Sexual dysfunction and self-perceived sexual health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: results from a cross-sectional survey.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) has been associated with worse quality of life and higher disease activity in patients with rheumatic diseases, yet it is still not regularly addressed during routine rheumatologic evaluations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and evaluate their perception of their sexual health. We performed a retrospective study in an outpatient rheumatology clinic to evaluate patients over 18 years old with a diagnosis of RA or SLE through the Spanish version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and the Sexual Health Perception Survey (SHEPS), a questionnaire of 6 items designed in our clinic. Additionally, we applied the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F version 4) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A total of 567 patients were evaluated with SHEPS, most of whom were women with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 34) and a median disease duration of 5 years (IQR: 9). Through the ASEX, we found that 67% of the patients with RA and 60% of the patients with SLE experienced SD. Patients reported the level of sex drive, arousal, and the ability to achieve orgasms as the areas with the most difficulties. Most patients did not know their disease could affect their sexuality and had never addressed these issues with their rheumatologists, but almost all of them were willing to. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual health issues regularly during rheumatologic evaluations.

Reducing Flight Upset Risk and Startle Response: a Study of the Wake Vortex Alert with Licensed Commercial Pilots.

The study aimed at investigating the impact of an innovative Wake Vortex Alert (WVA) avionics on pilots' operation and mental states, intending to improve aviation safety by mitigating the risks associated with wake vortex encounters (WVEs). Wake vortices, generated by jet aircraft, pose a significant hazard to trailing or crossing aircrafts. Despite existing separation rules, incidents involving WVEs continue to occur, especially affecting smaller aircrafts like business jets, resulting in aircraft upsets and occasional cabin injuries. To address these challenges, the study focused on developing and validating an alert system that can be presented to air traffic controllers, enabling them to warn flight crews. This empowers the flight crews to either avoid the wake vortex or secure the cabin to prevent injuries. The research employed a multidimensional approach including an analysis of human performance and human factors (HF) issues to determine the potential impact of the alert on pilots' roles, tasks, and mental states. It also utilizes Human Assurance Levels (HALs) to evaluate the necessary human factors support based on the safety criticality of the new system. Realistic flight simulations were conducted to collect data of pilots' behavioural, subjective and neurophysiological responses during WVEs. The data allowed for an objective evaluation of the WVA impact on pilots' operation, behaviour and mental states (mental workload, stress levels and arousal). In particular, the results highlighted the effectiveness of the alert system in facilitating pilots' preparation, awareness and crew resource management (CRM). The results also highlighted the importance of avionics able to enhance aviation safety and reducing risks associated with wake vortex encounters. In particular, we demonstrated how providing timely information and improving situational awareness, the WVA will minimize the occurrence of WVEs and contribute to safer aviation operations.

Impact of intimate partner violence on quality of life and disease activity in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Stress and trauma are psychosocial factors with an impact on the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The influence of violence on SLE has not been entirely explored, even though women (including patients with rheumatic diseases) are a vulnerable population to any form of violence. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on health-related quality of life in women with SLE. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted at a rheumatology clinic of a university hospital from September 2022 and September 2023. We evaluated the presence of IPV in 85 women with SLE with the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed at (HITS) questionnaire and the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA), and quality of life with LupusQoL. RESULTS: The prevalence by HITS score of past-year IPV was 24.4% and of lifetime IPV was 36.5%. Past-year non-physical violence was present in 17.1% of patients by ISA, and 27.1% were victims in their lifetime. While in physical violence, 7.3% were victims in the previous year and 21.2% in their lifetime. The total quality of life and the emotional domain by LupusQoL were diminished in victims of past-year IPV, compared to those who weren't exposed (p = .018 and p = .036, respectively). Past-year HITS score correlated with the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) (rho = 0.301, p = .006), while lifetime HITS score correlated with PGA (rho = 0.329, p = .002) and SLEDAI-2K (rho = 0.277, p = .010). CONCLUSION: We found that one in four women suffered IPV in the previous year, and those who were exposed had diminished quality of life. Also, the severity of the abuse correlated with disease activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with SLE.

