First observations on the reproduction of Alepocephalus rostratus Risso, 1820 (Osteichthyes, Alepocephalidae) from the Sardinian Channel (Central-Western Mediterranean)

Data are provided on the reproductive biology of a bathypelagic species Alepocephalus rostratus Risso, 1820 caught in the Sardinian Channel between 800 and 1200 m depth. The macroscopic and microscopic description of the gonads was based on 223 females and 95 males. Unlike most other teleosts, the testis is generally formed of two distinct subcylindrical lobes along the mid-line of the body cavity. A five-stage scale of development for both females and males was established based on the macroscopic and microscopic observation of the gonads. Biometric and histological analyses revealed synchronous development in the bilobed testis and 'group-synchrony' in the ovary. The temporal evolution of the gonadosomatic index and the monthly variations in the percentage distribution in the stages of ovarian development revealed an extended spawning period in this species

La red de técnicos en salud (rets): logros y desafíos The network of health technicians (rets): achievements and challenges

Se presenta una experiencia de cooperación en red de instituciones de formación de técnicos en salud y la facilitación de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), incluyendo el contexto de cambio y las nuevas políticas de recursos humanos con sus implicaciones en el mundo del trabajo y la educación. Constituye una síntesis integradora de los procesos socio-afectivos y técnicos que le dan fuerza y dinámica a la Red de Técnicos en Salud (Rets). Se considera su creación, objetivos, estructura y organización, así como la gestión de la OPS y de los actores institucionales denominados Núcleos de Desarrollo (Nudes) con sus proyectos dinamizadores. Por último, se señalan las valoraciones y avances de lo realizado por los actores de los distintos países de América Latina y el Caribe Hispano. Se destaca la utilización de novedosos mecanismos de gestión en la cooperación técnica al reflexionar sobre los factores que influyen en la sostenibilidad y el éxito de experiencias en red con potencial movilizador y articulador para la cooperación horizontal en un mundo globalizado.<br>This article relates an experience of cooperation through a network of institutions oriented to the training of health technicians, under the guidance of the Pan-American Health Organization (OPS). It also deals with present changes in the field and with the new human resources policies, with their respective implications in the world of work and of education. The experience may be regarded as an attempt to integrate the social-affective and technical processes that give strength and dynamism to the Network of Health Technicians (Rets). We examine its creation, objectives, structure and organization, as well as the OPS' management and the role of the institutional actors called Development Nuclei (Nudes) and their stimulating projects. Finally, we point to the advantages and progressive characteristics of the work done by professionals in the various Latin American and Hispanic Caribbean countries. We focus in particular on the innovative management mechanisms in technical cooperation when we discuss the factors that affect the sustainability and the possibility of success of network experiences that have the potential to mobilize and articulate horizontal cooperation in a globalized world

Usefulness of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Recurrent Pericarditis

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) offers the capability to objectively detect pericarditis by identifying pericardial thickening, edema/inflammation by Short-TI Inversion Recovery-T2 weighted (STIR-T2w) imaging, edema/inflammation or fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and presence of pericardial effusion. This is especially helpful for the diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis. Aim of the present paper is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CMR findings as well as their potential prognostic value for the diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis. Multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with recurrent pericarditis evaluated by CMR. We included 128 consecutive cases (60 males, 47%; mean age 48 ± 14 years). CMR was performed at a mean time of 12 days (95% confidence interval 15 to 21) after the clinical diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CMR diagnostic criteria and complications (additional recurrences, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis). Areas under the ROC curve were respectively 64% for pericardial thickening, 84% for pericardial edema, 82% for pericardial LGE, and 71% for pericardial effusion. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, recurrences occurred in 52% of patients, tamponade in 6%, and constrictive pericarditis in 11%. Using a multivariable Cox model, elevation of CRP and presence of CMR pericardial thickening were predictors of adverse events, whereas the presence of CMR LGE was associated with a lower risk. The prognostic model for adverse events using gender, age, CRP level, and all CMR variables showed a C-index of 0.84. In conclusion, CMR findings show high diagnostic accuracy and may help identifying patients at higher risk of complications.status: publishe