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Emergent technologies that make use of novel materials and quantum properties of light states are at the forefront in the race for the physical implementation, encoding and transmission of information. Photonic crystals (PCs) enter this paradigm with optical materials that allow the control of light propagation and can be used for optical communication, and photonics and electronics integration, making use of materials ranging from semiconductors, to metals, metamaterials, and topological insulators, to mention but a few. Here, we show how designer superconductor materials integrated into PCs fabrication allow for an extraordinary reduction of electromagnetic waves damping, making possible their optimal propagation and tuning through the structure, below critical superconductor temperature. We experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, a successful integration of ferroelectric and superconductor materials into a one-dimensional (1D) PC composed of [Formula: see text] bilayers that work in the whole visible spectrum, and below (and above) critical superconductor temperature [Formula: see text]. Theoretical calculations support, for different number of bilayers N, the effectiveness of the produced 1D PCs and may pave the way for novel optoelectronics integration and information processing in the visible spectrum, while preserving their electric and optical properties.

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Introducción: el fenotipo clínico hipertrigliceridemia cintura abdominal alterada guarda relación con la presencia de hiperinsulinemia, hipertrigliceridemia e hipercolesterolemia, y en consecuencia, es un riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Objetivo: determinar la asociación del fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia cintura abdominal alterada con los principales factores de riesgo cardiovasculares. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional, con una muestra probabilística obtenido por un método polietápico. La muestra quedó conformada por 1108 sujetos entre 15 y 74 años, incluidos dentro del componente de vigilancia de enfermedades no transmisibles de la iniciativa CARMEN, pertenecientes al municipio de Cienfuegos. Las variables evaluadas fueron las siguientes: sexo, color de la piel, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, obesidad, actividad física, diabetes mellitus, índice de masa corporal, circunferencia abdominal, colesterol total y triglicéridos. Se determinó la razón de prevalencia para las diferentes variables. El nivel de significación exigido fue del 95 por ciento. Resultados: La razón de probabilidad demostró mayor riesgo de presentar el fenotipo en el sexo femenino (2,31), así como en los sujetos mayores de 45 años (2,92), obesos (19,24), hipertensos (2,96) y diabéticos (2,30). Conclusiones: existe una relación significativa entre el fenotipo hipertrigliceridemia cintura abdominal alterada y los principales factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, tales como el incremento de la edad, el índice aterogénico, los niveles de colesterol, la diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial(AU)

Introduction: The hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype is related to the presence of hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia and consequently, it is a risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: To determine the association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with the main cardiovascular risk factors. Material and Methods: A descriptive study was carried out with a probabilistic sample obtained from a multi-stage method. The sample consisted of 1108 subjects between 15 and 74 years old, included in the surveillance component for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from the CARMEN initiative in Cienfuegos. The variables evaluated were: sex, skin color, smoking, hypertension, obesity, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) was determined for the different variables. The level of significance required was 95 percent. The research was approved by the Scientific Council of the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos and the Research Ethics Committee. The results are presented in tables and figures. Results: PR showed a greater risk of presenting the phenotype in females (2,31), as well as in subjects over 45 years (2,92), obese (19,24), and hypertensive and diabetics for a PR of (2.96 and 2.30), respectively. Conclusions: There is a significant relationship between hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and the main cardiovascular risk factors such as increasing age, atherogenic index, cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Inconsistent associations between smoking status and prostate cancer (PC) could be due to exposure assessment error. Reconstructing smoking behaviors over the life course could reduce exposure assessment error. METHODS: As part of a case-control study, we identified 402 incident and histologically confirmed PC cases that were matched by age (±5 years) to 805 population controls. Through direct interview, we obtained information about: age at smoking onset, intensity and frequency of cigarette smoking at different life stages, and smoking cessation age. Smoking status at interview and average smoking index over the lifetime (packs/year) were estimated. Life course smoking patterns were obtained applying the k-means+ method for longitudinal data to the smoking index (pack/year) for each life stage. RESULTS: Two life-course smoking patterns were identified among ever smokers: "pattern A" characterized by males who reported low and constant smoking intensity (87.8%), and "pattern B" (12.2%) males with an initial period of low intensity, followed by an increase during the second period. Compared to never smokers, pattern B was associated with higher poorly differentiated PC, (OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.21-4.38). No association was observed with average smoking index. CONCLUSION: Life course smoking patterns seem to capture the smoking variability during life course and reduce the likelihood of reverse causation. Using this assessment strategy our findings support the potential role of tobacco smoking in PC, particularly poorly differentiated PC. Prospective studies with comprehensive smoking history during the lifetime are needed to confirm these findings.