Biological activity of lyophilized chitosan scaffolds with inclusion of chitosan and zinc oxide nanoparticles.

The constant demand for biocompatible and non-invasive materials for regenerative medicine in accidents and various diseases has driven the development of innovative biomaterials that promote biomedical applications. In this context, using sol-gel and ionotropic gelation methods, zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) and chitosan nanoparticles (NPs-CS) were synthesized with sizes of 20.0 nm and 11.98 nm, respectively. These nanoparticles were incorporated into chitosan scaffolds through the freeze-drying method, generating a porous morphology with small (<100 µm), medium (100-200 µm), and large (200-450 µm) pore sizes. Moreover, the four formulations showed preliminary bioactivity after hydrolytic degradation, facilitating the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the scaffold surface, as evidenced by the presence of Ca (4%) and P (5.1%) during hydrolytic degradation. The scaffolds exhibited average antibacterial activity of F1 = 92.93%, F2 = 99.90%, F3 = 74.10%, and F4 = 88.72% against four bacterial strains: K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, S. enterica, and S. aureus. In vivo, evaluation confirmed the biocompatibility of the functionalized scaffolds, where F2 showed accelerated resorption attributed to the NPs-ZnO. At the same time, F3 exhibited controlled degradation with NPs-CS acting as initiation points for degradation. On the other hand, F4 combined NPs-CS and NPs-ZnO, resulting in progressive degradation, reduced inflammation, and an organized extracellular matrix. All the results presented expand the boundaries in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by highlighting the crucial role of nanoparticles in optimizing scaffold properties.

[Post-COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents from a cohort: prevalence and risk factors]. / Enfermedad post-COVID-19 en una cohorte de niños y adolescentes: prevalencia y factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of the post-COVID-19 condition of children and adolescents from a cohort. METHODS: Observational and analytical cohort study. Statistical analysis: percentages, frequencies; averages; Odds ratio, χ2 test, and multiple binary logistic regression. Statistical Package, for the Social Sciences 23. RESULTS: Prevalence of the post-COVID-19 condition was: 14.8% of 175 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 26 developed post-COVID-19 condition, mean age 5.9 years (SD: 5.05), sex: 27% men, 73% women, frequent symptoms: fatigue, runny nose, muscle pain, dyspnea. Symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 condition: muscle pain (OR: 27; p = 0.000; IC95%5.2-139), dysgeusia (OR: 19; p = 0.012; IC95%: 1.9-19), and fatigue (OR: 5; p = 0.001; IC95%: 1.9-13.5). Associated risk factors: female (OR: 3.58; p = 0.023; CI95%: 1.19-10.71), comorbidities (OR: 24.5; p = 0.000; CI95%: 7.52-79), allergic rhinitis (OR: 8.7; p = 0.000; CI95%: 2.66-28.87), atopic dermatitis (OR: 9. 58; p = 0.016 CI95%: 1.51-60.5). CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 recover completely, some of them will develop a post-COVID-19 condition, knowing the most frequent symptoms and associated factors, will allow a better evaluation, for its opportune detection and effective treatment.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia y factores de riesgo de la enfermedad post-COVID-19 en una cohorte de niños y adolescentes de Puebla, México. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, observacional y analítico. Para el análisis estadístico se estimaron: porcentajes, frecuencias, promedios; razón de momios, prueba de χ2 y regresión logística binaria múltiple. Se utilizó el programa Statistical Package, for the Social Sciencies 23. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de enfermedad post-COVID-19 fue de 14.8% de 175 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 26 padecieron la enfermedad post-COVID-19; la edad promedio fue de 5.9 años (DE: 5.05). La distribución por género fue: 27% hombres y 73% mujeres. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fatiga, rinorrea, dolor muscular y disnea. Los síntomas asociados con enfermedad post-COVID-19 incluyeron: dolor muscular (OR: 27; p = 0.000; IC95%: 5.2-139), disgeusia (OR: 19; p = 0.012; IC95%: 1.9-19), fatiga (OR: 5; p = 0.001; IC95%: 1.9-13.5). Los factores riesgo asociados: mujer (OR: 3.58; p = 0.023; IC95%: 1.19-10.71), comorbilidades (OR: 24.5; p = 0.000; IC95%: 7.52-79), rinitis alérgica (OR: 8.7; p = 0.000; IC95%: 2.66-28.87) y dermatitis atópica (OR: 9.58; p = 0.016; IC95%: 1.51-60.5). CONCLUSIONES: Aunque la mayoría de los niños infectados por SARS-CoV-2 se recuperan por completo, algunos evolucionan a enfermedad post-COVID-19. El conocimiento de los síntomas y factores de riesgo asociados con esta enfermedad permitirán una mejor evaluación, detección oportuna y tratamiento eficaz.

