Preparation of a heterogeneous biocatalyst through Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase immobilization on pore-expanded SBA-15.

Heterogeneous biocatalysts were prepared by adsorbing T. lanuginosus lipase (TLL) onto uncalcined (SBAUC-TLL) and calcined (SBAC-TLL) SBA-15, using ammonium fluoride as a pore expander to facilitate TLL immobilization. At an enzyme load of 1 mg/g, high immobilization yields (>90 %) and recovered activities (>80 % for SBAUC-TLL and 70 % for SBAC-TLL) were achieved. When increasing the enzyme load to 5 mg/g, the immobilization yield of SBAUC-TLL was 80 %, and the recovered activity was 50 %, while SBAC-TLL had a yield of 100 % and a recovered activity of 36 %. Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GA) was conducted to improve stability (SBAUC-TLL-GA and SBAC-TLL-GA). Although SBAC-TLL-GA lost 25 % of initial activity after GA modifications, it exhibited the highest thermal (t1/2 = 5.7 h at 65 °C), when compared to SBAC-TLL (t1/2 = 12 min) and the soluble enzyme (t1/2 = 36 min), and operational stability (retained 100 % activity after 5 cycles). Both biocatalysts presented high storage stability since they retained 100 % of initial activity for 30 days. These results highlight SBA-15's potential as an enzyme support and the protocol's efficacy in enhancing stability, with implications for industrial applications in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Preliminary Screening on Antibacterial Crude Secondary Metabolites Extracted from Bacterial Symbionts and Identification of Functional Bioactive Compounds by FTIR, HPLC and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Secondary metabolites, bioactive compounds produced by living organisms, can unveil symbiotic relationships in nature. In this study, soilborne entomopathogenic nematodes associated with symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus stockiae and Photorhabdus luminescens) were extracted from solvent supernatant containing secondary metabolites, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects against E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilus, P. mirabilis, E. faecalis, and P. stutzeri. The characterization of these secondary metabolites by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy revealed amine groups of proteins, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of polyphenols, hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides, and carboxyl groups of organic acids. Furthermore, the obtained crude extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for the basic identification of potential bioactive peptides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ethyl acetate extracts from Xenorhabdus stockiae identified major compounds including nonanoic acid derivatives, proline, paromycin, octodecanal derivatives, trioxa-5-aza-1-silabicyclo, 4-octadecenal, methyl ester, oleic acid, and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylicacid. Additional extraction from Photorhabdus luminescens yielded functional compounds such as indole-3-acetic acid, phthalic acid, 1-tetradecanol, nemorosonol, 1-eicosanol, and unsaturated fatty acids. These findings support the potential development of novel natural antimicrobial agents for future pathogen suppression.

Políticas nacionales para el control del VIH y la evolución de la epidemia en México: un análisis de 1990 a 2017.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los cambios en la carga de la enfermedad del VIH de 1990-2017 y la influencia de las políticas y programas implementadas para su prevención y control. Material y métodos. Se elaboró una línea de tiempo de políticas e intervenciones en México; mediante modelos de regresión JoinPoint, se analizó su relación con los cambios ocurridos en las tendencias de la carga de la enfermedad del VIH. RESULTADOS: Los cambios en la carga de enfermedad se relacionan con la universalización del acceso a los medicamentos antirretrovirales (ARV), programas de atención integral y el combate al estigma y la discriminación. En el periodo analizado se observa descenso de la mortalidad relacionado con el acceso universal y gratuito a los ARV. La magnitud de los cambios tiende a ser mayor en los hombres que en las mujeres. CONCLUSIONES: Las políticas y programas implementados para tratar a las personas con VIH/Sida en México se integraron en estrategias cada vez más cohesionadas y eficaces.

Epidemiology of suicide mortality in Mexican young people (ages 15-29) from 1990 to 2020 / Epidemiología del suicidio en jóvenes mexicanos (15-29 años) de 1990 a 2020

Abstract Introduction In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death in Mexico among young people ages 15 and 29, accounting for 43.0% of all suicides in the country, making it a major public health issue. Objective To explore changes in the geographic distribution of suicide rates by state and to analyze the magnitude, distribution, and pattern of suicide mortality in young Mexicans ages 15 to 29 between 1990 and 2020. Method Descriptive, ecological time-series study, based on official information. Standardized mortality rates were calculated using information on deaths (INEGI) and population estimates (CONAPO). The magnitude, distribution, and patterns of suicide mortality at the national level and by state were analyzed using the Joinpoint segmented regression model. Results From 1990 to 2020, suicide mortality in young people increased by 198% and was higher in women (285%) than men (178%). The states with the highest suicide mortality rates from 2016 to 2020 were Chihuahua (18.5 suicides/100,000 young people ages 15-29), Aguascalientes (16.6), Yucatán (14.4), Guanajuato (14.1), and San Luis Potosí (12.9), accounting for 23.0% of total suicide deaths. Discussion and conclusion The study of mortality trends could contribute to the management of a national suicide prevention strategy in young Mexicans, providing support for public health decision-making, such as the identification of the states and regions that should be prioritized.

