SUMMARY Introduction: Monitoring plasma concentrations of antimicrobials used to treat infections in critically ill patients is one of the strategies proposed to improve clinical results. Vancomycin monitoring reduces the risk of bacterial resistance and nephrotoxicity related to high plasma concentrations. The study was carried out in a public hospital in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, which contains 43 critical patient care units. Although the indication for vancomycin is frequent, the request for plasma levels of drugs is unusual. Method: The Pharmacy Service carried out a prospective pilot study for 14 weeks, implementing the monitoring of plasma vancomycin concentrations and the calculation of the ABC24/MIC index (area under the concentration-time curve over a 24-hour period/inhibitory concentration minimum). Objectives: To determine the percentage of patients with trough plasma concentrations outside the therapeutic range described in the literature and the dose that would be necessary to obtain an ABC24/CIM ≥400. Results: 36 requests for vancomycin monitoring were made in 31 patients. 78% of the determined plasma concentrations were outside the therapeutic range and only in 8 patients was an ABC24/CIM ≥400 obtained. Conclusions: This study was the first step to implement clinical pharmacokinetics in the institution and showed the importance of therapeutic monitoring and dose individualization. In critically ill patients with high creatinine clearance, higher doses than those used in this study would be required.

RESUMEN Introducción: La monitorización de las concentraciones plasmáticas de antimicrobianos utilizados para tratar infecciones en pacientes críticos es una de las estrategias propuestas para mejorar los resultados clínicos. La monitorización de vancomicina reduce el riesgo de resistencia bacteriana y de nefrotoxicidad relacionada con altas concentraciones plasmáticas. El estudio fue realizado en un hospital público de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, que contiene 43 unidades críticas de atención al paciente. Aunque la indicación de vancomicina es frecuente, la solicitud de niveles plasmáticos de fármacos es inusual. Método: El Servicio de Farmacia realizó un estudio piloto prospectivo durante 14 semanas, implementando el monitoreo de las concentraciones plasmáticas de vancomicina y el cálculo del índice ABC24/CIM (área bajo la curva de concentración-tiempo durante un período de 24 horas/concentración inhibitoria mínima). Objetivos: Determinar el porcentaje de pacientes con concentraciones plasmáticas valle fuera del rango terapéutico descrito en la literatura y la dosis que sería necesaria para obtener un ABC24/CIM ≥400. Resultados: Se realizaron 36 solicitudes de monitorización de vancomicina en 31 pacientes. El 78% de las concentraciones plasmáticas determinadas estaban fuera del rango terapéutico y sólo en 8 pacientes se obtuvo un ABC24/CIM ≥400. Conclusiones: Este estudio fue el primer paso para implementar la farmacocinética clínica en la institución y evidenció la importancia de la monitorización terapéutica y la individualización de la dosis. En pacientes críticos y con un aclaramiento de creatinina elevado se necesitarían dosis mayores a las utilizadas en este estudio.

The progressive increase of environmental temperature as a consequence of climate change is a challenge for the wine industry. Elevated temperatures during grape ripening affect the development of grape skin color by inhibiting the synthesis of pigments and promoting their degradation, which causes an imbalance in the chromatic quality of must and red wine. The application of pectic oligosaccharides (POs) and abscisic acid (ABA) triggers the phenylpropanoid pathway and increases the color index in grapes. Since the at-harvest pigments and phenolic compounds are determinant for wine quality, this work addressed the pre-harvest application of POs and ABA as an in-field strategy for improving the quality of Syrah must and grapes grown in a warm climate. The color development, physicochemical parameters, phenolic content, and pigments in berries and must were evaluated. Results showed POs and ABA improved berry color development and anthocyanin content during ripening. Musts from POs-treated berries exhibited the highest phenols concentration and the most intense color, related to higher chroma values and anthocyanin content, particularly delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin 3-glucosides, while ABA improved must tonality by reducing the hue angle. In summary, POs and ABA application at veráison, differentially modulated the technological ripening of Syrah grapes and can be an alternative to conventional agrochemicals to preserve the quality of musts elaborated from grapes grown in warm climates, by increasing the content of phenolic compounds and enhancing berry skin color development through the differential accumulation of anthocyanins.

