Removal of high lead concentration by hydroponic cultures of normal and transformed plants of Scirpus americanus Pers.

Lead is a very toxic metal which affects human health. An alternative to remove it from contaminated water is the use of macrophytes, as Scirpus americanus Pers. This species is tolerant to salt and metals and has high biomass. The present research analyzed the capacity of hydroponic cultures of normal and transgenic plants (line T12) from S. americanus to remove high concentrations of lead. The antioxidant response of plants to metal exposure was also measured. The MINTEQ3.1 program was used to define the media composition in order to have the metal available to the plants. According to MINTEQ3.1 predictions, sulfate, phosphate, and molybdenum must be removed from the medium to avoid lead precipitation. Therefore, the plants were maintained in a modified Hoagland solution containing 100, 250, and 400 mg/L lead. The presence of metal did not affect the growth of roots and stems at all concentration tested. The normal and T12 plants accumulated 69,389 mg/kg and 45,297 mg/kg lead, respectively, and could be considered hyperaccumulators. Plant tolerance to lead mainly involved an increase in superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione accumulation. The bioconcentration factor indicated that S. americanus plants bioconcentrated between 192 and 300 times the metal; thus, S. americanus could be used for phytoremediation of water contaminated with a high concentration of lead.

Bloodstream infections after solid organ transplantation: clinical epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (2016-21).

Background: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs) with MDR organisms (MDROs). Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of BSI in the year after several types of SOT, as well as the prevalence of MDRO infections in this population. Methods: We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study of kidney, liver, heart, and multi-organ transplantation patients. We examined BSIs ≤1 year from SOT and classified MDRO phenotypes for Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp. We compared BSI characteristics between SOT types and determined risk factors for 90 day mortality. Results: We included 2293 patients [1251 (54.6%) kidney, 663 (28.9%) liver, 219 (9.6%) heart and 160 (7.0%) multi-organ transplant]. Overall, 8.5% of patients developed a BSI. BSIs were most common after multi-organ (23.1%) and liver (11.3%) transplantation (P < 0.001). Among 196 patients with BSI, 323 unique isolates were recovered, 147 (45.5%) of which were MDROs. MDROs were most common after liver transplant (53.4%). The most frequent MDROs were VRE (69.8% of enterococci) and ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (29.2% and 27.2% of Enterobacterales, respectively). Mortality after BSI was 9.7%; VRE was independently associated with mortality (adjusted OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.7-21.3). Conclusions: BSI incidence after SOT was 8.5%, with a high proportion of MDROs (45.5%), especially after liver transplantation. These data, in conjunction with local antimicrobial resistance patterns and prescribing practices, may help guide empirical antimicrobial selection and stewardship practices after SOT.

Subpoblaciones de linfocitos T en adultos mayores cubanos con leucemia linfoide crónica / Subpopulations of T lymphocytes in Cuban older adults with chronic lymphoid leukemia

Introducción: la inmunosenescencia está asociada con un mayor riesgo de desarrollo de cáncer. Dentro de las hemopatías malignas que afectan a este grupo de edad, está la leucemia linfoide crónica (LLC), caracterizada por trastornos en la inmunidad adaptativa que incluye las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T en los pacientes adultos mayores con leucemia linfoide crónica evaluados en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 30 adultos mayores con leucemia linfoide crónica. Se cuantificaron los linfocitos TCD3+CD4+ y TCD3+CD8+ en sangre periférica por citometría de flujo. Para la lectura y el análisis de los datos se empleó un citómetro de flujo Beckman Coulter Gallios. Se utilizaron los valores porcentuales, la media y la desviación estándar. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo si p≤0.05. Resultados: Hubo un predominio de hombres que representaron el 56,7 por ciento y del grupo de 70-79 años de edad. No se reportó ningún adulto mayor con LLC con valores altos ni normales de linfocitos TCD3+CD4+. Predominaron los hombres con valores bajos porcentuales de linfocitos TCD3+CD4+, TCD3+CD8+ e inversión del índice CD4/CD8 en relación con las mujeres. Conclusiones: Los adultos mayores con LLC presentan alteraciones en el número de las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T. La acción de estas células en relación al crecimiento de células B malignas aún es desconocido y resulta importante determinar si esto puede reflejar un intento de evasión de las células tumorales al control inmunológico(AU)

