Cardiac alterations induced by Heloderma horridum horridum venom in rats: An experimental study with ECG analysis using a linear regression algorithm.

Envenomation by reptile venom, particularly from lizards, poses significant health risks and can lead to physiological and cardiovascular changes. The venom of Heloderma horridum horridum, endemic to Colima, Mexico, was tested on Wistar rats. Electrocardiographic (ECG) data were collected pre-treatment and at 5-min intervals for 1 h post-envenomation. A specially designed computational linear regression algorithm (LRA) was used for the segmentation analysis of the ECG data to improve the detection of fiducial points (P, Q, R, S, and T) in ECG waves. Additionally, heart tissue was analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic changes. The results revealed significant electrocardiographic alterations, including pacemaker migration, junctional extrasystoles, and intraventricular conduction aberrations. By applying a linear regression algorithm, the study compensated for noise and anomalies in the isoelectric line in an ECG signal, improving the detection of P and T waves and the QRS complex with an efficiency of 97.5%. Cardiac enzyme evaluation indicated no statistically significant differences between the control and experimental groups. Macroscopic and microscopic examination revealed no apparent signs of damage or inflammatory responses in heart tissues. This study enhances our understanding of the cardiovascular impact of Heloderma venom, suggesting a greater influence on changes in conduction and arrhythmias than on direct cardiac damage to the myocardium.

Primary exposure to Zika virus is linked with increased risk of symptomatic dengue virus infection with serotypes 2, 3, and 4, but not 1.

Infection with any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV1-4) can protect against or enhance subsequent dengue depending on preexisting antibodies and infecting serotype. Additionally, primary infection with the related flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with increased risk of DENV2 disease. Here, we measured how prior DENV and ZIKV immunity influenced risk of disease caused by DENV1-4 in a pediatric Nicaraguan cohort. Of 3412 participants in 2022, 10.6% experienced dengue cases caused by DENV1 (n = 139), DENV4 (n = 133), DENV3 (n = 54), DENV2 (n = 9), or an undetermined serotype (n = 39). Longitudinal clinical and serological data were used to define infection histories, and generalized linear and additive models adjusted for age, sex, time since last infection, and year, and repeat measurements were used to predict disease risk. Compared with flavivirus-naïve participants, primary ZIKV infection was associated with increased risk of disease caused by DENV4 (relative risk = 2.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.48 to 4.63) and DENV3 (2.90, 1.34 to 6.27), but not DENV1 infection. Primary DENV infection or DENV followed by ZIKV infection was also associated with increased risk of DENV4 disease. We reanalyzed 19 years of cohort data and demonstrated that prior flavivirus immunity and antibody titer had distinct associations with disease risk depending on incoming serotype. We thus find that prior ZIKV infection, like prior DENV infection, is associated with increased risk of disease with certain DENV serotypes. Cross-reactivity among flaviviruses should be considered when assessing vaccine safety and efficacy.

A numbers game: Mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance in two distinct geographic regions of Latin America.

Aedes mosquitoes, as vectors of medically important arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), constitute a major public health threat that requires entomological and epidemiological surveillance to guide vector control programs to prevent and reduce disease transmission. In this study, we present the collaborative effort of one year of mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance in two geographically distinct regions of Latin America (Nicaragua and Ecuador). Adult female mosquitoes were collected using backpack aspirators in over 2,800 randomly selected households (Nicaragua, Ecuador) and 100 key sites (Nicaragua) from eight distinct communities (Nicaragua: 2, Ecuador: 6). A total of 1,358 mosquito female pools were processed for RNA extraction and viral RNA detection using real-time RT-PCR. Ten positive dengue virus (DENV) pools were detected (3 in Nicaragua and 7 in Ecuador), all of which were found during the rainy season and matched the serotypes found in humans (Nicaragua: DENV-1 and DENV-4; Ecuador: DENV-2). Infection rates ranged from 1.13 to 23.13, with the Nicaraguan communities having the lowest infection rates. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting DENV-infected Aedes mosquitoes in low-resource settings and underscore the need for targeted mosquito arbovirus sampling and testing, providing valuable insights for future surveillance programs in the Latin American region.

Dengue severity by serotype and immune status in 19 years of pediatric clinical studies in Nicaragua.

