Search

Los cambios generados por la pandemia del COVID-19 en la forma de trabajo en las organizaciones, ha acelerado la incorporación de nuevas tecnologías que han permitido el desarrollo del trabajo remoto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar los cambios en los componentes de la satisfacción laboral después de un año de implementado el trabajo remoto. Para ello se realizó una encuesta aleatoria a 560 trabajadores de oficina con un año de experiencia de trabajo ininterrumpido después de la pandemia en la ciudad de Huancayo, Chupaca o Concepción, en la región central del Perú. Los resultados están asociados al clima de seguridad psicológica, el acoso laboral, el compromiso afectivo y el sistema de trabajo de alto rendimiento. Se realizaron correlaciones no paramétricas, comparaciones emparejadas entre los estados previos y posteriores a la pandemia y un análisis en la situación reciente. Se concluye la mejora general de las dimensiones de la satisfacción laboral, siendo las excepciones la implementación de sistemas de trabajo de alto rendimiento y una reducción del compromiso con el trabajo en la modalidad remota.

This work presents three scientific contributions: the new metal organic framework (UV-012) crystal structure, the evaluation of this new material for dye adsorption and a new mechanism that explains the excellent and selective anionic dye adsorption by this material. UV-012 was synthesized by a solvothermal method and characterized by single crystal and powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR. Methyl orange (MO) adsorption experiments in water were completed, obtaining the maximum adsorption capacity (1410 mg g−1) determined by Langmuir's mathematical model. The value obtained is one of the highest reported to date for a MOF or a coordination polymer; this exceptional performance is attributed to the MOF–dye electrostatic interaction, which is associated with bpp linkers in the MOF structure. The adsorption kinetics is described by a pseudo-second-order model. The pH effect was studied, which indicated that the adsorption capacity decreases proportionally when the pH increases. UV-012 presents high potential to adsorb other anionic dyes such as Congo red or indigo carmine; however, its cationic dye adsorption performance (methylene blue) was not significant, which indicates selectivity toward anionic dyes. The most important conclusion of this work is: MOFs constructed from pyridinic linkers will present high adsorption capacity in the removal of anionic dyes, due to the strong electrostatic interaction between this type of linker and the negative charge of the dye. To the best of our knowledge, this conclusion has not been published previously.

A new blue light-emitting molecular–organic framework namely FQUNAM-MOF (1) was synthesized in a simple way using formic acid and zinc nitrate as precursors. In the present work, the potential of 1 as an efficient antenna for terbium and europium 3+ ions was evaluated at different dopant ratios. The compounds labelled Eu3+0.3−nTb3+n@1 where n = 0.15, 0.18, and 0.21, are isostructural and their luminescence properties were studied in detail. Excellent energy transfer occurs from the MOF-excited energy levels towards the 5D4 state in Tb3+, unlike Eu3+ where the sensibilization predominantly arises from the 5D4 terbium state. These compounds exhibit a high solid-state quantum yield (QY) from 23.4 to 48.5%, higher than the reported values, and they show thermal stability at high temperatures. Additionally, a white light-emitting device (WLED) was prepared using a resin in which 20% (w/w) of the Eu0.09Tb0.21@1 compound (48.5% QY) was added. It displayed a white-cold light emission colour according to the Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage (CIE) classification (applying current values of 10, 30, and 100 mA). These materials contribute to the emerging field of molecular–organic frameworks for the development of new efficient and stable lighting sources.

High-yield ZnO spheroidal nanoparticles with an average diameter around 23 nm (≈ 25% frequency) and 30 nm (≈ 28% frequency) were obtained by controlled semicontinuous precipitation at low temperatures. This synthesis was obtained from hydrozincite (Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6) as primary nanoparticles. The Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrolysis of Zn(NO3)2 in aqueous solution of (NH4)2CO3 and later, the precipitation becomes. Two temperatures of 60 and 70 °C in combination with three times of reaction were tested; followed by calcination of the precipitate at 400 °C. This range of sizes of nanoparticles is comparable with those obtained by other methods reported in the literature, such as microemulsions, however, here the advantage was not using solvents or surfactants. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy coupled to a scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of the films against Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli.) bacteria was investigated using the disc diffusion method. The best results were found in the inhibition zone for Gram-positive bacteria, when the concentration of ZnO NPs incorporated was 3 mg disc-1.