Introduction: Immunosenescence is associated with an increased risk of cancer development. Among the malignant hemopathies that affect this age group, it is chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), characterized by disorders in adaptive immunity, which include subpopulations of T lymphocytes. Objective: To determine frequency of T lymphocyte subpopulations in older adult patients with chronic lymphoid leukemia evaluated at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology of Cuba. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 older adults with chronic lymphoid leukemia. TCD3+CD4+ and TCD3+CD8+ lymphocytes were quantified in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. A Beckman Coulter Gallios flow cytometer was used to read and analyze the data. The percentage values, the mean and the standard deviation were used. It was considered statistically significant if p≤0.05. Results: There was a predominance of men who represented 56.7 percent and the age group of 70-79 years. No older adults with CLL with high or normal values of TCD3+CD4+ lymphocytes were reported. Men predominated with low percentage values of TCD3+CD4+, TCD3+CD8+ lymphocytes and inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio in relation to women. Conclusions: Older adult with CLL present alterations in the number of T lymphocyte subpopulations. The role of these cells in relation to the growth of malignant B cells it is unknown and it turns out important to determine if this may reflect an attempt to evade tumor cells from immune control(AU)

The Effects of Gluconacin on Bacterial Tomato Pathogens and Protection against Xanthomonas perforans, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot Disease.

As agricultural practices become more sustainable, adopting more sustainable practices will become even more relevant. Searching for alternatives to chemical compounds has been the focus of numerous studies, and bacteriocins are tools with intrinsic biotechnological potential for controlling plant diseases. We continued to explore the biotechnological activity of the bacteriocin Gluconacin from Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, PAL5 strain, by investigating this protein's antagonism against important tomato phytopathogens and demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing bacterial spots caused by Xanthomonas perforans. In addition to this pathogen, the bacteriocin Gluconacin demonstrated bactericidal activity in vitro against Ralstonia solanacearum and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, agents that cause bacterial wilt and bacterial spots, respectively. Bacterial spot control tests showed that Gluconacin reduced disease severity by more than 66%, highlighting the biotechnological value of this peptide in ecologically correct formulations.

Association between Sarcopenia, Falls, and Cognitive Impairment in Older People: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

With the aging process, elderly people present changes in their bodies that can lead them to suffer several geriatric syndromes. The present study aimed to analyze and synthesize the literature produced concerning the association of sarcopenia with falls in elderly people with cognitive impairment. This is a systematic review study on etiology and risk, conducted according to the JBI methodology using the Medline (Pubmed), Cinahl, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The gray literature search was conducted in the CAPES Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Google Scholar, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), EBSCO Open Dissertations, DART-e, and ACS Guide to Scholarly Communication. The identification of the association between the variables was extracted from the articles themselves (Odds Ratio and the 95% Confidence Intervals). Four articles published between 2012 and 2021 were included in this review. A prevalence of falls was identified, ranging from 14.2% to 23.1%, of cognitive impairment ranging from 24.1% to 60.8%, and of sarcopenia ranging from 6.1 to 26.6%. The meta-analysis found that elderly people with cognitive impairment who suffer falls are at a 1.88 times greater risk of presenting sarcopenia (p = 0.01). There is evidence of an association between the variables, but it is necessary to conduct follow-up studies to support this association as well as other factors that may influence the senescence and senility process.

Empathy, psychometrics, cut-off points in nursing students from Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no cut-off points for levels of empathy, making it difficult to assess the change experienced in its development or as a result of its intervention. It is an unsolved problem. INTRODUCTION: Empathy is a cognitive-affective attribute that enables nursing staff to maintain a professional relationship that entails various benefits for the patient. Its strengthening and development during university education is desirable. Empathy studies in Latin American nursing students are based on the direct scores obtained on an empathy test, based on which the variable is described and groups are compared. Statistical comparisons are not enough to discriminate substantive changes since two statistical values can show differences without implying that the post-intervention levels may correspond to a higher category in relation to those of pre-intervention or that two compared groups are qualitatively different. The above applies to empathic behaviour and is valid for students and professionals of health. This study aimed to establish cut-off points that allow defining ordinal categories in empathy. METHODS: In this multicenter and cross-sectional study, 3712 students from 11 Latin American nursing schools participated. The Jefferson Empathy Scale (JES) was applied; the psychometric properties were confirmed by Factor Analysis Confirmatory and Invariance. RESULTS: The JSE empathy scale is a measure with adequate reliability and construct validity. Examined cut-offs determined a structure of five empathy intervals that allowed them to be classified as empathy values in very high, high, medium, low and very low. DISCUSSION: The sequence of statistical tests carried out allowed us to determine ranges of categorical values in the empathy levels of groups of students. However, the determined categories may constitute a specific characteristic of them. It is not possible to extrapolate these results to regions other than those of Latin America. CONCLUSION: The estimated rankings allow comparing levels of empathy between groups of nursing students and the real effect of empathic interventions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: To contribute with strategies to evaluate changes in the empathic skills of nursing students, resulting in a well-valued skill in health services. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: The cut-off points define evaluative categories (very low, low, medium, high and very high) that allow objective classification of levels of empathy achieved after (for example) an empathic intervention. This allows assessment of substantive changes experienced by nursing students (and professionals).

