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Background: Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic neurocutaneous autosomal dominant syndrome, characterized by the development of multiple benign tumors (hamartomas) affecting various systems. Heart-benign tumors that result from the complex are called cardiac rhabdomyomas. Unlike hamartomas that occur in other organs, cardiac rhabdomyomas are most prevalent in infants and very young children with tuberous sclerosis complex. We present a case of a young adult with tuberous sclerosis who had an unusually late diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyomas. Case report: A 22-year-old male patient of Afro-descendant, diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex in childhood, presented with refractory epilepsy and was treated only with lacosamide. The patient came to medical consultation due to a recent history of episodic, persistent chest pain in the sternal region, associated with physical effort. Echocardiography revealed a non-dilated left ventricle, with several rounded masses of high echogenicity without pedicles at the apical level, the largest measuring 14 × 11 mm, consistent with cardiac rhabdomyomas. Conclusion: Cardiac rhabdomyomas rarely develop in adulthood for individuals with tuberous sclerosis. These late-onset cases can exhibit various symptoms, from simple to complex presentations. Regular clinical checkups are essential for adults with tuberous sclerosis complex.

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p-type Ag-N dual acceptor doped ZnO thin films with long electrical stability were deposited by DC magnetron reactive co-sputtering technique. After deposition, the films were annealed at 400 °C for one hour in a nitrogen-controlled atmosphere. The deposited films were amorphous. However, after annealing, they crystallize in the typical hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. The Ag-N dual acceptors were incorporated substitutionally in the structure of zinc oxide, and achieving that; the three samples presented the p-type conductivity in the ZnO. Initial electrical properties showed a low resistivity of from 1 to 10-3 Ω·cm, Hall mobility of tens cm2/V·s, and a hole concentration from 1017 to 1019 cm-3. The electrical stability analysis reveals that the p-type conductivity of the ZnO:Ag,N films is very stable and does not revert to n-type, even after 36 months of aging. These results reveal the feasibility of using these films for applications in short-wavelength or transparent optoelectronic devices.

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We here report of a conference about "Pesticides in Soil, Groundwater and Food in Latin America as part of One Health" that took place at the "IV Seminario Internacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SISA)" in Varadero, Cuba, 8-12 May 2023. Researchers of Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico) and Switzerland (workshop initiator) held presentations about occurrence and effects of pesticides on the environment, human health, the replacement of highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) by agroecological alternatives and the agri-food value chain. In a subsequent round table discussion, the presenters identified deficits, needs, interests and opportunities. According to them, the lack of awareness of pesticide use affects the health and safety of workers applying the chemicals. Despite Latin America representing the main agricultural area in the world with a very intense pesticide use, monitoring data of pesticides in soil, surface and groundwaters, food, as well as in humans are missing. Risks of pesticides to humans should be assessed so that authorities can withdraw or limit within "short time" the access to corresponding formulations on the market. Also, communication is not state of the art and should be improved as, e.g. the teaching of workers and farmers, how to correctly use and apply pesticides or the briefing of decision makers. Pollinators suffer from multiple stressors not the least due to pesticides, and alternatives are badly needed. On the technical side, the different analytical methods to determine residues of active ingredients and transformation products in matrices of concern should be harmonized among laboratories.Seven future actions and goals were identified to overcome the above deficits. Next steps after the publishing of this conference report are to harmonize and complete the information status of the presenters by exchanging the results/data already present. Therefore, a platform of interaction to address issues described above and to enhance collaboration shall be created. Samples of different matrices shall be exchanged to harmonize the chemical analysis and establish interlaboratory comparisons. Such activities might be facilitated by joining international associations or organizations, where researchers can offer their expertise, or by forming a new pesticide network for Central and South America that could present tailored projects to national and international organizations and funding agencies.

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Resumen La evaluación es un proceso sistemático que resulta en un juicio de valor para tomar decisiones. Los instrumentos empleados para obtener datos sobre el desempeño de los estudiantes requieren de un proceso sistemático y objetivo para su implementación. El mini-CEX es un instrumento de observación directa que ha sido empleado para la evaluación de la competencia clínica en los estudiantes de pre y posgrado desde su invención en 1955. Cuenta con diferentes evidencias de validez para su uso en distintos contextos educativos y clínicos. Permite realizar evaluaciones rápidas, acompañadas de realimentación y que proporcionan información relevante del desarrollo de la competencia clínica. El objetivo de este escrito es exponer la experiencia de la implementación del mini-CEX en el pregrado médico para la evaluación formativa de los estudiantes utilizando la simulación con pacientes estandarizados. Para lograr este objetivo se empleó la siguiente secuencia: búsqueda, planeación, integración y aplicación. Posterior a estos pasos se dan una serie de recomendaciones para la implementación del mini-CEX. Se concluye que la evaluación de la competencia clínica es importante para la mejora continua y permanente de los estudiantes de pre y posgrado. Es necesario sistematizar la evaluación ajustada siempre a objetivos y necesidades específicas de la evaluación.

