Expression and characterization of scFv-6009FV in Pichia pastoris with improved ability to neutralize the neurotoxin Cn2 from Centruroides noxius.

Small single-chain variable fragments (scFv) are promising biomolecules to inhibit and neutralize toxins and to act as antivenoms. In this work, we aimed to produce a functional scFv-6009FV in the yeast Pichia pastoris, which inhibits the pure Cn2 neurotoxin and the whole venom of Centruroides noxius. We were able to achieve yields of up to 31.6 ± 2 mg/L in flasks. Furthermore, the protein showed a structure of 6.1 % α-helix, 49.1 % ß-sheet, and 44.8 % of random coil by CD. Mass spectrometry confirmed the amino acid sequence and showed no glycosylation profile for this molecule. Purified scFv-6009FV allowed us to develop anti-scFvs in rabbits, which were then used in affinity columns to purify other scFvs. Determination of its half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (IC50) was 40 % better than the scFvs produced by E. coli as a control. Finally, we found that scFv-6009FV was able to inhibit ex vivo the pure Cn2 toxin and the whole venom from C. noxius in murine rescue experiments. These results demonstrated that under the conditions assayed here, P. pastoris is suited to produce scFv-6009FV that, compared to scFvs produced by E. coli, maintains the characteristics of an antibody and neutralizes the Cn2 toxin more effectively.

Mitochondrial Haplogroups and Weight Gain After Initiating ART in Patients with HIV.

We studied the association of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups with weight and body mass index (BMI) gain at 96 weeks in 1,019 treatment-naïve persons with HIV (PWH) who initiated first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) since 2014. The mean increase in weight and BMI over the study period was 2.90 Kg and 0.98 Kg/m2, respectively. We found a significant adjusted association between the major UK mtDNA haplogroup and lower weight and BMI increase at 96 weeks after ART initiation. Our findings reveal a potential role for mitochondrial genetics in the complex phenomenon of weight gain after initial ART in PWH.

The Relationship between Pathogenesis and Possible Treatments for the MASLD-Cirrhosis Spectrum.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a term that entails a broad spectrum of conditions that vary in severity. Its development is influenced by multiple factors such as environment, microbiome, comorbidities, and genetic factors. MASLD is closely related to metabolic syndrome as it is caused by an alteration in the metabolism of fatty acids due to the accumulation of lipids because of an imbalance between its absorption and elimination in the liver. Its progression to fibrosis is due to a constant flow of fatty acids through the mitochondria and the inability of the liver to slow down this metabolic load, which generates oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, triggering cell death. The development and progression of MASLD are closely related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, and nutritional epigenetic and genetic mechanisms have also been implicated. Currently, lifestyle modification is the first-line treatment for MASLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; weight loss of ≥10% produces resolution of steatohepatitis and fibrosis regression. In many patients, body weight reduction cannot be achieved; therefore, pharmacological treatment should be offered in particular populations.

Non-suppressible viraemia during HIV-1 therapy: a challenge for clinicians.

In individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), persistent low-level viraemia not attributed to suboptimal ART adherence, detrimental pharmacological interactions, or drug resistance is referred to as non-suppressible viraemia (NSV). This Review presents recent findings in the virological characterisation of NSV, revealing that it consists of one or a few identical populations of plasma viruses without signs of evolution. This finding suggests that NSV originates from virus production by expanded HIV-infected cell clones, reflecting the persistence of the HIV reservoir despite ART. We discuss knowledge gaps regarding the management and the clinical consequences of NSV. The prevalence of NSV remains to be precisely determined and there is very little understanding of its effects on virological failure, HIV transmission, secondary inflammation, morbidity, and mortality. This issue, along with the absence of specific recommendations for the management of NSV in HIV clinical guidelines, underscores the complexities involved in treating individuals with NSV.

Inequality on the frontline: A multi-country study on gender differences in mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women's well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.

Dynamic topology optimization of 3D-Printed transtibial orthopedic implant using tunable isotropic porous metamaterials.

