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Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, being the third most diagnosed cancer in men and the second most diagnosed cancer in women, with alarming mortality rates. Natural phytochemicals have gained prominence among various therapeutic avenues explored due to their diverse biological properties. Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, and resveratrol, a polyphenol found in several plants, have exhibited remarkable anticancer activities. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability hinder their therapeutic efficacy. To enhance the bioavailability of these compounds, nanomaterials work as effective carriers with biogenic silica (BS) attracting major attention owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and high specific surface area. In this study, we developed Curcumin-resveratrol-loaded BS (Cur-Res-BS) and investigated their effects on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Caco-2). Our results demonstrated significant concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability in HCT-116 cells and revealed a complex interplay of crucial proto-onco or tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, Bax, Wnt-1, and CTNNB1, which are commonly dysregulated in colorectal cancer. Notably, Cur-Res-BS exhibited a synergistic impact on key signaling pathways related to colorectal carcinogenesis. While these findings are promising, further investigations are essential to comprehensively understand the mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic strategy. Moreover, rigorous safety assessments and in vitro studies mimicking the in vivo environment are imperative before advancing to in vivo experiments, ensuring the potential of Cur-Res-BS as an efficient treatment for CRC.
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INTRODUCTION: Antivenom is a lifesaving medicine for treating snakebite envenoming, yet there has been a crisis in antivenom supply for many decades. Despite this, substantial quantities of antivenom stocks expire before use. This study has investigated whether expired antivenoms retain preclinical quality and efficacy, with the rationale that they could be used in emergency situations when in-date antivenom is unavailable. METHODS: Using WHO guidelines and industry test requirements, we examined the in vitro stability and murine in vivo efficacy of eight batches of the sub-Saharan African antivenom, South African Institute for Medical Research polyvalent, that had expired at various times over a period of 30 years. RESULTS: We demonstrate modest declines in immunochemical stability, with antivenoms older than 25 years having high levels of turbidity. In vitro preclinical analysis demonstrated all expired antivenoms retained immunological recognition of venom antigens and the ability to inhibit key toxin families. All expired antivenoms retained comparable in vivo preclinical efficacy in preventing the lethal effects of envenoming in mice versus three regionally and medically important venoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides strong rationale for stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators and health authorities, to explore the use of expired antivenom more broadly, to aid in alleviating critical shortages in antivenom supply in the short term and the extension of antivenom shelf life in the longer term.
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Antivenenos , Mordeduras de Serpentes , Camundongos , Humanos , Animais , Antivenenos/uso terapêutico , Mordeduras de Serpentes/tratamento farmacológico , Peçonhas/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Monodominant tree communities can have phenotypic trait variation (intraspecific variation) as extreme as the trait variation across a forest with higher species diversity. An example of such forests is those composed of Quercus, an important genus of woody angiosperms in the montane neotropical forest. The Andean oak, or Quercus humboldtii Bonpl., is the sole member of this genus in South America and a characteristic component of montane ecosystems. Although there are several studies on the ecology and genetic structure of this species, there are few studies on the functional trait diversity among populations. Understanding functional traits can improve our comprehension of how organisms respond to various environmental conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate differences in six functional traits in individuals of the Andean oak, in two ontogenetic stages (juveniles and adults) from three populations with contrasting environmental conditions. Additionally, using T-statistics, we assessed the impact of external filters (e.g., climate, resource availability, large-scale biotic interactions) on population assembly. We found a remarkable level of functional differentiation among Andean oak forests, with all traits differing between populations and five traits differing between ontogenetic stages. External filters had a stronger influence in populations with more extreme environmental conditions. These findings emphasize the dynamic and context-dependent nature of functional traits in this species. However, given the limited exploration of functional diversity in Andean oak populations, further studies are needed to inform conservation efforts.
