ABSTRACT
Faced with the uncertainty of whether the vaccines against Covid-19 are effective or not and faced with living or dying, it is important to know the perception and expectation of their acceptance. The main aim of the study to analyze the perception and expectation of the vaccine against Covid- 19 that South American families have in an urban area of De Pasco. Descriptive, cross-sectional study, simple random sampling of 197 families. The participants were recruited digitally through a neighborhood leadership and an online survey was applied with prior consent. The logistic regression analysis was performed in EPIDAT 4.1 with a significance level of 5%. Regarding the desire to be vaccinated, it is worth noting that a family member died from the coronavirus, hence the health personnel must continue with the preventive promotional work of vaccination in order to obtain favorable results in the entire population. The majority (100%) have a favorable perception and expectation about the vaccine against Covid- 19 ( X c 2 =132.83) and the p-value (0.00); As regards the desire to be vaccinated, it is worth noting having had a family member die from the coronavirus, hence the health personnel must continue with the preventive promotional work of vaccination in order to obtain favorable results in the entire population.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines , COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Young Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , Family , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Vaccination/psychology , Brazil , AdolescentABSTRACT
Oxidative stress (OS) results from the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body's antioxidant mechanisms and is associated with various diseases, including depression. Antioxidants protect cells by neutralizing free radicals and include enzymatic components such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The concentration of these biomarkers can quantify OS. This research aimed to gather available information published in the last ten years about the concentration of enzymatic OS biomarkers in samples from patients with depressive disorders. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including original scientific articles that evaluated enzymatic OS biomarkers in participants with depressive disorders, using the keywords and boolean operators "superoxide dismutase" OR "catalase" OR "glutathione" AND "depress*" in the databases PubMed, SAGE Journals, DOAJ, Scielo, Dialnet, and Redalyc. RESULTS: The initial search showed 614 results, with only 28 articles meeting the selection criteria. It was observed that all evaluated oxidative stress enzymatic markers showed a significant increase or decrease in patients with depressive disorders, due to a wide variability in the depressive disorders studied, the type of biological sample analyzed, and the techniques used. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of the relationship between enzymatic OS biomarkers and depressive disorders, but additional studies are needed to clarify the nature of this relationship, particularly considering the different types of depressive disorders.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Depressive Disorder , Oxidative Stress , Humans , Antioxidants/metabolism , Biomarkers/metabolism , Catalase/metabolism , Catalase/blood , Depressive Disorder/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Glutathione Reductase/metabolism , Glutathione Transferase/metabolism , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolismABSTRACT
The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide even though its main risk factor is preventable. This study evaluated the impact of the Distintivo Soludable pilot intervention on implementation of photoprotection policies and practices in preschool and primary schools in Andalusia, Spain. We completed two rounds of a Sun Protection Policies and Practices Survey (SPPPS) nine months apart. At baseline, 67 Andalusian schools earned a median score of 3/12 points (range 0-8; IQR: 2). Ten schools involved in Distintivo Soludable intervention group significantly increased their scores from 4 to 7.5/12 points (p = 0.014). We also detected a modest positive effect in 57 control group schools, an increase from 2 to 3 points (p = 0.002). This pilot study demonstrated that the main achievement of the Distintivo Soludable intervention was implementation of organizational policies regarding sun protection, an essential starting point for establishing positive attitudes toward sun protection in school communities.
Subject(s)
Schools , Skin Neoplasms , Sunscreening Agents , Humans , Spain , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Pilot Projects , Schools/organization & administration , Child , Sunburn/prevention & control , Health Policy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Male , Female , Child, PreschoolABSTRACT
The amazing complexity of gene regulatory circuits, and biological systems in general, makes mathematical modeling an essential tool to frame and develop our understanding of their properties. Here, we present some fundamental considerations to develop and analyze a model of a gene regulatory circuit of interest, either representing a natural, synthetic, or theoretical system. A mathematical model allows us to effectively evaluate the logical implications of our hypotheses. Using our models to systematically perform in silico experiments, we can then propose specific follow-up assessments of the biological system as well as to reformulate the original assumptions, enriching both our knowledge and our understanding of the system. We want to invite the community working on different aspects of gene regulatory circuits to explore the power and benefits of mathematical modeling in their system.
