Abstract Because there is required the development of techniques for pumping parallel flows in miniaturized systems, in the present investigation is obtained a semi-analytical solution based in the matrix inverse method and by Laplace transform, for the transient flow of multi-layer immiscible fluids in a narrow capillary under electroosmotic and pressure driven effects. The dimensionless mathematical model to solve the electric potential distribution and the velocity field in the start-up of flow, consists of the Poisson-Boltzmann and momentum equations, respectively. Here, the transported fluids are considered symmetrical electrolytes. Also because the interfaces between them are polarizable and impermeable to charged particles, interesting interfacial effects appear on the velocity profiles when an external electric field is applied. The results show graphically the influence of the different dimensionless parameters involved in the dynamics of the fluid flow. This study demonstrates that by considering interfacial electrical effects at the contact between two electrolytes, a steep velocity gradient is produced resulting in strong changes in the velocity whose magnitude and direction depending on the concentration and polarity of electric charges around a liquid-liquid interface; finally, it is observed that the time to reach the steady-state regime of the fluid flow is only controlled by the dimensionless viscosity ratios. This investigation is a theoretical contribution to simulate transient multi-layer fluid flows under electric interfacial effects, covering different implications that emerge in the design of small devices into the chemical, biological, and clinical areas.

Resumo Cheirodon interruptus é um pequeno caracídeo amplamente distribuído na região Pampeana e comumente usado como isca. Seu vasto mercado se abastece de populações silvestres causando um impacto ambiental significativo. Neste estudo, investigamos o efeito do fotoperíodo no amadurecimento do ovário para avaliar o potencial deste fator como ferramenta para manipular a reprodução em condições artificiais. Quatro tratamentos foram testados por triplicado (luz: escuro, L: D): 24L: 0D, 12L: 12D, 0L: 24D e um fotoperíodo progressivo que simula as mudanças das horas luz na natureza e na transição de inverno a primavera, acelerado três vezes. O experimento se realizou durante 45 dias. O índice gonadossomático (GSI), o diâmetro médio dos ovócitos, a proporção de ovócitos vitelogênicos, as concentrações plasmáticas de estradiol (E2), o fator de condição (Kn) e o comprimento padrão foram estimados. Os valores médios de GSI, o diâmetro dos ovócitos, as proporções de ovócitos vitelogênicos e a concentração de E2 foram maximizados no fotoperíodo progressivo, indicando estimulação de vitelogênesis. Por outro lado, esses mesmos parâmetros resultaram mínimos no tratamento 24L: 0D, revelando um efeito inibidor da vitelogênesis. Este estudo mostrou que as variações de fotoperíodo exercem um papel importante no início vitelogênesis reprodutiva em C. interruptus .

Abstract Cheirodon interruptus is a ubiquitous small characid that inhabits the Pampean region and commonly used as bait. Its vast market is supplied from the wild population causing a significant environmental impact. In this study, we assess the effect of photoperiod on ovarian maturation in order to evaluate its potential as a tool to manipulate reproduction under artificial conditions. Four treatments in triplicate (light: dark, L: D) were tested: 24L: 0D, 12L: 12D, 0L: 24D and a progressive photoperiod corresponding to the daily photoperiod increments in wild during winter-spring transition, accelerated three times. The experiment was conducted for 45 days. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), oocyte mean diameter, vitellogenic oocyte proportions, plasma estradiol concentrations (E2), condition factor (Kn) and standard length were estimated. Values of mean GSI, oocyte diameter, vitellogenic oocyte proportions and E2 concentration were maximum in the progressive treatment indicating vitellogenesis stimulation. In turn the same parameters were minimum in the 24L: 0D, revealing the vitellogenesis inhibition. This study showed that photoperiodic regime play an important role in the onset of ovarian maturation in C. interruptus.

Resumen: El presente artículo se enmarca en la construcción de un módulo didáctico, con el objetivo de asistir al estudiante en su proceso de formación profesional en el área de la Ingeniería Mecatrónica y programas afines de la automatización y el control industrial. La problemática se centra en la identificación de elementos faltantes para el desarrollo de prácticas de laboratorio que, por su elevado costo, requieren de una inversión financiera por parte de la Corporación Tecnológica Industrial Colombiana, con el fin de promover el ingenio del grupo de trabajo y gestión de elementos del área de recursos didácticos, usados para la realización de montajes de laboratorio en aplicaciones de control, para la construcción del módulo. La validación se realiza por medio de una prueba piloto con una muestra de estudiantes, con el propósito de desarrollar un ejercicio práctico centrado en el montaje de circuitos electro-neumáticos como temática particular de la asignatura de estudio. Indagar sobre las características físicas del módulo, relación con el espacio de trabajo, compatibilidad y flexibilidad de conexión en el sistema, método o elementos de control y el grado de aprensión como recurso didáctico, son aspectos que esperan ser analizados, una vez realizada la implementación del módulo.

