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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that often leads to kidney injury, known as lupus nephritis (LN). Although renal biopsy is the primary way to diagnose LN, it is invasive and not practical for regular monitoring. As an alternative, several groups have proposed urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) as potential biomarkers for LN, as recent studies have shown their significance in reflecting kidney-related diseases. As a result, we developed a flow cytometry approach that allowed us to determine that LN patients exhibited a significantly higher total uEV concentration compared to SLE patients without kidney involvement. Additionally, an analysis of different-sized uEV subsets revealed that microvesicles ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 μm showed the most promise for distinguishing LN. These findings indicate that evaluating uEV concentration and size distribution could be a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool for LN, pending further validation in more comprehensive studies.

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains one of the most prevalent pathologies in the world and is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, partially due to underdiagnosis. The use of clinical questionnaires to identify high-risk individuals to take them to further diagnostic procedures has emerged as a strategy to address this problem. Objective. To compare the performance of the COULD IT BE COPD, CDQ, COPD-PS, LFQ, and PUMA questionnaires for COPD diagnosis. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on subjects who underwent spirometry in the third-level center. Data were collected between January 2015 and March 2020. Bivariate analysis was performed between the study variables and the presence of COPD. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) for each questionnaire were calculated. The AUC-ROCs were compared with the DeLong test, considering a p value

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a heritable condition that predisposes to respiratory and hepatic complications. Screenings in East Asia human populations for the AATD alleles most commonly found among Caucasians have yielded poor outcomes. Serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels, AAT phenotypes, and sequences of SERPINA1 gene were examined in a Chinese child with a moderate deficit of serum AAT, who had suffered several episodes of liver disease, as well as in his first-order relatives. Results allowed the identification of PI*Shangzhou, a novel SERPINA1 defective allele, which has been characterized by a L276R substitution, found in a SERPINA1-M3 genetic background. Moreover, potential effects of PI*Shangzhou mutation over the AAT structure were studied by 3D homology modeling. The presence of an arginine residue at position 276 could destabilize the tertiary structure of AAT, since it occurs at a highly conserved hydrophobic cavity in the protein surface, and very close to two positively-charged lysine residues. Attending to the frequency of R276 variant reported in databases for individuals of East Asian ancestry, the PI*Shangzhou allele may explain the global prevalence of the PiS phenotype observed in China.

(From “RIMAC: Registry IMAging Cardiopulmonary among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in LATAM”) Objectives: Describe the use and findings of cardiopulmonary imaging—chest X-ray (cX-ray), echocardiography (cEcho), chest CT (cCT), lung ultrasound (LUS), and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI)—in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Latin America (LATAM). Background: There is a lack of information on the images used and their findings during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in LATAM. Methods: Multicenter, prospective, observational study of COVID-19 inpatients, conducted from March to December 2020, from 12 high-complexity centers, in nine LATAM countries. Adults (>18 years) with at least one imaging modality performed, followed from admission until discharge and/or in-hospital death, were included. Results: We studied 1,435 hospitalized patients (64% males) with a median age of 58 years classified into three regions: Mexico (Mx), 262; Central America and Caribbean (CAC), 428; and South America (SAm), 745. More frequent comorbidities were overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. During hospitalization, 58% were admitted to the ICU. The in-hospital mortality was 28%, and it was highest in Mx (37%). The most frequent images performed were cCT (61%), mostly in Mx and SAm, and cX-ray (46%), significant in CAC. The cEcho was carried out in 18%, similarly among regions, and LUS was carried out in 7%, with a higher frequently in Mx. Abnormal findings on the cX-ray were peripheral or basal infiltrates, and in cCT abnormal findings were the ground glass infiltrates, more commonly in Mx. In LUS, interstitial syndrome was the most abnormal finding, predominantly in Mx and CAC. Renal failure was the most prevalent complication (20%), predominant in Mx and SAm. Heart failure developed in 13%, predominant in Mx and CAC. Lung thromboembolism was higher in Mx while myocardial infarction was in CAC. Logistic regression showed associations of abnormal imaging findings and their severity, with comorbidities, complications, and evolution. Conclusions: The use and findings of cardiopulmonary imaging in LATAM varied between regions and had a great impact on diagnosis and prognosis.

