scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers by "National Autonomous University of Nicaragua published in 2008"



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This project has created a technologically simple and scientifically sound system for large-scale data management, which can facilitate programme monitoring in countries.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To set up a global system for monitoring maternal and perinatal health in 54 countries worldwide. METHODS: The WHO Global Survey for Monitoring Maternal and Perinatal Health was implemented through a network of health institutions, selected using a stratified multistage cluster sampling design. Focused information on maternal and perinatal health was abstracted from hospital records and entered in a specially developed online data management system. Data were collected over a two- to three-month period in each institution. The project was coordinated by WHO and supported by WHO regional offices and country coordinators in Africa and the Americas. FINDINGS: The initial survey was implemented between September 2004 and March 2005 in the African and American regions. A total of 131 institutions in seven African countries and 119 institutions in eight Latin American countries participated. CONCLUSION: This project has created a technologically simple and scientifically sound system for large-scale data management, which can facilitate programme monitoring in countries.

91 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
03 Jan 2008-Ofioliti
TL;DR: The Mesquito Composite Oceanic Terrane (MCOT) as mentioned in this paper is a terrane subdivision of Nicaragua and Northern Costa Rica, based on Upper Triassic to Upper Cretaceous radiolarites, the newly studied Siuna Serpentinite Melange, and published 40Ar/39Ar dating and geochemistry of mafic and ultramafic igneous rock units of the area.
Abstract: We propose a new terrane subdivision of Nicaragua and Northern Costa Rica, based on Upper Triassic to Upper Cretaceous radiolarian biochronology of ribbon radiolarites, the newly studied Siuna Serpentinite Melange, and published 40Ar/39Ar dating and geochemistry of mafic and ultramafic igneous rock units of the area. The new Mesquito Composite Oceanic Terrane (MCOT) comprises the southern half of the Chortis Block, that was assumed to be a continental fragment of N-America. The MCOT is defined by 4 corner localities characterized by ultramafic and mafic oceanic rocks and radiolarites of Late Triassic, Jurassic and Early Cretaceous age: 1. The Siuna Serpentinite Melange (NE-Nicaragua), 2. The El Castillo Melange (Nicaragua/Costa Rica border), 3.The Santa Elena Ultramafics (N-Costa Rica) and, 4. DSDP Legs 67/84. 1. The Siuna Serpentinite Melange contains, high pressure metamorphic mafics and Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Bathonian) radiolarites in original, sedimentary contact with arc-metandesites. The Siuna Melange also contains Upper Jurassic black detrital chert formed in a marginal (fore-arc?) basin shortly before subduction. A phengite 40Ar/39Ar -cooling age dates the exhumation of the high pressure rocks as 139 Ma (earliest Cretaceous). 2. The El Castillo Melange comprises a radiolarite block tectonically embedded in serpentinite that yielded a diverse Rhaetian (latest Triassic) radiolarian assemblage, the oldest fossils recovered so far from S-Central America. 3. The Santa Elena Ultramafics of N-Costa Rica together with the serpentinite outcrops near El Castillo (2) in Southern Nicaragua, are the southernmost outcrops of the MCOT. The Santa Elena Unit (3) itself is still undated, but it is thrust onto the middle Cretaceous Santa Rosa Accretionary Complex (SRAC), that contains Lower to Upper Jurassic, highly deformed radiolarite blocks, probably reworked from the MCOT, which was the upper plate with respect to the SRAC. 4. Serpentinites, metagabbros and basalts have long been known from DSDP Leg 67/84 (3), drilled off Guatemala in the Nicaragua-Guatemala forearc basement. They have been restudied and reveal 40Ar/39Ar dated Upper Triassic to middle Cretaceous enriched Ocean Island Basalts and Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous depleted Island arc rocks of probable Pacific origin. The area between localities 1-4 is largely covered by Tertiary to Recent arcs, but we suspect that its basement is made of oceanic/accreted terranes. Earthquake seismic studies indicate an ill-defined, shallow Moho in this area. The MCOT covers most of Nicaragua and could extend to Guatemala to the W and form the Lower (southern) Nicaragua Rise to the NE. Some basement complexes of Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico may also belong to the MCOT. The Nicoya Complex s. str. has been regarded as an example of Caribbean crust and the Caribbean Large Igneous Province (CLIP). However, 40Ar/39Ar - dates on basalts and intrusives indicate ages as old as Early Cretaceous. Highly deformed Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous radiolarites occur as blocks within younger intrusives and basalts. Our interpretation is that radiolarites became first accreted to the MCOT, then became reworked into the Nicoya Plateau in Late Cretaceous times. This implies that the Nicoya Plateau formed along the Pacific edge of the MCOT, independent form the CLIP and most probably unrelated with he Galapagos hotspot. No Jurassic radiolarite, no older sediment age than Coniacian-Santonian, and no older 40Ar/39Ar age than 95 Ma is known from S-Central America between SE of Nicoya and Colombia. For us this area represents the trailing edge of the CLIP s. str.