Abstract: This paper is part of the construction of a didactic module, which aims to assist the student in their process of professional training in Mechatronic Engineering and programs for automation and industrial control. The problem focuses on the identification of missing elements for the development of laboratory practices and that, due to its high cost, requires a financial investment by the institution to promote the ingenuity of the working group and management of elements of the area of didactic resources of the institution, which is used for the realization of laboratory assemblies in control applications, for the construction of the module. The validation is carried out using a pilot test, with a sample of students of the Institution, whose objective is to develop a practical exercise focused on the assembly of electro-pneumatic circuits as a particular subject of the study subject. To inquire about the physical characteristics of the module, the relationship with the workspace, the compatibility, and flexibility of connection in the system, method or elements of control and the degree of apprehension as an educational resource, are aspects that are expected to be analyzed once the module is implemented.

Resumo: Este artigo faz parte da construção de um módulo didático, que visa auxiliar o aluno em seu processo de formação profissional na área de Engenharia Mecatrônica e em programas de automação e controle industrial. O problema focaliza na identificação de elementos em falta para o desenvolvimento de práticas laboratoriais e que, devido ao seu alto custo, requer um investimento financeiro por parte da instituição, a fim de promover a engenhosidade do grupo de trabalho e gestão dos elementos da área de recursos didáticos da instituição, utilizada para a realização de montagens de laboratório em aplicações de controle, para a construção do módulo. A validação é realizada por meio de um teste piloto, com uma amostra de alunos da Instituição cujo objetivo é desenvolver um exercício prático focado na montagem de circuitos eletropneumáticos como um temática articular do sujeito do estudo, para averiguar sobre as características físicas do módulo, a relação com o espaço de trabalho, a compatibilidade e flexibilidade de conexão no sistema, método ou elementos de controle e o grau de apreensão como recurso didático, são aspectos que se espera que sejam analisados uma vez implementado o modulo.

Resumo A etapa de mistura influencia as condições de execução do revestimento de argamassa, visto que desde o primeiro contato dos materiais sólidos com água uma série de eventos de aglomeração e desaglomeração no sistema é verificada. Acontece que durante o processamento das argamassas em obra a utilização de equipamentos com distintos mecanismos de mistura pode modificar o desempenho do sistema de revestimento. Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da condição de mistura durante o processamento de argamassas aditivadas com incorporador de ar e formuladas com diferentes tipos de cimento. As misturas foram realizadas em um reômetro rotacional variando-se a velocidade de rotação, porém mantendo-se o tempo total de batimento. Reometria de mistura, ciclo de cisalhamento e teor de ar incorporado foram as propriedades avaliadas no estado fresco, enquanto porosidade, resistência mecânica, módulo de elasticidade e permeabilidade ao ar foram utilizados para avaliação do estado endurecido. Com base nos resultados obtidos pôde-se afirmar que a variação da velocidade de rotação e o tipo de cimento utilizado impactaram as propriedades das composições nos estados fresco e endurecido.

Abstract The mixing stage is one of the most important step for the execution of the rendering mortar, since from the first contact of the solid materials with water a series of agglomeration and deagglomeration events in the system is verified. However, during the mortar processing in the buildings the use of different equipments, with distinct mixing concepts, makes this stage very uncontrolled. The main purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of mixing condition during the processing of mortars with addition of air-entraining agent and formulated with different kind of Portland cement. The mixing was performed on a rotational rheometer in different rotational speed, but maintaining the total time of shear. Mixing and shear rheometry, and air-incorporation were the properties evaluated in the fresh state, while porosity, mechanical strength, dynamic elasticity modulus and air-permeability were used to evaluate the hardened state. Based on the obtained results, it could be stated that the variation of the rotational speed and the type of cement used impacted the properties of the compositions in the fresh and hardened states, mainly due to changes in the air-volume incorporated and, consequently, in the total porosity generated in the mortars.

