ABSTRACT This study analyzes the dynamic effects of undervaluation on the economic growth per capita of Latin American countries from 1980 to 2018. To estimate these effects, a panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) model was used with the System GMM as its estimator. The undervaluation variable is created from different measures of real exchange rates. In addition, various measures of GDP per capita were used to calculate economic growth per capita. Macroeconomic and human capital variables were included to control for the different undervaluation spread channels on economic growth per capita. Results show a positive effect depending on the definition of the real exchange rate used to calculate the undervaluation. Results also include the Granger causality test, a stability test, and impulse response graphs that project the response of per capita economic growth to an undervaluation shock.

RESUMO Neste artigo, analiso os efeitos dinâmicos da subvalorização sobre o crescimento econômico per capita dos países latino-americanos no período 1980-2018. Para estimar esses efeitos, utilizo um Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) cujo estimador é o System GMM. A variável de subvalorização é criada com ajuda de diferentes medidas da taxa de câmbio real, e também utilizo várias medidas do Produto Interno Bruto (PIB) per capita para calcular o crescimento econômico per capita. Incluo como variáveis de controle, variáveis macroeconômicas e de capital humano para controlar os diferentes canais de propagação da subvalorização do crescimento econômico per capita. Os resultados mostram que há um efeito positivo dependendo da definição da taxa de câmbio real utilizada para calcular a subvalorização. Nos resultados incluo o teste de causalidade de Granger, teste de estabilidade e gráficos de resposta ao impulso nos quais projeto a resposta do crescimento econômico per capita a um choque de subvalorização.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The entry of American/Asian DENV-2 lineage II in the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon coincided with a sudden increase in dengue cases requiring hospitalization. However, official statistics reported few severe cases. It is postulated that there was an underreporting of severe cases in the official reports of the Ministry of Health. Objectives. To determine the frequency of patients with signs of severity among patients hospitalized for probable dengue fever during the 2011 outbreak at the Iquitos Hospital, Peru. Methods. A longitudinal study was carried out applying a daily checklist on the presence of signs of severity during hospital stay to a group of patients hospitalized in the dengue unit of the Iquitos hospital. Results. Of 178 patients evaluated, 66 (37%, CI: 29.9-44.6%) presented some sign of severity, mostly due to shock (75,7%). This result contrasts with the number of patients with severe dengue reported by the Ministry of Health during 2011 in the Loreto region. Conclusion. Approximately one third of the patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of dengue during the outbreak of American/Asian DENV-2 lineage II developed signs of severity during their hospitalization.

RESUMEN Introducción. El ingreso del linaje II del DENV-2 americano/asiático en la región Loreto de la Amazonia Peruana, coincidió con un incremento súbito de los casos de dengue con necesidad de hospitalización. Sin embargo, las estadísticas oficiales reportaron pocos casos graves. Se postula, que existió una subnotificación de los casos graves en los reportes oficiales del Ministerio de Salud. Objetivos. Conocer la frecuencia de pacientes con signos de gravedad entre los pacientes hospitalizados por dengue probable durante el brote del 2011 en el Hospital Iquitos, Perú. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, aplicando una lista de chequeo diaria, sobre la presencia de signos de gravedad durante la estancia hospitalaria, a un grupo de pacientes hospitalizados en la unidad de dengue del Hospital Iquitos. Resultados. De 178 pacientes evaluados 66 (37%, IC: 29,9 - 44,6%) presentaron algún signo de gravedad, la mayor parte por shock (75,7%). Este resultado contrasta con el número de pacientes con dengue grave reportado por el Ministerio de Salud durante el año 2011 en la región Loreto. Conclusión. Aproximadamente un tercio de los pacientes que fueron hospitalizados con el diagnostico de dengue, durante el brote por el linaje II del DENV-2 americano/asiático, desarrollaron signos de gravedad durante su hospitalización.

