Detection of blaZ and mecA genes and antimicrobial susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus colonizing multipurpose boxes of dentistry students

Cross-contamination between patient and dentist is a real threat that has not been adequately studied. Staphylococcus aureus, through its characteristic genetic plasticity, has managed to develop multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance proteins. The antibiotic susceptibility profile and the presence of the blaZ and mecA genes that encode resistance to penicillin and methicillin, respectively, were analyzed in strains isolated from multipurpose boxes used by dental students at the Catholic University of Cuenca. These boxes are used to transport instruments and material. From the universe of study (249 boxes) 139 samples were obtained from boxes of the students who accepted and signed a consent to participate. Eight strains of S. aureus were identified, of which, through antibiogram analysis, it was found that seven were resistant to penicillin and two strains resistant to cefoxitin (MRSA strains). In molecular analysis, the mecA gene was identified in two strains, while the blaZ gene was found in all of them. It was concluded that the rate of S. aureus found in this study was low due to various factors, possibly including increased vigilance and cleanliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the study. © FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br.

The scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana published in student scientific journals

Introduction: The characteristics of the science produced by the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, published in national student scientific journals, are unknown. Metric studies are ideal tools for approaching problem situations of this nature. Objective: To characterize the scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana published in Cuban student journals. Methods: A metric, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 articles published in twelve journals between 2017 and 2021. Results: The articles reached 149 citations and 65.8 corrected citations. There was a high Subramanyan index (0.76) and a low index of collaboration between schools (0.16). There were 207 reported authors;two of them were leaders. Original articles predominated (38.8 %). HolCien had the highest Price index (0.87), while the journals 16 de Abril and Universidad Médica Pinareña led, respectively, in number of citations (71) and corrected citations (32.5). The Manuel Fajardo Medical School was the most productive (n=29), while the Calixto García Medical School was the most cited (54 citations). In 2020, the highest number of publications (n=51) and citations (88) was reached, probably as a consequence of COVID-19, which became the main emerging thematic focus of research. Conclusions: The production was characterized by being low, showing a quantitative upward trend, as well as high rates of coauthorship and scientific originality, and by having leading authors. It was weak in terms of collaboration between schools, publication in English and updating of bibliographic references. © 2023, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

Study of the adaptability to change and proactive behavior of students in a university context in face of the COVID-19 health emergency

The objective of this study is to analyze the variables of adaptability to change and organizational behavior of the students of the Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico Campus Coatzacoalcos, in the state of Veracruz-Mexico. The research has a qualitative and quantitative approach, it is a cross-sectional study with a single cut in time, developed in the period corresponding to the month of November 2021 and June of this year. The method used is hypothetical-deductive. A non -probabilistic sampling was determined with the convenience technique, obtaining the participation of 513 students from the different careers offered at the institution. A measurement instrument was applied that analyzes the perception of the eight dimensions to be studied: need for change, leadership and management, attitude to change, communication, adaptation to change, proactive behavior oriented towards the organization, proactive behavior oriented towards others and behavior proactive proactive towards oneself. Through a parametric test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov hypothesis testing and Whitney's Mann's U, male and female students adapt to change in the institution and that males are more likely to have change-oriented behavior that the women.

Implications of smoking in the context of COVID-19

Introduction: With the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), questions about the risk factors that influence the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have emerged. A widely debated issue has been the potential effect of smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and the clinical consequences of COVID-19. Objective: To elucidate the implications of smoking in the context of COVID-19. Development: In the literature consulted, several pathophysiological mechanisms that support the deleterious effect of smoking in the context of COVID-19 were identified: upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2;increased expression/activity of transmembrane serine protease 2, cathepsin B/L and furin;immunoinflammation and immunosuppression;upregulation of phosphodiesterase 4;encephalic hemovascular alterations;and morphofunctional modifications of the lung parenchyma. Conclusions: Smoking has a deleterious effect on patients bearing COVID-19. In this harmful association, there are pathophysiological mechanisms that may make smokers —active or passive ones— more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection or more likely to present with an unfavorable evolution once they have developed COVID-19. © 2022, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

Scientific production about COVID-19 in cuban student journal

Publication in student scientific journals constitutes elements of great value in the research training of undergraduate students. The objective of this study was to characterize the scientific production referring to COVID-19 published in the Cuban student journals. An observational, descriptive and bibliometric study was carried out in articles published in the Cuban Student Scientific Journals. The Zotero reference manager was used to manage the metadata and VOSviewer to analyze the co-author networks. 22 articles were published, where 45,45 % were published in Universidad Médica Pinareña. The predominant typology was the letter to the editor (50 %). A total of 53 authors were reported. 54,55 % of the articles were signed by two authors, 32,08 % came from the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, 36,36 % were signed by foreign authors. 212 references were used, of which 4,25 % were from Scientific Student Journals, citing five articles from Universidad Médica Pinareña. The general Price index was 0,86. Three main co-authorship networks were identified, which produced between 2 and 6 articles and consisted by 3 and 6 authors. There is a low number of publications of articles on COVID-19 in Cuban student scientific journals, which are concentrated in Universidad Médica Pinareña and 16 de Abril magazines, while showing a high index of publications by foreign authors. Well-defined collaborative networks are appreciated. © 2020, Centro Nacional de Informacion de Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.