83 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Initial evidences are provided that it is possible to act on TB patients' internalized stigma, in contexts where at least patient centered home visits and TB clubs are successfully implemented, which is important as TB care should also focus on the TB patient's wellbeing and not solely on TB epidemics control.
Abstract: We report a patient-centered intervention study in 9 municipalities of rural Nicaragua aiming at a reduction of internalized social stigma in new AFB positive tuberculosis (TB) patients diagnosed between March 2004 and July 2005. Five out of 9 municipal teams were coached to tailor and introduce patient-centered package. New TB patients were assigned to the intervention group when diagnosed in municipalities implementing effectively at least TB clubs and home visits. We compared the changes in internalized stigma and TB treatment outcome in intervention and control groups. The internalized stigma was measured through score computed at 15 days and at 2 months of treatment. The treatment results were evaluated through classical TB program indicators. In all municipalities, we emphasized process monitoring to capture contextual factors that could influence package implementation, including stakeholders. TB clubs and home visits were effectively implemented in 2 municipalities after June 2004 and in 3 municipalities after January 2005. Therefore, 122 patients were included in the intervention group and 146 in the control group. After 15 days, internalized stigma scores were equivalent in both groups. After 2 months, difference between scores was statistically significant, revealing a decreased internalized stigma in the intervention group and not in the control group. This study provides initial evidences that it is possible to act on TB patients' internalized stigma, in contexts where at least patient centered home visits and TB clubs are successfully implemented. This is important as, indeed, TB care should also focus on the TB patient's wellbeing and not solely on TB epidemics control.

62 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Values for ICCs are presented for 86 variables measured on mothers and newborns from pregnancy to the time of hospital discharge, including 'process variables' representing actual medical care received for each mother and newborn, to confirm previous findings that process variables tend to have higher ICCs than outcome variables.
Abstract: Cluster-based studies involving aggregate units such as hospitals or medical practices are increasingly being used in healthcare evaluation. An important characteristic of such studies is the presence of intracluster correlation, typically quantified by the intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC). Sample size calculations for cluster-based studies need to account for the ICC, or risk underestimating the sample size required to yield the desired levels of power and significance. In this article, we present values for ICCs that were obtained from data on 97,095 pregnancies and 98,072 births taking place in a representative sample of 120 hospitals in eight Latin American countries. We present ICCs for 86 variables measured on mothers and newborns from pregnancy to the time of hospital discharge, including 'process variables' representing actual medical care received for each mother and newborn. Process variables are of primary interest in the field of implementation research. We found that overall, ICCs ranged from a minimum of 0.0003 to a maximum of 0.563 (median 0.067). For maternal and newborn outcome variables, the median ICCs were 0.011 (interquartile range 0.007-0.037) and 0.054 (interquartile range 0.013-0.075) respectively; however, for process variables, the median was 0.161 (interquartile range 0.072-0.328). Thus, we confirm previous findings that process variables tend to have higher ICCs than outcome variables. We demonstrate that ICCs generally tend to increase with higher prevalences (close to 0.5). These results can help researchers calculate the required sample size for future research studies in maternal and perinatal health.

59 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings imply that common DOC concentrations in groundwater and streambeds will halve the Kd obtained from standard sorption assays of Hg(II), and that Kd will almost double when the cell numbers are doubled at densities that are common in aquifers.

52 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Various predisposing, enabling, and oral health needs variables were associated with higher dental health services utilization in Nicaragua, confirming that utilization inequalities exist between socioeconomic groups.
Abstract: Objective: To determine the factors associated with the dental health services utilization among children ages 6 to 12 in Leon, Nicaragua. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1,400 schoolchildren. Using a questionnaire, we determined information related to utilization and independent variables in the previous year. Oral health needs were established by means of a dental examination. To identify the independent variables associated with dental health services utilization, two types of multivariate regression models were used, according to the measurement scale of the outcome variable: a) frequency of utilization as (0) none, (1) one, and (2) two or more, analyzed with the ordered logistic regression and b) the type of service utilized as (0) none, (1) preventive services, (2) curative services, and (3) both services, analyzed with the multinomial logistic regression. Results: The proportion of children who received at least one dental service in the 12 months prior to the study was 27.7 percent. The variables associated with utilization in the two models were older age, female sex, more frequent toothbrushing, positive attitude of the mother toward the child’s oral health, higher socioeconomic level, and higher oral health needs. Conclusion: Various predisposing, enabling, and oral health needs variables were associated with higher dental health services utilization. As in prior reports elsewhere, these results from Nicaragua confirmed that utilization inequalities exist between socioeconomic groups. The multinomial logistic regression model evidenced the association of different variables depending on the type of service used.