Abstract: This article, dealing with De la tierra sin fuegos, attempts to elucidate some of the main ideas concerning the poetical encounter with three cultures of the austral region of South America: the Selk’nam, Yámana and Kawésqar. We propose that Riveros creates a fiction of the journey towards the other and imagines the traveler in the image of the ethnologist Martin Gusinde. The journey implies a passing through the Fueguian archive and it becomes a pilgrimage which culminates in an act of communion. The return to the past brings forth the manner in which atrocities continue to be repeated: the extermination of the Fueguian peoples and the military violence during the time the book was written.

Resumen: Este estudio sobre De la tierra sin fuegos intenta elucidar algunas de las claves del acercamiento poético hacia tres culturas australes: los Selk’nam, Yámana y Kawésqar. Proponemos que Riveros crea una ficción del viaje hacia la otredad e imagina al viajero en la figura del etnólogo Martín Gusinde. El viaje supone un recorrido por el archivo fueguino y es transformado en una peregrinación que culmina en la comunión. La vuelta al pasado hace patente la repetición de las atrocidades: el exterminio de los fueguinos y la violencia de la dictadura militar durante el período de la escritura del libro.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as intervenções educativas de enfermagem para o autocuidado nas mulheres durante o climatério. Método: quantitativo, quase experimental e transversal. Amostragem de tipo não probabilística, participaram 30 mulheres. Aplicaram-se 2 instrumentos, um que incluiu dados sociodemográficos e o questionário de autocuidado. Executou-se em três etapas: diagnóstica, de intervenção e de avaliação. Aplicou-se prova de t de Student não paramédica para comparar grupos dependentes. Resultados Antes das intervenções educativas do pessoal de enfermagem, o 90% das mulheres referiram um autocuidado regular, 6.7% bom e 3.3% mau, depois do programa de intervenções, 60% referem autocuidado regular e 40% bom. Conclusão: as intervenções educativas de enfermagem para o autocuidado-mediante a aplicação do programa- dirigido a mulheres durante o climatério permitiram modificar o autocuidado para contribuir na conscientização, tomada de decisões, mudanças de conduta. De tal forma que a participação de enfermagem dentro da promoção da saúde é fundamental, dado que procura o bem-estar integral e o desenvolvimento da mulher nesta etapa da vida.

Abstract Objective: To assess nursing educational interventions fostering women's self-care during their climacteric period. Method: This is a quantitative, quasi-experimental, and transversal study with non-probabilistic sampling. Thirty women participated. Two instruments were used: One to gather social and demographic data, and the other to obtain the self-care data. The study was carried out in 3 stages: diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation. The non-parametric Student's t test was calculated to compare dependent groups. Results: Before the interventions, 90% of the women referred having a just-fair self-care level, while 6.7% a good one, and 3.3% a bad one. After the interventions program, 60% of the women referred having a just-fair self-care level, but 40% reported a good one. Conclusion: Nursing educational interventions fostering women's self-care during their climacteric period led to a positive modification of self-care behaviors among these women by contributing to their awareness and good decision-making. Nursing participation in the promotion of health is fundamental, including women's wellbeing during this difficult stage of their lives.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar las intervenciones educativas de enfermería para el autocuidado en las mujeres durante el climaterio. Método: Cuantitativo, cuasiexperimental y transversal. Muestreo de tipo no probabilístico en el que participaron 30 mujeres. Se aplicaron 2 instrumentos: uno que incluyó datos sociodemográficos y el otro, un cuestionario de autocuidado. Se llevó a cabo en 3 etapas: diagnóstica, de intervención y de evaluación. Se aplicó prueba de t de Student no paramétrica para comparar grupos dependientes. Resultados: Antes de las intervenciones educativas del personal de enfermería, el 90% de las mujeres refirieron un autocuidado regular, el 6.7% bueno y el 3.3% malo; después del programa de intervenciones, el 60% refieren autocuidado regular y el 40%, bueno. Conclusión: Las intervenciones educativas de enfermería para el autocuidado -mediante la aplicación de un programa- dirigido a mujeres durante el climaterio, permitieron modificar el autocuidado al contribuir en la concientización, toma de decisiones, cambios de conducta. De tal forma que la participación de enfermería dentro de la promoción de la salud es fundamental, ya que busca el bienestar integral y el desarrollo de la mujer en esta etapa de la vida.