Prevenção e controle da COVID-19: estudo multicêntrico sobre a percepção e práticas no cotidiano das orientações médico-científicas pela população dos territórios de abrangência da atenção primária à saúde - relatório final ­ análise qualitativa / Prevention and control of COVID-19: multicenter study on the perception and practices in the daily life of medical-scientific guidelines by the population of the territories covered by primary health care - final report - qualitative analysis

O presente relatório apresenta a análise qualitativa dos dados do projeto multicêntrico intitulado "Prevenção e controle da covid-19: estudo multicêntrico sobre a percepção e práticas no cotidiano das orientações médico-científicas pela população dos territórios de abrangência da Atenção Primária à Saúde". Este projeto foi desenvolvido pela Rede de Pesquisa e Formação do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Família ­ PROFSAÚDE sobre covid-19. A equipe do projeto de pesquisa foi composta por uma coordenação nacional e por coordenações institucionais, representadas pelas figuras dos(as) coordenadores(as) e docentes do PROFSAÚDE nas Instituições de Ensino e Pesquisa, além de mestrandos e mestrandas do programa. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde pelos discentes do PROFSAÚDE, sob supervisão dos coordenadores institucionais, através de entrevistas individuais, semiestruturadas por um roteiro. Os participantes do estudo foram selecionados em todo território brasileiro sob responsabilidade dos pesquisadores responsáveis pelo estudo multicêntrico. A análise de dados de natureza qualitativa seguiu a técnica de análise de conteúdo do tipo temática, segundo referencial de Bardin (2016), utilizando o software MaxQDA ® 1 de forma indutiva (categorias que emergem dos dados) sob responsabilidade de especialistas. Os resultados da análise estão reunidos através de relatório com segmentos codificados, mapa de hierarquia de códigos e nuvem de palavras. Ademais, esses dados foram organizados em resultados nacionais, regionais e temáticos. Em nome do grupo de pesquisa Territórios, Modelagens e Práticas em Saúde da Família, cadastrado no Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), agradecemos a participação dos(as) alunos(as) do curso, dos docentes e coordenadores(as) institucionais da rede PROFSAÚDE, gestores municipais e trabalhadores e trabalhadoras da saúde que apoiaram a pesquisa nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Por fim, agradecemos aos usuários que aceitaram participar do estudo, ressaltando a importância da colaboração de todos para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa.

Latin America Research Output Within the Top 5 Vascular Surgery Journals.

