Fear of COVID-19 associated with burnout syndrome in dentists of the Health Directorate of the National Police of Peru: a cross-sectional study at national level under multivariable regression model.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic, many police dentists had the crucial responsibility of ensuring law and order while providing dental care by taking government-approved health measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome in Peruvian dentists belonging to the Health Department of the National Police of Peru (PNP), taking into account possible confounding variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional and analytical study included 182 PNP dentists. The Fear COVID-19 Scale assessed fear of COVID-19 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Test assessed burnout syndrome. The association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome (self-fulfilment) was analyzed using Spearman's Rho. A multivariable Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimation method was employed to evaluate the impact of fear of COVID-19 on the various dimensions of Burnout syndrome, considering possible confounding variables. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Under bivariate analysis, fear of COVID-19 was significantly linked with low direct intensity toward emotional exhaustion (Rho = 0.325, p < 0.001), very low direct intensity toward depersonalization (Rho = 0.180, p = 0.015), and very low inverse intensity toward self-fulfilment (Rho =-0.186, p = 0.012). Under multivariable analysis, it was observed that dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were 3.4 and 3.7 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively (APR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.74-6.63 and APR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.31-10.37), as compared to those who did not display fear of COVID-19. Moreover, none of the potential confounding factors were found to have a significant impact on emotional exhaustion (p > 0.05), depersonalization (p > 0.05), and self-fulfilment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and inversely associated with self-fulfilment. PNP dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were at greater risk for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. In developing Burnout syndrome, no significant impact was observed from factors such as age, gender, marital status, children, hierarchy, years of service, work area, private practice, work over 40 h per week, type of service, work performed, sport practice and daily exercise time.

Irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction in medical students at a Peruvian university: an analytical cross-sectional analysis.

Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding the role of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), especially among medical students due to high academic stress. Aim: To determine the association between IBS and ED in medical students from a Peruvian university in 2022. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data analysis on 133 medical students from a university in northern Peru during the 2021-II academic semester. The dependent variable was ED as measured with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, and the exposure variable was IBS as assessed with the Rome IV-Bristol questionnaire. Outcomes: The results were the prevalence rates of IBS and ED and the association of these variables. Results: Of the 133 medical students surveyed, the median age was 22 years (IQR, 19-24). The median score on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function was 21 (IQR, 10-24). The prevalence of ED was 38.4% (95% CI, 30.05%-47.17%). Among the medical students 3% and 9% displayed moderate and severe ED, respectively, and 24.8%, 13.5%, and 24.1% showed moderate depressive, anxious, and severe symptoms. An overall 10.5% had IBS. Medical students with IBS had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the syndrome (prevalence ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.06-4.06). Other confounding variables were not significantly associated (P > .05). Clinical Implications: The results underline the importance of comprehensive sexual and mental health assessment, with an emphasis on the relationship between IBS and ED in medical students. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include the use of validated and reliable instruments and rigorous biostatistical methods, and this is the first Peruvian investigation to explain the association between IBS and ED in medical students. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and nonprobability sampling, and there may be bias in applying the instruments. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between IBS and a higher prevalence of ED in these students.

Evaluation of naturally acquired immune responses against novel pre-erythrocytic Plasmodium vivax proteins in a low endemic malaria population located in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax represents the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite affecting civilian and military populations in endemic areas. Targeting the pre-erythrocytic (PE) stage of the parasite life cycle is especially appealing for developing P. vivax vaccines as it would prevent disease and transmission. Here, naturally acquired immunity to a panel of P. vivax PE antigens was explored, which may facilitate vaccine development and lead to a better understanding of naturally acquired PE immunity. METHODS: Twelve P. vivax PE antigens orthologous to a panel of P. falciparum antigens previously identified as highly immunogenic in protected subjects after immunization with radiation attenuated sporozoites (RAS) were used for evaluation of humoral and cellular immunity by ELISA and IFN-γ ELISpot. Samples from P. vivax infected individuals (n = 76) from a low endemic malaria region in the Peruvian Amazon Basin were used. RESULTS: In those clinical samples, all PE antigens evaluated showed positive IgG antibody reactivity with a variable prevalence of 58-99% in recently P. vivax diagnosed patients. The magnitude of the IgG antibody response against PE antigens was lower compared with blood stage antigens MSP1 and DBP-II, although antibody levels persisted better for PE antigens (average decrease of 6% for PE antigens and 43% for MSP1, p < 0.05). Higher IgG antibodies was associated with one or more previous malaria episodes only for blood stage antigens (p < 0.001). High IgG responders across PE and blood stage antigens showed significantly lower parasitaemia compared to low IgG responders (median 1,921 vs 4,663 par/µl, p < 0.05). In a subgroup of volunteers (n = 17),positive IFN-γ T cell response by ELISPOT was observed in 35% vs 9-35% against blood stage MSP1 and PE antigens, respectively, but no correlation with IgG responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate clear humoral and T cell responses against P. vivax PE antigens in individuals naturally infected with P. vivax. These data identify novel attractive PE antigens suitable for use in the potential development and selection of new malaria vaccine candidates which can be used as a part of malaria prevention strategies in civilian and military populations living in P. vivax endemic areas.

