Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Modeling of the Dynamics of COVID-19 Deaths in Peru.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of the disease is crucial for effective public health interventions. This study aims to analyze COVID-19 data in Peru using a Bayesian spatio-temporal generalized linear model to elucidate mortality patterns and assess the impact of vaccination efforts. Leveraging data from 194 provinces over 651 days, our analysis reveals heterogeneous spatial and temporal patterns in COVID-19 mortality rates. Higher vaccination coverage is associated with reduced mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in mitigating the pandemic's impact. The findings underscore the value of spatio-temporal data analysis in understanding disease dynamics and guiding targeted public health interventions.

Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017: A new threat to Iberian inland waters.

An eco-monitoring programme to assess faunal biodiversity in the main rivers of the northern Iberian Peninsula (Spain) reveals the first occurrence of the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Iberian inland waters. Iberian specimens have been identified by combining morphological and genetic traits. We discuss the most plausible pathways and introduction vectors, its potential invasiveness and subsequent impacts on host localities. Our preliminary results raise concern about the potential threat of P. virginalis to native fauna and ecosystem dynamics, as P. virginalis was found in an area of great cultural and ecological importance with relevant populations of endangered species. Due to the invasive history of the marbled crayfish, eradication of these individuals is urgent. This study confirms the importance of early warning systems for exotic species, keeping the population, forest guards and field technicians informed about potential invasive species to execute a rapid and effective response.

Gene expression and locomotor recovery in adult rats with spinal cord injury and plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine application combined with a mixed rehabilitation scheme.

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause paralysis, for which effective therapeutic strategies have not been developed yet. The only accepted strategy for patients is rehabilitation (RB), although this does not allow complete recovery of lost functions, which makes it necessary to combine it with strategies such as plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I), a biopolymer with different physicochemical properties than PPy synthesized by conventional methods. After SCI in rats, PPy/I promotes functional recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to increase the beneficial effects of both strategies and identify which genes activate PPy/I when applied alone or in combination with a mixed scheme of RB by swimming and enriched environment (SW/EE) in rats with SCI. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to identify mechanisms of action underlying the effects of PPy/I and PPy/I+SW/EE on motor function recovery as evaluated by the BBB scale. Results: Results showed robust upregulation by PPy/I in genes related to the developmental process, biogenesis, synapse, and synaptic vesicle trafficking. In addition, PPy/I+SW/EE increased the expression of genes related to proliferation, biogenesis, cell development, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, neuron development, and synapse formation processes. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the expression of ß-III tubulin in all groups, a decreased expression of caspase-3 in the PPy/I group and GFAP in the PPy/I+SW/EE group (p < 0.05). Better preservation of nerve tissue was observed in PPy/I and PPy/SW/EE groups (p < 0.05). In the BBB scale, the control group scored 1.72 ± 0.41, animals with PPy/I treatment scored 4.23 ± 0.33, and those with PPy/I+SW/EE scored 9.13 ± 0.43 1 month after follow-up. Conclusion: Thus, PPy/I+SW/EE could represent a therapeutic alternative for motor function recovery after SCI.

Steady-state solutions for the Muskat problem.

In this paper we study the existence of stationary solutions for the Muskat problem with a large surface tension coefficient. Ehrnstrom, Escher and Matioc studied in Mats Ehrnström (Methods Appl Anal 20:33-46, 2013) that there exists solutions to this problem for surface tensions below a finite value. In these notes we go beyond this value considering large surface tension. Also by numerical simulation we show some examples that explains the behavior of solutions.

[Childhoods, diagnosis and mental health: discuorses on the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the Los Lagos region, Chile (2020-2021)]. / Infancias, diagnósticos y salud mental: discursos sobre el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad en la región de Los Lagos, Chile (2020-2021).

The purpose of this article is to identify power-knowledge relationships that shape discourses surrounding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in the region of Los Lagos, Chile. Employing a qualitative methodology based on Foucauldian discourse analysis, three analytical categories were defined: a) meanings, b) configurations, and c) implications of this neuropsychiatric condition. These categories guided eleven in-depth interviews with professionals, family members, and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, which were conducted between 2020 and 2021. Based on the discourse analysis, the article concludes that: a) Foucauldian biopolitics and Latin American collective health are effective analytical approaches to discourses surrounding ADHD; b) the diagnosis of this disorder is a medicalized phenomenon; and c) diagnosis functions as a classifying tool, a field of controversies, and a strategy that modulates the body and childhood activity.