Resumen Se propone un modelo epidémico de ecuaciones diferenciales con retraso del tipo SIQR (por sus siglas en inglés) (Susceptible-Infeccioso-En cuarentena-Recuperado), con períodos arbitrariamente distribuidos en la clase de aislamiento o cuarentena. Se analizan sus características matemáticas esenciales. Además, se identifican las condiciones que respaldan la existencia de soluciones periódicas a través de la bifurcación de Hopf. Los tiempos de espera no exponenciales en la clase de cuarentena/aislamiento conducen no solo a oscilaciones sino que también pueden soportar cambios de estabilidad.

Abstract A delay differential equations epidemic model of SIQR (Susceptible-Infective-Quarantined-Recovered) type, with arbitrarily distributed periods in the isolation or quarantine class, is proposed. Its essential mathematical features are analyzed. In addition, conditions that support the existence of periodic solutions via Hopf bifurcation are identified. Nonexponential waiting times in the quarantine/isolation class lead not only to oscillations but can also support stability switches.

ABSTRACT A very long term variability (VLPP), with period of 875 days, was observed in the long-term light curve of FS Aurigae (FS Aur) in 2011. This periodicity was calculated over 6 cycles. We re-examined the periodicity with new observations over the past 5 yrs. A total of 18 years of observations confirm the hypothesis of a third body perturbing in a secular way the cataclysmic variable (CV). Improvements to the model such as eccentric and inclined orbits for the third body and a binary post{Newtonian correction are considered. We confirm the VLPP of FS Aur and find the new period of 857 ± 78 days. The secular perturbations are most efficient when the mass of the third body is M3 ≈ 29MJ , much less than the 50MJ reported in 2011. We estimate the effect of the third body on the mass transfer rate and on the brightness of the system. We consider alternative scenarios for the VLPP. New data and analysis support the hypothesis that FS Aur is a CV in a triple system.

RESUMEN Una variabilidad de muy larga duración (VLPP), con un período de 875 días, se observó en la curva de luz de FS Aur en 2011. El período fue calculado para 6 ciclos. Reexaminamos el período con nuevas observaciones de los pasados 5 años. Un total de 18 años de observaciones confirman la hipótesis de un tercer cuerpo perturbando de manera secular la variable cataclísmica (VC). Se consideran mejoras al modelo, como órbitas excéntricas e inclinadas para el tercer cuerpo y una corrección post-Newtoniana para la binaria. Confirmamos la VLPP de FS Aur y encontramos un nuevo período de 857 ± 78 días. Las perturbaciones seculares son más eficientes cuando la masa del tercer cuerpo es M3 ≈ 29MJ , menor que M3 ≈ 50MJ reportada en 2011. Estimamos el efecto del tercer cuerpo en la tasa de transferencia de masa y en el brillo del sistema. Consideramos otras explicaciones para la VLPP. Estos nuevos datos y análisis apoyan la hipótesis de una VC triple para FS Aur.

Anti-α-Gal responses may exert a protective effect in falciparum malaria. However, the biological role of such antibodies is still unknown during Plasmodium vivax infections. We investigated IgG and IgM responses to α-Gal in individuals with vivax malaria. Anti-α-Gal IgG and IgM levels were higher in these patients than in controls, but no significant correlation was found between parasitaemia and anti-α-Gal response, nor between this response and ABO blood group status. This is the first study to investigate anti-α-Gal antibodies in P. vivax-infected patients; a larger survey is necessary to achieve a better understanding of host immune response during vivax malaria.