Association between the health vulnerability of family members and concern about the contagion of COVID-19 in Peruvian residents after the pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for family health. Worry, fear, and anxiety associated with this disease can affect the perception of family health. The study's objective was to analyze the factors associated with health vulnerability of family members in the Peruvian population after pandemic. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study. Sampling was nonprobabilistic. The sample consisted of 519 residents who met the following inclusion criteria: Peruvian resident, of both genders, over 18 years of age, who lives with their family, and who agrees to participate in the study. For data collection, the "SALUFAM" and "PRE-COVID-19" scales were used, which measure the health vulnerability of family members and concern about the contagion of COVID-19, respectively. Data collection was done between January and March, 2023. Results: Living in the Coast region increases by 3.299 times (95% CI = 1.55-9.28; p = 0.003) the probability of lower family health vulnerability compared to residents from the Jungle region. In the same way, having a low concern about the contagion of COVID-19 increases 2.77 times (95% CI = 1.02-7.53; p = 0.044) the probability of less vulnerability to family health, unlike participants who are highly concerned about the contagion of COVID-19. Conclusions: It should be necessary to design prevention and family health promotion strategies according to the geographical region; it is also essential to provide education on the risks and the importance of prevention measures for COVID-19, regardless of their initial level of concern.

Pyroclastic Dust from Arequipa-Peru Decorated with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Ecotoxicological Properties in Water Flea D. magna.

A novel magnetic composite made of Peruvian pyroclastic dust material decorated with maghemite nanoparticles was synthesized and characterized using a variety of analytic techniques. The 13 nm maghemite nanoparticles were grown on the pyroclastic dust using the conventional coprecipitation chemical route. A short-term acute assay was developed to study the ecotoxicological behavior of the water flea, Daphnia magna. A 24 h-lethal concentration (LC50) value equal to 123.6 mg L-1 was determined only for the magnetic composite. While the pyroclastic dust material did not exhibit a lethal concentration, it caused morphologically significant changes (p < 0.05) for heart and tail parameters at high concentrations. Morphologies exposed to the magnetic composite above the 24 h-LC50 revealed less tolerance and significant changes in the body, heart, antenna, and eye. Hence, it affects biomarker growth and swimming. The reproduction rate was not affected by the raw pyroclastic dust material. However, the number of individuals showed a decrease with increasing composite concentrations. The present study indicates the LC50 value, which can be used as a reference concentration for in-situ water cleaning with this material without damaging or changing the Daphnia magna ecosystem.

Effect of fertilization on the accumulation and health risk for heavy metals in native Andean potatoes in the highlands of Perú.

Soil infertility is a global problem, amendments such as organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers are used to improve crop yields. However, these fertilizers contain heavy metals as well as essential mineral elements. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the accumulation and health risk of heavy metals in tubers. The plants were cultivated at an altitude of 3970 m using four treatments (poultry manure, alpaca manure, island guano and inorganic fertilizer) and a control group. Soil contamination levels and the degree of metal accumulation in the tubers were also determined. As a result, it was found that the use of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure increased the values of Cu and Zn in soils, exceeding the recommended standards. The accumulation of heavy metals in potato tubers did not exceed the maximum recommended limits with the exception of Pb, which exceeded the limit allowed by the FAO/WHO (0.1 mg kg-1). Poultry manure contributed to the highest accumulation of Zn, Cu and Pb in tubers with 11.62±1.30, 3.48±0.20 and 0.12 ±0.02 mg kg-1 respectively. The transfer of metals from the soil to the tubers was less than 1. Individual and total non-carcinogenic risk values were less than 1, indicating a safe level of consumption for children and adults. The cancer risk was found to be within an acceptable range. However, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer treatments had the highest total cancer risk values in both age groups, suggesting a long-term carcinogenic risk.