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OBJECTIVE: To produce two supplemented agar types in order to store pneumococci for several months at room temperature. METHODS: Todd-Hewitt/Hemoglobin/Yeast/Charcoal/Agar (TH-HYC) and Todd-Hewitt/Skim-Milk/Yeast/Charcoal/Agar (TH-SYC) were used to prepare two supplemented agar types. Nineteen pneumococci isolated from patients or asymptomatic carriers displaying diverse serotypes and multilocus sequence types (MLST) were subcultured and stored onto supplemented agar types, in four different tests, at room temperature. FINDINGS: At the end of all tests (4-6 months) all noncontaminated subcultures were viable and maintained all phenotypic characteristics. Survival-time curves revealed a slow decrease of viable CFU over time on agar types, but at the end the number of viable CFU was satisfactory (≥2+ of growth). Decreasing of CFU was significantly higher for clinical versus nasopharyngeal isolates. Subcultures contamination rates were 6.25% and 14.58% after 2 and 6 months of storage, respectively. CONCLUSION: TH-HYC and TH-SYC agar types allowed the viability of pneumococci with several serotypes, MLST, and genetic profiles, after 6 months of storage at room temperature. We consider that these agar types are a valid alternative to preserve pneumococci over an extended period, especially when methods as cryopreservation or lyophilization are not available, and are useful for transporting strains between laboratories.

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Objetivo: Construir una propuesta para desarrollar el proceso educativo en salud y seguridad dirigida a los Comités Paritarios de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (COPASST). Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, en el que se aplicó una entrevista en profundidad a 32 COPASST activos. Cada entrevista se transcribió e interpretó a partir de la verificación con los participantes, la búsqueda de enunciados significativos, la organización en grupos de temas, la descripción en forma exhaustiva y la validación con los participantes. La información se ubicó en las categorías planeación, organización, desarrollo, evaluación y retroalimentación, obteniéndose las siguientes categorías emergentes: responsables de la gestión de los procesos; planeación, sitio y frecuencia de las sesiones educativas; temas tratados; modalidad de las sesiones; participación/desarrollo de las sesiones; comprensión de los temas; aplicabilidad a la cotidianidad y al entorno laboral, aplicabilidad para la vida personal/laboral y para la organización. Resultados: A partir de las categorías emergentes y de acuerdo al marco conceptual sobre educación en salud de adultos y en salud y seguridad para los trabajadores, se construyó una propuesta metodológica participativa para el desarrollo de los procesos educativos con los COPASST. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con lo manifestado por los integrantes de los COPASST, los procesos educativos en salud y seguridad, tal como se desarrollan en la actualidad, no les permiten alcanzar las competencias necesarias para cumplir sus funciones, por lo que carecen de importancia.