In this paper, we introduce the design and manufacturing process of a transtibial orthopedic implant. We used medical-grade polyurethane polymer resin to fabricate a 3D porous architected implant with tunable isotropy, employing a high-speed printing method known as Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). Our objective is to enhance the weight-bearing capabilities of the bone structures in the residual limb, thereby circumventing the traditional reliance on a natural bridge. To achieve a custom-made design, we acquire the topology and morphology of the residual limb as well as the bone structure of the tibia and fibula, utilizing computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution 3D scanning. We employed a dynamic topological optimization method, informed by gait cycle data, to effectively reduce the mass of the implant. This approach, which differs from conventional static methods, enables the quantification of variations in applied forces over time. Using the Euler-Lagrange energy approach, we propose the equations of motion for a homologous multibody model with three degrees of freedom. The versatility of the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method facilitates the integration of homogenization methods for microscale porous architectures into the optimized domain. The design of these porous architectures is based on a bias-driven tuning symmetry isotropy of a Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (Schwarz Primitive surface). The internal porosity of the structure significantly reduces weight without compromising the isotropic behavior of the implant.

Follow-Up of a Program to Improve Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Student Diversity.

BACKGROUND: Underrepresented student recruitment is critical to resolve persistent gaps in workforce diversity in the United States. PURPOSE: Prenursing and nursing students participated in a nursing workforce diversity program designed to recruit and graduate underrepresented students, which provided academic and student support, financial support, and mentoring. A follow-up study was conducted to identify the impact of the program. METHODS: Participants were surveyed about educational and employment information, perceptions about factors that contributed to success, benefits of the program, and educational experience. Descriptive summaries of data and thematic analysis of qualitative comments occurred. RESULTS: Financial support, program quality, mentoring, career guidance, and meeting basic security needs were the strongest factors contributing to success. Program benefit themes included: feeling empowered, encouraging success, building confidence, and easing financial strain. Negative experiences with discrimination and bias were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Cocurricular support can help facilitate belonging. Scholarship awards communicate belief in student success, which impacts confidence and achievement.

Self-Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 from Saliva Samples at Home: Isothermal Amplification Enabled by Do-It-Yourself Portable Incubators and Laminated Poly-ethyl Sulfonate Membranes.

COVID-19 made explicit the need for rethinking the way in which we conduct testing for epidemic emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dependence on centralized lab facilities and resource-intensive methodologies (e.g., RT-qPCR methods) greatly limited the deployment of widespread testing efforts in many developed and underdeveloped countries. Here, we illustrate the development of a simple and portable diagnostic kit that enables self-diagnosis of COVID-19 at home from saliva samples. We describe the development of a do-it-yourself (DIY) incubator for Eppendorf tubes that can be used to conduct SARS-CoV-2 detection with competitive sensitivity and selectivity from saliva at home. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we assembled Eppendorf-tube incubators at our home shop, prepared a single-tube mix of reagents and LAMP primers in our lab, and deployed these COVID-19 detection kits using urban delivery systems (i.e., Rappifavor or Uber) to more than 15 different locations in Monterrey, México. This straightforward strategy enabled rapid and cost-effective at-home molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 from real saliva samples with a high sensitivity (100%) and high selectivity (87%).

Exhausting care: On the collateral realities of caring in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

We explore care as a site of multiplicity and tension. Working with the qualitative interview accounts of nineteen health care workers in Colombia, we trace a narrative of 'exhausting care' in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accounts relate exhausting care to working without break in response to extraordinary demand, heightened contagion concern, the pressures of caring in the face of anticipated death, and efforts to carry on caring in the face of constraint. We bring together the work of John Law (2010, 2011) on 'collateral realities' with Lauren Berlant's (2011) thesis of 'cruel optimism' to explore care as a site of practice in which the promise of the good can also become materialised as harm, given structural conditions. Through the reflexive narrative of 'carrying on' in the face of being 'worn down' by care, a narrative which runs through health care worker accounts, we draw attention to the collateral realities of exhausting care as personal and political, at once a practice of endurance and extraction. We argue that the exhausting care that relates to the extraordinariness of the Covid-19 pandemic also resides in the ordinariness, and slower violence, of the everyday. The cruel optimism of care is a relation in which the labour of care reproduces a harmful situation.