Antecedentes: Los dispositivos de cierre vascular (DCV) son empleados de forma rutinaria en terapia endovascular al disminuir el tiempo de hemostasia en el cierre de la arteria femoral común (AFC) y la superficial (AFS). Se prefiere el uso de DCV en lugar de la compresión manual (CM). Las complicaciones más frecuentes son: hematoma inguinal o retroperitoneal, obstrucción, estenosis, pseudoaneurisma o fístula arteriovenosa. Objetivo: Describir dos casos clínicos, con revisión de literatura. Material y métodos: Reporte de dos casos, uno por complicación en la implantación de válvula aórtica transcatéter (TAVI) y el caso de una isquemia de extremidad inferior de un paciente con síndrome coronario agudo. Resultados: Egreso hospitalario sin complicaciones neurovasculares posteriores a reparación vascular quirúrgica. Conclusiones: Los DCV y el uso de abordaje abierto en procedimientos con accesos vasculares de gran calibre son los métodos más seguros y eficaces, sin embargo, se debe individualizar el mejor método de cierre de acuerdo con las necesidades del paciente y el menor tiempo de recuperación.

Abstract Background Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of T2D; however, no study has evaluated the effect of a lifestyle intervention involving patients´ family. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of an interdisciplinary family (FI) Vs individual intervention (II) on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), pancreatic β-cell function and cardiovascular risk markers in patients with prediabetes, as well as to measure the impact on their families’ metabolic risk. Methods Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) to compare the impact of FI and II on IR and pancreatic β-cell function in subjects with prediabetes. There were 122 subjects with prediabetes (and 101 family members) randomized to FI or II. Data were collected in 2015–2016 and analyzed in 2017–2018. FI group had the support of their family members, who also received personalized diet and exercise recommendations; patients and their family members attended monthly a lifestyle enhancement program. II group received personalized diet and exercise recommendations. The follow-up was for 12 months. Glucose, IR, pancreatic β-cell function and secondary outcomes (body composition and lipid profile) were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Results FI group improved area under the glucose curve (AUC) (from 18,597 ± 2611 to 17,237 ± 2792, p = 0.004) and the Matsuda index (from 3.5 ± 2.3 to 4.7 ± 3.5, p = 0.05) at 12 months. II group improved Disposition Index (from 1.5 ± 0.4 to 1.9 ± 0.73, p

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) now form part of virtually all aspects of our daily lives, including education. However, teacher training in digital competence has been pushed into the background, especially in social sciences and in history instruction, in which digitalization and the use of ICTs is an opportunity for improvement and educational innovation. Consequently, proposals integrating the various types of knowledge into the training of history teachers are still rare and scarce. To solve this problem, this study presents a mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis using a pre- and posttest questionnaire with a sample of 235 students of the primary education degree at the Public University of Navarre who took part in an innovative didactic proposal that was implemented using the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model based on digitized primary sources in three resources: PARES (Spanish Archive Portal), EUROPEANA, and BNE (National Library of Spain). The primary aim of this study was for preservice teachers to develop digital competence in teaching social sciences by integrating the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge types using the TPACK model. There were three specific objectives. The first was analyzing the digital knowledge of students following a primary education degree concerning the use of ICTs in history instruction. The second was implementing a didactic proposal in the teaching social sciences course based on the TPACK model by integrating ICTs and history instruction using Spanish and European digitized primary historical sources. Finally, the third was evaluating the impact of this didactic proposal on developing the knowledge types linked to the TPACK model, especially content knowledge (CK) and its technological content knowledge (TCK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) combinations.

Background: Bacteria are capable of responding to various stressors, something which has been essential for their adaptation, evolution, and colonization of a wide range of environments. Of the many stressors affecting bacteria, we can highlight heavy metals, and amongst these, copper stands out for its great antibacterial capacity. Using Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) as a model, the action of proteins involved in copper homeostasis has been put forward as an explanation for the tolerance or adaptive response of this mycobacteria to the toxic action of copper. Therefore, the aim of this study was to confirm the presence and evaluate the expression of genes involved in copper homeostasis at the transcriptional level after challenging Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculoisis (MAP) with copper ions. Methodology: Buffer inoculated with MAP was treated with two stressors, the presence of copper homeostasis genes was confirmed by bioinformatics and genomic analysis, and the response of these genes to the stressors was evaluated by gene expression analysis, using qPCR and the comparative ΔΔCt method. Results: Through bioinformatics and genomic analysis, we found that copper homeostasis genes were present in the MAP genome and were overexpressed when treated with copper ions, which was not the case with H2O2 treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that genes in MAP that code for proteins involved in copper homeostasis trigger an adaptive response to copper ions.

