ABSTRACT Introduction: Biological treatment is an alternative to manage ulcerative colitis in patients refractory to conventional treatment. Objective: To evaluate biological treatment in patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatment in a third-level hospital care. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study in patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatment and who received biological treatment. The slices were evaluated at three moments: basal state (without biological therapy), at six and twelve months from the beginning of the biological treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population in general; subsequently, the off points were described with their respective variables. Results: 18 patients with a mean age of 41.2 years were included. The evaluations, in a basal state, at six and 12 months; showed the presence of blood in stools and abdominal pain in 94.4%, 22.2%, and,% respectively, hemoglobin concentration >10.5 g/dl in 50%, 83.3%, and 88.9%; serum albumin concentration >3.2 g/dl in 72.2%, 83.3%, and 88.9% and visual endoscopic Mayo scale 38.9%, 33.3%, and 16.7% presented in May 2 and 61.1%, 16.7% and 1.7% in May 3. Histological activity in the baseline evaluation reached a severe level (11.1%), while in assessments at six and 12 months, it reached moderate at 55.6% and 27.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Biological therapy in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis improved clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and histological manifestations. No profound remission of the disease or adverse reactions to treatment were recorded.

RESUMEN Introducción: El tratamiento biológico es una alternativa para manejar la colitis ulcerativa en pacientes refractarios al tratamiento convencional. Objetivo: Evaluar el tratamiento biológico en pacientes con colitis ulcerativa refractarios al tratamiento convencional en un hospital de 3er nivel de atención. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, longitudinal en pacientes con colitis ulcerativa refractarios al tratamiento convencional y que recibieron tratamiento biológico. Las cortes se evaluaron en tres momentos: estado basal (sin terapia biológica), a los seis y doce meses de inicio del tratamiento biológico. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para la caracterización de la población en general, posteriormente los tres puntos de corte se describieron con sus respectivas variables. Resultados: Se incluyeron 18 pacientes con edad media de 41,2 años. Las evaluaciones, en un estado basal, a los seis y 12 meses; demostraron presencia de sangre en las evacuaciones y dolor abdominal en 94,4%, 22,2% y 11,1% respectivamente, concentración de hemoglobina >10,5 g/dl en 50%, 83,3% y 88,9%; concentración sérica de albúmina >3,2 g/dl en 72,2%, 83,3% y 88,9% y escala visual endoscópica de Mayo 38,9%, 33,3% y 16,7% presentaron Mayo 2 y 61,1%, 16,7% y 1,7% Mayo 3. La actividad histológica en la evaluación basal llego hasta un nivel severo (11,1%), mientras que en evaluaciones a seis y 12 meses llegaron hasta moderada en un 55,6% y 27,8% respectivamente. Conclusiones: La terapia biológica en pacientes con colitis ulcerativa refractaria demostró mejoría en manifestaciones clínicas, bioquímicas, endoscópicas e histológicas. No se registró remisión profunda de la enfermedad, ni reacciones adversas al tratamiento.

Abstract Long-term use of anti-TNF therapy is increasingly common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This exposes patients to an increased risk of opportunistic infections and decreased immunosurveillance that prevents carcinogenesis. We present a case report of primary colorectal lymphoma associated with prolonged use of biological therapy and infection by cytomegalovirus.

Resumen El uso prolongado de terapia anti-factor de necrosis tumoral es cada vez más frecuente en los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Esto expone a los pacientes a un mayor riesgo de infecciones oportunistas y a disminución de la inmunovigilancia que impide la carcinogénesis. Presentamos un reporte de caso de linfoma colorrectal primario asociado a uso prolongado de terapia biológica e infección por citomegalovirus.

Abstract The quality of four varieties of canola was evaluated in Metepec, Estado de Mexico, during 2013, under laboratory and greenhouse conditions; two introduced: hybrid Hyola 401 and Monty (free pollination variety), and two varieties of free pollination obtained in Mexico: Canomex and Aztecan, which were stored in Metepec at room temperature for periods of 1, 2, 4, and 5 years. Four variables of physiological quality were determined: viability, germination percentage, emergency speed and total emergency, and two of physical quality: thousand seeds weight and volumetric weight. Varieties were compared in three groups; the first one, which included the four varieties, Aztecan and Hyola 401 were superior in most of the seed quality variables evaluated. In the second group conformed by Hyola 401 and Monty, the hybrid was significantly superior in all the quantified characteristics. In a third group the Aztecan and Canomex varieties were compared, with Aztecan resulting superior in most of the evaluated variables. Other relevant results were: 1) total emergence, as an indicator of vigor and establishment in the field, positively correlated with seed viability (r= 0.84), germination (r= 0.84), and emergency rate index (r= 0.86); 2) local varieties show greater similarities than those introduced, probably because the former share common parents, while the introduced ones have different genetic origins: Canada and Australia; and 3) the quality of canola seeds stored under natural conditions showed accelerated deterioration after one year of storage, which showed different magnitudes between the four varieties.