Edentulism and Individual Factors of Active Aging Framework in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: While edentulism remains a serious public health problem for older adults in Colombia, few analyses have been conducted from the framework of active aging as a part of the positive discourse of aging. This study analyzed complete edentulism and its relationship with determinants including personal, behavioral, and health systems and social services. METHODS: This study included a total of 19,004 older adults. We used univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression type scores to investigate the relationships between the variables. The personal determinants included basic (Barthel scale) and instrumental activities of daily living (Lawton scale), public transportation, functional limitations, self-perceived health, and health problems. The behavioral factors included alcohol and tobacco use, mini nutritional tests, and physical activity. The last determinant was the healthcare system, while social services access included dental services. The analysis also included sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: The results revealed significant associations for the variables of the three determinants, including the risk of malnutrition (odds ratio [OR]=1.15), functional limitation (OR=1.15), moderate physical activity (OR=1.08), and access to dental services (OR=2.31). Sex, years of education, and race were also risk factors, among other variables. Personal determinants, behavior, and use and access to health services were related to edentulism in older adults. CONCLUSION: These findings support the need to include different analyses of edentulism from multicausality and to understand the oral cavity and the living conditions of aging adults.

Latin-American consensus on the transition into adult life of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia.

INTRODUCTION: X-linked hypophosphatemia is an orphan disease of genetic origin and multisystem involvement. It is characterized by a mutation of the PHEX gene which results in excess FGF23 production, with abnormal renal and intestinal phosphorus metabolism, hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia secondary to chronic renal excretion of phosphate. Clinical manifestations include hypophosphatemic rickets leading to growth abnormalities and osteomalacia, myopathy, bone pain and dental abscesses. The transition of these patients to adult life continues to pose challenges to health systems, medical practitioners, patients and families. For this reason, the aim of this consensus is to provide a set of recommendations to facilitate this process and ensure adequate management and follow-up, as well as the quality of life for patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia as they transition to adult life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight Latin American experts on the subject participated in the consensus and two of them were appointed as coordinators. The consensus work was done in accordance with the nominal group technique in 6 phases: (1) question standardization, (2) definition of the maximum number of choices, (3) production of individual solutions or answers, (4) individual question review, (5) analysis and synthesis of the information and (6) synchronic meetings for clarification and voting. An agreement was determined to exist with 80% votes in favor in three voting cycles. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Transition to adult life in patients with hypophosphatemia is a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration medical interventions and associated care, but also the psychosocial components of adult life and the participation of multiple stakeholders to ensure a successful process. The consensus proposes a total of 33 recommendations based on the evidence and the knowledge and experience of the experts. The goal of the recommendations is to optimize the management of these patients during their transition to adulthood, bearing in mind the need for multidisciplinary management, as well as the most relevant medical and psychosocial factors in the region.

Bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos en alimentos de origen animal. Revisión sistemática / Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in foods of animal origin. Systematic review

Introducción. La problemática alrededor de la resistencia a los antibióticos se intensifica por la presencia de patógenos resistentes en alimentos de origen animal. Objetivo. Presentar el estado de la prevalencia de bacterias resistentes a antibióticos (BRA) y los principales genes de resistencia a antibióticos (GRAs) que se reportan en alimentos de origen animal y en animales destinados al consumo humano. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática basada en la guía PRISMA, empleando las bases de datos: Science Direct, Redalyc, Scopus, Hinari, Scielo, Dialnet, PLOS, ProQuest, Taylor, Lilacs y PubMed/ Medline con estudios originales realizados entre enero de 2017 y abril 2023. Resultados. Un total de 2620 estudios fueron identificados y 71 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La carne de res, leche cruda/productos lácteos no pasteurizados y las heces de animales de granja fueron las muestras más estudiadas. Las BRAs más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli productora de ß-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), Salmonella spp. resistente a múltiples fármacos (MDR) y Stahylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM). Los GRAs más reportados fueron bla, tet y sul mediados por plásmidos e integrones, principalmente. Conclusiones. En esta revisión sistemática se encontró, que los aislamientos de E. coli, Salmonella spp. y S. aureus son los que más frecuentemente presentaron resistencia a la tetraciclina ampicilina y el sulfametoxazol/ trimetoprima con el predominio de los genes bla, tet y sul, que están siendo diseminados por elementos genéticos móviles entre bacterias y a humanos a través de clones zoonóticos con una alta estabilidad en el tiempo(AU)

