Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Introduction: POEMS syndrome (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Protein, and Skin Changes) is a rare and complex disease associated with plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma. It is characterized by a series of clinical manifestations that affect multiple systems in the body, posing significant diagnostic challenges. Objective: Describe the clinical manifestations and diagnostic management of POEMS syndrome through a detailed presentation of a patient with this disease, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in its identification and treatment. Case report:  A 54-year-old male patient with a history of multiple myeloma and tuberculosis was presented. During his evaluation, splenomegaly, thyroid dysfunction, and monoclonal gammopathy were identified. The patient exhibited symptoms of polyneuropathy, including muscle weakness and sensory disturbances. Laboratory analyses confirmed the presence of monoclonal proteins, and imaging studies demonstrated organomegaly. Discussion: POEMS syndrome presents a wide range of clinical manifestations, complicating its diagnosis and management. Early identification of monoclonal proteins is crucial, and a multidisciplinary approach is required, including thorough physical examinations, laboratory analyses, and imaging studies. This case illustrates the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, highlighting that collaboration among medical specialties is essential to optimize clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients affected by this complex condition. Conclusion: The presented case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic complexity of POEMS syndrome, characterized by its multisystem presentation that includes organomegaly, monoclonal gammopathy, endocrinopathies, and peripheral neuropathy.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la distribución espacial de las concentraciones de Arsénico total en la laguna de Papallacta mediante el método probabilístico Kriging. La metodología utilizada consistió en la toma de muestras de agua en la Laguna Papallacta con sus respectivas ubicaciones geográficas y caracterizar el agua evaluando los parámetros: pH y temperatura, mediante el empleo del medidor multiparamétrico y generar una base georreferenciada de los parámetros físicos–químicos de las muestras de la Laguna Papallacta; esta base, fue el insumo principal del software R. Este programa utilizó las variables Arsénico, pH y temperatura para ejecutar un estudio Geoestadístico compuesto de tres fases principales. La primera fase o análisis exploratorio de datos; obtuvo el resumen de los estadísticos principales, diagramas de caja y de dispersión de las variables en estudio. La segunda fase o análisis estructural; calculó los variogramas experimentales para ajustarlos a los variograma teóricos de las variables de estudio. La última fase de predicción; empleó un interpolador para realizar la predicción de las variables de estudio en zonas no muestreadas. Los resultados de la investigación consistieron en obtener modelos predictivos de Arsénico, pH y temperatura de la laguna. Se podría recomendar utilizar estos mapas que pueden ser una fuente importante para estudios de caracterización de parámetros físico-químico ambientales y contaminantes en otras lagunas o lagos.

Introduction: Risky sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex, increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Men who have sex with men face factors such as sexual orientation and obesity, affecting their risk perception and mental health. Objective: To understand the experiences related to the sexual behavior of Men who have Sex with Men with obesity. Material and methods: A qualitative study was conducted, using in-depth interviews to understand their sexual experiences and body perception. Twenty participants aged between 22 and 38 were selected through theoretical sampling. The interviews were analyzed with MAXQDA v20.3. Results: The analysis revealed that most participants were single and had grade 1 obesity. Five categories were identified: emotional state and body perception; social influence and support networks; sexual sensations, sexual influences, condom use and risk situations. Emotional problems related to social rejection and bullying were identified, affecting self-esteem and body perception. Participants also experienced negative social influence, hiding their sexual orientation and facing internalized homophobia. Although they recognize the importance of using condoms, many do not use them during sexual contact. Discussion: Discrimination and the pursuit of acceptance may lead to risky sexual practices, compounded by difficulties in accessing and establishing trust with key populations affected by stigmatization and anonymity. Conclusions: Classism and stigma exacerbate isolation, while hiding one's orientation and anonymity increase the risk of unprotected sexual practices and greater substance use in anonymous settings.

Las áreas protegidas son zonas especialmente creadas para proteger la naturaleza y su biodiversidad. En el Ecuador existen varios tipos de áreas protegidas que van desde Parques Nacionales hasta Reservas Marinas. Existen también zonas de interés binacionales, como es el “Parque Binacional El Cóndor”. El presente estudio propone la creación de un área binacional que se llamaría “Parque Binacional Puyango-Tumbes”, esto respondiendo al hecho de que por la parte peruana ya existe la “Reserva Nacional de Tumbes”. El área del río Puyango tiene varios elementos de biodiversidad que se encuentran en peligro de extinción o muy vulnerables como las especies Podocarpus oleifolius, Clusia spp que se encuentran en peligro y Crescentia cujete, Bursera graveolens vulnerable. También hay especies de animales en peligro como el perico macareño Forpus xanthops, especie endémica. Lo cual representa un factor crucial para la creación de esta área protegida., El río Puyango está afectado por la extracción minera artesanal que arroja contaminantes tóxicos al río. Este estudio se demuestra que la zona de Puyango es factible para ser declarada como Parque Nacional y a su vez pueda ser anexada a su referente peruano creando el parque binacional. Las bases para sostener esta propuesta son que la zona de Puyango cumple con los índices planteados por el MAATE para creación de áreas protegidas y se sustenta en los beneficios económicos que generan como el almacenamiento de carbono y agua, los cuales superan a los beneficios que se puedan obtener de otras actividades económicas legales en esta zona.