ABSTRACT Objectives. to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoid fraction of Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling on leukocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods. Plants of the species Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling were collected and then different flavonoid fractions were extracted by column and thin layer chromatography. The superoxide anion production was evaluated by means of the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium assay technique in neutrophils obtained from the blood of patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of neutrophils (5x105 cells); positive control, made up of PMA (phorbol myristate acetate)-activated neutrophils (150 ng/mL), and the treatments, comprised of neutrophils activated and treated with different concentrations of the flavonoid fraction LM8 (60, 120, and 180 ug/mL). The expression of pro- inflammatory genes was studied by RTqPCR in mononuclear leukocytes obtained from patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of mononuclear leukocytes (5x105 cells); positive control, made up of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) (150 ug/ml)-activated mononuclear leukocytes, and the treatment, comprised of mononuclear leukocytes activated and treated with the flavonoid fraction LM8 (120 ug/mL). Results. Several flavonoid fractions were purified, with fraction LM8 showing the best immunomodulating effect. Said fraction diminished the superoxide anion production dependent on concentration. On the other hand, it diminished the expression of TNFα, IL8, and IL17 in mononuclear leukocytes. Conclusions. These results are encouraging in terms of the immunomodulating effect of this Peruvian medicinal plant and justify the continuation of their study for a potential clinical application.

RESUMEN Objetivos . Evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la fracción flavonoide de Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling sobre leucocitos de pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR). Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron plantas de la especie Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling extrayendo diferentes fracciones flavonoides por cromatografía de columna y de capa fina. Se evaluó la producción de anión superóxido mediante la técnica de ensayo reducción nitroblue tetrazolium, en neutrófilos obtenidos de sangre de pacientes con AR, separados en tres grupos: control negativo, que consistió de neutrófilos (5x105 células), control positivo, formado por neutrófilos activados con PMA (phorbol myristate acetate) (150 ng/mL) y los tratamientos, formados por neutrófilos activados y tratados con diferentes concentraciones de la fracción flavonoide LM8 (60, 120 y 180 ug/mL). La expresión de genes proinflamatorios se estudió por RTqPCR, en leucocitos mononucleares obtenidos de pacientes con AR separados en tres grupos: control negativo, que consistió de leucocitos mononucleares (5x105 células), control positivo formado por leucocitos mononucleares activados con fitohemaglutinina (PHA) (150 ug/mL) y el tratamiento formado por leucocitos mononucleares activados y tratados con la fracción flavonoide LM8 (120 ug/mL). Resultados . Se purificaron varias fracciones flavonoides, resultando la fracción LM8 con el mejor efecto inmunomodulador. Dicha fracción disminuyó la producción de anión superóxido en una manera dependiente de la concentración. Por otro lado, disminuyó la expresión de TNFα, IL8 e IL17 en leucocitos mononucleares. Conclusiones. Estos resultados son alentadores respecto al efecto inmunomodulador de esta planta medicinal peruana y justifican continuar su estudio para una posible aplicación clínica.

Objectives. to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoid fraction of Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling on leukocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods. Plants of the species Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling were collected and then different flavonoid fractions were extracted by column and thin layer chromatography. The superoxide anion production was evaluated by means of the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium assay technique in neutrophils obtained from the blood of patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of neutrophils (5x10(5) cells); positive control, made up of PMA (phorbol myristate acetate)-activated neutrophils (150 ng/mL), and the treatments, comprised of neutrophils activated and treated with different concentrations of the flavonoid fraction LM8 (60, 120, and 180 ug/mL). The expression of pro-inflammatory genes was studied by RTqPCR in mononuclear leukocytes obtained from patients with RA, divided into three groups: negative control, which consisted of mononuclear leukocytes (5x10(5) cells); positive control, made up of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) (150 ug/ml)-activated mononuclear leukocytes, and the treatment, comprised of mononuclear leukocytes activated and treated with the flavonoid fraction LM8 (120 ug/mL). Results. Several flavonoid fractions were purified, with fraction LM8 showing the best immunomodulating effect. Said fraction diminished the superoxide anion production dependent on concentration. On the other hand, it diminished the expression of TNFα, IL8, and IL17 in mononuclear leukocytes. Conclusions. These results are encouraging in terms of the immunomodulating effect of this Peruvian medicinal plant and justify the continuation of their study for a potential clinical application.

