Abstract: The main objective of this research study is to assess digital competence among managers at the decentralized autonomous government in Ecuador in regards to knowledge and use of basic management digital tools according to gender and attitudes towards ICT (Information and communications technology). The methodology applied is quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and inferential. A digital questionnaire is used to survey 85 managers. The results show non-significant differences in digital skills and knowledge between genders. There is a positive attitude towards ICT in both men and women. Men are valued better than women in knowledge, management, and attitude. It is concluded that differences between genders are not significant and there is evidence of female progress in reducing gender gaps with males.

Resumen: El principal objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar el nivel de competencias digitales de directivos de gobiernos autónomos descentralizados de Ecuador en torno al conocimiento y manejo de herramientas digitales básicas para su gestión en función de género y sus actitudes hacia las TIC (Tecnologías de la información y comunicación). Se emplea una metodología cuantitativa no experimental, descriptiva e inferencial. Se utiliza un cuestionario digital para la recolección de información a 85 directivos. Los resultados muestran diferencias no significativas en las competencias digitales de uso y conocimiento en función del género, así como una actitud positiva hacia las TIC tanto en hombres como en mujeres. Se evidencia que los hombres se valoran mejor que las mujeres en conocimientos, manejo y actitud. Se concluye que las diferencias de género no son significativas y se evidencia un progreso considerable por parte del género femenino en cuanto a las brechas entre hombres y mujeres.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficiência reprodutiva de búfalas leiteiras submetidas a protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) à base de progesterona/estrogênio (P4/E2) e eCG, durante a estação reprodutiva desfavorável, usando-se sêmen resfriado (SR) e congelado (SC) Um total de 446 búfalas (> 40 dias após o parto) foi distribuído aleatoriamente em quatro blocos (anos): B1-2014 (n = 143), B2-2015 (n = 34), B3-2016 (n = 90) e B4-2017 (n = 179). Cada bloco foi subdividido em dois (IA com SR e SC utilizando-se a mesma ejaculação de cada touro). Assim, a subdivisão do bloco foi a seguinte: B1 (SR = 71 e SC = 72); B2 (SR = 18 e SC = 16); B3 (SR = 47 e SC = 43); e B4 (SR = 90 e SC = 89). Os ejaculados de oito touros Murrah coletados com vagina artificial foram divididos em duas alíquotas: uma alíquota diluída em diluente comercial Botu-Bov® e resfriada (BB-SR), e a outra diluída no mesmo diluente e congelada (BB-SC). As alíquotas de BB-SR foram resfriados a 5°C/24h usando-se um refrigerador. As alíquotas do grupo BB-SC também foram resfriadas e, após equilíbrio a 5°C por 4h, foram colocadas em uma caixa de isopor de 21L, 5 cm acima da superfície do nitrogênio líquido. À tarde (A), no D0 (14h), os animais receberam BE 2,0 mg IM (Estrogin®) e um implante auricular (Crestar® 3,0 mg P4). No D9 (A), o implante foi retirado e os animais receberam eCG 400 UI IM (Folligon® 5000) + cloprostenol PGF2α 0,530 mg IM (Sincrocio®). No D10 (A), os animais receberam BE 1,0mg IM (Estrogin®), e, no D12 (8h da manhã), foram realizadas as IAs. No D42, a gestação foi diagnosticada por ultrassonografia. As taxas de concepção (TC) totais foram 48,2% SR e 34,6% SC para os anos de 2014 a 2017, com uma diferença significativa de 13,7% (P<0,05). Em conclusão, o sêmen resfriado resultou em maior TC do que o sêmen congelado em bubalinos leiteiros sob P4/E2 e eCG FTAI durante a estação reprodutiva desfavorável.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive efficiency of dairy buffaloes undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols based on progesterone/estrogen (P4/E2) and eCG during unfavorable breeding season using cooled (CS) and frozen semen (FS). A total of 446 buffaloes (> 40 days postpartum) were randomly distributed into four blocks (years): B1-2014 (n = 143), B2-2015 (n = 34), B3-2016 (n = 90), and B4-2017 (n = 179). Each block was subdivided into two (AI with CS and FS using the same ejaculate of each bull). Thus, the block subdivision was as follows: B1 (CS = 71 and FS = 72); B2 (CS = 18 and FS = 16); B3 (CS = 47 and FS = 43); and B4 (CS = 90 and FS = 89). The ejaculates of eight Murrah bulls collected using an artificial vagina were divided into two aliquots: one aliquot was diluted in Botu-Bov® commercial extender and cooled (BB-CS), and the other was diluted in the same extender and frozen (BB-FS). BB-CS aliquots were cooled at 5 °C/24 h using a refrigerator. BB-FS group aliquots were also cooled, and after equilibrating at 5 °C for 4 h, were placed in a 21-L Styrofoam box, 5 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen. In the afternoon (A) on D0 (2:00 p.m.) the animals received EB 2.0 mg IM (Estrogin®) and an ear implant (CRESTAR® 3.0 mg P4). At D9 (A), the implant was removed, and the animals received eCG 400 IU IM (Folligon® 5000) + Cloprostenol PGF2α 0.530 mg IM (Sincrocio®). At D10 (A), the animals received EB 1.0 mg IM (Estrogin®), and at D12 (8:00 a.m.), AI was performed. At D42, pregnancy was diagnosed via ultrasonography. Total CRs were 48.2% CS and 34.6% FS for years 2014 to 2017, with a significant difference of 13.7% (P<0.05). In conclusion, cooled semen resulted in higher CR than frozen semen in dairy buffaloes under the P4/E2 and eCG FTAI during the unfavorable reproductive season.