Objetivo: Criar uma proposta para desenvolver o processo educativo em comités paritários de saúde e segurança destinados à segurança e saúde no trabalho (COPASST). Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo, descritivo, em que a informação foi obtida através da aplicação da entrevista em profundidade a 32 COPASST ativos. Cada entrevista foi transcrita e interpretada a partir da verificação com os participantes, a busca de afirmações significativas, a organização em grupos de temas, a descrição exaustiva e validação com os participantes. A informação foi localizada nas categorias planejamento, organização, desenvolvimento, avaliação e feedback, produzindo as seguintes categorias emergentes: gerentes de processos; planejamento, local e frequência de realização das sessões educativas; tópicos; modalidade das sessões; participação/desenvolvimento das sessões; compreensão das questões; aplicabilidade à vida diária e ambiente de trabalho; aplicabilidade para a vida pessoal/profissional e para a organização. Resultados: A partir das categorias emergentes e de acordo com o quadro conceptual de educação em saúde do adulto e saúde e segurança para os trabalhadores, uma metodologia participativa para o desenvolvimento de processos educativos com COPASST foi construída. Conclusões: De acordo com a declaração dos membros dos COPASST, os processos educativos em saúde e segurança, tal como desenvolvida no presente, excluí-los de alcançar as competências necessária para desempenhar as suas funções, por tanto são irrelevantes.

Objective: To build a proposal to develop the educational process in health and safety joint committees aimed at safety and health at work (COPASST). Methodology: Qualitative, descriptive study in which an in-depth interview to 32 COPASST assets was made. Each interview was transcribed and interpreted by applying check with participants, finding meaningful statements, organizing groups of subjects, exhaustive description and validation with participants. The information was placed in the categories planning, organization, development, evaluation and feedback, emerging the following categories: responsible for processes management; planning, place and frequency of educational sessions; topics; format of sessions; involving/development of sessions; understanding of the issues; applicability to daily life and work environment; applicability to personal/professional life and to the organization. Results: From emerging categories and according to the conceptual framework on adult health education and health and safety for workers, a participatory methodology for the development of educational processes with COPASST was built. Conclusions: According to the statement by the members of the COPASST, educational processes in health and safety, as they are developed at present, preclude them from achieving necessary competences to perform its functions, thus they are irrelevant.

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Introduction: The C/T-13910 and G/A-22018 polymorphisms located upstream of the lactase gene are reliable predictors of lactase persistence in Caucasian-derived populations. Assessing the presence and distribution of these polymorphisms in other populations is central to developing genotyping assays and understanding the evolutionary mechanism behind this trait in several human populations. Objective: Genotyping the C/T-13910 and G/A-22018 polymorphisms in a sample of Colombian Caribbean individuals. Materials and methods: The polymorphisms were identified through Polymerase Chain Reaction/Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Amplified fragments were digested using Hinf I and Hha I. Arlequin v. 3.1 was used to determine allelic and genotypic frequencies, Hardy Weinberg equilibrium, and linkage disequilibrium. Results: Genotypic frequencies were CC (81.4%), CT (18.6%), and TT (0%) for the C/T-13910 polymorphism. Frequencies were AA (55.5%), GA (45.5%), and GG (0%) for the G/A-22018 polymorphism. No linkage disequilibrium was found between the two loci. Only the locus containing the C/T-13910 polymorphism was found in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion: The allelic and genotypic distributions observed in this first genotyping study in a Colombian Caribbean population indicate a distribution pattern different from the one of the North European Caucasians and do not correspond to the lactase persistence prevalence reported for Caribbean populations.