El propósito del artículo es identificar las relaciones de poder-saber que constituyen el discurso sobre el diagnóstico del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) en la región de Los Lagos, Chile. A partir de una metodología cualitativa, centrada en el análisis del discurso foucaultiano, se obtuvieron tres categorías analíticas: a) los significados, b) las configuraciones y c) las implicancias de esta entidad neuropsiquiátrica. Estas categorías orientaron la realización de once entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales, familiares y adolescentes diagnosticados con TDAH, realizadas entre el año 2020 y 2021. A partir del análisis de los discursos, se concluye que: a) la biopolítica foucaultiana y la salud colectiva latinoamericana son matrices analíticas eficaces para aproximarse a los discursos sobre el TDAH, b) la diagnosis de este trastorno es un fenómeno medicalizado, y c) el diagnóstico funciona como herramienta clasificatoria, campo de controversias y estrategia modular del cuerpo y actividad infantil.

Application of Vibrating Reverse Osmosis Technology for Nutrient Recovery from Pig Slurry in a Circular Economy Model.

The rapid growth of the livestock sector in some areas of Europe has caused an imbalance between the generation of livestock manure and the availability of agricultural soil for its direct application as a fertilizer. Since the transport of pig slurry to other areas with nutrient-deficient soils is costly from an economic point of view due to its high water content, the application of new technologies for the concentration of this waste is considered key for reducing management costs. Consequently, the main objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of vibratory shear enhanced processing (VSEP) operated with reverse osmosis membranes to recover nutrients from the liquid fractions of pig slurry (LF-pig slurry) and digestate (LF-digestate) and obtain concentrated fertilizing products. Use of the VSEP unit permitted reductions in the water contents of the LF-pig slurry and LF-digestate, around 77% and 67%, respectively. Both VSEP concentrates were characterized by their significant nutrient contents and showed a nitrogen fertilizer replacement value similar to that of mineral fertilizer as demonstrated in a barley crop pot-test, although the salinity of the digestate concentrate was identified as a key limitation, negatively impacting the agronomic yield of the test crop.

Risk Factors and Laboratory Findings Associated With Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the most serious and acute complication of type 1 diabetes, has an incidence of 6%-8% among known pediatric type 1 diabetes patients, although risk factors associated with severe DKA in the pediatric population are poorly understood [1]. METHOD: A single-institution, retrospective chart analysis of pediatric DKA patients admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) was conducted in South Alabama between October 2017 and April 2021. Laboratory findings were obtained from venous samples collected from the patients on admission. RESULTS: Of 429 admissions, 256 unique patients were admitted with DKA to PICU during the 3.5-year period; 55.9% of them were males. The median (IQR) age of the patients was 12 (10-15) years, and their median HbA1c level was 11.02 (10%-12%), which was similar to Medicaid and private insurance statistics (11.1 [9.87-12.2] vs 11 [9.65-12], p = 0.4). Serum pH on presentation was 7.17 (7.08-7.25), and serum bicarbonate was 10 (7-14) mmol/L. White blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and mean platelet volume (MPV) had a negative correlation with serum pH (r = -0.52, p < 0.001, r = -0.25, p = 0.01 and r = -0.11, p = 0.03, respectively). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN):creatinine ratio had a positive correlation with serum pH (r = 0.16, p < 0.001). Twenty-nine admissions (6.8%) with a median age of 16 (13-17) years required imaging for altered mental status, and none of these patients were diagnosed with cerebral edema. CONCLUSION: DKA is associated with noncompliance among pediatric patients, irrespective of their type of insurance. Markers of oxidative stress (WBC, platelets, and MPV) were associated with increased severity of DKA. The BUN:creatinine ratio may not provide accurate hydration status among DKA patients. Clinicians need to have a lower threshold for head imaging among younger patients.