BACKGROUND: The standard of care for surgically resectable disease renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a nephrectomy. Post nephrectomy, these patients are at risk for the development of new onset chronic kidney disease or the progression of pre-existing chronic kidney disease. We aimed to report the changes in renal function in patients who had a nephrectomy for RCCMETHODS: This retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study identified 137 patients who had a nephrectomy for RCC from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2017. The pre-nephrectomy and post-nephrectomy estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the histological subtype of RCC on histopathological analysis of the resected specimen were recorded from the National Health Laboratory Services online results platform. All analyses were conducted using SPSS (Version 25) and the significance level was set at p < 0.05RESULTS: After a mean follow-up period of 26.5 ± 22 months (median = 19 months), the patients' eGFR dropped by a mean of 4.82 ± 8.67 ml/min/1.73 m² (95% CI 3.23-6.41) post-nephrectomy. The mean eGFR fall in patients' who had hypertension and/or diabetes (n = 63) was significantly larger compared to patients who had neither of these comorbidities (n = 54; p < .001; mean = 7.30 ± 8.40 ml/min/1.73 m² (95% CI 5.19-9.42) and 1.93 ± 8.14 ml/min/1.73 m² (95% CI 0.30-4.15) respectivelyCONCLUSIONS: The decline in renal function in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus is more pronounced than in patients with neither of these comorbidities. In these high-risk patients, measures must be taken to prevent the development and limit the progression of chronic kidney disease

RESUMO Este estudo investigou in vitro a eficácia de quatro diferentes extensores (TES-TRIS e TRIS com lipoproteína de baixa densidade - LDL, nas concentrações de 10 ou 5%) sobre a longevidade espermática de búfalos no processo de refrigeração a 5ºC. A motilidade espermática foi avaliada a cada 24 horas até 72 horas de incubação, por sistema computadorizado “CASA”, e a integridade de membrana espermática foi examinada pelo teste hiposmótico (HOST) em T1, T24, T48 e T72 horas. Foram utilizados 11 búfalos (um ejaculado por búfalo) da raça Murrah, com idade variando de quatro a cinco anos. Imediatamente após a coleta, cada ejaculado foi fracionado em quatro alíquotas, e cada alíquota foi diluída em um dos quatro diluidores para a obtenção de 50x106 SPTZ/mL. As amostras foram envasadas em palhetas de 0,5 mL, refrigeradas (-0,25oC/minuto) até 5oC e mantidas nessa temperatura até a avaliação. Previamente à avaliação, as amostras foram aquecidas a 37oC por 30 segundos. O pacote estatístico utilizado para as análises foi o STATA 12.0 “Statistical Analysis Software”, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Friedman (P<0,05). Os resultados de cinética e HOST até o tempo de 48 horas indicam que o diluidor TRIS com 10% LDL seria uma alternativa promissora para a refrigeração do sêmen a 5ºC, a ser utilizado na inseminação artificial e na inseminação artificial em tempo fixo.

ABSTRACT This study investigated in vitro the efficacy of four different extenders (TES-TRIS and TRIS with LDL low-density lipoprotein at concentrations of 10 or 5%) on the longevity of buffalo sperm in the refrigeration process at 5ºC. Sperm motility was assessed every 24 hours up to 72 hours of incubation using computer assisted sperm analysis and sperm membrane integrity was examined by the hypoosmotic test (HOST) at T1, T24, T48 and T72 hours. Eleven buffaloes (1 ejaculate per buffalo) of the Murrah breed were used, ranging in age from 4 to 5 years. Immediately after collection, each ejaculate was fractionated into 4 aliquots, and each aliquot was diluted in one of four diluents to obtain 50x106SPTZ/mL. The samples were packed in 0.5mL straws and refrigerated (-0.25°C/min) to 5°C and maintained at this temperature until evaluation. Prior to evaluation the samples were heated at 37°C for 30 seconds. The statistical package used for analysis was STATA 12.0 "Statistical Analysis Software" and means were compared by the Friedman test (P<0.05). The results of sperm kinetics and HOST indicate that the TRIS diluent with 10% LDL could be a promising alternative for semen refrigeration at 5ºC, to be used in conventional and fixed time artificial insemination.