Introduction. The problem around antibiotic resistance is intensified by the presence of resistant pathogens in foods of animal origin. Objective. Present the state of the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the main antibiotic resistance genes (AGRs) that are reported in foods of animal origin and in animals intended for human consumption. Materials and methods. A systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA guide, from the Science Direct, Redalyc, Scopus, Hinari, Scielo, Dialnet, PLOS, ProQuest, Taylor, Lilacs and PubMed/Medline databases with original studies carried out between January 2017 and April of 2023. Results. A total of 2620 studies were identified, and 71 studies met the inclusion criteria. Beef, raw milk/unpasteurized dairy products, and farm animal feces were the most studied samples. The most common resistant bacteria were extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. multidrug resistant (MDR) and methicillin resistant Stahylococcus aureus (MRSA). The AGRs most reported were bla, tet and sul, mediated mainly through plasmids and integrons. Conclusions. In this systematic review it was found that the isolates of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and S. aureus are the ones that most frequently presented resistance to tetracycline ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim with a predominance of the bla, tet and sul genes, which are being disseminated by mobile genetic elements between bacteria and humans through zoonotic clones with high stability over time(AU)

Antibiotic consumption in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Colombia: national surveillance from 2018-2020.

Objective: To assess the compliance in secondary and tertiary level hospitals with monthly reporting of antibiotic consumption to the Colombian National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA-INS), and to describe reported antibiotic consumption during 2018-2020. Methods: This study involved a secondary analysis of antibiotic consumption data reported to SIVIGILA-INS. Frequency of hospital reporting was assessed and compared against expected reports, disaggregated by intensive care units (ICU)/non-ICU wards and geographical regions. Consumption was expressed as defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 occupied beds for seven antibiotics. Results: More than 70% of hospitals reported antibiotic consumption at least once in each of the three years (79% in ICU and 71% in non-ICU wards). Of these, ICU monthly reporting was complete (12 monthly reports per year) for 59% in the period 2018-2019 but only 4% in 2020. Non-ICU reporting was complete for 52% in 2019 and for 2% in 2020. Most regions had an overall decrease in reporting in 2020. Analysis of antibiotic consumption showed an increase for piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem, and cefepime from 2019 to 2020. Conclusions: There were gaps in the consistency and frequency of reporting. Efforts are needed to improve compliance with monthly reporting, which declined in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-compliance on reporting and data quality issues should be addressed with the hospitals to enable valid interpretation of antibiotic consumption trends.

Antibiotic consumption in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Colombia: national surveillance from 2018–2020

