Antioxidant Activity and GC-MS Profile of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Essential Oil Obtained by a Combined Extraction Method-Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Technology Coupled with Sonication.

Cardamom Essential oils are highly demanded because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Nonetheless, retrieving quality extracts quickly with efficient energy savings has been challenging. Therefore, green technologies are emerging as possible alternatives. Thus, this study evaluates the yield and quality of the instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) process coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of cardamom essential oil (CEO). Likewise, the antioxidant activity, chemical profile of CEO, and microstructure of seeds were analyzed. This study analyzed 13 different treatments with varying saturated steam processing temperatures (SSPT), thermal processing times (TPT), and 1 control. The results showed that CEO yield increased significantly by DIC (140 °C and 30 s) and UAE compared to the control (22.53% vs. 15.6%). DIC 2 (165 °C, 30 s) showed the highest DPPH inhibition (79.48%) and the best Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) by the control with 0.60 uMTE/g. The GC/MS analysis showed 28 volatile constituents, withα-Terpinyl acetate, geranyl oleate, and oleic acid being the most abundant. DIC (140 °C and 30 s) and UAE showed the best yield and chemical profile. The SEM microscopy of untreated seeds revealed collapsed structures before the oil cell layer, which reduced the extraction yield, contrary to DIC-treated seeds, with more porous structures. Therefore, combining innovative extraction methods could solve the drawbacks of traditional extraction methods.

Effect of the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Technology in Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Essential Oil Extraction and Antioxidant Activity.

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an outspread spice native to Asia, which is well appreciated for its sensory characteristics, delicate aroma, and unique taste. Currently, the main cardamom extracts are essential oils (EOs), and regarding current market tendencies, this market is in high growth. For this reason, technologies such as the instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) have been applied to reach higher yields and better quality of EO. Then, this study explores the impact of DIC as a pretreatment before hydrodistillation (HD) on the EO yield and their antioxidant activity. Obtained results showed that the coupling of DIC-HD increased the yield of essential oil and also had a positive impact on their antioxidant capacity. The EO yield of DIC-HD (140 °C and 30 s) was 4.43% vs. 2.52% for control; the AOX of DIC-HD (165 °C and 30 s) was 86% inhibition vs. 57.02% for control, and the TEAC of DIC-HD (140 °C and 30 s) was 1.44 uMTE/g EO vs. 13.66 uMTE/g EO.

An Overview on Food Applications of the Instant Controlled Pressure-Drop Technology, an Innovative High Pressure-Short Time Process.

Food processing systematically aims at meeting the needs of consumers who are looking for total high quality and perfect food safety. As the various thermal and non-thermal food preservation technologies often affect the natural properties in terms of sensation, flavor, texture, etc., instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) has been conceived as a relevant, innovative process in this field. DIC uses high saturated steam pressure and short duration to provide a new way to expand biological matrices, improve drying, decontaminate, and extract biologically active compounds, among other attributes. Therefore, this review focuses on describing the applications of DIC technology on a wide range of products such as foods and by-products that have been processed both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale. The application of DIC has shown the possibility of a significant leap in quality improvement and cost reduction in the food industry. DIC reduces the drying time of fruits and vegetables, and improves the extraction of essential oils, vegetable oils, and antioxidant components. It also provides strong decontamination, eliminates vegetative microorganisms and spores, and reduces non-nutritional and allergenic components. Over the past 33 years, this technology has continued to expand its food applications and improve its characteristics on an industrial scale. But there are still many food unit operations that can be taken to the next level with DIC.

Brain tumor response to nimotuzumab treatment evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody anti-epidermal growth factor receptor, has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in patients with pediatric malignant brain tumor. It is necessary, however, to increase the objective response criteria to define the optimal therapeutic schedule. The aim of this study was to obtain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) quantitative information related to dimensions and morphology, molecular mobility and metabolic activity of the lesion and surroundings in order to evaluate any changes through time. METHODS: Fourteen pediatric patients treated with nimotuzumab were evaluated on MRI and MRS for >2 years. Each patient was their own control. The MRI/MRS pulse sequence parameters were standardized to ensure experimental reproducibility. RESULTS: A total of 71.4% of patients had stable disease; 21.4% had objective response and 7.1% had progression of disease during the >2 year evaluation period. CONCLUSIONS: MRI/MRS data with clinical information provide a clearer picture of treatment response and confirm once again that nimotuzumab is effective in the treatment of pediatric brain tumor. These imaging procedures can be a useful tool for the clinical evaluation of study protocol in clinical practice.