Subject(s)
Gene Regulatory Networks , Humans , Computational Biology/methods , Computer Simulation , Gene Expression Regulation/genetics , Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics , Models, Genetic , Systems Biology/methodsABSTRACT
Communication with teenagers who are significantly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for the sake of prevention. The aim of this study is to develop a specific questionnaire for surveying the degree of knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of current teenagers and young adults on STIs to come up with the proper training tools. We conducted the study following the Delphi method, a 2-round critical assessment score (from 1 to 9) of all domains and items. Only domains and items with median scores ≥8 were selected. A total of 8 panelists were involved in this survey. After establishing a median score ≥8, a total of 14 domains and 40 items were eventually selected. This is the first questionnaire ever conducted to study the knowledge, habits, and attitudes of contemporary teenagers and young adults on STIs, and stands as a valuable tool for future training on STI prevention in teenagers and young adults. (AU)
La comunicación con los adolescentes, quienes están marcadamente afectados por las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) es imprescindible para diseñar programas de prevención. El objetivo de este estudio es desarrollar un cuestionario específico para estudiar el grado de conocimiento, los hábitos y las actitudes de los adolescentes y los adultos jóvenes frente a las ITS. El estudio se desarrolló siguiendo el método Delphi con un panel de expertos. Posteriormente se realizó una evaluación crítica (puntuación de 1 a 9) de todos los dominios e ítems a través de 2 vueltas, seleccionándose dominios y elementos con una puntuación mediana ≥8. Participaron un total de 8 panelistas. Al establecerse la mediana de puntuación en ≥8, quedaron finalmente aceptados 14 dominios y 40 ítems. Este es el primer cuestionario que analiza los conocimientos, los hábitos y las actitudes de los adolescentes y los adultos jóvenes actuales sobre las ITS, y una valiosa herramienta para la formación futura sobre la prevención de las ITS en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Adolescent , Surveys and Questionnaires , Disease Prevention , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Habits , Attitude , SpainABSTRACT
La comunicación con los adolescentes, quienes están marcadamente afectados por las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) es imprescindible para diseñar programas de prevención. El objetivo de este estudio es desarrollar un cuestionario específico para estudiar el grado de conocimiento, los hábitos y las actitudes de los adolescentes y los adultos jóvenes frente a las ITS. El estudio se desarrolló siguiendo el método Delphi con un panel de expertos. Posteriormente se realizó una evaluación crítica (puntuación de 1 a 9) de todos los dominios e ítems a través de 2 vueltas, seleccionándose dominios y elementos con una puntuación mediana ≥8. Participaron un total de 8 panelistas. Al establecerse la mediana de puntuación en ≥8, quedaron finalmente aceptados 14 dominios y 40 ítems. Este es el primer cuestionario que analiza los conocimientos, los hábitos y las actitudes de los adolescentes y los adultos jóvenes actuales sobre las ITS, y una valiosa herramienta para la formación futura sobre la prevención de las ITS en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. (AU)
Communication with teenagers who are significantly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for the sake of prevention. The aim of this study is to develop a specific questionnaire for surveying the degree of knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of current teenagers and young adults on STIs to come up with the proper training tools. We conducted the study following the Delphi method, a 2-round critical assessment score (from 1 to 9) of all domains and items. Only domains and items with median scores ≥8 were selected. A total of 8 panelists were involved in this survey. After establishing a median score ≥8, a total of 14 domains and 40 items were eventually selected. This is the first questionnaire ever conducted to study the knowledge, habits, and attitudes of contemporary teenagers and young adults on STIs, and stands as a valuable tool for future training on STI prevention in teenagers and young adults. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , Disease Prevention , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Habits , Attitude , SpainABSTRACT
Communication with teenagers who are significantly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for the sake of prevention. The aim of this study is to develop a specific questionnaire for surveying the degree of knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of current teenagers and young adults on STIs to come up with the proper training tools. We conducted the study following the Delphi method, a 2-round critical assessment score (from 1 to 9) of all domains and items. Only domains and items with median scores ≥8 were selected. A total of 8 panelists were involved in this survey. After establishing a median score ≥8, a total of 14 domains and 40 items were eventually selected. This is the first questionnaire ever conducted to study the knowledge, habits, and attitudes of contemporary teenagers and young adults on STIs, and stands as a valuable tool for future training on STI prevention in teenagers and young adults.
Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Surveys and Questionnaires , HabitsABSTRACT
Communication with teenagers who are significantly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for the sake of prevention. The aim of this study is to develop a specific questionnaire for surveying the degree of knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of current teenagers and young adults on STIs to come up with the proper training tools. We conducted the study following the Delphi method, a 2-round critical assessment score (from 1 to 9) of all domains and items. Only domains and items with median scores ≥8 were selected. A total of 8 panelists were involved in this survey. After establishing a median score ≥8, a total of 14 domains and 40 items were eventually selected. This is the first questionnaire ever conducted to study the knowledge, habits, and attitudes of contemporary teenagers and young adults on STIs, and stands as a valuable tool for future training on STI prevention in teenagers and young adults.
Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Humans , Adolescent , Young Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Surveys and Questionnaires , HabitsABSTRACT
Skin cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. Late adolescence and young adulthood are fundamental stages of life to acquire good sun exposure practices, regarding both personal involvement in skin cancer prevention and being a role model for others, especially in a health education environment. This descriptive cross-sectional study is based on the validated CHACES questionnaire to study sun exposure and photoprotection behavior among students and teachers at the School of Health Sciences in the National University of Chimborazo, Riobamba (Ecuador). University members (814 students (89.8 %) and 93 teachers (10.2 %)) were studied, with a predominance of females and light-skin phototypes in both groups. Similar results were obtained regarding sun exposure, with higher recreative exposure in the teachers' group and higher occupational exposure in students. However, students significantly showed lower avoiding midday sun (41.9 % vs 60.9 %), and lower use of sunglasses (10.1 % vs. 41.6 %). Attitudes towards the sun and photoprotection knowledge issues were also equivalent between students and teachers (6.1/10 vs 6.2/10). Students' sunburn rate last year reaches 88.4 % and 52.7 % in teachers (p < 0.001). Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified risk factors associated with a greater risk of sunburn in our population. This study highlights areas to be improved regarding knowledge, attitudes and, especially, practices of photoprotection, among students and teachers at the University of Chimborazo. These results point out that awareness-raising campaigns should be implemented to reduce sunburns, morbidity and mortality of skin cancer in this environment.
ABSTRACT
Run-time device-level reconfigurability has the potential to boost the performance and functionality of numerous circuits beyond the limits imposed by the integration density. The key ingredient for the implementation of reconfigurable electronics lies in ambipolarity, which is easily accessible in a substantial number of two-dimensional materials, either by contact engineering or architecture device-level design. In this work, we showcase graphene as an optimal solution to implement high-frequency reconfigurable electronics. We propose and analyze a split-gate graphene field-effect transistor, demonstrating its capability to perform as a dynamically tunable frequency multiplier. The study is based on a physically based numerical simulator validated and tested against experiments. The proposed architecture is evaluated in terms of its performance as a tunable frequency multiplier, able to switch between doubler, tripler or quadrupler operation modes. Different material and device parameters are analyzed, and their impact is assessed in terms of the reconfigurable graphene frequency multiplier performance.
ABSTRACT
This data article presents a simulation model based on quantum mechanics and energy potentials for obtaining simulation data that allows, from the perspective of materials informatics, the prediction of the electrodeposition mechanism for forming nanostructured metallic coatings. The development of the research is divided into two parts i) the formulation (Quantum mechanical model and Corrected model for electron prediction; using a modified Schrödinger equation) and ii) the implementation of the theoretical prediction model (Discretization of the model). For the simulation process, the finite element method (FEM) was used considering the equation of electric potential and electroneutrality with and without the inclusion of quantum leap. We also provide the code to perform QM simulations in CUDA®, and COMSOL® software, the simulation parameters, and data for two metallic arrangements of chromium nanoparticles (CrNPs) electrodeposited on commercial steel substrate. (CrNPs-AISI 1020 steel and CrNPs-A618 steel). Data collection shows the direct relationship between applied potential (VDC), current (A), concentration (ppm), and time (s) for the homogeneous formation of the coating during the electrodeposition process, as estimated by the theoretical model developed. Their potential reuse data is done to establish the precision of the theoretical model in predicting the formation and growth of nanostructured surface coatings with metallic nanoparticles to give surface-mechanical properties.
