Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

RESUMO Contexto: Diagnóstico precoce da constipação intestinal funcional é importante para reduzir suas consequências negativas para a saúde da criança e do adolescente. Objetivo: Descrever o espectro clínico da constipação intestinal funcional e o hábito intestinal de crianças recrutadas em escola de primeiro grau e de pacientes atendidos em ambulatório especializado de gastroenterologia pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo observacional que avaliou 452 alunos de duas escolas públicas da cidade de Osasco e 81 pacientes atendidos em ambulatório especializado em gastroenterologia pediátrica com constipação intestinal funcional. Todas as crianças tinham idade entre 6 e 12 anos. Foram utilizados os critérios de Roma IV (duas manifestações clínicas por mais de 1 mês) e a escala de Bristol. Resultados: Na escola constatou-se que 22,3% (101) das crianças apresentavam constipação intestinal funcional. Dentre os 351 alunos que não apresentavam constipação intestinal funcional, verificou-se que 182 (51,9%) apresentavam uma das manifestações clínicas do critério de Roma IV. A comparação das características clínicas das crianças com constipação intestinal funcional identificadas na escola (n=101) em relação aos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório especializado (n=81) evidenciou, respectivamente, as seguintes diferenças: menos de duas evacuações por semana (21,8% e 54,3%; P<0,001); um ou mais episódios de incontinência fecal por semana (14,8% e 53,1%; P<0,001) e comportamento de retenção (70,3% e 40,7%, P<0,001). Apenas 18 (17,8%) dos 101 alunos identificados na escola com constipação intestinal funcional havia realizado algum tratamento para esta doença nos últimos dois meses. Conclusão Conforme esperado, a frequência de manifestações clínicas mais graves foi maior nas crianças atendidas no ambulatório de gastroenterologia pediátrica. Apenas uma pequena parcela das crianças com constipação intestinal funcional identificadas nas escolas recebeu algum tratamento nos últimos dois meses. Mais da metade das crianças sem constipação intestinal funcional da escola apresentava pelo menos uma das manifestações do critério de Roma IV. Para finalizar, constipação intestinal funcional apresenta um amplo espectro clínico que também requer atenção para a sua prevenção e controle de suas manifestações clínicas precoces.

ABSTRACT Background: Early diagnosis of functional constipation is important for reducing its negative consequences on the health of children and adolescents. Objective: To describe the clinical spectrum of functional constipation and bowel habit patterns in schoolchildren recruited from two primary schools and patients from a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 452 students from two elementary schools in the city of Osasco and 81 patients with functional constipation seen in an outpatient clinic specializing in pediatric gastroenterology. All children were aged between 6 and 12 years. The Rome IV criteria (two features for more than 1 month) and the Bristol scale were used. Results: The prevalence of functional constipation among the elementary school students was 22.3% (n=101). Among the 351 students who did not have functional constipation, 182 (51.9%) had one of the clinical manifestations of the Rome IV criteria. Bristol stool scale types 1 and 2 were observed in 14 (8.3%) of the 169 students without any clinical manifestation of the Rome IV criteria and in 28 (15.4%) of the 182 students who presented one of the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation (P=0.060). A comparison of the clinical manifestations of children with functional constipation identified at school in relation to those seen at the specialized clinic showed the following differences: fewer than two bowel movements per week (21.8% and 54.3%; P<0.001, respectively), one or more episodes of fecal incontinence per week (14.8% and 53.1%; P<0.001), and retentive posturing (70.3% and 40.7%, P<0.001). Only 18 (17.8%) of the 101 students identified at the schools with functional constipation had received any treatment for this disease in the previous 2 months. Conclusion: As expected, the frequency of more severe clinical manifestations was higher in children seen at specialized clinics. Only a small proportion of the children identified with functional constipation at primary schools had undergone any form of treatment in the previous 2 months. More than half of the children without functional constipation in elementary schools reported one of the Rome IV clinical manifestations. Finally, functional constipation has a broad clinical spectrum and also requires attention for the prevention and the management of its early clinical manifestations.