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Ecossistema , Quercus , Humanos , Quercus/genética , Florestas , Árvores , EcologiaRESUMO
As injectable therapeutics, snake antivenoms must meet specifications for endotoxin content. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test was used to evaluate the endotoxin content in several commercially available antivenoms released for clinical use. It was found that some products have endotoxin concentrations higher than the accepted limit for these contaminants. These results emphasize the need to include endotoxin determination as part of the routine evaluation of antivenoms by manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
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Data gaps and biases are two important issues that affect the quality of biodiversity information and downstream results. Understanding how best to fill existing gaps and account for biases is necessary to improve our current information most effectively. Two current main approaches for obtaining and improving data include (1) curation of biological collections, and (2) fieldwork. However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in improving biodiversity data remains little explored. We used the Flora de Bogotá project to study the magnitude of change in species richness, spatial coverage, and sample coverage of plant records based on curation versus fieldwork. The process of curation resulted in a decrease in species richness (synonym and error removal), but it significantly increased the number of records per species. Fieldwork contributed to a slight increase in species richness, via accumulation of new records. Additionally, curation led to increases in spatial coverage, species observed by locality, the number of plant records by species, and localities by species compared to fieldwork. Overall, curation was more efficient in producing new information compared to fieldwork, mainly because of the large number of records available in herbaria. We recommend intensive curatorial work as the first step in increasing biodiversity data quality and quantity, to identify bias and gaps at the regional scale that can then be targeted with fieldwork. The stepwise strategy would enable fieldwork to be planned more cost-effectively given the limited resources for biodiversity exploration and characterization.
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SUMMARY: The present research corresponds to a cross-sectional descriptive study in the anthropometric field, which allows coaches to develop standards to identify talent and optimize training in the discipline of beach volleyball. Its objective was to define the anthropometric profile and body composition of the Mexican Olympic beach volleyball teams in both sexes. The participants were couples one and two of Mexico in both sexes (defined by FIVB ranking), 4 women and 4 men with average age of 30.25±6.85 and 27.25±7.36 years. The technique used was Heath-Carter´s somatotype method and the anthropometric profile restricted ISAK protocol. Among the findings resulting from the research, unification can be observed in the male morphological characteristics (triceps skinfold, front thigh skinfold, calf skinfold, circumference of relaxed and contracted arm, waist, hip, femur diameter and BMI), as for the somatotype, both sexes of Mexican couples are positioned in mesomorphs-balanced. In relation to other studies consulted, balance in somatotype and muscular development is observed with high performance teams. Weight and height, as well as age, are important variables for the selection of talent and future optimal performance in world and professional volleyball.
La presente investigación corresponde a un estudio descriptivo transversal en el campo antropométrico, que permite a los entrenadores desarrollar estándares para identificar talentos y optimizar el entrenamiento en la disciplina de voleibol de playa. Su objetivo fue definir el perfil antropométrico y la composición corporal de las selecciones olímpicas mexicanas de voleibol de playa en ambos géneros. Los participantes fueron las parejas uno y dos de México en ambos géneros (definidos por ranking Fédération Internationale de Volleyball), 4 mujeres y 4 hombres con edad promedio de 30.25±6.85 y 27.25±7.36 años. La técnica utilizada fue el método del somatotipo de Heath-Carter y el protoolo ISAK del perfil antropométrico restringido. Entre los hallazgos resultantes de la investigación, se puede observar una unificación en las carácteristicas morfológicas masculinas (pliegue cuatáneotricipital, pliegue cutáneo anterior del muslo, pliegue citáneo de la pantorrila, circunferencia del brazo relajado y contraído, cintura, cadera, diámetro del fémur e IMC), en cuanto al somatotipo, ambos sexos de las parejas mexicanas se posicionan en mesomorfos-equilibrados. En relación a otros estudios consultados, se observa equilibrio en somatotipo y desarrollo muscular con equipos de alto rendimiento. El peso y la altura, así como la edad, son variables importantes para la selección del talento y en el futuro desempeño óptimo en el voleibol mundial y profesional.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Composição Corporal , Antropometria , Voleibol , Somatotipos , Estudos Transversais , MéxicoRESUMO
Introducción: Los profesionales del área de odontología se ven expuestos a diferentes tipos de ruidos generados en el ambiente laboral producidos durante el ejercicio de su práctica clínica, originados, entre otros, por el instrumental y los aparatos rotatorios de uso diario. Estos niveles de ruido pueden variar de acuerdo a la especialidad clínica. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de ruido producido durante los procedimientos odontológicos en las clínicas de una facultad de odontología. Material y Métodos: A partir de un estudio de corte transversal analítico y mediante muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia se realizó el reconocimiento de las unidades en las especialidades odontológicas a evaluar. Se usó un sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nivel de frecuencia A, rango 30-130 dB, exactitud más o menos 1,5 dB. Se utilizaron las pruebas U de Mann Whitney y Kruskal Wallis para determinar diferencias en los niveles de ruido entre las especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: La mediana del nivel de ruido medido en general fue de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 77,51), la especialidad clínica en la que mayor ruido se identificó fue la operatoria dental (mediana 77,34 y RIC 76,44 79,4 dB). Conclusiones: las áreas clínicas operatoria dental, rehabilitación, endodoncia y odontopediatriÌa corresponden a las especialidades donde los niveles de ruido determinados se ajustan a los límites permitidos por la normatividad vigente en Colombia para el ruido medido en ambiente laboral.