Resumen Introducción En 2020, el suicidio fue la tercera causa de muerte en México en los jóvenes de 15 a 29 años y concentró el 43.0% del total de suicidios del país. Por lo tanto, es un problema de salud pública muy relevante. Objetivo Explorar los cambios en la distribución geográfica de las tasas de suicidio por entidad federativa, así como analizar la magnitud, distribución y tendencia de la mortalidad por suicidio, en los jóvenes mexicanos de 15 a 29 años entre 1990 y 2020. Método Estudio ecológico descriptivo de series de tiempo, a partir de la información de fuentes oficiales. Se calcularon las tasas estandarizadas de mortalidad utilizando la información sobre defunciones (INEGI) y las estimaciones de población (CONAPO). Se analizó la magnitud, distribución y tendencias de la mortalidad por suicidio a nivel nacional y por entidad federativa, utilizando el modelo de regresión segmentada Joinpoint. Resultados De 1990 a 2020, la mortalidad por suicidio en jóvenes creció 198%, siendo mayor en las mujeres (285%) que en los hombres (178%). Las entidades con mayor mortalidad por suicidio, de 2016 a 2020, fueron Chihuahua (18.5 suicidios/100 mil jóvenes 15-29 años), Aguascalientes (16.6), Yucatán (14.4), Guanajuato (14.1) y San Luis Potosí (12.9), las cuales concentraron el 23.0% del total de muertes por suicidios. Discusión y conclusión El estudio de las tendencias de la mortalidad podría contribuir a la gestión de una estrategia nacional para la prevención del suicidio en jóvenes mexicanos, proporcionando sustento para la toma de decisiones en salud pública, como la identificación de las entidades federativas y regiones del país que deben recibir la máxima prioridad.

Consideraciones epidemiológicas y clínicas de la COVID-19 en pacientes con diabetes mellitus / Epidemiological and Clinical Considerations of COVID-19 in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Introducción: Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tienen una predisposición a las infecciones de tipo viral, bacterianas y micóticas. Ante la pandemia por COVID-19, se ha demostrado cómo la diabetes es una comorbilidad frecuente entre los afectados por esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir la relación existente entre la COVID-19 y la diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de febrero a mayo de 2021. Se consultaron artículos científicos de acceso abierto disponibles en las bases de datos SCOPUS y PubMed. Se incluyeron investigaciones originales, metaanálisis, revisiones, guías de consenso y documentos de resumen de organizaciones oficiales y sociedades científicas. En total se trabajó con 60 publicaciones. Conclusiones: Los estudios observacionales han aportado evidencia a favor de la relación entre la diabetes y el riesgo de desarrollar formas graves de COVID-19. En esta susceptibilidad se involucran factores fisiopatológicos que incluyen el estado proinflamatorio que se genera en la diabetes, la sobreexpresión de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 y la tormenta de citoquinas. El riesgo es mayor en pacientes de avanzada edad, del sexo masculino, con otras comorbilidades, vulnerabilidad socioeconómica y mal control glucémico (HbA1c > 7 por ciento). Los profesionales de la salud relacionados con la atención y el cuidado de pacientes con diabetes deben mantenerse actualizados y orientar a sus pacientes en las medidas de cuidado, para disminuir el riesgo de contagio y en ese caso, la incidencia de formas graves de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Patients with diabetes mellitus have a predisposition to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been shown how diabetes is a common comorbidity among those affected by this disease. Objective: To describe the relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out from February to May 2021. Open access scientific articles available in SCOPUS and PubMed databases were consulted. Original research, meta-analyses, reviews, consensus guidelines and summary documents from official organizations and scientific societies were included. Sixty publications were worked on, in total. Conclusions: Observational studies have provided evidence in favor of the relationship between diabetes and the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. This susceptibility involves pathophysiological factors that include the pro-inflammatory state that is generated in diabetes, the overexpression of ACE2, and the cytokine storm. The risk is greater in elderly, male patients, with other comorbidities, socioeconomic vulnerability and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7percent). Health professionals related to the assistance and care of patients with diabetes must stay updated and guide their patients in care measures, to reduce the risk of contagion and, in that case, the incidence of severe forms of the disease(AU)