Burnout and Physical Activity as Predictors of Job Satisfaction Among Peruvian Nurses: The Job Demands-Resources Theory.

BACKGROUND: The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory suggests that an imbalance between job demands and available resources can lead to burnout, negatively affecting job satisfaction. Physical activity is recognized for its positive effects on psychological well-being and could play a crucial role in mitigating burnout and improving job satisfaction, especially in high-demand professions such as nursing. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationship between burnout, physical activity, and job satisfaction in Peruvian nurses, using the JD-R theory as a theoretical framework. METHODS: A cross-sectional and explanatory analysis was conducted on a sample of 420 Peruvian nurses, using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) design to analyze the relationships between burnout, physical activity, and job satisfaction. The instruments included the Ultra-Short Burnout Measure (IUB), the General Job Satisfaction Scale NTP 394, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The findings showed a significant negative correlation between burnout and physical activity (ß = -.40, P < .001) and between burnout and job satisfaction (ß = -.46, P < .001). Physical activity exhibited a significant positive correlation with job satisfaction (ß = .22, P < .001). Moreover, mediation analysis confirmed that physical activity mediates the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction (ß = -.106, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the importance of physical activity as a mediator in the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among Peruvian nurses, highlighting the need to promote physical activity as a strategy to improve workplace well-being. It is suggested that enhancing access to and promotion of physical activity could mitigate the effects of burnout and improve job satisfaction, which is essential for the quality of care and the well-being of nursing staff. These findings underscore the need for organizational and public health strategies that promote a healthy work environment and balance between the demands and resources available.

[Registry of Members of the Association of Patients with Hereditary Angioedema of Perú]. / Registro de miembros de la Asociación de Pacientes con Angioedema Hereditario de Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To report the registry of the HAE Peruvian patient's association. METHODS: We used the questionnaire of the Latin American HAE committee. Consent was requested from the patient's association to report the data. RESULTS: We report data of 63 patients, 51 Female, 12 Male, range age between 6 to 74 years. Nine under 18 years old, 5/9 between 6 to 13 years. Forty-five HAE C1-INH type I, 12 HAE-FXII, 5 HAE UNK, 1 AAE. Symptoms onset average age in 56/62 HAE patients was 16.8. In a group of 50/62 adult HAE patients, the average diagnostic delay approximately was 19.3 years. Laboratory tests: we can perform C4 complement C1-inhibitor antigenic and functional tests. Treatments: The patients have access to tranexamic acid (TA) and attenuated androgens. We do not have registered specific long-term prophylaxis treatments. We used moderate/high doses of TA, in most patients up to 6 gr i.v./in 24 hours, we start with the treatment immediately the HAE acute crisis is beginning, it helps to the HAE attacks are less symptomatic, resolves in a few days and decrease the frequency. CONCLUSIONS: We present 63 members of the Association of Patients with Hereditary Angioedema of Perú. We have improved blood tests for HAE diagnosis. Moderate and high doses of Tranexamic Acid are used for prophylaxis and acute crisis respectively, with acceptable response. No deaths have been reported due to HAE crisis in the patient's association.