BACKGROUND: Dedicated studies on patient outcomes are crucial to the development of effective policies aimed at prevention and management of vascular diseases. This study aims to determine the scientific productivity of Latin American countries through a bibliometric analysis of top 5 vascular journals. METHODS: The 5 dedicated vascular journals indexed in the "surgery" category were selected for analysis. These were the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES), the Journal of Vascular Surgery (JVS), the Journal of Endovascular Therapy (JEVT), the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders (JVS-VL) and the Annals of Vascular Surgery (AVS). Databases were queried with the combination of each journal's name + each of the 21 Latin American countries. All possible combinations were searched. Inclusion criteria were articles affiliated with a university, medical center, or hospital from any Latin American country. RESULTS: A total of 501 articles were retrieved, 104 (20.7%) were published between 2000 and 2011, and 397 (79.2%) between 2012 and 2022. The journal with the most publications was AVS with 221 (43.9%), followed by JVS with 135 (26.9%), EJVES with 60 (11.9%), JEVT with 49 (9.9%), and JVS-VL with 36 (7.1%). Brazil had the highest volume of publications at 346 (69.0%), followed by Argentina at 54 (10.7%), Chile at 35 (6.9%), and Mexico at 32 (6.3%). JVS had a higher median citation when compared with AVS, JVS-VL, and JEVT, 18 vs. 5, 5.5, and 7, respectively (P = <0.001). Furthermore, JVS had a greater median citation than EJVES, at 18 vs. 12.5, respectively (P = 0.005). Median citation per year from 2000 to 2011 was 1.59 (range: 0-45), and 1.50 (range: 0-114.5) from 2012 to 2022 (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Latin America's research output within the vascular surgery field has increased over the years. Efforts must be made to increase research output in this region and translate findings into effective interventions for these populations.

Caracterización Epidemiológica del Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida en Itapúa, Paraguay 2017-2021

Introducción: Un mayor conocimiento y difusión acerca del comportamiento epidemiológico de la infección por VIH en el Departamento de Itapúa genera una evidencia significativa para la toma de decisiones a nivel regional. Objetivo: Caracterizar epidemiológicamente a pacientes con VIH que forman parte del PRONASIDA del Hospital Regional de Encarnación desde el año 2017 a 2021. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo en pacientes con VIH captados por el PRONASIDA del Hospital Regional de Encarnación, 7ª Región Sanitaria, durante los años 2017-2021 (n=375). Los datos se expresaron en medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, y tabla de proporciones. Resultados: El mayor número de casos (80) se evidenció en los años 2018 y 2019. El rango etario de 20-29 años reportó el mayor número de casos, 20% (75), con predominancia del sexo femenino 64% (229), el 47% (177) procedente de Encarnación. Se halló un 43% (106) de casos de sida con CD4 menor a 200 células/mL, la mediana de la carga viral fue de 96.030cél/mL con un rango intercuartílico de 401.884,5cél/mL. Conclusión: Se identificó la disminución de nuevos diagnósticos en el año 2020, lo cual guarda relación con las medidas sanitarias a causa de la pandemia por COVID-19. Las características analizadas mostraron predominancia del sexo femenino en grupos etarios en edad joven con procedencia de Encarnación. Se considera importante fortalecer el primer nivel de atención en Itapúa a fin de evidenciar las brechas con el objetivo de ampliar el acceso para captación de pacientes y asegurar un diagnóstico precoz.

Introduction: Increased knowledge and dissemination about the epidemiological behavior of HIV infection in the Department of Itapúa generates significant evidence for decision-making at the regional level. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with HIV who are part of the PRONASIDA of the Regional Hospital of Encarnación from 2017 to 2021. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on HIV patients enrolled in the PRONASIDA program at the Regional Hospital of Encarnación, 7th Health Region, during the years 2017-2021 (n=375). Data were expressed in measures of central tendency and dispersion, and proportions table. Results: The highest number of cases (80) was observed in 2018 and 2019. The age range of 20-29 years reported the highest number of cases, 20% (75), predominantly among females 64% (229), with 47% (177) originating from Encarnación. Forty-three percent (106) of AIDS cases had CD4 counts lower than 200 cells/mL, with a median viral load of 96,030 cells/mL and an interquartile range of 401,884.5 cells/mL. Conclusion: A decrease in new diagnoses was identified in the year 2020, likely associated with health measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analyzed characteristics showed a predominance of females in younger age groups originating from Encarnación. It is considered important to strengthen primary care in Itapúa to highlight gaps, aiming to broaden access for patient enrollment and ensure early diagnosis.

[Conocimiento de las madres de niños menores de 5 años sobre la vacunación en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar 1, Orizaba, Veracruz].