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To assess the compliance in secondary and tertiary level hospitals with monthly reporting of antibi- otic consumption to the Colombian National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA-INS), and to describe reported antibiotic consumption during 2018–2020. Methods. This study involved a secondary analysis of antibiotic consumption data reported to SIVIGILA-INS. Frequency of hospital reporting was assessed and compared against expected reports, disaggregated by intensive care units (ICU)/non-ICU wards and geographical regions. Consumption was expressed as defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 occupied beds for seven antibiotics. Results. More than 70% of hospitals reported antibiotic consumption at least once in each of the three years (79% in ICU and 71% in non-ICU wards). Of these, ICU monthly reporting was complete (12 monthly reports per year) for 59% in the period 2018–2019 but only 4% in 2020. Non-ICU reporting was complete for 52% in 2019 and for 2% in 2020. Most regions had an overall decrease in reporting in 2020. Analysis of antibiotic consumption showed an increase for piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem, and cefepime from 2019 to 2020. Conclusions. There were gaps in the consistency and frequency of reporting. Efforts are needed to improve compliance with monthly reporting, which declined in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-compliance on reporting and data quality issues should be addressed with the hospitals to enable valid interpretation of antibiotic consumption trends.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar el cumplimiento de los hospitales de segundo y tercer nivel en la presentación mensual de información sobre el consumo de antibióticos en el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública de Colombia (SIVIGILA-INS) y describir el consumo de antibióticos reportado en el período 2018-2020. Métodos. Este estudio incluyó un análisis secundario de los datos del consumo de antibióticos reportado en SIVIGILA-INS. Se evaluó la frecuencia de los informes hospitalarios y se comparó con los informes esperados, desglosados por unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y otros servicios distintos a la UCI, y por región geográ- fica. El consumo se expresó en dosis diaria definida (DDD) por 100 camas ocupadas para siete antibióticos. Resultados. Más del 70% de los hospitales notificaron el consumo de antibióticos al menos una vez en cada uno de los tres años (79% en la UCI y 71% en los servicios distintos a la UCI). De estos, el 59% de las UCI completaron los informes mensuales (12 informes en un año) entre el 2018 y el 2019, pero solo el 4% en el 2020. El 52% de los servicios distintos a la UCI completó los informes en el 2019 y el 2% en el 2020. En la mayoría de las regiones hubo una disminución general de la notificación en el 2020. El análisis del consumo de antibióticos mostró un aumento de piperacilina/tazobactam, ertapenem y cefepima del 2019 al 2020. Conclusiones. Se encontraron disparidades en la coherencia y en la frecuencia de la presentación de informes. Es necesario destinar esfuerzos para mejorar el cumplimiento de la notificación mensual, que disminuyó en el 2020 posiblemente debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. La falta de cumplimiento en la pre- sentación de los reportes y los problemas de calidad de los datos deben abordarse con los hospitales para facilitar la interpretación válida de las tendencias de consumo de antibióticos.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar o cumprimento da exigência de notificar mensalmente o consumo de antibióticos em hospi- tais secundários e terciários ao Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde Pública da Colômbia (SIVIGILA-INS) e descrever o consumo informado de antibióticos de 2018 a 2020. Métodos. Este estudo envolveu uma análise secundária dos dados de consumo de antibióticos enviados para o SIVIGILA-INS. A frequência de notificação pelos hospitais foi avaliada e comparada com a frequência esperada. Os dados foram desagregados entre unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) e enfermarias gerais e por regiões geográficas. O consumo foi expresso como dose diária definida (DDD) por 100 leitos ocupados para sete antibióticos. Resultados. Mais de 70% dos hospitais notificaram consumo de antibióticos pelo menos uma vez em cada um dos três anos (79% na UTI e 71% nas enfermarias gerais). Entre eles, 59% dos hospitais enviaram todas as notificações relativas a UTIs (12 notificações mensais) no período de 2018 a 2019, mas apenas 4% o fiz- eram em 2020. No caso das enfermarias gerais, 52% dos hospitais enviaram todas as notificações em 2019 e 2% o fizeram em 2020. A maioria das regiões teve uma diminuição geral no número de notificações envia- das em 2020. A análise do consumo de antibióticos revelou um aumento no uso de piperacilina/tazobactam, ertapeném e cefepima de 2019 para 2020. Conclusões. Houve lacunas na uniformidade e frequência das notificações. São necessários esforços para melhorar o cumprimento da exigência de notificações mensais, que, possivelmente devido à pandemia de COVID-19, diminuiu em 2020. Problemas relacionados ao não cumprimento da exigência de notificação e à qualidade dos dados devem ser resolvidos junto aos hospitais para permitir uma interpretação válida das tendências de consumo de antibióticos.