Salmonella spp. is one of the most common food poisoning pathogens and the main cause of diarrheal diseases in humans in developing countries. The increased Salmonella resistance to antimicrobials has led to the search for new alternatives, including natural compounds such as curcumin, which has already demonstrated a bactericidal effect; however, in Gram-negatives, there is much controversy about this effect, as it is highly variable. In this study, we aimed to verify the antibacterial activity of curcumin against the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth rate, virulence, and pathogenicity. The strain was exposed to 110, 220 or 330 µg/mL curcumin, and by complementary methods (spectrophotometric, pour plate and MTT assays), we determined its antibacterial activity. To elucidate whether curcumin regulates the expression of virulence genes, Salmonella invA, fliC and siiE genes were investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, to explore the effect of curcumin on the pathogenesis process in vivo, a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model was employed. No antibacterial activity was observed, even at higher concentrations of curcumin. All concentrations of curcumin caused overgrowth (35–69%) and increased the pathogenicity of the bacterial strain through the overexpression of virulence factors. The latter coincided with a significant reduction in both the lifespan and survival time of C. elegans when fed with curcumin-treated bacteria. Our data provide relevant information that may support the selective antibacterial effects of curcumin to reconsider the indiscriminate use of this phytochemical, especially in outbreaks of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

La asociación en el mismo paciente de trombosis precoz de una válvula mecánica seguida de disfunción precoz por pannus es poco común. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con obstrucción protésica precoz 3 meses después de la cirugía, la cual se resolvió con heparina intravenosa. Una nueva disfunción protésica fue diagnosticada otra vez 23 meses más tarde. Finalmente, se procedió a realizar reemplazo valvular con prótesis mitral biológica confirmando en el estudio anatomopatológico la presencia de pannus. Este caso apoya la hipótesis de que un trombo puede preceder a la formación de pannus.

En este trabajo se estudian los procedimientos de calificación, organización de los equipos docentes, promoción, titulación, papel de la inspección educativa, recuperación de materias pendientes, uso de la evaluación inicial, de la evaluación y atención a la diversidad, etc. en las etapas educativas equivalentes a la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) española, en Alemania, Inglaterra y Francia; a través del análisis de la práctica realizada en tres Colegios bilingües ubicados en la isla de Gran Canaria, mediante una entrevista semiestructurada realizada a sus directores y jefes de estudio, que siguen la normativa de sus respectivos países, así como del análisis de su legislación relativa a la evaluación. De esta comparación surgen algunas propuestas para optimizar la práctica educativa canaria y española en esta etapa educativa.In this paper we study the qualification procedures, organization of teaching staff, promotion, certification, inspection role, pending recovery of materials, use of initial assessment, evaluation and attention to diversity, etc. in the stages of education equivalent to Spanish secondary education (ESO), Germany, England and France; through the analysis of the experience gained from three bilingual schools located in Gran Canaria which follow the rules of its own countries. From this comparison, some new proposals arise to optimize the education in the Canary Islands and Spain during this academic level.