Abstract Evaluation is a systematic process that results in a judgment to make decisions. The instruments used to obtain data on student performance require a systematic and objective process for their implementation. The mini-CEX is a direct observation tool that has been used for the evaluation of clinical competence in undergraduate and postgraduate students since its invention in 1955. It has different validity evidence for use in different educational and clinical contexts. It allows rapid evaluations, accompanied by feedback and providing relevant information on the development of clinical competence. The objective of this paper is to expose the experience of the implementation of the mini-CEX in the medical undergraduate for the formative evaluation of students using simulation with standardized patients. To achieve this goal, the following sequence was used: search, planning, integration, and application. After these steps we make some recommendations for the implementation of the mini-CEX. Its is concluded that the evaluation of clinical competence is important for the continuous and permanent improvement of undergraduate and graduate students. It is necessary to systematize the evaluation always adjusted to objectives and specific needs of the evaluation.

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Plantain is a basic component in the Puerto Ricans' diet and one of the most economically important crops on the Island. Maricongo crops, the predominant cultivar, do not satisfy the demand for fresh and processed products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and in vitro digestibility of Maiden and FHIA 20 plantains in stages 1 and 5 and compare these data to Maricongo. Estimated glycemic indexes (eGI) of cultivars under conventional cooking processes (i.e., boiling, fried, baked, and steamed) were performed as well. Baked Maricongo stood out because of its lowest rapidly available glucose value (22.06%), constituting a healthier and the first cooking alternative. eGI values were classified as medium and high, where frying and baking processes presented medium values, and boiling displayed the greatest eGI for both stages. In terms of nutritional profile, this research concludes that Maiden could constitute an option to substitute or supplement Maricongo.

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The electron transport layer (ETL) plays a crucial role in solar cell technology, particularly in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), where nanostructured TiO2 films have been investigated as superior ETLs compared to compact TiO2. In this study, we explored the nanocolumnar growth of TiO2 in the anatase phase for bilayer thin films by DC reactive magnetron sputtering (MS) technique and glancing-angle deposition (GLAD). For the growth of the compact TiO2 layer, it was found that the crystalline quality of the films is strongly dependent on the sputtering power, and the samples deposited at 120 and 140 W are those with the best crystalline quality. However, for the nanocolumnar layer, the reactive atmosphere composition determined the best crystalline properties. By optimizing the growth parameters, the formation of TiO2 nanocolumns with a cross-sectional diameter ranging from 50 to 75 nm was achieved. The average thickness of the films exceeded 12.71 ± 0.5 µm. All nanostructured films were grown at a constant GLAD angle of 70°, and after deposition, the measured inclination angle of the nanocolumns is very close to this, having values between 68 and 80°. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the quality of the initial layer and the enhanced growth of the TiO2 nanocolumns. All bilayer films are highly transparent, allowing light to pass through up to 90%, and present a band gap with values between 3.7 and 3.8 eV. This article offers the experimental parameters for the fabrication of a nanocolumnar TiO2 using the magnetron sputtering technique and the glancing-angle deposition configuration.

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Introducción: Los trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, en especial la preeclampsia, son un problema de salud pública local e internacional, debido al incremento de los factores de riesgo en mujeres de edad fértil. Objetivo: Evaluar la relevancia de los trastornos hipertensivos y su estudio por los profesionales obstetras y médicos de primer nivel de atención en el Ecuador. Método: Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos actualizados en diferentes bases de datos donde se abordaron las generalidades de su clasificación, fisiopatología, predicción de preeclampsia, prevención de los trastornos hipertensivos, tratamientos de estos trastornos, tratamiento de la crisis o emergencia hipertensiva, eclampsia, manejo expectante de la preeclampsia severa. Resultados: Según se plantea, la hipertensión y la preeclampsia pueden surgir por primera vez posparto, y la hipertensión posparto representa hasta el 25 % de todos los trastornos hipertensivos. La hipertensión severa se asocia con una morbilidad y mortalidad materna significativa, incluido un mayor riesgo de enfermedades cerebrovasculares. Por lo tanto, se recomienda terapia antihipertensiva urgente para reducir la presión arterial. Consideraciones finales: Es de suma importancia realizar tamizaje de riesgo a todas las pacientes embarazadas, junto con una evaluación cardiovascular detallada para detectar la presencia de factores de riesgo o condiciones cardiometabólicas que favorezcan la aparición de las enfermedades hipertensivas durante el embarazo.