Percepción de la insulinoterapia por parte de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Perception on Insulinotherapy by Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es un importante problema de salud pública con una alta prevalencia y carga económica. En Cuba, se estima que viven 1 134 000 personas entre los 20 y 79 años con diabetes, ubicándose como la octava causa de muerte.1 A pesar de existir en el país programas para la atención integral a pacientes diabéticos, todavía existe un vacío en la educación diabetológica, afectado fundamentalmente por el tránsito del paciente entre la atención endocrinológica especializada y la atención médica brindada por los médicos de familia. El conocimiento sobre el tratamiento con insulinas entre los profesionales de la salud del primer nivel de atención es bajo, con una relación directa entre dicho conocimiento y el control glucémico.2 Se asume que un paciente bien educado en su enfermedad logrará un mejor control de esta con adecuada calidad de vida. Según varios estudios,3,4,5 la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 es baja, donde influyen, entre otros factores, el desconocimiento de la enfermedad, las opciones terapéuticas y conductas de autocuidado y la autorresponsabilidad. En este sentido, con la finalidad de conocer la percepción sobre el tratamiento con insulina por parte de pacientes con DM, se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en el Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Arnaldo Milián Castro de Villa Clara (Cuba), en entre enero y marzo de 2020, que fue detenido en este período ante la contingencia generada por la COVID-19. Para ellos se encuestaron 21 pacientes con DM tipo 2 que acudieron a consulta externa de Endocrinología, a los cuales se les aplicó la escala de percepción del tratamiento con insulina (Insuline Treatment Appraisal Scale [ITAS]),6,7 conformada por 16 ítems de percepción negativa y 4 ítems de percepción positiva; con un alfa de Cronbach de 0,89. La calificación de la encuesta es de 20 a 100 puntos, donde a mayor puntuación mayor es la opinión negativa (peor percepción). Del total de pacientes, 12 (57,14 por ciento) eran usuarios de insulina y el resto se trataban con antidiabéticos orales. La edad media de los participantes fue 62,38 ± 2,25 años, predominó el sexo femenino (n = 11; 52,38 por ciento) y el nivel educacional medio-universitario (n = 14; 66,66 por ciento). La media de evolución de la enfermedad fue 10,95 ± 2,25 años para la totalidad del grupo y 13,67 ± 3,28 años para los usuarios de insulina; con un promedio de la glicemia en ayunas previo a la recogida de datos de 7,79 ± 0,92 mmol/L. El 95,23 por ciento de los pacientes tenía al menos alguna complicación crónica de la diabetes y 15 (71,42 por ciento) no habían recibido educación diabetológica previa. En 13 pacientes, desde el debut, existió la necesidad de realizar cambio de tratamiento, en general de antidiabéticos orales hacia esquemas de insulina. La puntuación media global de la escala fue 60,05 ± 1,96 puntos, ligeramente superior en los usuarios de antidiabéticos orales (62,22 ± 9,06 vs. 58,42 ± 9,02), sin diferencia significativas entre ambos grupos (p = 0,95 > 0,05), no obstante, la mayor puntuación en los no usuarios de insulina indica una peor percepción sobre esta. Investigaciones previas coinciden con esta observación, donde la percepción es peor en pacientes no insulinizados.6,7,8 La atención al paciente con DM debe ser integral y, tomando en cuenta este precepto, darse prioridad a la educación diabetológica desde el momento del diagnóstico e incorporar elementos nuevos en cada consulta, sin llegar a saturar de información al paciente. Es conocido el temor que puede generar la necesidad de utilizar insulina entre la población con diabetes, es por ello que debe mostrarse al paciente las ventajas de su utilidad incluso cuando no exista la necesidad inmediata de su uso. Otra conducta extendida entre profesionales de la salud, es la ejemplificación del tratamiento con insulina como último recurso para lograr un control metabólico óptimo en caso de fallar otras terapias o las modificaciones en el estilo de vida, actitud que debe ser erradicada en las consultas de atención integral al paciente con diabetes. Actualmente, los autores de la presente carta, desarrollan una investigación para validar la ITAS en población cubana y contribuir al desarrollo de instrumentos útiles en la educación diabetológica a todos los niveles de atención. Futuros estudios pueden elaborar propuestas de programas formativos, on-line o presencial, y cualquier variedad de materiales educativos que contribuyan con el desconocimiento sobre la DM, tanto de pacientes como de profesionales de la salud(AU)

Correction to "Cuban Abdala vaccine: Effectiveness in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19 in Havana, Cuba; A cohort study" [The Lancet Regional Health - Americas 2022; 16: 100366] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lana.2022.100366.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100366.].