Resumen En Metepec, Estado de México, durante 2013, en condiciones de laboratorio e invernadero, se evaluó la calidad de cuatro variedades de canola; dos introducidas: híbrido Hyola 401 y Monty (variedad de polinización libre), y dos variedades de polinización libre obtenidas en México: Canomex y Aztecan, las cuales estuvieron almacenadas en Metepec, a temperatura ambiente por periodos de 1, 2, 4, y 5 años. Se determinaron cuatro variables de calidad fisiológica: viabilidad, porciento de germinación, velocidad de emergencia y emergencia total, y dos de calidad física: peso de mil semillas y peso volumétrico. Las variedades se compararon en tres grupos; el primero, que incluyó las cuatro variedades, Aztecan y Hyola 401 fueron superiores en la mayoría de las variables de calidad de semillas evaluadas. En el segundo grupo conformado por Hyola 401 y Monty, el híbrido resultó significativamente superior en todas las características cuantificadas. En un tercer grupo se compararon las variedades Aztecan y Canomex, resultando superior Aztecan en la mayoría de las variables evaluadas. Otros resultados relevantes fueron: 1) la emergencia total, como indicador de vigor y del establecimiento en campo, correlacionó positivamente con la viabilidad de la semilla (r= 0.84), germinación (r= 0.84), e índice de velocidad de emergencia (r= 0.86); 2) las variedades locales muestran mayor similitud que las introducidas, probablemente porque las primeras comparten progenitores en común, en tanto que las introducidas tienen diferente origen genético: Canadá y Australia; y 3) la calidad de la semilla de canola almacenada bajo condiciones naturales mostró un deterioro acelerado después de un año de almacenamiento, deterioro que fue diferente en magnitud entre las cuatro variedades.

The objective of the present work was to determine the effect of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage on the postharvest quality and nutritional content of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) 'Imperial'. Mature green fruit were stored at 12 °C under refrigeration (ambient air, AIR) or CA (4 kPa O2 + 96 kPa N2) at 12 °C for up to 21 days before being transferred to air at 23 °C for up to 12 days. Three fruits were taken per treatment after zero, four, eight and 12 days of ripening at 23 °C to evaluate external color, firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), CO2 and ethylene production rates, and ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene content. CA storage delayed the loss of firmness and ascorbic acid degradation. It also decreased CO2 and ethylene production rate, β-carotene and lycopene synthesis, delaying red color development and ripening. The results indicate that storage of tomato fruit under CA extends the shelf life and the marketing period compared with traditional refrigeration systems.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto del almacenamiento en Atmósferas Controladas (AC) sobre la calidad poscosecha y el contenido nutricional de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) 'Imperial'. Frutos de tomate en estado de madurez comercial fueron almacenados en refrigeración (aire ambiental, AIRE) o en AC (4 kPa O2 + 96 kPa N2) a 12 °C por 21 días antes de ser transferidos a un almacenamiento en aire a 23 °C por 12 días. Se retiraron tres frutas por cada tratamiento después de cero, cuatro, ocho y 12 días de maduración a 23 °C para evaluar el color externo, la firmeza, el contenido de sólidos solubles, las velocidades de producción de CO2 y etileno y el contenido de ácido ascórbico, β-caroteno y licopeno. El almacenamiento en AC disminuyó la pérdida de firmeza y la degradación de ácido ascórbico. También disminuyó la producción de CO2 y etileno y la síntesis de β-caroteno y licopeno; además, retrasó el desarrollo del color rojo y la maduración. Los resultados indican que el almacenamiento de tomate bajo condiciones de AC prolonga la vida de anaquel y el periodo de comercialización comparado con el sistema tradicional de refrigeración.