Objetivo: Endeavor® es un stent recubierto de fármaco (DES, drug-eluting stent) con resultados superiores a los stents metálicos (BMS, bare metal stent) y eficacia similar a los otros DES, en revascularización. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los costes y beneficios de Endeavor®, otros DES, BMS y bypass coronario en España. Métodos: Se construyó un modelo de Markov a cinco años que refleja el tratamiento de los pacientes con lesiones coronarias de novo. Las probabilidades se derivaron de revisiones sistemáticas y de los ensayos clínicos con Endeavor®. El uso de recursos y los costes se obtuvieron de datos locales y validados por expertos. Los resultados se expresaron como revascularizaciones evitadas, coste por acontecimientos adversos cardíacos mayores (MACE, major adverse coronary event) evitados y años de vida ajustados por calidad (AVAC) ganados. Resultados: Endeavor® tuvo unos costes superiores al BMS; un coste por revascularización evitada con Endeavor® de 6851 € (1 año) y 10.831 € (5 años); un coste por MACE evitado de 7003 € y 11.322 €, respectivamente, y un coste por AVAC ganado de 132.877 €, 34.229 € y 10.505 € a 1, 2 y 5 años, respectivamente. El impacto presupuestario de la introducción progresiva de Endeavor® será prácticamente nulo, representando un 0,4% sobre el coste de las intervenciones coronarias percutáneas a los 5 años. Conclusiones: En comparación con BMS y bypass coronario, el empleo de Endeavor® representa un uso eficiente de los recursos en pacientes coronarios, con razones de coste-efectividad por debajo del umbral de eficiencia definido para el Sistema Nacional de Salud español.Objectives: Endeavor® is a drug-eluting stent (DES) with superior results to the bare metal stent (BMS) and similar efficacy to other DES in terms of revascularization. The aim of this study was to assess the costs and benefits of Endeavor®, other DES, BMS and coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) in Spain. Methods: A Markov model with a 5-year time was used to reflect the management of patients with de novo coronary artery lesions in Spain. Model probabilities were derived from systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials of Endeavor®. Health resources and costs were obtained from local data and were validated by experts. Effectiveness was measured as the number of revascularizations avoided, the major adverse coronary events (MACE) avoided and the quality adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Results: Endeavor® had higher total costs than the BMS. The cost per revascularization avoided with Endeavor® was 6,851 € (at 1 year) and 10,831 € (at 5 years). In terms of cost per MACE avoided with Endeavor®, the results were 7,003 € and 11,322 €, respectively, and in terms of costs of QALY gained were 132,877 €, 34,229 € and 10,505 € at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. The budget impact of the progressive introduction of Endeavor® would be practically null, representing 0.4% of the total cost of percutaneous coronary interventions at 5 years. Conclusions: The use of the Endeavor® stent compared with BMS and CABG represents efficient resource use in patients with coronary artery disease, with cost-effectiveness results below the threshold of efficiency defined in Spain.

Background. Surfactant protein C (SP-C; 35 residues) in lungs has a cationic N-terminal domain with two cysteines covalently linked to palmitoyls and a C-terminal region enriched in Val, Leu and Ile. Native SP-C shows high surface activity, due to SP-C inserting in the bilayer with its cationic N-terminus binding to the polar headgroup and its hydrophobic C-terminus embedded as a tilted, transmembrane α-helix. The palmitoylcysteines in SP-C act as ‘helical adjuvants’ to maintain activity by overriding the β-sheet propensities of the native sequences.Objective. We studied SP-C peptides lacking palmitoyls, but containing glutamate and lysine at 4-residue intervals, to assess whether SP-C peptides with salt-bridges (“ion-locks”) promote surface activity by mimicking the α-helix and membrane topography of native SP-C.Methods. SP-C mimics were synthesized that reproduce native sequences, but without palmitoyls (i.e., SP-Css or SP-Cff, with serines or phenylalanines replacing the two cysteines). Ion-lock SP-C molecules were prepared by incorporating single or double Glu−–Lys+ into the parent SP-C’s. The secondary structures of SP-C mimics were studied with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and PASTA, an algorithm that predicts β-sheet propensities based on the energies of the various β-sheet pairings. The membrane topography of SP-C mimics was investigated with orientated and hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange FTIR, and also Membrane Protein Explorer (MPEx) hydropathy analysis. In vitro surface activity was determined using adsorption surface pressure isotherms and captive bubble surfactometry, and in vivo surface activity from lung function measures in a rabbit model of surfactant deficiency.Results. PASTA calculations predicted that the SP-Css and SP-Cff peptides should each form parallel β-sheet aggregates, with FTIR spectroscopy confirming high parallel β-sheet with ‘amyloid-like’ properties. The enhanced β-sheet properties for SP-Css and SP-Cff are likely responsible for their low surfactant activities in the in vitro and in vivo assays. Although standard 12C-FTIR study showed that the α-helicity of these SP-C sequences in lipids was uniformly increased with Glu−–Lys+ insertions, elevated surfactant activity was only selectively observed. Additional results from oriented and H/D exchange FTIR experiments indicated that the high surfactant activities depend on the SP-C ion-locks recapitulating both the α-helicity and the membrane topography of native SP-C. SP-Css ion-lock 1, an SP-Css with a salt-bridge for a Glu−–Lys+ ion-pair predicted from MPEx hydropathy calculations, demonstrated enhanced surfactant activity and a transmembrane helix simulating those of native SP-C.Conclusion. Highly active SP-C mimics were developed that replace the palmitoyls of SP-C with intrapeptide salt-bridges and represent a new class of synthetic surfactants with therapeutic interest.