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus, a major global health threat, consists of four serotypes (DENV1-4) that cause a range of clinical manifestations from mild to severe and potentially fatal disease. METHODS: This study, based on 19 years of data from the Pediatric Dengue Cohort Study and Pediatric Dengue Hospital-based Study in Managua, Nicaragua, investigates the relationship of serotype and immune status with dengue severity. Dengue cases were confirmed by molecular, serological, and/or virological methods, and sudy participants 6 months to 17 years old were followed during their hospital stay or as ambulatory patients. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 15,266 participants, of whom 3,227 (21%) were positive for DENV infection. Of 2,630 cases with serotype result by RT-PCR, 557 corresponded to DENV1, 992 to DENV2, 759 to DENV3 and 322 to DENV4. Severe disease was more prevalent among secondary DENV2 and DENV4 cases, while similar disease severity was observed in both primary and secondary DENV1 and DENV3 cases. According to the 1997 World Health Organization (WHO) severity classification, both DENV2 and DENV3 caused a higher proportion of severe disease compared to other serotypes, whereas DENV3 caused the greatest percentage of severity according to the WHO-2009 classification. DENV2 was associated with increased odds of pleural effusion and low platelet count, while DENV3 was associated with both hypotensive and compensated shock. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate differences in dengue severity by serotype and immune status and emphasize the critical need for a dengue vaccine with balanced effectiveness against all four serotypes, particularly as existing vaccines show variable efficacy by serotype and serostatus.

Design and Characterization of Ocular Inserts Loaded with Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Inflammatory Ophthalmic Disease.

The short precorneal residence time of ophthalmic drops is associated with their low absorption; therefore, the development of ocular inserts capable of prolonging and controlling the ophthalmic release of drugs is an interesting option in the design and development of these drugs. A surface response design was developed, specifically the Central Composite Design (CCD), to produce ophthalmic films loaded with Dexamethasone (DEX) by the solvent evaporation method having experimental levels of different concentrations of previously selected polymers (PVP K-30 and Eudragit RS100.). Once optimization of the formulation was obtained, the in vivo test was continued. The optimal formulation obtained a thickness of 0.265 ± 0.095 mm, pH of 7.11 ± 0.04, tensile strength of 15.50 ± 3.94 gF, humidity (%) of 22.54 ± 1.7, mucoadhesion strength of 16.89 ± 3.46 gF, chemical content (%) of 98.19 ± 1.124, release of (%) 13,510.71, and swelling of 0.0403 ± 0.023 g; furthermore, in the in vivo testing the number and residence time of PMN cells were lower compared to the Ophthalmic Drops. The present study confirms the potential use of polymeric systems using PVPK30 and ERS100 as a new strategy of controlled release of ophthalmic drugs by controlling and prolonging the release of DEX at the affected site by decreasing the systemic effects of the drug.

Primary exposure to Zika virus increases risk of symptomatic dengue virus infection with serotypes 2, 3, and 4 but not serotype 1.

Infection with any of the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV1-4) can protect against or enhance subsequent dengue depending on pre-existing antibodies and the subsequent infecting serotype. Additionally, primary infection with the related flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) has been shown to increase DENV2 disease. Here, we measured how prior DENV and ZIKV immunity influenced risk of disease caused by all four serotypes in a pediatric Nicaraguan cohort. Of 3,412 participants in 2022, 10.6% experienced symptomatic DENV infections caused by DENV1 (n=139), DENV4 (n=133), DENV3 (n=54), DENV2 (n=9), or an undetermined serotype (n=39). Longitudinal clinical and serological data were used to define infection histories, and generalized linear and additive models adjusted for age, sex, time since the last infection, cohort year, and repeat measurements were used to predict disease risk. Compared to flavivirus-naïve participants, primary ZIKV infection increased disease risk of DENV4 (relative risk = 2.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.48-4.63) and DENV3 (2.90, 1.34-6.27) but not DENV1 (1.20, 0.72-1.99). Primary DENV infection or a DENV followed by ZIKV infection also increased DENV4 risk. We re-analyzed 19 years of cohort data and demonstrated that prior flavivirus-immunity and pre-existing antibody titer differentially affected disease risk for incoming serotypes, increasing risk of DENV2 and DENV4, protecting against DENV1, and protecting at high titers but enhancing at low titers against DENV3. We thus find that prior ZIKV infection, like prior DENV infection, increases risk of certain DENV serotypes. Cross-reactivity among flaviviruses should be carefully considered when assessing vaccine safety and efficacy.