The 2008 National Addictions Survey reports that dependence on alcohol consumption is higher in Mexico's rural and indigenous communities (10.6%) than in urban areas (9.5%), and that its consequences for the social and health environment are correspondingly greater. This is compounded by the marginalization and poverty of these regions and the scant resources available for dealing with health, particularly alcoholism. The study was carried out in the indigenous zone of El Mezquital in the state of Hidalgo. In this state, the National Addictions Survey (2008) reports that daily consumption is 1.4% and habitual consumption is 6.6% while the index of abuse and dependence is 6.8%, all of which are above the national mean of 0.8%, 5.3% and 5.5%, respectively. One of the consequences is having a mortality rate for hepatic cirrhosis of 40.2 for every 100 000 inhabitants, making this the area with the highest mortality rate from this cause in Mexico, which has an average rate of 26.3 cirrhosis-related deaths for every 100 000 inhabitants. The family is the most immediate group affected by the alcoholism of one of its members, which has severe implications for the psychological and physical health of the other members. Since little is known about the way families in Mexico's indigenous or rural zones deal with this problem, a research project was carried out to find out more about the situation. To this end, an ethnographic study was undertaken to identify the role of alcohol in everyday life and determine families' needs for support and the cultural challenges that must be overcome to undertake an intervention. The results of the ethnographic exploration showed that alcohol consumption is a deeply-ingrained custom in the community that provides group identity and solidarity, particularly for men. Its consumption is closely linked to work, particularly agricultural activities and construction. One important aspect was women's complaints that they did not know what to do about the consequences of excess alcohol consumption on the family's health and economy. In addition to this, a powerful patriarchal influence was identified that prevented women from seeking psychological assistance for the problem of alcohol abuse, which is essentially male. Poverty is one of the characteristics of the desert area of El Mezquital where this study was carried out. It constitutes yet another obstacle to seeking and requesting help, partly because of the adverse geographical conditions that limit transport. In addition to the scant transport services, there are communities in which the nearest health center is just over an hour's walk away. Moreover, families' scant resources are used to cover basic needs, ignoring both physical and mental health aspects. On the basis of an ethnographic study, an intervention program was linguistically and culturally adapted to provide support for families. This resulted in a specialized manual suitable for the region, designed to train health professionals to help relatives cope with a family member's excess consumption. This intervention was carried out between 2008 and 2009 and the results are presented in this study. Intervention model This brief intervention, based on the stress-coping-health model, is designed to help relatives find means of coping with their relatives' consumption in a more beneficial way for their health and to establish or strengthen support networks on the basis of their needs. Three coping styles have been documented: committed, tolerant and independent. The intervention consists of five steps that can be carried out in approximately five sessions. These involve: 1. Exploring family concerns; 2. Providing essential information on the effects of alcohol consumption; 3. Analyzing the coping styles used; 4. Exploring social support networks; and 5. Referring family members to specialized care, where necessary. Through these five stops, the intervention seeks to: a) Reduce the presence of physical and psychological symptomatology; b) Improve coping styles in a way that will benefit the relative's mental health and c) Reduce the presence of depressive symptomatology. Method Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the brief intervention on relatives of a person who consumes excess amounts of alcohol and to compare these results with relatives who, despite having the same problem, refused to participate in the intervention program. Procedure: the intervention was carried out by two psychologists (facilitators). Health center personnel referred relatives to the facilitators (group that experienced the intervention). The intervention ended when the women felt confident enough to be able to use the new coping styles, which took between 4 and 6 sessions (which lasted from 6 to 8 weeks). The <<group without intervention>> consisted of those that did not agree to attend the sessions yet agreed to answer the questionnaires and be contacted 3 months later so that the questionnaires could be re-applied. The questionnaires were administered by three interviewers. On this occasion, they were invited to attend the intervention again, but no-one accepted. Sample: Sixty women aged 18 to 65 with problems due to a relative's alcohol consumption. Application of intervention: most of the intervention sessions were carried out at the community health centers. Instruments: Three questionnaires, adapted and validated for the zone, were used, namely the: Symptom Scale (SRT), Coping Questionnaire (CQ) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Design: quasi-experimental, pre- and postintervention evaluation (3 months later) compared with a group without intervention. Data analysis: t tests were used to compare the initial mean scores for each instrument. A variance analysis of repeated measures was carried out to determine changes between the two groups (with and without the intervention) before and afterwards, for physical and psychological symptoms, depression levels and coping styles. Ethical considerations: The project was approved by the ethics committee of the National Institute of Psychiatry. Results It was found that the group that received the intervention experienced a significant drop in physical and psychological symptoms and depression, whereas these symptoms increased in the group without the intervention. The average number of committed and tolerant coping styles fell between the first and second measurement, while independent coping was maintained in the group with the intervention. Conversely, the group without the intervention maintained its committed and tolerant coping styles and significantly reduced its independent behavior. Discussion The analysis shows that the model can successfully be used in indigenous zones, since there was a reduction in the number of physical, psychological and depressive symptoms in the group that received the intervention. They also reduced their tolerant and committed coping styles and maintained their independent behavior, which involves a less stressful response. This in turn enables them to focus more on their personal needs and seek more beneficial alternatives for themselves and the rest of the family. In other words, the greater, the independence, the fewer the psychological symptoms. Conversely, in the group without the intervention, their symptoms not only continued but actually worsened over time, with group members continuing to use tolerant mechanisms, which produce more stress.