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, especially preeclampsia, are a local and international public health problem, due to the increase in risk factors in women of childbearing age. Objective: To evaluate the relevance of hypertensive disorders and their study by obstetricians and first-level medical professionals in Ecuador. Method: A review of updated scientific articles was carried out in different databases where the generalities of their classification, pathophysiology, prediction of preeclampsia, prevention of hypertensive disorders, treatments of these disorders, treatment of hypertensive crisis or emergency, eclampsia, were addressed and expectant management of severe preeclampsia. Results: It is hypothesized that hypertension and preeclampsia may first arise postpartum, and postpartum hypertension accounts for up to 25% of all hypertensive disorders. Severe hypertension is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, including an increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, urgent antihypertensive therapy is recommended to reduce blood pressure. Final considerations: It is extremely important to perform risk screening on all pregnant patients, along with a detailed cardiovascular evaluation to detect the presence of risk factors or cardiometabolic conditions that favor the appearance of hypertensive diseases during pregnancy.

Introdução: As doenças hipertensivas da gravidez, especialmente a pré-eclâmpsia, constituem um problema de saúde pública local e internacional, devido ao aumento de fatores de risco em mulheres em idade fértil. Objetivo: Avaliar a relevância dos distúrbios hipertensivos e seu estudo por obstetras e profissionais médicos de primeiro nível no Equador. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão de artigos científicos atualizados em diferentes bases de dados onde foram abordadas as generalidades de sua classificação, fisiopatologia, predição de pré-eclâmpsia, prevenção de distúrbios hipertensivos, tratamentos desses distúrbios, tratamento de crise ou emergência hipertensiva, eclâmpsia. manejo da pré-eclâmpsia grave. Resultados: Supõe-se que a hipertensão e a pré-eclâmpsia possam surgir inicialmente no pós-parto, e a hipertensão pós-parto é responsável por até 25% de todos os distúrbios hipertensivos. A hipertensão grave está associada a morbidade e mortalidade materna significativa, incluindo um risco aumentado de doenças cerebrovasculares. Portanto, recomenda-se terapia anti-hipertensiva urgente para reduzir a pressão arterial. Considerações finais: É de extrema importância a realização de triagem de risco em todas as gestantes, juntamente com uma avaliação cardiovascular detalhada para detectar a presença de fatores de risco ou condições cardiometabólicas que favoreçam o aparecimento de doenças hipertensivas durante a gravidez.

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Cornejo, M. I., Henríquez, M., Herrera, F., Muñoz, F., Bernardes, N., Auricchio, J. R., y Castelli-Correia de Campos, L. F. (2022). Percepción de la calidad de vida en para- deportistas y no deportistas chilenos con lesión cerebral. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20 (2), 1-18. La calidad de vida (CV) y la actividad física son aspectos relevantes en la salud de la población, y esta última con un impacto positivo en las personas con discapacidad. Debido a esto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar las características e identificar la asociación entre los dominios de la percepción de la CV entre un grupo de personas con lesión cerebral que practican fútbol, para-deportistas (PD) y personas con lesión cerebral no para-deportistas (NPD), además determinar si existen diferencias en la percepción de la CV según las diferentes clases deportivas (FT1, FT2 y FT3). El estudio se desarrolló en Chile, donde se aplicó el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF para determinar la CV de los participantes. Los resultados identificaron una relación positiva y significativa entre los distintos dominios de la CV (p < .001, r = .44 - .67). Además, se observó una mejor percepción de la CV en los PD (p < .001, TE = 1.18, grande) en comparación con lo reportado por el grupo NPD. Por otro lado, no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas entre los dominios para las diferentes clases deportivas en el grupo PD. Estos datos refuerzan la idea de que la práctica deportiva influye en la participación social y en la percepción de la CV en PD con lesión cerebral. El desarrollo conjunto de los factores asociados entre la salud y el bienestar socioemocional podrían colaborar con la consolidación de la práctica deportiva y de actividad física, los cuales, a su vez son beneficiosos para las personas con discapacidad tal como lo plantean los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible en su agenda de trabajo provista al año 2030.