Mucurmicosis rinocerebral en un paciente con diabetes descompensada / Rhinocerebral mucurmycosis in a patient with decompensated diabetes

La mucormicosis es una infección con una alta mortalidad, el pronóstico está en relación con el diagnóstico precoz, el tratamiento quirúrgico y antimicótico. Se presenta un varón de 65 años de edad, hipertenso conocido tratado con losartan, ingresa con una historia de 15 días de evolución con astenia, anorexia, pérdida de peso y cefalea holocraneana, y ptosis palpebral de una semana de evolución. Al examen físico se constata una protrusión ocular y parálisis del tercer par del ojo derecho. Presentó hiperglicemia que fue revertida con insulina. La resonancia magnética de órbita y senos paranasales mostró un engrosamiento del nervio óptico derecho, ocupación de los senos paranasales. El paciente fue sometido a un tratamiento quirúrgico de la lesión retrocular, la biopsia de la lesión mostró al examen directo hifas hialinas compatible con mucorales. Se inició tratamiento con amfotericina B.

Mucormycosis is an infection with high mortality, the prognosis is related to early diagnosis, surgical and antifungal treatment. We present a 65-year-old male, knownhypertensive,under treatment with losartan, admitted with a 15-day history of asthenia, anorexia, weight loss and holocranial headache, and palpebral ptosis of one week's evolution. Physical examination revealed ocular protrusion and paralysis of the third pair of theright eye. The patient presented hyperglycemia that was reversed with insulin. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit and paranasal sinuses showed thickening of the right optic nerve, occupation of the paranasal sinuses. The patient underwent surgical treatment of the retrocular lesion, biopsy of the lesion showed hyaline hyphae compatible with mucorales on direct examination. Treatment with amphotericin B was started.

Mucurmicosis rinocerebral en un paciente con diabetes descompensada

La mucormicosis es una infección con una alta mortalidad, el pronóstico está en relación con el diagnóstico precoz, el tratamiento quirúrgico y antimicótico. Se presenta un varón de 65 años de edad, hipertenso conocido, tratado con losartan, ingresa con una historia de 15 días de evolución con astenia, anorexia, pérdida de peso y cefalea holocraneana, y ptosis palpebral de una semana de evolución. Al examen físico se constata una protrusión ocular y parálisis del tercer par del ojo derecho. Presentó hiperglicemia que fue revertida con insulina. La resonancia magnética de órbita y senos paranasales mostró un engrosamiento del nervio óptico derecho, ocupación de los senos paranasales. El paciente fue sometido a un tratamiento quirúrgico de la lesión retrocular, la biopsia de la lesión mostró al examen directo hifas hialinas compatible con mucorales. Se inició tratamiento con amfotericina B.

Mucormycosis is an infection with high mortality, the prognosis is related to early diagnosis, surgical and antifungal treatment. We present a 65-year-old male, known hypertensive, under treatment with losartan, admitted with a 15-day history of asthenia, anorexia, weight loss and holocranial headache, and palpebral ptosis of one week's evolution. Physical examination revealed ocular protrusion and paralysis of the third pair of the right eye. The patient presented hyperglycemia that was reversed with insulin. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit and paranasal sinuses showed thickening of the right optic nerve, occupation of the paranasal sinuses. The patient underwent surgical treatment of the retrocular lesion, biopsy of the lesion showed hyaline hyphae compatible with mucorales on direct examination. Treatment with amphotericin B was started.

Influencia de la cultura machista en la práctica de ejercicio físico en personas adultas mayores / Influência da cultura machista na prática de exercício físico em idosos / Influence of patriarchy on the practice of physical exercise in older adults

Resumen Este estudio se realizó para tratar de comprender cuáles son los factores relacionados con la cultura machista que afectan a la práctica de ejercicio físico en personas adultas mayores. Se realizaron cuatro grupos focales en diferentes contextos socioeconómicos con un total de 39 adultos mayores residentes en España. El análisis metodológico es inductivo, emergente, delimitando los discursos de los participantes del estudio de lo específico a lo general, a través del proceso de codificación de la teoría fundamentada. Se presentaron las diferencias entre contextos en cuatro subtemas de la cultura patriarcal y su influencia según el nivel educativo, tiempo tras la jubilación, responsabilidades familiares y apoyo marital. Las mujeres adultas mayores son un grupo vulnerable ante el machismo ya que presentan mayor riesgo y complejidad para detener estas costumbres ya arraigadas, suponiendo una barrera clara a la hora de iniciar la práctica de ejercicio físico.