Background We aimed to identify the 2001–2013 incidence trend, and characteristics associated with adolescent pregnancies reported by 20–24-year-old women. Methods A retrospective analysis of the Cuatro Santos Northern Nicaragua Health and Demographic Surveillance 2004–2014 data on women aged 15–19 and 20–24. To calculate adolescent birth and pregnancy rates, we used the first live birth at ages 10–14 and 15–19 years reported by women aged 15–19 and 20–24 years, respectively, along with estimates of annual incidence rates reported by women aged 20–24 years. We conducted conditional inference tree analyses using 52 variables to identify characteristics associated with adolescent pregnancies. Results The number of first live births reported by women aged 20–24 years was 361 during the study period. Adolescent pregnancies and live births decreased from 2004 to 2009 and thereafter increased up to 2014. The adolescent pregnancy incidence (persons-years) trend dropped from 2001 (75.1 per 1000) to 2007 (27.2 per 1000), followed by a steep upward trend from 2007 to 2008 (19.1 per 1000) that increased in 2013 (26.5 per 1000). Associated factors with adolescent pregnancy were living in low-education households, where most adults in the household were working, and high proportion of adolescent pregnancies in the local community. Wealth was not linked to teenage pregnancies. Conclusions Interventions to prevent adolescent pregnancy are imperative and must bear into account the context that influences the culture of early motherhood and lead to socioeconomic and health gains in resource-poor settings.

Six coordination complexes: {[H2NMe2][Co(CHO2)3]}n (1), [Co(bpy)(CHO2)2]n (2), [Cu(dmf)(CHO2)2]2 (3), {[H2NMe2][Cu(CHO2)3]}n (4), [H2NMe2]4[Fe4O2(dmf)4(SO4)6] (5) and [Co3(bpy)(SO4)3]n (6) have been efficaciously synthesized using solvothermal techniques and slow evaporation. Two compounds (5 and 6) containing the sulfate anion (SO42−) with iron (III) and cobalt (II) had never been described in the Cambridge Structural Database. In all complexes, the transition metal is hexacoordinated with a distorted octahedral geometry and displays a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture through hydrogen bonding interactions [N H⋯O]. Formate (CHO2−) and sulfate (SO42−) anions were very important to the assembly of the three-dimensional MOFs and can be regarded as the template for all structures. All metal-organic complexes were identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental composition and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In this paper, we propose the PM7 and ONIOM calculations as two effective methods in the determination of hydrogen storage. The weight percentage (wt %) of the hydrogen stored in the small cavities of the PCPs studied were: (1) 1.03 wt %, (4) 1.01 wt %, (6) 0.28 wt %.

Herein, we describe the synthesis and doping of Zn-MOF (4,4′-bipyridyl and zinc acetate), crystallographic structure, optical properties of heteronuclear coordination polymers with emission in the visible (Eu3+/Tb3+ and Zn-MOF). The MOF presents a linear structure in the form of a nanotube. Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent-DFT calculations were performed on the ground and excited states of Zn-MOF to provide insight of geometries, frontier molecular orbitals, and singlet and triplet state energies of the polymer. The metal-organic framework was doped with Eu3+ or Tb3+ in different proportions (Eu0.5-nTbn@Zn-MOF, when n = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, …, 0.5). The doped Zn-MOFs exhibit the typical red and green emission corresponding to Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions, respectively, energy transfer from MOF to metal ions takes place (“antenna effect”). It is noteworthy that the emission color of the lanthanides doped Zn-MOFs changes from red to orange-yellow-green depending on the proportion between Eu3+ and Tb3+. These compounds presented a τ ranging from 1.29 to 1.62 and 1.06–1.56 ms for Eu3+ and Tb3+, respectively, and the corresponding absolute quantum yields values range from 38 to 61%.

