ABSTRACT Introduction: the cornea constitutes the most important element of the optical system, being the first transparent medium of the eye; its purpose is to improve the quality of the image that is formed on the retina, so its transparency is essential to obtain good visual acuity. When its layers are affected by different diseases, it is required to replace this damaged tissue; this procedure called cornea transplant or keratoplasty has different purposes. Objective: to characterize the results of corneal transplant surgery ten years after the first surgical procedure in Villa Clara province. Methods: a retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study was carried out with a sample of 204 patients who underwent corneal transplant surgery at "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital in Villa Clara between 2008 and 2018. Age, purpose of the procedure, diagnosis and complications were the variables studied. Results: male gender predominated (53.4%); the most frequent purpose of the transplant was for optical purposes (85.8%); bullous keratopathy (42.7%) was the main diagnosis as well as, graft rejection, epithelial defect and secondary glaucoma were among the most frequent complications. Conclusions: corneal transplant surgery in Villa Clara province means a great advance in the development and improvement for the treatment of multiple corneal conditions. The most frequent diagnoses were bullous keratopathy and corneal opacities; graft rejection, the appearance of epithelial defects and secondary glaucoma were the most frequent complications.

RESUMEN Introducción: La córnea constituye el elemento más importante del sistema óptico, al ser el primer medio transparente del ojo; tiene la finalidad de mejorar la calidad de la imagen que se forma en la retina, por lo que su transparencia es imprescindible para poder obtener una buena agudeza visual. Cuando sus capas están afectadas por diferentes enfermedades, se requiere sustituir este tejido dañado; este procedimiento, denominado trasplante de córnea o queratoplastia, tiene diferentes finalidades. Objetivo: Caracterizar los resultados de la cirugía de trasplante de córnea tras diez años del primer procedimiento quirúrgico en la provincia de Villa Clara. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo, con una muestra de 204 pacientes operados de trasplante de córnea en el Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico «Arnaldo Milián Castro» de Villa Clara, en el período comprendido entre 2008 y 2018. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, finalidad del procedimiento, diagnóstico y complicaciones. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (53,4 %); la finalidad más frecuente del trasplante tuvo fines ópticos (85,8 %); principal diagnóstico: la queratopatía bullosa (42,7 %); dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes estuvieron: el rechazo al injerto, el defecto epitelial y el glaucoma secundario. Conclusiones: La cirugía de trasplante de córnea en la provincia de Villa Clara significa un gran avance en el desarrollo y perfeccionamiento para el tratamiento de múltiples afecciones corneales. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron: la queratopatía bullosa y las opacidades corneales; las complicaciones más frecuentes, el rechazo al injerto, la aparición de defectos epiteliales y el glaucoma secundario.

Abstract Objective: In this study, a comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of Cention N and other direct restorative materials was performed. Three restorative materials—a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC), an alkasite-based resinous material (Cention N), and a resin composite (Tetric N Ceram)—were characterized in terms of degree of conversion, Knoop hardness number (KHN) ratio, flexural strength, elastic modulus, water sorption, water solubility, microshear bond strength to dentin, immediate microleakage, and radiopacity. Methodology: The microshear bond strength to dentin and microleakage of Cention N were evaluated with and without the application of an adhesive system (Tetric N Bond Universal). A one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the data in terms of degree of conversion, KHN ratio, water sorption, water solubility, microshear bond strength to dentin, and radiopacity. A two-way ANOVA test (carried out considering the material type and ethanol aging as factors) was used to analyze the data in terms of flexural strength and elastic modulus. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to statistically analyze the data on microleakage. A significance level of α=0.05 was used for all tests. Results: Fuji II LC was found to have the highest degree of conversion, water sorption, and microleakage, as well as the lowest flexural strength. Cention N had the highest solubility; when used with an adhesive system, it achieved bond strength and microleakage similar to those of the Tetric N Ceram composite. Tetric N Ceram had the highest degree of conversion, KHN ratio, and radiopacity. Conclusion: The properties of Cention N validate its efficacy as an alternative direct restorative material when used in conjunction with an adhesive system.