Objetivos. Evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la fracción flavonoide de Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling sobre leucocitos de pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR). Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron plantas de la especie Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling extrayendo diferentes fracciones flavonoides por cromatografía de columna y de capa fina. Se evaluó la producción de anión superóxido mediante la técnica de ensayo reducción nitroblue tetrazolium, en neutrófilos obtenidos de sangre de pacientes con AR, separados en tres grupos: control negativo, que consistió de neutrófilos (5x10(5) células), control positivo, formado por neutrófilos activados con PMA (phorbol myristate acetate) (150 ng/mL) y los tratamientos, formados por neutrófilos activados y tratados con diferentes concentraciones de la fracción flavonoide LM8 (60, 120 y 180 ug/mL). La expresión de genes proinflamatorios se estudió por RTqPCR, en leucocitos mononucleares obtenidos de pacientes con AR separados en tres grupos: control negativo, que consistió de leucocitos mononucleares (5x10(5)células), control positivo formado por leucocitos mononucleares activados con fitohemaglutinina (PHA) (150 ug/mL) y el tratamiento formado por leucocitos mononucleares activados y tratados con la fracción flavonoide LM8 (120 ug/mL). Resultados. Se purificaron varias fracciones flavonoides, resultando la fracción LM8 con el mejor efecto inmunomodulador. Dicha fracción disminuyó la producción de anión superóxido en una manera dependiente de la concentración. Por otro lado, disminuyó la expresión de TNFα, IL8 e IL17 en leucocitos mononucleares Conclusiones. Estos resultados son alentadores respecto al efecto inmunomodulador de esta planta medicinal peruana y justifican continuar su estudio para una posible aplicación clínica.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma análise comparativa entre os campos térmicos teóricos e experimentais, bem como um comportamento microestrutural e as tensões residuais aplicando cordões em solda multipasses na união de duas seções de tubo API 5L X52. O campo térmico, as microestruturas e as tensões residuais foram numericamente modelados através do método por elementos finitos e comparados com o experimental. As condições de simulação utilizadas na análise por elementos finitos foram consideradas semelhantes às condições de soldagem subaquáticas. A análise por elementos finitos foi efetuada, primeiramente uma análise térmica transiente não linear para obter a evolução da temperatura global gerada durante a soldagem subaquática. Depois, um comportamento microestrutural foi determinado usando a distribuição de temperaturas obtida no material do tubo calculando as transformações estruturais do material no processo, e, finalmente, uma análise de tensões foi desenvolvida utilizando as temperaturas obtidas a partir da análise térmica. Foi encontrado que este método pode ser utilizado eficientemente para determinar com precisão os parâmetros de soldagem ótimos neste tipo de soldagem por simulação.

Abstract The aim of this research is to present a comparative analysis between theoretical and experimental thermal fields as well as a microstructural behaviour and residual stresses applying multiple weld beads in the joint of two API 5L X52 pipe sections. The thermal field, microstructural and residual stresses were numerically modelled through the finite element method (FEM) and compared to experimentally. The simulation conditions used in the FEM analysis were similar considerations to the underwater welding conditions. The finite element analysis was carried out, first by a non-linear transient thermal analysis for obtaining the global temperature history generated during the underwater welding process. Subsequently, a microstructural behaviour was determined using the temperatures distribution obtained in the pipe material by calculating the structural transformations of the material during the welding process, and finally a stress analysis was developed using the temperatures obtained from the thermal analysis. It was found that this simulation method can be used efficiently to determinate with accuracy the optimum welding parameters of this kind of weld applications.

América Latina e Caribe (ALC) têm instalações e profissionais treinados para diagnosticar, tratar e apoiar as pessoas com demência e outras formas de comprometimento cognitivo limitado. A situação para as pessoas com demência é pobre, e piora quando a proporção de idosos na população em geral está se expandindo rapidamente. Revisamos as iniciativas já existentes, com exemplos de medidas tomadas para fortalecer a capacidade e melhorar a eficácia dos indivíduos, organizações e sistemas nacionais que fornecem tratamento e apoio às pessoas com demência e seus cuidadores. As barreiras regionais ao reforço das capacidades e a importância do engajamento público são realçados. Os programas existentes precisam divulgar seus objetivos, realizações, limitações e lições globais aprendidas a fim de obter maior reconhecimento da necessidade de programas de capacitação.