Background. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is a widely accepted technique of non-invasive respiratory support in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome due to lack of lung surfactant. If this approach fails, the next step is often intubation, mechanical ventilation (MV) and intratracheal instillation of clinical lung surfactant.Objective. To investigate whether aerosol delivery of advanced synthetic lung surfactant, consisting of peptide mimics of surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C) and synthetic lipids, during nCPAP improves lung function in surfactant-deficient rabbits.Methods. Experimental synthetic lung surfactants were produced by formulating 3% Super Mini-B peptide (SMB surfactant), a highly surface active SP-B mimic, and a combination of 1.5% SMB and 1.5% of the SP-C mimic SP-Css ion-lock 1 (BC surfactant), with a synthetic lipid mixture. After testing aerosol generation using a vibrating membrane nebulizer and aerosol conditioning (particle size, surfactant composition and surface activity), we investigated the effects of aerosol delivery of synthetic SMB and BC surfactant preparations on oxygenation and lung compliance in saline-lavaged, surfactant-deficient rabbits, supported with either nCPAP or MV.Results. Particle size distribution of the surfactant aerosols was within the 1–3 µm distribution range and surfactant activity was not affected by aerosolization. At a dose equivalent to clinical surfactant therapy in premature infants (100 mg/kg), aerosol delivery of both synthetic surfactant preparations led to a quick and clinically relevant improvement in oxygenation and lung compliance in the rabbits. Lung function recovered to a greater extent in rabbits supported with MV than with nCPAP. BC surfactant outperformed SMB surfactant in improving lung function and was associated with higher phospholipid values in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; these findings were irrespective of the type of ventilatory support (nCPAP or MV) used.Conclusions. Aerosol delivery of synthetic lung surfactant with a combination of highly active second generation SP-B and SP-C mimics was effective as a therapeutic approach towards relieving surfactant deficiency in spontaneously breathing rabbits supported with nCPAP. To obtain similar results with nCPAP as with intratracheal instillation, higher dosage of synthetic surfactant and reduction of its retention by the delivery circuit will be needed to increase the lung dose.

Background. Chemical spills are on the rise and inhalation of toxic chemicals may induce chemical acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although the pathophysiology of ALI/ARDS is well understood, the absence of specific antidotes has limited the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.Objectives. Surfactant inactivation and formation of free radicals are important pathways in (chemical) ALI. We tested the potential of lipid mixtures with advanced surfactant protein B and C (SP-B and C) mimics to improve oxygenation and lung compliance in rabbits with lavage- and chemical-induced ALI/ARDS.Methods. Ventilated young adult rabbits underwent repeated saline lung lavages or underwent intratracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid to induce ALI/ARDS. After establishment of respiratory failure rabbits were treated with a single intratracheal dose of 100 mg/kg of synthetic surfactant composed of 3% Super Mini-B (S-MB), a SP-B mimic, and/or SP-C33 UCLA, a SP-C mimic, in a lipid mixture (DPPC:POPC:POPG 5:3:2 by weight), the clinical surfactant Infasurf®, a bovine lung lavage extract with SP-B and C, or synthetic lipids alone. End-points consisted of arterial oxygenation, dynamic lung compliance, and protein and lipid content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Potential mechanism of surfactant action for S-MB and SP-C33 UCLA were investigated with captive bubble surfactometry (CBS) assays.Results. All three surfactant peptide/lipid mixtures and Infasurf equally lowered the minimum surface tension on CBS, and also improved oxygenation and lung compliance. In both animal models, the two-peptide synthetic surfactant with S-MB and SP-C33 UCLA led to better arterial oxygenation and lung compliance than single peptide synthetic surfactants and Infasurf. Synthetic surfactants and Infasurf improved lung function further in lavage- than in chemical-induced respiratory failure, with the difference probably due to greater capillary-alveolar protein leakage and surfactant dysfunction after HCl instillation than following lung lavage. At the end of the duration of the experiments, synthetic surfactants provided more clinical stability in ALI/ARDS than Infasurf, and the protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was lowest for the two-peptide synthetic surfactant with S-MB and SP-C33 UCLA.Conclusion. Advanced synthetic surfactant with robust SP-B and SP-C mimics is better equipped to tackle surfactant inactivation in chemical ALI than synthetic surfactant with only a single surfactant peptide or animal-derived surfactant.