Perceived importance and interest in research by Chilean primary care providers.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers (PCPs) are relevant stakeholders for primary care research (PCR). OBJECTIVE: We report the perceived importance and interest in PCR of a national sample of Chilean PCPs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study targeting Chilean PCPs. An electronic survey assessing perceived relevance of PCR, research training and experience, training interests, and demographics was disseminated through emails and WhatsApp messages. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted probabilities and 95% confidence intervals for high interest in PCR, high interest in using research methods, and high interest in receiving research training, and predictors of these outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 387 providers completed the online survey. Only 26.4% of PCPs had research experience as a principal or co-investigator. However, most clinicians perceived PCR as very important (92.5%) and were interested in using research methods (90.7%) and receiving training (94.3%). There were no statistically significant differences in these perceptions between provider's discipline, role, sex, age, and geographical location after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Despite few Chilean PCPs have research training, a large majority perceive it as important, are interested in using it in their practice and would like to receive training.

Angiotensin II Inhibits Insulin Receptor Signaling in Adipose Cells.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a critical regulator of insulin signaling in the cardiovascular system and metabolic tissues. However, in adipose cells, the regulatory role of Ang II on insulin actions remains to be elucidated. The effect of Ang II on insulin-induced insulin receptor (IR) phosphorylation, Akt activation, and glucose uptake was examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In these cells, Ang II specifically inhibited insulin-stimulated IR and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) tyrosine-phosphorylation, Akt activation, and glucose uptake in a time-dependent manner. These inhibitory actions were associated with increased phosphorylation of the IR at serine residues. Interestingly, Ang II-induced serine-phosphorylation of IRS was not detected, suggesting that Ang II-induced desensitization begins from IR regulation itself. PKC inhibition by BIM I restored the inhibitory effect of Ang II on insulin actions. We also found that Ang II promoted activation of several PKC isoforms, including PKCα/ßI/ßII/δ, and its association with the IR, particularly PKCßII, showed the highest interaction. Finally, we also found a similar regulatory effect of Ang II in isolated adipocytes, where insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by Ang II, an effect that was prevented by PKC inhibitors. These results suggest that Ang II may lead to insulin resistance through PKC activation in adipocytes.

Biomechanics Assessment of Kinematic Parameters of Low-Sprint Start in High-Performance Athletes Using Three Dimensional Motion Capture System

ABSTRACT In a sprint start, the athlete takes up a position with their hands just behind a line, arms vertical, feet generally placed about a shoe length apart, and the hips rising above the line of the head. Mistakes in this position influence the execution of the low-sprint start, and can drastically influence the initial running speed and acceleration achieved by the athlete. Common mistakes occur due to the misconception that athletes must also lean forward, bringing the shoulders ahead of their hands and putting pressure on them. A standard approach to identify sprint start mistakes is to use a stick or weighted string to drop down from the shoulders. The effective implementation of this approach depends on the coach's experience and remains a significant challenge. In this study, a three-dimensional motion capture system with the Vicon® Plug-in-Gait model was used to characterize the kinematic parameters that influence the execution of low-sprint start in six high-performance athletes. The main kinematic parameters are reaction time, stride length, and stride time. The obtained results demonstrate the potential utility of a three-dimensional motion capture system to assess the kinematic parameters of low-sprint start in high-performance athletes.

Regulation of miRNAs Expression by Mutant p53 Gain of Function in Cancer.

The p53 roles have been largely described; among them, cell proliferation and apoptosis control are some of the best studied and understood. Interestingly, the mutations on the six hotspot sites within the region that encodes the DNA-binding domain of p53 give rise to other very different variants. The particular behavior of these variants led to consider p53 mutants as separate oncogene entities; that is, they do not retain wild type functions but acquire new ones, namely Gain-of-function p53 mutants. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed how p53 mutants regulate gene expression and exert oncogenic effects by unbalancing specific microRNAs (miRNAs) levels that provoke epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemoresistance, and cell survival, among others. In this review, we discuss recent evidence of the crosstalk between miRNAs and mutants of p53, as well as the consequent cellular processes dysregulated.

Violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería y su relación con la calidad del cuidado en hospitales públicos / Workplace Violence among Nursing Staff and Their Relationship with the Quality of Care in Public Hospitals

Introducción: La violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería en hospitales constituye un problema de salud pública, afectando de manera indirecta la calidad del cuidado. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería y la calidad del cuidado en hospitales públicos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional y transversal, realizado en dos hospitales públicos de México durante agosto y septiembre de 2017. La muestra fue de 161 enfermeros y 117 pacientes. Se utilizaron el Barómetro Cisneros y el Caring Assessment Instrument para medir las variables de interés; se obtuvieron medias, desviación estándar y frecuencias para datos descriptivos, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y coeficientes de Contingencia y Chi cuadrada para determinar la relación. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (85,70 por ciento), con una media de edad de 35,67 años, 45,90 por ciento), trabajaban en el turno nocturno, 79,40 por ciento), de los participantes refirió no haber experimentado violencia laboral, la evaluación inequitativa fue la estrategia de violencia laboral más frecuente. Respecto a los pacientes, más de la mitad reportó calidad en el cuidado. El Coeficiente de Correlación de Spearman no mostró significancia estadística (p > 0,05). Conclusión: El personal de enfermería no se encuentra familiarizado con la conceptualización de violencia laboral, por lo que es probable que la mayoría la haya experimentado y por temor a represalias, no la reportara(AU)

Introduction: Workplace violence among nursing personnel in hospitals constitutes a public health problem, indirectly affecting the quality of care. Objective: To determine the relationship of workplace violence among nursing staff and the quality of care in public hospitals. Methods: á Descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out in two public hospitals in Mexico from August to September 2017. The sample consisted of 161 nurses and 117 patients. We used Cisneros Barometer and the Caring Assessment Instrument to measure the variables of interest; means, standard deviation and frequencies were obtained for descriptive data, Spearman's correlation coefficient and Contingency coefficients and Chi squared to determine the relationship. Results: Female predominated (85.70 percent)), with a mean age of 35.67 years, 45.90 percent worked the night shift, 79.40 percent),),of the participants referred not having experienced workplace violence, inequitable evaluation was the most frequent workplace violence strategy. Regarding patients, more than 50 percent), reported quality of care. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient did not show statistical significance (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing staff are not familiar with the conceptualization of workplace violence, so it is likely that the majority have experienced it, but did not report it, for fear of reprisals(AU)

Transporters, TBC1D4, and ARID5B Variants to Explain Glycated Hemoglobin Variability in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic variants could aid in predicting antidiabetic drug response by associating them with markers of glucose control, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, pharmacogenetic implementation for antidiabetics is still under development, as the list of actionable markers is being populated and validated. This study explores potential associations between genetic variants and plasma levels of HbA1c in 100 patients under treatment with metformin. METHODS: HbA1c was measured in a clinical chemistry analyzer (Roche), genotyping was performed in an Illumina-GSA array and data were analyzed using PLINK. Association and prediction models were developed using R and a 10-fold cross-validation approach. RESULTS: We identified genetic variants on SLC47A1, SLC28A1, ABCG2, TBC1D4, and ARID5B that can explain up to 55% of the interindividual variability of HbA1c plasma levels in diabetic patients under treatment. Variants on SLC47A1, SLC28A1, and ABCG2 likely impact the pharmacokinetics (PK) of metformin, while the role of the two latter can be related to insulin resistance and regulation of adipogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm previous genetic associations and point to previously unassociated gene variants for metformin PK and glucose control.

Factors associated with influenza vaccination acceptance in Mexican healthcare workers: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Adherence of healthcare workers (HCWs) to influenza vaccination is far from optimal despite its being the most effective intervention for preventing influenza. In order to evaluate factors associated with influenza vaccination acceptance among Mexican HCWs during the 2017-2018 influenza season, a multicenter cross-sectional study spanning public and private hospitals was conducted. Participants were consecutively invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 1513 out of 1553 questionnaires were evaluated. The median age of the participants was 32 (26-44) years and 65.8% were women. Nurses and physicians comprised 53.0% of the surveyed population. Total self-reported adherence to influenza vaccination among HCWs during the 2017-2018 season was 63.5% and varied across participating hospitals (P < 0.001). Factors positively associated with influenza vaccination were incremental doses of influenza vaccine received within the last 5 years (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.78-2.10), City 3 (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.19-2.20) and City 1 (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.02-1.91), whereas factors negatively associated were lack of a previous dose of influenza vaccine (aOR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01-0.08) and unawareness of the vaccination campaign (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.44-0.72). Lack of information and poor communication were barriers identified by both vaccinated and unvaccinated personnel. This study concluded that adherence to influenza vaccination in Mexican HCWs is suboptimal and that the factors associated with receipt of influenza vaccine are similar to those reported in other studies.