El consumo de alcohol en la región indígena del Estado de Hidalgo representa un problema de salud importante. Según la ENA 2008, el consumo diario es de 1.4%, el consuetudinario de 6.6% y el índice de abuso y dependencia de 6.8%, todos por encima de la media nacional de 0.8, 5.3 y 5.5%, respectivamente. Hidalgo presentó en 2007 una tasa de mortalidad por cirrosis hepática de 40.2 por cada 100 000 habitantes, primer lugar del país, que en promedio tiene una tasa de 26.3 habitantes por cada 100 000. La familia es el grupo más inmediato que se ve afectado por el consumo de alcohol, con implicaciones graves para la salud psicológica y física de sus miembros. Para conocer cómo enfrentan esta situación las familias en zonas indígenas del Estado de Hidalgo, se llevó a cabo un estudio etnográfico donde se encontró que el consumo de alcohol es una costumbre arraigada en la comunidad, que proporciona identidad y solidaridad de grupo. Un resultado relevante del estudio fue la queja de las mujeres de no saber qué hacer frente a las consecuencias que tiene el consumo excesivo de alcohol en la familia, así como la fuerte influencia patriarcal que limita a las mujeres para solicitar apoyo psicológico. La pobreza, las difíciles condiciones geográficas, transportes insuficientes y la prioridad de resolver necesidades básicas limitan la búsqueda de apoyo profesional. Como resultado de la exploración etnográfica, se identificó la necesidad de atención a las familias para encontrar mejores formas de enfrentar la problemática; por ello se adaptó un programa para ofrecer acciones de apoyo a familias indígenas. La intervención se llevó a cabo entre 2008 y 2009, los resultados se presentan en este trabajo. Modelo de atención: La intervención breve tiene como meta ayudar a los familiares a encontrar formas de enfrentar las situaciones de consumo de manera más benéfica para su salud y establecer o fortalecer redes de apoyo. Consta de cinco pasos: 1. Escuchar la problemática del familiar, 2. Brindar información relevante, 3. Analizar los estilos de enfrentamiento utilizados, 4. Búsqueda de fuentes de apoyo y 5. Canalización en caso de requerir atención especializada. Éstos se llevan a cabo en aproximadamente cinco sesiones. Material y método Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la intervención breve sobre la presencia de sintomatología física y psicológica, los estilos de enfrentamiento utilizados y la presencia de sintomatología depresiva, en personas que conviven con un familiar con consumo excesivo de alcohol. Muestra: 60 mujeres entre 18 y 65 años con problemas por el consumo de alcohol de un familiar (esposo o padre). Se integraron dos grupos, uno con intervención y otro sin ella. Para formar el primero, el personal de los centros de salud canalizó a los familiares con las orientadoras (dos psicólogas) para recibir atención, que concluía una vez que las mujeres manifestaban confianza para utilizar nuevos estilos de enfrentamiento, lo que ocurrió entre las sesiones cuatro y seis. El <<grupo sin intervención>> se formó con quienes, teniendo el problema, no aceptaron acudir a las sesiones, pero accedieron a contestar los cuestionarios y a ser contactadas cuatro meses después para responder los instrumentos. Instrumentos: Tres cuestionarios adaptados y validados para la zona: Escala de Síntomas (SRT), Cuestionario de Enfrentamientos (CQ) y Escala de Depresión CES-D. Diseño: Comparación antes y después de la intervención (tres meses después) con un grupo sin intervención. Análisis de datos: prueba t y análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas para determinar los cambios entre los dos grupos. El proyecto fue aprobado por el comité de ética del Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría. Resultados El grupo que recibió la intervención tuvo una disminución significativa de síntomas físicos y psicológicos, así como de depresión, mientras que éstos aumentaron en el grupo sin intervención. Los enfrentamientos comprometido y tolerante disminuyeron entre la primera y segunda medición, mientras que el independiente se mantuvo en el grupo con intervención. Lo contrario ocurrió con el grupo sin intervención, quienes mantuvieron los enfrentamientos que implican más estrés. Discusión El modelo fue exitoso para la población indígena. Se hace una reflexión sobre los aspectos culturales de llevar a cabo una intervención de esta naturaleza.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of a hand hygiene program on consumption of alcoholic hand rub, and specifically the impact of the development of hand washing training in a tertiary hospital belonging to the Cantabrian Health Service in Spain. Methods: We performed an ecological study from January 2005 to December 2008. The dependent variable was consumption of alcoholic hand rub (ml/day). As the independent variable, we used the hand hygiene campaign developed by the Cantabrian Health Service. The relationship between alcoholic hand rub consumption and the campaign was evaluated using multiple linear regression. Results and conclusions: The training received in hand hygiene in hospital wards was associated with consumption of alcoholic hand rub, which improved as the campaign became consolidated (in 2008) and showed a positive effect, particularly its training aspects.

