Prolonged exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone induces brain damage via oxidative stress and apoptotic response in adult Daniorerio.

Due to its extensive use as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory agent, as well as its effectiveness in treating severe COVID-19, dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, has gained attention not only for its impact on public health but also for its environmental implications. Various studies have reported its presence in aquatic environments, including urban waters, surface samples, sediments, drinking water, and wastewater effluents. However, limited information is available regarding its toxic effects on nontarget aquatic organisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of toxicity underlying dexamethasone-induced brain damage in the bioindicator Danio rerio following long-term exposure. Adult zebrafish were treated with environmentally relevant concentrations of dexamethasone (20, 40, and 60 ng L-1) for 28 days. To elucidate the possible mechanisms involved in the toxicity of the pharmaceutical compound, we conducted a behavioral test battery (Novel Tank and Light and Dark tests), oxidative stress biomarkers, acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity quantification, histopathological analysis, and gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR (p53, bcl-2, bax, caspase-3, nrf1, and nrf2).The results revealed that the pharmaceutical compound could produce anxiety-like symptoms, increase the oxidative-induced stress response, decrease the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, and cause histopathological alterations, including perineuronal vacuolization, granular and molecular layers deterioration, cell swallowing and intracellular spaces. The expression of genes involved in the apoptotic process (p53, bax, and casp-3) and antioxidant defense (nrf1 and nrf2) was upregulated in response to oxidative damage, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 was down-regulated indicating that the environmental presence of dexamethasone may pose a threat to wildlife and human health.

Improving accessibility to radiotherapy services in Cali, Colombia: cross-sectional equity analyses using open data and big data travel times from 2020.

In this study, we evaluated and forecasted the cumulative opportunities for residents to access radiotherapy services in Cali, Colombia, while accounting for traffic congestion, using a new people-centred methodology with an equity focus. Furthermore, we identified 1-2 optimal locations where new services would maximise accessibility. We utilised open data and publicly available big data. Cali is one of South America's cities most impacted by traffic congestion. METHODOLOGY: Using a people-centred approach, we tested a web-based digital platform developed through an iterative participatory design. The platform integrates open data, including the location of radiotherapy services, the disaggregated sociodemographic microdata for the population and places of residence, and big data for travel times from Google Distance Matrix API. We used genetic algorithms to identify optimal locations for new services. We predicted accessibility cumulative opportunities (ACO) for traffic ranging from peak congestion to free-flow conditions with hourly assessments for 6-12 July 2020 and 23-29 November 2020. The interactive digital platform is openly available. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: We present descriptive statistics and population distribution heatmaps based on 20-min accessibility cumulative opportunities (ACO) isochrones for car journeys. There is no set national or international standard for these travel time thresholds. Most key informants found the 20-min threshold reasonable. These isochrones connect the population-weighted centroid of the traffic analysis zone at the place of residence to the corresponding zone of the radiotherapy service with the shortest travel time under varying traffic conditions ranging from free-flow to peak-traffic congestion levels. Additionally, we conducted a time-series bivariate analysis to assess geographical accessibility based on economic stratum. We identify 1-2 optimal locations where new services would maximize the 20-min ACO during peak-traffic congestion. RESULTS: Traffic congestion significantly diminished accessibility to radiotherapy services, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. For instance, urban 20-min ACO by car dropped from 91% of Cali's urban population within a 20-min journey to the service during free-flow traffic to 31% during peak traffic for the week of 6-12 July 2020. Percentages represent the population within a 20-min journey by car from their residence to a radiotherapy service. Specific ethnic groups, individuals with lower educational attainment, and residents on the outskirts of Cali experienced disproportionate effects, with accessibility decreasing to 11% during peak traffic compared to 81% during free-flow traffic for low-income households. We predict that strategically adding sufficient services in 1-2 locations in eastern Cali would notably enhance accessibility and reduce inequities. The recommended locations for new services remained consistent in both of our measurements.These findings underscore the significance of prioritising equity and comprehensive care in healthcare accessibility. They also offer a practical approach to optimising service locations to mitigate disparities. Expanding this approach to encompass other transportation modes, services, and cities, or updating measurements, is feasible and affordable. The new approach and data are particularly relevant for planning authorities and urban development actors.