Resumo Este estudo foi realizado para tentar compreender os fatores relacionados à cultura machista que surgem da prática de exercício físico em idosos. Foram realizados quatro grupos focais em diferentes contextos socioeconômicos com um total de 39 idosos residentes na Espanha. A análise metodológica é indutiva, emergente, delimitando os discursos dos participantes do estudo do específico ao geral, por meio do processo de codificação da teoria fundamentada. As diferenças entre os contextos foram apresentadas em quatro subtópicos da cultura patriarcal e sua influência de acordo com a escolaridade, tempo após a aposentadoria, responsabilidades familiares e apoio conjugal. As mulheres idosas são um grupo vulnerável diante do machismo, pois apresentam maior risco e complexidade para frear esses costumes já arraigados, assumindo uma barreira clara ao iniciar a prática de exercícios físicos.

Abstract This study was carried out to try to understand what are the factors related to the macho culture that affect the practice of physical exercise in older adults. Four focus groups were carried out in different socioeconomic contexts with a total of 39 older adults residing in Spain. The methodological analysis is inductive, emergent, delimiting the discourses of the study participants from the specific to the general, through the coding process of grounded theory. The differences between contexts in four subtopics of patriarchal culture and their influence according to educational level, time after retirement, family responsibilities and marital support were presented. Older women are a vulnerable group in the face of machismo since they present greater risk and complexity to stop these already ingrained customs, assuming a clear barrier when starting the practice of physical exercise.

La educación en valores en la formación de profesores de educación física: ¿un asunto pendiente? / A educação em valores na formação de professores de educação física: uma questão pendente? / Education in values in the training of physical education teachers: a pending issue?

Resumo Este estudio buscó comprender las percepciones de futuros profesores de Educación Física de una universidad del sur de Chile, sobre la educación valórica promovida en su trayectoria formativa. Se utilizó una metodología cualitativa que analizó, con la ayuda del programa Nvivo, dos fuentes de información: a) documentos oficiales y b) focus grupal con estudiantes. Los principales resultados dan cuenta de una formación recibida que no ha sido capaz de cumplir cabalmente con lo que declara la universidad y además, sienten que la docencia promueve valores, principalmente a través de espacios dialogantes sin embargo, solo algunos docentes lo hacen conscientemente. Por otro lado, sienten un déficit para enseñarlo en la escuela generando cierta incertidumbre por el futuro rol que vislumbran.

Resumo Este estudo buscou compreender as percepções de futuros professores de Educação Física de uma universidade no sul do Chile, sobre o valor da educação promovido em sua carreira de formação. Foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa que analisou, com o auxílio do programa Nvivo, duas fontes de informação: a) documentos oficiais e b) foco em grupo com alunos. Os principais resultados mostram uma formação recebida que não tem conseguido cumprir integralmente o que a universidade declara e, além disso, sentem que a docência promove valores, principalmente por meio de espaços de diálogo, porém, apenas alguns professores o fazem de forma consciente. Por outro lado, sentem um déficit para ensiná-lo na escola, gerando certa incerteza sobre o papel futuro que vislumbram.

Abstract This study sought to understand the perceptions of future Physical Education teachers about the values education promoted in their training trajectory. A qualitative methodology was used that analyzed, from the Nvivo program, two sources of information: a) official documents and b) group focus with students. The main results show a training received that has not been able to fully comply with what the university declares and also indicate that teaching promotes values mainly through dialogue spaces, however, only some teachers do so consciously. On the other hand, they feel a deficit to teach it at school, generating some uncertainty about the future role they envision.

Validation and application of the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale in Cuban patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to validate the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) in the Cuban population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicentre analytical study was performed in Cuba from February 2020 to April 2021; 199 patients were surveyed in a hospital institution and in primary healthcare. We used the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale, consisting of 20 items, with a minimum score of 20 points and a maximum of 100, where the higher the score, the worse the perception of insulin therapy. The validity of the instrument was determined by means of an exploratory factor analysis. The internal consistency and reliability of the scale were calculated by means of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A K-means cluster analysis was performed to establish a cut-off point for poor perception of insulin therapy. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis supported the validity of the instrument, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.747. There were statistically significant differences between patients under insulin and non-insulin treatment in terms of the answers given in all items of the scale. The total mean score obtained was 51.96 ±â€¯10.78, and it was lower in insulin users compared to those who used other drugs (49.79 ±â€¯10.07 vs 55.09 ±â€¯11.12). A score ≥65 was proposed as a cut-off point for poor perception of insulin therapy. A positive relationship was found between the body mass index values and the total score of the scale. Being female and current treatment not involving insulin were factors associated with low perception of insulin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument proved to be valid for the population in which it was applied. Insulin users turned out to be the ones with the best perception about its use. A cut-off point of ≥65 points for poor perception of insulin treatment was proposed for evaluation and comparison in future studies in other patient populations.