Prevalence of hypertensive phase and outcomes in patients with Ahmed valve implantation at one year of follow-up and evaluation of associated risk factors.

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive phase (HP) and failure in patients who underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation and identify the possible risk factors for both HP and failure. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Medical records of patients who underwent AGV implantation and had at least 1 year of follow-up were reviewed. HP was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21 mmHg between the first week and the third postoperative month not attributable to other causes. Success was defined as an IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, with preservation of light perception and no additional glaucoma surgeries. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify possible risk factors. Results: A total of 193 eyes of 177 patients were included. HP was present in 58%; a higher preoperative IOP and younger age were associated with HP. Pseudophakic or aphakic eyes had a lower HP rate. Failure was present in 29%; neovascular glaucoma, worse basal best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), higher baseline IOP, and postoperative complications were linked to a higher likelihood of failure. No difference in the HP rate between the failure and success groups was found. Conclusion: A higher baseline IOP and younger age are associated with HP development; pseudophakia and aphakia might be protective factors. Factors for AGV failure are a worse BCVA, neovascular glaucoma, postoperative complications, and a higher baseline IOP. At 1 year, a higher number of medications were needed to achieve IOP control in the HP group.

Mechanisms of Theta Plasmid Replication in Enterobacteria and Implications for Adaptation to Its Host.

Plasmids are autonomously replicating sequences that help cells adapt to diverse stresses. Theta plasmids are the most frequent plasmid class in enterobacteria. They co-opt two host replication mechanisms: replication at oriC, a DnaA-dependent pathway leading to replisome assembly (theta class A), and replication fork restart, a PriA-dependent pathway leading to primosome assembly through primer extension and D-loop formation (theta classes B, C, and D). To ensure autonomy from the host's replication and to facilitate copy number regulation, theta plasmids have unique mechanisms of replication initiation at the plasmid origin of replication (ori). Tight plasmid copy number regulation is essential because of the major and direct impact plasmid gene dosage has on gene expression. The timing of plasmid replication and segregation are also critical for optimizing plasmid gene expression. Therefore, we propose that plasmid replication needs to be understood in its biological context, where complex origins of replication (redundant origins, mosaic and cointegrated replicons), plasmid segregation, and toxin-antitoxin systems are often present. Highlighting their tight functional integration with ori function, we show that both partition and toxin-antitoxin systems tend to be encoded in close physical proximity to the ori in a large collection of Escherichia coli plasmids. We also propose that adaptation of plasmids to their host optimizes their contribution to the host's fitness while restricting access to broad genetic diversity, and we argue that this trade-off between adaptation to host and access to genetic diversity is likely a determinant factor shaping the distribution of replicons in populations of enterobacteria.

Estudio exploratorio de eficacia de ivermectina combinada a α- PD-1 en cáncer colorrectal resistente a quimioinmunoterapia / EXPLORATORY EFFECTIVENESS STUDY OF IVERMECTIN COMBINED WITH α-PD-1 IN CHEMOTHERAPY RESISTANT COLORRECTAL CANCER