RESUMEN Fundamento: la orientación educativa a las familias de niños con discapacidad físico-motora es esencial para su correcta rehabilitación e inserción en la sociedad. Objetivo: aplicar un sistema de acciones de orientación educativa a la familia de un niño con discapacidad físico-motora. Métodos: se realizó un estudio cualitativo de investigación acción práctica a la familia de un niño con diagnóstico de una parálisis cerebral percibida como una discapacidad físico-motora en el período julio 2021-diciembre 2022, perteneciente al área de salud del Policlínico Docente “Marta Abreu”. Los métodos teóricos utilizados fueron: analítico-sintético; inductivo-deductivo y la modelación. Entre los métodos empíricos se aplicaron: la observación participante; entrevista en profundidad; análisis de documentos; diario del investigador y estudio de casos. Resultados: el diagnóstico realizado demostró la necesidad de la preparación de la familia de un niño con discapacidad fisico-motora para afrontar con calidad esta nueva etapa de sus vidas, por lo que se diseñó y aplicó un sistema de acciones el cual fue estructurado en tres subsistemas: primero, acciones para el manejo de las técnicas de aseo; segundo, para las técnicas de alimentación; y tercero, los cuidados posturales y las transferencias. Fue valorado por especialistas vinculados con esta temática, quienes lo consideraron muy pertinente y viable. Conclusiones: el sistema de acciones de orientación a las familias de niños con discapacidad fisico-motora resultó efectivo pues se evidenciaron cambios importantes en cuanto al manejo de este niño por la familia.

ABSTRACT Background: educational guidance for families of children with physical-motor disabilities is essential for their correct rehabilitation and insertion into society. Objective: apply a system of educational guidance actions to the family of a child with physical-motor disability. Methods: a qualitative practical action research study was carried out on the family of a child with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy perceived as a physical-motor disability from July 2021 to December 2022, from “Marta Abreu” University Polyclinic health area theoretical methods used were: analytical-synthetic; inductive-deductive and modeling: empirical ones: participant observation; depth interview; document analysis; researcher diary and case study. Results: the diagnosis carried out demonstrated the need to prepare the family of the child with a physical-motor disability to face this new stage of their lives with quality, so a system of actions was designed and applied which was structured in three subsystems: first, actions to manage grooming techniques; second, for feeding techniques; and third, postural care and transfers. It was evaluated by specialists linked to this topic, who considered it very pertinent and viable. Conclusions: the system of guidance actions for the family of a child with a physical-motor disability was effective as important changes were evident in terms of the management of this child by the family.

Resumen En los últimos años se han desarrollado una serie de cambios sociales que han resultado un formidable reto para las ciencias sociales. El auge de las herramientas digitales que han modificado la forma en que las personas interactúan y asimilan la vida social ha dado lugar a diversas investigaciones académicas que han buscado comprender la esencia de un fenómeno que sigue avanzando en nuestros días. En este artículo de revisión nos enfocamos en estudiar la relación entre los medios digitales y la administración pública. Para ello, se ha utilizado una metodología cualitativa derivada de un análisis de la información que toma en cuenta algunos de los estudios más importantes de los últimos años. Asimismo, se revisaron informes oficiales que contribuyen a explicar las transformaciones más importantes en la materia de los últimos veinticinco años. El punto de partida es un enfoque eminentemente politológico. Se realiza un recorrido de los cambios recientes en las democracias contemporáneas, las instituciones políticas, cambios institucionales y cuál ha sido su relación tanto con los medios convencionales como las redes socio digitales. La investigación propone algunos elementos a tener en cuenta tanto en terreno teórico como en la práctica, teniendo en consideración que se vive un proceso histórico que se profundizará en los siguientes años, ante el avance de la digitalización. Las buenas prácticas y el uso estratégico de la tecnología pueden derivar en el fortalecimiento de expresiones democráticas, así como de los procesos de buena gobernanza.

Abstract In recent years, a series of social changes have resulted in a formidable challenge for the social sciences. The rise of digital tools that have modified the way in which people interact and assimilate social life has led to various academic investigations that have sought to understand the essence of a phenomenon that continues to advance today. In this article we focus on studying the relationship between digital media and public administration. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology derived from an analysis of the information that considers some of the most important studies of recent years. In the same way, official reports that contribute to explain the most important transformations in the matter of the last twenty-five years were reviewed. It starts from an eminently political approach. A tour of recent changes in contemporary democracies, political institutions, institutional changes and what has been their relationship with both conventional media and digital partner networks is carried out. The research proposes some elements to consider both theoretically and in practice, taking into account that there is a historical process that will deepen in the following years, given the advance of digitization. Good practices and the strategic use of technology can lead to the strengthening of democratic expressions, as well as good governance processes.