As florestas ripárias provêem serviços ecossistêmicos essenciais à humanidade, mas estão sendo degradadas em um ritmo acelerado na Amazônia. Esse estudo teve como objetivo quantificar os estoques de carbono acima e abaixo do solo de florestas ripárias com quatro níveis de degradação (muito alta, alta, média e baixa) em duas microbacias (Rio Pepital e Rio Grande) em Alcântara (Maranhão), na Amazônia Oriental. Foram instaladas 24 parcelas permanentes de 1.000 m2, onde a vegetação (árvores, arbustos, herbáceas, lianas e palmeiras), a necromasa (serapilheira, árvores mortas, galhos) e o solo (0-20 cm e raízes) foram amostrados. A biomassa foi estimada mediante modelos alométricos (vegetação com DAP > 1 cm e árvores mortas) e de forma destrutiva (herbáceas, serapilheira, galhos finos, raízes). O estoque total de carbono nas florestas ripárias mais conservadas variou entre 88 e 202 Mg(C) ha-1. A degradação reduziu significativamente o estoque de carbono em todos os compartimentos (até 97% na biomassa viva acima do solo, até 91% de necromassa e até 47% no solo). Nas áreas conservadas, a biomassa viva acima do solo tem a maior participação no estoque total de carbono (> 70%), principalmente devido às árvores de grande porte. O estoque de carbono nos diferentes compartimentos estão fortemente relacionados entre si e também com a abertura do dossel. A incorporação desses resultados em modelos regionais de carbono pode auxiliar na implementação e revisão do Código Florestal Brasileiro, em particular na restauração das florestas ripárias onde a agricultura está consolidada.

Riparian forests provide essential ecosystem services to humanity, but are being degraded at an accelerated rate in the Amazon. This study aimed to quantify carbon stocks above and below ground in riparian forests with four levels of degradation (very high, high, medium and low) in two watersheds (Pepital Rio and Rio Grande) in Alcântara, Eastern Amazon. Twenty-four permanent plots of 1,000 m2 were installed, and vegetation (trees, shrubs, herbs, lianas and palms), necromass (litter, dead trees, branches) and soil (0-20 cm and roots) were sampled. The biomass was estimated using allometric models (vegetation with dbh> 1 cm and dead trees) and destructively (herbaceous, litterfall, branches, roots). The total carbon stock in the most conserved riparian forests ranged between 88 and 202 Mg(C) ha-1. Degradation significantly reduced carbon stock in all compartments (up to 97% in above-ground biomass, up to 91% of necromass, and up to 47% in soils). In conserved areas, the aboveground biomass is the largest compartment of the total carbon stock (> 70%), mainly due to large trees. The carbon stock in the different compartments are strongly correlated with each other and with the canopy opening. The incorporation of these results in regional carbon models can assist in the implementation and review of the Brazilian Forest Act, particularly in the restoration of riparian forests where agriculture is consolidated.

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RésuméObjectif Évaluer l'effet du tabagisme sur les résultats des traitements antituberculeux à Tbilissi, en Géorgie.Méthodes Nous avons réalisé une étude de cohorte prospective chez des adultes atteints de tuberculose confirmée en laboratoire, de mai 2011 à novembre 2013. Les antécédents de tabagisme ont été recueillis à l'aide d'un questionnaire standardisé, adapté de l'enquête mondiale sur le tabagisme des adultes. Nous avons considéré que les résultats du traitement antituberculeux étaient mauvais si les participants ne l'avaient pas respecté, n'avaient pas répondu au traitement ou étaient décédés. Nous avons utilisé des régressions multivariées pour estimer le risque de mauvais résultats thérapeutiques.Résultats Sur les 591 patients atteints de tuberculose, 188 (31,8%) étaient d'anciens fumeurs et 271 (45,9%) fumaient encore. Quatre-vingt-dix (33,2%) fumeurs actuels et 24 (18,2%) participants n'ayant jamais fumé avaient précédemment pris un traitement contre la tuberculose (P < 0,01). Les données sur les résultats des traitements étaient disponibles pour 524 des participants, sur lesquels 128 (24,4%) - dont 80 (32,9%) des 243 fumeurs actuels et 21 (17,2%) des 122 personnes n'ayant jamais fumé - montraient de mauvais résultats thérapeutiques. Comparés aux personnes n'ayant jamais fumé, les fumeurs actuels présentaient un risque accru de mauvais résultats thérapeutiques (risque relatif ajusté, RRa : 1,70 ; intervalle de confiance de 95%, IC : 1,00-2,90). Les personnes qui avaient arrêté de fumer plus de deux mois avant leur inclusion à l'étude ne présentaient pas une telle augmentation du risque (RRa : 1,01 ; IC de 95% : 0,51-1,99).Conclusion Il existe une forte prévalence de tabagisme chez les patients atteints de tuberculose en Géorgie et le tabagisme augmente le risque de mauvais résultats thérapeutiques.

