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This study aims to describe the present status of robotic surgery (RS) in Latin America. A cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data from 10 robotic programs in 6 Latin American countries through surveys of surgical specialists and heads of surgical services. The utilization of RS in Latin America exhibits significant variability depending on the specific country and healthcare facilities. This variability encompasses factors such as the annual volume of surgeries, the types of institutions involved, and the primary medical specialties employing this technology. Concerted efforts within the region to augment scientific research output about robotic procedures are imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The general objective of this study is to explain differentials in prenatal care (PNC) utilization in a nationally representative sample of non-Hispanic White (Anglo), African American, and Mexican American women. METHOD: The analysis is based on the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. Multivariate, multinomial logistic regression models were employed to adjust for demographic, socioeconomic, medical risk, and program participation factors, as well as for perceived barriers. Both race/ethnic-specific models and models with race/ethnicity as a covariate were estimated. RESULTS: Inadequate PNC use was much less common among Anglos (10.4%) as compared to African Americans and Mexican Americans (22.1% and 25.0%, respectively). In fully adjusted models, the odds ratio (OR) of African Americans receiving inadequate PNC was 1.46, while the risk for Mexican Americans was greater (OR = 1.93). Perception of obstacles to PNC access doubled the odds of receiving inadequate care, but this psychosocial variable had little impact on race/ethnic differentials. Race/ethnic-specific models uncovered potentially important racial/ethnic variations associated with perception of barriers, marital status, and program participation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the same risk factors sometimes have different effects across race/ethnic groups, and while certain findings indicate a beneficial impact of health outreach efforts and program participation, our findings support the conclusion that PNC utilization continues to be stratified along race/ethnic lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7-11 November 2010, Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection, Glasgow, UK [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "CD4 response, lipid changes and liver outcome in 506 patients receiving nevirapine-based regimens for a median of 9 years," by D. Podzamczer and colleagues is presented.