27 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: DERM provided information on the determinants responsible for dermal exposure in a group of subsistence farmers, which can be useful to design monitoring and preventive programs, define priorities for intervention and prioritize and select most adequate measurement strategies.
Abstract: A new method for assessment of dermal exposure to pesticides in subsistence farmers by use of determinants of dermal exposure is described. The method, called the determinants of dermal exposure ranking method (DERM), is a combination of checklists and expert rating assessment. Thus, determinants are listed in a form, which is used to check their presence and to assess them using a simple algorithm based on two factors, the type of transport process (T value) and the area of body surface exposed (A value). In addition, the type of clothing worn during applications is included as a protection factor. We applied the DERM to real pesticide applications, characterizing dermal exposure and comparing DERM estimates with earlier developed semiquantitative visual scores based on fluorescent tracer, the total visual score (TVS) and contaminated body area (CBA). DERM showed a very good level of agreement with both the TVS (r = 0.69; P = 0.000) and the CBA (r = 0.67; P = 0.000). DERM allowed identification of the determinants that had the highest effect on exposure and the farmers with the highest exposure. In conclusion, DERM provided information on the determinants responsible for dermal exposure in a group of subsistence farmers. This can be useful to design monitoring and preventive programs, define priorities for intervention and prioritize and select most adequate measurement strategies. DERM promises to be a low-cost easy-to-use method to assess dermal exposure to pesticides in developing country conditions.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 2008
TL;DR: A comparative study of the accreditation processes in Central America and of the institutions that are responsible for developing them is presented in this article, where the authors present a comparative analysis of the processes used to achieve accreditation.
Abstract: This chapter presents a comparative study of the accreditation processes in Central America and of the institutions that are responsible for developing them.

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, electrical geophysical surveys in the mode of vertical electrical soundings (VES) and continuous vertical electrical sounds (CVES) were conducted in the Leon-Chinandega plains, northwestern Nicaragua, in order to obtain detailed information about the geometry of the different hydrogeological layers in the aquifer and depth to the basement.
Abstract: Electrical geophysical surveys in the mode of vertical electrical soundings (VES) and continuous vertical electrical soundings (CVES) were conducted in the Leon-Chinandega plains, northwestern Nicaragua, in order to obtain detailed information about the geometry of the different hydrogeological layers in the aquifer and depth to the basement. A total of 51 VES were carried out within the plains. The results show a complex structure towards the north east of the area, and the southwestern part of the plains presents a smoother stratification. The geoelectrical measurements and borehole information indicate that the basement topography is characterized by hills and deep valleys with highly variable basement depths. Fifty CVES where done in a smaller area in the center of the plain. The resistivity data yielded considerable information revealing the existence of two main geo-electrical units. The combined interpretation of geological and geophysical data shows an environment typical of sedimentary volcanic coastal plains. The information collected during this investigation provides valuable data for estimating the fresh-water resources of the Leon-Chinandega aquifer system and for development of a groundwater management plan.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of flow and transport of a 330 km 2 subregion of the aquifer was developed to test conceptual models of contaminant transport, to constrain the value of certain key transport parameters, and to investigate contamination-related concerns raised in past studies.
Abstract: Nicaragua's Leon-Chinandega aquifer has seen extensive contamination by persistent organochlorine pesti- cides applied over decades of intensive agricultural activity. Models of flow and transport of a 330 km 2 sub-region of the aquifer were developed to test conceptual models of contaminant transport, to constrain the value of certain key transport parameters, and to investigate contamination- related concerns raised in past studies. To support these models, a variety of hydrogeologic and geochemical data were collected. It was concluded that the organochlorine pesticides seen in groundwater originate in soils, and are transported to the water table through widespread preferential flow, through shortcutting around wells, or through wind-blown particles delivered to poorly protected hand-dug wells. The distribution coefficient (Kd )o f these pesticides is estimated to be between 0.1 and 100 ml/g and the concentration of pesticides being delivered to the water table is estimated to be between 10 2 and 10 5 ng/L. It was found that the distribution and concentration of pesticides in the aquifer would be affected by an increase in groundwater abstraction within the region. Resume L'aquifere du Leon-Chinandega au Nicaragua a ete soumis a des contaminations etendues par des pesticides organochlores persistants qui ont ete repandus pendant des dizaines d'annees d'agriculture intensive. Des modeles d'ecoulement et de transport d'une sous- region de 330 km 2 de l'aquifere ont ete construits pour

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper reinforces two pivotal findings: (a) contracting requires not only technical, but also political choices and (b) it cannot be considered as a mechanical process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the interactions between a stream and nearby shallow aquifers were investigated in a mountain basin being polluted by mercury released during mining in central Nicaragua, where resistivity imaging was used to map the subsurface and to complement the hydrological data interpretation.