OBJETIVO: Reportar el registro de pacientes de la Asociación de Pacientes con Angioedema Hereditario de Perú, AEH. MÉTODOS: Se utilizó el cuestionario del Comité de AEH, de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SLAAI). Se solicitó el consentimiento a la Asociación de Pacientes para reportar los datos. RESULTADOS: Se reportan datos de 63 pacientes, 51 mujeres y 12 hombres, en un rango de edad entre 6 y 74 años. Nueve menores de 18 años, 5/9, entre 6 y 13 años. 45 con AEH-C1-INH tipo I, 12 AEH-FXII, 5 AEH-D, 1 AEA. La edad promedio de inicio de síntomas en 56/62 pacientes fue de 16,8. En 50/62 pacientes adultos con AEH, el promedio de tiempo de espera en el diagnóstico fue de 19,3 años. Laboratorio: Se puede desarrollar C4 complemento, C1-Inhibidor antigénico y funcional. Tratamientos: Se cuenta con acceso al ácido tranexámico (AT) y andrógenos atenuados. No se cuenta con tratamientos específicos para profilaxis de largo plazo. Se utilizaron dosis moderadas/altas de (AT), hasta 6 g por I V/ en 24 horas, inmediatamente, al inicio de las crisis de AEH, ayuda a que los ataques no sean tan intensos y tengan menor duración y frecuencia. CONCLUSIONES: Se presentan 63 miembros de la Asociación de Pacientes con Angioedema Hereditario de Perú. Se han mejorado los exámenes sanguíneos para el diagnóstico del AEH. Se utilizaron dosis moderadas/altas de ácido tranexámico con aceptable respuesta en los pacientes. No se han presentado decesos por crisis de AEH en los miembros de la Asociación.

Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren.

Introduction: In the modern era, the maternal perception of children's nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers' perception of their children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children's cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception. Methods: The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk. Results: A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild's age is associated with the mother's failure to accurately perceive her child's weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.

Estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios peruanos en el contexto del COVID-19: una revisión sistemática / Academic stress in Peruvian university students in the context of COVID-19: a systematic review / Estresse acadêmico em estudantes universitários peruanos no contexto da COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática

Asociado a la pandemia de COVID-19, los estudiantes universitarios peruanos se vieron obligados a adaptarse al cambio abrupto de la educación presencial a la virtual, como consecuencia pudieron padecer alguna afectación psicológica como estrés académico. Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de estrés académico que presentaron los estudiantes universitarios peruanos durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática cualitativa, donde se utilizó el método PRISMA, en el que se seleccionaron 29 artículos publicados entre el año 2021 y 2023. En el 75,86 % de los estudios recuperados predominó en los alumnos el nivel moderado de estrés académico; además, las mujeres, los que viven en ciudades grandes y los de menor edad mostraron mayores niveles. Los agentes estresores que más destacaron fue la sobrecarga de tareas, la forma de evaluación, el tipo de trabajo que le solicitan los profesores y el tiempo limitado para su realización. En el caso de los síntomas más comunes resultaron ser la falta de concentración, trastornos del sueño, fatiga crónica, ansiedad, depresión y dolores de cabeza. Las principales estrategias coincidentes para afrontarlo fueron escuchar música, ver televisión y navegar en internet. Conclusiones: El COVID-19 propició un estrés académico mayoritariamente moderado en los estudiantes universitarios peruanos.

Associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Peruvian university students were forced to adapt to the abrupt change from in-person to virtual education, as a consequence they may have suffered some psychological effects such as academic stress. Objective: Analyze the level of academic stress that Peruvian university students presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A qualitative systematic review was carried out, where the PRISMA method was used, in which 29 articles published between 2021 and 2023 were selected. In 75.86% of the recovered studies, the moderate level predominated in the students; In addition, women, those who live in large cities and those who are younger showed higher levels. The stressors that stood out the most were the overload of tasks, the form of evaluation, the type of work that teachers request and the limited time for its completion. In the case of the most common symptoms, they turned out to be lack of concentration, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and headaches. The main coincident coping strategies were listening to music, watching television and surfing the Internet. Conclusions: COVID-19 caused mostly moderate academic stress in Peruvian university students.

