Telepathology and continuous education: important tools for pathologists of developing countries

Education shows that active participation allows the best development of skills to acquire, and the results are better when the information is well documented. Now, with digital images and the Internet, in the case of the Static Telepathology (ST), it is easy to share macroscopic and microscopic photographs. The progress of the technologies enabled a form of Dynamic Telepathology (DT) named "virtual slides", with navigation tools, and can be moved around changing powers as desired, making any personal computer into a digital microscope. The use of these tools in continuous education leads to optimal development of knowledge. We reported the experience of a Latin-American Pathologist from La Rioja, a small Province of Argentina, and we also mentioned the electronic publications in Virtual Hispano-American Congresses of Pathology (VHACP) since 1997(18 reports in the case of ST) and in two Virtual Slide Congress (VSC). In the 1st (2005) and 2nd (2007) Internet VSCs two of our cases were digitized in Spain (case 1 and 3 respectively). In these Virtual Slides, the microscopic images can be moved remotely from any computer connected to the Internet, we should recognize that it will become a valuable continuing Medical Education tool in microscopy, probably related to the phrase "a picture is worth more than a thousand words", then we might add; "what about thousands of images?" Similarly, the autoevaluation test is very important. ST and DT, in support of Virtual Congresses allows learning, teaching and sharing of diseases in scientific presentations and the exchange of views in the forums, these are the optimum material for distance education. In addition we received CDs or DVDs and certificates as authors, recognized by European Institutions. The active participation and the autoevaluation test are the best tools for continuous medical education in telepathology, not only for pathologists in developing countries but for the entire world

Quantum and classical solutions for free particle in wedge billiards

We have studied the quantum and classical solutions of a particle constrained to move inside a sector circular billiard with angle $\theta_w$ and its pacman complement with angle $2\pi-\theta_w$. In these billiards rotational invariance is broken and angular momentum is no longer a conserved quantum number. The "fractional" angular momentum quantum solutions are given in terms of Bessel functions of fractional order, with indices $\lambda_p={p\pi \over {\theta_w}}$, $p=1,2,...$ for the sector and $\mu_q={q\pi \over {2\pi - \theta_w}}$, $q=1,2...$ for the pacman. We derive a ``duality'' relation between both fractional indices given by $\lambda_p={{p\mu_q} \over {2\mu_q - q}}$ and $\mu_q = {{q\lambda_p} \over {2\lambda_p - p}}$. We find that the average of the angular momentum $\hat L_z$ is zero but the average of $\hat L^2_z$ has as eigenvalues $\lambda_p^2$ and $\mu_q^2$. We also make a connection of some classical solutions to their quantum wave eigenfunction counterparts.Comment: 10 pages and two PostScript figure

An overview of existing modeling tools making use of model checking in the analysis of biochemical networks

Model checking is a well-established technique for automaticallyverifying complex systems. Recently, model checkers have appearedin computer tools for the analysis of biochemical (and generegulatory) networks. We survey several such tools to assess thepotential of model checking in computational biology. Next, our overviewfocuses on direct applications of existing model checkers, as well ason algorithms for biochemical network analysis influenced by modelchecking, such as those using binary decision diagrams or Booleansatisfiability solvers. We conclude with advantages and drawbacks ofmodel checking for the analysis of biochemical networks

Serological survey for equine viral arteritis in several municipalities in the Orinoquia region of Colombia

Objective. The goal of this study was to determine the current status of the Equine Arteritis virus (EAV) in horse populations in the Orinoquia region of Colombia. Materials and methods. A transversal study was conducted by serological survey of equine (n=100) from 11 municipalities of the Colombian Orinoquia region. Serum samples were tested by virus seroneutralization assay according to the guidelines provided by the World Organization for Animal Health. Results. After testing was carried out no positives samples to EAV were found in the population analyzed. Conclusions. Although the sample size of the population screened in this study does not represent the total equine population size for the region or the country, data obtained has shown the absence of EAV infection in these animals. However, a wider study area including other regions of the country, with a feasible statistical design, would determine if this infection continues to be an exotic disease for Colombia

Characterization of ten white matter tracts in a representative sample of Cuban population

Background: The diffusion tensor imaging technique (DTI) combined with tractography methods, has achieved the tridimensional reconstruction of white matter tracts in the brain. It allows their characterization in vivo in a non-invasive way. However, one of the largest sources of variability originates from the location of regions of interest, is therefore necessary schemes which make it possible to establish a protocol to be insensitive to variations in drawing thereof. The purpose of this paper is to stablish a reliable protocol to reconstruct ten prominent tracts of white matter and characterize them according to volume, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Also we explored the relationship among these factors with gender and hemispheric symmetry. Methods: This study aims to characterize ten prominent tracts of white matter in a representative sample of Cuban population using this technique, including 84 healthy subjects. Diffusion tensors and subsequently fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity maps were calculated from each subject's DTI scans. The trajectory of ten brain tracts was estimated by using deterministic tractography methods of fiber tracking. In such tracts, the volume, the FA and MD were calculated, creating a reference for their study in the Cuban population. The interactions between these variables with age, cerebral hemispheres and gender factors were explored using Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance. Results: The volume values showed that a most part of tracts have bigger volume in left hemisphere. Also, the data showed bigger values of MD for males than females in all the tracts, an inverse behavior than FA values. Conclusions: This work showed that is possible reconstruct white matter tracts using a unique region of interest scheme defined from standard to native space. Also, this study indicates differing developmental trajectories in white matter for males and females and the importance of taking gender into account in developmental DTI studies and in underlie gender-related cognitive differences