Post-vaccination seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 in peruvian health workers vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm).

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of post-vaccination seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 and identify its predictors in Peruvian Social Health Insurance (EsSalud) personnel in 2021. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a representative simple stratified sample of EsSalud workers. We evaluated IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies response (seropositivity) by passive (previous infection) and active immunization (vaccination), and epidemiological and occupational variables obtained by direct interview and a data collection form. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with correction of sample weights adjusted for non-response rate, and crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and geometric mean ratio (GMR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. RESULTS: We enrolled 1077 subjects. Seropositivity was 67.4% (95%CI: 63.4-71.1). Predictors of seropositivity were age (negative relation; p < 0.001), previous infection (aOR = 11.7; 95%CI: 7.81-17.5), working in COVID-19 area (aOR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.02-2.11) and time since the second dose. In relation to antibody levels measured by geometric means, there was an association between male sex (aGMR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.74-0.80), age (negative relation; p < 0.001), previous infection (aGMR = 13.1; 95%CI:4.99-34.40), non-face-to-face/licensed work modality (aGMR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.73-0.84), being a nursing technician (aGMR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.20-1.41), working in administrative areas (aGMR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.10-1.25), diagnostic support (aGMR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.01-1.15), critical care (aGMR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.79-0.93), and in a COVID-19 area (aGMR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.24-1.36) and time since receiving the second dose (negative relation; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Seropositivity and antibody levels decrease as the time since receiving the second dose increases. Older age and no history of previous infection were associated with lower seropositivity and antibody values. These findings may be useful for sentinel antibody surveillance and the design of booster dose strategies.

Peripheral double negative T: A look at senescent Cubans.

INTRODUCTION: Age-related changes in the immune system are called immunosenescence. Within the T lymphocytes is the subpopulation of double negative (DNT) peripheral lymphocytes that are immunomodulators of the immune response, based on their ability to suppress the functions of simple positive T cells and their cytotoxicity for tumor cells and those infected by viruses. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of peripheral DNT lymphocytes in older Cuban adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 30 older adults, residents in Cuba. DNT lymphocytes in peripheral blood were quantified by flow cytometry. A Beckman Coulter Gallios flow cytometer was used for data reading and analysis. Percentage values mean and standard deviation were used. The Chi-square was used to relate the percentage values of DNT and comorbidities. It was considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: There was a predominance of women who represented 70 %. No older adult with low values of DNT lymphocytes was reported. Women with high percentage and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes prevailed in relation to men. In the group ≥80 years, high values in % and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes predominated. The high percentage values of DNT cells were mainly related to cardiovascular disease, and predominated in the elderly of ≥80 years old; who presented respiratory and skin infections, fundamentally. The percentage normal value in the group < 80 years was significant (p = 0.0198). The Chi-square value was 0,5995. CONCLUSIONS: Most older adults who exhibited high percentage and absolute values of DNT lymphocytes, or a tendency to them, had some associated comorbidity, an idea that suggests that DNT cells participate in immune surveillance, defense and homeostasis based on their double identity, that is, its pathogenic or immunosuppressive phenotype according to the specific immunological microenvironment.