Evolution of Spinal Cord Transection of Rhesus Monkey Implanted with Polymer Synthesized by Plasma Evaluated by Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

In spinal cord injury (SCI) there is damage to the nervous tissue, due to the initial damage and pathophysiological processes that are triggered subsequently. There is no effective therapeutic strategy for motor functional recovery derived from the injury. Several studies have demonstrated neurons growth in cell cultures on polymers synthesized by plasma derived from pyrrole, and the increased recovery of motor function in rats by implanting the polymer in acute states of the SCI in contusion and transection models. In the process of transferring these advances towards humans it is recommended to test in mayor species, such as nonhuman primates, prioritizing the use of non-invasive techniques to evaluate the injury progression with the applied treatments. This work shows the ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate the evolution of the SCI in nonhuman primates through the fraction of anisotropy (FA) analysis and the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) calculus. The injury progression was analysed up to 3 months after the injury day by FA and DTT. The FA recovery and the DTT re-stabilization were observed in the experimental implanted subject with the polymer, in contrast with the non-implanted subject. The parameters derived from DTI are concordant with the histology and the motor functional behaviour.

The feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomized controlled trial testing pharmacy-based HPV vaccine completion.

OBJECTIVE: Immunizing pharmacists can administer vaccines; however, they are less likely to administer adolescent vaccines such as vaccines that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). Although past research has recommended incorporating pharmacists to increase adolescent vaccination, few intervention studies have tested healthcare delivery models that incorporate pharmacists to aid in vaccine series completion. This research explored the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention in which pharmacists administered booster doses of the HPV vaccine series. METHODS: Between April 2019 and February 2020, the research team recruited participants for a pilot randomized controlled trial hosted in one federally qualified health center (FQHC) clinic. Researchers asked intervention group participants to complete the HPV vaccine series with their community pharmacists and control group participants to complete the series at their FQHC. We conducted a pre- and post-intervention surveys and in-depth interviews with both intervention and control group participants. RESULTS: A total of 33 parents of children who received the first dose of the HPV vaccine enrolled in the study of whom 8 intervention and 11 control group participants completed post-intervention data collection. Although there were no statistically significant changes in vaccine completion and in psychometric variables, we did find that pharmacist-delivered HPV vaccination was acceptable, due, primarily, to convenience. Barriers to receiving pharmacist-administered vaccines included pharmacies' lack of stocking the vaccine and insurance-related barriers to care. CONCLUSION: Although a promising and acceptable healthcare delivery approach, there are still barriers for caregivers to have their children vaccinated against HPV at their community pharmacies.

Infancias, diagnósticos y salud mental: discursos sobre el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad en la región de Los Lagos, Chile (2020-2021) / Childhoods, diagnosis and mental health: discuorses on the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the Los Lagos region, Chile (2020-2021)

RESUMEN El propósito del artículo es identificar las relaciones de poder-saber que constituyen el discurso sobre el diagnóstico del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) en la región de Los Lagos, Chile. A partir de una metodología cualitativa, centrada en el análisis del discurso foucaultiano, se obtuvieron tres categorías analíticas: a) los significados, b) las configuraciones y c) las implicancias de esta entidad neuropsiquiátrica. Estas categorías orientaron la realización de once entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales, familiares y adolescentes diagnosticados con TDAH, realizadas entre el año 2020 y 2021. A partir del análisis de los discursos, se concluye que: a) la biopolítica foucaultiana y la salud colectiva latinoamericana son matrices analíticas eficaces para aproximarse a los discursos sobre el TDAH, b) la diagnosis de este trastorno es un fenómeno medicalizado, y c) el diagnóstico funciona como herramienta clasificatoria, campo de controversias y estrategia modular del cuerpo y actividad infantil.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to identify power-knowledge relationships that shape discourses surrounding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in the region of Los Lagos, Chile. Employing a qualitative methodology based on Foucauldian discourse analysis, three analytical categories were defined: a) meanings, b) configurations, and c) implications of this neuropsychiatric condition. These categories guided eleven in-depth interviews with professionals, family members, and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, which were conducted between 2020 and 2021. Based on the discourse analysis, the article concludes that: a) Foucauldian biopolitics and Latin American collective health are effective analytical approaches to discourses surrounding ADHD; b) the diagnosis of this disorder is a medicalized phenomenon; and c) diagnosis functions as a classifying tool, a field of controversies, and a strategy that modulates the body and childhood activity.

Cubic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia: Process Optimization and Potential Industrial Implementation.

Cubic nanoparticles are referred to as the best shaped particles for magnetic hyperthermia applications. In this work, the best set of values for obtaining optimized shape and size of magnetic particles (namely: reagents quantities and proportions, type of solvents, temperature, etc.) is determined. A full industrial implementation study is also performed, including production system design and technical and economic viability.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold: The Other Insects That Fall into the Asian Yellow-Legged Hornet Vespa velutina 'Specific' Traps.