ESPAñOL: En este estudio, evaluamos y pronosticamos las oportunidades acumulativas para que los residentes accedan a los servicios de radioterapia en Cali, Colombia, teniendo en cuenta la congestión del tráfico, utilizando una nueva metodología centrada en las personas con un enfoque de equidad. Además, identificamos 1-2 ubicaciones óptimas donde los nuevos servicios maximizarían la accesibilidad. Utilizamos datos abiertos y macrodatos disponibles públicamente. Cali está entre las ciudades Sudamericanas más afectadas por la congestión del tráfico.Metodología: Usando un enfoque centrado en las personas, probamos una plataforma digital basada en la web desarrollada a través de un diseño participativo iterativo. La plataforma integra datos abiertos, incluyendo la ubicación de los servicios de radioterapia, los microdatos sociodemográficos desagregados de la población y los lugares de residencia, y los macrodatos de tiempos de viaje de la API de Google Distance Matrix. Usamos algoritmos genéticos para identificar ubicaciones óptimas para nuevos servicios. Pronosticamos oportunidades acumulativas de accesibilidad (ACO, por sus siglas en inglés) para el tráfico que va desde la congestión máxima hasta condiciones de flujo libre, con evaluaciones horarias hechas del 6 al 12 de julio de 2020 y del 23 al 29 de noviembre de 2020. La plataforma digital interactiva está públicamente disponible.Resultados Primarios y Secundarios: Presentamos estadísticas descriptivas y mapas de calor de la distribución de la población basados en isócronas de ACO de 20 minutos para viajes en coche. No existe un estándar nacional o internacional establecido para estos umbrales de tiempo de viaje. La mayoría de los informantes clave encontraron razonable el umbral de 20 minutos. Estas isócronas conectan el centroide poblacional ponderado de la zona de análisis de tráfico del lugar de residencia con la zona correspondiente del servicio de radioterapia con menor tiempo de viaje bajo condiciones variables de tráfico, que van desde el flujo libre hasta niveles de congestión de tráfico máximo. Además, realizamos un análisis bivariado de series temporales para evaluar la accesibilidad geográfica basada en el estrato económico. Identificamos 1-2 ubicaciones óptimas donde los nuevos servicios maximizarían el ACO de 20 minutos durante la congestión máxima del tráfico.Resultados: La congestión del tráfico redujo significativamente la accesibilidad a los servicios de radioterapia, afectando particularmente a las poblaciones vulnerables. Por ejemplo, el ACO urbano de 20 minutos en coche se redujo del 91% de la población urbana de Cali para viajes de hasta 20 minutos al servicio con flujo libre de tráfico, al 31% cuando hay congestión pico de tráfico durante la semana del 6 al 12 de julio de 2020. Los porcentajes representan la población con viajes de hasta 20 minutos en coche desde la residencia hasta el servicio de radioterapia. Grupos étnicos específicos, individuos con menor nivel educativo y residentes en las afueras de Cali experimentaron efectos desproporcionados, con la accesibilidad disminuyendo al 11% durante el tráfico máximo en comparación con el 81% durante el tráfico de flujo libre para hogares de bajos ingresos. Predecimos que agregar estratégicamente suficientes servicios en 1-2 ubicaciones en el este de Cali mejoraría notablemente la accesibilidad y reduciría las inequidades. Las ubicaciones recomendadas para los nuevos servicios se mantuvieron consistentes en nuestras dos mediciones.Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de priorizar la equidad y la atención integral en la accesibilidad a la atención médica. También ofrecen un enfoque práctico para optimizar las ubicaciones de los servicios para mitigar las disparidades. Es factible y accesible expandir este enfoque para abarcar otros modos de transporte, servicios y ciudades, o actualizar las mediciones. El nuevo enfoque y los datos son particularmente relevantes para las autoridades de planificación y los actores del desarrollo urbano.

PORTUGUêS: Neste estudo, avaliamos e previmos as oportunidades cumulativas para os residentes acessarem serviços de radioterapia em Cali, Colômbia, levando em consideração o congestionamento do tráfego, utilizando uma nova metodologia centrada nas pessoas com um foco na equidade. Além disso, identificamos 1-2 locais ideais onde os novos serviços poderiam maximizar a acessibilidade. Utilizamos dados abertos e big data disponíveis publicamente. Cali está entre as cidades sulamericanas mais afetadas pela congestionamento do tráfego.Metodologia: Usando uma abordagem centrada em pessoas, testamos uma plataforma digital baseada na web que foi desenvolvida através de um design participativo iterativo. A plataforma integra dados abertos, incluindo a localização dos serviços de radioterapia, microdados sociodemográficos desagregados por população e locais de residência, e big data da API Google Distance Matrix para os tempos de viagem. Utilizamos algoritmos genéticos para identificar locais ideais para novos serviços. Previmos oportunidades cumulativas de acessibilidade (ACO, por suas siglas em inglês) para o tráfego que varia desde o congestionamento máximo até condições de fluxo livre, com avaliações horárias de 6 a 12 de julho de 2020 e de 23 a 29 de novembro de 2020. A plataforma digital interativa está disponível publicamente.Resultados Primários e Secundários: Apresentamos estatísticas descritivas e mapas de calor da distribuição populacional baseados em isócronas de ACO de 20 minutos para viagens de carro. Não existe um padrão nacional ou internacional estabelecido para esses limites de tempo de viagem. A maioria dos entrevistados-chave considerou razoável o limite de 20 minutos. Essas isócronas conectam o centroide ponderado pela população da zona de análise de tráfego no local de residência e sua zona correspondente do serviço de radioterapia com o menor tempo de viagem sob condições variáveis de tráfego (que vão desde fluxo livre até níveis máximos de congestionamento do tráfego). Além disso, realizamos uma análise bivariada de séries temporais para avaliar a acessibilidade geográfica baseada na estratificação econômica. Identificamos 1-2 locais ideais onde os novos serviços maximizariam a ACO de 20 minutos durante o pico de congestionamento do tráfego.Resultados: O congestionamento do tráfego reduziu significativamente a acessibilidade aos serviços de radioterapia, afetando particularmente as populações vulneráveis. Por exemplo, a ACO urbana de 20 minutos de carro foi reduzida de 91% durante um fluxo livre de tráfego, para 31% durante picos de congestionamento de tráfego entre a semana de 6 a 12 de julho de 2020. As porcentagens representam a população com viagens de até 20 minutos de carro de sua residência até o serviço de radioterapia. Grupos étnicos específicos, indivíduos com menor nível educacional e residentes nos arredores de Cali experimentaram resultados desproporcionais, com a acessibilidade diminuindo para 11% durante o tráfego com congestionamento máximo em comparação com 81% durante o fluxo livre de tráfego para domicílios de baixa renda. Prevemos que adicionar estrategicamente serviços suficientes em 1-2 locais no leste de Cali melhoraria significativamente a acessibilidade e reduziria as desigualdades. Os locais recomendados para os novos serviços permaneceram consistentes em ambas medições. Esses resultados ressaltam a importância de priorizar a equidade e o atendimento integral na acessibilidade aos cuidados de saúde. Eles também oferecem uma abordagem prática para otimizar os locais dos serviços a fim de minimizar as desigualdades. A expansão dessa abordagem para abranger outros modos de transporte, serviços e cidades, ou a atualização das medições, é viável e acessível. A nova abordagem e os dados são particularmente relevantes para as autoridades de planejamento e os agentes do desenvolvimento urbano.