Trastornos inmunitarios en paciente pediátrico con enfermedad de Behcet / Inmune disorders in a pediatric patient with Behcet's disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Behcet es un proceso autoinflamatorio crónico que afecta arterias y venas de todos los calibres. Participan factores genéticos, microbianos e inmunológicos. Cursa con úlceras orales, genitales e inflamación ocular. Objetivo: Describir los trastornos inmunitarios en un paciente pediátrico con enfermedad de Behcet. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 16 años de edad, con diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad de Behcet con marcadores serológicos de autoinmunidad negativa. Las inmunoglobulinas séricas exhibieron valores normales. Las subpoblaciones linfocitarias T CD3+CD4+ y CD3+CD8+ estuvieron elevadas. Las células B totales mostraron valores porcentuales normales, sin embargo, la subpoblación B CD5+CD19+ se encontró por encima de los valores referenciales. El paciente respondió favorablemente en relación con el curso de las infecciones a la terapia con inmunoestimulantes. Conclusiones: El tratamiento para la enfermedad de Behcet debe ser individualizado. Se debe tener en cuenta la gravedad del órgano afectado y el índice de recurrencias. Se requiere de un grupo interdisciplinario para llegar al adecuado control de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Behcet's disease is a chronic autoinflammatory process, of low frequency and unknown etiology that affects arteries and veins of all sizes, where genetic, microbial and immunological factors participate. It presents with oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. Objective: To evaluate the immune disorders in a pediatric patient with Behcet's disease. Case presentation: A 16-year-old male patient with a clinical diagnosis of Behcet's disease with negative autoimmunity serological markers. Immunoglobulins exhibited normal values. CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+T lymphocyte subpopulations were elevated. The B cells showed normal percentage values, however the CD5+CD19+ subpopulation B was found to be above the reference values. The patient responded favorably in relation to the course of the infections, to the therapy with immune stimulants. Conclusions: Treatment must be individualized, taking into account the severity of the affected organ and the recurrence rate. An interdisciplinary group is required to achieve adequate control of the disease.

Biomarkers of sequela in adult patients convalescing from COVID-19.

Different biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 have been linked to detection, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression, and development of new drugs and vaccines. The objective of this research was to evaluate various hematological, biochemicals, immunological, radiological and spirometric parameters in 20 adult patients convalescing from COVID-19 and their possible relationship with the clinical course of the disease. The frequencies of categorical variables were compared using the chi-square and Fisher's exact test. The levels of statistical significance were denoted in each figure legend. Two-dimensional clustering analysis was performed using MeV software from TIGR. The tests with P value of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most of the patients studied presented alterations in dissimilar laboratory, radiological and spirometric parameters, which were related to the clinical evolution of the disease. The results obtained show that certain hematological, biochemical, immunological and radiological parameters can be considered as biomarkers of sequela in adult COVID-19 patients, which allows their stratification, according to the degree of involvement or sequela, into three groups: I (mild degree of involvement or sequela), without lung lesions on computerized axial tomography (CT scan) and high values of IgG, C3 and hemoglobin, II (moderate degree of involvement or sequel), without lung lesions on CT scan, characterized by high levels of CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes and the rest of the variables with low values and III (severe degree of involvement or sequela), with lung lesions on CT scan and high values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, monocytes and neutrophils, associated with lymphopenia and decreased concentrations of IgG and C3.

Sospecha de delirium y posibles factores relacionados en el adulto mayor hospitalizado / Suspeita de delírio e possíveis fatores relacionados em idosos internados / Suspected delirium and possible related factors in hospitalized older adults

Objetivo: describir la sospecha de delirium en adultos mayores hospitalizados en medicina interna y sus posibles factores relacionados. Materiales y método: estudio correlacional de corte transversal y muestreo por conveniencia, con 49 adultos mayores de 70 años hospitalizados en medicina interna que aceptaron participar de forma voluntaria. Se aplicó la Escala de Detección de Delirium por Enfermería, la cual mide la sospecha de delirium, y se empleó análisis descriptivo y bivariado. Resultados: la prevalencia de sospecha de delirium en los pacientes del estudio fue de 20,4 %. La edad fue significativamente menor en los pacientes que no presentaron delirium en comparación con aquellos que mostraron sospecha (73 vs. 82 años, respectivamente, p = 0,05). Otras variables que evidenciaron un comportamiento similar son el número de comorbilidades (1 sin delirium vs. 2 sospecha, p = 0,037), haber padecido delirium al menos una vez antes de la actual hospitalización (1 sin delirium vs. 6 sospecha, p = 0,000) y no reportar antecedentes psicoactivos (17 sin delirium vs. 3 sospecha p = 0,009). El análisis bivariado evidenció una posible asociación significativa entre el delirium y los antecedentes de diabetes (or 6,8; ic 95 % 1,43-32,19 [p = 0,020]), el consumo de alcohol (or 5,2; ic 95 % 1,15-23,85 [p = 0,029]) y antecedentes de delirium en hospitalización previa (or 6,3; ic 95 % 1,02-38,9 [p = 0,000]). Conclusiones: el delirium es un problema que continúa impactando a los adultos, particularmente a los adultos mayores, quienes por los factores fisiológicos propios de la edad son más vulnerables a padecer este evento.