Cornejo, M. I., Henríquez, M., Herrera, F., Muñoz, F., Bernardes, N., Auricchio, J. R., y Castelli-Correia de Campos, L. F. (2022). Perception of quality of life in chilean para-athletes and non-athletes with brain injury. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20 (2), 1-16. Quality of life (QOL) and physical activity are relevant aspects in the health of the population, and the latter has a positive impact on people with disabilities. For this reason, the objectives of this study were to compare the characteristics and identify the association between the domains of QOL perception between a group of people with brain injury who practice soccer, para-athletes (PD) and non-para-athletes with brain injury (NPD), as well as to determine if there are differences in the perception of QOL according to the different sports classes (FT1, FT2 and FT3). The study was carried out in Chile, where the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was applied to determine the QOL of participants. The results identified a positive and significant relationship between the different domains of QOL (p < .001, r = .44 - .67). In addition, a better perception of QoL was observed in the PDs (p < .001, TE = 1.18, large) compared to that reported by the NPD group. On the other hand, no significant differences between domains were obtained for the different sport classes in the PD group. These data reinforce the idea that sport practice influences social participation and perception of QoL in PD with brain injury. The joint development of the factors associated between health and socioemotional well-being could collaborate in the consolidation of sports practice and physical activity, which, in turn, are beneficial for people with disabilities, as proposed by the Sustainable Development Goals in their work agenda foreseen for the year 2030.

Cornejo, M. I., Henríquez, M., Herrera, F., Muñoz, F., Bernardes, N., Auricchio, J. R., y Castelli-Correia de Campos, L. F. (2022). Percepção da qualidade de vida em paratletas e não-atletas chilenos com lesões cerebrais. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 20 (2), 1-16. Qualidade de vida (QV) e atividade física são aspectos relevantes da saúde da população, tendo esta última um impacto positivo sobre as pessoas com deficiências. Portanto, os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar as características e identificar a associação entre os domínios da percepção de QV entre um grupo de pessoas com lesões cerebrais que praticam futebol, paratletas (P) e pessoas com lesões cerebrais não paratletas (NP), e determinar se existem diferenças na percepção de QV de acordo com as diferentes classes esportivas (FT1, FT2 e FT3). O estudo foi realizado no Chile, onde o questionário WHOQOL-BREF foi utilizado para determinar o QV dos participantes. Os resultados identificaram uma relação positiva e significativa entre os diferentes domínios da QV (p < 0,001, r = 0,44 - 0,67). Além disso, uma melhor percepção de QV foi observada nos Ps (p < 0,001, TE = 1,18, grande) em comparação com a relatada pelo grupo NP. Por outro lado, não foram obtidas diferenças significativas entre os domínios para as diferentes classes esportivas do grupo P. Estes dados reforçam a ideia de que a prática esportiva influencia a participação social e a percepção da QV nos P com lesão cerebral. O desenvolvimento conjunto de fatores associados à saúde e ao bem-estar socioemocional poderia contribuir para a consolidação da prática do esporte e da atividade física, que, por sua vez, são benéficos para as pessoas com deficiência, conforme estabelecido nas Metas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável em sua agenda para 2030.

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INTRODUCTION: Virtual debriefing is a cardinal element to achieve the effectiveness of telesimulation. There are different instruments to assess face-to-face debriefing to determine the degree of effectiveness of debriefing; Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) instrument is one of them. This study aims to describe and compare the evaluation of raters, instructors, and students during a virtual debriefing using the DASH. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed evaluating the virtual debriefing of 30 instructors after a heart failure telesimulation scenario. The evaluation was conducted by 30 instructors, 338 undergraduate students in the seventh semester, and 7 simulation raters. The 3 versions of the DASH instrument in Spanish were applied, respectively. RESULTS: Two comparisons were made, student versus instructor and rater versus instructor. Cronbach α was 0.97 for each version. The averages of the results on the DASH instrument were: 6.61 (3.34-7.0), 5.95 (4.65-7.0), and 4.84 (2.68-6.02) for student, rater, and instructor versions, respectively. The size effect between student and debriefer perspectives was 0.42. In contrast, the size effect between instructor and rater was 0.72. All differences were significant. CONCLUSIONS: There are different rates between the persons who use the DASH. In this study, from the perspective of the instructor and rater, the difference was 1 point with a wide range, in contrast with the difference between instructor and student, which is relatively minor. It is necessary to consider the perspectives of experts in the subject to achieve a virtual debriefing of high quality and improve a debriefing by using the DASH.