Associada à pandemia da COVID-19, os estudantes universitários peruanos foram forçados a se adaptar à mudança abrupta da educação presencial para a virtual, e como consequência podem ter sofrido alguns efeitos psicológicos, como o estresse acadêmico. Objetivo: Analisar o nível de estresse acadêmico que os estudantes universitários peruanos apresentaram durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática qualitativa, onde foi utilizado o método PRISMA, no qual foram selecionados 29 artigos publicados entre 2021 e 2023. Em 75,86% dos estudos recuperados, predominou nos estudantes o nível moderado de estresse acadêmico; Além disso, as mulheres, as que vivem nas grandes cidades e as mais jovens apresentaram níveis mais elevados. Os estressores que mais se destacaram foram a sobrecarga de tarefas, a forma de avaliação, o tipo de trabalho que os professores solicitam e o tempo limitado para sua realização. No caso dos sintomas mais comuns, acabaram por ser falta de concentração, distúrbios do sono, fadiga crónica, ansiedade, depressão e dores de cabeça. As principais estratégias de coping coincidentes foram ouvir música, ver televisão e navegar na Internet. Conclusões: A COVID-19 causou principalmente estresse acadêmico moderado em estudantes universitários peruanos.

l-carnitine enhances the kinematics and protects the sperm membranes of chilled and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa.

l-carnitine (LC) transports fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production, reducing lipid availability for peroxidation through ß-oxidation. This research examines the effect of LC supplementation to two skimmed milk-based extenders on the cryosurvival of chilled (5°C) and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa .An initial experiment determined the optimal LC concentration (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mM) when added to INRA-96® and UHT (skimmed milk + 6% egg yolk) extenders, using nine ejaculates from three stallions chilled for up to 96 h. Subsequently, the effect of 25 mM LC supplementation (the optimal concentration) on chilling (INRA-96) and freezing (INRA-Freeze®) extenders was evaluated using eight pooled samples from sixteen ejaculates (2 ejaculates/pool) from four stallions. Results indicated that all LC concentrations produced significantly higher values (P<0.05) for kinematic variables (total [TM] and progressive motilities, curvilinear [VCL] and straight-line [VSL] velocity, and beat-cross frequency [BCF]), and the integrity of plasma/acrosome membranes (IPIA) compared to non-supplemented chilled sperm samples for up to 96 h with both extenders. Moreover, the use of 25 mM LC was more efficient (P<0.05) in preserving the post-chilled values of velocity, BCF, and IPIA for the long term than lower LC concentrations (1-10 mM). Post-thaw values of total motility, the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and IPIA were significantly improved (P<0.05) when INRA-Freeze extender was supplemented with 25 mM LC. In conclusion, supplementation of l-carnitine to skimmed milk-based extenders enhanced kinematic variables and protected the membrane integrity in chilled and frozen-thawed Peruvian Paso horse spermatozoa.

Possible Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from Humans to Captive Non-Human Primates in the Peruvian Amazon.

Human-to-animal transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) have been reported in both domestic and wild species worldwide. Despite the high rates of contagion and mortality during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Diseases 2019) pandemic in Peru, no instances of natural virus infection have been documented in wild animals, particularly in the Amazonian regions where human-wildlife interactions are prevalent. In this study, we conducted a surveillance investigation using viral RNA sequencing of fecal samples collected from 76 captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHPs) in the Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios regions between August 2022 and February 2023. We detected a segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2 by metagenomic sequencing in a pooled fecal sample from captive white-fronted capuchins (Cebus unicolor) at a rescue center in Bello Horizonte, Ucayali. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the retrieved partial sequence of the RdRp gene matched the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This study represents the first documented instance of molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection in NHPs in the Peruvian Amazon, underscoring the adverse impact of anthropic activities on the human-NHP interface and emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance for early detection and prediction of future emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals.

Elevated mercury exposure in bird communities inhabiting Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining landscapes of the southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) represents a significant source of anthropogenic mercury emissions to the environment, with potentially severe implications for avian biodiversity. In the Madre de Dios department of the southern Peruvian Amazon, ASGM activities have created landscapes marred by deforestation and post-mining water bodies (mining ponds) with notable methylation potential. While data on Hg contamination in terrestrial wildlife remains limited, this study measures Hg exposure in several terrestrial bird species as bioindicators. Total Hg (THg) levels in feathers from birds near water bodies, including mining ponds associated with ASGM areas and oxbow lakes, were analyzed. Our results showed significantly higher Hg concentrations in birds from ASGM sites with mean ± SD of 3.14 ± 7.97 µg/g (range: 0.27 to 72.75 µg/g, n = 312) compared to control sites with a mean of 0.47 ± 0.42 µg/g (range: 0.04 to 1.89 µg/g, n = 52). Factors such as trophic guilds, ASGM presence, and water body area significantly influenced feather Hg concentrations. Notably, piscivorous birds exhibited the highest Hg concentration (31.03 ± 25.25 µg/g, n = 12) exceeding known concentrations that affect reproductive success, where one measurement of Chloroceryle americana (Green kingfisher; 72.7 µg/g) is among the highest ever reported in South America. This research quantifies Hg exposure in avian communities in Amazonian regions affected by ASGM, highlighting potential risks to regional bird populations.