In Atomic Force Microscope based in Quartz Tuning Fork, it is usual to attach, by epoxic glue, a probe to one of the prongs of the Quartz Tuning Fork and employ it as force sensor. This paper shows that the resonance frequency changes as a function of the required time by the epoxic glue to dry. Results of the resonance frequency shift measured at different moments of the experiment are also reported. It has been found that it is necessary to wait at least 10 hours to obtain a stable mechanical system. The results conclude that the studied phenomenon becomes important in the frequency-modulation AFM, due to the evolution of the resonance frequency along the entire experiment.

En el microscopio de fuerza atómica basado en osciladores de cuarzo, es usual adherir, por medio de pegamento, una sonda a uno de los brazos de dicho oscilador y utilizarlo como un sensor de fuerza. El presente trabajo muestra que la frecuencia de resonancia cambia como función del tiempo requerido por el pegamento para secar. Los resultados del cambio en la frecuencia de resonancia en distintos momentos del experimento también se reportan. Se ha encontrado que es necesario esperar al menos 10 horas para obtener un sistema mecánico estable. Los resultados concluyen que el fenómeno estudiado se vuelve importante en los microscopios de fuerza atómica basados en la modulación de la frecuencia de oscilación, debido a la evolución de la frecuencia de resonancia durante el experimento.

In this work we determined a vortex dynamics equation in a temperature gradient in the frame of the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation. In this sense, we derived a local solvability condition, which governs the vortex dynamics. Also, we calculated the explicit form for the force coefficients, which are the keys for the understanding of the balance equation due to vortex interactions with the environment.

Con el propósito de seleccionar indicadores de calidad de suelo, se evaluó el impacto de los principales usos de la tierra (TUT) en el "Cebollal" Planicie de Coro sobre algunas variables físicas, químicas, biológicas e hidrológicas del suelo. Tres usos de la tierra fueron evaluados; bosque natural, el cual fue empleado como referencia para la construcción del gradiente ambiental (TUT-B), zábila Aloe vera L. bajo riego para la producción de gel con fertilización orgánica (TUT-Z) y un sistema melón-melón (Cucumis melo) con fertilización química y labranzas convencional (TUT-M). Para la cuantificación de las variables químicas, físicas y biológicas se tomaron muestras de suelo a las profundidades de 0-10 y de 10-20 cm. El estudio fue analizado como un diseño completamente al azar y para la selección de los indicadores, se realizó un análisis de componentes principales, seleccionando como indicadores aquellos parámetros con correlación de 0,70 o más con el componente principal. Cinco indicadores de calidad de suelo fueron seleccionados: densidad aparente, velocidad de infiltración, respiración del suelo, contenido de fósforo y pH. El TUT-Z y el TUT-B tuvieron un comportamiento similar, presentando igual calidad de suelo, producto de mejores condiciones fertilidad, como consecuencia de incrementos en la materia orgánica y la actividad biológica, el TUT-M presentó un desmejoramiento de la calidad del suelo al mostrar incrementos en los valores conductividad eléctrica y densidad aparente.

In order to select soil quality indicators, the impact of the main land use type (LUT) over some soil physical, chemical, biological and hydrological variables were evaluated in "El Cebollal" of Coro plain. Three land uses were evaluated: natural forest, which was used as a reference for building the environmental gradient (LUT-F); Aloe (Aloe vera L.) under irrigation and organic fertilization for gel production (LUT-A); and a muskmelon (Cucumis melo) system with chemical fertilization and conventional tillage (LUT-M). Soil samples were taken at depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm for the physical, chemical and biological variables quantification. The study was analyzed as a completely random design and a main components analysis was carried out for selecting the indicators, taking into account only those parameters with correlation equal or over 0.70 with the main component. Five soil quality indicators were selected: bulk density, infiltration speed, soil respiration, P content and pH. The LUT-A and the LUT-F showed a similar behavior, with equal soil quality, as a better fertility consequence of a determined by organic matter and biological activity increases. The LUT-M reduced its soil quality as indicated by an increase in its electrical conductivity and bulk density.