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Ewing's sarcoma/Primitive Neuro-Ectodermic Tumor of the kidney accounts for less than 1% of all kidney tumors. We present the case of a 37-year-old male with abdominal pain secondary to a right renal tumor of 7 × 7 × 5 cm. A robotic right radical nephrectomy was performed. In the histopathological and immunohistochemistry was reported NKX2.2(+), CD99(+), synaptophysin(+), and FLI-1(+). Extraosseous Ewing's Sarcoma was diagnosed. The patient was treated with: Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Mesna, and Isophosphamide.

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OBJECTIVE: to verify the relationship between abdominal muscle endurance and the level of body fat, measured through the waist-to-height ratio, in young people with Down syndrome (DS). SUBJECT AND METHOD: A comparative descriptive study was carried out in 115 young people with DS (n = 65 men and n = 50 women) aged between 10 and 18 years, from the Maule Region. Age, weight, height, and waist circumference were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The abdominal muscle endurance test (AME) was evaluated in 60 seconds and clas sified into two categories (low AME and acceptable AME). RESULTS: Subjects of both sexes classified with adequate levels of AME showed lower WHtR and BMI values (p < 0.05), while those classified with low levels of AME showed higher values of WHtR and BMI (p < 0.05). The correlations between adiposity and AME were negative and ranged in both sexes from r = 0.20 to 0.25, p < 0.05. Conclu sion: The study showed that young people of both sexes with DS classified with adequate levels of AME, presented decreased values of WHtR.

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Solanum tuberosum aspartic Proteases (StAPs) show selective plasma membrane permeabilization, inducing cytotoxicity of cancer cells versus normal cells in vitro. Herein, we aimed to evaluate both StAP3 systemic toxicity and antitumoral activity against human melanoma in vivo. The toxicity of a single high dose of StAP3 (10 µg/g body weight, intraperitoneally) was assessed in a Balb/c mice model. Subcutaneous A375 human melanoma xenografts in athymic nude (nu/nu) mice were induced. Once tumors developed (mean larger dimension = 3.8 ± 0.09 mm), mice were StAP3-treated (6 µg/g body weight, subcutaneously under the tumor at a single dose). For both models, controls were treated with physiologic saline solution. StAP3-treated mice showed a significant inhibition of tumor growth (p < 0.05) compared with controls. No signs of toxicity were detected in StAP3-treated mice in both models. These results suggest the potential of these plant proteases as anticancer agents.

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Resumen Introducción: Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes causadas por el Herpes Virus Humano Tipo 6 (HHV-6) ocurren en niños menores de 2 años, presentan lesiones en piel tipo roséola o exantema súbito. En adultos, las manifestaciones clínicas relacionadas a HHV-6 son muy variables, y pueden sobreponerse con otras afecciones. Objetivo: Presentar una serie de casos de pacientes diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6, quienes mostraban manifestaciones neurológicas, dermatológicas y de fatiga crónica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó análisis de historias clínicas de 6 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6, a través de métodos moleculares. Resultados: Se reportan 6 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6 mediante métodos moleculares, quienes presentaron manifestaciones clínicas comunes tales como: fiebre, cefalea, depresión, decaimiento, pérdida de memoria y concentración, dolor fibromuscular, dolor poliarticular, sueño no reparador, exantema, nevus rubí, liquen plano y parestesias. Conclusiones: A través de esta serie de casos se espera resaltar la importancia de identificar la infección activa por HHV-6 a través de métodos moleculares, y sensibilizar a la comunidad médica sobre el papel que juega el virus en la evolución de diversas patologías.

Abstract Introduction: The most frequent clinical manifestations of Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in children under 2 years of age are roseola-like skin lesions and sudden rash. In adults, the clinical manifestations associated with HHV-6 are highly variable and can overlap with other conditions. Objective: To present a case series of patients diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection, who showed neurological, dermatological and chronic fatigue manifestations. Materials and methods: An analysis of medical records of 6 patients who were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods was performed. Results: 6 patients were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection using molecular methods, who had common clinical manifestations such as fever, headache, depression, tiredness, loss of memory and concentration, fibromuscular pain, polyarticular pain, nonrestorative sleep, rash, ruby nevus, lichen planus and paresthesia. Conclusions: This case series highlights the importance of identifying active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods and creating awareness in the medical community of the role that the virus plays on the development of diverse pathologies.