Background New treatment options offering enhanced activity in elderly, newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma are required. One strategy is to combine melphalan and prednisone with novel agents. We previously reported an 89% response rate, including 32% complete responses and 11% near complete responses, in our phase 1/2 study of bortezomib plus melphalan and prednisone (VMP) in 60 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with a median age of 75 years. Here, we report updated time-to-events data and the impact of poor prognosis factors on outcome.Design and Methods Updated analyses of time to biochemical progression and overall survival with VMP were conducted, and compared with those of historical controls treated with melphalan and prednisone. A univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of known prognostic factors on the time to progression.Results After a median follow-up of 26 months, the median time to progression with VMP was 27.2 months, compared with 20.0 months with melphalan plus prednisone. The median overall survival with VMP was not reached versus 26 months with melphalan and prednisone; the survival rate at 38 months was 85% versus 38%, respectively. Time to progression was not significantly affected by elevated β2-microglobulin or lactate dehydrogenase levels, advanced age, or cytogenetic abnormalities, but was shorter in patients with albumin

Se exponen las bases metodológicas y prácticas del sistema denominado «ALERTA P-l» creado para efectuar la vigilancia del estado de la vegetación y de los factores meteorológicos que inciden en el proceso de formación de condiciones localmente favorables para el surgimiento de incendios en áreas de pastos. El sistema consta de seis etapas que finalmente conllevan a la emisión de un «Boletín de pronóstico», que permite alertar sobre la existencia del peligro potencial de incendios en áreas de pasto o el sotobosque a corto plazo. El pronóstico se elabora sobre la base de la interrelación existente entre las condiciones de riesgo meteorológico y el estado de combustibilidad del pasto, como factores determinantes del peligro, medidos en tiempo real y con periodicidad diaria. Se establece y describe la forma de realizar el cálculo manualmente y de forma automatizada, para lo cual se generó el programa «ENIVES». La información que genera el sistema puede ser empleada por las organizaciones encargadas de la defensa contra los fuegos para la adopción de medidas preventivas y evitar los daños que ellos provocan.

Se realizó estudio descriptivo prospectivo en mujeres cuidadoras de niños en el área de salud de Cabezas, provincia Matanzas, en el período octubre 2002 - marzo 2003, con el objetivo de valorar aspectos vinculados a la cultura sanitaria en relación con la salud infantil. Se aplicó una encuesta para evaluar el cuidado de la enfermedad diarreica aguda, la enfermedad respiratoria aguda, la conducta ante cuadros febriles, uso de antibióticos y otros temas. Se apreció que sólo el 30,86 % de las cuidadoras obtuvo una valoración adecuada respecto al tratamiento de estas afecciones y problemas. En la atención a la enfermedad diarreica aguda y la enfermedad respiratoria aguda se encontró un mayor nivel de conocimientos con respecto a los otros temas. La identificación de síntomas y signos de alarma ante la fiebre, la aplicación de medidas higiénicas para la prevención de la sepsis urinaria en las hembras, la ingestión de agua hervida y la atención adecuada de la fiebre, fueron las temáticas con menor dominio.A descriptive and prospective study was conducted among baby sitters in the health area of Cabezas, province of Matanzas, from October 2002 to March 2003, to assess aspects connected with the health culture in the field of children's health. A survey was done to evaluate the care of acute diarrheal disease, acute respiratory disease, the conduct followed in febrile pictures, use of antibiotics and other topics. It was found that only 30.86 % of these women had an adequate assessment concernign these affections and problems. It was observed a higher level of knowledge in the acute diarrheal disease and in the acute respiratory disease compared with other topics. The identification of symptoms and signs of alarm in the case of fever, the application of health measures for preventing urinary sepsis in the females, the ingestion of boiled water and the appropiate attention to fever were the topics with less control.