Objetivo: Valorar la influencia sobre el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica de una campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos, y más concretamente del desarrollo de talleres prácticos sobre higienización de manos en un hospital de tercer nivel del Servicio Cántabro de Salud. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico con datos de enero de 2005 a diciembre de 2008. La variable dependiente fue el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica (ml/día). Como variable independiente se utilizó la campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos desarrollada en el Servicio Cántabro de Salud. Para valorar la relación del consumo con la campaña se utilizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados y conclusiones: Destaca la asociación entre la formación recibida sobre higiene de manos en las unidades de hospitalización y el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica, que mejora al consolidarse la campaña (año 2008) y demuestra un efecto positivo de ésta, en especial de sus aspectos formativos.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of a hand hygiene program on consumption of alcoholic hand rub, and specifically the impact of the development of hand washing training in a tertiary hospital belonging to the Cantabrian Health Service in Spain. Methods: We performed an ecological study from January 2005 to December 2008. The dependent variable was consumption of alcoholic hand rub (ml/day). As the independent variable, we used the hand hygiene campaign developed by the Cantabrian Health Service. The relationship between alcoholic hand rub consumption and the campaign was evaluated using multiple linear regression. Results and conclusions: The training received in hand hygiene in hospital wards was associated with consumption of alcoholic hand rub, which improved as the campaign became consolidated (in 2008) and showed a positive effect, particularly its training aspects.

Objetivo: Valorar la influencia sobre el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica de una campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos, y más concretamente del desarrollo de talleres prácticos sobre higienización de manos en un hospital de tercer nivel del Servicio Cántabro de Salud. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico con datos de enero de 2005 a diciembre de 2008. La variable dependiente fue el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica (ml/día). Como variable independiente se utilizó la campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos desarrollada en el Servicio Cántabro de Salud. Para valorar la relación del consumo con la campaña se utilizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados y conclusiones: Destaca la asociación entre la formación recibida sobre higiene de manos en las unidades de hospitalización y el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica, que mejora al consolidarse la campaña (año 2008) y demuestra un efecto positivo de ésta, en especial de sus aspectos formativos.