Resumen Este trabajo estudia la relación entre las preferencias individuales por los objetos estéticos y el nivel de creatividad embutido en dichas obras de arte. Se realiza el mismo experimento de elección realizado por Ponzio (2017), pero en la que ahora, 85 sujetos experimentales califican dos pinturas neo-expresionistas, según las características que observan en los niveles de: belleza, creatividad, lo complejo, novedoso e interesante, que según aprecia cada sujeto experimental en cada obra. Posteriormente, los sujetos eligen entre las pinturas. Se pone a prueba la hipótesis de que sólo el nivel de creatividad es importante en las preferencias de los individuos, y se rechaza en favor de una función de utilidad que corresponde a una combinación lineal que incluye: tanto la belleza, como la creatividad (y lo interesante de la obra, en algunos casos). Esta es la primera vez que se obtiene dicho resultado empleando pinturas reales.

Abstract This paper studies the relationship between individual preferences for aesthetic objects and the level of creativity embedded in such works of art. The same choice experiment conducted by Ponzio (2017) is carried out, but in which now, eighty-five experimental subjects’ rate two neo-expressionist paintings, according to the characteristics they observe in the levels of: beauty, creativity, the complex, novel and interesting, which according to each experimental subject appreciates in each work. Subsequently, the subjects choose among the paintings. The hypothesis that only the level of creativity is important in the preferences of individuals is tested, and rejected in favor of a utility function that corresponds to a linear combination that includes both beauty and creativity (and the interestingness of the work, in some cases). This is the first time such a result has been obtained using real paintings.

RESUMEN Introducción: La investigación psicológica puede ser desarrollada por investigadores y también por estudiantes de pregrado o posgrado. En un nivel de pregrado, la investigación psicológica es especialmente desafiante debido a la capacidad limitada de los estudiantes para desarrollar problemas de investigación y enfoques metodológicos coherentes y lógicos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las principales tendencias de investigación en las tesis de grado en psicología de las universidades peruanas. Como objetivo específico, se distinguieron las tendencias de diseño de investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática descriptiva y retrospectiva de tesis de investigación en psicología de estudiantes universitarios peruanos, iniciando el proceso de extracción de datos a partir de la base de datos RENATI para una fase inicial de selección. El análisis de datos se realizó en dos fases. Resultados: Primero se organizaron los datos en relación a su frecuencia de las categorías de sexo de los autores, las universidades se catalogaron como universidades 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 según su ranking, las categorías de años de publicación, número de autores Se obtuvieron diseños, tipo de metodología y área de publicación. A partir de estas categorías se establecieron estadísticos descriptivos de frecuencia. En la siguiente fase, se utilizaron análisis textuales lexicométricos y estadísticos para identificar los temas de tendencia de investigación. Discusión: Los principales resultados muestran que diferentes temas se enmarcan predominantemente dentro de la línea de investigación de la psicología clínica y de la salud, principalmente los relacionados con los estilos de afrontamiento, el estrés psicológico y el bienestar.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Psychological research can be developed by researchers and also by undergraduate or postgraduate students. In an undergraduate level, psychological research is specially challenging due to the limited ability of students to develop coherent and logical research problems and methodological approaches. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the main research trends in undergraduate psychological theses from Peruvian universities. As a specific objective, quantitative and qualitative research design trends were distinguished. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective systematic review of psychological research thesis of Peruvian undergraduate students was conducted, starting the data extraction process starting with RENATI database for an initial screening phase. Data analysis was conducted in two phases. Results: First, data was organized in relation to its frequency of the categories of authors' sex, the universities were catalogued as universities 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 according to their ranking, the categories of years of publication, number of authors, designs, type of methodology, and area of publication were obtained. Descriptive frequency statistics were established based on these categories. In the next phase, lexicometric and statistical textual analysis were used to identify research trending topics. Discussion: The main results show that different topics are predominantly framed within the clinical and health psychology line of research, mainly those related to coping styles, psychological stress and wellbeing.