Whole genome sequencing of nine Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains encoding (Pir) toxin-like genes from shrimp cultures in northern Peru using Oxford Nanopore technology.

Nine Peruvian isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were characterized through sequencing, revealing the presence of simple sequence repeat, Pir toxin-like genes, and genes associated with antibiotic resistance, toxic components, and transposable elements. These findings expand our understanding of the genetic diversity, disease resistance, and virulence in cultivated shrimp populations in Peru.

Prevalence and distribution pattern of Sarcocystis spp. in slaughtered cattle from the Peruvian tropical Andes, Peru.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and distribution patterns of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle tissues in Chachapoyas province in the Peruvian tropical Andes. Additionally, the risk factors associated with the prevalence and the correlation of two diagnostic techniques (direct microscopy of squashed fresh muscle tissues and histopathology) were explored. The tongue, heart, esophagus, Latissimus dorsi muscle, and diaphragm of 210 animals slaughtered in the municipal slaughterhouse of Chachapoyas were evaluated by both techniques. Macroscopic sarcocysts were detected in 16.7% of tissues (CI 95% 11.7-21.7%). The total prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was 96.2% (95% CI 93.6-98.8%) by direct light microscopy and 100% by histopathology. The highest Sarcocystis prevalence was detected in the esophagus. No significant statistical differences were found in the prevalence of Sarcocystis related to sex, age, or provenance. Both techniques demonstrated a very weak Kappa correlation (κ ≤ 0.24) in predicting the presence of the parasite in each of the five evaluated muscles. Direct microscopy can be implemented at slaughterhouses as a rapid screening test, but it is essential to confirm by histopathology the absence of the parasite in direct-microscopy-negative samples. It is also recommended that beef from the Peruvian Andes be thoroughly cooked for both human and animal consumption because of the zoonotic potential of some species of Sarcocystis.

Gender-based differences in the impact of Dark Triad traits on academic dishonesty: The mediating role of moral disengagement in college students.

This study explores whether gender differences influence the components of the Dark Triad of personality and moral disengagement on the manifestations of dishonest academic behavior in Peruvian university students. Moreover, it evaluates how moral disengagement mediates the effect that the Dark Triad components have on academic dishonesty. The participants were 591 university students, aged between 18 and 40 years (women = 71.7 %; Mage = 21.5; SDage = 3.60), to whom the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad, the Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale, and the Scale of Academic Dishonesty, which has 3 dimensions (cheating on exams, plagiarism, and falsification) were applied. The results reveal that only Machiavellianism has a significant and consistent influence on all dimensions of academic dishonesty, in both men and women, while psychopathy influences the dimension of plagiarism in both men and women and falsification only in men. In addition, moral disengagement affects falsification in both groups, cheating on exams only in the men's group, and plagiarism in the women's group. Finally, the mediating role of moral disengagement between the effect of the Dark Triad and the manifestations of academic dishonesty was not demonstrated.

Taxonomic Review of Zabrotica Hull 1958 (Diptera: Asilidae: Stenopogoninae), a Senior Synonym of Aymarasilus Artigas 1974, with Descriptions of Six New Species.

Zabrotica Hull, 1958 is revised and six new species are described from Peru: Zabrotica artigasi sp. nov. from Junín, Zabrotica floresi sp. nov. from Huánuco, Zabrotica hockingi sp. nov. from Huánuco and Pasco, Zabrotica hulli sp. nov. from Pasco, Zabrotica maidecita sp. nov. from Cajamarca, and Zabrotica mariae sp. nov. from Apurímac, Cuzco and Puno. Additionally, Aymarasilus Artigas, 1974 syn. nov., is herein proposed as a junior synonym of Zabrotica. A diagnosis for the genus is provided, as well as an identification key to the known species and distribution maps.