Social network support and risk factors for obesity and overweight in adolescents. / Apoyo en redes sociales y factores de riesgo de sobrepeso y obesidad en adolescentes.

AIM: To determine the relationship between social support in social networks and risk factors of overweight and obesity including healthy lifestyles and perceived barriers in adolescents. METHOD: Descriptive and cross-sectional study with adolescents from a public high school in Nuevo León, Mexico. Anthropometric measurements were determined to obtain body mass index, behavioural measurements for perceived barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, as well as healthy lifestyles. RESULTS: A total of 188 adolescents participated, male sex predominated at 55.9%, mean age was 16.1 years. From them, 52.1% were overweight, less than half of the adolescents reported having friends on social networks (37.8%); 52% of overweight participants need changes in their diet and the majority reported low physical activity (82.7%). There is a correlation between social support in social networks and perceived barriers to physical activity in overweight adolescents (r2 0.144; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the adolescents do not have an adequate diet or perform recommended physical activity, one of the main causes is lack of motivation as a perceived barrier. Social networks represent a tool for nursing staff to promote health and develop interventions aimed at preventing disease in a global context in digital transition.

Occurrence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus in Artisanal Unpasteurized Cheeses in the State of Michoacan, Mexico.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) for the first time in two types of unpasteurized fresh cheese produced in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. We tested for this pathogen, along with the others, to broaden the study of microbiological quality in 60 samples of cheese, 30 fresh and 30 Adobera, which were collected from six artisanal cheese factories (ACFs). The hygienic conditions of these establishments and the practices of cheese manufacture were generally poor. Although Mycobacterium bovis was not detected, four cheese samples harbored NTM isolates. The four NTM isolates were identified using three molecular markers (hsp65, rrs, and rpoB genes) that corresponded to Mycolicibacterium fortuitum (n = 3) and Mycolicibacterium mageritense (n = 1). All 60 cheese samples analyzed had unsatisfactory microbiological quality according to the Mexican Official Guideline. Regarding fresh cheeses, all 30 samples analyzed were positive for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and yeasts and molds. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were present in 23 and 21 samples, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was identified in a sample and was isolated from a bulk milk tank in the same ACF. With regard to Adobera cheeses, all samples were positive for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, yeasts and molds, and S. aureus. E. coli was isolated from 28 samples. Salmonella was isolated from a sample and from a wooden shovel used in the manufacture of the cheeses in the same ACF. Thus, the consumption of unpasteurized fresh cheese may represent a public health risk. Because of this, health authorities should enforce the legislation that forbids the processing of cheese with unpasteurized milk and encourage producers to follow good manufacturing practices from original ingredients, through the production process of the cheese, to its sale to assure a safe product.

Cuidado al personal de enfermería desde la perspectiva del supervisor en el contexto hospitalario