Formulación de galletas fortificadas por sustitución parcial de harina de moringa y suero lácteo / Formulation of fortified cookies by partial substitution of moringa flour and whey

El suero lácteo y la moringa poseen alto valor nutricional; sin embargo, su uso en la elaboración de productos alimenticios es una alternativa viable pero poco utilizada. Objetivo. Elaborar una galleta fortificada por sustitución parcial de harina de moringa (HM) y polvo de suero lácteo (PSL). Materiales y métodos. Durante septiembre-diciembre 2021, se desarrollaron cuatro formulaciones con sustitución parcial de harina de trigo por HM y PSL (F0=100:0:0; F1=90:5:5; F2=80:10:10; F3=70:15:15). La aceptación del producto se determinó mediante una evaluación sensorial considerando los atributos sabor, olor, color, textura y aceptación general. Se realizó el análisis químico proximal a la HM, al PSL, a la formulación de mayor aceptación y a F0. Se compararon los distintos parámetros químico proximales y de aceptación mediante una anova de una vía, seguido de una prueba de comparación de medias de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados. Conforme se incrementa el porcentaje de sustitución de harina de trigo por HM y PSL se obtiene menor aceptación de las galletas, siendo F1 la más aceptada. F1 registró un contenido proteico de 6,90±0,04%, significativamente mayor al observado en F0. Conclusiones. La buena aceptabilidad de F1 indica que la sustitución parcial por HM y PSL no influyen en su aceptación; además, F1 mostró un enriquecimiento de proteinas, lípidos y cenizas, así como contenido adecuado de humedad y carbohidratos(AU)

Introduction. Whey and moringa have high nutritional value; however, their use in the production of food products is a viable but rarely used alternative. Objective. To make a biscuit fortified by partial substitution of moringa flour (MF) and whey powder (WP). Materials and methods. During September-December 2021, four formulations were developed with different degrees of partial substitution of wheat flour for MF and WP (F0=100:0:0; F1=90:5:5; F2=80:10:10; F3=70:15:15). The acceptance of the product was determined through a sensory evaluation considering the attributes taste, odor, color, texture and general acceptance. A proximal chemical analysis was performed on the MF, WP, the most widely accepted formulation and F0. Proximal chemical parameters and acceptance attributes were compared using a one-way anova, followed by a Tukey mean comparison test (p<0.05). Results. As the percentage of substitution of wheat flour by MF and WP increases less acceptance of the biscuits is obtained, with F1 as the most accepted formulation. F1 registered a protein content of 6.90±0.04%, significantly higher than that observed in F0. Conclusions: The good acceptability of F1 indicates that the partial substitution of wheat flour for MF and WP do not influence its acceptance; in addition, F1, showed an enrichment of protein, lipid and ash, as well as adequate moisture and carbohydrate content(AU)

PPARs and Their Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson's Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Approach in α-Synucleinopathy?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common α-synucleinopathy worldwide. The pathognomonic hallmark of PD is the misfolding and propagation of the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein, observed in post-mortem histopathology. It has been hypothesized that α-synucleinopathy triggers oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction, leading to neurodegeneration. To this date, there are no disease-modifying drugs that generate neuroprotection against these neuropathological events and especially against α-synucleinopathy. Growing evidence suggests that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists confer neuroprotective effects in PD, however, whether they also confer an anti-α-synucleinopathy effect is unknown. Here we analyze the reported therapeutic effects of PPARs, specifically the gamma isoform (PPARγ), in preclinical PD animal models and clinical trials for PD, and we suggest possible anti-α-synucleinopathy mechanisms acting downstream from these receptors. Elucidating the neuroprotective mechanisms of PPARs through preclinical models that mimic PD as closely as possible will facilitate the execution of better clinical trials for disease-modifying drugs in PD.

Vehicle and Driver Monitoring System Using On-Board and Remote Sensors.