Abstract The aim of this study was to obtain ionic quantification in periradicular medium after diffusion tests of the solution used inside root canals during the electrochemical dissolution of endodontic file fragments and the NiTi-containing dissolution product via an apical foramen. Thirty single-rooted extracted human teeth had root canals prepared and were attached to Eppendorf tubes filled with sterile saline. The samples were divided into 3 groups (n = 10) according to the solution used inside the root canal during the diffusion tests: Group 1: [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L]; Group 2: [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L + NiTi 0.50 g/L]; Group 3: [NaF 6 g/L + NaCl 0.5 g/L + NiTi 0.25 g/L]. The sample in each Eppendorf tube was then analyzed to assay the ionic quantification in periradicular medium. The groups were compared in relation to ionic quantifications (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s tests, p ≤ 0.05). Group 2 showed significantly higher F-, Ni and Ti quantities than groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.05). Group 3 showed significantly higher Ti and Ni quantities than group 1, where no measurable quantities of Ti and Ni were observed (p < 0.05). The conclusions were that a 50% dilution of the NiTi-containing dissolution product resulted in significantly lower F-, Ni and Ti quantities compared to the undiluted product. The quantifications observed here suggest that irrigation is recommendable during the electrochemical dissolution process to reduce the resultant ion concentrations in both the root canal and the periradicular medium.

RESUMO: A fasciolose é uma zoonose de distribuição global causada pelo parasita Fasciola spp. Infecções em humanos podem ocorrer em áreas endêmicas para fasciolose animal, sugerindo a necessidade de estudos sobre essa parasitose e seus determinantes. O presente estudo exploratório teve como objetivo analisar a distribuição espacial da fasciolose bovina, no estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, a partir de casos notificados entre 2015 e 2017 no abatedouro frigorífico estadual, localizado em Orleans, SC, e associar a ocorrência da doença a altitude, temperatura e precipitação. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Universidade Barriga Verde em Orleans, SC e na Fundação Oswaldo Cruz no Rio de Janeiro, RJ. No período de análise o matadouro recebeu animais de 58 municípios do estado de Santa Catarina. Dos animais abatidos nesse período, 10,81% estavam infectados por Fasciola hepatica. A presença da infecção por fasciolose foi encontrada no Sul no território estudado, com maiores prevalências no Sudeste do estado. Houve uma associação entre baixas altitudes e maior ocorrência de fasciolose nos municípios. A prevalência de fasciolose bovina foi também maior em municípios com altas temperaturas e com baixa pluviosidade. Sendo assim, esses resultados devem ser levados em consideração para o planejamento de medidas de controle da doença no Sul de Santa Catarina.

ABSTRACT: Fascioliasis is a zoonosis of global distribution caused by the parasitic trematode Fasciola spp. Infection in humans can occur in areas endemic for animal fascioliasis, suggesting the need for studies on this parasitosis and its determinants. This exploratory study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of bovine fascioliasis in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, based on cases notified between 2015 and 2017 in a state abattoir, located in the municipality of Orleans, and to associate disease occurrence with altitude, temperature, and rainfall. The research was conducted at Centro Universitário Barriga Verde (UNIBAVE)/Orleans, SC and Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Rio de Janeiro, RJ. During the study period, the abattoir received animals from 58 municipalities in that state. Of the animals slaughtered in that period, 10,81% were infected with Fasciola hepatica. Presence of bovine fascioliasis infection was identified in the South and Southeast regions of the state, with higher prevalence rates in the latter. There was an association between low altitudes and higher occurrence of cases in the municipalities assessed. In addition, prevalence of bovine fascioliasis was higher in municipalities with high temperatures and low rainfall. Therefore, these results should be considered for planning disease control measures in the South and Southeast regions of the state of Santa Catarina.