[RESUMEN]. Las terapias inmunológicas con inhibidores de checkpoints (ICIs) han revolucionado el abordaje del cáncer colorrectal (CCR), pero su efectividad se restringe a tumores inmunorreactivos con deficiencia en la reparación de errores tipo mismatch (dMMR). La ivermectina (IVM), un agente antiparasitario, se propone como posible estrategia terapéutica debido a su impacto en la muerte celular inmunogénica (MCI) y la reversión de resistencia a medicamentos. La investigación evaluó el efecto antineoplásico de IVM combinado con α-PD-1 empleando el modelo murino CT-26, una línea de CCR KRAS-mutada y competentes para MMR. El análisis bioinformático mediante la plataforma GEPIA2 empleandola base TCGA confirmó la expresión diferencial de blancos moleculares de IVM en tejido tumoral versus normal, siendo más alta en tumores con inestabilidad microsatelital baja (MSI-L)/microsatelital estable (MSS) que en inestabilidad microsatelital alta (MSI-H). En experimentos in vitro, CT-26 mostró alta sensibilidad a IVM (IC50: 11 µM, luego de exposición por 72 horas), alterando el metabolismo y aumentando la secreción de IL-6. El análisis proteómico identificó 17 proteínas sobreexpresadas y 8 inhibidas, relacionadas con evasión inmunológica y proliferación celular. En ratones BALB/c portadores de tumores CT-26, la terapia combinada de IVM y α-PD-1 redujo significativamente el crecimiento tumoral y la progresión metastásica. La preinmunización con células CT-26 tratadas con IVM disminuyó la incidencia y la progresión tumoral. IVM podría potenciar la respuesta a ICIs en tumores "fríos". Estos hallazgos sugieren que la combinación de IVM y α-PD-1 puede mejorar la inmunorreactividad y respuesta terapéutica en CCR.

[ABSTRACT]. Matrix Assisted Laser DesorptionIonization ­ Time of Flight ­ MassSpectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has emerged as anoutstandingtechnique in thefieldofclinicalmicrobiology, with a simple methodology and deliveryof precise results in anexceptionally short timeframe. Thistechnology has garnered notable success in recentyears, establishing as a fundamental toolboth in thecharacterizationofmicroorganisms and translationalresearch.Thecombinationoftheinherentfeaturesofthistechniquewiththepotentialof machine learninganalysis has provento be ofgreatvalue in clinicalmicrobiology, particularly in theantibioticresistancefield. Itsapplication has acceleratedbacterial diagnosis and opened new perspectives in criticalareasof medicine, such sepsis and oncology. In Argentina, several research groups actively contributing to its expansión, applying MALDI-TOF-MS in the fight against infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Theseeffortspromiseto continue drivingresearch and clinical diagnosis in the country and worldwide.

Caracterización de pacientes no adherentes al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial / Characterization of patients not adherent to high blood pressure treatment

Introducción. La falta del cumplimiento terapéutico es un problema en el control de la hipertensión arterial. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes no adherentes al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial en pobladores de la V Región Sanitaria del Paraguay. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó pacientes hipertensos conocidos que se encontraban en tratamiento para la hipertensión arterial. Se utilizó la Escala de adherencia a la medicación de Morisky 8 ítems que mide comportamientos de adherencia específicos asociados a la ingesta de medicamentos. Resultados. Se incluyeron163 pacientes, todos considerados no adherentes al tratamiento según la Escala Morinsky MMAS-8. El 52,2% tenía más de 40 años, 66,3% del sexo femenino, 40,5% de nivel universitario, 57,1% casado y el 87,7% vive con la familia. El 66,9% informó trabajar hasta 8 horas por día y el 58,3% con ingresos mayores a 2 salarios mínimos. En cuanto al conocimiento el 53,9% fue alto. El 50% de los pacientes declaró utilizar plantas medicinales para su tratamiento, el 7,4% con depresión frecuentemente o casi siempre y el 22,1% ansiedad frecuentemente o casi siempre. En cuanto a las preguntas de no adherencia, el 53,4% olvidó tomar alguna vez su medicación o dejar de tomarla cuando siente que está bajo control (53,3%),el 44,2% deja de tomar su medicación porque se siente peor con ella y el 46,5% la olvida cuando viaja. Conclusión. La no adherencia en los pacientes de la V Región fue alarmante, por tanto, se deben de realizar medidas de acción respecto a las mismas. Palabras Clave: hipertensión; presión arterial; cumplimiento y adherencia al tratamiento; epidemiologia