Background: Chagas disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is considered a neglected disease in several countries. One of the main problems about this disease is the lack of an effective treatment and the absence of adverse effects. T. cruzi, like most pathogenic fungi and yeasts, require specific sterols to maintain viability and proliferative capacity during their life cycle. However, the oxidation of this molecule to ergosterol peroxide has shown several biological effects, including its trypanocidal activity. Methods: We have synthesized MOFs nanoparticles as carrier system coupled to ergosterol peroxide (MOFs-EP) and we have studied its effect on the circulating forms of the T. cruzi parasite. Results: MOFs-EP possess an efficient trypanocidal activity at much lower inhibitory concentrations (ng/mL) that the concentrations shown by ergosterol peroxide (g/mL) when administered unconjugated form. Conclusion: Our results open a new possibility in the biomedical application of MOFs and ergosterol peroxide in the search for new options for the treatment of Chagas disease.

Objective: To determine the viscosity threshold that allows safe swallowing in older adults with post-stroke dysphagia. Method: Cross-sectional analytical study. 6 patients over 60 years old with dysphagia participated. Were given six viscosities (50mPa s, 110mPa s, 170mPa s, 230mPa s, 290mPa s and 350mPa s) made from no carbonated water and a corn starch-based thickener. Swallowing safety signs (wet voice, cough and oxygen saturation) were assessed in each viscosity by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Viscosities’ performances in swallowing safety signs were compared in order to know which viscosity would be the safest. Results: 100% of swallowing safety signs did not appear in any viscosity assessed. Conclusions: It is not possible to determine the viscosity threshold that allows safe swallowing in patients with post-stroke dysphagia in the viscosities assessed. We discuss about multiple factors that had had affect our results: size sample, use of FEES to assess low viscosities, and viscosities’ intervals used.

Biodiesel obtained from vegetable oils is considered a renewable fuel and because of its environmental advantages and low cost it is in sight of many investigations all around the world. This work discusses the application of a new metal-organic framework (MOF) on the ultrasonic-assisted transesterification process of Erythrina mexicana oil. The new heterogeneous catalyst cobalt (II) metal-organic framework MOF (1), was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Co(NO3)2·6H2O, 1,2-di-(4-pyridyl)-ethylene (L1) and 5-Nitroisophthalic acid (L2) in water at 160 °C. Monocrystal X-ray diffraction method was employed to determine the molecular structure. The reaction to obtain biodiesel was carried out in an ultrasonic bath and finished in methanol at 60 °C and to determine and quantify the oil composition the Gas Chromatography (GC) method was employed, supported by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Finally, five fatty acid methyl esters were found in the composition of Erythrina mexicana oil.

We identified clusters of multiple dimensions of poverty according to the capability approach theory by applying data mining approaches to the Cuatro Santos Health and Demographic Surveillance database, Nicaragua. Four municipalities in northern Nicaragua constitute the Cuatro Santos area, with 25,893 inhabitants in 5,966 households (2014). A local process analyzing poverty-related problems, prioritizing suggested actions, was initiated in 1997 and generated a community action plan 2002-2015. Interventions were school breakfasts, environmental protection, water and sanitation, preventive healthcare, home gardening, microcredit, technical training, university education stipends, and use of the Internet. In 2004, a survey of basic health and demographic information was performed in the whole population, followed by surveillance updates in 2007, 2009, and 2014 linking households and individuals. Information included the house material (floor, walls) and services (water, sanitation, electricity) as well as demographic data (birth, deaths, migration). Data on participation in interventions, food security, household assets, and womens self-rated health were collected in 2014. A K-means algorithm was used to cluster the household data (56 variables) in six clusters. The poverty ranking of household clusters using the unsatisfied basic needs index variables changed when including variables describing basic capabilities. The households in the fairly rich cluster with assets such as motorbikes and computers were described as modern. Those in the fairly poor cluster, having different degrees of food insecurity, were labeled vulnerable. Poor and poorest clusters of households were traditional, e.g., in using horses for transport. Results displayed a society transforming from traditional to modern, where the forerunners were not the richest but educated, had more working members in household, had fewer children, and were food secure. Those lagging were the poor, traditional, and food insecure. The approach may be useful for an improved understanding of poverty and to direct local policy and interventions. Funding Agencies|Uppsala University, Sweden; Centro de Investigacion en Demografia y Salud (CIDS), Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua (UNAN)-Leon; Asociacion para el Desarrollo Economico y Sostenible de El Espino (APRODESE); Fundacion Coordinacion de Hermanamientos e Iniciativas de Cooperacion; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research Council