Free radical appears to constitute a particularly promising target for improving the drug treatment of various pathological conditions as cancer, atherosclerosis, and virus infections and in food lipids oxidations. The oxidation can be prevented by adding antioxidants. There is a great interest in plant phenolic compounds because of their potential role as natural antioxidants. Chopé (Gustavia augusta L.) is one fruit from Amazonian that is consumed as food. Chopé samples were dried and submitted to sequential extractions with different solvents. The results showed antioxidant activity in all extracts. Where were identified the following phenolic acids: salicylic, trans-cinamic, hydroxibenzoic, vanilic, cafeic and synaptic. The results obtained are suggesting that the chope extract can be used as antioxidant.

Los radicales libres aparecen como un caso promisorio para incrementar los fármacos para el tratamiento de varias patologías como cáncer, aterosclerosis, infecciones virales y oxidaciones lipídicas. La oxidación puede ser prevenida por la adición de antioxidantes. Existe un gran interés, en los compuestos fenólicos de las plantas debido a su importancia como antioxidantes naturales. El chopé (Gustavia augusta L.), fruta nativa de la región amazónica, la cual se consume como alimento en forma directa. Las muestras de chopé fueron secadas y sometidas a extracciones secuenciales con diferentes solventes. Los resultados demuestran actividad antioxidante en todos los extractos. Se identificó los siguientes compuestos fenólicos: ácidos salicílicos, trans-cinámico, hidroxibenzoico, vinílico, cafeico y sináptico. De los resultados obtenidos se asume que los extractos de chopé pueden ser utilizados muy bien como antioxidantes.

In this work, an improvement of the traditional digital design methodology is proposed. The major change is the use of a semi-formal specification for the code implementation, the use of a verification tool and the establishment of properties for the formal verification of Finite State Machines (FSM). From semi-formal specifications, assertions were written using Property Specification Language (PSL) for an alignment circuit. Finally, a set of properties for the verification of this module were established and proved using a model checking tool. Our statistics proved that the whole design process was improved and considerable design time was saved.

En el presente trabajo se propone una mejora a la metodología del ciclo de diseño digital tradicional. La contribución principal es la generación de un conjunto de propiedades a partir de una especificación semi-formal de requerimientos, que permiten la verificación formal automática de una máquina de estados finitos (FSM). Estas propiedades se escriben en el lenguaje PSL. Se muestra cómo, a partir de las propiedades, se puede obtener código VHDL que implementa la máquina de estados. Nuestros resultados muestran que la metodología de diseño propuesta resulta en una disminución del tiempo requerido para realizar la verificación.

The frequency of invasive mycosis caused by Candida sp has increased significantly in immuno-compromised patients and in those under medical/surgical treatment; along with it, the use of azoles has fostered resistance. Objective: To compare in vitro susceptibility techniques, susceptibility to fluconazol was determined by the M27-A2 method of CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute), the disk diffusion technique in 90 invasive Candida sp isolated species (49 C albicans, 30 C. tropicalis, 5 C parapsilosis, 4 C . guilliermondii and 2 C. lusitaniae) and the E-test in 16 isolated. Results: Over 90% of strains were susceptible to fluconazol. A straight correlation between disk-diffusion technique and the E-test was observed regarding the reference method (0.944 and 0.938, respectively). Conclusión: In our institution the use of fluconazol for invasive candidiasis is recommended, as well as the routine use of the disk-diffusion or E-test techniques in high complex hospitals in Colombia.