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AbstractObjective To assess the effect of tobacco smoking on the outcome of tuberculosis treatment in Tbilisi, Georgia.Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of adults with laboratory-confirmed tuberculosis from May 2011 to November 2013. History of tobacco smoking was collected using a standardized questionnaire adapted from the global adult tobacco survey. We considered tuberculosis therapy to have a poor outcome if participants defaulted, failed treatment or died. We used multivariable regressions to estimate the risk of a poor treatment outcome.Findings Of the 591 tuberculosis patients enrolled, 188 (31.8%) were past smokers and 271 (45.9%) were current smokers. Ninety (33.2%) of the current smokers and 24 (18.2%) of the participants who had never smoked had previously been treated for tuberculosis (P< 0.01). Treatment outcome data were available for 524 of the participants, of whom 128 (24.4%) - including 80 (32.9%) of the 243 current smokers and 21 (17.2%) of the 122 individuals who had never smoked - had a poor treatment outcome. Compared with those who had never smoked, current smokers had an increased risk of poor treatment outcome (adjusted relative risk, aRR: 1.70; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.00-2.90). Those who had ceased smoking more than two months before enrolment did not have such an increased risk (aRR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.51-1.99).Conclusion There is a high prevalence of smoking among patients with tuberculosis in Georgia and smoking increases the risk of a poor treatment outcome.

ملخصالغرض لتقييم التأثير الناتج عن تدخين التبغ على حصيلة علاج مرض السل في تبلّيسي، جورجيا.الطريقة لقد أجرينا دراسة أترابية استباقية على البالغين الذين يعانون من مرض السل المؤكد مختبريًا في الفترة ما بين أيار/مايو 2011 إلى تشرين الثاني/نوفمبر 2013. وقد تم تجميع تاريخ تدخين التبغ باستخدام استبيان معياري معتمد من المسح العالمي لاستهلاك التبغ لدى البالغين. لقد وجدنا أن علاج السل ينتج عنه حصيلة سيئة إذا تخلف المشاركون عن المعالجة، أو فشل علاجهم، أو توفوا. لقد استخدمنا تحوفات متعددة المتغيرات لتقدير الاختطار الناتج عن حصيلة العلاج السيئة.النتائج من بين 591 من مرضى السل المسجلين، كان 188 (31.8٪) من المرضى مدخنين سابقين وكان 271 (45.9٪) من المرضى مدخنين حاليين. لقد سبق لتسعين (33.2٪) من المدخنين الحاليين، و 24 (18.2٪) من المشاركين الذين لم يدخنوا أبدًا، العلاج من مرض السل (الاحتمال < 0.01). وتوفرت بيانات حصيلة العلاج لعدد 524 من المشاركين، من بينهم 128 (24.4٪) كانت حصيلة العلاج الخاصة بهم سيئة، بما في ذلك 80 (32.9٪) من 243 من المدخنين الحاليين و21 (17.2٪) من 122 من الأفراد الذين لم يدخنوا أبدًا. مقارنة مع أولئك الذين لم يدخنوا أبدًا، كان هناك اختطار زائد على المدخنين الحاليين لحدوث حصيلة علاج سيئة (الاختطار النسبي المصحح، aRR: 1.70؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.00 إلى 2.90).أولئك الذين قد أقلعوا عن التدخين لمدة أكثر من شهرين قبل التسجيل، لم يكن لديهم مثل ذلك الاختطار الزائد (:aRR 1.01؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 0.50 إلى 1.99).الاستنتاج هناك انتشار مرتفع للتدخين بين المرضى الذين يعانون من مرض السل في جورجيا، ويزيد التدخين من اختطار حصيلة العلاج السيئة.