Background In order to further identify the needed interventions for continued poverty reduction in our study area Cuatro Santos, northern Nicaragua, we aimed to elucidate what predicts poverty, measured by the Unsatisfied Basic Need index. This analysis was done by using decision tree methodology applied to the Cuatro Santos health and demographic surveillance databases. Methods Using variables derived from the health and demographic surveillance update 2014, transferring individual data to the household level we used the decision tree framework Conditional Inference trees to predict the outcome “poverty” defined as two to four unsatisfied basic needs using the Unsatisfied Basic Need Index. We further validated the trees by applying Conditional random forest analyses in order to assess and rank the importance of predictors about their ability to explain the variation of the outcome “poverty.” The majority of the Cuatro Santos households provided information and the included variables measured housing conditions, assets, and demographic experiences since the last update (5 yrs), earlier participation in interventions and food security during the last 4 weeks. Results Poverty was rare in households that have some assets and someone in the household that has a higher education than primary school. For these households participating in the intervention that installed piped water with water meter was most important, but also when excluding this variable, the resulting tree showed the same results. When assets were not taken into consideration, the importance of education was pronounced as a predictor for welfare. The results were further strengthened by the validation using Conditional random forest modeling showing the same variables being important as predicting the outcome in the CI tree analysis. As assets can be a result, rather than a predictor of more affluence our results in summary point specifically to the importance of education and participation in the water installation intervention as predictors for more affluence. Conclusion Predictors of poverty are useful for directing interventions and in the Cuatro Santos area education seems most important to prioritize. Hopefully, the lessons learned can continue to develop the Cuatro Santos communities as well as development in similar poor rural settings around the world.

Background: Nicaragua was the first developing nation to implement routine immunization with the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5). In this RV5-immunized population, understanding infectious etiologies of childhood diarrhea is necessary to direct diarrhea treatment and prevention efforts. Methods: We followed a population-based sample of children less than5 years in Leon, Nicaragua for diarrhea episodes through household visits. Information was obtained on RV5 history and sociodemographics. Stool samples collected during diarrhea episodes and among healthy children underwent laboratory analysis for viral, bacterial and parasitic enteropathogens. Detection frequency and incidence of each enteropathogen was calculated. Results: The 826 children in the cohort experienced 677 diarrhea episodes during 607.5 child-years of exposure time (1.1 episodes per child-year). At least 1 enteropathogen was detected among 61.1% of the 337 diarrheal stools collected. The most common enteropathogens among diarrheal stools were: norovirus (20.4%), sapovirus (16.6%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (11.3%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.3%), Giardia lamblia (8.0%) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (7.7%), with rotavirus detected among 5.3% of diarrheal stools. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic E. coli were frequently detected among stools from healthy children. Among children with diarrhea, norovirus was more commonly detected among younger children (less than2 years) and G. lamblia was more commonly detected among older children (2-4 years). The mean age of rotavirus detection was 34.6 months. Conclusions: In this Central American community after RV5 introduction, rotavirus was not commonly detected among children with diarrhea. Prevention and appropriate management of norovirus and sapovirus should be considered to further reduce the burden of diarrheal disease.