Abstract Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) carries a significant morbidity and mortality burden; however, there is scarce information in Latin American. Objective: To analyze the functional prognosis and mortality rates among participants in the Latin American Stroke Registry (LASE). Methods: Eighteen centers across Latin American compiled data on demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical stroke description, ancillary tests, and functional outcomes in hospital stay of patients included from January 2012 to January 2017. All these variables were analyzed based on functional outcome at hospital discharge. Results: We included 495 patients with ICH, representing 10.3% of all collected stroke subtypes in LASE. The median in-hospital stay was 9 days (interquartile range, 1-30); 285 (57.6%) were male (median age, 62 years) and 210 female (median age, 65 years). A poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale, 3-6) was observed in 214 (43.2%) patients, with 62.5% of women (p < 0.009). Mortality was documented in 12.5% of ICH patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves presented difference in mortality, with higher frequency in patients > 80 years (HR 1.89, 95%CI 1.07-3.35, p = 0.028), with GCS < 8 (HR 0.19, 95%CI 0.11-0.33, p = < 0.001), ventricular irruption (HR 1.88, 95%CI 1.09-3.24, p = 0.0282), and hematoma volume > 30 cc (HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.17 - 4.77, p = 0.016). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a poor functional prognosis in 43.2% of ICH patients, with the risk factors for higher mortality being age over 80 years, higher GCS values, and ventricular irruption in the LASE. Our collaborative study contributes substantial insight into the factors influencing ICH occurrence, prognosis, and outcomes in Latin America.

Resumen Introducción: La Hemorragia Intracraneal (ICH) conlleva una importante carga de morbilidad y mortalidad; sin embargo, existe escasa información en Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Analizar el pronóstico funcional y las tasas de mortalidad entre los participantes del Registro Latinoamericano de Enfermedad Vascular Cerebral (LASE). Métodos: Dieciocho centros de toda Latinoamérica recopilaron datos demográficos, factores de riesgo vascular, descripción clínica, pruebas auxiliares y resultados funcionales en la estancia hospitalaria de los pacientes incluidos entre enero de 2012 y enero de 2017. Todas estas variables se analizaron en función del resultado funcional al alta hospitalaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 495 pacientes con ICH, que representan el 10.3% de todos los subtipos de enfermedad vascular cerebral en LASE. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 9 dias (rango intercuartil, 1-30); 285 (57.6%) fueron hombres (mediana de edad, 62 años) and 210 mujeres (mediana de edad, 65 años). Un mal resultado funcional (Escala modificada de Rankin, 3-6) fue observado en 214 (43.2%) pacientes, con un 62.5% de mujeres (p < 0.009). Se documento mortalidad en 12.5% de los pacientes con ICH. Las curvas de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier presentaron diferencias en la mortalidad, con mayor frecuencia en pacientes > 80 años (HR 1.89, 95% IC 1.07-3.35, p = 0.028), con GCS < 8 (HR 0.19, 95% IC 0.11-0.33, p = < 0.001), irrupción ventricular (HR 1.88, 95% IC 1.09-3.24, p = 0.0282), y volumen del hematoma > 30 cc (HR 2.36, 95% IC 1.17-4.77, p = 0.016). Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio demuestra un mal pronóstico funcional en 43.2% de los pacientes con ICH, siendo los factores de riesgo de mayor mortalidad la edad mayor de 80 años, los valores más bajos de GCS y la irrupción ventricular en el LASE. Nuestro estudio colaborativo aporta información sustancial sobre los factores que influyen en la aparición, el pronóstico y los resultados de la ICH en Latinoamérica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pre-apheresis peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (PBCD34+) is the most important predictor of good cell mobilization before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, albeit flow cytometry is not always immediately available. Identification of surrogate markers can be useful. The CD34+ cells proliferate after mobilization, resulting in elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and correlating with the PBCD34+ count. Objective: To determine the LDH cut-off value at which adequate CD34+ cell mobilization is achieved and its diagnostic yield. Materials and methods: A total of 103 patients who received an autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) between January 2015 and January 2020 were included. Demographic and laboratory characteristics were obtained, including complete blood count, pre-apheresis PBCD34+ and LDH levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to identify the optimal serum LDH activity cut-off points for ≥ 2 and ≥ 4 × 106 cells/kg post-mobilization CD34+ count and their diagnostic yield. Results: A post-mobilization serum LDH cut-off value of 462 U/L yielded a sensitivity (Se) = 86.8% (positive predictive value [PPV] = 72.7%), a pre- and post-mobilization serum LDH difference cut-off value of 387 U/L, an Se = 45.7% (PPV = 97%) and an LDH ratio of 2.46, with an Se = 47.1% (PPV = 97%) for an optimal mobilization count (CD34+ ≥ 4 × 106). Conclusion: The LDH measurement represents a fast and affordable way to predict PBCD34+ mobilization in cases where flow cytometry is not immediately available. According to the LDH diagnostic yield, it could be used as a surrogate marker in transplant centers, supporting the CD34+ count, which remains the gold standard.