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OBJECTIVE: There is significant debate between up-front radical trachelectomy versus neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before fertility-sparing surgery in patients with tumors ≥2 cm. The aim of this study was to report on the oncological and obstetrical outcome of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by fertility-sparing surgery, in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer ≥2 cm. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer measuring ≥2 cm to ≤6 cm, who were scheduled to undergo neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before fertility-sparing surgery, at six institutions from four Latin American countries between February 2009 and February 2019. Data collected included: age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 stage, histology, tumor size, pre-treatment imaging work-up, chemotherapy agents and number of cycles, toxicity, clinical and imaging response rate, type of fertility-sparing surgery, pathology results, timing of lymphadenectomy, follow-up time, and obstetrical and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included, with a median age of 27 years (range 20-37): 17 patients had stage IB1, 7 had stage IB2 cervical cancer, and 1 patient had stage IIA1 (FIGO 2009); 23 patients had squamous cell carcinoma and 2 patients had adenocarcinoma. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 3 (range 3-6) and no toxicity grade 3-4 was reported. Lymphadenectomy was performed before chemotherapy in 6 (24%) patients. After neo-adjuvant chemotherapy 20 patients were scheduled for radical trachelectomy (11 abdominal and 9 laparoscopic) and 5 patients for conization. After surgery, no residual disease was found in 11 patients (44%). Fertility was preserved in 23 patients (92%) and 10 patients became pregnant (43.5%). After a median follow-up time of 47 months (13-133), 3 patients had recurrent disease (3/23=13%), 2 were alive without disease, and 1 patient had disease at last contact. CONCLUSION: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by fertility-sparing surgery is feasible in well selected patients with cervical tumors ≥2 cm. Future studies should focus on the timing of lymphadenectomy and type of cervical surgery.

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Aguamiel is the sap collected from agave, while pulque is the result of the natural fermentation of aguamiel. Despite its ancestral origin and numerous publications on pulque production, little is known about the evolution and concentration of sugars and fructo-oligosaccharides in aguamiel, either during its daily accumulation or through the agave production lifetime. In this study, we examined aguamiel composition in three agave plants during their productive lifetime (4 to 9 months). After each collection, the agave pine is scraped to induce aguamiel to flow into an internally created cavity (cajete), producing a residual bagasse (metzal). We found that the concentration of agave fructans and sucrose, as well as the fructan profile, change during the aguamiel production process. During the daily collection, a small amount of agave fructans released from the pine by scraping is drawn into the cajete with the first milliliters of sap where it is then diluted with the inflow of aguamiel. The main component of aguamiel is the sucrose produced in high concentration in the leaves through photosynthesis and then hydrolyzed in the cajete as aguamiel accumulates. We also describe how the fructan profile changes during the accumulation of aguamiel in the cajete. In addition to the varying amount of sucrose that is hydrolyzed in the aguamiel accumulated, we found that fructo-oligosaccharides are either diluted, consumed, or hydrolyzed, depending on the plant and its production stage, thus yielding different fructan profiles. New fructo-oligosaccharides are, in some cases, synthesized by bacteria present in aguamiel. These profiles were also observed in aguamiel collected from ten different plants in the same production region. We also found that a considerable amount of agave fructans is lost in metzal (bagasse), the agave material that is scraped and thrown away twice a day during the production process.

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Introducción: La automedicación es un problema de salud, especialmente, en estudiantes que viven en residencias universitarias. Objetivo: Caracterizar la automedicación en estudiantes que viven en una residencia universitaria de la ciudad de Chillán. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. La muestra fue no probabilística y quedó conformada por 102 estudiantes que representaron el 68 por ciento del universo. Para caracterizar la práctica de automedicación se creó un instrumento basado en la literatura, el cual se validó por expertos y prueba piloto. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de automedicación del 81,2 por ciento. Las principales razones refieren no considerar necesario consultar al médico (46 por ciento). Si la sintomatología persiste, un 56 por ciento concurre al médico. La adquisición de medicamentos es principalmente en farmacias (63 por ciento) y las fuentes de promoción de la conducta son lideradas por familiares (51 por ciento) y amigos (47,6 por ciento). Los síntomas más frecuentes que fueron causa de la automedicación fueron: dolor de cabeza, gripe e inflamaciones, las cuales fueron tratadas preferentemente por el grupo de fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos. El 80 por ciento considera que automedicarse es una práctica riesgosa, el 64 por ciento ha recomendado algún medicamento y un 46 por ciento tienen un stock de ellos en su lugar de residencia. Conclusiones: La automedicación constituye una forma de autocuidado que debe ser enfocada en forma conjunta por todos los entes participantes a fin de minimizar los potenciales riesgos asociados(AU)