Introduction: Dental professionals are exposed to different noise levels in their work environment during their clinical practice, mainly caused by dental instruments and rotary instruments used on a daily basis. Noise levels may vary according to the type of clinical specialty. Objective: To determine noise levels during dental procedures in dental school clinics. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by means of non-probability convenience sampling to determine dental specialties to be evaluated. BENETECH GM1352 30-130dB Digital Sound Level Meter with accuracy +/- 1.5 dB and A weighting was used for measurements. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to identify differences in noise levels among dental specialties. Results: Measured median noise level was 75.94 dB (RCI 74.21 -77.51), dental surgery was identified to have the highest noise among clinical specialties (median 77.34 and RCI 76.44 -79.4 dB). Conclusions: Dental surgery, oral rehabilitation, endodontics and pediatric dentistry were found to be the clinical specialties where noise exposure is within the limits established by Colombian regulations for noise in the workplace.
Introdução: Os profissionais da área da odontologia estão expostos a diferentes tipos de ruído gerado no ambiente de trabalho produzido durante o exercício da sua prática clínica, proveniente, entre outros, de instrumentos e aparelhos rotativos em uso diário. Estes níveis de ruído podem variar de acordo com a especialidade clínica. Objetivo: Determinar o nível de ruído produzido durante procedimentos odontológicos nas clínicas de uma escola de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Com base em um estudo analítico transversal e por meio de amostragem por conveniência não probabilística, foram levantadas as unidades das especialidades odontológicas a serem avaliadas. Foi utilizado um sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nível de frequência A, faixa de medição 30-130 dB, precisão mais ou menos 1,5 dB. Os testes U de Mann Whitney e Kruskal Wallis foram usados para determinar as diferenças nos níveis de ruído entre as especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: O nível de ruído médio medido globalmente foi de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 - 77,51), sendo que a especialidade clínica em que foi identificado o maior ruído foi a cirurgia dentária (média 77,34 e RIC 76,44 -79,4 dB). Conclusões: as áreas clínicas de cirurgia dentária, reabilitação, endodontia e odontologia pediátrica correspondem às especialidades onde os níveis de ruído determinados estão de acordo com os limites permitidos pela regulamentação em vigor na Colômbia para o ruído medido no ambiente de trabalho.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Universidades , Saúde Ocupacional , Odontologia , RuídoRESUMO
Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response in animals used as immunoglobulin source to produce snake antivenoms. We tested the performance of four commercial emulsion adjuvants (Montanide, Freund, Carbigen, and Emulsigen-D) and an experimental adjuvant (QH-769) in the antibody response of horses towards venoms of the African snakes Bitis arietans, Echis ocellatus, Dendroaspis polylepis and Naja nigricollis. Montanide, Freund and Carbigen adjuvants generated the highest immune response but induced moderate/severe local lesions at the site of injection. In contrast, Emulsigen-D and QH-769 adjuvants generated the lowest immune response and low incidence of local lesions. No evidence of systemic alterations was observed in the horses immunized with any of the adjuvants. It is suggested that the use of Montanide or Freund-based emulsions in the first immunization steps, followed by the use of Emulsigen-D, QH-769 or similar adjuvants in the following injections, could result in a satisfactory immune response against snake venoms, while not inducing serious local deleterious effects.
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Mexico has been under official epidemiological alert due to diabetes since 2016. This study presents new information on the frequency and variants of metformin transporters OCT1, OCT2, OCT3, ABCB1, and CYP2C9 variants as well. It also reports the association with HbA1c control on 103 DMT2 patients. They were genotyped through real-time PCR (TaqMan assays) and grouped according to treatment: metformin and metformin + glibenclamide. Metformin plasmatic levels were determined through mass spectrometry. The analysis of HbA1c showed statistical significance across genotypes in polymorphisms rs72552763 (p = 0.022), rs622342 (p = 0.009), rs1128503 (p = 0.021), and rs2032582 (p = 0.009) within the monotherapy group. Bivariate analysis found no association between any polymorphism and HbA1c control. Two logistic regression models accounted for two diplotypes in OCT1 and ABCB1, including statistically significant covariates. The first model yielded significance in age (p = 0.026), treatment period [p = 0.001], BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.043), and combined therapy (p < 0.001). There was no association with GAT/GAT of rs72552763 or A/A rs622342 in OCT1. The second model yielded significance in age (p = 0.017), treatment period (p = 0.001), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.042), and combined therapy (p < 0.001), finding no association with C/C of rs1128503 or G/G of rs2032582 in ABCB1. Our multinomial logistic regression results may benefit future predictive analyses in diabetic populations.