Introduction. The lack of therapeutic compliance is a problemto control high blood pressure.Objective. To characterize patients who do not adhere to the treatment of arterial hypertension in the Vsanitary region of Paraguay. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in known hypertensive patients who were undergoing treatment for high blood pressure. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used, which measures specific adherence behaviors associated with medication intake. Results.163 patients were included, all considered non-adherent to treatment according to the Morinsky MMAS-8 Scale. 52.2% were over 40 years old, 66.3% female, 40.5% with university level, 57.1% married, and 87.7% lived with their family. 66.9% reported working up to 8 hours per day and 58.3% with income greater than 2 minimum wages. Regarding knowledge, 53.9% was high. 50% of the patients declared using medicinal plants for their treatment, 7.4% with depression frequently or almost always and 22.1% with anxiety frequently or almost always. Regarding the non-adherence questions, 53.4% ever forgot to take their medication or stopped taking it when they feel they are under control (53.3%), 44.2% stop taking their medication because they feel worse with it and 46.5% forget it when traveling. Conclusion. The non-adherence in patients from Region V was alarming, therefore, action measures must be taken regarding them. Key words:hypertension; blood pressure; treatment adherence and compliance; epidemiology

Caracterización de los adolescentes participantes en el ensayo clínico con la vacuna Abdala

Introducción: La evaluación clínica de vacunas anti-COVID-19 en edades pediátricas, es un desafío en tiempos de pandemia; responde a la urgencia de muestras representativas que contribuyan a la reproducibilidad del estudio en la población real. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los adolescentes participantes del ensayo clínico con la vacuna anti-COVID-19 Abdala, evaluar el cumplimiento del esquema de vacunación y estimar si son representativos de este grupo poblacional. Métodos: Se utilizaron los datos de un ensayo fase II, monocéntrico, no controlado con la vacuna Abdala. Se incluyeron 703 sujetos; 207 (29,4 %) fueron adolescentes de entre 12 y 18 años, aparentemente sanos o con enfermedades crónicas controladas, valoración nutricional entre 10 y 90 percentil y voluntariedad para participar. Se estudiaron datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes patológicos personales, hábitos tóxicos y cumplimiento del esquema de vacunación. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 15 años, predominó el sexo femenino (51,7 %), el color de la piel blanca (55,6 %) y la valoración nutricional por encima del 75 hasta el 90 percentil (40,6 %). El 9,6 % tuvo hábitos tóxicos como hábito de fumar e ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas. El 51,2 % presentó algún antecedente patológico personal, con mayor prevalencia para asma bronquial, rinitis y otras alergias. El 95,8 % cumplió con el esquema de vacunación. Conclusiones: Las características sociodemográficas, los antecedentes patológicos personales y hábitos tóxicos descritos en los adolescentes del estudio son representativos para este grupo poblacional de Cuba. Se alcanzó un óptimo cumplimiento del esquema de vacunación.

Introduction: The clinical evaluation of anti-COVID-19 vaccines in pediatric population, is a challenge in times of pandemic, to respond to the urgency of representative samples that contribute to the reproducibility of the study in the real population. Objective: To characterize the adolescents participating in the clinical trial with the Abdala anti-COVID-19 vaccine, to evaluate compliance with the vaccination schedule and to estimate whether they are representative of this population group. Methods: Data from a phase II trial with Abdala vaccine were used. A total of 703 subjects were included, 207 (29.4 %) of them were adolescents, between 12 and 18 years of age, with apparently healthy or controlled chronic diseases, nutritional assessment between 10 and 90 percentiles, and willingness to participate in the study. Sociodemographic data, personal pathological history, toxic habits and compliance with the vaccination scheme of 3 doses every 14 days were the variables studied. Results: The average age was 15 years, it was predominant female sex (51.7 %), white skin color (55.6 %) and nutritional assessment above 75 to 90 percentiles (40.6 %). The 9.6 % had toxic habits such as smoking and ingestion of alcoholic beverages. Some personal pathological history was in 51.2 % with a higher prevalence for bronchial asthma, rhinitis and other allergies. The vaccination scheme was fulfilled for 95.8 % of individuals. Conclusions: Sociodemographic characteristics, pathological history and toxic habits described for adolescents on the study are representative for this population group in Cuba. The vaccination schedule had an optimal compliance.