Cuban Abdala vaccine: Effectiveness in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19 in Havana, Cuba; A cohort study.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines have proven safe and efficacious in reducing severe illness and death. Cuban protein subunit vaccine Abdala has shown safety, tolerability and efficacy (92·3% [95% CI: 85·7‒95·8]) against SARS-CoV-2 in clinical trials. This study aimed to estimate Abdala's real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods: This retrospective cohort study in Havana analyzed Cuban Ministry of Public Health databases (May 12-August 31, 2021) to assess VE in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 (primary outcomes). Cox models accounting for time-varying vaccination status and adjusting by demographics were used to estimate hazard ratios. A subgroup analysis by age group and a sensitivity analysis including a subgroup of tested persons (qRT-PCR) were conducted. Daily cases and deaths were modelled accounting for different VE. Findings: The study included 1 355 638 persons (Mean age: 49·5 years [SD: 18·2]; 704 932 female [52·0%]; ethnicity data unavailable): 1 324 vaccinated (partially/fully) and 31 433 unvaccinated. Estimated VE against severe illness was 93·3% (95% CI: 92·1-94·3) in partially- vaccinated and 98·2% (95% CI: 97·9-98·5) in fully-vaccinated and against death was 94·1% (95% CI: 92·5-95·4) in partially-vaccinated and 98·7% (95% CI: 98·3-99·0) in fully-vaccinated. VE exceeded 92·0% in all age groups. Daily cases and deaths during the study period corresponded to a VE above 90%, as predicted by models. Interpretation: The Cuban Abdala protein subunit vaccine was highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 under real-life conditions. Funding: Cuban Ministry of Public Health. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre.

Publication of works presented in the 2016 and 2018 editions of the National Student Scientific Event on Internal Medicine -MEDINTÁVILA / Publicación de los trabajos presentados en las ediciones 2016 y 2018 del Evento Científico Estudiantil Nacional de Medicina Interna - Medintávila

Abstract Introduction: Much of the research works developed by students and presented in scientific events are not published in scientific journals. Objective: To characterize the research works presented in the 2016 and 2018 editions of the Evento Científico Estudiantil Nacional de Medicina Interna (National Student Scientific Event on Internal Medicine - (MEDINTÁVILA) and those published in scientific journals, as well as to identify factors associated with their publication. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional analytical study. A search strategy was carried out in April 2020 in Google Scholar in order to verify if the works presented in the 2016 y 2018 editions of the event had been published, in English or Spanish, in scientific journals. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine whether there were characteristics of the works associated with their publication, calculating prevalence ratios, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values and using generalized linear models (family=Poisson; link=log) in which each university submitting the research work was used as a cluster. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered. Results: Out of the 335 research works analyzed, 180 (53.73%) were presented at the 2016 edition. Regarding typology and the topics they addressed, 190 (56.72%) were classified under the free topics category, and 170 addressed chronic illnesses (50.75%). A total of 24 works were published (7.16%), of which only 9 were cited, and there were authoring changes in 19 (79.17%). No factors associated with the publication of the works were identified in the bivariate analysis. Conclusion: The publication in scientific journals of the research works presented in both editions of the event is very low, thus it is necessary for Cuban universities to provide medical science students with more research-related support, since this could increase the probability of publishing their works.

Resumen Introducción. Muchas de las investigaciones desarrolladas por estudiantes y presentadas en eventos científicos no se publican en revistas científicas. Objetivos. Caracterizar los trabajos presentados en las ediciones 2016 y 2018 del Evento Científico Estudiantil Nacional de Medicina Interna (Medintávila) y los publicados en revistas científicas, así como identificar los factores asociados a su publicación. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico. Mediante una estrategia de búsqueda realizada en abril de 2020 en Google Académico, se constató si los trabajos presentados en 2016 y 2018 en el evento habían sido publicados, en inglés o español, en revistas científicas. Se realizaron análisis bivariados para determinar si hubo características de los trabajos asociadas con su publicación, calculándose razones de prevalencia, junto con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% y valores p mediante modelos lineales generalizados (familia Poisson, función de enlace log) en los que se usó como clúster a cada universidad que presentó la investigación. Se consideró un nivel de significancia de p<0.05. Resultados. De los 335 trabajos analizados, 180 (53.73%) correspondieron a la edición de 2016. Respecto a la tipología y temática, 190 (56.72%) fueron clasificados bajo la categoría Temas libres y 170 (50.75%) abordaron Enfermedades crónicas. Se publicaron 24 (7.16%) trabajos, de los cuales solo 9 fueron citados, y en 19 (79.17%) hubo cambios de autores. No se identificaron factores asociados a la publicación de los trabajos en el análisis bivariado. Conclusión. La publicación en revistas científicas de los trabajos presentados en ambas ediciones del Medintávila es muy baja, por lo que es necesario que las universidades cubanas brinden más apoyo en investigación a los estudiantes de ciencias médicas, ya que esto podría aumentar las probabilidades de publicación de sus trabajos.