This paper presents an integrated monitoring system for the driver and the vehicle in a single case of study easy to configure and replicate. On-board vehicle sensors and remote sensors are combined to model algorithms for estimating polluting emissions, fuel consumption, driving style and driver's health. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of interactions among the above monitored features highlighting the influence of the driver in the vehicle performance and vice versa. This analysis was carried out experimentally using one vehicle with different drivers and routes and implemented on a mobile application. Compared to commercial driver and vehicle monitoring systems, this approach is not customized, uses classical sensor measurements, and is based on simple algorithms that have been already proven but not in an interactive environment with other algorithms. In the procedure design of this global vehicle and driver monitoring system, a principal component analysis was carried out to reduce the variables used in the training/testing algorithms with objective to decrease the transfer data via Bluetooth between the used devices: a biometric wristband, a smartphone and the vehicle's central computer. Experimental results show that the proposed vehicle and driver monitoring system predicts correctly the fuel consumption index in 84%, the polluting emissions 89%, and the driving style 89%. Indeed, interesting correlation results between the driver's heart condition and vehicular traffic have been found in this analysis.

Conocimientos sobre medidas de bioseguridad ante la COVID-19 en estudiantes de Enfermería / Knowledge about biosecurity measures against COVID-19 in nursing students

Fundamento: los riesgos que implica el quehacer de los profesionales de la salud en el ejercicio de su práctica cotidiana demandan incorporar los elementos concernientes a la bioseguridad a sus funciones. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de conocimiento y la aplicación de las normas de bioseguridad en estudiantes de enfermería ante la COVID-19. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal durante el mes de octubre de 2020 en el Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico "Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández" y el Hospital Pediátrico "Eliseo Noel Camaño" de Matanzas. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: histórico-lógico e inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos: cuestionario y el análisis documental. Resultados: a través de la aplicación del cuestionario se obtuvo que el 100 % de los estudiantes tienen un adecuado conocimiento sobre el lavado y secado de las manos, el 83,3 % mostró conocimientos adecuados sobre el uso de equipos de protección personal, mientras que el 100 % conoce el uso del nasobuco en la atención a pacientes con infección respiratoria, además se pudo conocer que el 55,5 % hacen uso de los medios de protección siempre, y el 45,5 % solo lo usan algunas veces. Conclusiones el nivel de conocimiento y la aplicación de las normas de bioseguridad en estudiantes de enfermería ante la COVID-19 fueron en su mayoría adecuados, lo que implica diseñar una capacitación sobre el tema dirigida a aquellos que la necesiten.

Background: the risks involved in the work of health professionals in the exercise of their daily practice demand the incorporation of elements concerning biosafety into their functions. Objective: to determine the level of knowledge and the application of biosafety standards in nursing students while facing COVID-19. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the month of October 2020 at the "Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández" Clinical-Surgical Hospital and the "Eliseo Noel Camaño" Pediatric Hospital in Matanzas. Theoretical methods were used: historical-logical and inductive-deductive; and empirical ones: questionnaire and documentary analysis. Results: through the implentation of the questionnaire, it was obtained that 100% of the students have adequate knowledge about washing and drying their hands, 83.3% showed adequate knowledge about the use of personal protective equipment, while 100% know the use of the facemask in the care of patients with respiratory infection, in addition it was possible to know that 55.5% always use the means of protection, and 45.5% only use it sometimes. Conclusions: the level of knowledge and the application of biosafety standards in nursing students before COVID-19 was mostly adequate, which implies designing training on the subject aimed at those who need it.

Antibiotic consumption in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Colombia: national surveillance from 2018-2020 / Consumo de antibióticos en hospitales de segundo y tercer nivel en Colombia: vigilancia nacional entre 2018 y 2020 / Consumo de antibióticos em hospitais secundários e terciários da Colômbia: vigilância nacional de 2018 a 2020