FRANçAIS: Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué et prévu les opportunités cumulées pour les résidents d'accéder aux services de radiothérapie à Cali, en Colombie, tout en tenant compte de la congestion du trafic en utilisant une nouvelle méthodologie centrée sur les personnes avec axée sur l'équité. De plus, nous avons identifié 1 à 2 emplacements optimaux où de nouveaux services maximiseraient l'accessibilité. Nous avons utilisé des données ouvertes et des macrodonnées tenues à disposition du public. Cali est l'une des villes d'Amérique du Sud les plus touchées par la congestion du trafic.Méthodologie: En utilisant une approche centrée sur les personnes, nous avons testé une plateforme numérique basée sur le web développée à travers une conception participative itérative. La plateforme intègre des données ouvertes, y compris la localisation des services de radiothérapie, les microdonnées sociodémographiques désagrégées de la population et les lieux de résidence, ainsi que les mégadonnées des temps de trajet de l'API Google Distance Matrix. Nous avons utilisé des algorithmes génétiques pour identifier les emplacements optimaux pour de nouveaux services. Nous avons prévu les opportunités cumulatives d'accessibilité (ACO, désignant l'acronyme en anglais) pour le trafic allant de la congestion maximale aux conditions de flux libre, avec des évaluations horaires du 6 au 12 juillet 2020 et du 23 au 29 novembre 2020. La plateforme numérique interactive est disponible publiquement.Résultats Primaires et Secondaires: Nous présentons des statistiques descriptives et des cartes thermiques de la distribution de la population basées sur des ACO de 20 minutes pour les trajets en voiture. Il n'existe pas de norme nationale ou internationale établie pour ces seuils de temps de trajet. La majorité des informateurs clés ont trouvé le seuil de 20 minutes raisonnable. Ces isochrones relient le centroïde pondéré par la population de la zone d'analyse du trafic au lieu de résidence à la zone correspondante du service de radiothérapie avec le temps de trajet le plus court sous des conditions de trafic variables allant du flux libre aux niveaux de congestion de trafic maximum. De plus, nous avons réalisé une analyse bivariée des séries chronologiques pour évaluer l'accessibilité géographique en fonction de la stratification économique. Nous avons identifié 1 à 2 emplacements optimaux où de nouveaux services maximiseraient l'ACO de 20 minutes pendant la congestion maximale du trafic.Résultats: La congestion du trafic a considérablement réduit l'accessibilité aux services de radiothérapie, affectant particulièrement les populations vulnérables. Par exemple, l'ACO urbain de 20 minutes en voiture est passé de 91 % de la population urbaine de Cali pour des trajets de jusqu'à 20 minutes vers le service avec un flux de trafic libre à 31 % lors des pics de congestion de trafic pendant la semaine du 6 au 12 juillet 2020. Les pourcentages représentent la population avec des trajets de jusqu'à 20 minutes en voiture depuis la résidence jusqu'au service de radiothérapie. Des groupes ethniques spécifiques, des individus ayant un niveau d'éducation inférieur et des résidents des périphéries de Cali ont subi des effets disproportionnés, avec une accessibilité diminuant à 11 % pendant le trafic maximal par rapport à 81 % pendant le flux de trafic libre pour les ménages à faible revenu. Ajouter suffisamment de services à 1-2 emplacements stratégiques dans l'est de Cali a le potential d'améliorer considérablement l'accessibilité et réduirait les inégalités. Les emplacements recommandés pour les nouveaux services sont restés cohérents dans nos deux mesures. Ces conclusions soulignent l'importance de prioriser l'équité et une prise en charge globale dans le cadre de l'accessibilité aux soins de santé. Elles offrent également une approche pratique pour optimiser les emplacements des services afin de réduire les disparités. Il est faisable et abordable d'étendre cette approche pour inclure d'autres modes de transport, services et villes, ou pour mettre à jour les mesures. La nouvelle approche et les données sont particulièrement pertinentes pour les autorités de planification et les acteurs du développement urbain.

Evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Curiosidad Epistémica de Litman en hispanohablantes

La Curiosidad Epistémica (CE) es el deseo que motiva a las personas a adquirir nuevo conocimiento. La escala de CE de Litman fue desarrollada para operacionalizar este constructo, y aunque su estructura latente ha sido validada en varios estudios, estos se han realizado en su mayoría en Alemania, EE. UU. y los Países Bajos, que son sociedades educadas, industrializadas, ricas y democráticas. Por consiguiente, el presente estudio evaluó las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de CE, en una muestra de adultos del noroeste de México (N = 334) con edades de 18 a 50 años. Al igual que en investigaciones previas, se compararon dos modelos: unidimensional y bidimensional, mediante análisis factoriales confirmatorios. Adicionalmente, se incluyeron los residuales correlacionados significativos, como parte de ambos modelos, y se examinó si el instrumento tiene invarianza de medición. Los resultados muestran que el modelo bifactorial presentó el mejor ajuste. La consistencia interna fue aceptable, y se comprobó que la escala posee invarianza configural, métrica, escalar y estricta. Usos potenciales de este constructo emergente incluyen su estudio como un factor motivacional relevante, en el nivel de involucramiento y las estrategias de formación de los estudiantes, así como su papel mediador en varios tipos de ansiedad en el aprendizaje.