RESUMO Contexto: existe pouca evidência empírica da relação entre a implementação efetiva de técnicas lean e o seu real efeito na performance da cadeia produtiva. Objetivo: o objetivo deste artigo foi descrever o processo de implementação da lógica de produção puxada na cadeia de suprimentos, relatando a evolução histórica dos indicadores associados à mudança, como os níveis de estoque e os lead times ao longo de 23 meses de intervenção. Métodos: foi conduzido um projeto de pesquisa-ação descrevendo os passos da intervenção na cadeia entre os anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019, dividida em fases: o planejamento, a coleta de dados, a implementação da ação, a análise e a avaliação dos resultados. Resultados: a principal contribuição foi demonstrar que a mudança de produção empurrada para puxada na pesquisa impactou positivamente os indicadores de lead time, estoque e rotinas de planejamento. Houve a redução de mais de 30% para os níveis de inventários e cerca de 40% para os lead times, além do aumento da assertividade da previsão de vendas. Conclusão: o artigo pode ser uma possível referência para organizações que queiram promover alterações semelhantes em suas cadeias de suprimentos e alterar de maneira significativa a rotina de planejamento de seus fornecedores e distribuidores através da implementação da lógica puxada.

ABSTRACT Context: there is little empirical evidence of the relationship between the implementation of lean techniques (such as the pull system) and their real effect on supply chain performance. Objective: the purpose of this paper is to describe the process of implementing the pull production logic in the supply chain, reporting the historical evolution of indicators, such as inventory levels and lead times over 23 months of intervention. Methods: an action research project was carried out describing chain intervention steps in 2017-2019, divided into phases as follows: planning, data collection, implementation of the action, analysis and evaluation of the results. Results: the main contribution was to demonstrate that the production shift from push to pull had a positive impact on lead time, inventory, and planning routines indicators. Inventory levels were reduced by more than 30% and lead times were down approximately 40%. In addition, sales forecast assertiveness increased. Conclusion: this paper may provide a reference for organizations that want to make similar changes in their supply chains and significantly change the planning routine of their suppliers and distributors by implementing the pull logic.

ABSTRACT Symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients who require hospitalization can persist for months, significantly affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, the present study aimed to discuss the main findings regarding HRQoL in post-COVID-19 patients who required hospitalization. An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, and Scopus databases, without date and language restrictions, until July 2021. Twenty-four articles were included in the analysis. It seems that HRQoL partially improved soon after hospital discharge, although the negative impact on HRQoL may persist for months. The physical and mental aspects are affected because patients report pain, discomfort, anxiety, and depression. The HRQoL of COVID-19 infected patients was worse than that of uninfected patients. Additionally, HRQoL seemed worse in patients admitted to the intensive care unit than in those who remained in the ward. Improvements in HRQoL after hospital discharge are independent of imaging improvement, and there seems to be no association between HRQoL after hospital discharge and disease severity on hospital admission. Many factors have been identified as determinants of HRQoL, with women and advanced age being the most related to worse HRQOL, followed by the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and the need for intensive care. Other factors included the presence and number of comorbidities, lower forced vital capacity, high body mass index, smoking history, undergraduate education, and unemployment. In conclusion, these findings may aid in clinical management and should be considered in the aftercare of patients.