Healthcare for older people in Central and South America.

Latin American countries (LAC), with their culturally and ethnically diverse populations, form a region that is difficult to define and to understand. The region's health systems are deeply fragmented, which poses great challenges to overall equity levels in health. This is also one of the fastest ageing regions in the world, with increasing demands as well for acute and long-term care (LTC). Demographic and epidemiological transitions across the region are heterogeneous. In this context, health systems are in general, largely unprepared to face the challenge of promoting healthy ageing. This unpreparedness has been magnified by the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. Here, we analyse the burden of disease in the older population and identify priorities to improve the care and quality of life for people living in LAC. Besides an adequately prepared workforce, we must remediate disparities and inequities; develop and implement integrated care; achieve patient-centred care and further develop palliative and end-of-life care; simultaneously, we must develop the structure and financing of LTC services and strengthen the role of public health making healthy ageing an essential component.

Computational Design of Inhibitors Targeting the Catalytic ß Subunit of Escherichia coli FOF1-ATP Synthase.

With the uncontrolled growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria, there is an urgent need to search for new therapeutic targets, to develop drugs with novel modes of bactericidal action. FoF1-ATP synthase plays a crucial role in bacterial bioenergetic processes, and it has emerged as an attractive antimicrobial target, validated by the pharmaceutical approval of an inhibitor to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In this work, we aimed to design, through two types of in silico strategies, new allosteric inhibitors of the ATP synthase, by targeting the catalytic ß subunit, a centerpiece in communication between rotor subunits and catalytic sites, to drive the rotary mechanism. As a model system, we used the F1 sector of Escherichia coli, a bacterium included in the priority list of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Drug-like molecules and an IF1-derived peptide, designed through molecular dynamics simulations and sequence mining approaches, respectively, exhibited in vitro micromolar inhibitor potency against F1. An analysis of bacterial and Mammalia sequences of the key structural helix-turn-turn motif of the C-terminal domain of the ß subunit revealed highly and moderately conserved positions that could be exploited for the development of new species-specific allosteric inhibitors. To our knowledge, these inhibitors are the first binders computationally designed against the catalytic subunit of FOF1-ATP synthase.

Impact of Depression on Anxiety, Well-being, and Suicidality in Mexican Adolescent and Young Adult Students From Mexico City: A Mental Health Screening Using Smartphones.

Background: Depression, anxiety, well-being, and suicidality are highly associated during adolescence and greatly predict mental health outcomes during adulthood. This study explored relationships between these variables among students from Mexico City.Methods: This representative cross-sectional study was carried out in education centers in Mexico City during the 2019-2020 academic year. Using a smartphone app, we implemented validated questionnaires for depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), well-being (World Health Organization 5 Well-Being Index), and risk of suicide (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale). Partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed for the entire sample and after stratifying by gender.Results: Out of 3,042 students, 1,686 were females; mean age of the sample was 17.3 years. Compared to males, females had higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation and lower levels of self-perceived well-being. Structural equation models indicated that depression was the main predictor of the rest of the outcomes in the overall sample. The role of anxiety was heterogeneous across genders and not clearly correlated to suicidal behavior or well-being.Conclusions: Large-scale mental health screening using an online tool proved feasible, with high response rates. Depression was the most important factor influencing anxiety, suicidal behavior, and well-being in Mexican high school students. The roles of depression and anxiety were heterogeneous across genders.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04067076.

Delayed Senescence and Marketability Index Preservation of Blackberry Fruit by Preharvest Application of Chitosan and Salicylic Acid.