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have limited facilities and professionals trained to diagnose, treat, and support people with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. The situation for people with dementia is poor, and worsening as the proportion of elderly in the general population is rapidly expanding. We reviewed existing initiatives and provided examples of actions taken to build capacity and improve the effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and national systems that provide treatment and support for people with dementia and their caregivers. Regional barriers to capacity building and the importance of public engagement are highlighted. Existing programs need to disseminate their objectives, accomplishments, limitations, and overall lessons learned in order to gain greater recognition of the need for capacity-building programs.

We study the effect of a household subsidy to induce the adoption of more efficient and less polluting wood combustion technologies. We compare, through numerical simulations, several subsidy designs with respect to the impact on aggregate emissions, costs, and cost-effectiveness indicators. Two variables that turn out to be important for the performance of a subsidy program are the remaining time that an existing equipment can be used and the access of the households to credit to fund the co-payment of the equipment. We observe that for different regulatory designs and/or different cost analysis, the performance of a subsidy program based on the cost-effectiveness analysis differs.

Estudiamos el efecto de un subsidio a hogares que incentive el cambio a equipos de combustión de leña más eficientes y menos contaminantes. Se comparan, mediante simulaciones numéricas, diversos diseños de subsidio respecto del impacto sobre emisiones, costo y los indicadores de costo-efectividad. Dos variables importantes para el éxito de un programa de subsidio son el tiempo de uso restante asignado a equipos antiguos, y el acceso de los hogares a financiar el copago. Se observa que para escenarios regulatorios y/o análisis de costos diferentes, los diseños con mejores índices de costo-efectividad también difieren.

The economic performance of Benthic Resource Management Areas (BRMA's) was assessed and analyzed for the Bio-Bio region between 2001 and 2003. This study included 22 areas with Use Agreements declaring Toco' (Concholepas concholepas) to be the main benthic resource. Several characteristics were also considered as potential determinant factors for BRMA performance. These variables were defined and grouped into four types of characteristics: economic, environmental-biological, institutional-organizational, and organizational leader. The variables were then contrasted between areas according to the loco harvest situation. Moreover, the economic performance profiles of BRMA's with loco harvests were analyzed according to the considered variables. The results indicate, beyond the different environmental-biological aspects, important differences in economic and institutional-organizational characteristics between areas with and without loco harvests during the period analyzed. Moreover, we conclude that some key variables are associated with economic performance in the areas that harvested loco during the study period, including economic (selling price) and environmental-biological (resource density, habitable polygon) variables

Se evaluó y analizó el desempeño económico de Áreas de Manejo de Recursos Bentónicos (BRMA) de la región del Bío-Bío durante el período 2001-2003. Con tal propósito, se consideró un total de 22 áreas con Convenio de Uso que declararon como especie principal el recurso bentónico loco (Concholepas concholepas). El análisis del desempeño económico de las BRMA's considera la exploración de diversas características como potenciales factores determinantes del referido desempeño. Específicamente, se definieron variables agrupadas en cuatro tipos de características para cada área: económicas, ambientales-biológicas, institucionales-organizacionales y características del dirigente. Las variables fueron comparadas entre las áreas de acuerdo a la situación de cosecha de loco. Se realizó también un análisis del perfil del desempeño económico de BRMA's con cosecha del recurso según las variables consideradas. Los resultados indican que, más allá de diferencias en los aspectos ambientales biológicos, existen diferencias significativas en variables económicas, y de características institucionales-organizacionales entre áreas con y sin cosecha de loco durante el periodo analizado. Adicionalmente, se concluye que existen variables claves asociadas al desempeño económico de las áreas que cosechan el recurso en el periodo; entre otras, aquellas económicas (precio de venta); y ambientales-biológicas (densidad del recurso, y polígono habitable)