RESUMO

We developed a measurement framework of spatial organization to categorize 2-dimensional patterns from 2 multiscalar biological architectures. We propose that underlying shapes of biological entities can be approached using the statistical concept of degrees of freedom, defining it through expansion of area variability in a pattern. To help scope this suggestion, we developed a mathematical argument recognizing the deep foundations of area variability in a polygonal pattern (spatial heterogeneity). This measure uses a parameter called eutacticity. Our measuring platform of spatial heterogeneity can assign particular ranges of distribution of spatial areas for 2 biological architectures: ecological patterns of Namibia fairy circles and epithelial sheets. The spatial organizations of our 2 analyzed biological architectures are demarcated by being in a particular position among spatial order and disorder. We suggest that this theoretical platform can give us some insights about the nature of shapes in biological systems to understand organizational constraints.

RESUMO

In sub-Saharan Africa, young women engaged in relationships with multiple partners in order to gain material benefits play a key role in local HIV dynamics. This paper is based upon field observations and interviews with 38 young women who live along the Angolan-Namibian border. In the last 10 years, rapid urbanisation has attracted migrants in search of opportunities to do business in the region. Our findings show that sexual-affective economic networks reflect these socioeconomic changes. Women, particularly those from particular ethnic groups and/or from Namibia, with low levels of formal education and social support are often excluded from the labour market and turn to emotional-sexual male-centred networks for material and financial benefits. Men in these networks tend to be older, have higher socioeconomic status and greater geographic mobility. This 'capitalisation' of intimate relationships is material and symbolic; it enables women to acquire goods and access to services identified with an urban and globalised lifestyle. It is also emotional because relationships include affection and pleasure. Engaging in these relationships involves some social risks (bad reputation, family rejection, discrimination and violence), but maintaining ties often takes priority over safer sex and social sanctions.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 40 pacientes con afecciones del sistema estomatognático, que acudieron al Departamento de Fisiatría del Hospital Estatal Intermedio de Katutura, en Windhoek (Namibia), remitidos de la especialidad de cirugía maxilofacial, desde el 2008 hasta el 2009, con vistas a evaluar los síntomas y signos manifestados, así como el tiempo de mejoría con la aplicación de los agentes físicos. En la serie se consideraron las variables: sexo, edad, diagnóstico, síntomas y signos, sesiones de tratamiento y resultados finales; finalmente, se obtuvo que 87,5 % de los afectados fueron evaluados de bien entre las sesiones 5 y 10 de tratamiento, lo cual indicó que con este método terapéutico se logra una evolución satisfactoria, sin complicaciones ni empeoramiento del cuadro clínico.

A descriptive study was conducted in 40 patients with disorders of the stomagtonathic system who visited the Physical Medicine Department of the Intermediate State Hospital of Katutura, in Windhoek (Namibia) and were referred from the specialty of maxillofacial surgery, from 2008 to 2009, in order to assess the symptoms and signs, as well as the time of improvement with the application of physical agents. Variables such as sex, age, diagnosis, symptoms and signs, sessions of therapy and final results were considered in the series. Finally it was found that in 87.5% of patients good results were obtained between sessions 5 and 10, which indicated that with this therapeutic method a satisfactory course without complications or worsening of clinical pattern is achieved.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Se presentan 2 casos clínicos de niños de 3 años y 7 meses de edad, respectivamente, atendidos en el Hospital Central de Windhoek, Namibia, donde laboraba una brigada médica cubana, por presentar bridas amnióticas congénitas en los miembros inferiores, los cuales fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente. En ambos, la evolución fue satisfactoria y a los 2 años de operados los resultados eran excelentes.

Two case reports of children with 3 year-old and 7 months respectively, assisted in the Central Hospital of Windhoek, Namibia, where a Cuban medical brigade worked are presented due to their disorders of congenital amniotic bands in the lower members, which were surgically treated. In both, the clinical course was satisfactory and after 2 years of the surgery the results were excellent.

RESUMO

Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 196 pacientes con asma bronquial, atendidos durante el 2007 en las clínicas de Katutura (Namibia), para determinar algunos aspectos biomédicos y sociales relacionados con esa afección en los integrantes de la casuística. En la serie predominaron el sexo femenino, los grupos etarios de 25 a 44 años, el esquema terapéutico basado en broncodilatadores y esteroides, así como la ausencia de una terapia higienoambiental y rehabilitadora. De igual manera, no hubo seguimiento clínico y tratamiento adecuados según el grado de asma bronquial existente y las acciones de promoción de salud resultaron escasas.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 196 patients with bronchial asthma was carried out. They were assisted in the clinics of Katutura (Namibia), during 2007 in order to determine some social and biomedical aspects related to this disorder in the members of the case material. In the series prevailed the female sex, the age groups from 25 to 44 years old, the therapeutical outline based on bronchodilators and steroids, as well as the lack of a rehabilitation and hygiene-environmental therapy. Similarly, there was neither appropriate clinical follow-up nor treatment according to the degree of existing bronchial asthma and there were just a few health promotion actions.

Assuntos