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue describir y analizar los patrones de prescripción de fármacos antiulcerosos, los factores asociados a su prescripción y su costo en pacientes ambulatorios polimedicados en un período de 6 meses, en una Entidad Promotora de Salud (EPS) colombiana a nivel nacional. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, basado en registros electrónicos de prescripción de medicamentos ambulatorios de 2 458 447 afiliados. Se incluyeron pacientes con prescripción de 5 o más fármacos por mes y se excluyeron aquellos cuyos registros transaccionales no tenían información completa para su análisis. Se evaluó la asociación entre prescripción de fármacos antiulcerosos y factores que justifican su prescripción mediante los odds ratio (OR) calculados a partir de un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: de 2 458 447 afiliados, 60 671 pacientes estuvieron polimedicados mensualmente; 40% tuvieron fármacos antiulcerosos y 70% fármacos gastrolesivos. De los gastroprotegidos, 47% fueron adultos mayores y 12% tuvieron asociado diagnóstico de riesgo gastrointestinal superior. Gastroprotección no justificada en 35% de los pacientes polimedicados, representando $75 millones de pesos colombianos (COP) mensuales. No hubo asociación estadística entre la prescripción de antiulcerosos y factores que justifiquen su prescripción (OR: 1,13; IC 95%: 1,00-1,27). Conclusión: ante la falta de asociación entre la prescripción de fármacos antiulcerosos y los factores que la justifican, es probable que su prescripción se haya realizado por la polifarmacia per se. Se recomienda optimizar la gastroprotección y reservarla a pacientes con más de un gastrolesivo y riesgo gastrointestinal superior, estén estos polimedicados o no

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe and analyze patterns of use of prescription ulcer drugs, factors associated with prescriptions by physicians, and costs for outpatients With polypharmacy at a Colombian healthcare promotion entity (EPS) over a six-month period. Methodology: This is a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study based on electronic records of drugs prescribed to 2,458,447 outpatient members. Patients who took five or more prescription drugs per month were included. Patient were excluded if their records in the transactional data were not complete enough for analysis. Associations between anti-ulcer drugs and factors justifying their prescription were evaluated by the odds ratio (OR) which was calculated from a logistic regression model. Results: Of the 2,458,447 affiliates of the EPS, on average 60,671 patients had polypharmacy each month: 40% used anti-ulcer drugs and 70% used gastro-damaging drugs. Of the gastroprotected patients, 47% were elderly and 12% had associated diagnoses of upper gastrointestinal risk. Gastroprotection was not justified in 35% of patients with polypharmacy. This represents 75 million Colombian pesos every month. There was no statistical association between prescription of anti-ulcer drugs and factors that justify their prescription (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.27). Conclusion: Given the lack of association between prescription of anti-ulcer drugs and factors which justify such prescriptions, it is likely that prescriptions contribute to polypharmacy per se. We recommended optimizing gastroprotection by reserving it for patients with more than one gastrointestinal lesion and with upper gastrointestinal risks whether or not they have polypharmacy

La presente revisión muestra el valor nutricional y el impacto para la salud humana del consumo de la fruta curuba larga (Passiflora mollisima Bailey), con base a las características nutricionales y antioxidantes. Pertenece a la familia de las pasifloráceas, es originaria de la zona andina del continente americano y en Colombia se cultiva principalmente en las cordilleras oriental y occidental. Esta fruta es fuente de vitaminas A, C y riboflavina; contiene potasio, fósforo, magnesio, sodio, cloro, hierro; aporta cantidades moderadas de carbohidratos y calóricas. El contenido de fenoles, flavonoides y carotenoides confiere la capacidad de captar radicales libres causantes del estrés oxidativo, éste relacionado con el origen y desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, neurodegenerativas y el cáncer.

This review shows the nutritional value and the impact to human health of consumption of Banana passion fruit (Passiflora mollissima Bailey), based on the nutrient and antioxidant characteristics. It belongs to the family of passifloraceae, is a native plant from the Andean region of Americas. This plant in Colombia is cultivated mainly in eastern and western mountain ranges. The fruit is a source of vitamins A, C and riboflavin, containing potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iron; provides moderate amounts of carbohydrates and calories. The content of phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids confers the ability to scavenge free radicals that cause oxidative stress which is related to the origin and development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.

Esta estudo mostra o valor nutricional e impacto sobre a saúde humana no consumo de curuba longa (Passiflora mollissima Bailey), com base nas características nutricionais e antioxidante. Pertence à família de passifloraceaes, é uma planta nativa da região andina da América. Esta planta na Colômbia é cultivada principalmente no leste e cadeias de montanhas ocidentais. O fruto é uma fonte de vitaminas A, C e riboflavina, contendo potássio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio, cloro, ferro, fornece quantidades moderadas de hidratos de carbono e calorias O conteúdo de fenóis, flavonóides e carotenóides conferem a capacidade de eliminar os radicais livres que provocam o stress oxidativo, que está relacionada com a origem e o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares e neurodegenerativas e câncer.