Farmacovigilancia intensiva de vacunas SOBERANA®02 y Soberana®Plus en población pediátrica en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular / Intensive pharmacovigilance of SOBERANA®02 and Soberana®Plus vaccines in pediatric population at the Center for Molecular Immunology

Las vacunas SOBERANA®02 y SOBERANA® Plus contra el coronavirus tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, recibieron autorización de uso en emergencia por la autoridad reguladora de Cuba, y de inmediato aconteció una campaña de vacunación masiva en población pediátrica, lo que devino en una inminente movilización de centros de vacunación y vigilancia de sus eventos adversos. El Centro de Inmunología Molecular realizó un estudio de farmacovigilancia intensiva que evalúo el cumplimiento del esquema heterólogo con ambas vacunas, su seguridad y la incidencia de casos positivos a COVID-19 en niños y adolescentes después de completar el esquema de inmunización. Desde el 15 de septiembre al 31 de diciembre del 2021, participaron 529 sujetos entre 2 y 18 años de edad, de ambos sexos, sin antecedentes de infección por coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo, procedentes de 35 municipios y 12 provincias cubanas, quienes recibieron vacuna SOBERANA®02 (dos dosis) y SOBERANA®Plus (una dosis). Se realizó vigilancia de eventos adversos hasta 30 días después de la última dosis recibida. Se consultó la plataforma informática nacional Higia Andariego para identificar los casos positivos al virus del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo coronavirus 2, hasta 3 meses de haber completado la vacunación. El 98,5 por ciento de los participantes completó el esquema de vacunación y en el 6,6 por ciento se notificó algún evento adverso con relación consistente a la vacunación. Predominaron las reacciones locales (dolor, eritema, inflamación), sobre las reacciones sistémicas (fatiga y febrícula), de intensidad ligera o moderada. Se logró un elevado cumplimiento del esquema de inmunización, con un perfil de seguridad favorable, los sujetos con esquema completo de inmunización no enfermaron de COVID-19(AU)

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines, SOBERANA®02 and SOBERANA®Plus, received authorization for emergency use by the Cuban regulatory authority; a massive vaccination campaign was immediately launched in the pediatric population, which led to an imminent mobilization of vaccination centers and surveillance of adverse events. The Molecular Immunology Center conducted an intensive pharmacovigilance study to evaluate compliance of the heterologous scheme with both vaccines, their safety, and the incidence of COVID-19 positive cases in children and adolescents after completing the immunization schedule. From September 15 to December 31, 2021, a total of 529 subjects between 2 and 18 years of age, of both sexes, without a history of infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, from 35 municipalities and 12 Cuban provinces, who received SOBERANA®02 (two doses) and SOBERANA®Plus (one dose) vaccines, were included in the study. Surveillance for adverse events was performed up to 30 days after the last dose received. The national computer platform Higia Andariego was consulted to identify positive cases for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 up to 3 months after completing vaccination. According to the report, 98.5percent of the participants completed the vaccination schedule and 6.6percent of them reported some adverse event consistently related to vaccination. Local reactions (pain, erythema, inflammation) prevailed over systemic reactions (fatigue and fever), of light or moderate intensity. High compliance with the immunization schedule was achieved, with a favorable safety profile; subjects with a complete immunization schedule did not become ill with COVID-19(AU)

Comunicación y cohesión en familias de adolescentes que interrumpen el embarazo en Cienfuegos / Communication and cohesion in families of adolescents who interrupt pregnancy in Cienfuegos city