ResumenObjetivo Evaluar los efectos del consumo de tabaco en los resultados del tratamiento de la tuberculosis en Tbilisi, Georgia.Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohortes prospectivo en adultos con tuberculosis confirmada mediante pruebas de laboratorio de mayo de 2011 a noviembre de 2013. Se recopiló información sobre el consumo de tabaco mediante un cuestionario normalizado adaptado a partir de la Encuesta Mundial sobre el Tabaco y los Adultos. Se consideró que los resultados de la terapia antituberculosa eran deficientes si los participantes incumplían el tratamiento, no lo realizaban o morían. Se utilizaron regresiones multivariables para estimar el riesgo de obtener unos resultados deficientes del tratamiento.Resultados De los 591 pacientes con tuberculosis inscritos, 188 (31,8%) eran antiguos fumadores y 271 (45,9%) eran fumadores actuales. Noventa (33,2%) de los fumadores actuales y 24 (18,2%) de los participantes que no habían fumado nunca habían recibido tratamiento para la tuberculosis anteriormente (P < 0,01). Los datos sobre los resultados del tratamiento estuvieron disponibles para 524 de los participantes, de los cuales 128 (24,4%) (incluyendo los 80 (32,9%) de los 243 fumadores y 21 (17,2%) de las 122 personas que nunca habían fumado) obtuvieron unos resultados deficientes del tratamiento. En comparación con las personas que no habían fumado nunca, los fumadores actuales tenían un riesgo superior de obtener unos resultados deficientes del tratamiento (riesgo relativo ajustado, RRa: 1,70; intervalo de confianza, IC, del 95%: 1,00-2,90). Aquellas personas que habían dejado de fumar más de dos meses antes de la inscripción no experimentaban un aumento del riesgo tan elevado (RRa: 1,01 (IC del 95%: 0,51-1,99).Conclusión Existe una elevada prevalencia de consumo de tabaco entre los pacientes con tuberculosis en Georgia y el consumo de tabaco aumenta el riesgo de obtener unos resultados deficientes del tratamiento.

Plasmodium vivax radical cure requires the use of primaquine (PQ), a drug that induces haemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient (G6PDd) individuals, which further hampers malaria control efforts. The aim of this work was to study the G6PDd prevalence and variants in Latin America (LA) and the Caribbean region. A systematic search of the published literature was undertaken in August 2013. Bibliographies of manuscripts were also searched and additional references were identified. Low prevalence rates of G6PDd were documented in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, but studies from Curaçao, Ecuador, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad, as well as some surveys carried out in areas of Brazil, Colombia and Cuba, have shown a high prevalence (> 10%) of G6PDd. The G6PD A-202A mutation was the variant most broadly distributed across LA and was identified in 81.1% of the deficient individuals surveyed. G6PDd is a frequent phenomenon in LA, although certain Amerindian populations may not be affected, suggesting that PQ could be safely used in these specific populations. Population-wide use of PQ as part of malaria elimination strategies in LA cannot be supported unless a rapid, accurate and field-deployable G6PDd diagnostic test is made available.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de baixas concentrações da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LBD) extraída da gema do ovo de galinha, nas formas natural e liofilizada, na criopreservado do sêmen canino. Diferentes concentrações de sulfato de amônio também foram testadas na extrato da LBD da gema do ovo. A gema foi centrifugada, sendo a LBD isolada usando-se soluto saturada de sulfato de amônio (SSA) nas concentrações de 10, 20, 40, 45 e 50%. A frado rica em LBD foi coletada para caracterizado química. O conteœdo de matéria seca foi menor (P<0,05) na LBD extraída com SSA 50%. A pureza da LBD melhorou medida que se aumentou a concentrado de SSA utilizada. SDS-PAGE mostrou que a SSA 50% produziu uma frado mais pura de LBD oriunda da gema do ovo. Para o congelamento de sêmen, o meio diluidor TRIS teve a gema do ovo a 20% (controle) substituída pela LBD a 1, 2 e 3% (p/v), nas formas natural e liofilizada. O sêmen foi centrifugado (755xg por 7min), diluído em um dos meios diluidores em teste e envasado em palhetas de 0,5mL (100x106sptz/mL), sendo congelado em máquina de congelamento programável. O sêmen descongelado (37°C/30s) foi analisado quanto motilidade e morfologia espermática e nos testes hiposm-tico e de epifluorescência (DACF/IP). A LBD natural extraída com SSA 50% foi tão eficiente quanto a gema do ovo na preservado do espermatozoide canino congelado nas baixas concentrações testadas. A LBD liofilizada, principalmente as duas maiores concentrações (2 e 3%), não foi adequada para manter o efeito crioprotetor da LBD sobre o espermatozoide canino.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low concentrations of natural and lyophilized low density lipoprotein (LDL) from hen's egg yolk for cryopreservation of canine semen. Different ammonium sulphate concentrations were tested to extract LDL from egg yolk. The yolk was centrifuged, and LDL was isolated using 10, 20, 40, 45, or 50% ammonium sulphate solution (ASS). The LDL-rich floating fraction was collected for chemical characterization. Dry matter content was lowest (P<0.05) in the LDL extracted with the 50% ASS. The purification of LDL increased in association with increasing ammonium sulphate concentrations. SDS-PAGE showed that the 50% ASS solution yielded a purer fraction of LDL from egg yolk. For semen cryopreservation, TRIS extender was used replacing 20% egg yolk (control) by natural or lyophilized LDL using 1, 2, and 3% (w/v). Semen was centrifuged (755Xg for 7 min), diluted with one of the extenders, packed into 0.5mL straws (100x106 sperm/mL), and placed in a programmable cryopreservation machine. Thawed semen (37°C/ 30s) was analyzed for sperm motility, morphology, and by the hypoosmotic and epifluorescence tests (CFDA/ PI). Natural LDL extracted with 50% ASS was as effective as whole egg yolk to preserve canine frozen sperm when using low concentrations. The lyophilized LDL, mainly in the two higher concentrations tested (2 and 3%), was unsuitable to maintain the effectiveness of the LDL cryoprotective effect on dog sperm.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo promover o levantamento de índices zootécnicos para calcular e comparar a eficiência reprodutiva de rebanhos bovinos leiteiros por diferentes métodos. O intervalo de partos dos rebanhos estudados apresentou uma variação de 13,3 a 15,2 meses por meio dos diferentes métodos utilizados para sua obtenção, não se observando diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre eles. As avaliações pelos métodos de Johnson et al. (1964) e Butendieck et al. (1972) mostraram, respectivamente, eficiência reprodutiva de 79,5 e 77,8%. Embora considerados métodos mais eficientes que o de Willcox et al. (1957), cuja média encontrada para os mesmos rebanhos foi de 90,2%, não se observou diferença significativa entre os resultados obtidos pelos três métodos.