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir el cuidado al personal de enfermería desde la perspectiva del supervisor en el contexto hospitalario. Material y Método: Estudio exploratorio con aproximación cualitativa en el que se empleó el diseño sistemático de la Teoría Fundamentada; la población se conformó por supervisores de enfermería en dos hospitales públicos de segundo nivel en la ciudad de Chihuahua, México; la recolección de datos se llevó a cabo durante agosto y septiembre de 2017 a través de un muestreo teórico, respetando los aspectos éticos de investigación. Resultados: Con diez participantes, hasta llegar a la saturación de datos, predominó el sexo femenino (7), en su mayoría casados (6) y con estudios de posgrado (6). Surgieron tres categorías: 1) Cuidado desde la perspectiva del supervisor de enfermería; 2) Interacción entre el supervisor de enfermería y sus compañeros de trabajo y 3) Desarrollo profesional como parte del cuidado al supervisor de enfermería. Conclusiones: La mayoría conceptualiza el cuidado como una actividad dirigida a otros pero no a sí mismos. La comunicación efectiva y estilo de liderazgo desempeñan una función importante para la interacción del supervisor de enfermería con el personal de enfermería operativo y sus directivos, pero estos atributos no se perciben de manera adecuada por ellos mismos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe nursing staff care from the supervisor's perspective in the hospital setting. Material and Methods: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach using the systematic design of the Grounded Theory. The population consisted of nursing supervisors in two secondary care public hospitals in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico; data collection was carried out during August and September 2017 through theoretical sampling, respecting ethical aspects of research. Results: With ten participants until reaching data saturation, female sex predominated (7), mostly married (6) and with postgraduate studies (6). Three categories emerged from this study: 1) Care from the nursing supervisor's perspective; 2) Interaction between the nursing supervisor and their coworkers and 3) Professional development as part of the nursing supervisor care. Conclusions: Most supervisors conceptualize care as an activity aimed at others, but not at themselves. Effective communication and leadership style play an important role in the interaction between nurse supervisors with operational nursing staff and their managers, but these attributes are not properly perceived by themselves.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os cuidados do pessoal de enfermagem da perspectiva do supervisor no contexto hospitalar. Material e Método: Estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa usando o desenho sistemático da teoria fundamentada ou Grounded Theory. A população consistiu de gerentes de enfermagem em dois hospitais públicos de cuidados secundários na cidade de Chihuahua, México; a coleta de dados foi realizada nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2017 por amostragem teórica, respeitando os aspectos éticos da pesquisa. Resultados: com dez participantes até atingir a saturação de dados, predominando o sexo feminino (7), a maioria casada (6) e com estudos de pós-graduação (6). Três categorias emergiram deste estudo: 1) percepção do gerente de enfermagem sobre o cuidado; 2) interação entre o gerente de enfermagem e colegas de trabalho e 3) desenvolvimento profissional como parte do atendimento do gerente de enfermagem. Conclusões: A maioria dos enfermeiros gerentes conceitua o cuidado como uma atividade voltada para os outros, mas não para si mesmos. O estilo eficaz de comunicação e liderança desempenha um papel importante na interação do gerente de enfermagem com a equipe de enfermagem e seu diretor executivo, mas esses atributos não são percebidos adequadamente por eles mesmos.

Environmental factors and awareness of colorectal cancer in people at familial risk. / Fatores ambientais e conscientização sobre o câncer colorretal em pessoas com risco familiar.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the association between environmental risk factors and awareness of colorectal cancer in people at familial risk. METHOD: cross-sectional correlational study, with a sample consisted of people who met at least one of the Revised Bethesda criteria, and 80 participants were included in this study. A sociodemographic data record, the AUDIT Test for alcohol use, the Fagerström Test for tobacco smoking, the Estimation and Frequency of Food Intake scale, and the Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire to assess the colorectal cancer awareness were used. Body mass index was calculated, and descriptive statistics and the Pearson's Correlation Coefficient were used to estimate the association. RESULTS: female sex predominated, with an average age of 37.8 years, almost half of the participants were overweight, 45% showed symptoms of alcohol dependence, half of the sample showed an association between hereditary factors and the development of colorectal cancer, and less than half of them were aware of cancer prevention programs. CONCLUSION: there is little information on the main environmental risk factors, signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, and no significant association was found between these and colorectal cancer awareness.

Fatores ambientais e conscientização sobre o câncer colorretal em pessoas com risco familiar / Environmental factors and awareness of colorectal cancer in people at familial risk / Factores ambientales y conciencia sobre el cáncer colorrectal en personas con riesgo familiar

Objetivo identificar a associação entre os fatores de risco ambientais e a conscientização sobre o câncer colorretal em pessoas com risco familiar. Método estudo correlacional de corte transversal, cuja amostra foi constituída por pessoas que cumpriam pelo menos um dos critérios de Bethesda Revisados, sendo 80 participantes incluídos no estudo. Foram utilizados uma ficha com dados sociodemográficos, o Teste AUDIT para o consumo de álcool, o Teste de Fagerström para o tabagismo, a escala de Estimativa e Consumo de Alimentos, e o questionário Cancer Awareness Measure para avaliar a conscientização sobre o câncer colorretal. O índice de massa corporal foi calculado, e estatísticas descritivas e o Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson foram usados para estimar a associação. Resultados o sexo feminino foi o mais prevalente, com média de idade de 37,8 anos, quase metade dos participantes apresentava sobrepeso, 45% apresentavam sintomas de dependência de álcool, metade da amostra teve o fator hereditário relacionado com o desenvolvimento de câncer colorretal, e menos da metade conhecia programas preventivos deste câncer. Conclusão há pouca informação sobre os principais fatores de risco ambientais, sinais e sintomas do câncer colorretal, e nenhuma associação significativa foi encontrada entre eles e conscientização sobre o câncer colorretal.