Epistemic Curiosity (EC) is the desire that motivates people to acquire new knowledge. Litman's EC scale was developed to operationalize this construct, and although its latent structure has been validated in several studies, these have been conducted mostly in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, which are educated, industrialized, wealthy, and democratic societies. Therefore, the present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the EC scale in a sample of adults from northwestern Mexico (N = 334) aged 18 to 50 years. As in previous research, two models were compared: one unidimensional and one bidimensional, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Additionally, significantly correlated residuals were included as part of both models, and it was examined whether the instrument has measurement invariance. The results show that the bifactor model presented the best fit. The internal consistency was acceptable, and the scale was found to have configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance. Potential uses of this emerging construct include its study as a relevant motivational factor in students' level of engagement and study strategies, as well as its mediating role in various types of learning anxiety.

Frequency of symptoms and the associated factors of eating disorders in a group of dental students in Medellín, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) are considered a public health problem. Scientific research has focused on teenagers due to their higher prevalence in this population. However, other groups, such as university students, may be exposed to suffering from EDs due to their academic, social and personal characteristics. Identifying the magnitude of EDs and the associated characteristics may impact the generation of prevention strategies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of the risk of EDs (anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN)) and the associated factors in dental students at the University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 278 students (76 males, 202 females) with the use of a Google-Forms survey. The validated Spanish version of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) questionnaire were used. Other recorded variables included sociodemographic data, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related factors, health, and social support (the Duke-11 profile). The bivariate analysis of the risk of EDs was conducted according to different variables (95% confidence interval (CI)), followed by the logistic regression models adjusting for different variables (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% CI). RESULTS: According to EAT-26, the risk of EDs was 27.6% (18.8-38.6) for males and 28.7% (22.9-35.3) for females. However, differences between males and females were higher when the SCOFF questionnaire was applied (males: 6.6% (2.8-14.5); females: 22.3% (17.1-28.5); p < 0.01). According to the SCOFF instrument, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, women were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.57). Women receiving information from social networks were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.19-2.88). Multivariate models showed that women reporting poor self-rated health and some symptoms during the mandatory confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs. CONCLUSIONS: A higher risk of EDs was found in dental students. Healthcare, psychological and/or psychiatric interviews, and educational/early prevention strategies are required.

Interfacial Hyperactivation of Candida rugosa Lipase onto Ca2Fe2O5 Nanoparticles: pH and Ionic Strength Fine-Tuning to Modulate Protein-Support Interactions.

The current study provides a comprehensive look of the adsorption process of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) on Ca2Fe2O5 iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Protein-support interactions were identified across a broad range of pH and ionic strengths (mM) through a response surface methodology, surface charge determination, and spectroscopic and in silico analyses. The maximum quantity of immobilized protein was achieved at an ionic strength of 50 mM and pH 4. However, this condition did not allow for the greatest hydrolytic activity to be obtained. Indeed, it was recorded at acidic pH, but at 150 mM, where evaluation of the recovered activity revealed hyperactivation of the enzyme. These findings were supported by adsorption isotherms performed under different conditions. Based on zeta potential measurements, electrostatic interactions contributed differently to protein-support binding under the conditions tested, showing a strong correlation with experimentally determined immobilization parameters. Raman spectra revealed an increase in hydrophobicity around tryptophan residues, whereas the enzyme immobilization significantly reduced the phenylalanine signal in CRL. This suggests that this residue was involved in the interaction with Ca2Fe2O2 and molecular docking analysis confirmed these findings. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed distinct behaviors in the CRL emission patterns with the addition of Ca2Fe2O5 at pH 4 and 7. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that the contact would be mediated by hydrophobic interactions at both pHs, as well as by ionic ones at pH 4. In this approach, this work adds to our understanding of the design of biocatalysts immobilized in iron oxide NPs.

Integrative approach to elucidate the embryological effects of caffeine in Cyprinus carpio: Bioconcentration and alteration of oxidative stress-related gene expression patterns.

Caffeine (CAF) is an alkaloid, which acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug. In recent years, CAF has been recurrently detected in water bodies, generating deleterious effects in aquatic organisms. The information on the toxic effects of CAF in the environment is still limited. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine whether CAF at environmentally relevant concentrations (CAF concentrations were selected based on studies on the worldwide occurrence of this compound and on the toxicity of CAF in aquatic species) is capable of inducing alterations to embryonic development and alteration of oxidative stress-related gene expression patterns in Cyprinus carpio. For this purpose, common carp embryos (2 hpf) were exposed to realistic concentrations of CAF until 96 hpf. Alterations to embryonic development and teratogenic effects were evaluated at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hpf. In addition, oxidative stress in carp embryos at 72 and 96 hpf was evaluated by cellular oxidation biomarkers (lipoperoxidation level, hydroperoxide content and carbonyl protein content) and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Oxidative stress-related gene expression (sod, cat and gpx1) was also evaluated. Our results showed that CAF concentrations above 500 ng/L are capable of producing teratogenic effects. Furthermore, CAF was able to induce alterations such cardiac malformations, somite alterations, pericardial edema and chorda malformations. Concerning oxidative stress, the results demonstrated that CAF induce oxidative damage on the embryos of C. carpio. Our outcomes also showed up-regulations in genes related to antioxidant activity sod, cat and gpx by CAF exposure. In conclusion CAF at environmentally relevant concentrations is able to alter the embryonic development of common carp by the oxidative stress pathway. Based on the above evidence, it can be inferred that acute exposure to CAF can lead to a toxic response that significantly harms fish's health, adversely affecting their essential organs' functioning.