Abstract: The interactions between a stream and nearby shallow aquifers were investigated in a mountain basin being polluted by mercury released during mining in central Nicaragua. Hourly data series of water levels and temperatures were analysed using cross-correlation. Resistivity imaging was used to map the subsurface and to complement the hydrological data interpretation. The results show the complex hydrogeological conditions that characterize the region, with weathering and fractured rock as main contributors to groundwater transport. The resistivity images suggest the presence of two vertical dykes perpendicular to the stream, and zones rich in clay. The data series indicate a rapid response from the aquifers to recharge events, followed by immediate discharge on a yearly basis. Furthermore, alternating periods of stream infiltration and aquifer discharge were identified. This work demonstrates that surface water pollution is a threat to groundwater quality in the area.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors realizó un estudio de corte transversal to evaluate the sindrome de burnout en el Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello (HEODRA) in Nicaragua.
Abstract: Se realizo un estudio de corte transversal para estudiar la presencia del sindrome de Burnout en el Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello (HEODRA) de la ciudad de Leon, Nicaragua, en el ano 2007. La poblacion de estudio estuvo constituida por un total de 65 medicos y 100 del personal de enfermeria. Se presentaron el doble de casos en el personal de enfermeria que en los medicos. La dinamica de trabajo fue el factor mas percibido como desfavorable. La relacion antiguedad laboral-casos tuvo comportamiento inverso, entre el personal de enfermeria, a mas anos labores mas casos, y lo contrario entre los medicos. La mayor parte de casos son jovenes y se encuentran casados. Los casos predominantes en el personal de enfermeria fueron del sexo femenino, en los medicos fue el masculino. Se recomienda buscar la equidad en la distribucion de los horarios y trato interpersonal. Promover y mantener en forma permanente sistemas de evaluacion del personal, y crear grupos terapeuticos de contencion emocional dirigidos a todos el personal de trabajo, con el fin de promover mayor solidaridad, dialogo y respeto por las opiniones de los otros, mejorando los canales de comunicacion entre los companeros de trabajo.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors obtuvieron microcapsulas de diclofenac por gelificacion ionica de una solucion de alginato, and determinaron parametros tales como morfologia, distribucion of tamano de particula, capacidad de encapsulacion and estudios de liberacion in vitro entre otros.
Abstract: Se obtuvieron microcapsulas de diclofenac por gelificacion ionica de una solucion de alginato. Se determinaron parametros tales como morfologia, distribucion de tamano de particula, capacidad de encapsulacion y estudios de liberacion in vitro entre otros. La tecnica desarrollada permitio obtener un sistema con caracteristicas micrometricas y una buena eficacia de encapsulacion

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Las muestras fueron analizadas en el laboratorio del departamento de Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad of Ciencias Medicas, UNAN-Leon, utilizando el metodo con solucion salina y lugol, y concentracion of Ritchie.
Abstract: Se realizo un estudio de corte transversal en expendedores de alimentos ubicados en los recintos de la UNAN-Leon para determinar la frecuencia de parasitos intestinales. Durante los meses de Mayo a Julio se estudiaron un total de 40 individuos a cada uno se le tomo una muestra fecal y se le realizo una encuesta para medir el grado de conocimiento sobre los mecanismos de transmision de parasitos intestinales. Las muestras fueron analizadas en el laboratorio del departamento de Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, UNAN-Leon, utilizando el metodo con solucion salina y lugol, y concentracion de Ritchie. Los resultados demuestran una tasa de prevalencia global de parasitos intestinales del 38%. Entamoeba coli fue el parasito de mayor prevalencia con un 39%, seguido de Endolimax nana (22%), Giardia lamblia (17%), Entamoeba histolytica (11%), Entamoeba hartmani (5%), e Iodamoeba bustchilli (5%). El nivel de conocimiento de la poblacion sobre transmision de Amebas y Ascaris lumbricoides fue relativamente satisfactorio en contraste con G. lamblia en el que la poblacion conocia muy poco sobre las distintas formas de adquirir la infeccion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a trabajo is presented to evaluate the estado nutricional and the factores socioeconomicos ninos del tercer nivel de los preescolares el Jardin de Infancia Ruben Dario and Escuela Rubén Dario de la ciudad de Leon.