La frecuencia de micosis invasoras causadas por Candida sp en pacientes inmunocomprometidos o con tratamientos médico-quirúrgicos ha aumentado y con ello, el uso de azoles, facilitando la aparición de resistencia. Objetivo: Comparar tres métodos de detección de susceptibilidad in vitro a fluconazol: el método de referencia M27-A2 del CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute), técnica de difusión en disco a 90 aislados obtenidos en procesos infecciosos invasores (49 C. albicans; 30 C. tropicalis; 5 C. parapsilosis; 4 C. guilliermondii y 2 C. lusitaniaé) y la epsilometría (E-test®) en 16 aislados. Resultados: La susceptibilidad fue mayor a 90%. Se encontró un buen porcentaje de concordancia entre las técnicas de difusión de disco y E-test® con respecto al método de referencia (0,944 y 0,938, respectivamente). Conclusión: En nuestra institución se considera de elección fluconazol para tratar infecciones micóticas invasoras y recomendamos las técnica de difusión en disco o E-test® para determinar la susceptibilidad en la rutina en hospitales de alta complejidad en Colombia.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is important in calcification and its expression seems to be associated with the inflammatory process. We investigated the in vitro acute effects of compounds used for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases on total ALP activity from male Wistar rat heart homogenate. ALP activity was determined by quantifying, at 410 nm, the p-nitrophenol released from p-nitrophenylphosphate (substrate in Tris buffer, pH 10.4). Using specific inhibitors of ALP activity and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we showed that the rat heart had high ALP activity (31.73 ± 3.43 nmol p-nitrophenol·mg protein-1·min-1): mainly tissue-nonspecific ALP but also tissue-specific intestinal ALP type II. Both ALP isoenzymes presented myocardial localization (striated pattern) by immunofluorescence. ALP was inhibited a) strongly by 0.5 mM levamisole, 2 mM theophylline and 2 mM aspirin (91, 77 and 84%, respectively) and b) less strongly by 2 mM L-phenylalanine, 100 mL polyphenol-rich beverages and 0.5 mM progesterone (24, 21 to 29 and 11%, respectively). β-estradiol and caffeine (0.5 and 2 mM) had no effect; 0.5 mM simvastatin and 2 mM atenolol activated ALP (32 and 36%, respectively). Propranolol (2 mM) tended to activate ALP activity and corticosterone activated (18%) and inhibited (13%) (0.5 and 2 mM, respectively). We report, for the first time, that the rat heart expresses intestinal ALP type II and has high total ALP activity. ALP activity was inhibited by compounds used in the prevention of cardiovascular pathology. ALP manipulation in vivo may constitute an additional target for intervention in cardiovascular diseases.

Objetivo: Las variaciones en el índice de insulina-resistencia y en las concentraciones séricas de glucosa e insulina han sido poco investigadas en la población pediátrica venezolana. Por esta razón el objetivo de este estudio fue describir las variaciones de los niveles básales de insulina y glucosa así como de los valores para el HOMAIR (sensibilidad a la insulina utilizando el Homeostatic model assessment) en una muestra de niños y adolescentes del Municipio Maracaibo-Zulia-Venezuela. Métodos: Para el desarrollo de la presente investigación, se estudio una muestra de 256 niños y adolescentes (120 hembras y 136 varones) en edades comprendidas entre 2 y 18 años. A cada participante se le realizo una evaluación médica y nutricional la cual incluyó cálculo de índice de masa corporal, medición de la circunferencia de cintura, pliegues cutáneos y tensión arterial. Fueron determinados los niveles de glucosa e insulina séricas en ayuno y el índice HOMAIR fue calculado como un indicador de la insulina-resistencia. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles de glucosa al comparar los diferentes grupos por edad y sexo. Sin embargo los niveles de insulina y el índice HOMAIR fueron significativamente mayores en las niñas del grupo de 14-18 años al compararlo con los niños del mismo grupo de edad (p < 0.001). El promedio del valor del HOMAIR así como de los niveles de insulina fueron mayores en el grupo de hembras y varones de 10-13 años (p < 0.05) al comparar con el resto de los grupos del mismo sexo. Conclusiones: Las concentraciones de glucosa mostraron una distribución bastante similar en todos los grupos por edad y sexo. Las concentraciones promedio de glucosa fueron menores en nuestra población que en otras poblaciones pediátricas. Los valores mas elevados de insulina y del índice HOMAIR se observaron en el grupo de 10-13 años de edad en ambos sexos.

Objective: Variations of insulin resistance index and the serum concentrations of glucose and insulin among children and adolescents are poorly investigated in Venezuelan pediatric population. The aim of this study was to describe the variations of fasting plasma insulin, glucose and HOMAIR in sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Zulia-Venezuela. Methods: A sample of 256 children and adolescents (120 girls and 136 boys) between 2 and 18 years old were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), subcutaneous skinfolds and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Fasting seric insulin and glucose were determined and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index was calculated as an indicator of insulin resistance. Results: In all age and gender groups, no significant differences were found in glucose levels. However insulin concentration and HOMAIR index were significantly higher in the 14-18 years old female group (p < 0.001) when they were compared with males. The mean HOMAIR value and insulin level were higher in 10-13 years old girls and boys groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The glucose concentrations exhibited tight distributions in all age and sex groups. The mean concentrations of glucose were lower in our population than in other pediatric population. The increases in insulin concentrations and in HOMAIR index were observed in the 10-13 years old group from both genders.