Functional and physicochemical properties of protein from giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) extracted using foam-aided pH-shift processing.

Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) is a commercially valuable mollusk in Mexico; 80% of its body is edible. Despite the high protein content (∼18%) and low cholesterol content of this species, its high proteolytic activity (microbial and endogenous enzymes) induces protein degradation and consequent reduction in functional properties from a structural viewpoint. Gelation capacity (texture profile of the gels obtained), solubility, water holding capacity, foaming capacity, emulsification capacity, and emulsion stability were evaluated in protein concentrates obtained by foam-aided pH-shift processing: (A) myofibrillar protein extraction with distilled water and no pH-shifting; (B) alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation; (C) acidic solubilization and isoelectric precipitation; and (D) process A and isoelectric precipitation. Process B showed superior gelation capacity, D had high emulsion stability across a wide range of pH values (4.0-8.0) and C lower plate counts of aerobic mesophilic. Therefore, all three alternative extraction processes showed techno-functional advantages. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jumbo squid is an abundant protein source in México, most of which is exported. Functional and physicochemical properties of muscle protein were improved by pH-shift processing. The recovered protein showed modifications of technological properties, using one of the methods described can lead to produce a protein extract with the most desirable attributes, such as foaming, emulsifying, or gelling capacities. The functional and physicochemical properties of protein from squid can be enhanced by selecting a certain pH-shift processing, depending on the desirable use. There is a broad perspective on the use of these protein extracts as ingredients or additives.

Drug resistance in children and adolescents with HIV in Panama.

OBJECTIVES: The inadequacy of resistance monitoring in Latin America leads to circulation of HIV strains with drug resistance mutations (DRMs), compromising ART effectiveness. This study describes the DRM prevalence in HIV-infected paediatric patients in Panama. METHODS: During 2018-19, plasma was collected from 76 HIV-infected children/adolescents (5 ART-naive, 71 treated) in Panama for HIV-1 DRM pol analysis, predicted antiretroviral (ARV) susceptibility by Stanford, and HIV-1 variant phylogenetic characterization. RESULTS: HIV-1 pol sequences were recovered from 67 (88.2%) of 76 children/adolescents (median age 12 years), carrying 65 subtype B, 1 subtype G and 1 unique recombinant URF_A1B. Five were ART-naive and 62 ART-treated under virological failure (viraemia >50 copies/mL) with previous exposure to NRTIs, (100%), NNRTIs (45.2%), PIs (95.2%) and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs, 17.7%). Among the treated patients, 34 (54.8%) carried resistant strains, with major DRMs to one (40.3%), two (9.7%) or three (4.8%) ARV families. Most of them harboured DRMs to NRTIs (58.5%) or NNRTIs (39%), but also major DRMs to PIs (4.9%) and INSTIs (6.5%). We also found dual-class NRTI + NNRTI (12.2%) and NNRTI + PI (2.6%) resistance. Two naive subjects carried viruses with DRMs to NRTIs and NRTI + NNRTI, respectively. Sequenced viruses presented high/intermediate resistance mainly to emtricitabine/lamivudine (48.9% each) and efavirenz/nevirapine (33.3% each). Most participants were susceptible to PIs (91.3%) and INSTIs (88.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The high DRM prevalence to NRTIs and NNRTIs observed among treated HIV-infected children/adolescents in Panama justifies the need for routine resistance monitoring for optimal rescue therapy selection in this vulnerable population.

Chronic intake of an enriched diet with spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) alleviates the embryotoxic effects produced by realistic concentrations of tetracycline in Danio rerio.

Tetracycline (TC) is one of the most consumed antibiotics worldwide. Due to its high consumption, recent studies have reported its presence in aquatic environments and have assessed its effects on fish, algae, and daphniids. However, in most of those works, authors have tested TC toxicity at concentrations higher than the ones reported in the water matrix. Herein, we aimed to assess the likely embryotoxic and oxidative damage induced by environmentally relevant concentrations of TC in embryos of Danio rerio. Moreover, we seek to determine whether or not an enriched diet with spirulina can alleviate the embryotoxic damage produced by TC. Our findings indicated that TC at concentrations of 50 to 500 ng/L induced pericardial edema, tail deformities, and absence of head and fin in embryos after 96 h of exposure. Moreover, this antibiotic prompted the death of embryos in a concentration-dependent manner. According to our integrated biomarker response index, TC induced oxidative damage on Danio rerio embryos, as star plots showed a tendency to lipoperoxidation, hydroperoxides, and protein carbonyl content. Spirulina reduced the toxicity of TC by diminishing the levels of oxidative damage biomarkers, which resulted in a decrease in the rate of death and malformed embryos. Overall, TC at concentrations of ng/L prompted oxidative stress and embryotoxicity in the early life stages of Danio rerio; nonetheless, the algae spirulina was able to reduce the severity of those effects.