Introduction: Malnutrition, growth retardation and opportunistic infections outlast the metabolic, immune and gastrointestinal disorders produced by HIV. Zinc deficiency has been associated with deteriorating nutritional status, growth failure, and risk of infection. The aim of this study is to determine the association between zinc levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the nutritional status of HIV-infected and uninfected children exposed to the virus. Patients and Methods: An analytical, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 17 infected and 17 exposed children, aged 2-10 years. Anthropometric measurements, clinical and nutritional history, 24 h recall, measurement of physical activity, and zinc in PBMC by fiow cytometry analysis were recorded. Results: Height according to age, energy consumption and adequacy of energy, protein and dietary zinc were significantly higher in children exposed to the virus compared to those infected with HIV (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in BMI, levels of zinc in monocytes, CD4+ and CD4- lymphocytes between the two study groups (P > 0.05). However, the median levels of zinc in monocytes of infected patients was higher (218.6) compared to the control group (217.0). No association was found between zinc intake and levels of intracellular zinc. Conclusions: The deterioration of nutritional status and growth retardation in children were associated with HIV, but not with the levels of intracellular zinc. The dietary intake of this nutrient was not associated with levels of zinc in monocytes or CD4+ and CD4- lymphocytes.

Introducción: Desnutrición, retardo en el crecimiento e infecciones oportunistas sobrevienen a alteraciones metabólicas, inmunológicas y gastrointestinales que produce el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). La deficiencia de zinc se ha asociado con deterioro nutricional, falla en el crecimiento y riesgo de infecciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue asociar los niveles de zinc en células mononucleares de sangre periférica (PBMC) con el estado nutricional en niños infectados por el VIH y en niños no infectados expuestos al virus. Pacientes y Método: Estudio analítico observacional, transversal, en 17 niños infectados y 17 expuestos, entre 2 y 10 años de edad. Se realizó valoración antropométrica, historia clínica-nutricional, recordatorio de 24 horas, medición de actividad física y determinación de zinc en PBMC por citometría de fiujo. Resultados: La talla para la edad, el consumo de energía, y la adecuación de energía, proteínas y zinc alimentario fueron significativamente mayores en los niños expuestos comparados con los niños infectados (p < 0,05). No se hallaron diferencias significativas en el índice de masa corporal, los niveles de zinc en monocitos, linfocitos CD4+ y CD4- entre los dos grupos de estudio (p > 0,05); sin embargo, la mediana de los niveles de zinc en monocitos de pacientes infectados fue mayor (218,6) comparado con el grupo control (217,0). No se encontró asociación entre consumo de zinc y niveles de zinc intracelular. Conclusiones: El deterioro del estado nutricional y el retardo en el crecimiento en niños estuvo asociado al VIH, pero no a los niveles de zinc intracelular. El consumo alimentario de este nutriente no se asoció a niveles de zinc en monocitos y linfocitos CD4+ y CD4-.

TiO2 supported Ag nanoparticles with metal loading ranging from 2.0 to 12.0 wt.% have been prepared by reduction of a silver precursor with formic acid under mild conditions. XPS showed that silver remains in a reduced state and TEM has demonstrated that the procedure was effective to produce silver nanoparticles. Only small changes in the metal particle size from 2.0-3.4 nm occurs when the Ag content increases from 2.0 to 12.0 wt.%. O2 TPD has revealed the presence of different types of adsorbed oxygen species being the one assigned to the active specie called Ob which one displayed the highest proportion in the catalysts with higher metal loading. Catalytic activity in the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde showed that those samples with metal loading higher than 7.0 wt% displays higher yields compared to the unsupported silver catalyst.

Thermal cycles experienced by a superduplex stainless steel SAF 2507 when is welded, can promote the precipitation of secondary phases which decrease the mechanical properties as well as the corrosion resistance. Due to the application of the duplex alloys in the petrochemical industry, the study of these alloys has become very important in order to predict its service behavior. The aim of this work is to study the microstructural changes in the superduplex stainless steel weld joint after applying the GTAW process under three interpass temperatures after the deposition of every single pass. The results showed that slow cooling rates promoted by the deposition of the subsecuent passes and the higher interpass temperature, promote the precipitation of sigma phase in the HAZ while rapid cooling rates promoted by the lower interpass temperature do not promote the sigma phase precipitation.