Introduction: Self-medication is a health problem, especially in students who live in university residences. Objective: To characterize self- medication in students from a university dorm in the city of Chillán, Chile. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. The sample was non- probabilistic and it was formed by 102 students that represented the 68 percent of the sample group. In order to evaluate self- medication and its characteristics, a tool was created based on the literature, which was validated by experts and a pilot test. Results: There was a self-medication's prevalence of 81,2 percent. The main causes for doing it have to do with that they do not consider necessary to consult a doctor (46 percent); if the symptomatology persists, 56 percent of them go to the doctor. The acquisition of medicines comes mainly from pharmacies (63 percent) and the sources of behavior's promotion are led by relatives (51 percent) and friends (47,6 percent). The more frequent symptoms reported were: headaches, flu and inflammation, which were preferably treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The 80 percent considered that self- medication is a risky practice; nevertheless, 64 percent have sometimes recommended a medicine and 46 percent of them have a medicine's stock at home. Conclusions: Self- medication establishes a way of self-care that should be focused jointly by all participating entities to minimize the potential associated risks(AU)

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RESUMEN Introducción: La automedicación es un problema de salud, especialmente, en estudiantes que viven en residencias universitarias. Objetivo: Caracterizar la automedicación en estudiantes que viven en una residencia universitaria de la ciudad de Chillán. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. La muestra fue no probabilística y quedó conformada por 102 estudiantes que representaron el 68 % del universo. Para caracterizar la práctica de automedicación se creó un instrumento basado en la literatura, el cual se validó por expertos y prueba piloto. Resultados: Se obtuvo una prevalencia de automedicación del 81,2 %. Las principales razones refieren no considerar necesario consultar al médico (46 %). Si la sintomatología persiste, un 56 % concurre al médico. La adquisición de medicamentos es principalmente en farmacias (63 %) y las fuentes de promoción de la conducta son lideradas por familiares (51 %) y amigos (47,6 %). Los síntomas más frecuentes que fueron causa de la automedicación fueron: dolor de cabeza, gripe e inflamaciones, las cuales fueron tratadas preferentemente por el grupo de fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos. El 80 % considera que automedicarse es una práctica riesgosa, el 64 % ha recomendado algún medicamento y un 46 % tienen un stock de ellos en su lugar de residencia. Conclusiones: La automedicación constituye una forma de autocuidado que debe ser enfocada en forma conjunta por todos los entes participantes a fin de minimizar los potenciales riesgos asociados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Self-medication is a health problem, especially in students who live in university residences. Objective: To characterize self- medication in students from a university dorm in the city of Chillán, Chile. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study. The sample was non- probabilistic and it was formed by 102 students that represented the 68 % of the sample group. In order to evaluate self- medication and its characteristics, a tool was created based on the literature, which was validated by experts and a pilot test. Results: There was a self-medication's prevalence of 81,2 %. The main causes for doing it have to do with that they do not consider necessary to consult a doctor (46 %); if the symptomatology persists, 56 % of them go to the doctor. The acquisition of medicines comes mainly from pharmacies (63 %) and the sources of behavior's promotion are led by relatives (51%) and friends (47,6 %). The more frequent symptoms reported were: headaches, flu and inflammation, which were preferably treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The 80 % considered that self- medication is a risky practice; nevertheless, 64 % have sometimes recommended a medicine and 46 % of them have a medicine's stock at home. Conclusions: Self- medication establishes a way of self-care that should be focused jointly by all participating entities to minimize the potential associated risks.