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El estudio realizado fue no experimental correlacional de corte transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, en una población de 100 trabajadores de seguridad de una empresa en la ciudad de Quito, que desempeñaban funciones de guardias de seguridad. Los datos se recolectaron mediante dos instrumentos validados: cuestionario factorial de personalidad 16PF-V y el test AUDIT (por sus siglas en inglés: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Los rasgos de riesgo más observa-dos fueron: imperturbable-con poca ansiedad (52%) e introvertido-socialmente inhibido (49%), el 79% de los participantes no mostró dificultades con el consumo de alcohol. El nivel de consumo de alcohol se correlacionó positiva y estadísticamente significativa con la dimensión de personalidad ansiedad. Se destaca la necesidad de dar seguimiento constante a esta problemática y generar estrategias preventivas y de afrontamiento al respecto.
The research was non-experimental, correlational and cross-sectional with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of 100 security workers of a company who performed func-tions of security guards in the city of Quito. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the 16PF-V factorial personality questionnaire and the AUDIT test (for its acronym in English: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). The most observed risk traits were: unper-turbed, with little anxiety (52%) and introverted, socially inhibited (49%), 79% of the partici-pants did not show difficulties with alcohol consumption. The level of alcohol consumption was positively correlated and statistically significant with the anxiety personality dimension. Moni-toring this problem and generating preventive and coping strategies in this regard is highlighted
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ansiedade , Personalidade , Alcoolismo , Segurança , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas , Categorias de TrabalhadoresRESUMO
ntroducción: La información sobre la evolución de la infección por COVID-19 en personas gestantes (PG) continúa en desarrollo.Objetivos: Describir la presentación de la infección por Sars-CoV-2 en PG y determinar variables asociadas a mayor gravedad.Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Periodo: 01/03/2020-31/07/2021. Se incluyeron PG con diagnóstico de COVID-19 asistidas en una maternidad de gestión pública: se clasificaron según gravedad y se dividieron en dos grupos: Grup o1 leve y de manejo ambulatorio; Grupo 2 moderado, severo y crítico, con internación. Se analizó la relación entre gravedad y obesidad, DBT, hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (HIE), edad gestacional, edad materna, vacunación antigripal. Recién nacidos (RN) de madres infectadas se estudiaron con PCR para Sars-CoV-2 24-48 hs postnacimiento. Análisis estadístico: Chi-cuadrado o test exacto de Fisher. Significancia= p<0,05. Aprobado porComité Ética Institucional.Resultados: 52 PG con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Edadmediana 29,6 años. Grupo 1: 29 PG (55,5%). Grupo 2: 23 PG(44%), 19 (36,5%) moderados, 2 (4%) severos y 2 (4%) críticos. No hubo fallecimientos maternos ni fetales. Edad gestacional ≥ 28 semanas fue la única variable asociada a mayor gravedad,p=0,00004. 48% de los embarazos finalizaron por cesárea.48/52 RN fueron estudiados con PCR para Sars-CoV-2, siendo 1 (2%) positivo (fue el único RN sintomático).Conclusiones: La infección por COVID-19 en PG se asoció a presentaciones clínicas más graves cuando la infecciónse cursó en el tercer trimestre de gestación y se asociócon mayor incidencia de cesáreas
ntroduction: The information concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection in pregnant people (PP) continues to be established.Aim: to describe the evolution of the Sars-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people and to determine variables associated with clinical severity.Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study. Period: 01-03-2020 to 31-07-2021. We included PP with diagnosis of COVID-19, assisted in a public maternity hospital. The cases were classified according to clinical severity based on the NIH guidelines. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: mild (ambulatory manage-ment). Group 2: moderate, severe and critical (requiring hospitalization). The relationship between variables and clinical severity was analyzed. Variables studied: obesity, DBT, gestational hypertension, gestational age, maternal age, influenza vaccination. Newborns of infected mothers were studied with PCR for Sars-CoV-2 24 to 48 hours af-ter birth. Statistical analysis: Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, significance = p <0.05. Study approved by the Institu-tional Ethics Committee.Results: 52 PP with diagnosis of COVID-19 were includ-ed. Median age 29.6 years. 23 patients (44%) required hospitalization and 2 (4%) MRA (mechanical respiratory assistance). 29 (55.5%) were mild, 19 (36.5%) moderate, 2 (4%) severe, and 2 (4%) critical. There were no mater-nal or fetal deaths. Gestational age ≥ 28 weeks was the only variable associated with more severe clinical forms, p = 0.0001. 48% of the pregnancies ended by cesarean section. 48/52 newborns were studied with PCR for Sars-CoV-2, with only 1 (2%) being positive. This was the only symptomatic newborn.Conclusions: In our study, Sars-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was associated with more severe clinical pre-sentations when the infection occurred in the 3rd trimes-ter of pregnancy. COVID-19 was also associated with a higher incidence of ter
