Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study of Lipoic Acid, Mannose, and cRGD@AuNPs Conjugates.

The functionalization of AuNPs with different biological elements was achieved to investigate their possibility in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, vaccine development, sensing, and imaging. Biofunctionalized AuNPs are pursued for applications such as drug delivery, vaccine development, sensing, and imaging. In this study, AuNPs with diameters of 20 nm were functionalized with lipoic acid, mannose, or the cRGD peptide. By using UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, we showed that AuNPs can be functionalized by these biomolecules in a reliable way to obtain conjugates to explore potential biomedical applications. In particular, we demonstrate that the STM technique can be employed to analyze biofunctionalized AuNPs, and the obtained information can be valuable in the design of biomedical applications.

Boreal conifers maintain carbon uptake with warming despite failure to track optimal temperatures.

Warming shifts the thermal optimum of net photosynthesis (ToptA) to higher temperatures. However, our knowledge of this shift is mainly derived from seedlings grown in greenhouses under ambient atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions. It is unclear whether shifts in ToptA of field-grown trees will keep pace with the temperatures predicted for the 21st century under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Here, using a whole-ecosystem warming controlled experiment under either ambient or elevated CO2 levels, we show that ToptA of mature boreal conifers increased with warming. However, shifts in ToptA did not keep pace with warming as ToptA only increased by 0.26-0.35 °C per 1 °C of warming. Net photosynthetic rates estimated at the mean growth temperature increased with warming in elevated CO2 spruce, while remaining constant in ambient CO2 spruce and in both ambient CO2 and elevated CO2 tamarack with warming. Although shifts in ToptA of these two species are insufficient to keep pace with warming, these boreal conifers can thermally acclimate photosynthesis to maintain carbon uptake in future air temperatures.

Applications of Mobile Health Technologies to Address Cardiometabolic Health Disparities in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Black and Hispanic adults are disproportionately burdened by cardiometabolic disorders. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of mobile health technologies to promote disease prevention and self-management among US adults in diverse communities. Methods: Potential studies were identified using a comprehensive search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases for recent studies published from December 2018 through 2021. Keywords and search strategies were established to focus on health disparity populations and the application of mobile health technology for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Titles and abstracts were assessed and, if a study was eligible, 2 independent reviewers completed a full-length review with extraction in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 8 to 533 baseline participants. Studies were conducted in diverse communities (eg, North Carolina and California). Most studies used mobile applications (n=11) and a majority used accelerometers or similar technologies (eg, smartwatches) to assess changes in dietary behavior, blood pressure control, and physical activity. Overall, studies reported positive associations between mobile technology use and risk factor reduction actions and behaviors. Long-term adherence varied across studies. Those that prioritized culturally tailored approaches reported more significant impacts than those that did not. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that mobile technology may be useful in promoting disease self-management and risk reduction among populations at higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The use of mobile health technologies, particularly when tailored to target populations, may be a practical approach to advancing population health equity.

CIGB-300, a synthetic peptide-based drug that targets the CK2 phosphoaceptor domain. Translational and clinical research.

CK2 represents an oncology target scientifically validated. However, clinical research with inhibitors of the CK2-mediated phosphorylation event is still insufficient to recognize it as a clinically validated target. CIGB-300, an investigational peptide-based drug that targets the phosphoaceptor site, binds to a CK2 substrate array in vitro but mainly to B23/nucleophosmin in vivo. The CIGB-300 proapoptotic effect is preceded by its nucleolar localization, inhibition of the CK2-mediated phosphorylation on B23/nucleophosmin and nucleolar disassembly. Importantly, CIGB-300 shifted a protein array linked to apoptosis, ribosome biogenesis, cell proliferation, glycolisis, and cell motility in proteomic studies which helped to understand its mechanism of action. In the clinical ground, CIGB-300 has proved to be safe and well tolerated in a First-in-Human trial in women with cervical malignancies who also experienced signs of clinical benefit. In a second Phase 1 clinical trial in women with cervical cancer stage IB2/II, the MTD and DLT have been also identified in the clinical setting. Interestingly, in cervical tumors the B23/nucleophosmin protein levels were significantly reduced after CIGB-300 treatment at the nucleus compartment. In addition, expanded use of CIGB-300 in case studies has evidenced antitumor activity when administered as compassional option. Collectively, our data outline important clues on translational and clinical research from this novel peptide-based drug reinforcing its perspectives to treat cancer and paving the way to validate CK2 as a promising target in oncology.