The study aimed to promote the lifting of indexes to calculate and compare the reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle herds by different methods. The parturition interval studied showed a variation from 13.3 to 15.2 months by means of different methods for obtaining it are not observing a significant difference (P> 0.05) between them. Evaluations by the methods of Johnson et al (1964) and Butendieck et al. (1972) showed, respectively, reproductive efficiency of 79.5 and 77.8%. Although regarded as the most efficient methods of Willcox et al. (1957), whose average found in the same herd was 90.2%, there was no significant difference between the results obtained by three methods.

The case of a 16-year old Jamaican girl who presented to the psychiatric service of a general hospital with features of Capgras syndrome is presented. Her history, treatment, progress and relevant psychodynamic and neurocognitive issues are explored. This is the first known published case of an adolescent with Capgras syndrome from the Caribbean. The case highlights that the syndrome may occur in different cultural contexts and that clinicians should be sensitive to its existence in order to avert under-diagnosis or misdiagnosis.

Se presenta el caso de una joven jamaicana de 16 años que acudió al servicio de psiquiatría de un hospital general con los rasgos del síndrome de Capgras. Se explora su historia, tratamiento, progreso, problemas neurocognitivos y psicodinámicos relevantes. Éste es el primer caso publicado de que se tenga noticias, de una adolescente con el síndrome de Capgras en la región del Caribe. El caso pone de relieve que el síndrome puede ocurrir en diferentes contextos culturales, y que los médicos deben de estar sensibilizados con su existencia a fin de evitar un subdiagnóstico o un diagnóstico erróneo.

Many low-income countries face enormous constraints which limit the development of mental health services. The World Health Organization (WHO) made ten recommendations to facilitate the development of mental health services; among these is the integration of mental health into primary care. Jamaica developed an integrated collaborative system of mental health care through the adoption of a primary care model which is central to the delivery of mental health care. This model emphasized the integration of mental health into primary care and, in expanding the role of the mental health team, made it more collaborative. Mental health services were mainstreamed into primary care and several strategies facilitated this process. These included the training of staff in primary care, the availability of psychotropic medication in primary care facilities and the provision of mental health beds at the community level. Furthermore, focus was placed on human development and the involvement of consumers in the policy development and service delivery. This has resulted in a reduction in the population of the mental health hospital and expansion in the community mental health services.

Muchos países de bajo ingreso enfrentan enormes restricciones que limitan el desarrollo de los servicios de salud mental. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) hizo diez recomendaciones para facilitar el desarrollo de los servicios para la salud mental. Entre estas recomendaciones, se encuentra la integración de la salud mental a la atención primaria. Jamaica desarrolló un sistema integracional colaborativo de atención a la salud mental a través de la adopción de un modelo de atención primaria de crucial importancia para el ofrecimiento del cuidado de salud mental. Este modelo puso el énfasis en la integración de salud mental en la atención primaria, y la expansión del papel del equipo de la salud mental, haciéndolo más colaborativo. Los servicios de salud mental fueron introducidos de manera regular en la atención primaria, y se trazaron varias estrategias a fin de facilitar este proceso. Éstas incluyeron el entrenamiento de personal en atención primaria, la disponibilidad de medicamentos psicotrópicos en los centros de atención primaria, y suministro de camas para la atención a la salud mental a nivel comunitario. Además, se puso énfasis en el desarrollo humano y la involucración de los consumidores en el desarrollo de políticas y el ofrecimiento de servicios. Esto ha traído consigo una reducción en la población hospitalaria atendida por salud mental, en tanto que por otra parte, ha producido una expansión en los servicios de salud mental en la comunidad.