RESUMEN Fundamento: La comunicación y cohesión constituyen categorías fundamentales en la dinámica de las familias con hijas adolescentes embarazadas. Objetivo: Determinar el tipo de comunicación y cohesión en familias de adolescentes que interrumpen el embarazo. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en 40 adolescentes embarazadas y sus familiares. Se aplicaron las siguientes técnicas: Escala valorativa, test de percepción de funcionamiento familiar, subescala de cohesión familiar y escudo familiar; además de una entrevista semiestructurada a familiares de las adolescentes. Se incluyeron las variables: sociodemográficas, comunicación familiar y cohesión. Resultados: Predominaron las edades de 16 y 18 años, el nivel medio superior de escolaridad, ocupación estudiante, unión consensual, procedencia urbana, sin hijos, ni antecedentes de embarazos anteriores, el 57.5 % de las adolescentes y el 65 % de sus familiares consideraron regular la comunicación familiar, 62.5 % de las adolescentes percibieron cohesión intermedia en sus familias, resultados cercanos al 57.5 % de sus familiares. Conclusiones: Las adolescentes se encontraban en la etapa tardía, eran estudiantes, mantenían unión consensual con sus parejas, no tenían hijos, ni embarazos anteriores. En las familias de las adolescentes que interrumpieron el embarazo la comunicación fue regular y valoraron como intermedia la cohesión.

ABSTRACT Background: Communication and cohesion constitute fundamental categories in the dynamics of families with pregnant teenage daughters. Objective: to determine the type of communication and cohesion in families of adolescents who interrupt the pregnancy. Methodology: A descriptive observational study was carried out in 40 adolescent pregnant women and their families. The following techniques were applied: Assessment scale, test of perception of family functioning, subscale of family cohesion and family coat of arms; besides the semi-structured interview with relatives of the adolescents, other variables were included like: sociodemographic, family communication and cohesion. Results: The ages of 16 and 18 predominated, the upper middle level of schooling, student occupation, consensual union, urban origin, no children, no history of previous pregnancies, 57.5 % of adolescents and 65 % of their relatives considered regulate family communication, 62.5 % of adolescents perceived intermediate cohesion in their families, results close to 57.5 % of their relatives. Conclusions: The adolescents were in the late stage, they were students, they maintained consensual union with their partners, they had no children, nor previous pregnancies. In the families of the adolescents who terminated their pregnancies, communication was regular and they rated cohesion as intermediate.

Hábitos alimentarios y estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia del COVID-19, Paraguay 2021

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue identificar los hábitos alimentarios relacionados al nivel de estrés de los estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal donde se seleccionaron 353 estudiantes de las diferentes facultades. Se estudiaron las variables demográficas, los hábitos alimentarios y el estrés académico. Se incluyeron en el estudio 353 estudiantes universitarios, 64,9% del sexo femenino, 59,5% menores de 23 años. El 36,5% pertenecía a la facultad de ciencias de la producción mientras que el 29,7% fue del tercer año. En total el 64,8% (229 estudiantes) tuvieron nivel de estrés alto. El nivel de estrés alto estuvo relacionado a un alto consumo de dulces (AOR= 2,94, 1,57-5,51), alto consumo de comida rápida (AOR= 2,23, 1,14-4,32), bajo consumo de frutas (AOR= 1,66, 0,99-2,79), saltarse el almuerzo (AOR= 2,94, 1,55-5,60) y el aumento de las colaciones diarias (AOR= 3,36, 1,74- 6,47). Los resultados de nuestro estudio visibilizaron la problemática de que el estrés académico durante la pandemia del COVID-19 influyó en la adquisición de malos hábitos alimentarios.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to identify the eating habits related to the level of stress among students of the National University of Caaguazú during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out with 353 students selected from different faculties. Demographic variables, eating habits and academic stress were studied. A total of 353 university students were included in the study, 64.9% female, and 59.5% under 23 years of age. 36.5% belonged to the Faculty of Production Sciences while 30% were from the third year. In total, 64.8% (229 students) had a high level of stress. High stress level was related to high consumption of sweets (AOR= 2.94, 1.57-5.51), high consumption of fast food (AOR= 2.23, 1.14-4.32), low consumption of fruits (AOR= 1.66, 0.99-2.79), skipping lunch (AOR= 2.94, 1.55-5.60), and increased daily snacks (AOR= 3.36, 1.74-6.47). The results of our study made visible the problem that academic stress during the Covid-19 pandemic influenced the acquisition of bad eating habits.