Abstract: Un buen estado nutricional ayuda al buen desarrollo fisico e intelectual y contribuye a asegurar una vida larga y saludable. Identificando el estado nutricional de una comunidad y sus factores permite evaluar los programas de salud para poder hacer cambios necesarios. El proposito de este trabajo es evaluar el estado nutricional y los factores socioeconomicos ninos del tercer nivel de los preescolares el Jardin de Infancia Ruben Dario y Escuela Ruben Dario de la ciudad de Leon. Se realizo medidas antropometricas en los ninos de la poblacion antemencionada y se determino su clasificacion nutricional utilizando puntaje Z. Tambien se administro una encuesta a los padres de los ninos para recopilar datos socioeconomicos. Utilizando los parametros de P/T se encontro que 16.8% de los ninos tenian una desnutricion leve, 5% una desnutricion moderada y 1 nino presentaba desnutricion severa. Se encontro 55.4% presentaban una nutricion normal, 13% obesidad y 8% de los ninos en sobrepeso. Los ninos de la Escuela Ruben Dario eran mas propensos a presentar desnutricion mientras que los ninos del Jardin de Infancia eran mas propensos a presentar sobrepeso u obesidad. Entre los factores socioeconomicos mas influyentes se encontro el ingreso economico de la familia, nivel educativo de los padres y el habito de comer entre comidas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a group of 10 estudiantes de la maestria en Quimica y Gestion de la Calidad, utilizando el mismo objeto de medicion and el same instrumento of medicion, derived a modelo matematico, identificó los componentes of las incertidumbres a traves del diagrama de causa-efecto, se calcularon los coeficientes de sensibilidad utilizing el programa de calculo simbolico MAPLE 11, elabor
Abstract: El objetivo del presente estudio, es estimar la incertidumbre en la medicion del area total de un triangulo aplicando la guia de estimacion de la incertidumbre GUM ISO 1995 y utilizando el programa de calculo simbolico MAPLE 11. La medicion la realizo un grupo de 10 estudiantes de la maestria en Quimica y Gestion de la Calidad, utilizando el mismo objeto de medicion y el mismo instrumento de medicion. Se derivo el modelo matematico, se identificaron los componentes de las incertidumbres a traves del diagrama de causa-efecto, se calcularon los coeficientes de sensibilidad utilizando el programa de calculo simbolico Maple 11, se elaboro un balance de las incertidumbres y un diagrama de Pareto donde se reflejan las variables que mas influyen en la incertidumbre del mensurando. Se calcularon las incertidumbres combinada y expandida con un factor de cobertura igual a t al 95% de nivel de confianza y 22 grados de libertad efectivos. Finalmente, se evaluo el intervalo de confianza, encontrandose un valor de (50.72 ± 0.39) cm2. La incertidumbre expandida relativa fue menor del 1%, indicando buena precision en el proceso de medicion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A partir de los analisis cluster jerarquico de riesgos and de lesiones, se obtiene la secuencia del proceso de conglomeracion, basado en this caso in el metodo de Ward as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A partir de los analisis cluster jerarquico de riesgos y de lesiones, se obtiene la secuencia del proceso de conglomeracion, basado en este caso en el metodo de Ward. El interes de dicho proceso de conglomeracion, para el caso de las variables riesgo y lesion,componentes del accidente laboral, se centra en que permite interpretar las relaciones entre dichas variables paso a paso, es decir, permite interpretar las afinidades existentes entre dichas variables a escala intragrupal. De esta manera se pueden explicar las relaciones que los diversos clusters van describiendo. Para el caso de los accidentes laborales, esta informacion interpretativa es de vital importancia al posibilitar asociar un significado a las relaciones entre variables obtenidas matematicamente, base conceptual de cualquier sistema inteligente.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the factores that determinan un sueno de calidad in medicos residentes del Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales, and llegó a conclusion that la calidad del sueno of los residentes encuestados tiene un puntaje mayor a 5.