Avaliou-se a eficácia de diferentes associações de crioprotetores no congelamento de sêmen eqüino. Foram utilizados três ejaculados de oito garanhões para testar o diluidor lactose-EDTA-gema de ovo com as seguintes associações de macromoléculas e crioprotetores: T1 - glicerol 5% (controle); T2 - metilcelulose 0,5%, rafinose 0,15g e acetamida 2,5%; T3 - metilcelulose 0,5%, rafinose 0,15g e acetamida 3,5%; T4 - metilcelulose 0,5%, rafinose 0,15g e acetamida 5%; T5 - glicerol 5% e 2,4g de leite desnatado; T6 - 1% de glicerol, 4% de etilenoglicol e 2,4g de leite desnatado; T7 - 5% de etilenoglicol e 2,4g de leite desnatado. O sêmen foi diluído em meio Kenney (1:1), centrifugado a 400 x g por 12 minutos, ressuspendido nos diluidores para atingir a concentração de 100X10(6)/ml, envasado em palhetas de 0,5ml e congelado 3cm acima do nível de nitrogênio líquido por 10 minutos. O descongelamento foi realizado em banho-maria a 75°C por sete segundos. Após o descongelamento foram avaliados: motilidade total e progressiva, vigor, morfologia espermática e integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana plasmática. O T1 apresentou os maiores valores de motilidade total e progressiva (38,4% e 33,8%, respectivamente). O vigor e os resultados do teste HO não diferiram entre os tratamentos. Os diluidores contendo leite em sua composição (T5, T6 e T7) apresentaram maiores valores de integridade funcional e estrutural da membrana plasmática. Pode-se concluir que as modificações incorporadas aos meios diluidores testados não resultaram em melhor efeito crioprotetor que o meio à base de glicerol 5% no congelamento do sêmen eqüino.

The efficacy of different combinations of cryoprotectants for equine semen was evaluated. Three ejaculates of eight stallions were used to test the lactose-EDTA-egg yolk extender with the following association of cryoprotectants: T1 - glycerol 5% (control group); T2 - methyl cellulose 0.5%, raffinose 0.15g, and acetamide 2.5%; T3 - methyl cellulose 0.5%, raffinose 0.15g, and acetamide 3.5%; T4 - methyl cellulose 0.5%, raffinose 0.15g, and acetamide 5%; T5 - glycerol 5% and 2.4g of dried skim milk; T6 - glycerol 1%, ethylene glycol 4%, and 2.4g of dried skim milk; T7 - ethylene glycol 5% and 2.4g of dried skim milk. After collection, Kenney extender was added to the semen 1:1, and centrifuged at 400 x g for 12 minutes. Sperm pellets were diluted to reach 100x10(6) cells/ml. Spermatozoa were frozen in 0.5ml straws 3cm above the nitrogen level, during 10 minutes. Thawing of samples was done at 75°C for seven seconds followed by immersion of the straw in a water bath at 37°C for 30 seconds. Post-thaw total and progressive motilities and sperm vigor were evaluated. Sperm membrane integrities of the tail and caput, respectively, were evaluated by the hypoosmotic swelling test and fluorescent dyes. T1 showed the highest post-thaw total and progressive motilities (38.4% and 33.8%, respectively). No significant difference was found among treatments for vigor and hypoosmotic swelling test. T5, T6, and T7 showed higher post-thaw values for sperm membrane integrity. It may be concluded that the association of cryoprotectants used in this experiment did not result in better cryoprotectant effect than 5% glycerol for equine semen cryopreservation.