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Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Recém-Nascido , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Idade Gestacional , COVID-19/complicações , Complicações na Gravidez/prevenção & controle , Terceiro Trimestre da Gravidez , Cesárea , Estudos Retrospectivos , Período Pós-Parto , COVID-19/diagnósticoRESUMO
RESUMEN Introducción: el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST como parte del síndrome coronario agudo, es una afección frecuente que cursa con una elevada mortalidad. En los últimos años, las enfermedades cardiovasculares han constituido la primera causa de muerte en Cuba, y en 2018 lo fueron en la provincia de Matanzas. Objetivo: caracterizar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes atendidos con síndrome coronario agudo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo de 106 pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas, en 2019. Resultados: 83 % de los pacientes llegaron en trasporte sanitario a la Unidad de Emergencia. El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 70 a 79 años (28,30 %). Predominó el sexo masculino, con 51,89 %. El síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST prevaleció sobre el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST, en un total de 58 pacientes. El mayor número de casos se diagnosticó en los meses de invierno y en horas de la mañana. Prevaleció el tratamiento trombolítico en las primeras seis horas de iniciados los síntomas. Se demostró la desaparición del dolor y la regresión de los cambios electrocardiográficos como resultados de la reperfusión. Las arritmias malignas constituyeron la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes no trombolizados. Conclusiones: el uso de la trombólisis en servicios de emergencias disminuyó la mortalidad en las primeras horas, por enfermedades cardiovasculares, en la provincia de Matanzas en 2019.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myocardium infarct with elevation of the ST segment as a part of the acute coronary syndrome, is a frequent disease that causes a high mortality. In the last years, cardiovascular diseases have constituted the first cause of death in Cuba, and in 2018 they were in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to characterize morbidity and mortality in patients attended with acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in 106 patients admitted with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the Unit of Emergent Intensive Care of the Teaching Clinical-surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas, in 2019. Results: 83 % of patients arrived in sanitary transportation to the Emergency Unit. The most affected age group was the one aged 70-79 years (28.30 %). Male sex predominated, with 51.89 %. Acute coronary syndrome with elevation of ST segment prevailed over the acute coronary syndrome without elevation of the ST segment, in a total of 58 patients. The biggest number of cases was diagnosed in the winter months and in the morning. Thrombolytic treatment prevailed in the first six hours after the beginning of the symptoms. There it was demonstrated the disappearance of the pain and the regression of the electrocardiographic changes as a result of the reperfusion. Malignant arrhythmias were the main causes of death in non thrombolyzed patients. Conclusions: the use of thrombolysis in emergency services diminished mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases in the first hours in the province of Matanzas in 1919.
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Humanos , Masculino , Idoso , Síndrome Coronariana Aguda/mortalidade , Infarto do Miocárdio/mortalidade , Reperfusão , Trombólise Mecânica , Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST/diagnósticoRESUMO
La sexualidad es un aspecto esencial para los seres humanos, su estudio incluye términos tales como: sexo, identidades y papeles de género, erotismo, placer, intimidad, reproducción y orientación sexual. La investigación realizada tuvo un enfoque cualitativo, de tipo observacional descriptiva y corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 40 estudiantes mayores de 18 años, los que estuvieron emitieron su conformidad con ser parte del estudio y estaban matriculados en la carrera de Psicología Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Ecuador, en el año 2020. La recolección de los datos fue mediante una entre-vista. En los participantes, el 67,5% perteneció al género femenino, el 92,5% se declaró con orientación sexual heterosexual, 97,5% solteros/as. La mayoría conceptualizó adecuadamente la sexualidad, con algunas confusiones en categorías que lo componen. El ambiente marcado por mitos morales y religiosos generó pensamientos y conductas reprimidas, discriminatorias y equivocadas. La aceptación de la sexualidad se apreció difusa.