Abstract: Background Depression is a frequent condition in pregnancy, at least as frequent as it is among non-pregnant women. Studies on its prevalence show rates from 2% to 21% of major depression and 8% to 31% of depressive symptomatology. In Mexico, a prevalence of 22% has been estimated on the basis of a self-report scale. Risk factors for depression in pregnancy include previous history of depression, parental separation during childhood, single mother-hood, not wishing to be pregnant, lack of social support and low educational attainment. Objective Due to the consequences of depression on pregnancy and to the scarce studies available in Mexico, the aim of this study was to examine the presence of depression in pregnant women as well as the risk factors associated with the latter. Material and methods Three hundred pregnant women receiving ante-natal care were interviewed in the waiting rooms of three institutions (one third level hospital, a health center and a clinic specializing in women). The instrument included a scale of depression (CES-D) and the following risk factors: previous depression symptoms, parental separation before the age of 11, possible depression and problem-atic alcohol consumption in expectant motliers parents, unplanned pregnancy and lack of social support. Results A total of 30.7% of the interviewees showed significant depressive symptomatology (CES-D > 16). Fifty-nine percent mentioned having suffered from depressive symptomatology in the past. Some degree of disability in the past month was reported by 19% of those that mentioned depression symptoms. The mean number of days they stopped performing their everyday activities was 11.21 (SD = 10.68) with a range of 1 to 30 days. Seven women (21.2%) stated that they could not engage in their activities because of their depression every single day of the past month. As for suicidal ideation at any time in their lives, the following symptoms were displayed: half said that they had thought a great deal about death, a quarter said that they had wanted to die, nearly a fifth had intended to take their own life and 7.7% had injured themselves in order to take their own lives. During the previous month, the frequency of these behaviors had considerably declined, almost to zero, and only "thinking frequently about death" was common (18%). The variables associated with depression symptoms (CES-D) were: previous symptoms of depression (t = -4-40, p > 0.000), separation from the father before the age of 11 (t = -2.68; p > 0.008), possible depression in mother (t = -3.24, p > 0.001), possible depression in father (t = -2.41, p > 0.016), problematic alcohol consumption in father (t= -2.23, p > 0.040), unplanned pregnancy (t=-2.43, p>0-015), lack of emotional social support (t = 2.87, p > 0.005) and lack of practical social support (t = 2.94, p > 0.005). The evaluation of a risk model of these factors on depressive symptomatology through logistic regression (with the step-by-step method) showed that the following variables were significant: possible depression in the mother (of the expec-tant mother) which increases the risk of displaying depression in pregnancy 0.8 times, previous depressive symptomatology, which increases it 1.08 times, lack of practical social support, which increases it 1.71 times and not having a partner, which increases it 1.51 times. Discussion and conclusions The results, as regards mental health, showed that depressive symptoms occured in nearly a third of pregnant women; this percentage is higher than the 22% found in Mexico in previous studies. Although this symptomatology does not necessarily meet the criteria for major depression, it has been considered to be of sufficient clinical importance, as it has been associated with disability, psychiatric and physical co-morbidity; demand for treat-ment for and risk of future depression and in this case, with post-partum depression. A fifth of the subjects displayed more serious symptomatology in terms of disability, as the women mentioned not being able to engage in their everyday activities, working or studying. The mean number of days in which they were unable to carry out their activities was eleven during the previous month. This data suggests that this population with greater pathology should be detected and referred for specialized mental care by antenatal care services. Suicidal ideation during the previous month decreased considerably, in comparison with that reported at any time in theit lives, which agrees with reports that state that self-damaging behaviors and suicide attempts tend to be very low during pregnancy. As for pathological antecedents, 59% considered that they had suffered from depressive symptomatology in the past, in addition to having experienced suicidal ideation to varying degrees. It is significant that nearly 8% had previously attempted suicide. Both, previous depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation in the past, were associated with current depression symptoms in the expectant mother, as has been reported in other countries. Unplanned pregnancy was also related to depression (CES-D). As literature suggests, not wishing to be pregnant is related to this disorder and although not planning a pregnancy is not synonymous with not wishing for it, according to these data, lack of planning also increases depressive symptoms. Among childhood situations, parental separation or loss of the father before the age of 11 was a significant variable as regards symptomatology in pregnancy; this was similar to what other authors have reported. Separation from the mother was not related to these symptoms, contrary to what other studies have reported in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Adversity in childhood in the form of parents' mental pathology or substance use has been associated with depression among the general population. The results obtained here show a significant relationship between problematic alcohol consumption in the father and possible depression in the mother or father -as perceived by the interviewee herself- and depression symptoms in the expectant mother. During pregnancy and above all, post-partum, women have a real need to receive both emotional and practical support. This study, like others showed that the lack of this support increased the risk of depression. The construction of a model with some of these variables showed that being a single or divorced mother, having had a mother who may have been depressed, having displayed depressive symptoms in the past and the lack of practical support increased the risk of depressive symptomatology. By way of a conclusion, one can say that although there are similarities between depression in pregnancy and at other moments in women's lives, its presence during this period is particu-larly important due to the new demands the woman has to cope with and the adverse effects it has on the development of pregnancy, and the high risk of experiencing depression during the post-partum. Designing intervention programs for expectant mothers could have an enormous effect on improving the mental health of mothers and their babies, a reason why it is important to take into account the risk factors described in this study.

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OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathways of formal and informal services utilization in urban low income population presenting depressive, dysthymic and bipolar disorders. METHODS: Information was gathered in face to face interviews using a standardized questionnaire that included sections from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and one section on service utilization. Interviewees (n=1,486) were selected through stratified socioeconomic variables and a random multistep sample of households of Mexico City. RESULTS: A significant proportion of individuals with affective disorders attended at the same time to formal and informal services. It was observed that the majority of individuals established the first contact with a general practitioner (81% of the men with depressive disorders, 100% with dysthymia and 36% with bipolar disorders; 44.4% of the women with depression, 23% with dysthymia and 100% with bipolar disorders). Also, 45% of men with depression, 40% with dysthymia and 65% of the women with bipolar disorders sought help through resources provided by alternative medicines. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of various medical systems has at least two roles: 1) increases the set of care options and thereby maximize healthcare resources available; 2) allows to approaching different aspects of the same illness that a single medical system is unable to meet its complexity.