Modelo para capacitar sobre percepción de riesgo en VIH/sida a jóvenes del municipio Manicaragua / Model to train young people from the Manicaragua municipality, Cuba, on risk perception in HIV/AIDS

Fundamento: el VIH/sida es un problema de salud caracterizado por un severo compromiso de la inmunidad; esta entidad constituye factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de las principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. Objetivo: proponer un modelo para capacitar sobre percepción de riesgo sobre el VIH/sida a jóvenes del Consultorio Médico 41 del área de salud Manicaragua. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el Consultorio Médico 41 del área de salud Manicaragua en la provincia de Villa Clara. Se aplicaron métodos teóricos: histórico-lógico, análisis síntesis, inducción-deducción, sistémico-estructural y modelación; empíricos: el cuestionario a jóvenes y la historieta de conflictos; matemáticos-estadísticos para el análisis de los datos. Resultados: las insuficiencias más frecuentes en la percepción de riesgo estuvieron relacionadas con las carencias en la información, la comprensión y la toma de decisiones para la prevención de salud. Se ofrece un modelo para la capacitación en percepción de riesgo ante el VIH/sida el cual fue valorado por criterios de especialistas. Conclusiones: el modelo posibilita la adquisición de conductas promotoras de la salud sexual, comprender y predecir cómo puede responderse a los peligros ante la enfermedad, contribuir al cambio de intención y comportamiento, y a asumir actitudes de protección. Fue valorado como aceptado por los especialistas consultados.

Background: HIV/AIDS is a health problem characterized by a severe compromise of immunity; this entity constitutes a risk factor for the development of the main causes of death worldwide. Objective: to propose a model to train young people from the Doctor´s office 41 in the Manicaragua health area on risk perception on HIV/AIDS. Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Doctor´s office 41 of the Manicaragua health area in the province of Villa Clara. Theoretical methods were applied: historical-logical, analysis synthesis, induction-deduction, systemic-structural and modeling; empirical ones: the questionnaire for young people and the conflict story; mathematical-statisticians for data analysis. Results: the most frequent deficiencies in risk perception were related to deficiencies in information, understanding and decision-making for health prevention. A model for training in risk perception to face HIV/AIDS is offered, which was assessed by specialist criteria. Conclusions: the model enables the acquisition of behaviors that promote sexual health, understanding and predicting how to respond to the dangers of the disease, contributing to the change of intention and behavior, and assuming protective attitudes. It was valued as accepted by the specialists consulted.

Identificación de riesgos obstétricos en tiempos de COVID-19 en un área comunitaria de salud, Ecuador / Identification of obstetric risks in COVID-19 times in a community health area, Ecuador / Identificação de riscos obstétricos em tempos de COVID-19 em uma área de saúde comunitária, Equador

RESUMEN Introducción: Entre los factores de riesgo que se asocian a complicaciones en el binomio madre-hijo se encuentran: antecedentes de trastornos hipertensivos, embarazo adolescente, consumo de drogas, historia obstétrica desfavorable con antecedentes de abortos u óbitos, enfermedades de transmisión sexual e infecciones del tracto urinario. Objetivo: Identificar el riesgo obstétrico en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19 en el área de salud ¨Bastión Popular¨, Guayaquil, Ecuador, en el periodo enero-junio de 2021. Método: Se realizó una investigación de campo, de tipo descriptiva-transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo, que propició el análisis de las categorías del riesgo obstétrico registradas en historias clínicas de 117 gestantes, con firma de consentimiento informado para la obtención de los datos en dicha localidad a través de visitas domiciliarias. Fue empleada la escala o score de riesgo obstétrico. Resultados: Se alcanzó como resultado fundamental que el grupo etario de riesgo obstétrico de mayor frecuencia correspondió a las edades comprendidas entre 20 y 24 años y la principal categoría identificada fue el Alto riesgo. El riesgo obstétrico aumentó de manera proporcional cuando el periodo intergenésico se redujo. Conclusiones: Las mujeres jóvenes de 20 a 24 años son las que presentaron mayor riesgo obstétrico, además que el riesgo obstétrico, el cual se encuentra correlacionado con un mayor número de gestas, abortos, partos y cesáreas, por ello, es necesario proporcionarle información a la mujer sobre la gestación y sus complicaciones, para que sean capaces de identificar los factores de riesgos durante el embarazo, parto y puerperio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Risk factors associated with complications in the mother-child pair include: history of hypertensive disorders, adolescent pregnancy, drug use, unfavorable obstetric history with a background of miscarriages or abortions, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections. Objective: To identify the obstetric risk in times of COVID-19 pandemic at the ¨Bastión Popular¨ health area, Guayaquil, Ecuador, from January to June 2021. Method: A descriptive-transversal field research was carried out, with a quantitative approach, which favored the analysis of the obstetric risk categories recorded in the medical history of 117 pregnant women, who signed an informed consent, for the collection of data through home visits, using the obstetric risk scale or score. Results: Outcomes assessment showed, as main result, that the most frequent obstetric risk group was the age group 20 to 24 and the high risk factor was the main category identified. Obstetric risk increased proportionally when the interpregnancy interval was reduce. Conclusions: Young women between 20 and 24 years of age are those who presented the highest obstetric risk, which is correlate with a higher number of gestations, abortions, deliveries and cesarean sections. Therefore, it is necessary to provide women with information about pregnancy and its complications, so that they are able to identify risk factors during pregnancy, delivery and the puerperium.