Objective to identify the association between environmental risk factors and awareness of colorectal cancer in people at familial risk. Method cross-sectional correlational study, with a sample consisted of people who met at least one of the Revised Bethesda criteria, and 80 participants were included in this study. A sociodemographic data record, the AUDIT Test for alcohol use, the Fagerström Test for tobacco smoking, the Estimation and Frequency of Food Intake scale, and the Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire to assess the colorectal cancer awareness were used. Body mass index was calculated, and descriptive statistics and the Pearson's Correlation Coefficient were used to estimate the association. Results female sex predominated, with an average age of 37.8 years, almost half of the participants were overweight, 45% showed symptoms of alcohol dependence, half of the sample showed an association between hereditary factors and the development of colorectal cancer, and less than half of them were aware of cancer prevention programs. Conclusion there is little information on the main environmental risk factors, signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, and no significant association was found between these and colorectal cancer awareness.

Objetivo identificar la asociación entre factores de riesgo ambientales y la conciencia sobre el cáncer colorrectal en personas con riesgo familiar. Método estudio transversal correlacional; la muestra estuvo constituida por personas que cumplieran al menos uno de los criterios de Bethesda Revisados; se incluyeron 80 participantes en el estudio; se empleó una cédula de datos sociodemográficos, el Test AUDIT para el consumo de alcohol, Test de Fagerström para el consumo de tabaco, escala Estimación y Consumo de Alimento y el cuestionario Cancer Awareness Measure para la conciencia sobre el cáncer colorrectal, además se calculó el índice de masa corporal; se obtuvo estadística descriptiva y el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson para la asociación. Resultados predominó el sexo femenino, con una media de edad de 37,8 años; casi la mitad de los participantes presentó sobrepeso, un 45% mostró síntomas de dependencia al alcohol, la mitad de la muestra relaciona el factor hereditario con el desarrollo de cáncer colorrectal y menos de la mitad conoce programas preventivos sobre el mismo. Conclusión existe poca información sobre los principales factores de riesgo ambientales, signos y síntomas del cáncer colorrectal; no se encontró una asociación significativa entre estos y la conciencia sobre el cáncer colorrectal.

Zika virus infection in Nicaraguan households.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection recently caused major epidemics in the Americas and is linked to congenital birth defects and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. A pilot study of ZIKV infection in Nicaraguan households was conducted from August 31 to October 21, 2016, in Managua, Nicaragua. We enrolled 33 laboratory-confirmed Zika index cases and their household members (109 contacts) and followed them on days 3-4, 6-7, 9-10, and 21, collecting serum/plasma, urine, and saliva specimens along with clinical, demographic, and socio-economic status information. Collected samples were processed by rRT-PCR to determine viral load (VL) and duration of detectable ZIKV RNA in human bodily fluids. At enrollment, 11 (10%) contacts were ZIKV rRT-PCR-positive and 23 (21%) were positive by IgM antibodies; 3 incident cases were detected during the study period. Twenty of 33 (61%) index households had contacts with ZIKV infection, with an average of 1.9 (range 1-6) positive contacts per household, and in 60% of these households, ≥50% of the members were positive for ZIKV infection. Analysis of clinical information allowed us to estimate the symptomatic to asymptomatic (S:A) ratio of 14:23 (1:1.6) among the contacts, finding 62% of the infections to be asymptomatic. The maximum number of days during which ZIKV RNA was detected was 7 days post-symptom onset in saliva and serum/plasma and 22 days in urine. Overall, VL levels in serum/plasma, saliva, and urine specimens were comparable, with means of 5.6, 5.3 and 4.5 log10 copies/ml respectively, with serum attaining the highest VL peak at 8.1 log10 copies/ml. Detecting ZIKV RNA in saliva over a similar time-period and level as in serum/plasma indicates that saliva could potentially serve as a more accessible diagnostic sample. Finding the majority of infections to be asymptomatic emphasizes the importance of silent ZIKV transmission and helps inform public health interventions in the region and globally.