ABSTRACT
Totoaba macdonaldi is an endangered endemic fish of the Gulf of California. Overexploitation resulted in the Mexican government banning the fishing of this species in 1975, and it being listed as endangered. However, the species is still subject to illegal fishing. Despite its conservation status, little is known about totoaba biology. The present study aimed to implement, for the first time, a metabarcoding protocol to describe the totoaba diet. Four wild totoaba individuals, seized by Mexican law enforcement agents, were dissected, and their stomach contents were collected. Three representative amplicon libraries were generated for cephalopods, chordates, and eukaryotes. After sequencing, 18 different taxa were identified, of which 11 species were recognized as prey. The totoaba were found to have consumed Pacific anchovy (Cetengraulis mysticetus), flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), bigeye croaker (Micropogonias megalops), northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps), milkfish (Chanos chanos), and Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax). Members of the Euphausiidae family (krill) were also identified. This study identified up to four times more species in much fewer samples than previous studies based on morphological recognition, thus confirming metabarcoding as an effective method for studying the feeding habits of this species and one providing the tools required for further analysis of the totoaba diet.
Subject(s)
Diet , Perciformes , Animals , Diet/veterinaryABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recorded and live online physical exercise (PE) interventions are known to provide health benefits. However, the effects of prioritizing the number of live or recorded sessions remain unclear. AIMS: To explore which recorded-live sessions ratio leads to the best implementation and benefits in older adults. METHODS: Forty-six community-dwelling adults (> 60y.o.) were randomized into two groups completing a 12-week online PE intervention. Each group had a different ratio of live-recorded online sessions as follows: Live-Recorded-Live sessions (LRL; n = 22) vs. Recorded-Live-Recorded sessions (RLR; n = 24). RESULTS: Drop-out rates did not reach significance (LRL:14% vs. RLR: 29%, p = 0.20), and adherence was similar (> 85%) between groups. Both groups reported similar levels of satisfaction (> 70%), enjoyment (> 75%), and perceived exertion (> 60%). Both groups increased physical health and functional capacities, with greater improvements in muscle power (LRL: LRL: + 35 ± 16.1% vs. RLR: + 7 ± 13.9%; p = 0.010) and endurance (LRL: + 34.7 ± 15.4 vs. RLR: + 27.0 ± 26.5, p < 0.001) in the LRL group. DISCUSSION: Both online PE intervention modalities were adapted to the participants' capacities and led to a high level of enjoyment and retention. The greater physical improvements observed in the LRL group are likely due to the higher presence of the instructor compared to the RLR group. Indeed, participants received likely more feedback to appropriately adjust postures and movements, increasing the quality of the exercises. CONCLUSION: When creating online PE interventions containing both recorded and live sessions, priority should be given to maximizing the number of live sessions and not the number of recorded sessions.
Subject(s)
Exercise Therapy , Exercise , Aged , Humans , Independent Living , Nutritional StatusABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Genetic testing is becoming increasingly important for diagnosis and personalized treatments in aortopathies. Here, we aimed to genetically diagnose a group of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) patients consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit and to explore the clinical usefulness of AAS-associated variants during treatment decision-making and family traceability. METHODS: We applied targeted next-generation sequencing, covering 42 aortic diseases genes in AAS patients with no signs consistent with syndromic conditions. Detected variants were segregated by Sanger sequencing in available family members. Demographic features, risk factors and clinical symptoms were statistically analyzed by Fisher or Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact tests, to assess their relationship with genetic results. RESULTS: Analysis of next-generation sequencing data in 73 AAS patients led to the detection of 34 heterozygous candidate variants in 14 different genes in 32 patients. Family screening was performed in 31 relatives belonging to 9 families. We found 13 relatives harboring the family variant, of which 10 showed a genotype compatible with the occurrence of AAS. Statistical tests revealed that the factors associated with a positive genetic diagnosis were the absence of hypertension, lower age, family history of AAS and absence of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings broaden the spectrum of the genetic background for AAS. In addition, both index patients and studied relatives benefited from the results obtained, establishing the most appropriate level of surveillance for each group. Finally, this strategy could be reinforced by the use of stastistically significant clinical features as a predictive tool for the hereditary character of AAS. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (Identifier: NCT04751058).