The need for evolution in the management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer: TRIIO KIDS update.

New treatments have increased the life expectancy of pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, often at the cost of protracting their immunocompromised state in the form of prolonged neutropenia. This neutropenic state favors the development of bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, recent years have seen a series of changes in the epidemiology of fungal and Clostridium infections. These changes necessitate adaptations to the management of pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia, who are at risk of further increases in already high rates of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the current bases for the management of febrile neutropenia and associated emerging fungal infections, as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridioides difficile in pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases.

Psychometric Study of the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory in a Colombian Sample.

Introduction: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the factor structure of Spanish translation and adaptation of the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI) in a sample of Colombian adults. Method: The sample of the study was n = 968. Respondents were aged between 18 and 52 years old (Mage=22.81, SD=4.42). Descriptive analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's Alpha calculation were carried out. Results: Internal consistency for the global scale was high (α=.89). Likewise, the coefficients of the Alternative factor and the Control factor were similar (α=.90, 95% CI=.89-.90 and α=.83, 95% CI=.81-.85, respectively). A two-factor structure performed best according to the results of model selection criteria. This model suggested the existence of two correlated factors, with correlated items within factors (Item19 Item20 and Item8 Item10). Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that the CFI scale exhibits construct validity and adequate reliability, both for the general scale and the subscales in the Colombian sample, enabling their use in contexts such as clinical or research.

Introducción: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal para evaluar la estructura factorial de la traducción al español y adaptación del Inventario de Flexibilidad Cognitiva (Cognitive Flexibility Inventory CFI) en una muestra de adultos colombianos. Método: La muestra del estudio fue de n = 968. La edad de los participantes osciló entre los 18 y 52 años (Medad=22.81, SD=4.42). Se llevaron a cabo análisis descriptivos, además del análisis factorial confirmatorio y el cálculo de Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la consistencia interna para la escala global fue alta (α=.89). Asimismo, los coeficientes del factor Alternativas y del factor Control fueron similares (α=.90, IC del 95%=.89-.90 y α=.83, IC del 95%=.81-.85, respectivamente). Una estructura de dos factores presentó un buen ajuste de los datos, de acuerdo con los valores de los criterios de selección del modelo. Este modelo sugirió la existencia de dos factores, con elementos correlacionados dentro de estos (Item19 Item20 e Item8 Item10). Conclusiones: En general, los resultados sugieren que el inventario CFI muestra una fiabilidad adecuada, tanto para la escala general como para las subescalas y validez de constructo en la muestra colombiana, permitiendo su uso en posibles contextos como el clínico o la investigación.

Isolated facial palsy after Chikungunya infection: A novel differential diagnosis / Parálisis facial aislada posterior a infección por virus de chikunguña: un nuevo diagnóstico diferencial.

A significant raise in the reports of neurological manifestations due to Chikungunya virus has been described worldwide. Here, we describe a case report of a previously healthy young adult who developed isolated left facial palsy after a confirmed Chikungunya virus infection in the Colombian tropics. We suggest considering this virus as a differential diagnosis for facial palsy in patients with confirmed Chikungunya virus infection who live in endemic regions or report a history of recent travel to these regions.

En las últimas décadas, se ha incrementado el reporte de manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas con la infección por el virus de chikunguña. Se informa el caso de un adulto joven previamente sano que presentó parálisis facial izquierda aislada después de una infección reciente por el virus de chikunguña en el trópico colombiano. Se describen aspectos importantes de la fisiopatología del virus y su tropismo por el sistema nervioso central y periférico, y se sugiere considerar este virus en el diagnóstico diferencial de la parálisis facial en pacientes con infección confirmada por el virus de chikunguña en regiones tropicales endémicas o en aquellos con antecedente de viajes recientes a dichas regiones.

Thermal and Rheological Characterization of Aqueous Nanofluids Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) with Manganese Dioxide Nanocomposites (MnO2).

Nanofluids have become of interest in recent years thanks to their improved thermal properties, which make them especially interesting for microchannel heat sink applications. In this study, we prepared two aqueous nanofluids based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with manganese dioxide (MnO2) at a concentration of 0.1 wt.%. The difference between the two nanofluids was in the preparation of the reduced graphene oxide decorated with MnO2. In the first case, the manganese salt was mixed with ascorbic acid before GO reduction with NaOH, and in the second case, the GO reduction with NaOH occurred under ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid not only plays the role of a non-toxic and ecofriendly reducing agent but also acts as an important parameter to control the reaction kinetics. The structural, microstructural and spectral characterizations of the MnO2/rGO nanocomposite were conducted via X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, SEM and EDS analyses. Moreover, the synthesized MnO2/rGO nanocomposites were utilized as nanofluids and their stability, thermal conductivity and rheological behaviors were studied. The thermal conductivity of the MnO2/rGO and MnO2AsA/rGO nanofluids was 17% and 14.8% higher than that of water for the average temperature range, respectively, but their viscosity remained statistically equal to that of water. Moreover, both nanofluids presented Newtonian behavior in the analyzed shear rate range. Therefore, both MnO2/rGO and MnO2AsA/rGO nanofluids are promising alternatives for use in applications with micro- and millichannel heat sinks.