The introduction of invasive species is considered one of the major threats to the biodiversity conservation worldwide. In recent years, an Asian invasive species of wasp has set off alarms in Europe and elsewhere in the world, Vespa velutina. The Asian wasp was accidentally introduced in France around 2004 and shortly thereafter it was able to colonise practically all of Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula. The ecological and economic implications of V. velutina invasion and its high colonisation ability have triggered widespread trapping campaigns, usually supported by beekeepers and local governments, with the aim of diminishing its population and its negative impacts. Among the most used control methods are the capture traps, which use a sugary attractant to catch the invasive wasps. However, the species-specific selectivity and efficiency of these traps has been little studied. In this paper, we have analysed the specific identity of the unintentionally trapped insect species from northern Spain (covering one-year period), as well as we have assessed the provided ecosystem services by them. A total of 74 non-target taxa of insects were caught by the V. velutina studied traps, most of them correspond to the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, the dipterans being the most abundant group. Surprisingly, the most abundant trapped species was the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii that represented the 36.07% of the total catches. Furthermore, we reported the first record of ectoparasitic mites of the genus Varroa on V. velutina, constituting a newly recorded symbiotic association. Hopefully, the provided information helps to develop new protocols and management tools to control this invasive species in the Iberian Peninsula and other temperate areas of western Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

B-Cell Regeneration Profile and Minimal Residual Disease Status in Bone Marrow of Treated Multiple Myeloma Patients.

B-cell regeneration during therapy has been considered as a strong prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the effects of therapy and hemodilution in bone marrow (BM) B-cell recovery have not been systematically evaluated during follow-up. MM (n = 177) and adult (≥50y) healthy donor (HD; n = 14) BM samples were studied by next-generation flow (NGF) to simultaneously assess measurable residual disease (MRD) and residual normal B-cell populations. BM hemodilution was detected in 41 out of 177 (23%) patient samples, leading to lower total B-cell, B-cell precursor (BCP) and normal plasma cell (nPC) counts. Among MM BM, decreased percentages (vs. HD) of BCP, transitional/naïve B-cell (TBC/NBC) and nPC populations were observed at diagnosis. BM BCP increased after induction therapy, whereas TBC/NBC counts remained abnormally low. At day+100 postautologous stem cell transplantation, a greater increase in BCP with recovered TBC/NBC cell numbers but persistently low memory B-cell and nPC counts were found. At the end of therapy, complete response (CR) BM samples showed higher CD19- nPC counts vs. non-CR specimens. MRD positivity was associated with higher BCP and nPC percentages. Hemodilution showed a negative impact on BM B-cell distribution. Different BM B-cell regeneration profiles are present in MM at diagnosis and after therapy with no significant association with patient outcome.

Influence of gamma radiation on Amphotericin B incorporated in PVP hydrogel as an alternative treatment for cutaneous leishmaniosis.

Amphotericin B (Amph-B) is an antifungal drug used intravenously for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Side-effects from Amph-B treatment can arise such as cardiac arrhythmia and renal dysfunctions, which will lead to discontinuation of treatment. Unfortunately, patients in endemic countries do not have access to alternative therapies. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation on crosslinking polymeric hydrogels (Hydg) and the incorporation of Amph-B into the gel as a controlled-release drug delivery alternative. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Amph-B solutions were irradiated with 15 kGy at 0 °C and 25 °C. The drug's stability was ascertained by UV-visible spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Irradiated Hydg/Amph-B achieved similar stability to the standard Amph-B solution and was enough to promote hydrogel crosslinking. In vitro trials were carried out to ensure Amph-B was still biologically active after irradiation. The results from flow cytometry and MTT assay show that Amph-B had an IC50 = 16.7 nM. A combination of Hydg at 1.324 gmL-1 and Amph-B at 25.1 nM for 24 h lead to the greatest inhibition of L. amazonensis promastigotes, and could be used as an alternative treatment method for cutaneous leishmaniosis.