Los ciclos térmicos de una soldadura multipasos que experimenta un acero inoxidable superdúplex SAF 2507, pueden promover la precipitación de fases secundarias reduciendo significativamente las propiedades mecánicas y la resistencia a la corrosión. Debido a su aplicación en la industria petroquímica, el estudio de las aleaciones superdúplex es de suma importancia para predecir su comportamiento en servicio cuando están involucrados procesos de soldadura por arco eléctrico. En este trabajo, se estudia el cambio microestructural de la zona afectada térmicamente correspondiente al primer cordón depositado de una unión multipasos de acero inoxidable superdúplex SAF 2507 mediante el proceso GTAW y bajo tres temperaturas de interpasos. Los resultados muestran que la temperatura de interpasos tiene una influencia sobre la precipitación de fase sigma en la zona afectada térmicamente del primer cordón depositado.

Las manzanas son fuente rica en Procianidinas (Pcy), inhiben la carcinogénesis del colon en modelos animales aunque los mecanismos no son bien comprendidos. Esta revisión presenta evidencia sobre los efectos pro-apoptóticos de Pcy por diferentes mecanismos en células humanas de adenocarcinoma de colon SW480 y sus derivadas metastáticas SW620. En la apoptosis inducida por Pcy en células SW620 participa el metabolismo de poliaminas, pero no en células SW480. Existe sensibilidad diferencial de ambas líneas a la activación de los receptores de muerte-TRAIL. Pcy aumenta la sensibilidad de SW480 a TRAIL activando la vía extrínseca, y sobrepasa la resistencia a TRAIL en células SW620 mediante interacción entre las vías extrínseca e intrínseca, y producción de especies reactivas del oxígeno (ROS) con daño mitocondrial. Pcy activan el receptor Fas en células SW480, mientras que las células SW620 son Fas-resistentes a pesar del aumento en la expresión de Fas. La activación de la apoptosis vía Fas por Pcy se observa en células SW620 después de inactivar los receptores de muerte-TRAIL, sugiriendo que el fenotipo Fas-resistente podría estar asociado con alteraciones corriente-abajo entre los receptores TRAIL y Fas. Estos datos resaltan el potencial interés en las Pcy de manzana para la prevención y terapia combinada del cáncer de colon.

Apples are a rich source of Procyanidins (Pcy) which are able to inhibit colon carcinogenesis in animal models, but the mechanisms through which this occurs are not well understood.The evidence obtained in our laboratory and by other researchers, which shows that Pcy trigger apoptosis through different mechanisms in human colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells and their derived-metastatic SW620 cells is reviewed in this paper. In the apoptosis induced by Pcy, the polyamine metabolism is involved, but it is not present in SW480 cells. There is a differential sensitivity of both cells lines to the activation of TRAIL-death receptors. Pcy enhance the sensitivity of SW480 cells to TRAIL by activating the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and overcome TRAIL-resistance in SW620 cells involving a cross-talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways; and a Pcy-induced ROS production favoring mitochondria disruption. In addition, Pcy activate Fas receptor in SW480 cells, whereas SW620 cells are Fas-resistant despite the up-regulated Fas expression. Surprisingly, activation of the Fas receptor-mediated apoptosis by Pcy is observed in SW620 cells after inactivation of TRAIL-death receptors, suggesting that Fas-resistant phenotype may be associated with alterations in downstream events between TRAIL-death and Fas receptors. These data highlight the potential interest of apple Pcy in colon cancer prevention and therapy (combination therapy).

We comment on a transitional Pleistocene/Holocene radiocarbon age obtained from a stratigraphic context -without human association- located in the evergreen forest of Aisén, Chile (~44° S). We discuss the implications of this unexpected result in frame of peopling dynamics of Patagonia. In order to do so, we describe the spatial and stratigraphic contexts of El Toro rockshelter site, location where the sample was recovered. We point out possible explanations and propose a parsimonious interpretation in light of other results obtained along Cisnes river basin.