Introduction: Eagle syndrome is a rare disease caused by elongation of the styloid process; characterized by chronic pain. Eagle Syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnoses of head and neck pathologies. Objective: Describe the clinical-surgical case of a patient diagnosed with Eagle Syndrome, strengthening the need for a clear diagnostic evaluation, in conjunction with the symptoms and complementary imaging examinations, for timely management and surgical treatment. Case presentation: The case report of a 43-year-old patient who presented chronic neck pain is presented; receiving multiple painkillers, the extraction of all his teeth and decompression of Arnold's nerve, without improvement. Through a simple and 3D computed tomography, the elongation of the styloid process was evident, therefore, it was decided to perform its excision, eliminating pain, in the immediate postoperative period. Discussion: A clinical picture characterized by neck pain, foreign body sensation in the oropharynx or odynophagia, is a non-specific symptomatology but suggestive of certain pathologies, such as Eagle Syndrome. However, routine imaging examinations should not be requested without a good prior history. Conclusions: After performing a good physical examination and exhausting clinical treatment, in patients who persist with odynophagia, neck pain and foreign body sensation in the oropharynx, Eagle Syndrome should be considered.

Revista Geoespacial publicación enero-junio 2025

Cerro Minas, located on the NNW flank of the Escazú hills, corresponds to lava bodies with a fluidal structure (andesites to slightly porphyritic trachytes) associated with the Pacacua Formation. They are interpreted as cryptodomes and apophysis that intruded into the sediments during the Early Miocene. They have an intense silicification and calcification alteration. During the exploitation of the quarry (former Bretaña quarry), the largest geodes recorded so far nationwide (ca. 0.5 to 2 m diameter) with large decametric amethyst crystals were found; in addition, crystalline quartz, smoky quartz and citrines were reported, as well as an anhydrous micro to cryptocrystalline quartz (calcedony, agate, and jasper). Other minerals with very striking shapes and colors were pink, yellow to brown calcite/Mg-calcite and iron-bearing dolomite (ferroan dolomite) roses (a rare occurrence worldwide referring its aspect), associated with barite. The hydrothermal alteration can be classified as silicifying and carbonatic type in an alkaline system rich in Mg at a temperature of about 150 °C. Much of the fine-grained whitish matrix corresponds to calcite, montmorillonite, illite and quartz with the subordinate presence of zeolites (laumontite, mordenite). Among the rare occurrence metal ore minerals, such as specularite, bornite, chalcopyrite and, to a lesser extent, malachite, chalcosine and sphalerite appeared in small quantities.

The Llano Grande quarry, located on the southwestern flank of the Irazú volcano (Costa Rica), is used for the extraction of pozzolan for cement manufacturing by the company Holcim. The protolithic volcanic rocks (coherent lavas, pyroclastic rocks, and lahars) exhibit advanced to complete obliteration of their original textures, resulting from pervasive alteration characterized by the replacement of most of the original rock components by silica (primarily alpha-quartz, alpha- and beta-tridymite, and cristobalite). This transformation has led to the formation of vuggy silica and pseudo-perlitic-textured rocks. Iron oxide and hydroxide minerals are present in fractures (goethite and minor magnetite) and in hydrothermal breccia chimneys, often associated with gypsum, or occurring as disseminated phases, predominantly in the middle to upper parts of the quarry. In these areas, the rocks also contain cavities filled with vacuolar native sulfur. The abundance of quartz and quartz-pyrite-marcasite assemblage indicates a silicic alteration transitioning to an argillic type, with the presence of clay minerals (kaolinite and calcic montmorillonite) due to intense H⁺ metasomatism with acidic leaching, estimated to have occurred in a vapor-heated environment at approximately 100°C. In addition, sanidine facies, a type of metamorphic contact, were also observed. The tectonic context of the area, characterized by its proximity to the continental divide, its relationship with extinct volcanic centers, and its emplacement within a pull-apart system, suggests that hydrothermal alteration took place near an ancient eruptive center, in proximal volcanic facies and under hyperacidic conditions, possibly during the Middle Pleistocene. A porphyritic basaltic andesite dike intrudes the altered volcanic sequence, evidencing a late-stage phase within the hydrothermal system.

 The Zulay quarry located by San Pedro de Turrubares (San José), represents an excellent example of gossan (supergene modification process), where the iron cap (leached cap) is represented by lavas and breccias pervasively silicified (micro-vuggy silica, alfa quartz and rare moganite) with secondary minerals as zeolites, goethite and hematite (iridescent and earthy) forming a type of iron rock that collectors called turgite or turite, and traces of microrutiles. Rarer is the presence of alum-K. The geological unit is part of Grifo Alto Formation, part of an area of intense past hydrothermal activity (high-sulfidation epithermal), perhaps in correspondence with the proximal facies of an ancient eruptive focus.

Introduction: Social media has transformed the way we communicate, allowing for the instantaneous dissemination of information globally. It is currently essential to address the health problems associated with its excessive use and the influence of addiction on mental health and self-esteem.Objective: to determine the relationship between levels of addiction to social media and self-esteem in university students.Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational observational study was carried out in students from the National University of Chimborazo, during the months of May and June 2024. The instruments used were the Social Media Addiction Questionnaire, created and validated by Escurra and Salas and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, developed by Rosenberg.Results: the most used social media among participants are WhatsApp, followed by Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. There is a worrying trend towards compulsive use of social media among young people, especially in the "obsession" category. There is insufficient evidence to determine a significant relationship between social media addiction (in terms of obsession, lack of personal control and excessive use) and self-esteem in this sample of young peopleConclusions: The use of social media does not have a decisive impact on self-esteem in the sample studied.