Objective: To describe the suspicion of delirium in older adults hospitalized in internal medicine and the possible risk factors associated to this event. Materials and method: Cross-sectional and correlational study through convenience sampling. Forty-nine adults over 70 years hospitalized in internal medicine agreed to participate by signing an informed consent form. We adopted the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, which measures suspicion of delirium. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was also used.Results: The prevalence of suspected delirium among participants was 20.4%. Age was significantly lower in patients who did not present delirium compared to those who showed suspicion (73 vs. 82 years, respectively, p = 0.05). Other variables that showed a similar behavior were the number of comorbidities (1 no delirium vs. 2 suspected, p = 0.037), having suffered from delirium at least once before current hospitalization (1 no delirium vs. 6 suspected, p = 0.000), and no psychoactive history (17 no delirium vs. 3 suspected, p = 0.009). Bivariate analysis reported a possible significant association between delirium and history of diabetes (or 6.8; ci 95% 1.43-32.19 [p = 0.020]), alcohol consumption (or 5.2; ci 95% 1.15-23.85 [p = 0.029]), and history of delirium during previous hospitalization (or 6.3; ci 95% 1.02 - 38.9 [p = 0.000]). Conclusions: Delirium is an issue that continues to affect adults, particularly the elderly, who are more vulnerable to suffering this event due to age-related physi-ological factors.

Objetivo: descrever suspeitas de delírio em idosos internados em medicina interna e os seus possíveis fatores de risco. Materiais e método: estudo correlacional de corte transversal com amostragem por conveniência. Participaram 49 pessoas com mais de 70 anos de idade internadas em medicina interna que concordaram em participar de forma voluntária. Foi utilizada a Escala de Detecção do Delírio para Enfermagem, que mede as suspeitas de delírio. Foi utilizada uma análise descritiva e bivariada. Resultados: a prevalência de suspeita de delírio no estudo foi de 20,4%. A idade era significativamente mais baixa naqueles que não apresentavam delírio em comparação com aqueles que apresentavam suspeitas (73 vs 82 anos, respectivamente, p = 0,05). Outras variáveis mostraram comportamento semelhante, tais como número de comorbilidades (1 sem delírio vs 2 suspeitas, p = 0,037), tendo sofrido de delírio pelo menos uma vez antes da internação atual (1 sem delírio vs 6 suspeitas, p = 0,000) e nenhum histórico psicoativo (17 sem delírio vs 3 suspeitas, p = 0,009). A análise bivariada evidenciou uma possível associação significativa entre delírio e histórico de diabetes (or 6,8 ci 95% 1,43-32,19 [p = 0,020]), consumo de álcool (or 5,2 ci 95% 1,15-23,85 [p = 0,029]) e histórico de delírio em internação anterior (or 6,3 ci 95% 1,02-38,9 [p = 0,000]). Conclusões: o delírio é um problema que continua a ter impacto nos adultos, mais ainda na população idosa, que, devido a fatores fisiológicos relacionados com a idade, são mais vulneráveis a sofrer com esse evento.

Práctica de automanejo y nivel de dependencia del adulto mayor con enfermedad crónica / Self-Management Practice and Level of Dependence in the Older Adult with a Chronic Disease

Introducción: El automanejo como una conducta saludable y la capacidad física propia de la edad son poco explorados, pero pueden llevar a cambios en el estilo de vida de los adultos mayores que padecen enfermedades crónicas. Objetivo: Caracterizar la relación que existe entre la práctica de automanejo y el nivel de dependencia de adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica. Métodos: Diseño descriptivo correlacional y longitudinal desarrollado en los meses de julio a noviembre de 2020. Se utilizó la población de 105 adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica que forman parte de asociaciones de adultos mayores de Ibagué, Colombia. La medición se realizó con la escala Partners in Health Scale y la capacidad física con el índice de Barthel. Para el análisis se utilizó análisis descriptivo, prueba de correlación de Pearson y un modelo de regresión lineal. Resultados: Las mujeres representaron el 60 % de los participantes y los hombres el 40 por ciento. Se encontraron con enfermedad crónica: hipertensión arterial alta (60,95 por ciento) diabetes mellitus (10,47 por ciento) enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (6,66 por ciento). Dentro de la capacidad de automanejo, la adherencia presentó la mayor puntuación promedio (71,30), la capacidad física se encontraba en la mayoría de los participantes en dependencia leve e independencia, esto llevó a presentar una correlación positiva entre estos dos aspectos. Por cada punto adicional en el test de Barthel aumenta 0,27 el índice de automanejo (p = 0,003). Conclusiones: La práctica de automanejo se encuentra relacionada con la capacidad física que tienen los adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica, en especial lo relacionado al comportamiento de adherencia. Otras enfermedades crónicas presentes fueron la artritis y la insuficiencia renal crónica(AU)