Estudou-se o efeito de diferentes concentrações de gema de ovo, açúcares e tampões nos diluidores sobre a viabilidade espermática pós-descongelação de sêmen eqüino. Os diluidores foram: D1 = 10% de gema de ovo e acréscimo de 50% de lactose e glicose-EDTA em relação ao D5; D2= 10% de gema de ovo e redução de 50% de lactose e glicose-EDTA em relação ao D5; D3= 20% de gema de ovo e acréscimo de 50% de lactose e glicose-EDTA em relação ao D5; D4= 20% de gema de ovo e redução de 50% de lactose e glicose-EDTA em relação ao D5; D5= 20% de gema de ovo e composição de lactose e glicose-EDTA segundo Martin et al. (1979). Cinco ejaculados de seis garanhões foram utilizados para testar os diluidores contendo diferentes agentes crioprotetores: 3,5% de etilenoglicol e 5% de acetamida. Após diluição final nos diferentes diluidores, o sêmen foi submetido a diferentes protocolos de congelação: com e sem resfriamento prévio. Após descongelação em banho-maria a 75ºC, avaliaram-se a motilidade, o vigor, e a integridade estrutural e funcional das membranas espermáticas. A redução na concentração de gema de ovo de 20% para 10%, nos diluidores contendo a mesma concentração de açúcares e tampões, não alterou a capacidade crioprotetora dos diluidores com etilenoglicol ou acetamida. O aumento na concentração de açúcares e tampões no diluidor lactose-EDTA-gema de ovo não acrescentou efeito crioprotetor ao etilenoglicol e acetamida. Diluidores com maior osmolaridade tenderam a preservar melhor o sêmen eqüino congelado com etilenoglicol ou acetamida. Os melhores resultados de viabilidade espermática, pós-descongelação, foram para o sêmen congelado nos diluidores D1, D3 e D5 (P<0,05).

The effect of different egg yolk, sugars and buffering systems concentrations in the freezability of differents equine semen extenders was studied. Extenders were: D1=10% of egg yolk added of more 50% over the lactose and glicose-EDTA levels found in D5; D2=10% of egg yolk and reduction of 50% over the lactose and glucose-EDTA levels in D5; D3=20% of egg yolk added of more 50% over the lactose and glucose-EDTA levels in D5; D4=20% of egg yolk and reduction of 50% over the lactose and glucose-EDTA levels in D5; D5=20% of egg yolk and lactose and glucose-EDTA according to Martin et al. (1979). Five ejaculates of six stallions were used to test extenders using alternatively two differents cryoprotectants agents: 3.5% ethylene glycol and 5% acetamide. After the final dilution, the semen was submitted to differents freezing rates. Straws were thawed at 75º C during 7 seconds, followed by immersion at 37ºC during 5 seconds. After thawing motility, vigour, structural and functional integrity of the membrane of the spermatozoa were evaluated. The reduction in the egg yolk concentration from 20% to 10%, in extenders with the same concentration of sugars and buffering systems, did not modify the crioprotectant capacity of the extender with ethylene glycol or acetamide. The increase in the concentration of sugars and buffering systems in the lactose-EDTA-egg yolk extender did not add crioprotectant effect to ethylene glycol and acetamide. Extenders with high osmolarity had tended to better preserve the frozen equine semen with ethylene glycol or acetamide. Better results of spermatic viability, after thawing, were obtained when semen was diluted in D1, D3 and D5 extender (P<0.05).

Avaliou-se a eficácia de três diluidores, tris-gema com 5% de etileno glycol (T1), lactose-gema com 5% de etileno glicol (T2) e lactose-gema com 5% de dimetil-formamida (T3) na criopreservação do sêmen de cães. Foram obtidos três ejaculados por cão de um total de cinco animais. O sêmen foi envasado em palhetas de 0,5ml e resfriado até 4°C por 120min. As palhetas foram congeladas 4cm acima do nitrogênio líquido por 15min e descongeladas em banho-maria a 37°C por 60seg e 75°C por 7seg. A motilidade progressiva e o vigor foram avaliados imediatamente após a descongelação (tempo 0) e aos 30, 60, 90 e 120min. A integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana plasmática do espermatozóide foi avaliada, respectivamente, por meio da coloração de fluorescência e pelo teste hiposmótico. Os diluidores à base de lactose gema foram mais eficazes em preservar a viabilidade espermática pós-descongelação e a dimetil-formamida é um crioprotetor eficaz para espermatozóides de cães.

The efficacy of three extenders, tris-egg yolk-5% ethylene glycol (T1), lactose-egg yolk-5% ethylene glycol (T2) and lactose-egg yolk-5% dimethyl formamide (T3) on preserving the viability of post-thawing canine spermatozoa was evaluated. Three ejaculates per dog were obtained of five animals. The semen was packaged in 0.5ml straws and cooled to 4°C for 120min. The straws were frozen 4cm above the nitrogen level for 15min and thawed in water-bath at 37°C for 60sec and at 75°C for 7sec. Progressive motility and vigour were evaluated immediately after thawing (time 0) and at 30, 60, 90 and 120min. Structural and functional integrity of plasma membrane of the spermatozoa were evaluated, respectively, by fluorescent staining probes and hypoosmotic swelling test. Lactose-egg yolk based extenders showed better cryoprotectant capability and dimethyl formamide was an alternative cryoprotectant agent for dog sperm cells.