RESUMEN La neurodegeneración con acumulación de hierro en el cerebro es un grupo raro de enfermedades neurodegenerativas que presenta síntomas extrapiramidales, trastornos del estado de ánimo y deterioro cognitivo. Se estima una prevalencia de 1 a 2 casos por millón de habitantes. En América Latina no existe una prevalencia estimada, aunque existen algunos casos reportados con presentación típica. Se presenta el primer reporte de caso de esta enfermedad en el Ecuador, en una presentación atípica, bajo el descarte de diferenciales y cumplimiento de criterios diagnósticos.

ABSTRACT Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation is a rare group of neurodegenerative diseases that present extrapyramidal symptoms, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. A prevalence of 1 to 2 cases per million inhabitants is estimated. In Latin America, there is no estimated prevalence, although there are some reported cases with typical presentation. The first case report of this disease in Ecuador is presented, in an atypical presentation, under the ruling out of differentials and compliance with diagnostic criteria.

Resumen Las boquillas de un transformador de potencia generalmente representan el elemento con mayor riesgo de fallas en el dispositivo, esto se debe a los grandes esfuerzos dieléctricos a los que se somete. Estos aisladores se diseñan para reducir al máximo el campo eléctrico al que están expuestos, tanto en la superficie como en su interior. La contribución de este trabajo resulta en el cálculo del campo eléctrico en una boquilla de tipo sólida, marca H-J, con el objetivo de identificar las zonas donde habrá mayores concentraciones de estrés eléctrico, esto servirá de base para posteriores estudios de varios fenómenos que pueden causar el deterioro gradual del aislamiento, el más importante, las descargas parciales. Se realiza un resumen de la evolución histórica de las boquillas, así como su clasificación según su tipo; se describe el desarrollo matemático para calcular las concentraciones de campo eléctrico y diferentes particularidades del software utilizado, COMSOL Multiphysics®. Se detallan las propiedades físicas y las especificaciones geométricas de la boquilla en estudio. Finalmente, se realiza una comparación entre los modelados en 2D y 3D para observar diferentes comportamientos en la intensidad del campo eléctrico. La boquilla opera en un transformador de 30 MVA a 115/34.5 kV.

Abstract The bushings of a power transformer generally represent the element with the greatest risk of failure in the device, this is due to the large dielectric stresses to which it is subjected. These insulators are designed to minimize the electric field to which they are exposed, both on the surface and inside. The contribution of this work results in the calculation of the electric field in a solid type of bushing, brand H-J, with the aim of identifying the areas where there will be higher concentrations of electrical stress, this will serve as a basis for further studies of various phenomena that can cause the gradual deterioration of the insulation, the most important, partial discharges. A summary of the historical evolution of the bushing is made, as well as their classification according to their type. The mathematical development to calculate the electric field concentrations and different particularities of the software used, COMSOL Multiphysics®, are described. The physical properties and geometric specifications of the bushing under study are detailed. Finally, a comparison is made between the 2D and 3D models, to observe different behaviors in the intensity of the electric field. The bushing operates on a 30 MVA transformer at 115/34.5 kV.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Peru, a high proportion of fully immunized people against COVID-19 has been achieved, which has mitigated the severity of the disease. Thus, under the recommendation of experts, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree 118-2022-PCM, which indicated that the use of masks is optional in open and ventilated enclosed spaces as of October 1, 2022. Objective: The aim of the present study was to find out the reasons why people continued to wear masks even though it was not mandatory in outdoor environments. Methods: A total of 335 people participated, with an average age of 26.11 years (73.1% women). A data collection form was prepared where sociodemographic and health information was requested; in addition, the question "Why do you continue to wear mask despite it being optional in open and closed ventilated spaces?" was included. The data obtained from the last open question of the instrument was analyzed by means of a discursive textual analysis (DTA) and an exploratory analysis through IRAMUTEQ. Results: Results indicate that people continue to wear masks, despite the lifting of the restrictions, to avoid contagion of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. In addition, the prevention of possible infection and transmission of the virus also focused on the family and vulnerable people. Discussion: It is concluded that the practice of wearing masks may be influenced by individual perceptions of risk and interpretations of responsibility and solidarity towards others.