ABSTRACT Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease associated with poverty in which patients are surrounded by stigma. These factors can contribute to reducing health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, a broad discussion of HRQoL in the CD population is required. This study aimed to discuss the main findings of HRQoL in patients with CD, focusing on the association between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, echocardiographic and functional determinants, and the effect of non-invasive interventions on HRQoL. A literature search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and LILACS databases was performed with no data or language restrictions. Twenty-two articles were included in this meta-analysis. In general, HRQoL is worse in patients with CD than in healthy individuals, particularly in the presence of cardiovascular and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. Sex, age, functional class, level of physical activity, healthy habits, and medications received could affect HRQoL. Among the echocardiographic and functional determinants, decreased systolic function seems to negatively affect HRQoL. No association with the peak oxygen uptake was observed in the maximal tests. By contrast, well-tolerated field tests with submaximal intensities were associated with HRQoL. Both pharmaceutical care and exercise training have a positive effect on the HRQoL of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy, and the mental component can be a prognostic marker in this population. In conclusion, assessment of HRQoL can provide important information about the health status of patients with CD, and its use in clinical practice is warranted.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unsatisfactory dental restorations on posterior primary teeth and associated factors in school children aged six to ten years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with children randomly selected from public schools in a small Brazilian town. Questionnaires were sent to the guardians addressing socioeconomic and behavioral aspects of the child. Oral examinations were performed at the schools to determine the quality of dental restorations, visible biofilm, and presence of moderate/extensive untreated caries (scores 3-6 ICDAS). This examination was performed by two previously trained and calibrated examiners. Associations were tested using multilevel logistic regression. Among the 400 children evaluated, 98 had restorations (217 teeth). The prevalence of unsatisfactory restorations was 34.6%. Restorations in amalgam were less likely to fail compared to those in glass ionomer cement (OR = 0.11; 95%CI: 0.02–0.49; p = 0.005). Children with moderate/extensive untreated caries were more likely to have unsatisfactory restorations (OR = 6.79; 95%CI: 2.20–20.93; p = 0.001). Children with a visible plaque index ≥ 20% were also more likely to have unsatisfactory restorations (OR = 2.28 95%CI: 1.05–4.92; p = 0.036). The prevalence of unsatisfactory restorations was high. The occurrence of this outcome was associated with restorative material, presence of caries, and visible plaque.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar e comparar as medidas anatômicas das vértebras C7, T1 e T2 em crianças de 3 a 12 anos de modo a determinar margens seguras para fixação transpedicular e translaminar com parafusos nessa população. Métodos: Estudo transversal retrospectivo observacional. Um total de 76 tomografias computadorizadas foram analisadas em um período de 6 meses. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados: ângulo de ataque, comprimento, espessura e diâmetro do pedículo, comprimento e espessura da lâmina. Resultados: O comprimento e espessura da lâmina bem como o comprimento do pedículo aumenta em tamanho conforme a idade. Enquanto o ângulo de ataque permanece estável conforme variação de idade; variação dependente da idade ocorre somente na vértebra T1. Conclusão: Parafusos com diâmetro de 3.5mm podem ser inseridos de maneira segura nos pedículos de C7 e T2. Já no pedículo de T1 pode-se inserir parafusos com medidas de 3.5 a 4.5mm de diâmetro de maneira segura. Na lâmina, parafusos de 3.5mm podem ser usados de maneira segura somente em crianças maiores de 7 anos. No entanto, cada caso deve ser analisado de maneira individualizada, e o presente estudo não objetivo substituir o uso de tomografia computadorizada no pré-operatório. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Comparativo Retrospectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare anatomical measurements of C7, T1 and T2 vertebrae in children from 3 to 12 years of age to provide useful epidemiological data for determining the safe anatomical margin for transpedicular and translaminar fixation with screws in this population. Methods: This observational retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 76 computed tomography scans obtained over 6 months, analyzing the following parameters: the angle of attack, length, thickness and diameter of the pedicle; and the angle of attack, length and thickness of the lamina. Results: The lamina length and thickness, as well as pedicle length varied in size according to age. Although the angle of attack was similar across different ages, age-dependent variation occurred in the T1 vertebra. Conclusion: Screws with a 3.5 mm diameter are safe to use in the C7 and T2 pedicles, while the T1 pedicle allows the introduction of larger screws ranging from 3.5-4.5 mm in diameter. In the lamina, 3.5 mm screws are safe for use only in children older than 7 years. However, each case should be analyzed individually, with the present study not aiming to replace the preoperative use of CT. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate some physical properties of the soil in four suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba. Soil samples were taken and the volumetric weight, apparent density, real density, porosity and humidity were determined. Among the farms, a similar statistical behavior of the evaluated properties was obtained. The volumetric weight varied from 1.18 to 1.32 g cm-3, the apparent density between 1.04 and 1.24 g cm-3, the real density from 2.27 to 2.59 g cm- 3, the porosity ranged from 51 to 53 % and the humidity from 6.1 to 11.4 %.