Comentamos una edad radiocarbónica situada en la transición Pleistoceno/Holoceno obtenida en un contexto estratigráfico -sin asociación humana- ubicado en el bosque siempreverde de Aisén, Chile (~44° S). Discutimos las implicancias de este inesperado resultado en el marco de las dinámicas poblacionales de Patagonia. Para ello describimos el contexto espacial y estratigráfico del sitio alero El Toro, lugar de recuperación de la muestra. Se señalan las posibles explicaciones y proponemos una interpretación parsimoniosa a la luz de otros resultados obtenidos a lo largo del valle del río Cisnes.

The photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene over Ag nanoparticles supported on TiO2 was studied. The photocatalysts were obtained by impregnation of Ag colloids on TiO2. They were characterized by XPS, TEM and UV-vis. Ag° nanoparticles were obtained with diameters between 2.0-3.2 nm. The photocatalysts were found to display band gap energies similar to those of pure TiO2, although the presence of Ag nanoparticles results in the formation of a plasmon resonance band in the visible range. The photocatalytic activity of the Ag/TiO2 samples to remove trichlorethylene (TCE) in gas phase was tested. With visible light, up to 60% of conversion was obtained.

This research work studies the microstructural changes in SAF 2507 superduplex stainless steel after thermal cycle in the range from 200 to 900°C for 20 minutes. The results showed there is no microstructural change in the temperature range of 200-700°C. However, over 800°C the sigma phase precipitates; the percentage of this phase increases with temperature. Sigma phase precipitates at the boundaries of δ/δ and δ/γ. The experimental results also showed precipitation of small particles of sigma phase at 900°C all over the microstructure showing the initial stages of formation.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente por 3 anos a partir de dados salivares, as terapias com carbamacepina (CBZ) e ácido valproico (VPA) em pacientes pediátricos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas amostras de saliva estimuladas com ácido cítrico por método FPIA em 103 pacientes (idades 1-14 anos) em monoterapia com CBZ ou VPA ou terapia combinada CBZ-VPA. RESULTADOS: Níveis salivares de VPA se relacionaram linearmente com a dose diária, e a relação não linear foi encontrada em pacientes com CBZ. VPA não alterou as concentrações salivares de CBZ, porém a CBZ reduziu os níveis salivares de VPA em pacientes com terapia combinada. Pacientes refratários apresentaram altas concentrações de VPA. Os níveis de CBZ em pacientes não controlados não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação aos pacientes controlados quando as doses diárias foram mais elevadas. CONCLUSÃO: Saliva estimulada com ácido cítrico é adequada para o monitoramento terapêutico. Níveis da droga na saliva em pacientes que não responderam ao tratamento pode ser explicado pelo transporte de efluxo generalizado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze retrospectively carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA) salivary data collected from epileptic children during a 3-year period. METHODS: Saliva samples stimulated by citric acid were assayed by FPIA method. One hundred and three patients (aged 1-14 years) were in CBZ or VPA monotherapy or in CBZ-VPA combined therapy. RESULTS: VPA salivary levels were linearly related with daily dose, but a non-linear relationship was found for CBZ, in patients under monotherapy. VPA did not alter saliva CBZ concentration. Conversely, CBZ reduced VPA salivary levels. Non-responsive children displayed higher VPA concentrations. CBZ levels in uncontrolled patients showed non-significant difference in relation with controlled subjects even though their daily doses were higher. CONCLUSION: Citric acid stimulated saliva is reliable enough to perform therapeutic drug monitoring. Saliva drug levels in non-responsive patients would be explained according to the generalized efflux transporter overexpression hypothesis.

Three Al-6Si-3Cu-xMg (x = 0.59, 3.80 and 6.78 wt. %) alloys were produced using conventional ingot casting metallurgy and melt-spinning. The study was focused to investigate the effect of Magnesium content and aging time ant temperature on precipitates and microhardness. Obtained alloys were solution heat treated at 480 ºC for 12 h and aged at 150, 180 and 210 °C for times between 0.05 and 100 h. Multifactorial designs were used, summarized in the dependency: VHN= f (t, T, %Mg), where VHN is Vickers microhardness, t is aging time and T is aging temperature. Transmission Electron Microscopy and microhardness techniques were used. Results shown variations in precipitates composition: CuAl2 needles for the alloys with 0.59% Mg and Q (Al5Cu2Mg8Si6) with irregular shapes, for the alloys with 3.80 and 6.78% Mg. For melt-spinning alloys, temperature originates the most significant variation on microhardness, followed by Mg content and aging time. The increase of Mg content originates greater microhardnesses. For conventionally cast alloys temperature is the only factor that significantly changes microhardness.