RESUMO Introdução: Entre os fatores de risco que estão associados às complicações no binômio mãe-filho estão: histórico de doenças hipertensivas, gravidez na adolescência, uso de drogas, histórico obstétrico desfavorável com histórico de abortos ou óbitos, doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e infecções do trato urinário trato. Objetivo: Identificar o risco obstétrico em tempos de pandemia de COVID-19 na área de saúde "Bastión Popular", Guayaquil, Equador, no período janeiro-junho de 2021. Método: Foi realizada uma investigação de campo descritiva. com abordagem quantitativa, que levou à análise das categorias de risco obstétrico registradas nos prontuários de 117 gestantes, com consentimento informado assinado para obtenção dos dados na referida localidade por meio de visitas domiciliares. Foi utilizada a escala ou escore de risco obstétrico. Resultados: O principal resultado foi que a faixa etária de risco obstétrico mais frequente correspondeu às idades entre 20 e 24 anos e a principal categoria identificada foi Alto risco. O risco obstétrico aumentou proporcionalmente quando o período intergestacional foi reduzido. Conclusões: As mulheres jovens de 20 a 24 anos são as que apresentam maior risco obstétrico, além do risco obstétrico, que se correlaciona com maior número de gestações, abortos, partos e cesarianas, portanto, é necessário fornecer informações às mulheres sobre a gravidez e suas complicações, para que possam identificar os fatores de risco durante a gravidez, parto e puerpério.

Frecuencia de infección por cestodos en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Parasitismo Intestinal-IPK, Cuba, 2010-2018 / Frequency of cestode infection at the Intestinal Parasitic Disease National Reference Laboratory of Pedro Kourí Institute in Cuba, 2010-2018

Introdución: Los cestodos son helmintos parásitos del humano y de animales, con complejos ciclos de vida. En las infecciones por los cestodos no existen programas de desparasitación masiva implementados para disminuir la carga parasitaria de estos a nivel mundial, dada la baja prevalencia que se informa en estudios epidemiológicos. Existen pocos trabajos sobre la epidemiología y la detección de estas infecciones en la literatura internacional. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de infección de cestodos y sus características epidemiológicas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, realizado entre el 3 de enero de 2010 y 28 de diciembre de 2018. Se analizaron todas las muestras de heces, parásitos adultos y metacestodos enviadas de la red de Salud al Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Parasitismo Intestinal-IPK. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por 9833 muestras, que fueron enviadas mayoritariamente de la provincia La Habana. Resultados: La infección por Inermicapsifer madagascariensis predominó en niños menores de 5 años (69,6 por ciento; IC 95 por ciento: 47,1-86,8). La infección intestinal por Taenia spp. se diagnosticó prinipalmente en pacientes entre 15 y 65 años de edad (88,2 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 63,6-98,5). De los 47 casos positivos a la infección por cestodos, 24 pertenecieron al sexo femenino (51,1 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 35,7-66,4) y 23 al sexo masculino (48,9 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 33,6-64,3). No hubo diferencias significativas entre la infección por Inermicapsifer madagascariensis y Taenia spp. y el sexo de los pacientes (p˃ 0,05). Conclusiones: Aunque la frecuencia de infección de las cestodiosis detectadas es baja, estos resultados pudieran ser útiles para un control integrado de las principales cestodioisis en los diferentes grupos etarios(AU)

Introduction: Cestodes are helminths of complex life cycles which may infect animals and humans. No mass deworming programs are in place to reduce the worldwide parasite load of cestodes, given the low prevalence reported by epidemiological research. Few studies are available in the international literature about the epidemiology and detection of these infections. Objective: Describe the frequency of cestode infection and its epidemiological characteristics. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 3 January 2010 to 28 December 2018. Evaluation was performed of all the samples of fecal matter, adult parasites and metacestodes submitted by the health care network to the Intestinal Parasitic Disease National Reference Laboratory at Pedro Kourí Institute. The study universe was 9 833 samples, mostly received from the province of Havana. Results: Inermicapsifer madagascariensis infection prevailed among children aged under 5 years (69.6 percent; CI 95 percent: 47.1-86.8). Taenia sp. intestinal infection was mainly diagnosed in patients aged 15-65 years (88.2 percent; CI 95 percent: 63.6-98.5). Of the 47 cestode infection positive cases, 24 were female (51.1 percent; CI 95 percent: 35.7-66.4) and 23 were male (48.9 percent; CI 95 percent: 33.6-64.3). No significant differences were found between Inermicapsifer madagascariensis and Taenia sp. infection and the sex of patients (p˃ 0.05). Conclusions: Although the frequency of cestode infection detected is low, these results could be useful for an integrated control of the main cestode infections affecting the different age groups(AU)