Analysing child mortality may enhance our perspective on global achievements in child survival. We used data from surveillance sites in Bangladesh, Nicaragua and Vietnam and Demographic Health Surveys in Rwanda to explore the development of neonatal and under‐five mortality. The mortality curves showed dramatic reductions over time, but child mortality in the four countries peaked during wars and catastrophes and was rapidly reduced by targeted interventions, multisectorial development efforts and community engagement. Conclusion: Lessons learned from these countries may be useful when tackling future challenges, including persistent neonatal deaths, survival inequalities and the consequences of climate change and migration.

Summary Background Evidence from Europe, Asia, and North America suggests that standard three-drug regimens of a proton-pump inhibitor plus amoxicillin and clarithromycin are significantly less effective for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection than are 5-day concomitant and 10-day sequential four-drug regimens that include a nitroimidazole. These four-drug regimens also entail fewer antibiotic doses than do three-drug regimens and thus could be suitable for eradication programmes in low-resource settings. Few studies in Latin America have been done, where the burden of H pylori -associated diseases is high. We therefore did a randomised trial in Latin America comparing the effectiveness of four-drug regimens given concomitantly or sequentially with that of a standard 14-day regimen of triple therapy. Methods Between September, 2009, and June, 2010, we did a randomised trial of empiric 14-day triple, 5-day concomitant, and 10-day sequential therapies for H pylori in seven Latin American sites: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico (two sites). Participants aged 21–65 years who tested positive for H pylori by a urea breath test were randomly assigned by a central computer using a dynamic balancing procedure to: 14 days of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin (standard therapy); 5 days of lansoprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (concomitant therapy); or 5 days of lansoprazole and amoxicillin followed by 5 days of lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (sequential therapy). Eradication was assessed by urea breath test 6–8 weeks after randomisation. The trial was not masked. Our primary outcome was probablity of H pylori eradication. Our analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT01061437. Findings 1463 participants aged 21–65 years were randomly allocated a treatment: 488 were treated with 14-day standard therapy, 489 with 5-day concomitant therapy, and 486 with 10-day sequential therapy. The probability of eradication with standard therapy was 82·2% (401 of 488), which was 8·6% higher (95% adjusted CI 2·6–14·5) than with concomitant therapy (73·6% [360 of 489]) and 5·6% higher (–0·04% to 11·6) than with sequential therapy (76·5% [372 of 486]). Neither four-drug regimen was significantly better than standard triple therapy in any of the seven sites. Interpretation Standard 14-day triple-drug therapy is preferable to 5-day concomitant or 10-day sequential four-drug regimens as empiric therapy for H pylori infection in diverse Latin American populations. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US National Institutes of Health.

This article seeks to explore and understand the life situations of sibling caretakers in poor areas in Leon, Nicaragua. The every day lives for caretakers were studied through observations and interviews with children, informants and parents. The children themselves were satisfied and proud to be trusted as caretakers and felt useful in contributing to their families' livelihood. However, in a life course perspective the caretaking role implies a narrowing of life options. Early on they seem to acquire essential life skills but as they grow older many are at risk of falling behind due to their marginalised situation and lack of basic education.

Objective. To study the neuroendocrine release of cortisol in response to perceived stress among pregnant women exposed to partner violence and how this affects the duration of pregnancy and the intrauterine growth of the infant. Design. Cross-sectional community-based study. Setting. Health and Demographic Surveillance System of Leon, Nicaragua. Population. One-hundred and forty-seven pregnant women. Methods. Standardized scales to measure intimate partner violence, social resources, perceived stress, and socio-economic conditions were applied. Two salivary samples for cortisol were collected in the morning and afternoon on the same day. Linear regression and path analysis were used. Main outcome measures. Cortisol levels, gestational age, and weight at delivery. Results. Partner violence during the pregnancy, low social resources, and perceived maternal stress were associated with high level of salivary cortisol. Pregnant women with high cortisol levels were significantly more likely to give birth to small-for-gestational age babies, but not to deliver preterm. A substantial decrease of birthweight, 121-186 g, was associated with an increase in cortisol in association with violence exposure. Conclusion. Partner violence during pregnancy is a stressor that provokes high levels of cortisol, which is associated with reduction of birthweight.