ABSTRACT Objective. To assess the compliance in secondary and tertiary level hospitals with monthly reporting of antibiotic consumption to the Colombian National Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA-INS), and to describe reported antibiotic consumption during 2018-2020. Methods. This study involved a secondary analysis of antibiotic consumption data reported to SIVIGILA-INS. Frequency of hospital reporting was assessed and compared against expected reports, disaggregated by intensive care units (ICU)/non-ICU wards and geographical regions. Consumption was expressed as defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 occupied beds for seven antibiotics. Results. More than 70% of hospitals reported antibiotic consumption at least once in each of the three years (79% in ICU and 71% in non-ICU wards). Of these, ICU monthly reporting was complete (12 monthly reports per year) for 59% in the period 2018-2019 but only 4% in 2020. Non-ICU reporting was complete for 52% in 2019 and for 2% in 2020. Most regions had an overall decrease in reporting in 2020. Analysis of antibiotic consumption showed an increase for piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem, and cefepime from 2019 to 2020. Conclusions. There were gaps in the consistency and frequency of reporting. Efforts are needed to improve compliance with monthly reporting, which declined in 2020, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-compliance on reporting and data quality issues should be addressed with the hospitals to enable valid interpretation of antibiotic consumption trends.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el cumplimiento de los hospitales de segundo y tercer nivel en la presentación mensual de información sobre el consumo de antibióticos en el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública de Colombia (SIVIGILA-INS) y describir el consumo de antibióticos reportado en el período 2018-2020. Métodos. Este estudio incluyó un análisis secundario de los datos del consumo de antibióticos reportado en SIVIGILA-INS. Se evaluó la frecuencia de los informes hospitalarios y se comparó con los informes esperados, desglosados por unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y otros servicios distintos a la UCI, y por región geográfica. El consumo se expresó en dosis diaria definida (DDD) por 100 camas ocupadas para siete antibióticos. Resultados. Más del 70% de los hospitales notificaron el consumo de antibióticos al menos una vez en cada uno de los tres años (79% en la UCI y 71% en los servicios distintos a la UCI). De estos, el 59% de las UCI completaron los informes mensuales (12 informes en un año) entre el 2018 y el 2019, pero solo el 4% en el 2020. El 52% de los servicios distintos a la UCI completó los informes en el 2019 y el 2% en el 2020. En la mayoría de las regiones hubo una disminución general de la notificación en el 2020. El análisis del consumo de antibióticos mostró un aumento de piperacilina/tazobactam, ertapenem y cefepima del 2019 al 2020. Conclusiones. Se encontraron disparidades en la coherencia y en la frecuencia de la presentación de informes. Es necesario destinar esfuerzos para mejorar el cumplimiento de la notificación mensual, que disminuyó en el 2020 posiblemente debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. La falta de cumplimiento en la presentación de los reportes y los problemas de calidad de los datos deben abordarse con los hospitales para facilitar la interpretación válida de las tendencias de consumo de antibióticos.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar o cumprimento da exigência de notificar mensalmente o consumo de antibióticos em hospitais secundários e terciários ao Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saúde Pública da Colômbia (SIVIGILA-INS) e descrever o consumo informado de antibióticos de 2018 a 2020. Métodos. Este estudo envolveu uma análise secundária dos dados de consumo de antibióticos enviados para o SIVIGILA-INS. A frequência de notificação pelos hospitais foi avaliada e comparada com a frequência esperada. Os dados foram desagregados entre unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) e enfermarias gerais e por regiões geográficas. O consumo foi expresso como dose diária definida (DDD) por 100 leitos ocupados para sete antibióticos. Resultados. Mais de 70% dos hospitais notificaram consumo de antibióticos pelo menos uma vez em cada um dos três anos (79% na UTI e 71% nas enfermarias gerais). Entre eles, 59% dos hospitais enviaram todas as notificações relativas a UTIs (12 notificações mensais) no período de 2018 a 2019, mas apenas 4% o fizeram em 2020. No caso das enfermarias gerais, 52% dos hospitais enviaram todas as notificações em 2019 e 2% o fizeram em 2020. A maioria das regiões teve uma diminuição geral no número de notificações enviadas em 2020. A análise do consumo de antibióticos revelou um aumento no uso de piperacilina/tazobactam, ertapeném e cefepima de 2019 para 2020. Conclusões. Houve lacunas na uniformidade e frequência das notificações. São necessários esforços para melhorar o cumprimento da exigência de notificações mensais, que, possivelmente devido à pandemia de COVID‑19, diminuiu em 2020. Problemas relacionados ao não cumprimento da exigência de notificação e à qualidade dos dados devem ser resolvidos junto aos hospitais para permitir uma interpretação válida das tendências de consumo de antibióticos.