Objective: Determine the level of knowledge and acceptance that mothers of children under 5 years of age have about vaccination. Methods: Statistical analysis was performed using the GraphPad Prism statistical program. Absolute frequencies and percentages were estimated for the qual- itative variables, and measures of central tendency and dispersion for numerical variables. The level of knowledge and acceptance of vaccination was associated with the variables using Pearson's Chi-square. Results: The level of knowledge that prevailed was high (70.3%) and was associated with age (p=0.00), education (p=0.00) and occupation (p=0.03). The most frequent occupation was housewife (47.1%), the most frequent schooling was professional education (3.5%), the majority were married women (60.2%) and Catholics (81.2%). Conclusions: The null hypothesis of our study is confirmed, obtaining that 70.3% of the population has high knowledge about vaccination in children under 5 years of age, it was also found that this knowledge is associated with age, schooling and occupation of the mothers participating in this study.

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento y aceptación que tienen las madres de niños menores de 5 años sobre la vacunación. Métodos: Se realizo el análisis estadístico en el programa estadístico GraphPad Prism. Se estimaron frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes para las variables cualitativas, y medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para variables numéricas. Se asocio el nivel de conocimiento y aceptación sobre la vacunación con las variables mediante de Chi cuadrada de Pearson. Resultados: El nivel de conocimiento que predomino fue alto (70.3%) y se encontró asociado a la edad (p=0.00), escolaridad (p=0.00) y ocupación (p=0.03). La ocupación más frecuente fue ama de casa (47.1%), la escolaridad con mayor frecuencia fue educación profesional (3.5%), la mayoría fueron mujeres casadas (60.2%) y católicas (81.2%). Conclusiones: Se confirma la hipótesis nula de nuestro estudio obteniendo que el 70.3% de la población tiene un conocimiento alto acerca de la vacunación en niños menores de 5 años, además se encontró que este conocimiento se encuentra asociado a la edad, escolaridad y ocupación de las madres participantes en este estudio.

Quality attributes of CTVad1, a nanoemulsified adjuvant for phase I clinical trial of SpiN COVID-19 vaccine.

Aim: To develop, characterize and evaluate an oil/water nanoemulsion with squalene (CTVad1) to be approved as an adjuvant for the SpiN COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Materials & methods: Critical process parameters (CPPs) of CTVad1 were standardized to meet the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of an adjuvant for human use. CTVad1 and the SpiN-CTVad1 vaccine were submitted to physicochemical, stability, in vitro and in vivo studies. Results & conclusion: All CQAs were met in the CTVad1 production process. SpiN- CTVad1 met CQAs and induced high levels of antibodies and specific cellular responses in in vivo studies. These results represented a critical step in the process developed to meet regulatory requirements for the SpiN COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial.

Bacteria isolated from explosive contaminated environments transform pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a nitrate ester explosive that may be persistent with scarce reports on its environmental fate and impacts. Our main objective was to isolate and characterize bacteria that transform PETN under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Biotransformation of PETN (100 mg L-1) was evaluated using mineral medium with (M + C) and without (M - C) additional carbon sources under aerobic conditions and with additional carbon sources under anaerobic conditions. Here, we report on the isolation of 12 PETN-transforming cultures (4 pure and 8 co-cultures) from environmental samples collected at an explosive manufacturing plant. The highest transformation of PETN was observed for cultures in M + C under aerobic conditions, reaching up to 91% ± 2% in 2 d. Under this condition, PETN biotransformation was observed in conjunction with the release of nitrites and bacterial growth. No substantial transformation of PETN (<45%) was observed during 21 d in M - C under aerobic conditions. Under anaerobic conditions, five cultures could transform PETN (up to 52% ± 13%) as the sole nitrogen source, concurrent with the formation of two unidentified metabolites. PETN-transforming cultures belonged to Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. In conclusion, we isolated 12 PETN-transforming cultures belonging to diverse taxa, suggesting that PETN transformation is phylogenetically widespread.