Introducción: Los polimorfismos C/T-13910 y G/A-22018, que se localizan corriente arriba del gen de la lactasa son predictores confiables de la persistencia de lactasa en poblaciones derivadas de caucásicos. Conocer la presencia y distribución de esos polimorfismos en otras poblaciones es fundamental para el desarrollo de métodos de diagnóstico de lactasa persistencia y para comprender los mecanismos evolutivos de este fenotipo en seres humanos. Objetivo: Genotipificar los polimorfismos C/T-13910 y G/A-22018 en una muestra de sujetos caribeños colombianos. Materiales y métodos: Los polimorfismos se identificaron mediante la digestión de productos amplificados, que se hizo con Hinf I y Hha I. Se usó el programa Arlequín versión 3.1 para determinar las frecuencias alélicas y genotípicas, el equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg y el desequilibrio de ligamiento. Resultados: Para el polimorfismo C/T-13910 las frecuencias genotípicas fueron CC (81.4%), CT (18.6%) y TT (0%), mientras que para el polimorfismo G/A-22018 fueron AA (55.5%), GA (45.5%) y GG (0%). No se encontró desequilibrio de ligamiento entre los loci que contienen los polimorfismos y sólo el polimorfismo C/T-13910 está en equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg en comparación con G/A-22018. Conclusión: Las distribuciones alélicas y genotípicas observadas en este primer estudio de genotipificación en una muestra de la población caribeña colombiana muestra un patrón de distribución diferente del encontrado en poblaciones caucásicas del norte de Europa y no corresponden con la prevalencia de lactasa persistencia que se ha informado en caribeños.

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Introducción. Un recuento superior a 105 unidades formadoras de colonias por ml de aspirado duodenal se considera la “prueba de referencia” para el diagnóstico de proliferación bacteriana intestinal, a pesar de su caracter invasivo. La prueba de hidrógeno en el aliento, con lactulosa, se aplica como alternativa diagnóstica no invasiva, pero el fundamento para el empleo de lactulosa carece de solidez. Objetivos. Aportar evidencia experimental para sustentar el uso de lactulosa en la prueba de hidrógeno y validarla frente al cultivo de aspirado duodenal. Materiales y métodos. Para fundamentar el uso de lactulosa se comparó la cinética de la lactasa intestinal frente a lactulosa con su cinética frente a la lactosa. Con el fin de validar la prueba de hidrógeno, ésta se aplicó a 47 niños afectados por trastornos gastrointestinales y los resultados se compararon con los de la prueba de referencia. Mediante una tabla de contingencia se estimó la validez y con el índice kappa, la concordancia. Resultados. La cinética mostró que la lactasa es 240 veces menos eficiente que la lactulosa. La sensibilidad de la prueba de hidrógeno fue de 85,7 por ciento (82,0 por ciento-89,4 por ciento), la especificidad de 90,9 por ciento (89,3 por ciento-92,5 por ciento), el valor diagnóstico positivo de 80 por ciento (76,5 por ciento-83,5 por ciento) y el valor diagnóstico negativo de 93,8 por ciento (92,1 por ciento-95,4 por ciento). El índice kappa de 0,785 (0,54-0,95) indicó una importante concordancia entre las pruebas diagnósticas. Conclusiones. Se aporta evidencia experimental para sustentar el uso de la lactulosa en la prueba de hidrógeno y se valida ésta frente al patrón de referencia como prueba tamiz para diagnosticar la proliferación bacteriana intestinal.

Introduction.The standard method for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a duodenal aspirate that produces a coliform count greater than 105 colonic forming units/ml. Because this is an invasive procedure, the lactulose breath hydrogen test is considered as a non-invasive alternative. Better experimental support is required, however, for the routine use of lactulose in diagnosis. Objective. Experimental evidence is provided to support the use of lactulose in the breath hydrogen test. Validation of the test is accomplished by comparison to the duodenal aspirate culture. Materials and methods. A rational basis for the use of lactulose was established by a comparison of the kinetics of lactulose and lactose on intestinal lactase. For validation, the hydrogen test was applied to 47 children suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, and the results compared with aspirate culture counts. The validity of the hydrogen test was assessed by a contingency table and the degree of agreement established by the kappa index. Results. The kinetics data showed that lactase is 240 times less efficient in presence of lactulose than it is in presence of lactose. The sensitivity of the breath hydrogen test was 85.7% (82.0- 89.4%), its specificity 90.9% (89.3-92.5%), the predictive positive value 80.0% (76.5-83.5%) and the predictive negative value 93.8% (92.1-95.4%); the kappa index=0.785 (0.54-0.95) showed excellent agreement between the two diagnostic tests. Conclusion. The results provided experimental support for the use of lactulose in the breath hydrogen test, and it was validated as screening test in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