Sexuality is an essential aspect for human beings, its study includes terms such as: sex, gender identities and roles, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, reproduction, and sexual orientation. This research was qualitative, descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional approach. The popula-tion was made up of 40 students over 18 years of age, who agreed to be part of the study and were enrolled in the Clinical Psychology major, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Chimborazo, Ecuador, in the year 2020. The data was collected through an interview. Among the participants, 67.5% belonged to the female gender, 92.5% declared themselves to be hetero-sexual sexual orientation, and 97.5% single. Most adequately conceptualized sexuality, with some confusion in its component categories. The environment marked by moral and religious myths generated repressed, discriminatory and wrong thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance of sexuality was diffuse.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Percepção , Estudantes , Sexualidade , Comportamento Sexual , Educação Sexual , UniversidadesRESUMO
The lethality neutralization assay in mice is the gold standard for the evaluation of the preclinical efficacy and specification fulfillment of snake antivenoms. However, owing to the animal suffering involved, this assay is a candidate to be replaced by in vitro alternatives or, at least, improved by the reduction of the number of animals used per experiment, the introduction of analgesia, and the refinement of the test. Since these tests are usually run for 24 or 48 h, one possibility to refine it is to shorten the endpoint observation time of the assay and so limiting the duration of suffering. To assess the effect of this modification of the standard procedure on the analytical properties of the assay, we compared the median lethal dose (LD50) and median effective dose (ED50) values, estimated through observation times of 6, 24 and 48 h. We used African and Latin American snake venoms and several batches of two polyspecific antivenoms. A significant correlation was found between LD50 and ED50 values estimated at the three observation times. Although some LD50 and ED50 values were significantly different at these time points, results of 6 h were robust enough to be used in the characterization of new antivenoms, the verification of specification compliance, and the parallel comparison of formulations. Our observations support the modification of the standard procedures used for assessing neutralizing ability of antivenoms by carrying out the observations at 6 h instead of 24 or 48 h, with the consequent reduction in the suffering inflicted upon mice during these assays. However, the shortening of the observation time in the lethality tests must be validated for each venom and antivenom before its introduction in the routine procedures.
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In the current global emergency due to SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, passive immunotherapy emerges as a promising treatment for COVID-19. Among animal-derived products, equine formulations are still the cornerstone therapy for treating envenomations due to animal bites and stings. Therefore, drawing upon decades of experience in manufacturing snake antivenom, we developed and preclinically evaluated two anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal equine formulations as potential alternative therapy for COVID-19. We immunized two groups of horses with either S1 (anti-S1) or a mixture of S1, N, and SEM mosaic (anti-Mix) viral recombinant proteins. Horses reached a maximum anti-viral antibody level at 7 weeks following priming, and showed no major adverse acute or chronic clinical alterations. Two whole-IgG formulations were prepared via hyperimmune plasma precipitation with caprylic acid and then formulated for parenteral use. Both preparations had similar physicochemical and microbiological quality and showed ELISA immunoreactivity towards S1 protein and the receptor binding domain (RBD). The anti-Mix formulation also presented immunoreactivity against N protein. Due to high anti-S1 and anti-RBD antibody content, final products exhibited high in vitro neutralizing capacity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 80 times higher than a pool of human convalescent plasma. Pre-clinical quality profiles were similar among both products, but clinical efficacy and safety must be tested in clinical trials. The technological strategy we describe here can be adapted by other producers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
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COVID-19/imunologia , COVID-19/terapia , Proteínas do Nucleocapsídeo de Coronavírus/imunologia , Cavalos/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , COVID-19/virologia , Proteínas do Nucleocapsídeo de Coronavírus/genética , Proteínas do Nucleocapsídeo de Coronavírus/metabolismo , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Humanos , Imunização/métodos , Imunização Passiva/métodos , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , SARS-CoV-2/metabolismo , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/genética , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/metabolismo , Soroterapia para COVID-19RESUMO
Despite vaccines are the main strategy to control the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, their effectiveness could not be enough for individuals with immunosuppression. In these cases, as well as in patients with moderate/severe COVID-19, passive immunization with anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins could be a therapeutic alternative. We used caprylic acid precipitation to prepare a pilot-scale batch of anti-SARS-CoV-2 intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) from plasma of donors immunized with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) anti-COVID-19 vaccine (VP-IVIg) and compared their in vitro efficacy and safety with those of a similar formulation produced from plasma of COVID-19 convalescent donors (CP-IVIg). Both formulations showed immunological, physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological characteristics that meet the specifications of IVIg formulations. Moreover, the concentration of anti-RBD and ACE2-RBD neutralizing antibodies was higher in VP-IVIg than in CP-IVIg. In concordance, plaque reduction neutralization tests showed inhibitory concentrations of 0.03-0.09 g/L in VP-IVIg and of 0.06-0.13 in CP-IVIg. Thus, VP-IVIg has in vitro efficacy and safety profiles that justify their evaluation as therapeutic alternative for clinical cases of COVID-19. Precipitation with caprylic acid could be a simple, feasible, and affordable alternative to produce formulations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IVIg to be used therapeutically or prophylactically to confront the COVID-19 pandemic in middle and low-income countries.