OBJETIVO: Describir los caminos de atención seguidos por población adulta, que cubre los criterios diagnósticos de trastornos depresivos, distimia y trastorno bipolar. MÉTODOS: La información se obtuvo mediante una entrevista personal, utilizando un cuestionario estandarizado que incluía secciones del Composite International Diagnostic Interview sobre trastornos afectivos y una sección sobre utilización de servicios. Los entrevistados (n=1,486) fueron seleccionados a partir de una muestra aleatoria, estratificada según las variables socioeconómicas y multietápicas (manzanas, viviendas, individuos), residentes en la Ciudad de México. RESULTADOS: Un número importante de las personas con trastornos afectivos informaron recurrir tanto a servicios formales como informales de atención. Se observó que en muchos casos se estableció el primer contacto con un médico general (81% de los hombres con trastornos depresivos, 100% con distimia y 36% con trastornos bipolares; 44.4% de las mujeres con depresión, 23% con distimia y 100% con trastornos bipolares). Del mismo modo, se observó que el 45% de los hombres con depresión, el 40% de los varones con distimia y el 65% de las mujeres con trastorno bipolar concluyeron los caminos asistenciales con el uso de los recursos proporcionados por las medicinas alternativas. CONCLUSIONES: El uso entremezclado de diversos sistemas de atención cumple por lo menos dos funciones. 1) permite armar un conjunto de opciones potenciales y así maximizar los recursos curativos con los que se cuenta, 2) permite atender distintos aspectos de una misma enfermedad donde un sólo sistema médico no puede satisfacer la complejidad del evento.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathways of formal and informal services utilization in urban low income population presenting depressive, dysthymic and bipolar disorders. METHODS: Information was gathered in face to face interviews using a standardized questionnaire that included sections from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and one section on service utilization. Interviewees (n=1,486) were selected through stratified socioeconomic variables and a random multistep sample of households of Mexico City. RESULTS: A significant proportion of individuals with affective disorders attended at the same time to formal and informal services. It was observed that the majority of individuals established the first contact with a general practitioner (81% of the men with depressive disorders, 100% with dysthymia and 36% with bipolar disorders; 44.4% of the women with depression, 23% with dysthymia and 100% with bipolar disorders). Also, 45% of men with depression, 40% with dysthymia and 65% of the women with bipolar disorders sought help through resources provided by alternative medicines. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of various medical systems has at least two roles: 1) increases the set of care options and thereby maximize healthcare resources available; 2) allows to approaching different aspects of the same illness that a single medical system is unable to meet its complexity.

OBJETIVO: Describir los caminos de atención seguidos por población adulta, que cubre los criterios diagnósticos de trastornos depresivos, distimia y trastorno bipolar. MÉTODOS: La información se obtuvo mediante una entrevista personal, utilizando un cuestionario estandarizado que incluía secciones del Composite International Diagnostic Interview sobre trastornos afectivos y una sección sobre utilización de servicios. Los entrevistados (n=1,486) fueron seleccionados a partir de una muestra aleatoria, estratificada según las variables socioeconómicas y multietápicas (manzanas, viviendas, individuos), residentes en la Ciudad de México. RESULTADOS: Un número importante de las personas con trastornos afectivos informaron recurrir tanto a servicios formales como informales de atención. Se observó que en muchos casos se estableció el primer contacto con un médico general (81% de los hombres con trastornos depresivos, 100% con distimia y 36% con trastornos bipolares; 44.4% de las mujeres con depresión, 23% con distimia y 100% con trastornos bipolares). Del mismo modo, se observó que el 45% de los hombres con depresión, el 40% de los varones con distimia y el 65% de las mujeres con trastorno bipolar concluyeron los caminos asistenciales con el uso de los recursos proporcionados por las medicinas alternativas. CONCLUSIONES: El uso entremezclado de diversos sistemas de atención cumple por lo menos dos funciones. 1) permite armar un conjunto de opciones potenciales y así maximizar los recursos curativos con los que se cuenta, 2) permite atender distintos aspectos de una misma enfermedad donde un sólo sistema médico no puede satisfacer la complejidad del evento.