Recovery of motor function after traumatic spinal cord injury by using plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine application in combination with a mixed rehabilitation scheme.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) can cause paralysis and permanent disability. Rehabilitation (RB) is currently the only accepted treatment, although its beneficial effect is limited. The development of biomaterials has provided therapeutic possibilities for TSCI, where our research group previously showed that the plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I), a biopolymer with different physicochemical characteristics than those of the PPy synthesized by conventional methods, promotes recovery of motor function after TSCI. The present study evaluated if the plasma-synthesized PPy/I applied in combination with RB could increase its beneficial effects and the mechanisms involved. Adult rats with TSCI were divided into no treatment (control); biopolymer (PPy/I); mixed RB by swimming and enriched environment (SW/EE); and combined treatment (PPy/I + SW/EE) groups. Eight weeks after TSCI, the general health of the animals that received any of the treatments was better than the control animals. Functional recovery evaluated by two scales was better and was achieved in less time with the PPy/I + SW/EE combination. All treatments significantly increased ßIII-tubulin (nerve plasticity) expression, but only PPy/I increased GAP-43 (nerve regeneration) and MBP (myelination) expression when were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of GFAP (glial scar) decreased in treated groups when determined by histochemistry, while morphometric analysis showed that tissue was better preserved when PPy/I and PPy/I + SW/EE were administered. The application of PPy/I + SW/EE, promotes the preservation of nervous tissue, and the expression of molecules related to plasticity as ßIII-tubulin, reduces the glial scar, improves general health and allows the recovery of motor function after TSCI. The implant of the biomaterial polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I) synthesized by plasma (an unconventional synthesis method), in combination with a mixed rehabilitation scheme with swimming and enriched environment applied after a traumatic spinal cord injury, promotes expression of GAP-43 and ßIII-tubulin (molecules related to plasticity and nerve regeneration) and reduces the expression of GFAP (molecule related to the formation of the glial scar). Both effects together allow the formation of nerve fibers, the reconnection of the spinal cord in the area of injury and the recovery of lost motor function. The figure shows the colocalization (yellow) of ßIII-tubilin (red) and GAP-43 (green) in fibers crossing the epicenter of the injury (arrowheads) that reconnect the rostral and caudal ends of the injured spinal cord and allowed recovery of motor function.

Riesgos en Enfermería en salón de operaciones del hospital provincial de Cabinda / Risks of nursing care in the operating room of Cabinda provincial hospital

RESUMEN Introducción: el término riesgo en el ámbito de la sanidad hace referencia inmediata a un peligro para el paciente en forma de resultado no esperado y casi siempre desfavorable, el ejercicio responsable de la Enfermería está delimitado por el cumplimiento estricto de las normas morales y legales, la calidad y la eficiencia son responsabilidad de los profesionales de Enfermería, como factores protectores en la prevención del error, en los últimos tiempos se ha realizado una reflexión más profunda sobre la presencia de los eventos adversos y el consecuente error sanitario. Objetivo: Determinar la existencia de riesgos y su manejo en el salón de operaciones del hospital 1º. de Mayo de Cabinda en el periodo marzo a mayo de 2017. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo. El universo estuvo constituido por las 17 enfermeras que laboraron en el salón de operaciones, y la Jefa de Enfermeras. De las intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas en el período elegido se observaron las de abril. Resultados: se constató que la mayor cantidad de enfermeras que trabajaron en el salón tenían categoría técnica y más de 10 años en ese servicio, se identificaron riesgos administrativos, médicos y biológicos, relacionados con los métodos de desinfección, la permanencia de las puertas abiertas, recolección de los residuales, Conclusiones: ¿cuál fue? por lo que se recomienda elaborar una estrategia administrativa para elevar la seguridad de los pacientes en el ámbito quirúrgico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the term risk in the field of health services refers immediately to a hazard for the patient in an unexpected way and almost always having an unfavorable result, the responsible practice of nursing is delimited by the strict compliance with moral and legal standards, quality and efficiency are responsibilities of the nursing personnel, as protective factors in the prevention of errors in the care of patients, in recent times there has been a deeper reflection on the presence of adverse events and the resulting error in the care of patients Objective: to determine the existence of risks and their management in the operating room at 1º de Mayo hospital in Cabinda, Angola, from March to May 2017. Methods: the target group included 17 nurses who worked in the operating room, and the Chief Nurse. Out of the surgical interventions performed in the chosen period, those completed on April were observed. Results: it was found that the largest number of nurses who worked in the operating room completed the proper technical rank and have more than 10 years of experience in the surgical and administrative service, the medical and biological risks were identified, mainly the ones related to disinfection methods, the permanence of open doors and collection of residuals. Conclusions: it is recommended to develop an administrative strategy to increase the safety of patients in the surgical room.