Subject(s)
Acute Aortic Syndrome , Aortic Diseases , Aortic Dissection , Humans , Genetic Profile , Aortic Diseases/diagnosis , Aortic Diseases/genetics , Genetic TestingABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: Comparar la expresión de marcadores de respuesta a hipoxia, inflamatorios y de estrés oxidativo en biopsia muscular de grupos de pacientes con hipoxia crónica continua, crónica intermitente y ambas combinadas. Evaluar el estado de la musculatura periférica y compararla entre grupos. METODOLOGÍA: Incluimos varones mayores de 18 años, diagnosticados de EPOC, Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño (AOS) o AOS-EPOC, a los que se realizó biopsia muscular del cuádriceps. Los biomarcadores seleccionados para su estudio en músculo fueron factores de transcripción asociados a la hipoxia, como el factor inducible por hipoxia HIF-1, HIF-2 y el factor nuclear. También biomarcadores inflamatorios como factor de necrosis tumoral-α, interkeukina 6 y 8, factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular y proteína de adhesión celular vascular 1 (VCAM-1), así como biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo, como superóxidodismutasa (SOD) y actividad catalasa. Además se realizó evaluación de la función muscular en los tres grupos. RESULTADOS: Reclutamos 29 sujetos: 4 con EPOC, 12 con AOS y 13 EPOC-AOS. En el músculo, encontramos diferencias entre los grupos de estudio en VCAM-1 (casos de EPOC que expresan 2,1 veces más que AOS y 1,16 veces más que EPOC-AOS) y SOD (EPOC-AOS que expresan 3,48 veces más que EPOC, y AOS 3,02 veces más que EPOC). CONCLUSIONES: La expresión de biomarcadores estudiados es de intensidad similar en los tres grupos de pacientes referidos, con pocas excepciones.La fuerza muscular periférica y el porcentaje de masa libre de grasa es significativamente menor en los pacientes con EPOC que en los pacientes con AOS. (AU)
OBJECTIVE: Compare the expression of markers of response to hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress in biopsy muscle of groups of patients with continuous chronic hypoxia, intermittent chronic and both combined. Evaluate the state of the peripheral musculature and compare it between groups. METHODOLOGY: We included males older than 18 years, diagnosed of COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or OSA-COPD, to quadriceps muscle biopsy was performed. biomarkers selected for study in muscle were factors of transcription associated with hypoxia, such as the factor inducible by hypoxia HIF-1, HIF-2 and nuclear factor. Also biomarkers Inflammatory agents such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interkeukin 6, and 8, vascular endothelial growth factor and adhesion protein vascular cell 1 (VCAM-1), as well as stress biomarkers oxidative, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. In addition, evaluation of muscle function was performed in the three groups. RESULTS: We recruited 29 subjects: 4 with COPD, 12 with OSA and 13 COPD-OSA. In muscle, we found differences between the study groups in VCAM-1 (COPD cases expressing 2.1-fold more than OSA and 1.16 times more than COPD-OSA) and SOD (COPD-OSA than express 3.48 times more than COPD, and OSA 3.02 times more than COPD). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of studied biomarkers is of similar intensity in the three groups of referred patients, with few exceptions. Peripheral muscle strength and percentage of fat-free mass is significantly lower in patients with COPD than in patients with OSA. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Hypoxia , Oxidative Stress , Prospective Studies , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive , BiomarkersABSTRACT
Asymmetric pumping is a sub-category of valveless pumping in which a flexible tube is rhythmically compressed in the transverse symmetry plane. Due to the resulting asymmetry between the suction and discharge pipes, a net pumping head is achieved. Asymmetric pumping is regarded as one of the main mechanisms responsible for the Liebau effect in addition to impedance pumping. However, there remains a paucity of research surrounding the governing parameters of asymmetric pumping. Here, we conducted an experimental study of the performance of an asymmetric pump, with an aim to assess its potential for extravascular flow augmentation. A custom flexible latex tube and experimental platform were developed for this purpose. We tested various tube thicknesses and pinching frequencies. Our results demonstrate that the performance is within the range of physiological requirements for pediatric circulatory devices (~ 1 L/min and < 30 mmHg). We conclude that due to the absence of reverse flow and its mechanical simplicity, pure asymmetric pumping is promising for selected cardiovascular applications with less complexity than other valveless techniques.