Validation of the Satisfaction Scale of Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education with the Incorporation of the Novelty in the Spanish Context

The purpose of the study was to validate to the physical education context, the Spanish version of the Scale of the Satisfaction of Psychological Needs toward the Physical Education classes of Menéndez and Fernández-Rio, with the incorporation of the novelty, since they contemplated its inclusion. In this study, 1444 students participated (mean = 15.34, standard deviation = 1.12) from several schools in Almeria. To analyze the psychometric properties of the scale, several analyses were carried out. The results offered support for both the four-factor structure and the higher-order model called satisfaction. The analysis of invariance with respect to gender showed that the factor structure of the questionnaire was invariant. The Cronbach alpha values were higher than 0.70 in the subscales. The results of this study demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Scale of the Satisfaction of Psychological Needs, with the incorporation of novelty in the Spanish context of Physical Education

Consideraciones para una óptima salud en el puesto de trabajo

La ergonomía desempeña un papel creciente en la solución del problema de rehabilitación de personas que en una u otra medida han perdido la capacidad de trabajo; también se estudian las aptitudes y peculiaridades psíquicas y físicas de las personas de edad avanzada y de aquellos individuos considerados como trabajadores especialmente sensibles. Por ello los principios ergonómicos se aplican para optimizar las condiciones de trabajo en relación al bienestar de la persona, su salud y su seguridad, sin olvidar la eficiencia tecnológica y económica. El abordaje de los factores de riesgo que intervienen en la producción de problemas de espalda en los profesionales, incluye al ser humano en sentido integral, desde el punto de vista físico, psicológico y social. En nuestro trabajo nos vamos a centrar en los factores físicos principalmente, destacaremos la adopción de posturas forzadas, movimientos bruscos, así como la inadecuada preparación física y el sedentarismo en una profesión sanitaria, la del técnico en transporte sanitario. Pero no debemos dejar de hacer mención de los otros puntos de vista: el estrés laboral, el apremio de tiempo, que da lugar a que se trabaje con mayor ritmo y no precisamente adoptando posiciones correctas. Aspectos relacionados con la satisfacción laboral también acentúan el estrés y la tensión muscular. La ausencia de una formación preventiva adecuada respecto a técnicas de movilización de enfermos. La falta de personal en los centros de trabajo, que implican una sobrecarga; el deficiente o nulo uso de medios mecánicos adecuadamente diseñados desde el punto de vista ergonómico.Ergonomics plays an increasing role in solving the problem of rehabilitation of people have lost the ability to work, it also examines the skills and mental and physical peculiarities of the elderly and those individuals considered workers are particularly sensitive. Therefore apply ergonomic principles to optimize the conditions of work for the welfare of the person, their health and safety, not forgetting the technological and economic efficiency. The approach of the risk factors involved in the production of back problems in the professionals, including the human being in integral sense from the standpoint of physical, psychological and social. In our work we focus mainly on physical factors, we will highlight the adoption of awkward postures, sudden movements, as well as inadequate physical fitness and physical inactivity in a health profession, the technician in health transport. But we must not fail to mention the other points of view: work stress, time pressure, which leads you to work with greater pace and not just taking proper positions. Aspects related to job satisfaction also accentuate stress and muscle tension. The absence of adequate preventive training on techniques of mobilization of patients. The lack of staff in the workplace, resulting in an overload, the poor or no use of properly designed mechanical means from the ergonomic standpoint.peerReviewe

El Maestro Heriberto Arcila Herrera: El Médico, el Investigador y el Humanista

Escribir la semblanza biográfica del Dr. Heriberto Arcila Herrera representa, para un servidor, una gran distinción y un alto honor; y lo es porque, por vez primera, en un documento, voy a referirme a mi Maestro. Conocí al Dr. Heriberto Arcila cuando cursaba el quinto año de la carrera y él regresaba de la ciudad de México vía Mexicali, siendo ya un nefrólogo y académico distinguido, donde hizo una breve estancia médica por invitación de su hermano Enrique. El sitio del encuentro fue el Instituto Neuropsiquiátrico, que dirigía con entusiasmo su fundador, el Dr. Raúl Cárdenas Torre, cuyo liderazgo se traducía en un ambiente festivo aunque, a la vez, disciplinado de trabajo. El Maestro Cárdenas, fue un médico que distinguió y apreció al Dr. Arcila desde la época estudiantil; también, fue el promotor principal de su formación de postgrado. De hecho, inicialmente el Dr. Arcila había sido motivado para estudiar neurocirugía en Cleveland, con el famoso neurocirujano Dr. Garner. Curso que tuvo que posponerse, por un compromiso con una beca que el Dr. Cárdenas había conseguido de los Laboratorios Farbiosa para algún médico yucateco y que, como bateador emergente, le tocó al Dr. Arcila al no aceptarla el candidato original. Así pues, no era fortuito que al retornar al terruño tuviera un sitio en el centro hospitalario que dirigía tan distinguido maestro de la medicina yucateca