RESUMEN Introducción: En el Perú, se logró una alta proporción de personas completamente inmunizados contra COVID-19 que ha mitigado la severidad de la enfermedad. Es así que, bajo la recomendación de expertos el gobierno peruano emitió el Decreto Supremo 118-2022-PCM, donde se indicó que el uso de la mascarilla es opcional en espacios abiertos y espacios cerrados ventilados a partir del 1 de octubre del 2022. Objetivo: El presente estudio fue conocer las razones por las cuales las personas continuaron usando mascarilla a pesar de que no era obligatorio en ambientes exteriores. Metodología: Participaron un total de 335 personas con un promedio de edad de 26.11 años (73.1% mujeres). Se elaboró una ficha de recolección de datos donde se solicitó información sociodemográfica y de salud; además, se incluyó la pregunta "¿por qué sigue utilizando la mascarilla a pesar de que es opcional en espacios abiertos y cerrados ventilados?" Los datos obtenidos de la última pregunta abierta del instrumento se analizaron mediante un análisis textual discursivo (ATD) y un análisis exploratorio a través de IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que, las personas seguían utilizando mascarillas, a pesar de estar levantadas las restricciones, para evitar contagios de la COVID-19 y de otras enfermedades respiratorias. Además, esta prevención de una posible infección y transmisión del virus es enfocada también a la propia familia y personas vulnerables. Discusión: Se concluye que, la práctica de usar mascarillas puede estar influenciada por las percepciones individuales del riesgo y las interpretaciones de responsabilidad y solidaridad frente a los demás.

Abstract Business sectors may be affected by changes in their activity levels. For this reason, the administration requires tools that allow to show the impact on its profitability. The asymmetry in the behavior of the costs of companies belonging to the economic sectors of beverage production and meat processing in Ecuador for the period between 2012 and 2018 was analyzed. 291 companies that presented activity were studied. For the study of sticky costs, 3 analysis variables were defined: operational income, total costs and expenses, and personnel costs and expenses; to which, four different study techniques were applied. The different analysis techniques show consistent and robust results, with the exception of the estimation using panel data in the meat sector. The study´s results show an asymmetric behavior within the costs, which suggest an inability for Ecuadorian companies to lower their costs due to a drop on their income, whereas, when their income raises, so does their cost; a fact that matches the recent evidence found worldwide. This asymmetry could be explained by factors such as regulatory rigidity or expectations of a quick business recovery.

Resumo Setores de negócios podem ser afetados por mudanças em seus níveis de atividade. Por essa razão, a administração necessita de ferramentas que permitam mostrar o impacto na sua rentabilidade. Foi analisado o comportamento assimétrico de custos das empresas pertencentes aos setores econômicos de produção de bebidas e processamento de carne no Equador para o período entre 2012 e 2018. Foram estudadas 291 empresas que apresentaram atividade. Para o estudo dos custos fixos, foram definidas 3 variáveis de análise: receitas operacionais, custos e despesas totais e custos e despesas com pessoal, às quais foram aplicadas quatro técnicas de estudo diferentes. As diferentes técnicas de análise mostram resultados consistentes e robustos, com exceção da estimativa usando dados em painel no setor de carnes. Os resultados do estudo mostram um comportamento assimétrico dentro dos custos, o que sugere uma incapacidade das empresas equatorianas de reduzir seus custos devido à queda de suas receitas, ao passo que, quando suas receitas aumentam, também aumentam seus custos; um fato que coincide com as evidências recentes encontradas em todo o mundo. Essa assimetria pode ser explicada por fatores como rigidez regulatória ou expectativas de recuperação rápida dos negócios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most commonly presented in older adults; however, it appears 10 years earlier in Latin American countries. Clinical evolution in older adults from this populations has not been characterized. We analyzed outcomes and survival predictors. Methods: Patients ≥ 55 years old diagnosed with AML at a hematology referral center from 2005 to 2020 receiving intensive chemotherapy (IC), low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) and best supportive care (BSC) were included. Survival analysis included the Kaplan-Meier and Cox models and the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Results: Seventy-five adults were included and the overall survival (OS) was 4.87, 1.67 and 1.16 months, using IC, LDAC and BSC, respectively. The IC led to a higher OS (p < 0.001) and was a protective factor for early death, at a cost of more days spent hospitalized and more non-fatal treatment complications; non-significant differences were found between the LDAC and BSC. Eight (10.7%) patients underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, with a higher OS (p = 0.013). Twenty (26.7%) patients achieved complete remission; 12 (60%) relapsed with a 6-month CIR of 57.9% in those < 70 years old vs. 86.5% in those ≥ 70 years old, p = 0.034. Multivariate analysis showed the white blood cell count (WBC) and IC had a significant impact on the patient survival, whereas chronological age and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) did not. Conclusion: AML in low-middle income countries demands a different approach; the IC improves survival, even with a high incidence of relapse, and should be offered as first-line treatment. Eligibility criteria should include WBC and a multidimensional evaluation. The age per se and the CCI should not be exclusion criteria to consider IC.