Several Central American countries are seeing continued growth in the number of deaths from chronic kidney disease of nontraditional causes (CKDnT) among farm workers and there is underreporting. This report presents the results of a consensus process coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH). This consensus seeks to increase the probability of detecting and recording deaths from these causes. There has been recognition of the negative impact of the lack of a standardized instrument and the lack of training in the medical profession for adequate registration of the cause or causes of death. As a result of the consensus, the following has been proposed: temporarily use a code from the Codes for Special Purposes in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10); continue to promote use of the WHO international standardized instrument for recording causes and preceding events related to death; increase training of physicians responsible for filling out death certificates; take action to increase the coverage and quality of information on mortality; and create a decision tree to facilitate selection of CKDnT as a specific cause of death, while presenting the role that different regional and subregional mechanisms in the Region of the Americas should play in order to improve CKD and CKDnT mortality records.

Neurogenic dysphagia is a consequence of stroke that sometimes threatens the patient's life. The magnitude of the brain damage commonly generated by stroke generates the emergence of other disorders that accompany dysphagia and worsen the patient's health.To analyze possible associations between communication disorders, disease factors, demographic factors and comorbidities with post-stroke dysphagia in years 2009 to 2011.We studied 1519 medical records of patients that suffered stroke between 2009 and 2011.From medical records reviewed, 206 had dysphagia (13.6%). 80,1% from dysphagic patients had between 60 to 89 years old. 66% from them stayed hospitalized for more than 11 days. Age (odds ratio = 2.36; p0.001), aphasia (odds ratio = 4.47; p0.001), dysarthria (odds ratio = 4.95; p0.001), time of hospitalization (odds ratio = 3.65; p0.001) and hypertension (odds ratio = 1.64; p = 0.023) were statistically associated with dysphagia. Finally, 73,3% from dysphagic patients they had dysphagia with aphasia or dysarthria or apraxia of speech, however, 26,7% only had dysphagia.Neurogenic dysphagia seems to be associated with communication disorders, increase the time of hospitalization and associated with a hypertension. However, prospective studies consider a great time to confirm these findings are required.Factores asociados a la disfagia orofaringea postictus.Introduccion. La disfagia neurogena es una secuela del ictus que en ocasiones pone en riesgo la vida del paciente. La magnitud del daño cerebral generado por el ictus comunmente ocasiona la aparicion de otros trastornos que acompañan a la disfagia y agravan la salud del paciente. Objetivo. Analizar posibles asociaciones entre trastornos de la comunicacion, factores propios de la enfermedad, demograficos y comorbidos con disfagia en pacientes que sufrieron un ictus durante el ingreso hospitalario entre los años 2009 y 2011. Pacientes y metodos. Se estudiaron 1.519 historias clinicas de pacientes que presentaron ictus entre los años 2009 y 2011. Resultados. De los registros analizados, 206 presentaron disfagia (13,6%). El 80,1% de los casos de disfagia se concentro en pacientes de 60-89 años. El 66% de ellos permanecio hospitalizado durante mas de 11 dias. La edad (odds ratio = 2,36; p0,001), afasia (odds ratio = 4,47; p0,001), disartria (odds ratio = 4,95; p0,001), tiempo de hospitalizacion (odds ratio = 3,65; p0,001) e hipertension arterial (odds ratio = 1,64; p = 0,023) se asociaron estadisticamente con disfagia. Finalmente, en el 73,3% de los casos con disfagia, se presento disfagia mas afasia o disartria o apraxia del habla, mientras que solo el 26,7% tuvo exclusivamente disfagia. Conclusiones. La disfagia neurogena parece concomitar con trastornos de la comunicacion, aumentar el tiempo de hospitalizacion y asociarse a hipertension arterial. Sin embargo, se requieren estudios prospectivos que consideren un gran periodo de tiempo para confirmar estos hallazgos.

