded on experimental data, and to derive EL models for specific cases. This, in turn, has motivated several mathematical and computational modeling approaches inspired by the EL concept, that may be useful tools to understand and predict cell-fate decisions and emerging patterns. In order to distinguish between the classical metaphorical EL proposal of Waddington, we refer to the Epigenetic Attractors Landscape (EAL), a proposal that is formally framed in the context of GRNs and dynamical systems theory. In this review we discuss recent EAL modeling strategies, their conceptual basis and their application in studying the emergence of both normal and pathological developmental processes. In addition, we discuss how model predictions can shed light into rational strategies for cell fate regulation, and we point to challenges ahead.

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In this work an Intrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (IFPI) based on an air-microcavity is presented. Here the air microcavity, with silica walls, is formed at a segment of a hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF), which is fusion spliced with a single mode fiber (SMF). Moreover, the spectral response of the IFPI is experimentally characterized and some results are provided. Finally, the viability to use the IFPI to implement a simple, compact size, and low cost refractive index sensor is briefly analyzed.

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A compact high temperature fiber sensor where the sensor head consists of a short fattened long period fiber grating (F-LPFG) of at least 2 mm in length and background loss of -5 dBm is reported. On purpose two different F-LPFGs were used to measure temperature variations, taking advantage of their broad spectrum and the slope characteristics of the erbium light source. This approach affected the spectrum gain as the linear band shifting took place. The measured sensitivity of the long period fiber gratings were about 72 pm/°C in a range from 25 to 500 °C. Here, the temperature rate of the experiment was 0.17 °C/s and the temperature response time was within 3 s. Moreover, temperature changes were detected with an InGaAs photodetector, where a sensitivity of 0.05 mV/°C was achieved.

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INTRODUCTION: A growing number of sequenced genomes belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has enabled a comparison of strain traits and genomic constitution. These analyses may reveal mechanisms of evolution and genomic variation relevant to tuberculosis pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: Multiple alignments were used to analyze the differences between six genomes of the M. tuberculosis complex and to locate regions of variation that may lead to improvements in species identification or in their treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Mauve software package was used to perform a multiple alignment of 6 genomes belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Regions exclusive to each genome were annotated using the TB database. RESULTS: Percent similarity among the six genomes ranged between 96.1% and 97.8%. The annotation identified intergenic regions, regions associated with transposable elements of the PE-PGRS and PPE families, and regions associated with resistance against bacteriophage. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the high genetic similarity among the tuberculosis strains, genomic variations were elucidated that may be relevant to differences in behavior and virulence, as well as for improvement of strain diagnosis. Regions encoding membrane-associated proteins, possibly related with antigenic variation and immune response, are particularly interesting for studies aimed at seeking tuberculosis treatments.

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Introducción. El creciente número de genomas secuenciados pertenecientes al complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis hace posible la comparación y el análisis genómico, que puede revelar importantes mecanismos de evolución y variación para entender la patogénesis de esta especie. Objetivo. Mediante el uso de alineamientos múltiples se pretendió analizar las diferencias entre seis genomas del complejo M. tuberculosis, para encontrar regiones de variación que conduzcan a mejoras en la identificación de estas especies o en el tratamiento. Materiales y métodos. Mediante el programa bioinformático Mauve, se realizaron alineamientos múltiples de seis genomas pertenecientes a especies del complejo M. tuberculosis. Las regiones genómicas exclusivas para cada genoma se anotaron usando la base de datos Tuberculosis Database.Resultados. El porcentaje de similitud entre los seis genomas analizados estuvo entre 96,1% y 97,8%. La anotación de las regiones exclusivas reveló la presencia de elementos de transposición, familias de proteínas PPE y PE-PGRS, regiones asociadas a resistencia contra bacteriófagos y regiones intergénicas. Conclusiones. A pesar de la gran similitud entre las cepas analizadas, existen variaciones entre ellas que pueden ser importantes para entender diferencias en comportamiento y virulencia, así como para mejorar los diagnósticos de cepas específicas. Regiones como aquéllas con genes para proteínas de membrana, posiblemente, relacionadas con la variación y la respuesta antigénica, son de particular interés para estudios futuros orientados a buscar tratamientos nuevos para el control de esta enfermedad.

Introduction. A growing number of sequenced genomes belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has enabled a comparison of strain traits and genomic constitution. These analyses may reveal mechanisms of evolution and genomic variation relevant to tuberculosis pathogenesis.Objective. Multiple alignments were used to analyze the differences between six genomes of the M. tuberculosis complex and to locate regions of variation that may lead to improvements in species identification or in their treatment. Materials and methods. The Mauve software package was used to perform a multiple alignment of 6 genomes belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Regions exclusive to each genome were annotated using the TB database.Results. Percent similarity among the six genomes ranged between 96.1% and 97.8%. The annotation identified intergenic regions, regions associated with transposable elements of the PE-PGRS and PPE families, and regions associated with resistance against bacteriophage. Conclusions. In spite of the high genetic similarity among the tuberculosis strains, genomic variations were elucidated that may be relevant to differences in behavior and virulence, as well as for improvement of strain diagnosis. Regions encoding membrane-associated proteins, possibly related with antigenic variation and immune response, are particularly interesting for studies aimed at seeking tuberculosis treatments.

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Determinar la frecuencia de ansiedad y/o depresión en pacientes con artritis reumatoidea (AR), que consultaron a la Unidad de Reumatología del Hospital "Julio Criollo Rivas" de Ciudad Bolívar, Estado Bolívar, junio-julio de 2002. De 100 pacientes se entrevistaron 80 casos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, con el fin de garantizar los criterios de validez y confiabilidad del instrumento. Fueron evaluados con la escala de Goldberg, la cual detecta la ansiedad y depresión en pacientes con AR. Se aplicó el método de Graffar Modificado para establecer el nivel socioeconómico. Se demostró que de 80 pacientes, el 82,5 por ciento presentó al menos una patología comórbida; y el 17,5 por ciento ninguna. El grupo etario con mayor frecuencia de ansiedad y depresión fue el de los ansianos. Se apreció un predominio del sexo femenino, el cual la ensiedad prevaleció. Con respecto a la depresión, no hubo diferencias entre ambos sexos. El nivel socioeconómico marginal presentó mayor frecuencia de ansiedad y/o depresión (88,24 por ciento). De los pacientes incapacitados, el 92,86 por ciento presentaron al menos una patología comórbida. Así mismo, tales patologías fueron más frecuentes en los pacientes con tiempo de diagnóstico tardío (86,67 por ciento). El 90 por ciento de los pacientes no fueron referidos a interconsulta con pasiquiatría. La frecuencia de ansiedad y/o depresión en pacientes con AR es alta y la presencia de los mismos está relacionada con la edad, nivel socioeconómico, tiempo de diagnóstico de la enfermedad y situación laboral; a pesar de que sólo esta última variable demostró tener una asociación estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05)

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RESUMO

En este trabajo se exponen los hallazgos encontrados en la aplicacion de esta prueba a una problacion de mas de 50 autores de hechos muy violentos con un componente de peligrosidad y brutalidad altos en sus ejecuciones. Se describen las caracteristicas psicologicas de esta problacion por esferas, llamando la atencion la ausencia de sgnos patonogmonicos de trastornos psicoticos. Se corrobora la utilidad de esta prueba en la aproximacion a la personalidad del homicida contribuyendose a una mejor apreciacion criminologica de los delitos de homicidio.

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