RESUMO
Introducción. Los accidentes de trabajo por exposición al riesgo biológico (ATBIO) son causas potenciales de enfermedades infecciosas relacionadas con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La identificación de las causas que generan dicha accidentalidad permitirá establecer estrategias que controlen y disminuyan la siniestralidad laboral. El objetivo del presente manuscrito fue establecer la asociación entre los rasgos de personalidad, principalmente el rasgo de personalidad de despreocupación y la ocurrencia de ATBIO en el personal de enfermería del Hospital Universitario de Santander entre el periodo 2008 y 2009. Metodología. Estudio de casos y controles. Resultados. Se incluyeron 68 (18%) casos con historia de ATBIO y 290 controles, para una razón caso: control de 1:4. En el análisis multivariado se encontraron las siguientes variables asociadas a la accidentalidad laboral de riesgo biológico: percibir el riesgo de presentar un ATBIO en el servicio como alta OR: 0.42 (IC 95% 0.23 0.75), trabajar 24 o más horas adicionales a la semana OR: 2.66 (IC 95% 1.34 5.28), laborar en el servicio de urgencias OR: 2.72 (IC 95% 1.38 5.35) , no disponer de guantes cuando se requieren durante su labor OR: 2.05 (IC 95% 1.10 3.79), y percibir el riesgo como alto disminuye el riesgo en el 60%. Conclusión. Se identificaron variables significativas relacionadas con la ocurrencia de accidentes de trabajo, las cuales facilitarán la planeación, ejecución e implementación de programas de salud ocupacional dirigidos al control de la accidentalidad laboral de riesgo biológico. No se evidenció relación entre rasgos de personalidad y la ocurrencia de ATBIO.
Introduction. Work accidents involving exposure to biological hazards (ATBIO for its Spanish original) are potential causes of infectious diseases related to high morbidity and mortality rates. The identification of the causes that produce such accident rate will enable the implementation of strategies to control and reduce work-related accidents. The objective was establishing the association between personality traits, particularly the personality trait of unconcern, and the occurrence of ATBIO among the nursing staff of Hospital Universitario de Santander in the period from 2008 to 2009. Methodology. Case-control study. Results. The study included 68 (18%) cases with ATBIO history and 290 controls, for a case-to-control ratio of 1:4. The multivariate analysis found the following variables associated with work-accident rate involving biological hazards: perceiving the risk of an ATBIO at work as high, OR: 0.42 (CI 95% 0.23 0.75); working 24 or more additional hours per week, OR: 2.66 (CI 95% 1.34 5.28); working in the emergency room, OR: 2.72 (CI 95% 1.38 5.35); not wearing gloves when they are required for the task, OR: 2.05 (CI 95% 1.10 3.79), and perceiving the risk as high reduces the risk by 60%. Conclusion. Significant variables were identified related to the occurrence of work accidents, which will facilitate planning, execution and implementation of occupational health programs aimed at controlling work-accident rate involving biological hazards. No evidence was found of a relationship between personality traits and the occurrence of ATBIO.
Introdução. Acidentes de trabalho por exposição a risco biológico (ATBIO) são potenciais causas de doenças infecciosas relacionadas à alta morbimortalidade. A identificação das causas que geram essa acidentalidade permitirá estabelecer estratégias que controlem e reduzam a taxa de acidentes de trabalho. Objetivo era estabelecer stabelecer a associação entre os traços de personalidade, principalmente o traço de personalidade despreocupada e a ocorrência de ATBIO nos profissionais de enfermagem do Hospital Universitário de Santander entre o período de 2008 e 2009. Metodologia. Estudo caso-controle. Resultados. Foram incluídos 68 (18%) casos com um histórico de ATBIO e 290 controles, para uma relação caso: controle de 1:4. Na análise multivariada, foram encontradas as seguintes variáveis associadas à taxa de acidente de trabalho de risco biológico: perceber o risco de apresentar ATBIO no serviço como elevado OR: 0.42 (IC 95% 0.23 - 0.75); trabalhar 24 ou mais horas adicionais por semana OR: 2.66 (IC 95% 1.34 - 5.28); trabalhar na área de emergências OR: 2.72 (IC 95% 1.38 - 5.35); não usar luvas quando são necessárias durante o trabalho OR: 2.05 (IC 95% 1.10 - 3.79); e perceber o risco como alto reduz o risco em 60%. Conclusão. Foram identificadas variáveis significativas relacionadas à ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho, o que facilitará o planejamento, execução e implantação de programas de saúde ocupacional voltados ao controle de acidentes de trabalho de risco biológico. Não houve evidência de uma relação entre traços de personalidade e a ocorrência de ATBIO.