Introducción. El Salvador no cuenta con datos actualizados de prevalencia en menores de 15 años de la infección por helmintos transmitidos por contacto con el suelo. Además, al ser uno de los países en las Américas que reporta un número bajo de casos de malaria, se considera que su eliminación allí es factible. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y la intensidad de la infección por geohelmintos y la prevalencia de Plasmodium spp. en escolares de 8 a 10 años de El Salvador. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio de corte transversal en las cinco zonas eco-epidemiológicas del país (planicie costera, depresión central, cadena volcánica, cadena costera y zona montañosa). La presencia de geohelmintiasis se estudió en 1.325 estudiantes y, la de malaria, en 152. Se utilizó la técnica de Kato-Katz para la detección de geohelmintos, y para el diagnóstico de la malaria, una prueba rápida, el estudio mediante microscopía y la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Resultados. La prevalencia total de geohelmintiasis fue de 7,9 % (IC95% 6,6-9,5). En la planicie costera fue de 14,9 % (IC95% 10,9-19,7); en la depresión central, de 9,4 % (IC95% 6,5-13,3); en la cadena volcánica, de 6,6 % (IC95% 4,2-10,5); en la cadena costera, de 5,9 % (IC95% 3,8-9,4), y en la cadena montañosa, de 2,6 % (IC95% 1,4-5,7). La proporción de infección de gran intensidad debida a cualquiera de las especies de geohelmintos fue de 0,3 %. No se encontraron escolares infectados con Plasmodium spp. Conclusión. La prevalencia de geohelmintos fue baja y la especie más prevalente fue Trichuris trichiura. La intensidad de la infección debida a cualquiera de las especies de geohelmintos fue leve (

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of partner abuse during pregnancy as well as to investigate associated social factors in Leon, Nicaragua. DESIGN: Cross-sec ...

OBJECTIVE The increasing burdens of obesity and diabetes are two of the most prominent threats to the health of populations of developed and developing countries alike. The Central America Diabetes Initiative (CAMDI) is the first study to examine the prevalence of diabetes in Central America. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The CAMDI survey was a cross-sectional survey based on a probabilistic sample of the noninstitutionalized population of five Central American populations conducted between 2003 and 2006. The total sample population was 10,822, of whom 7,234 (67%) underwent anthropometry measurement and a fasting blood glucose or 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS The total prevalence of diabetes was 8.5%, but was higher in Belize (12.9%) and lower in Honduras (5.4%). Of the screened population, 18.6% had impaired glucose tolerance/impaired fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS As this population ages, the prevalence of diabetes is likely to continue to rise in a dramatic and devastating manner. Preventive strategies must be quickly introduced.

El Salvador does not have recent data on the prevalence of infection with soil-transmitted helminths among children aged under 15 years of age. As one of the countries in the Americas that reports few malaria cases, eradication of this disease from El Salvador is considered to be feasible.To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection by soil-transmitted helminths, as well as the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in schoolchildren aged 8-10.A cross-sectional study was carried out in each of the five eco-epidemiological zones of the country (coastal plain, central basin, volcanic range, coastal range and mountain zone). In all 1,325 students we studied the presence of geohelminthiasis, with 152 of them also being tested for malaria. The Kato-Katz technique was used to detect geohelminths while diagnosis of malaria was performed using the rapid diagnostic test, microscopy and polymerase chain reaction.The overall prevalence of geohelminthiasis was 7.9% (95%CI 6.6-9.5%). Values for the five eco-epidemiological zones were as follows: coastal plain, 14.9% (95%CI 10.9-19.7%); central plateau, 9.4% (95%CI 6.5-13.3%); volcanic range, 6.6% (95%CI 4.2-10.5%); coastal range, 5.9% (95%CI 3.8-9.4%), and mountain zone, 2.6% (95%CI 1.4-5.7%). The overall rate of high intensity infection with any of the geohelminth species was 0.3%. No schoolchildren were found infected with Plasmodium spp. by any of the three diagnostic techniques used.Prevalence of geohelminths was low and Trichuris trichiura was the predominant species. Intensity of infection with any of the species of geohelminths was light (1%). The risk factors associated with infection by soil-transmitted helminths were defecation in the open air, being barefoot and living in coastal areas.

