ABSTRACT
Introduction: The pandemic suspended educational activities in more than 100 countries. This has had catastrophic consequences on the progress of individuals at all educational levels, causing delays and deficiencies in knowledge. The objective of the study is to identify and analyse concerns about the education of health sciences students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A quantitative observational and cross-sectional study was conducted with an exploratory scope aimed at students in the field of health based on an analysis of primary data. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a collection tool. This population was studied using a semi-structured individual interview, with prior informed consent. Results: A total of 2,047 responses were obtained. The greatest concern of health students is not building the knowledge and skills necessary to exercise their professional activity. The predominant feeling is anxiety. Discussion: The role of health sciences students is overlooked. We must change the way we provide education to students in times of crisis. © 2022 The Authors
ABSTRACT
This review aims to discuss the current advances in green methods for the isolation and characterization of pectic polysaccharides with a focus on unconventional extraction sources and their bioactive applications in the pharmaceutical industry as new biopolymers or drug delivery systems. The physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of crude pectins, fractions (pectin oligosaccharides), and their domains (homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan-I, rhamnogalacturonan-II, and xylogalacturonan) isolated from underutilized raw and agro-waste materials are compared using novel analytical techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), 1H-13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rheology. The advantages and drawbacks of green and innovative methods are analyzed to indicate the best ecofriendly techniques for extracting bioactive pectins from unconventional sources and their structural effects. Chemical modifications and potential pharmaceutical applications of bioactive pectins are considered to assess the effects of their biological activity in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Finally, trends and future opportunities related to bioactive pectins and their fragments isolated from unconventional pectin sources are critically analyzed to provide guidelines for research in innovative technological developments and their possible applications in emerging public health problems such as the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.