Parálisis facial aislada posterior a infección por virus de chikunguña: un nuevo diagnóstico diferencial / Isolated facial palsy after Chikungunya infection: A novel differential diagnosis

En las últimas décadas, se ha incrementado el reporte de manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas con la infección por el virus de chikunguña. Se informa el caso de un adulto joven previamente sano que presentó parálisis facial izquierda aislada después de una infección reciente por el virus de chikunguña en el trópico colombiano. Se describen aspectos importantes de la fisiopatología del virus y su tropismo por el sistema nervioso central y periférico, y se sugiere considerar este virus en el diagnóstico diferencial de la parálisis facial en pacientes con infección confirmada por el virus de chikunguña en regiones tropicales endémicas o en aquellos con antecedente de viajes recientes a dichas regiones.

A significant raise in the reports of neurological manifestations due to Chikungunya virus has been described worldwide. Here, we describe a case report of a previously healthy young adult who developed isolated left facial palsy after a confirmed Chikungunya virus infection in the Colombian tropics. We suggest considering this virus as a differential diagnosis for facial palsy in patients with confirmed Chikungunya virus infection who live in endemic regions or report a history of recent travel to these regions.

Chronic exposure to realistic concentrations of metformin prompts a neurotoxic response in Danio rerio adults.

Metformin (MET) is among the most consumed drugs around the world, and thus, it is considered the uppermost drug in mass discharged into water settings. Nonetheless, data about the deleterious consequences of MET on water organisms are still scarce and require further investigation. Herein, we aimed to establish whether or not chronic exposure to MET (1, 20, and 40 µg/L) may alter the swimming behavior and induce neurotoxicity in Danio rerio adults. After 4 months of exposure, MET-exposed fish exhibited less swimming activity when compared to control fish. Moreover, compared with the control group, MET significantly inhibited the activity of AChE and induced oxidative damage in the brain of fish. Concerning gene expression, MET significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf1, Nrf2, BAX, p53, BACE1, APP, PSEN1, and downregulated CASP3 and CASP9. Although MET did not overexpress the CASP3 gene, we saw a meaningful rise in the activity of this enzyme in the blood of fish exposed to MET compared to the control group, which we then confirmed by a high number of apoptotic cells in the TUNEL assay. Our findings demonstrate that chronic exposure to MET may impair fish swimming behavior, making them more vulnerable to predators.

Contrast-enhanced mammography predicts pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

Introduction: Recently, contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has emerged as a reliable alternative to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of pathological response in breast cancer patients. Our study sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CEM to predict pathological complete response (pCR) in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: We retrieved the medical records of patients who underwent NACT at our institution. Using post-surgery pCR, morphological evidence and CEM enhancement tumours were classified as follows: 1) radiologic complete response (rCR); 2) functional radiological complete response (frCR); and 3) non-complete response. Initially, we used multivariate analyses adjusted by clinical variables and frCR or rCR to determine which variables affected pathological response. Then, CEM diagnostic accuracy to discriminate pCR was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves in univariate and multivariate models including either frCR or rCR. Results: A total of 48 patients were included in our study. Most patients (68.7%) were hormone receptor (HR)+ and 41.6% (20) of the patients achieved pCR. Using univariate logistic regression analyses we found that HR status, HER2 status, rCR and frCR had a significant impact on CEM diagnostic accuracy. Exploratory analyses found that CEM sensitivity was higher for HR- tumours. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found 60% sensitivity, 92.9% specificity and 79.2% accuracy in a model that included clinical variables and rCR. Conclusion: CEM is a reliable alternative to high-cost, time-consuming breast MRI that predicts pCR in patients undergoing NACT; CEM diagnostic accuracy was higher among patients who harboured HR- tumours.

Estudiantes con alta capacidad: explorando su distribución según tipo de establecimiento educativo / Gifted Students: Exploring their Distribution According to the Type of Educational Institution

Resumen Antecedentes: estudiantes con alta capacidad o potencial de talento académico, necesitan un entorno enriquecedor para alcanzar un desempeño sobresaliente, y fenómenos como la segregación escolar impactan negativamente la transformación del potencial intelectual en talento académico. Objetivo: comparar la distribución de estudiantes con alta capacidad de quinto básico a cuarto medio de la provincia de Concepción, Chile, provenientes de familias de nivel socioeconómico bajo, medio y alto, según el tipo de establecimiento educativo en que estudian. Método: participaron 650 estudiantes entre 11 y 17 años de edad, quienes respondieron el test de matrices progresivas de Raven, el cual permitió identificar el potencial intelectual según el puntaje de corte. Resultados: hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el potencial intelectual entre estudiantes de establecimientos públicos, particulares subvencionados y particulares pagados, así como diferencias en la distribución del potencial intelectual según el nivel educativo de los estudiantes y el nivel socioeconómico de sus familias. Conclusiones: al explorar la distribución de estudiantes con alta capacidad según el tipo de establecimiento educativo, hay una mayor concentración de estudiantes con alta capacidad en establecimientos educativos con familias de nivel socioeconómico alto y una menor concentración de estos en establecimientos educativos con familias de nivel socioeconómico bajo.