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BACKGROUND: Pesticide use is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Costa Rica. This increase poses health risks to farm owners, farm workers, and communities living near agricultural farms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the health effects associated with occupational pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers from conventional and organic smallholder farms in Costa Rica. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 300 owners and workers from organic and conventional horticultural smallholder farms in Zarcero County, Costa Rica. During the baseline study visit, we administered a structured, tablet-based questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, pesticide exposure, and health conditions (eg, respiratory and allergic outcomes and acute pesticide intoxication symptoms) and administered a neurobehavioral test battery (eg, Finger Tapping Test and Purdue Pegboard); we measured blood pressure, anthropometry (height, weight, and waist circumference), and erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase activity and also collected urine samples. In addition, a functional neuroimaging assessment using near-infrared spectroscopy was conducted with a subset of 50 study participants. During the follow-up study visit (~2-4 weeks after the baseline), we administered participants a short questionnaire on recent pesticide exposure and farming practices and collected hair, toenail, and urine samples. Urine samples will be analyzed for various pesticide metabolites, whereas toenails and hair will be analyzed for manganese (Mn), a biomarker of exposure to Mn-containing fungicides. Self-reported pesticide exposure data will be used to develop exposure intensity scores using an exposure algorithm. Furthermore, exposure-outcome associations will be examined using linear and logistic mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: Fieldwork for our study was conducted between May 2016 and August 2016. In total, 113 farm owners and 187 workers from 9 organic and 83 conventional horticultural smallholder farms were enrolled. Data analyses are ongoing and expected to be published between 2019 and 2020. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first to examine differences in health effects due to pesticide exposure between farm owners and workers from organic and conventional smallholder farms in an LMIC. We expect that this study will provide critical data on farming practices, exposure pathways, and how occupational exposure to pesticides may affect farm owners and workers' health. Finally, we hope that this study will allow us to identify strategies to reduce pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers and will potentially lay the groundwork for a future longitudinal study of health outcomes in farm owners and workers exposed to pesticides. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/10914.

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The use of the solvent engineering has been applied for controlling the resolution of lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ß-aminoacids via Michael addition reactions. The strategy consisted of the thermodynamic control of products at equilibrium using the lipase CalB as a catalyst. The enzymatic chemo- and enantioselective synthesis of (R)-(-)-N-benzyl-3-(benzylamino)butanamide is reported, showing the influence of the solvent on the chemoselectivity of the aza-Michael addition and the subsequent kinetic resolution of the Michael adduct; both processes are catalyzed by CalB and both are influenced by the nature of the solvent medium. This approach allowed us to propose a novel one-pot strategy for the enzymatic synthesis of enantiomerically enriched ß-aminoesters and ß-aminoacids.

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En niños inmunocomprometidos, la infección por virus varicela puede producir una enfermedad grave. Existen pocos casos publicados de varicela en pacientes con artritis idiopática juvenil (AIJ) y terapia biológica. OBJETIVO: Describir la evolución de pacientes con AIJ con terapia biológica que adquirieron el virus varicela. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Se describe la historia clínica de 4 pacientes con AIJ, de entre 3 y 12 años de edad, que presentaron infección por virus varicela zoster estando con distintas terapias biológicas: 2 con anti TNF, uno con anti IL-6 y uno con bloqueador de la coestimulación del linfocito T. Dos de ellos habían recibido la vacuna contra la varicela. Todos recibieron diferentes terapias y evolucionaron sin complicaciones, no encontrando diferencias importantes en relación con el tipo de terapia biológica ni con el antecedente de haber sido vacunados. En todos los pacientes se suspendió el tratamiento biológico por al menos 2 semanas y se reinició sin reactivación de la artritis. CONCLUSIONES: En esta serie de pacientes con AIJ tratados con terapia biológica que cursaron con infección por VVZ no se observaron complicaciones graves.

Varicella virus infection may develop into severe disease in immunocompromised children. There are few studies that describe the clinical presentation of varicella infection in patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when on biological therapy. OBJECTIVE: Describe the outcomes of patients with a diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, who acquired a varicella virus infection during treatment with biological therapy. CLINICAL CASES: A description is presented on 4 cases of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in children between 3 and 12 years old, who developed a varicella-zoster infection during treatment with different biological therapies. Two patients were taking anti-TNF agents, one an Anti IL-6 agent, and one patient a T cell costimulatory blockade agent. Two of them received varicella vaccination prior to the start of biological therapy. All of them received different therapies and had favourable outcome without developing complications. No significant differences were found as regards the type of biological therapy or history of previous vaccination. Biological therapy was suspended for at least 2 weeks in all patients, and was restarted without reactivation of arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: No serious complications were observed in this patient series of children with JIA treated with biological therapy associated with VZV infection.

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