Consenso colombiano de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal pediátrica

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Introduction: Pediatric ulcerative colitis (CUP), pediatric Crohn's disease (PCD), and pediatric inflammatory bowel disease not classifiable (PIDNCID) have clinical and psychosocial particularities that differentiate them from those of adults and may condition different therapeutic approaches due to possible nutritional, growth and developmental repercussions, representing a challenge for the pediatrician and gastroenterologist. Objective: Develop expert consensus evidence-based recommendations for the timely and safe diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PID) in children under 18 years of age for professionals caring for these patients and healthcare payers. Methodology: Through a panel of experts from the Colombian College of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (COLGAHNP) and a multidisciplinary group, 35 questions were asked regarding the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of PID. Through a critical review and analysis of the literature with particular emphasis on the main clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses of the last ten years, from which the experts made 77 recommendations that responded to each of the research questions with their respective practical points. Subsequently, each of the statements was voted on within the developer group, including the statements that achieved > 80%. Results: All statements scored > 80%. PID has greater extension, severity, and evolution towards stenosis, perianal disease, extraintestinal manifestations, and growth retardation compared to adult patients, so its management should be performed by multidisciplinary groups led by pediatric gastroenterologists and prepare them for a transition to adulthood. Porto's criteria allow a practical classification of PID. In CPE, we should use the Paris classification and perform ileocolonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, since 50% have upper involvement, using the SES-CD (UCEIS/Mayo in CUP) and taking multiple biopsies. Initial labs should include inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin and rule out intestinal infections. Treatment, induction, and maintenance of PID should be individualized and decided according to risk stratification. Follow-up should use PCDAI and PUCAI for the last 48 hours. Immunologists and geneticists should evaluate patients with early and infantile PID. Conclusion: A consensus guideline is provided with evidence-based recommendations on timely and safe diagnosis and treatments in patients with ILD.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Gross Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Research shows many positive effects from physical exercise. The present study examined the impact of a structured physical exercise program compared to treatment as usual on the gross motor skills of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants included 20 children, from 4 to 7 years old, who were assigned to two groups; an experimental group (n = 10) who received a structured physical exercise program for 60-min sessions, three times a week for eight weeks, and a control group (n = 10) who received conventional physiotherapy. Gross motor skills were assessed with the Abbreviated Development Scale -3 before and after the physical exercise program. The experimental group exhibited significant improvements in gross motor skills compared to the control group. This study suggests that structured physical exercise programs can improve gross motor skills in children with ASD.

A bibliometric analysis and literature review on emotional skills.

The content, management, and implementation of social skills have been developed since the end of the 20th century as a model of capabilities. Thus, as human beings develop and train their basic cognitive and perceptual-motor functions, they increase their ability to solve and cope with difficulties. This article aims to present a bibliometric and systematic review of social skills, using query sources in databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus between the years 2000 and 2022, with platforms such as Bibliometrix and Gephi. This search yielded a total of 233 records in WoS and 250 records in Scopus that were merged and, after eliminating 143 duplicate data, were consolidated into 340 records that enclose the academic production of 20 years. Through scientific mapping, the main authors, journals, and countries in this field were determined; similarly, the most relevant studies were classified into three categories, namely, classic, structural, and perspectives, which were represented by means of the metaphor of the tree of science. In addition, a program for further studies was planned, such as in-depth qualitative research measuring observationally and directly taking into account emotional expressiveness, emotional understanding, emotion regulation, and behavior, and the impact of social skills training on social problem-solving. Finally, another important aspect to mention is that this research work is useful for the scientific academic community in many areas of knowledge such as psychology, education, and managers of educational institutions.

Círculos de la palabra con líderes vecinales: sistematización de la experiencia

Se realizó una sistematización de la experiencia de: "círculos de la palabra" con líderes barriales del municipio de Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia entre 2016 y 2019, con base en los lineamientos de los autores: Jara, Ghiso y Verger. La experiencia permitió identificar tres hitos: "conocernos, el acompañamiento y los sueños", "sujetos de conocimiento" y "la experiencia construida socialmente". Los círculos de la palabra se configuraron para dar a los líderes de las comunidades un espacio donde tener voz y promover la reflexión movilizadora, construir tejidos y crear redes sociales de apoyo para conseguir un buen vivir.