Actitud hacia la Ley Anita en estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad Nacional del Caaguazú, año 2021 / Attitude towards the Anita Law in students of the Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad Nacional of Caaguazú, year 2021

Introducción: la donación de órganos sigue siendo un problema incluso en aquellos sistemas más exitosos en la detección de donantes. Objetivo: identificar la actitud hacia la Ley Anita en estudiantes de la Facultad de ciencias de la salud Universidad Nacional del Caaguazú, año 2021. Metodología: estudio observacional, tipo descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se llevó a cabo en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, de la Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú, en el periodo comprendido durante los meses de junio a agosto del año 2021. El instrumento fue un cuestionario de preguntas cerradas con opciones múltiples. Resultado: en cuanto a la actitud respecto a la donación de órganos el 81.9 % donaría sus órganos y el 95.1 % donaría sus órganos si es un familiar el que necesita del mismo, el 69.8 % afirmó donarían los órganos de sus familiares. La opinión de la familia es favorable para el 43.4 % es favorable mientras que el 52.2 % de la población manifestó que su religión condice con la donación de órganos. El 92.3 % está a favor de la ley Anita. Conclusión: la actitud favorable hacia la donación de órganos estuvo relacionada con la opinión favorable de la familia y de la religión, además de ser positiva para los que están de acuerdo con la donación de sangre. La opinión de la familia y la religión influye también en la actitud favorable hacia la donación de órganos de familiares, además de asociarse hacia la actitud favorable hacia la Ley Anita.

Introduction: organ donation continues to be a problem even in the most successful systems in donor detection. Objective: to identify the attitude towards the Anita Law in students at the College of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú, during 2021. Methodology: this was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. It was carried out at the College of Health Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Caaguazú, from June to August, 2021. The instrument was a questionnaire of closed questions with multiple-choice answers. Result: regarding attitudes towards organ donation, 81.9 % would donate their organs and 95.1 % would donate their organs if a family member required so, 69.8 % said they would donate the organs of their relatives. Family opinions were favorable for 43.4 % while 52.2 % of the population stated that their religious denomination agrees with organ donation. 92.3 % support the Anita law. Conclusion: the favorable attitude towards organ donation was related to the favorable opinions of the family and religious denomination, in addition to being positive for those who agree with blooddonation. The opinion of the family and religious denomination also influences the favorable attitude towards family organ donation, in addition to being associated with a favorable attitude towards the Anita Law.

Experiencia de trabajo mediante psicogrupo WhatsApp en pacientes con trastornos neuróticos y sus familiares en tiempos de COVID19 / The Patients whit neurotic disorders in time of Covid19. An experience of work psicogroup of WhatsApp

RESUMEN Fundamento: Cuba y el mundo han sufrido en los últimos meses una situación sanitaria difícil, producto de la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus. La ciencia psicológica pasó a jugar papel primordial ante esta emergencia, al ofrecer primeros auxilios y acompañamiento psicológico. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la aplicación de una modalidad de ayuda psicológica virtual para pacientes con trastornos neuróticos y sus familiares. Métodos: estudio cuanti-cualitativo, realizado en el período abril-agosto 2020. Se incluyeron 28 personas que dieron consentimiento para participar y contaban con recursos tecnológicos: 22 pacientes pertenecientes al Hospital Psiquiátrico de la provincia de Cienfuegos y 6 familiares. Estuvo dirigido por psicólogas y psiquiatra. Se efectuó una modalidad de ayuda psicológica virtual utilizando un grupo WhatsApp. Resultados: los participantes demostraron dominio de recursos psicológicos y psicoterapéuticos aprendidos, así como los aportados durante el tiempo de trabajo. La experiencia fue bien recibida y considerada como útil, beneficiosa; la calificaron como excelente modalidad para la atención psicológica. Superaron sintomatologías emocionales negativas relacionadas con la pandemia y hubo enriquecimiento de los recursos, interacción positiva grupal y familiar ante confinamiento y habilidades en el manejo de la tecnología. Conclusiones: como nueva modalidad de ayuda psicológica, resultó una experiencia de trabajo oportuna y necesaria ante la emergencia sanitaria, demostrando ser efectiva como herramienta de trabajo de psicólogos y psiquiatras en la atención psicológica.