Assuntos
Substâncias Perigosas , Personalidade , Saúde Ocupacional , Ferimentos Penetrantes Produzidos por Agulha , Recursos Humanos de EnfermagemRESUMO
BACKGROUNDS: An intercultural society facilitates equitable and respectful interrelations. Knowing and understanding each other's sociocultural and linguitic contexts is a prerequisite for an intercultural society. This study explores the concepts of health and illness among healers of indigenous ethnicities in Southern Ecuador. METHODS: A qualitative observational study with eleven focus groups was conducted in three locations in Southern Ecuador; a total of 110 participants the Shuar, Kichwa and Mestizo ethnic groups were included. A phenomenological and hermeneutic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Fourteen main subtopics around of two predefined themes, i.e., "Health" and "Illness" were identified: 1) four bodies, 2) religiosity, 3) health as a good diet, 4) health as god's blessing or a gift, 5) health as balance/ harmony, 6) health as community and social welfare, 7) health as potentiality or a skill, 8) health as peacefulness, 9) heath as individual will, 10) illness as an imbalance, 11) illness as bad energy, 12) illness as a bad diet, 13) illness as suffering or worry, and 14) illness from God, Nature and People illness. By analysing all the topics' and subtopics' narratives, a health and illness definition was developed. The principal evidence for this new framework is the presence of interculturality as a horizontal axis in health. The indigenous perspective of health and illness focus on a balance between 4 bodies: the physical, spiritual, social and mental bodies. Additionally, "good health" is obtained through of the good diet and balanced/harmony. CONCLUSION: Indigenous healers in Southern Ecuador have views on health and illness that differ from the Western biomedical model of care. These different views must be recognized and valued in order to build an intercultural (health) system that empowers both ancestral and modern medical knowledge and healing.
Assuntos
Atitude Frente a Saúde , Doença Crônica/classificação , Etnicidade/psicologia , Estilo de Vida Saudável/classificação , Povos Indígenas/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Equador , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pesquisa QualitativaRESUMO
Resumen El artículo analiza las taxonomías digitales desde la perspectiva bibliotecológica. Su objetivo fue construir una taxonomía digital del área de conocimiento "Sistema solar" que pudiera ser implementada como sistema de acceso temático jerárquico-visual para un conjunto de recursos de información digitales albergados en un sitio web. La metodología empleada en la construcción de la taxonomía consistió en una propuesta particular que se nutre de dos metodologías relevantes sobre el tema. Se encontró que las taxonomías son un Sistema para la Organización del Conocimiento (SOC) que, debido a su potencial representador y organizador, han migrado al espacio de los Sistemas para la Organización del conocimiento en Red (SOCR) cuyas funciones en la web están asociadas, entre muchas aplicaciones, a la indización y clasificación de recursos de información. Se concluye que el conocimiento teórico y aplicado de las taxonomías digitales es prioritario para los profesionales de la información que día a día se enfrentan a más retos relacionados con el ordenamiento de recursos de información insertos en la World Wide Web.
Abstract The article analyzes digital taxonomies from the librarianship perspective. Its objective was to build a digital taxonomy about "Solar System" knowledge area that can be implemented as hierarchical-visual subject access system for a set of digital information resources stored in a website. The methodology used to build the taxonomy was a proposal based on two relevant methodologies about the topic. It was found that taxonomies are a Knowledge Organization Systems (KOS) that, due to its representational and organizer potential, have migrated to the space of Networked Knowledge Organization Systems (NKOS), whose tasks on the web are associated, among many applications, to the indexing and classification of information resources. It is concluded that the theoretical and applied knowledge of digital taxonomies is a priority for information professionals who every day deals with challenges related to the organization of information sources inserted in the World Wide Web.