Introduction: Self-management as a healthy behavior and age-specific physical capacity are little explored, but may lead to lifestyle changes in older adults with chronic disease. Objective: To characterize the relationship between self-management practice and the level of dependence in older adults with chronic disease. Methods: Descriptive, correlational and longitudinal study carried out from July to November 2020. The population was made up of 105 older adults with chronic disease who are part of associations of older adults from Ibagué, Colombia. Measurement was done using the Partners in Health scale, while the physical capacity involved the Barthel index. Descriptive analysis, Pearson's correlation test, and a linear regression model were used for the analysis. Results: Women and men represented 60 percent and 40 percent of the participants, respectively. They were found to present chronic diseases: high arterial hypertension (60.95 percent) diabetes mellitus (10.47 percent) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6.66 percent). Within the self-management capacity, adherence presented the highest average score (71.30), while physical capacity was found in most of the participants in mild dependence and independence; this led to the presence of a positive correlation between these two aspects. For each additional point in the Barthel test, there is an increase of 0.27 in the self-management index (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The practice of self-management is found to be related to the physical capacity of older adults with chronic disease, especially with respect to the adherence behavior. Other chronic diseases were arthritis and chronic renal failure(AU)

Immunophenotypic characterization of B1a lymphocytes in Cuban older adults.

INTRODUCTION: B1a lymphocytes are characterized by having a high capacity for self-renewal and production of natural antibodies, in a T-independent manner. There are differences in both the number and composition of mature B lymphocytes throughout life, due to the phenomenon of immunosenescence. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the immunophenotype of B1a lymphocytes in older Cuban adults with a simplified CD19CD20CD5 panel. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 institutionalized Cuban older adults. Characterization of CD19 + CD5+, CD20 + CD5+, and CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocytes in peripheral blood was performed by flow cytometry. For the reading and analysis of the biological samples, a flow cytometer, Beckman Coulter, Gallios, was used. A Microsoft Excel database was created with the information obtained. The sample was divided by sex and age. The data were processed using the statistical program GraphPadPrism version 6.00 using the percentage values and the median for the sample description. RESULTS: The elderly aged 80 years and over showed a decrease in the absolute count of CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocytes, as well as in the percentage and absolute count of CD19 + CD5+ B lymphocytes. On the other hand, they presented higher absolute counts of CD20 + CD5+ lymphocytes in relation to those of the <80-year-old group. Women showed higher absolute counts of CD19 + CD5+, CD20 + CD5+, and CD19 + CD20+ B lymphocyte populations. CONCLUSIONS: The immunophenotypic characterization of B1a lymphocytes in older Cuban adults is similar to that reported by other researchers. Both age and sex influence the absolute count of these cells, being higher in women under 80 years of age.

Psychometry and Cut-off Points of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy in Medical Students in Central America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine cut-off points that can be used to differentiate measures of empathy, which would then be classified as high, medium, or low. To do so, we used data from students from 7 medical schools in Colombia, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, after determining the psychometric properties of the 3-dimensional model of empathy in the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, S-version (for medical students). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-experimental descriptive study had a sample that consisted of 6291 students. The structure and factor invariance were analyzed by country and sex. A hierarchical cluster analysis and a bifactorial analysis of variance were applied. RESULTS: The measure of empathy was reliable on the global scale (α = .82; ω = .88). A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original model was replicable and adjusted to the data (comparative fit index [CFI] = .90; goodness of fit index = .94), while the multigroup analysis allowed to assume an invariant factor structure by country and gender (ΔCFI < .01). Tables were constructed with cut off points for empathy and its dimensions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study solves the problem of comparing the scores and the levels of empathy observed in the medical students at different schools of medicine, making said comparisons within and between countries and between genders. The instrument used has adequate psychometric properties and the cut-off values obtained allow the classifying of people with lower or higher levels of empathy.