Resumen Antecedentes: El cáncer de células pequeñas (CPCP) representa el 13-15% del total de neoplasias primarias de pulmón. Se caracteriza por su rapidez en la tasa de crecimiento y en el desarrollo de metástasis a distancia. Objetivos: Orientar y estandarizar el tratamiento del CPCP enfermedad extensa en México basado en evidencia clínica nacional e internacional. Material y métodos: Este documento se desarrolló como una colaboración del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología y la Sociedad Mexicana de Oncología en cumplimiento con estándares internacionales. Se integró un grupo conformado por oncólogos médicos, cirujanos oncólogos, cirujanos de tórax, radio-oncólogos y metodólogos con experiencia en revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura y guías de práctica clínica. Resultados: Se consensaron, por el método Delphi y en reuniones a distancia, las recomendaciones en CPCP enfermedad extensa, producto de preguntas de trabajo. Se identificó y evaluó la evidencia científica que responde a cada una de dichas preguntas clínicas antes de incorporarla al cuerpo de la guía. Conclusión: Esta guía proporciona recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo de la enfermedad extensa del CPCP y durante el proceso de toma de decisiones de los clínicos involucrados con su manejo en nuestro país para mejorar la calidad de la atención clínica para estos pacientes.

Abstract Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 13-15% of all primary lung neoplasms and is characterized by its rapid growth rate and the rapid development of distant metastases. Objectives: To guide and standardize the treatment of extensive disease small cell lung cancer in Mexico based on national and international clinical evidence. Material and methods: This document was developed as a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute and the Mexican Society of Oncology in compliance with international standards. An interdisciplinary group was formed, including medical oncologists, oncological surgeons, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and methodologists with experience in systematic reviews of the literature and clinical practice guidelines. Results: A consensus was reached, both by the Delphi method and in remote meetings, of extensive disease recommendations resulting from work questions. The scientific evidence that answers each of these clinical questions was identified and critically evaluated, before being incorporated into the body of evidence of the Guide. Conclusions: This Clinical Practice Guide provides clinical recommendations for the management of extensive disease of SCLC to contribute to the decision-making process of the clinicians involved with its management in our country, hoping that this will contribute to improving the quality of clinical care in these patients.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar las diferencias y similitudes en el cuadro clínico, los hallazgos de laboratorio y desenlaces médicos de pacientes pediátricos con enfermedad de Kawasaki versus síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. Métodos: Estudio comparativo y retrospectivo, efectuado en niños con enfermedad de Kawasaki, atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, entre el 1 de enero de 2004 al 31 de marzo de 2020, y pacientes con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud), del 1 de mayo de 2020 al 31 de mayo de 2021. Se evaluaron las características demográficas, epidemiológicos y clínicas, además de los hallazgos de laboratorio, tipo de tratamiento y desenlaces clínicos en ambos grupos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 81 pacientes: 62 con enfermedad de Kawasaki y 19 con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico. Se encontraron varias diferencias clínicas y de laboratorio en ambas alteraciones. La mediana de edad fue menor en pacientes con enfermedad de Kawasaki versus síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico (25 vs 79 meses). La mayoría de los pacientes con enfermedad de Kawasaki fueron hombres (64.5 vs 47.4%), con características mucocutáneas (93.5 vs 63.2%): cambios