Extraction and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzo[a]pyrene metabolites in microalgae cultures by off-line/on-line methodology based on matrix solid-phase dispersion, solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.

This paper describes the development and validation of an analytical methodology to determine the presence of four PAHs: benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene in cultures of the green microalgae Selenastrum capricornutum. The metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 4,5-dihydrodiol benzo[a]pyrene, 9,10-dihydrodiol benzo[a]pyrene, 3-hydroxy benzo[a]pyrene and 9-hydroxy benzo[a]pyrene were also included. The methodology consisted of three parts: (1) separation of liquid media from biomass samples by centrifugation of pure cultures, (2) off-line extraction of analytes from biomass by a miniaturized matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) method and from liquid media by a solid phase extraction (SPE) method and (3) on-line SPE preconcentration and analysis of the MSPD and SPE extracts, separately, by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). The off-line/on-line (MSPD/SPE-HPLC-FD) method was validated over a concentration range of 20-200 pg mg(-1) obtaining good linearity (r(2)>0.9912) and precision values measured as relative standard deviation (RSD)<5%, recovery values were in the range of (40-66%) and the limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 2 to 6.5 pg mg(-1). The off-line/on-line (SPE/SPE-HPLC-FD) method was validated over a concentration range of 5-120 pg mL(-1); r(2)>0.9913 and RSD<7.36%, recovery values were in the range of 38-74% and LODs ranged from 0.8 to 2.3 pg mL(-1). This methodology was applied to samples from cultures exposed to BaP at 5 ng mL(-1) with different exposure times (0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h). The analytical methodology was suitable for measuring the very low amounts of residual BaP and metabolites produced in bioassays. Results showed that some of the metabolites favored by the microalgae are the dihydrodiols. The microalgae cultures were able to decrease the BaP level in the liquid medium below the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) limit (<0.2 ng mL(-1)).

CIGB-300, a novel proapoptotic peptide that impairs the CK2 phosphorylation and exhibits anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo.

Protein Kinase CK2 is a serine-threonine kinase frequently deregulated in many human tumors. Here, we hypothesized that a peptide binder to the CK2 phosphoacceptor site could exhibit anticancer properties in vitro, in tumor animal models, and in cancer patients. By screening a random cyclic peptide phage display library, we identified the CIGB-300 (formerly P15-Tat), a cyclic peptide which abrogates the CK2 phosphorylation by blocking recombinant substrates in vitro. Interestingly, synthetic CIGB-300 led to a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in a variety of tumor cell lines and induced apoptosis as evidenced by rapid caspase activation. Importantly, CIGB-300 elicited significant antitumor effect both by local and systemic administration in murine syngenic tumors and human tumors xenografted in nude mice. Finally, we performed a First-in-Man trial with CIGB 300 in patients with cervical malignancies. The peptide was found to be safe and well tolerated in the dose range studied. Likewise, signs of clinical benefit were clearly identified after the CIGB-300 treatment as evidenced by significant decrease of the tumor lesion area and histological examination. Our results provide an early proof-of-principle of clinical benefit by using an anti-CK2 approach in cancer. Furthermore, this is the first clinical trial where an investigational drug has been used to target the CK2 phosphorylation domain.

Características de la respuesta inmunitaria a la vacuna del sarampion / Characteristics of the inmune answer to the vaccine of the measles

Con la creación de la vacuna para el sarampión se despertó la esperanza de erradicar del mundo esta enfermedad tan devastadora, en especial para la infancia. A pesar de los grandes esfuerzos realizados en los diferentes países que siguen presentando brotes de sarampión aún en poblaciones altamente vacunadas. En el Ecuador no se han reportado casos positivos confirmados por laboratorio desde 1997, sin embargo el virus continúa circulando en otras partes del mundo, con lo cual subsiste el riesgo de importación, situación especialmente peligrosa porque existen muchos niños y adultos jóvenes susceptibles al sarampión en casi todos los países de las Américas. Como un parámetro de apoyo para sustentar cambios en las políticas de vacunación para sarampión en el Ecuador se realizó un estudio experimental prospectivo en dos grupos de niños...