Blackberry fruits are appreciated as a source of nutrients and compounds related to benefit human health. However, they are highly perishable and very susceptible to decay factors. Current methods to improve and maintain blackberry quality are limited in use because of the fruit's fragile physical properties. Regarding these properties, it has been reported that the activities of certain enzymes are linked to senescence and fruit softening processes. This study was aimed to assess the effect of salicylic acid (SA) and chitosan (COS) as preharvest treatments on the physiology related to improving fruit conservation and preserving the marketability index of blackberry fruit. The preharvest treatments were foliar sprayed on blackberry plants at different concentrations. The activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and polygalacturonase (PG) were measured. Total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, and marketability index (MI) were analyzed after 144 h of storage. The application of 3 mM of SA and 0.25% of COS treatments preserved the MI of blackberries by reducing leakage, red drupelet reversion (RDR), and mycelium presence in the fruit. SA application increased SOD, CAT, and PAL activities. Our results also showed that SA and COS preharvest treatments modified the activity of the cell wall degrading enzyme PG, which might play a role in improving the shelf life and resistance to decay factors of blackberry fruit without any significant effects on physicochemical properties like TSS, TA, and the TSS/TA ratio.

Longitudinal trajectories of suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents with psychiatric disorders in Chile: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent suicide is a worldwide public health problem, being the second and the third leading cause of death in the 15-29 and the 15-19 age groups, respectively. Among adolescents, it is estimated that for every suicide, there are 100-200 suicide attempts. Although 79% of suicides in the world occur in low/middle-income countries, most of scientific evidence comes from high-income and low-risk countries. In recent years, adolescent suicide rates have steadily increased in Chile. Deaths caused by self-harm increased by 220% in the population aged 10-19 years between 2000 and 2015. The Maule Region is one of the regions of Chile with the highest levels of suicide among those aged 15 and 19 years old. The objective of this study is to evaluate the trajectories of ideation and suicidal attempts in adolescents with psychiatric disorders treated within the public health system of the Maule Region, Chile, based on different clinical, psychological and neuropsychological factors. METHOD: A prospective naturalistic study of a clinical sample of adolescents under psychiatric treatment in the Maule Region, Chile. Adolescents will be evaluated using a thorough protocol that includes suicide-related clinical variables. The study seeks to establish patterns of change in the trajectories of ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Scientific Ethics Committee of the Universidad Católica del Maule in Chile. This protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. The results of this study will be disseminated to health centres through executive reports and feedback sessions. In addition, the most relevant findings will be presented in scientific articles, conferences and seminars open to the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04635163.

Actividad científica estudiantil: su dinamismo en el proceso docente educativo en la universidad médica avileña / Student scientific activity: its dynamism in the educational teaching process at Ciego de Avila medical university

RESUMEN Fundamento: la actividad científica estudiantil es un elemento fundamental en la organización del proceso docente educativo. Objetivo: describir los resultados alcanzados en la actividad científica estudiantil en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila, en el periodo 2016-2020. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila durante el período 2016-2020. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos. Se consultaron los documentos constitutivos del Grupo Científico Estudiantil y los programas científicos de los eventos estudiantiles (de carácter provincial y nacional) y los convocados por Sociedades Científicas de la Salud, donde se registraron trabajos realizados por estudiantes o con participación en estos. Se revisaron además las relatorías donde constaban los premiados. Resultados: en el periodo estudiado se inscribieron en eventos a nivel provincial 1165 trabajos. En eventos nacionales se obtuvieron un total de 100 premios, 23 de ellos en los fórums científico estudiantiles nacionales de ciencias médicas. Se otorgaron a instancias nacionales tres reconocimientos a tres estudiantes de la institución por la actividad científica desarrollada y se obtuvo un premio en el Concurso Nacional Premio Anual de Salud en la categoría estudiantil, recién incorporada. Se creó la revista científica estudiantil Ciencimed. Conclusiones: en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila se han alcanzado importantes resultados en el trabajo conjunto entre los grupos científicos y la institución para el desarrollo de la actividad científica estudiantil. No obstante, se debe trabajar en función de ampliar la representatividad de cada carrera.

ABSTRACT Background: student scientific activity is a fundamental element in the organization of the teaching-learning process. Objective: to describe the results achieved in the student scientific activity at Ciego de Ávila University of Medical Sciences from 2016 to 2020. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out at the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila from 2016-2020. Theoretical and empirical methods were used. The constitutive documents of the Student Scientific Group and the scientific programs of the student´s events (provincial and national) and those convened by Scientific Health Societies were consulted, where work carried out by students or with their participation were recorded. The reports containing the winners were also reviewed. Results: in the period studied, 1,165 works were enrolled in events at the provincial level. In national events, a total of 100 awards were obtained, 23 of them in the national student scientific forum of medical sciences. Three recognitions were awarded by national authorities to three students of the institution for their scientific activity developed and a prize was obtained in the National Annual Health Prize Competition in the newly incorporated student category. The student scientific journal Ciencimed was created. Conclusions: at Ciego de Ávila University of Medical Sciences important results have been achieved in the joint work between scientific groups and the institution for the development of student scientific activity. However, work should be done to expand the representativeness of each degree.