Medical Research Trends in Undergraduate Psychological Theses: A report from a South American country

Introduction: Psychological research can be developed by researchers and also by undergraduate or postgraduate students. In an undergraduate level, psychological research is specially challenging due to the limited ability of students to develop coherent and logical research problems and methodological approaches. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the main research trends in undergraduate psychological theses from Peruvian universities. As a specific objective, quantitative and qualitative research design trends were distinguished. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective systematic review of psychological research thesis of Peruvian undergraduate students was conducted, starting the data extraction process starting with RENATI database for an initial screening phase. Data analysis was conducted in two phases. Results: First, data was organized in relation to its frequency of the categories of authors' sex, the universities were catalogued as universities 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 according to their ranking, the categories of years of publication, number of authors, designs, type of methodology, and area of publication were obtained. Descriptive frequency statistics were established based on these categories. In the next phase, lexicometric and statistical textual analysis were used to identify research trending topics. Discussion: The main results show that different topics are predominantly framed within the clinical and health psychology line of research, mainly those related to coping styles, psychological stress and wellbeing.

Introducción: La investigación psicológica puede ser desarrollada por investigadores y también por estudiantes de pregrado o posgrado. En un nivel de pregrado, la investigación psicológica es especialmente desafiante debido a la capacidad limitada de los estudiantes para desarrollar problemas de investigación y enfoques metodológicos coherentes y lógicos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las principales tendencias de investigación en las tesis de grado en psicología de las universidades peruanas. Como objetivo específico, se distinguieron las tendencias de diseño de investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática descriptiva y retrospectiva de tesis de investigación en psicología de estudiantes universitarios peruanos, iniciando el proceso de extracción de datos a partir de la base de datos RENATI para una fase inicial de selección. El análisis de datos se realizó en dos fases. Resultados: Primero se organizaron los datos en relación a su frecuencia de las categorías de sexo de los autores, las universidades se catalogaron como universidades 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 según su ranking, las categorías de años de publicación, número de autores Se obtuvieron diseños, tipo de metodología y área de publicación. A partir de estas categorías se establecieron estadísticos descriptivos de frecuencia. En la siguiente fase, se utilizaron análisis textuales lexicométricos y estadísticos para identificar los temas de tendencia de investigación. Discusión: Los principales resultados muestran que diferentes temas se enmarcan predominantemente dentro de la línea de investigación de la psicología clínica y de la salud, principalmente los relacionados con los estilos de afrontamiento, el estrés psicológico y el bienestar.

Annotated Peruvian banknote dataset for currency recognition and classification.

The real-time detection of multinational banknotes remains an ongoing research challenge within the academic community. Numerous studies have been conducted to address the need for rapid and accurate banknote recognition, counterfeit detection, and identification of damaged banknotes [1], [2], [3]. State-of-the-art techniques, such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), have supplanted traditional digital image processing methods in banknote recognition and classification. However, the success of ML or DL projects critically hinges on the size and comprehensiveness of the datasets employed. Existing datasets suffer from several limitations. Firstly, there is a notable absence of a Peruvian banknote dataset suitable for training ML or DL models. Second, the lack of annotated data with specific labels and metadata for Peruvian currency hinders the development of effective supervised learning models for banknote recognition and classification. Lastly, datasets from different regions may not align with the unique characteristics, design, and security features of Peruvian banknotes, limiting the accuracy and applicability of models in a Peruvian context [4] To address these limitations, we have meticulously curated a comprehensive dataset comprising a total of 9,315 images of Peruvian banknotes, encompassing both old and new denominations from 2011 (old) and 2019 (new) [5]. The Peruvian banknote dataset includes denominations of 10, 20, 50, and 100 Peruvian soles. Importantly, as indicated by [5], both the 2011 and 2019 families of banknotes are currently in circulation, further enhancing the dataset's relevance for real-world applications in currency recognition and verification. This dataset serves as a vital resource for addressing the challenges in real-time multinational banknote detection. By offering a comprehensive collection of images of Peruvian banknotes, both old and new, this dataset fills a critical gap in the field of banknote recognition. Researchers can utilize it to train and evaluate advanced machine learning and deep learning models, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of banknote processing systems.