Estado nutricional del adulto mayor jubilado que forma parte a un grupo de apoyo / Nutritional status of the older adult who attends a support group / Estado nutricional do idoso que frequenta um grupo de apoio

Objetivo: Describir el estado nutricional de adultos mayores jubilados que pertenecen a gru-pos de apoyo en la ciudad de Ibagué. Método: Se implementó un estudio de tipo cuantitativo, descriptivo, corte transversal, durante el periodo comprendido entre los meses de septiembre a noviembre del año 2020. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple con una muestra de 80 adultos mayores, quienes cumplían con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: ser jubilados y formar parte del grupo de apoyo. La medición se efectuó con la escala Mini Evaluación Nu-tricional, la cual cuenta con una sensibilidad del 96%, especificidad del 98% y el valor pre-dictivo del 97% para la malnutrición. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se encontró que la mayoría de los jubilados se encuentran bien nu-tridos y ninguno presenta estado de desnutrición. No obstante, el 11,25% de los participantes en el estudio presentan riesgo de desnutrición en el futuro. Así mismo, se evidenció que la mayoría de los jubilados tienen sobrepeso. Conclusiones: El estudio permite concluir que el 70% de la población participante presenta alteraciones del estado nutricional, principalmente en un aumento notorio de peso en relación con la talla. Esto genera un factor de riesgo ante la presencia de patologías crónicas como: la Hipertensión arterial, la diabetes, así como otras alteraciones cardiovasculares y diferentes tipos de cáncer

Objective: To describe the nutritional status of retired older adults who belong to support groups in the city of Ibagué. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was implemented during the period from September to November 2020. Simple random sampling was used with a sample of 80 older adults who met the inclusion criteria to be retired and to be part of the program was used. The measurement was carried out with the Mini Nutritional Assessment scale which has a sensitivity of 96%, specificity 98% and a predictive value of 97% for malnutrition. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that most of the retirees are well nourished, and none have a state of malnutrition. However, 11.25% of the study participants are at risk of suffering from malnutrition in the future. Likewise, it was evidenced that the majority of retirees are overweight. Conclusions: The study allows us to conclude that 70% of the participating population presents alterations in nutritional status, mainly, a noticeable increase in weight in relation to height. This gen-erates a risk factor in the presence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, other cardiovascular disorders and different types of cancer.

Objetivo: Descrever o estado nutricional de idosos aposentados pertencentes a grupos de apoio do município de Ibagué. Método: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal, no período de setembro a novembro de 2020. Amostragem aleatória simples foi usada com uma amostra de 80 idosos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, estarem apo-sentados e fazendo parte do programa. A mensuração foi feita por meio da escala de Mini Avaliação Nutricional que tem sensibilidade de 96%, especificidade de 98% e valor predi-tivo de desnutrição de 97%. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: Constatou-se que a maioria dos aposentados encontra-se bem nutrida e nenhum apresenta estado de desnutrição. No entanto, 11,25% dos participantes do estudo estão em risco de desnutrição no futuro. Da mesma forma, constatou-se que a maioria dos aposentados está com sobrepeso. Conclusões: O estudo permite concluir que 70% da população partici-pante apresenta alteração do estado nutricional, principalmente, aumento perceptível do peso em relação à estatura. Isso gera um fator de risco na presença de doenças crônicas como hipertensão, diabetes, outros distúrbios cardiovasculares e diversos tipos de câncer

Caracterización del hemograma completo en adultos mayores cubanos tratados con Biomodulina T® / Character i zation of the complete blood count of Cuban older adults treated with Biomodulin a T ®

Introducción: Durante las últimas décadas es evidente el aumento progresivo de los adultos mayores en Cuba. El proceso de envejecimiento provoca cambios en el sistema inmune que afectan su funcionamiento y desarrollo. Objetivo: Caracterizar parámetros hematológicos e inmunológicos mediante el hemograma completo en adultos mayores cubanos antes y después de la administración de la Biomodulina T®. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y observacional para evaluar el efecto de la Biomodulina T® sobre los parámetros del hemograma completo. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico GraphPad Prism (versión 6.00). Los datos que presentaban una distribución normal, se procesaron utilizando la t Student. La prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon se empleó cuando los datos no cumplían una distribución normal, ambos para un nivel de significación de p < 0,05. Resultados: Predominaron las mujeres en relación a los hombres, que representó 27,6 por cientoHubo superioridad de adultos mayores de 76-80 años de edad. El conteo global de leucocitos se mantuvo dentro de parámetros normales y solo en 5 pacientes disminuyeron las plaquetas después de la administración de Biomodulina T. Estos resultados no fueron estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: Se demostró que el tratamiento con Biomodulina T® no modifica los diferentes parámetros del hemograma completo en el adulto mayor(AU)