Tres aleaciones cuaternarias Al-6Si-3Cu-xMg (x = 0.59, 3.80 y 6.78 % en peso) fueron producidas utilizando fundición convencional de lingotes y solidificación rápida mediante "melt-spinning". El estudio se concentró en investigar el efecto del contenido de Mg y del tiempo y la temperatura de envejecido sobre los precipitados y la microdureza. Las aleaciones se sometieron a tratamientos térmicos T6, consistentes en calentar las muestras a 480 ºC por 12 h y envejecido a 150, 180 y 210 ºC, durante tiempos comprendidos entre 0.05 y 100 horas. Se aplicaron diseños multifactoriales, resumidos en la dependencia VHN= f (t, T, %Mg), donde VHN es la microdureza Vickers, t es el tiempo y T la temperatura de envejecido. Se utilizaron técnicas de microscopía electrónica de transmisión y microdureza. Los precipitados obtenidos fueron diferentes: CuAl2 en forma de aguja para las aleaciones con 0.59 % de Mg; y Q (Al5Cu2Mg8Si6) irregulares para las aleaciones con 3.80 y 6.78 % de Mg. Para las aleaciones obtenidas por solidificación rápida, el factor que más influyó sobre la microdureza fue la temperatura, seguido por el contenido de Mg y el tiempo de envejecido. El aumento del contenido de Mg origina mayores microdurezas. Para las aleaciones obtenidas por solidificación convencional la temperatura es el único factor que provoca cambios significativos sobre la microdureza.

Objectives: To characterize energy and nutrient consumption in less than 5 year old children in Peru between 1997 and 2001. Materials and Methods: A direct food-weighing survey was administered to 1644 children selected in a two-staged probabilistic sampling in the following geographical domains: Lima, rest of the coast, urban areas in the highlands, rural areas in the highlands, jungle, and Andean Trapezium (Ayacucho, Apurimac, Huancavelica, Cusco, and Puno departments); covering the whole Peruvian surface area. Median values for energy, macronutrient, animal protein, vitamin A, and iron consumption. The percentage of infant population with a less-than 90%, 75%, and 50% of nutritional requirement and recommendations was calculated, as well as consumption gap for the same cut-off values. Median and percentage values were compared year-by-year, using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. Results: Throughout the country a significant increase in energy, carbohydrates, and vitamin A consumption was observed; in spite of this, children assessed showed low consumption and coverage of energy, fat, and iron requirements and recommendations. Total protein consumption exceeded 100% of daily recommendations in all places studied, and low animal protein consumption was found in the rural areas in the highlands, as well as in the Andean Trapezium. Conclusions: In spite of the increases in food consumption observed during the study period, children showed high prevalence of low energy and nutrient consumption, particularly iron and fat, and mostly affected regions were rurral areas in the highlands and Andean Trapezium.

Objetivos: Caracterizar el consumo de energía y nutrientes en niños menores de 5 años en el Perú, entre 1997 y 2001. Materiales y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta de pesada directa de alimentos en 1644 niños seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico bietápico en los dominios geográficos: Lima metropolitana, resto de costa, sierra urbana, sierra rural, selva y trapecio andino (departamentos de Ayacucho, Apurímac, Huancavelica, Cusco y Puno); los cuales cubren la totalidad del territorio peruano. Se determinaron las medianas del consumo de energía, macronutrientes, proteínas de origen animal, vitamina A y hierro. Se calculó el porcentaje de la población infantil que consumió menos de 90%, 75% y 50% de los requerimientos y recomendaciones nutricionales y se calculó las correspondientes brechas del consumo para los mismos puntos de corte. Se compararon entre los años las medianas y los porcentajes referidos, empleando la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y Chi cuadrado. Resultados: A nivel nacional se evidenció un incremento significativo del consumo de energía, carbohidratos y vitamina A; a pesar de ello los niños mostraron un bajo consumo y cobertura de los requerimientos y recomendaciones de energía, grasas y hierro. El consumo de proteínas totales excedió el 100% de las recomendaciones en todos los ámbitos, se halló un bajo consumo de proteína animal sólo en la sierra rural y el trapecio andino. Conclusiones: A pesar de los incrementos de consumo observados en el tiempo, los niños mostraron elevadas prevalencias de bajo consumo de energía y nutrientes, en especial hierro y grasa, siendo afectados fundamentalmente los ámbitos de la sierra rural y trapecio andino.