RESUMEN El objetivo fue evaluar algunas propiedades físicas del suelo en cuatro fincas suburbanas de Santiago de Cuba. Se tomaron muestras de suelo y se determinó el peso volumétrico, la densidad aparente, la densidad real, la porosidad y la humedad. Entre las fincas se obtuvo un comportamiento estadístico similar de las propiedades evaluadas. El peso volumétrico varió de 1,18 a 1,32 g cm-3, la densidad aparente entre 1,04 y 1,24 g cm-3, la densidad real de 2,27 a 2,59 g cm-3, la porosidad varió del 51 al 53 % y la humedad entre el 6,1 y el 11, 4 %.

Abstract The Amazonian forests of Peru are among the most diverse and disturbed by anthropic activities on the planet, today there are still gaps on the composition of the communities and their inter-specific relationships. A forest inventory was carried out in a terraced forest in the Madre de Dios region, 5 blocks were established with 2 rectangular plots of 20m x 500m each to identify and measure individuals with diameter greater than 10 cm. 4429 trees were evaluated and 254 species, 165 genera and 53 families were identified. The distribution of diameter classes and height presents typical patterns of intervened forests, in this case by the extraction of wood decades ago. The average of the biodiversity indices are: Shannon-Wienner 4.039 ± 0.16 and α-Fisher 39.90 ± 9.23, indicating that there is a high diversity of species. The species of greatest ecological importance were: Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart, Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav, Euterpe precatoria Mart., Which are fast growing and are present throughout the neo-tropics, Tachigali vasquezii Pipoly, abundant only in the forests of this region; These species took advantage of the opening of the canopy by felling and increased their abundance and dominance in the area. On the other hand, Ocotea bofo Kunth, Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl, Eschweilera coriácea (DC.) S.A. Mori, dominate the forest, but of low abundance, due to changes in the floristic composition after wood harvesting.

Resumen Los bosques amazónicos del Perú están entre los más diversos y disturbados por actividades antrópicas del planeta, hoy en día sigue habiendo vacíos sobre la composición de las comunidades y sus relaciones interespecíficas. Se realizó un inventario forestal en un bosque de terrazas en la región Madre de Dios, se establecieron 5 bloques con 2 parcelas rectangulares de 20m x 500m cada uno para identificar y medir los individuos con diámetro mayor a 10 cm. Se evaluaron 4429 árboles e identificaron 254 especies, 165 géneros y 53 familias. La distribución de clases diamétricas y altura presenta patrones típicos de bosques intervenidos, en este caso por la extracción de madera décadas atrás. El promedio de los índices de biodiversidad son: Shannon- Wienner 4.039 ± 0.16 y α-Fisher 39.90 ± 9.23, indicando que existe una alta diversidad de especies. Las especies de mayor importancia ecológica fueron: Tetragastris altissima (Aubl.) Swart, Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav, Euterpe precatoria Mart., las cuales son de rápido crecimiento y están presentes en todo el neo trópico, Tachigali vasquezii Pipoly, abundante solo en los bosques de esta región; estas especies aprovecharon la apertura de dosel por talas e incrementaron su abundancia y dominancia en el área. Por otra parte, Ocotea bofo Kunth, Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl, Eschweilera coriácea (DC.) S.A. Mori, dominan el bosque, pero de baja abundancia, debido a los cambios de la composición florística después del aprovechamiento de madera.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study intraspecific variation in Triatoma costalimai, a potential vector of Chagas disease present in Brazil and Bolivia. METHODS: We analyzed phenotypic (connexivum color patterns, wing morphometrics) and genetic variation (16S mtDNA) of three Brazilian T. costalimai populations. We compared 16S sequences with those of putative Bolivian T. costalimai and its sister species, T. jatai. RESULTS: Brazilian populations had different connexivum color patterns and forewing shapes. A 16S mtDNA haplotype network showed a clear separation of Brazilian T. costalimai from both T. jatai and Bolivian T. costalimai. CONCLUSIONS: We report considerable variability in T. costalimai populations.