Abstract: La principal funcion fisiologica del sueno es mejorar el rendimiento fisico y mental, esto ocurre si el sueno es de calidad y depende de diversos factores, El conocimiento de su calidad y factores que influyen en el y posibles trastornos, permitiran tener una base para buscar alternativas de prevencion. El objetivo de esta investigacion fue describir los factores que determinan un sueno de calidad en medicos residentes del Hospital Escuela Oscar Danilo Rosales. Fue descriptiva de corte trasversal realizada al 60% de medicos residentes de las especialidades. Se utilizo como instrumento de medicion el indice de Calidad del Sueno de Pittsburg, proporciona una puntuacion global de calidad y puntuaciones parciales en 7 componentes. Los factores incidentes en un sueno de calidad son laborales y el consumo de cafe, en todas las especialidades. Los principales trastornos del sueno que presentan los medicos residentes son: Insomnio de conciliacion, insomnio de mantenimiento y sueno no reparador, dificultando la capacidad de concentracion en la realizacion de las actividades asignadas. Se llego a la conclusion que la calidad del sueno de los medicos residentes encuestados tiene un puntaje mayor a 5 puntos, considerado MALA CALIDAD DEL SUENO, la especialidad con mayor puntaje es Medicina intern a

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results from both animal and farmer studies show that chlorpyrifos is excreted into saliva; however, the majority of chlorp Pyrifos that isexcreted in saliva may have been metabolized due to base-dependent hydrolysis.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of using salivary biomarkers to assess chlorpyrifos exposure using data collected from laboratory controlled animal study, as well as from farmers in Thailand and Nicaragua who applied chlorpyrifos in the field. Time-matched saliva and arterial blood samples were collected from rats and adult agricultural workers, while spot saliva samples were collected from children. Specimen samples were analyzed for chlorpyrifos using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from both animal and farmer studies show that chlorpyrifos is excreted into saliva. Nevertheless, salivary excretion of chlorpyrifos seems to differ from other pesticides, as evidenced by the lack of correspondence of chlorpyrifos levels between saliva and plasma samples. The lower chlorpyrifos concentrations in saliva collected from rats, and from farmers and their children, may have resulted from the rapid hydrolysis of chlorpyrifos during the intracellul...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The bioethics situation in Nicaragua is described in this paper, with information on the circumstances and the context of activities in medical education and health care providers, and the development of a new model of comprehensive health care-the implementation of health care policies that guarantee Nicaraguans better access to care and services free of charge, and changes that have occurred in medical care, due in part to the growing recognition of greater patient autonomy and the increase in the use of new medical technologies.
Abstract: This work describes the bioethics situation in Nicaragua, with information on the circumstances and the context of activities in medical education and health care providers. The development of a new model of comprehensive health care-the implementation of health care policies that guarantee Nicaraguans better access to care and services free of charge, and the changes that have occurred in medical care, due in part to the growing recognition of greater patient autonomy and the increase in the use of new medical technologies-all have contributed in some part to current obstacles and dilemmas in medical clinics and between health care personnel. Bioethics in Nicaragua is in the initial stage of development. It is neither institutionalized nor is it subject to formal mechanisms that permit the resolution of complex ethical problems, thus presenting an important challenge for institutions of higher learning and decision-makers in health.

Journal Article
TL;DR: This study identifies the basic health issues, as well as the sources and investigational methods needed for drafting health standards forMaquilas, and sets out conceptual guidelines, suggesting general methodological strategies appropriate for studies of workers’ health and its determinants in the maquiladora sector.
Abstract: Occupational health issues identified in maquilas include respiratory, musculoskeletal, psychological problems, and accidents. This study identifies the basic health issues, as well as the sources and investigational methods needed for drafting health standards for maquilas. It sets out conceptual guidelines, suggesting general methodological strategies appropriate for studies of workers’ health and its determinants in the maquiladora sector. The conceptual-methodological model is based on 1) a review of relevant studies, 2) a mixed methods pilot feasibility study within the community of workers and social actors of a textile maquila in Nicaragua, and 3) the conceptual-methodological integration of a literature review with the results of the pilot study. The main issues identified are the organization of work, health, governmental regulation, family and gender, infrastructure and environment. Methodological recommendations focus on the principle of triangulation; the use of anonymous questionnaires and focus groups to examine specific issues; individual interviews with management personnel and members of the community; and the value of family members as key informers on the impact on family, environment and community. Observation of actual work procedures is ideal but not always possible. A joint health and safety committee and a health services unit would be key instruments in the prevention of accidents and illness and in health promotion and care.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a modelo matematico was derived, where interviene el efecto del potencial de asimetria del electrodo de vidrio utilizado.
