Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2010-2011: Internacional integration and macroeconomic policy challenges amid global economic turmoil

Includes bibliography

Cell junctions in fish seminiferous epithelium

Similar to mammals, in fish the cellular interactions between Sertoli cells (SC) and germ cells (GC) in the seminiferous epithelium have important structural and functional roles. In this review, we give a brief summary of these interactions, in particular those on the cell junctions. Despite the scarcity of detailed empirical data, it appears that both basic types of adhesive junctions (actin- and intermediate filaments-related) are present between SC. However, the actin-related multifunctional junction known as the ectoplasmic specialization is seemingly present only in some cartilaginous fish. Conversely, SC in other fish species are joined by actin-related junctions similar to typical zonulae or puncta adherens found in other epithelia. Adhesive junctions are also found between SC and GC and between GC and GC, and due to their particular characteristics these junctions are known as desmosome-like junctions. In terms of intercellular communication, connexins and gap junctions have been shown to occur between SC in fish, and they may be involved in the coordination of the synchronous development of GC within the cysts. It is also possible that gap junctions may form an interconnected network between SC and GC within a cyst. Concerning the SC barrier, tight junctions between fish SC apparently form a functional barrier only in cysts containing haploid GC, and different from mammals, meiotic GC in fish are not shielded from the vascular system. In summary, although still not well investigated, cell-cell interactions in the seminiferous epithelium of fish seem to be crucial for GC development, and their disturbance, for example by changing environmental conditions, will probably affect GC survival and fertility. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.

Economic growth with equity: challenges for Latin America

Includes bibliography

Percepción del cirujano-dentista respecto del uso del consentimiento informado en el tratamiento odontológico

The objective of this study was to evaluate: the profile of the surgeon-dentist that undergoes a course in specialization at the Odontology Faculty of Aracatuba/UNESP, Brazil; if they requested informed consent from the patient and/or their legal representative before the realization of procedures, and if the treatment was decided upon with the patient. It was elaborated, validated and applied in questionnaire form, and the data obtained was analyzed by the program EPI-INFO 3.3 The conclusion was, given that surgeon-dentists still do not obtain any type of document before beginning treatment, a large percentage of them are totally vulnerable if submitted to ethical or legal prosecution and that it is necessary to be aware of this aspect.

The United States and Latin America and the Caribbean: Highlights of economics and trade

Foreword by Alicia Bárcena

The contribution of biofuels to the sustainability of development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Includes bibliography

National innovation surveys in Latin America: empirical evidence and policy implications

Includes bibliography

Trade, poverty and complementary policies in Latin America

Includes bibliography

Structural reforms, technological gaps and economic development: a Latin American perspective

Includes bibliography

The competitiveness of agrifoods in Central American and Caribbean countries in the context of trade liberalization

Includes bibliography

Transnational innovation systems

Includes Bibliography

Prevalence of chewing side preference in the deciduous, mixed and permanent dentitions

Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence of the chewing side preference (CSP) in the deciduous, mixed and permanent dentitions. Materials and methods: Three-hundred subjects were divided in three groups (n = 100): Group 1 - children with deciduous dentition; group 2-children with mixed dentition; group 3 - subjects with permanent dentition. The CSP was determined using a direct method (visual observation) developed by McDonnell et al. (2004). Descriptive statistic was used to observe the prevalence of CSP. The Pearson's Chi-square was used to investigate signicant associations between gender, presence of CSP and preferred side (right/left). Results and conclusion: Eighty-seven percent of group 1 had a CSP. Eighty-two percent of group 2 had a CSP. Seventy-six percent of group 3 had a CSP. There was no statistically significant association between presence of CSP and gender in all groups. There was no statistically significant association between preferred side (right/left) and gender in all groups. Clinical significance: There is a higher prevalence of subjects in deciduous, mixed and permanent dentition that presented chewing side preference. The early diagnosis of the presence of chewing side preference can prevent the unilateral chewing pattern with prophylactic therapy applied to the first teeth (deciduous).

International migration in the Americas of people from Latin America and the Caribbean

Includes bibliography

Latin America and the Caribbean. International migration and the global market: background to the decent work agenda

Includes bibliography

Intergovernmental dialogue and consultation processes on international migration in the Americas

Includes bibliography