A systematization of the experience titled: "word circles" with neighborhood leaders in Villamaría - Caldas (Colombia) between 2016 and 2019, was conduc ted based on Jara, Ghiso, and Verger guidelines. This experience allowed to iden tify three milestones: "getting to know each other, accompaniment and dreams," "subjects of knowledge," and "experience socially constructed". The word circles were created to provide to community leaders a place where they may have a voice and to foster mobilizing reflection, to build social fabric, and creating support networks to achieve a good life.

Physicochemical Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys from Tropical Forests of Colombia: Apis mellifera and Melipona eburnea.

Honey is a functional food used worldwide and recognized for its multiple health benefits. In the present study, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey produced by two species of bees (Melipona eburnea and Apis mellifera) in two seasons were evaluated. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of honey against three bacterial strains was studied. The quality of honey analyzed by LDA (linear discriminant analysis) showed four clusters mediated by the interaction, the bee species, and the collection season resulting from a multivariate function of discrimination. The physicochemical properties of the honey produced by A. mellifera met the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius, while the M. eburnea honey had moisture values outside the established ranges of the Codex. Antioxidant activity was higher in the honey of A. mellifera, and both kinds of honey showed inhibitory activity against S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 9118. E. coli ATCC 25922 showed resistance to the analyzed honey.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing body mass index and lipid profile in healthy young adults in Colombia: a pilot randomised controlled clinical trial.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of vitamin D supplementation in reducing BMI and lipid profile in adolescents and young adults from a cohort in Bucaramanga, Colombia. One hundred and one young adults were randomly assigned to one of two doses of vitamin D [1000 international units (IU) or 200 IU] administered daily for 15 weeks. The primary outcomes were serum 25(OH)D levels, BMI and lipid profile. The secondary outcomes were waist-hip ratio, skinfolds and fasting blood glucose. We found a mean ± sd plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was 25⋅0 ± 7⋅0 ng/ml at baseline, and after 15 weeks, it increased to 31⋅0 ± 10⋅0 ng/ml in the participants who received a daily dose of 1000 IU, (P < 0⋅0001). For the participants in the control group (200 IU), it went from 26⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml to 29⋅0 ± 8⋅0 ng/ml (P = 0⋅002). There were no differences between groups in body mass index. There was a statistically significant decrease in LDL-cholesterol between the intervention group v. the control group (mean difference -11⋅50 mg/dl (95 % CI -21⋅86 to -1⋅15; P = 0⋅030). The conclusions of the present study were two different doses of vitamin D supplementation (200 IU v. 1000 IU) produced changes in serum 25(OH)D levels over 15 weeks of administration in healthy young adults. No significant changes were found in the body mass index when the effect of the treatments was compared. A significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol was found when comparing the two intervention groups. Trial registration: NCT04377386.

A discrete model for the evaluation of public policies: The case of Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In mathematical epidemiology, it is usual to implement compartmental models to study the transmission of diseases, allowing comprehension of the outbreak dynamics. Thus, it is necessary to identify the natural history of the disease and to establish promissory relations between the structure of a mathematical model, as well as its parameters, with control-related strategies (real interventions) and relevant socio-cultural behaviors. However, we identified gaps between the model creation and its implementation for the use of decision-makers for policy design. We aim to cover these gaps by proposing a discrete mathematical model with parameters having intuitive meaning to be implemented to help decision-makers in control policy design. The model considers novel contagion probabilities, quarantine, and diffusion processes to represent the recovery and mortality dynamics. We applied mathematical model for COVID-19 to Colombia and some of its localities; moreover, the model structure could be adapted for other diseases. Subsequently, we implemented it on a web platform (MathCOVID) for the usage of decision-makers to simulate the effect of policies such as lock-downs, social distancing, identification in the contagion network, and connectivity among populations. Furthermore, it was possible to assess the effects of migration and vaccination strategies as time-dependent inputs. Finally, the platform was capable of simulating the effects of applying one or more policies simultaneously.