Abstract: El objetivo principal del presente trabajo es estimar la incertidumbre en la determinacion del pH en una muestra de agua tomando en cuenta todos los parametros experimentales que intervienen en el proceso de medicion. Para evaluar la incertidumbre se siguio el procedimiento general establecido en la guia GUM ISO 1995. Se derivo el modelo matematico, donde interviene el efecto del potencial de asimetria del electrodo de vidrio utilizado. Se identificaron todas las fuentes de incertidumbres a traves del diagrama causa-efecto. Se calcularon todos los componentes de las incertidumbres y se combinaron a traves de la ley de propagacion de la incertidumbre para obtener el valor de la incertidumbre estandar en la medicion del pH en la muestra de agua (upHx). Se elaboro un diagrama de Pareto, donde se demuestra que de 7 fuentes principales de incertidumbre, solamente la repetibilidad en la lectura del potencial (Ex) de la muestra y la incertidumbre en el calculo del pH donde el potencial es nulo (pH0) son los que influyen en la estimacion de upHx, cuyo valor fue 0.05. El intervalo de confianza encontrado fue de 7.6 ± 0.11. La incertidumbre expandida fue calculada tomando como factor de cobertura el valor de t al 95% de nivel de confianza y 18 grados de libertad efectivos.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jun 2008
TL;DR: A panorama de la Educación Superior en Nicaragua in un escenario de baja tasa de matricula (18%) and precaria calidad is presented in this paper.
Abstract: El autor ofrece un panorama de la Educacion Superior en Nicaragua en un escenario de baja tasa de matricula (18%) y precaria calidad. Las actividades de I&D se desarrollan principalmente con el apoyo tecnico y financiero de la cooperacion internacional.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: El inicio temprano of vida sexual tiene relacion with una alta frecuencia de colonizacion por SGB, y el tratamiento de eleccion para infeccion by SGB que es utilizado en the poblacion involucrada no es 100% sensible.
Abstract: Streptococos del grupo B (SGB) es una de las principales causas de muertes neonatales en todo el mundo y esta directamente relacionada con la colonizacion materna al momento del parto. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que incluyo un total de 120 mujeres embarazadas atendidas en el Centro de Salud 1ro. de mayo-Leon, con el objetivo de identificar la frecuencia de streptococo del grupo B, debido a que la identificacion de esta bacteria influye positivamente en la prevencion de infecciones perinatales. La frecuencia de SGB encontrada fue del 11%. El 78% de las participantes eran amas de casa. En relacion con la colonizacion de las participantes segun su edad encontramos que el 36% de las participantes eran menores de 19 anos e iniciaron su vida sexual activa a temprana edad (12-16 anos). Ademas, el 55% de las participantes colonizadas tenian entre 20-29 semanas de gestacion. Los procesos patologicos que presentaron las participantes colonizadas fueron 73% Leucorrea y 64% infeccion de vias urinarias. Los antibioticos de eleccion para infeccion por SGB resultaron con una sensibilidad de 77% penicilina, 62% clindamicina y 54% eritromicina; en cuanto a la resistencia antimicrobiana se encontro 92% Gentamicina y 77% Oxacilina. El inicio temprano de vida sexual tiene relacion con una alta frecuencia de colonizacion por SGB. Los procesos patologicos que predominaban en las participantes fueron leucorrea e infecciones de vias urinarias. El tratamiento de eleccion para infeccion por SGB que es utilizado en la poblacion involucrada no es 100% sensible. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/universitas.v2i2.1652

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an estudio descriptivo sobre "Conocimientos, actitudes and Practicas del uso and manejo de plaguicidas" in pequenos productores in municipios del Departamento de Chinandega.
Abstract: Debido al uso irracional de plaguicidas por los agricultores para el control de las plagas, se realizo un estudio descriptivo sobre “Conocimientos, Actitudes y Practicas del uso y manejo de plaguicidas” en pequenos productores en municipios del Departamento de Chinandega. Se encuestaron 190 agricultores; la recoleccion de datos, se realizo aplicando un cuestionario. La mayoria de los encuestados, fueron mayores de 45 anos, con estudios primarios, trabajan por cuenta propia; con mas de 20 anos de experiencia y refieren han recibido muy pocas capacitaciones. Los plaguicidas mas conocidos son Gramoxone, 2,4-D, y Lorsban; el 78% conoce los sintomas de una intoxicacion, el 66% se informa de la peligrosidad por medio de las instrucciones de la etiqueta, sin embargo, el 91% desconoce el significado de los pictogramas. La falta de dinero, es la principal razon por la que no usan el equipo de proteccion, sin embargo, reconocen situaciones de peligro para intoxicarse. La vestimenta que utilizan cuando aplican plaguicida, es camisa manga larga, pantalon largo, gorra y botas de hule. Se identifica la necesidad de ampliar la cobertura de capacitaciones a los agricultores, e incluir contenidos de promocion de alternativas al uso de plaguicida.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the efecto of two factors fisicos (superficies hidrofobicas e hidrofilicas) and two factores quimicos, i.e., Adenosin Monofosfato ciclico (cAMP) and colagenasa, sobre the capacidad de adhesion and the produccion of apresorios of Magnaporthe grisea sobre superficies hilfobica and hilfilica was evaluated.