Abstract: In México, addictions among the middle- and high-school student population have been widely studied, which has shed light on certain risks associated with alcohol abuse, including a higher probability of expriencing with other drugs -particularly in the case of males-, engaging in risky sexual practices and attempting suicide, a situation that is twice as common among those who drink and drive. Nevertheless, research on alcohol abuse among the university population has been less explored, particularly as regards the identification of the variables that predict excessive alcohol consumption. A review of the international literature on factors associated with alcohol abuse in this type of population indicates that it is among university students that high or explosive consumption tends to be largest, even among young people who do not attend school, and that the period of higher consumption is between 17 and 21 years of age. Other factors that have been identified include exposure to negative life events, inappropriate coping styles, personality variables, resorting to alcohol to reduce tension, and environmental and socio-cognitive variables, foremost among which are expectations of the positive effects of alcohol. These expectations not only predict alcohol consumption but also differentiate between problem and non-problem drinking. For example, while social drinkers tend to harbor more social expectations when drinking alcohol, excessive drinkers expect alcohol to increase their aggressive and social behavior, while reducing stress or tension. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of expectations regarding alcohol, in predicting alcohol abuse among students at public and private universities in Mexico City. Indicators of alcohol abuse include consumption of five or more drinks on each occasion, drunkenness during the past month and year as well as associated problems. The study also seeks to determine the way in which sub-scales of expectations interact with each other. An ex post facto transversal study was carried out on a sample of 678 university male and female students aged 17 to 25, with an average age of 20 (s.d. = 1.80). Participants were asked to complete a self-report which included the following areas: a) Sociodemographic data, b) Questionnaire on Expectations regarding Alcohol (AEQ), in a version adapted to this population and c) Alcohol consumption habits over the past month and year. As regards drinking habits, a comparative analysis was carried out by sex and age. Consumption of 5 or more drinks per occasions tends to be more common among men, while the consumption of 5 drinks or less is more frequent in women. At the same time, a higher proportion of heavy drinkers was concentrated in the 20 to 22 age range. Consumers of over 5 glasses of alcohol began drinking at an average age of 14 (s.d. = 2.55) whereas consumers of fewer than 5 drinks began drinking at the age of 15 (t= 4.79 , p < .001). In both cases, the means obtained from the indicators of abuse were highest among consumers of five or more drinks. Males take more drinks than women when they get drunk, consuming an average of 9 glasses (s.d. = 4.7) whereas women get drunk after an average of 5 glasses (s.d. = 3.2) (t= -10.80, p < .001). Out of a total of 26% of young people who mentioned having problems associated with their drinking, most were men (17.9%) as opposed to women (8.2%). The multiple regression analysis carried out to determine the impact of the sub-scales of AEQ expectations on alcohol abuse found that expectations regarding alcohol as a "facilitator of group interaction" and the sub-scale of "reduction of psychological tension" were the main predictors of abuse. This model explained 20% of the variance (F=19.35, p < .001). A logistic regression analysis found that the sub-scale of expectations regarding "increase of power and aggression" as well as alcohol abuse predicted problems associated with drinking. A model was subsequently designed to integrate the expectations that predicted alcohol abu se and associated problems. A structural equations model was used which found that expectations regarding "reduction of psychological tension" and alcohol as a jacilitator of group interaction predicted 30% and 24% of abuse, respectively (X2sb = 33.52, p >0.00, CFI = 0.99 and RMSEA = 0.01). The rest of the sub-scales concerning expectations were regarded as mediating varia bles to see how they interacted with each other. As one can see, although the sub-scales of expectations are inter-related, group expectations were specifically associated with the sub-scales of "increase in sexuality," "physical tension" and "increase in power and aggression." At the same time, expectations regarding "reduction of psychological tension" are closely linked to the social sphere, specifically the expectations regarding "verbal expressiveness" and "lack of inhibition." Along these same lines, alcohol abuse and the expectations regarding alcohol as an agent that increases feelings of power and aggression predicted 26% and 28% of alcohol-related problems. One of the contributions of this research is that it considered the inter-relationship of sub-scales of expectations to explain alcohol abuse. Psychological tension, for example, appears to be linked to social aspects, specifically to verbal expressiveness and lack of inhibition, while group expectations refer to sexuality, the reduction of psychological tension and the increase of aggressiveness and feelings of power. Likewise, it is interesting to note that in addition to alcohol abuse, expectations regarding an increase in power and feelings of aggression are the best predictors of problems associated with alcohol use. The results have implications at the intervention level for developing programs specifically aimed at this population. The fact that expectations regarding alcohol as a "facilitator of social interaction" is one of the main predictors of abuse indicates the importance of considering environmental factors in the development of prevention programs. This involves including not only young people but also parents, schools, and other adults in order to question the cultural norms that promote beliefs regarding alcohol consumption, as a way of enjoying social interaction with positive, pleasurable states, and as a socially appropriate response for coping with negative events that arise in everyday life, such as drinking to relieve tension, handle crises and as an escape from chronic stress, by providing information on the negative consequences of use and promoting healthier lifestyles. At the intervention level, it is essential to target university students through programs specially designed for young people who engage in high-risk drinking. As regards expectations, actions must be carried out to resignify the positive beliefs surrounding alcohol, by providing information on the high health costs of heavy drinking and offering alternative resources oriented towards other means of responding to stress that do not involve excessive alcohol consumption.

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