ABSTRACT Background: Cuba and the world have suffered in recent months a health situation as a result of the new coronavirus pandemic. Psychological science began to play a key role in the health emergency, by offering first aid and psychological support. Objective: to describe the virtual psychological help modality application results for patients with neurotic disorders and their families. Methods: quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in the period April-August 2020. 28 people who gave consent to participate and had technological resources were included: 22 patients belonging to the Cienfuegos Psychiatric Hospital and 6 relatives. It was guided by psychologists and a psychiatrist. A modality of virtual psychological help was carried out using a WhatsApp group. Results: the participants demonstrated knowledge of learned psychological and psychotherapeutic resources, as well as those provided during work time. The experience was well received and considered useful, beneficial; they rated it as an excellent modality for psychological care. They overcame negative emotional symptoms related to the pandemic and there was enrichment of resources, positive group and family interaction in confinement and skills in the management of technology. Conclusions: as a new modality of psychological help, it was a timely and necessary work experience in the health emergency, proving to be effective as a work tool for psychologists and psychiatrists in psychological care.

Nimotuzumab as a radiosensitizing agent in the treatment of high grade glioma: challenges and opportunities.

Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to human epidermal growth factor receptor, blocking receptor activation. Evidence of its radiosensitizing capacity has been widely evaluated. This article integrates published research findings regarding the role of nimotuzumab in the treatment of high grade glioma in combination with radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy in adult and pediatric populations. First, the mechanisms of action of nimotuzumab and its current applications in clinical trials containing both radiation and chemoradiation therapies are reviewed. Second, a comprehensive explanation of potential mechanisms driving radiosensitization by nimotuzumab in experimental settings is given. Finally, future directions of epidermal growth factor receptor targeting with nimotuzumab in combination with radiation containing regimens, based on its favorable toxicity profile, are proposed. It is hoped that this review may provide further insight into the rational design of new approaches employing nimotuzumab as a useful alternative for the therapeutic management of high grade glioma.

Eficacia y seguridad de la eritropoyetina en la anemia de la prematuridad / Efficacy and safety of erythropoietin for anemia of prematurity

Introducción: la eritropoyetina alfa recombinante forma parte del tratamiento de la anemia de la prematuridad. En Cuba su uso ha sido limitado y controvertido en cuanto a esquema y dosis empleada. Métodos: ensayo clínico prospectivo, multicéntrico, no aleatorizado, de eficacia y seguridad de eritropoyetina en la disminución de transfusiones en el recién nacido pretérmino de muy bajo peso. Se incluyeron 72 neonatos con edad gestacional menor de 34 semanas posmenstruales, y peso al nacer menor o igual a 1 500 g, con más de 7 días posnatales e ingesta de 50 mL/kg/día. Resultados: todos recibieron eritropoyetina 300 U/kg, subcutánea, 3 veces/semana, hasta las 40 semanas de edad gestacional y suplemento de hierro y vitaminas. La eritropoyetina fue muy segura, solo se notificó con relación posible una retinopatía de la prematuridad, ligera y recuperada. Conclusiones: se transfundieron 7 pacientes (9,7 por ciento) en el curso del estudio. El uso tardío de eritropoyetina en el pretérmino de muy bajo peso confirma su eficacia y seguridad

Introduction: recombinant alpha erythropoietin is part of the treatment for anemia of prematurity. The use of this one in Cuba has been restricted and controversial as to schedule and dose. Methods: prospective, non-randomized multicenter assay on the safety and efficacy of erythropoietin in the reduction of blood transfusion in very-low-weight preterm newborn. Seventy two neonates with gestational age under 34 post-menstruation weeks, weighing equal or less than 1 500 g, over 7 days of life after birth and fed on 50 mL/kg/day were included in the study. Results: all of them received 300 U/kg erythropoietin by subcutaneous administration three times a week up to reaching 40 weeks of gestational age and an iron and vitamin supplement. Erythropoietin is very safe; it was just possibly related to slight retinopathy of prematurity, but overcome. Conclusions: seven patients were transfused (9.7 percent ) in the course of study. The late use of erythropoietin in very-low-weight preterm child confirms its efficacy and safety