Introduction: In the last decade it has been evident the rise in the older adults in Cuba. The process of aging causes changes in the immune system that affects the development and function. Objective: To characterize hematological and immunological parameters by means of the complete blood count in Cuban older adults before and after the administration of Biomodulin T® Materials and methods: A descriptive and observational study was to conducted to evaluate the use of Biomodulina T, the statistic package used was the GraphPad Prism (version 6.00). The data that showed a normal distribution were processed using the Student´s t test. The Wilcoxon´s signed range test with was used when the data did not comply with the normal distribution. Both for a signification level of p < 0.05. Results: Women predominated in relation to men, representing 27.6 percent. There was a predominance of older adults aged 76-80 years. The global leukocyte count remained within normal parameters and platelets decreased only in 5 patients after the administration of Biomodulina T, that results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It was shown that the Biomodulina T did not modify the hemogram results in the elderly patients(AU)

Participación social y capacidad cognitiva del adulto mayor con enfermedad crónica / Social Participation and Cognitive Capacity of the Older Adult with Chronic Disease

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre la capacidad cognitiva y la participación social del adulto mayor con enfermedad crónica. Metodología: Estudio observacional, muestra de 1110 personas adultas mayores que representan a las 12 provincias de la región La Libertad (Perú). Se utilizó el Instrumento Evaluación Cognitiva, Modificada Minimental State Examination (MMSE) y el Instrumento de Participación Social. Resultados: La evaluación cognitiva sugiere deterioro del 6,4 % y valores de normalidad cognitiva del 93,6 %. Se encontró una relación significativa entre el estado cognitivo con el género y la edad P < 0. 001. Las principales enfermedades encontradas fueron: Hipertensión arterial (55,3 %), artritis (38,1 %) y diabetes mellitus (16 %). La participación social en su mayoría fue regular (62.2 %), buena (19,5 %) y deficiente (18.4 %). Se encontró significancia estadística entre participación social y cognición. Conclusiones: La participación social y el estado cognitivo respalda la salud positiva, brinda compromiso o flujo de experiencias que son intrínsecamente satisfactorias, transmitiendo un sentido del propósito y la oportunidad de relaciones sociales positivas, contribuyendo así a disminuir el riesgo de muerte a todas las edades. El compromiso social e intelectual va unido a una buena salud autopercibida y objetiva, así como a un buen funcionamiento cognitivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the association between cognitive capacity and social participation of older adults with chronic diseases. Methodology: Observational study, sample of 1110 older adults, representing the 12 provinces of the La Libertad Region, Peru. The Cognitive Assessment Instrument was used, Modified Minimental State Examination (MMSE), and the Social Participation Instrument. Results: In the cognitive evaluation, 6.4% suggested deterioration, and 93.6%, cognitive normality values. A significant relationship between cognitive status, gender, and age was found P <0.001. The main diseases were arterial hypertension (55.3%), arthritis (38.1%), and diabetes mellitus (16%). Most of the Social Participation was regular (62.2%); good had 19.5%, and poor, 18.4%. There was statistical significance between social participation and cognition. Conclusions: Social participation and cognitive status support positive health, provide commitment or flow of experiences that are intrinsically satisfying, conveying a sense of purpose, and the opportunity for positive social relationships, helping reduce the risk of death at all ages. Social and intellectual commitment go hand in hand with good self-perceived and objective health, and good cognitive functioning.

Effect of Biomodulina-T® and VA-MENGOC-BC® on lymphocyte subpopulations in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: The elderly population suffers from the natural process called immunosenescence, which may be related to the high mortality rates it has against the SARS-CoV2 virus, which is why therapies that improve the immune status are required. The combined treatment of the VA-MENGOC-BC® (V-BC) vaccine and the Biomodulina T® (BT) drug could achieve this purpose. This treatment could immunomodulate both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system simultaneously. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of BT and V-BC on the immunomodulation of lymphocyte subpopulations in older adults. METHODS: Our study was carried out in 30 apparently healthy Cuban adults over 65 years of age. The study included three groups of 10 subjects per treatment: a combination of both and the monotherapies. Before and 7 days after treatment, 2 mL of peripheral blood was drawn from each subject. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to identify lymphocyte subpopulations. For the comparison between the groups, point estimates and the confidence intervals of the Odds Ratio were made. RESULTS: We found that subpopulations of B lymphocytes and natural cytotoxic T (NKT) cells increased only with the administration of BT. Additionally, combination treatments and V-BC did not generate statistically significant immunomodulatory changes in any of the studied lymphocyte subpopulations. CONCLUSIONS: BT presented an immunoenhancing effect on the B and NKT lymphocyte subpopulations of older adults. The three-dose treatment scheme a novel and specific treatment strategy for this formulation. We also were verified that the combined application of V-BC and BT did not have the expected benefits. All these findings suggest that BT administration is a promising approach for immune restoration and to offering protection in elderly patients against COVID-19.