orales (83.9 vs 63.2%) y cambios en las extremidades (77.4 vs 57.9%); la forma completa de enfermedad de Kawasaki fue 75.8 vs 47.4%, concomitante con aneurisma de la arteria coronaria (16.1 vs 11.8%). Los hallazgos más frecuentes en sujetos con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico fueron: afectación gastrointestinal (89.4 vs 9.6 %), choque (57.9 vs 3.2%), síntomas neurológicos (63.1 vs 11.2%), afectación renal (52.6 vs 16.1%) y cardiopatías en general (52.9 vs 29%): disfunción miocárdica (23.5 vs 11.3%) y derrame pericárdico (17.6 vs 2.9%). La concentración media de linfocitos fue: 2.07 + 2.03 vs 4.28 + 3.01/mm3), plaquetas (197.89 + 187.51 vs 420.37 + 200.08/mm3); albúmina sérica (2.29 + 0.65 vs 3.33 + 0.06 g/dL) y PCR (21.4 + 11.23 vs 14.26 + 12.37 mg/dL). Los tratamientos en enfermedad de Kawasaki vs síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico: IVIG (96.8 vs 94.7%), corticosteroides sistémicos (4.82 vs 94.7%), resistencia a IVIG (19.4 vs 15.8). La mortalidad fue de 0 vs 5.3%. Conclusión: Se encontraron similitudes en cuanto a síntomas en ambos grupos (fiebre, exantema y conjuntivitis); no obstante, hubo diferencias significativas respecto de las manifestaciones clínicas, con afección multiorgánico y peor respuesta inflamatoria en pacientes con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico, incluso mayor requerimiento de reposición de líquidos, administración de agentes inotrópicos, dosis más altas de corticosteroides, y elevada tasa de mortalidad. Estos resultados se han observado en otros estudios, donde se compararon ambos trastornos.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the differences and similarities in clinical picture, laboratory findings and outcomes between children's with Kawasaki Disease (KD) versus multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Methods: We conducted a retrospective, comparative study from children with Kawasaki Disease (KD) hospitalized in Sinaloa Pediatric Hospital from January 1, 2004, to March 31, 2020, and patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) according with World Health Organization (WHO) case definition criteria between May 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021. Demographic characteristics, epidemiological data, clinical features, laboratory findings, type of treatment and clinical outcomes were compared among both groups. Results: Eighty-one patients were included (62 patients with KD and 19 with MIS-C). several clinical and laboratory differences were found among these two entities. Median age was lower in KD vs. MIS-C (25 vs 79 months). Those finding more frequent in KD were male gender (64.5 vs. 47.4%), Mucocutaneous features (93.5 vs. 63.2%): Oral changes (83.9 vs. 63.2%) and extremity changes (77.4 vs. 57.9%); complete form of KD was (75.8 vs. 47.4%), Coronary artery aneurysm (16.1 vs. 11.8%). Secondly, findings that were more frequent in MIS-C than KD were Gastrointestinal involvement (89.4 vs. 9.6%), shock (57.9 vs. 3.2%), neurological symptoms (63.1 vs. 11.2%), kidney involvement (52.6 vs. 16.1%), heart disease in general (52.9% vs 29%): Myocardial dysfunction (23.5 vs. 11.3%) and pericardial effusion (17.6 vs. 2.9%). Lymphocyte count (2.07 + 2.03 vs. 4.28 + 3.01/mm3), platelet count (197.89 + 187.51 vs. 420.37 + 200.08/mm3); serum albumin (2.29 + 0.65 vs. 3.33 + 0.06g/dL), and CPR (21.4 + 11.23 vs. 14.26 + 12.37 mg/dL). KD vs. MIS-C types of Treatment: IVIG (96.8 vs. 94.7%), systemic steroids (4.82 vs. 94.7%), IVIG resistance (19.4 vs. 15.8). Finally, mortality in KD was 0% and 5.3% in MIS-C. Conclusion: Similarities were found in both groups such as fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. Nevertheless, significant differences such as severity of clinical presentation with multi-organ involvement and worst inflammatory response were found more frequently in MIS-C group than KD group, requiring more fluid replacement, use of inotropic agents and higher steroids dosages. Also, mortality rate was higher in patients with MIS-C than patients with KD. Similar results have been observed in other studies where both disorders were compared.