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INTRODUCTION: The standard method for diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a duodenal aspirate that produces a coliform count greater than 10(5) colonic forming units/ml. Because this is an invasive procedure, the lactulose breath hydrogen test is considered as a non-invasive alternative. Better experimental support is required, however, for the routine use of lactulose in diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Experimental evidence is provided to support the use of lactulose in the breath hydrogen test. Validation of the test is accomplished by comparison to the duodenal aspirate culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rational basis for the use of lactulose was established by a comparison of the kinetics of lactulose and lactose on intestinal lactase. For validation, the hydrogen test was applied to 47 children suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, and the results compared with aspirate culture counts. The validity of the hydrogen test was assessed by a contingency table and the degree of agreement established by the kappa index. RESULTS: The kinetics data showed that lactase is 240 times less efficient in presence of lactulose than it is in presence of lactose. The sensitivity of the breath hydrogen test was 85.7% (82.0-89.4%), its specificity 90.9% (89.3-92.5%), the predictive positive value 80.0% (76.5-83.5%) and the predictive negative value 93.8% (92.1-95.4%); the kappa index=0.785 (0.54-0.95) showed excellent agreement between the two diagnostic tests. CONCLUSION: The results provided experimental support for the use of lactulose in the breath hydrogen test, and it was validated as screening test in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

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A pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar a formação dos enfermeiros através do conhecimento, atitudes e crenças relacionadas com o fenômeno das drogas. É um estudo descritivo, com uma amostra composta por 159 (100 por cento) estudantes do último semestre do programa de graduação de enfermagem ano. Pelos resultados, se conheceram as atitudes e crenças sobre os problemas relacionados ao álcool, álcool e drogas e drogas e ainda sobre o conhecimento que os estudantes tem sobre o tema Saúde Internacional. Conclusão: os futuros enfermeiros na Região Central da Colômbia possuem preparo teórico sobre álcool e drogas, possuem atitudes positivas, mas apresentam dificuldades na prática para atuar frente a essa problemática. Compreendem as relações entre a saúde geral, saúde internacional e as suas inter-relações com o fenômeno das drogas, indicam que podem ser atores em seus contextos internacionais, nacionais e regionais.

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Este artículo recoge la información relevante del marco referencial de la investigación denominada Producción investigativa en educación en Enfermería en Iberoamérica: estado del Arte, que de manera particular se centra en el desarrollo de la educación en general, de la educación en enfermería y de la investigación en educación durante la década comprendida entre 1995 y 2004.

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La investigación tuvo como objetivo caracterizar en la formación de enfermeras los conocimientos, las actitudes y las creencias relacionadas con el fenómeno de las drogas. Es un estudio descriptivo con una muestra total de 129 estudiantes de último semestre de los programas de pregrado de Enfermería. Resultados: conocer las actividades y creencias sobre alcohol, drogas y los conocimientos que sobre el fenómeno de las drogas tienen los estudiantes. Conclusión: los futuros enfermeros de la región central de Colombia poseen preparación teórica sobre el alcohol y las drogas, asumen actitudes positivas, pero presentan debilidades prácticas para actuar frente a esa problemática.

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UNLABELLED: The objective of the research was to confer a distinction on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in nurse formation, related with drugs problem. Descriptive study, Total sample 100% (n=159) from nursing pregrade Programs. RESULTS: The attitudes and beliefs Alcohol, Drugs, Alcohol and Drugs were known, and the knowledge that students have about drugs phenomenon. It identifies the relationship between International. CONCLUSION: The newly nurses Central Region of Colombia, theoretical preparation about Alcohol and Drugs, they assume positive attitudes, they show weakness in practice, to perform against this problem. They understand the relation between general health, international health and them with drugs problem, because all of this, it indicates they can be a great help in their international, nationals and regional contexts.

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