Abstract: Este estudio se realizo en el laboratorio de Fitopatologia de la Universidad de Kobe, Japon, evaluandose el efecto de dos factores fisicos (superficies hidrofobicas e hidrofilicas) y dos factores quimicos (Adenosin Monofosfato ciclico (cAMP) y colagenasa) sobre la capacidad de adhesion y produccion de apresorios de Magnaporthe grisea sobre superficies hidrofobicas e hidrofilicas. En este estudio la concentracion de conidias fue ajustada a 1x104 conidias/mililitro y se utilizo plastico Gelbond™ Film. Los resultados indican que sobre superficies hidrofobicas el 78% de conidias produjeron apresorios, reduciendose este porcentaje a cero cuando fueron colocadas sobre una superficie hidrofilica. Sin embargo, la adicion de cAMP a las conidias creciendo sobre superficies hidrofilicas les restituyo la capacidad de producir apresorios hasta 69%. Cuando se aplico colagenasa a la solucion de conidias despues de 6 horas de incubacion su capacidad de adhesion se redujo hasta 61% en comparacion con el tratamiento testigo sin colagenasa. Esta reduccion fue mas evidente cuando la solucion de conidias se incubo por 6 horas junto con la colagenasa, reduciendose el numero de conidias adheridas a 97% en comparacion con el testigo. La colagenasa tambien redujo la severidad de los sintomas de M. grisea en plantulas de arroz. La formacion de estructuras infectivas de M. grisea se ve favorecida por superficies hidrofobicas y la presencia de cAMP, en cambio, las superficies hidrofilicas y la colagenasa las inhiben.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: La enfermedad de Chagas esta asociada mas de dos veces a insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, asi como otros factores asociados tales como: la edad >51 anos, sexo femenino, siendo estos estadisticamente significativos in el presente estudio.
Abstract: El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar si la enfermedad de Chagas, es un factor de riesgo de insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva en pacientes ingresados al departamento de Medicina Interna del Hospital Escuela Dr. Oscar Danilo Rosales Arguello (HEODRA) de la Ciudad de Leon, la investigacion se realizo entre Abril 2002 a Octubre 2003. Se condujo un estudio de base hospitalaria, caso-control no pareado en el HEODRA. Se estudiaron 151 casos con insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva (ICC), ademas cumplieron con un criterio mayor y al menos dos criterios menos segun criterios de Framingham, para cada caso se selecciono un control (151) sin insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva. Se calculo odds ratio, intervalo de confianza 95%. Analisis de regresion logistica multivariada para controlar potenciales factores confusores. Los principales resultados fueron que, el 24.5% de insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva que ingresan al Servicio de Cardiologia del HEODRA se encontro serologia de Chagas positiva, en comparacion con el 11.9% controles que presentaban serologia de Chagas positiva, (OR: 2.39, IC95%: 1.29–4.44), siendo significativa. En el modelo multivariado, las variables que influyen en el desarrollo de ICC fueron: edad, sexo y serologia de Chagas positiva. En conclusion, la enfermedad de Chagas esta asociada mas de dos veces a insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, asi como otros factores asociados tales como: la edad >51 anos, sexo femenino, siendo estos estadisticamente significativos en el presente estudio

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In Nicaragua, this paper conducted a study to evaluate the aprendizaje de the history of Iberoamericana in the education system of 14 colegios in 8 departamentos del country.
Abstract: En Nicaragua son pocos los estudios dedicados a investigar la ensenanza de la historia, lo que es sumamente preocupante porque solo a traves de la investigacion se puede descender a las practicas de la ensenanza de la historia para analizarlas, comprenderlas y mejorarlas. El objetivo de esta investigacion, consiste en evaluar el aprendizaje de la historia iberoamericana en la educacion secundaria. La importancia de la ensenanza de la historia iberoamericana ha sido agenda de discusion de la Organizacion de los Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educacion, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI) desde los anos 90 del siglo pasado resultando en la creacion de la Catedra de Historia de Iberoamerica. El presente trabajo es una investigacion explorativa, con enfoque cuantitativo basada en la aplicacion de 469 encuestas a estudiantes de la secundaria de 14 colegios en 8 departamentos del pais. Las preguntas del cuestionario se refieren a los conocimientos, las percepciones y las valoraciones de los estudiantes respecto a la historia iberoamericana. Los resultados revelan que la mayoria de los estudiantes tienen graves deficiencias en cuanto a los conocimientos sobre el pasado de su propio pais y los demas paises iberoamericanos. Respecto a las representaciones se nota que otorgan mucha importancia al actuar de personalidades como Colon, San Martin y Bolivar. Ademas se observa que ven como causa principal de la existencia de una historia comun de los paises latinoamericanos el antiimperialismo y la revalorizacion de la herencia indigena