Abstract Background: Gifted students or students with academic potential need an enriching environment to achieve an outstanding performance. However, phenomena such as school segregation negatively affect the transformation of intellectual potential into academic talent. Objective: To compare the distribution of gifted students from the fifth grade of elementary school to the fourth year of high school in the Province of Concepción, Chile, coming from families of low, medium and high socioeconomic status, determined by the type of educational institution in which they study. Method: Six hundred fifty (650) students aged between 11 and 17 participated in the study and answered the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, which allowed the identification of the intellectual potential based on the cut-off score. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the intellectual potential among students from public, subsidized private and fee-paying private educational institutions, as well as differences in the distribution of the intellectual potential relative to the students' education level and their families' socioeconomic status. Conclusions: When exploring the distribution of gifted students according to the type of educational institution, there was a higher concentration of those students in educational institutions with families of high socioeconomic status, and a lower concentration in educational institutions with families of low socioeconomic status.

Regional anesthesia for compartment syndrome as a complication of ECMO. Case report / Anestesia regional para síndrome compartimental como complicación de ECMO. Reporte de caso

Abstract We present the case of a patient intervened for mechanical mitral replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and correction of a total anomalous pulmonary venous return, which required Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in the immediate postoperative period because of refractory cardiogenic shock. After withdrawal of the arterial cannula, the patient developed compartment syndrome of the right lower limb, requiring urgent intervention. Also, the patient went into respiratory failure, requiring support with high flow oxygen cannula. Given the patient's condition, general anesthesia was discarded. An ultrasound-guided popliteal block and sedation with dexmedetomidine and ketamine was performed instead, maintaining the high flow nasal cannula. Regional anesthesia along with dexmedetomidine and ketamine could be an alternative for a surgical procedure in patients with high risk of cardiovascular and respiratory complications.

Resumen Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina sometida a remplazo de válvula mitral mecánica, anuloplastia y corrección de retorno venoso pulmonar anómalo total, quien requirió oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) en el postoperatorio inmediato debido a shock cardiogénico refractario. Una vez retirada la cánula arterial, la paciente desarrolló síndrome compartimental de la extremidad inferior derecha, requiriendo intervención urgente. Adicionalmente, presentó insuficiencia respiratoria que requirió soporte de oxígeno por cánula de alto flujo. En vista de la condición de la paciente se descartó la anestesia general, optando a cambio por un bloqueo poplíteo guiado por ultrasonido más sedación con dexmedetomidina y ketamina, manteniendo la cánula nasal de alto flujo. La anestesia regional junto con dexmedetomidina y ketamina puede ser una alternativa para procedimientos quirúrgicos en pacientes de alto riesgo cardiovascular y complicaciones respiratorias.

Optimization of the Physical, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Composite Edible Films of Gelatin, Whey Protein and Chitosan.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the concentration of gelatin (G) (3-6 g), whey protein (W) (2.5-7.5 g) and chitosan (C) (0.5-2.5 g) on the physical, optical and mechanical properties of composite edible films (CEFs) using the response surface methodology (RSM), as well as optimizing the formulation for the packaging of foods. The results of the study were evaluated via first- and second-order multiple regression analysis to obtain the determination coefficient values with a good fit (R ˃ 0.90) for each of the response variables, except for the values of solubility and b*. The individual linear effect of the independent variables (the concentrations of gelatin, whey protein and chitosan) significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) the water vapor permeability (WVP), strength and solubility of the edible films. The WVP of the edible films varied from 0.90 to 1.62 × 10-11 g.m/Pa.s.m2, the resistance to traction varied from 0.47 MPa to 3.03 MPa and the solubility varied from 51.06% to 87%. The optimized values indicated that the CEF prepared with a quantity of 4 g, 5 g and 3 g of gelatin, whey protein and chitosan, respectively, provided the CEF with a smooth, continuous and transparent surface, with L values that resulted in a light-yellow hue, a lower WVP, a maximum strength (resistance to traction) and a lower solubility. The results revealed that the optimized formulation of the CEF of G-W-C allowed a good validation of the prediction model and could be applied, in an effective manner, to the food packaging industry, which could help in mitigating the environmental issues associated with synthetic packaging materials.

Forest phenoclusters for Argentina based on vegetation phenology and climate.

Forest biodiversity conservation and species distribution modeling greatly benefit from broad-scale forest maps depicting tree species or forest types rather than just presence and absence of forest, or coarse classifications. Ideally, such maps would stem from satellite image classification based on abundant field data for both model training and accuracy assessments, but such field data do not exist in many parts of the globe. However, different forest types and tree species differ in their vegetation phenology, offering an opportunity to map and characterize forests based on the seasonal dynamic of vegetation indices and auxiliary data. Our goal was to map and characterize forests based on both land surface phenology and climate patterns, defined here as forest phenoclusters. We applied our methodology in Argentina (2.8 million km2 ), which has a wide variety of forests, from rainforests to cold-temperate forests. We calculated phenology measures after fitting a harmonic curve of the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) time series derived from 30-m Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 data from 2018-2019. For climate, we calculated land surface temperature (LST) from Band 10 of the thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) of Landsat 8, and precipitation from Worldclim (BIO12). We performed stratified X-means cluster classifications followed by hierarchical clustering. The resulting clusters separated well into 54 forest phenoclusters with unique combinations of vegetation phenology and climate characteristics. The EVI 90th percentile was more important than our climate and other phenology measures in providing separability among different forest phenoclusters. Our results highlight the potential of combining remotely sensed phenology measures and climate data to improve broad-scale forest mapping for different management and conservation goals, capturing functional rather than structural or compositional characteristics between and within tree species. Our approach results in classifications that go beyond simple forest-nonforest in areas where the lack of detailed ecological field data precludes tree species-level classifications, yet conservation needs are high. Our map of forest phenoclusters is a valuable tool for the assessment of natural resources, and the management of the environment at scales relevant for conservation actions.