The results of three population-based studies on violence against women in Nicaragua are compared in this article. Two of the studies were regional in scope (León and Managua) and focused specifically on women's experiences of violence, whereas the third study was a Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted with a nationally representative sample of women. The lifetime prevalence estimates for women's undergoing physical violence from a partner were significantly higher in the León study (52 percent) and Managua study (69 percent), compared with that given in the DHS (28 percent). Possible explanations for the differences are examined through pooled multivariate logistic regression analysis, as well as analysis of six focus-group discussions carried out with field-workers and staff from the three studies. The most important differences that were found concerned ethical and safety procedures and the interview setting. The results indicate that prevalence estimates for violence are highly sensitive to methodological factors, and that underreporting is a significant threat to validity.

OBJECTIVES: This study measured the prevalence, frequency, and severity of physical wife abuse and its risk factors in León, Nicaragua. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a representative sample of 488 women 15 to 49 years of age. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of spousal violence was 52% among ever-married women (n = 360). Spousal violence was significantly positively associated with poverty, parity, urban residence, and history of violence in the husband's family. No significant associations were found between spousal violence and women's age, education, marital dependency, or occupation. CONCLUSIONS: Wife abuse constitutes a major public health problem in Nicaragua, requiring urgent measures for prevention and treatment for victims.

BACKGROUND: Social inequality in child survival hampers the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4). Monitoring under-five mortality in different social strata may contribute to public health policies that strive to reduce social inequalities. This population-based study examines the trends, causes, and social inequality of mortality before the age of five years in rural and urban areas in Nicaragua. METHODS: The study was conducted in one rural (Cuatro Santos) and one urban/rural area (León) based on data from Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems. We analyzed live births from 1990 to 2005 in the urban/rural area and from 1990 to 2008 in the rural area. The annual average rate reduction (AARR) and social under-five mortality inequality were calculated using the education level of the mother as a proxy for socio-economic position. Causes of child death were based on systematic interviews (verbal autopsy). RESULTS: Under-five mortality in all areas is declining at a rate sufficient to achieve MDG4 by 2015. Urban León showed greater reduction (AARR = 8.5%) in mortality and inequality than rural León (AARR = 4.5%) or Cuatro Santos (AARR = 5.4%). Social inequality in mortality had increased in rural León and no improvement in survival was observed among mothers who had not completed primary school. However, the poor and remote rural area Cuatro Santos was on track to reach MDG4 with equitable child survival. Most of the deaths in both areas were due to neonatal conditions and infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS: All rural and urban areas in Nicaragua included in this study were on track to reach MDG4, but social stratification in child survival showed different patterns; unfavorable patterns with increasing inequity in the peri-urban rural zone and a more equitable development in the urban as well as the poor and remote rural area. An equitable progress in child survival may also be accelerated in very poor settings.

In the title compound, [Co2(C7H5O2)4(C10H8N2)4]·6C6H5COOH, the centrosymmetric cobalt dimer co-crystallizes with six molecules of benzoic acid. Each CoII atom is coordinated by four O atoms in a distorted square-planar arrangement while the N atoms are located in apical positions. The dihedral angles between the rings comprising each of the 4,4′-bipyridyl ligands are 25.2 (2) and 22.8 (2)°. In the crystal, the three-dimensional network is assembled by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.