Discriminación percibida por pacientes en seguimiento por COVID-19. Tajamar Regalado, Ecuador

Fundamento la COVID-19 tuvo repercusión en el estado biopsicosocial de la población. Entre las actitudes y comportamientos, la discriminación se manifestó como una de las respuestas a diferentes niveles de interrelación personal y social. Objetivo describir la discriminación percibida por pacientes en seguimiento por COVID-19. Métodos estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el periodo septiembre de 2021 a febrero de 2022, con todos los pacientes con seguimiento por COVID-19 (N=89) residentes en el barrio de Tajamar Regalado (Tulcán, Ecuador). Mediante la encuesta se obtuvo información sobre las variables: tipo de institución donde recibió seguimiento médico, percepción de discriminación, apoyo social y apoyo comunitario. Resultados el 60,67 % de los pacientes refirió que casi siempre lamentaba haberse contagiado de COVID-19; el 59,55 %, que siempre sintió ser discriminado por haber padecido la enfermedad; el 40,45 %, que casi siempre consideró importante utilizar medidas de protección para evitar más contagios en su comunidad; el 48,31 % planteó que casi siempre recibió consejería por el personal de salud; y el 59,55 % consideró que su salud mental se vio afectada. Casi la mitad de los pacientes expresó haber recibido un apoyo social muy malo, y el 51,68 % un apoyo social malo parte de las autoridades en particular. Conclusiones durante la pandemia de COVID-19 existió un rechazo social a los pacientes contagiados, el cual provocó afectaciones en la salud mental de estos. Se evidenció una falta de apoyo por parte de la comunidad y las autoridades; y una escasa consejería por el personal de salud.

Foundation COVID-19 had an impact on the population' biopsychosocial state. Among attitudes and behaviors, discrimination manifested itself as one of the responses to different levels of personal and social interrelation. Objective to describe the discrimination perceived by patients being monitored for COVID-19. Methods descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out from September 2021 to February 2022, in all patients monitored for COVID-19 (N=89) who live in Tajamar Regalado neighborhood (Tulcán, Ecuador). Through the survey, information was obtained on the variables: type of institution where they received medical follow-up, perception of discrimination, social support and community support. Results 60.67% of patients reported that they almost always regretted having been infected with COVID-19; 59.55%, who always felt they were discriminated against for having suffered from the disease; 40.45%, who almost always considered it important to use protective measures to avoid further infections in their community; 48.31% stated that they almost always received counseling from health personnel; and 59.55% considered that their mental health was affected. Almost half of the patients expressed having received very bad social support, and 51.68% received bad social support from the authorities in particular. Conclusions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was social rejection of infected patients, which caused effects on their mental health. A lack of support from the community and authorities was evident; and little counseling by health personnel.

Comparative assessment of energy generation from ammonia oxidation by different functional bacterial communities.

Bioelectrochemical ammonia oxidation (BEAO) in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a recently discovered process that has the potential to reduce energy consumption in wastewater treatment. However, level of energy and limiting factors of this process in different microbial groups are not fully understood. This study comparatively investigated the BEAO in wastewater treatment by MFCs enriched with different functional groups of bacteria (confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing): electroactive bacteria (EAB), ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and anammox bacteria (AnAOB). Ammonia oxidation rates of 0.066, 0.083 and 0.082 g NH4+-N L-1 d-1 were achieved by biofilms enriched with EAB, AOB, and AnAOB, respectively. With influent 444 ± 65 mg NH4+-N d-1, nitrite accumulation between 84 and 105 mg N d-1 was observed independently of the biofilm type. The AnAOB-enriched biofilm released electrons at higher potential energy levels (anode potential of 0.253 V vs. SHE) but had high internal resistance (Rint) of 299 Ω, which limits its power density (0.2 W m-3). For AnAOB enriched biofilm, accumulation of nitrite was a limiting factor for power output by allowing conventional anammox activity without current generation. AOB enriched biofilm had Rint of 18 ± 1 Ω and yielded power density of up to 1.4 W m-3. The activity of the AOB-enriched biofilm was not dependent on the accumulation of dissolved oxygen and achieved 1.5 fold higher coulombic efficiency when sulfate was not available. The EAB-enriched biofilm adapted to oxidize ammonia without organic carbon, with Rint of 19 ± 1 Ω and achieved the highest power density of 11 W m-3. Based on lab-scale experiments (scaling-up factors not considered) energy savings of up to 7 % (AnAOB), 44 % (AOB) and 475 % (EAB) (positive energy balance), compared to conventional nitrification, are projected from the applications of BEAO in wastewater treatment plants.

Insatisfacción con la atención de salud en los usuarios del Centro de Salud Tajamar, Ecuador

Introducción: La OMS atribuye entre 5,7 y 8,4 millones de muertes anuales a la atención de calidad deficiente en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos, lo que representa hasta el 15 % de las muertes en esos países; es decir, que a nivel general existe un alto nivel de insatisfacción sobre todo en los países tercermundistas. Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de insatisfacción de la atención de salud en los usuarios del Centro de Salud Tajamar, Ecuador. Método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal en el centro de salud Tajamar de Ecuador durante el año 2022. Se trabajó con 215 usuarios por el método aleatorio simple, se utilizó los métodos científicos de observación, análisis y síntesis, empírico de encuesta. Las respuestas de la encuesta permitieron dar un grado de consecución en: muy adecuado, adecuado, poco adecuado e inadecuado, además de siempre, casi siempre y nunca. Se tuvo en cuenta criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: El 51,2 % consideró muy adecuado el trato por parte del personal de salud, solo el 32,6 % encontró adecuado el estado general de la infraestructura, el 44,2 estuvo de acuerdo con el medicamento recetado. En cuanto a la información brindada el 37,7 % siempre lo halló correcto y entendible. El 69 % alegó volvería al centro nuevamente. En sentido general el 37 % y el 29 % de los usuarios calificaron de neutra y negativa la calidad de la atención en los servicios de salud prestados. Conclusiones: Se logró evidenciar la insatisfacción de la atención en salud en los usuarios del Centro de Salud Tajamar. Se recomienda realizar intervención para mejorar la calidad de atención en dicha unidad de salud.

Introduction: WHO attributes between 5.7 and 8.4 million deaths annually to poor-quality care in low- and middle-income countries, accounting for up to 15% of deaths in these countries; That is to say, at a general level there is a high level of dissatisfaction, especially in third world countries. Objective: To evaluate the degree of dissatisfaction with health care in users of the Tajamar Health Center, Ecuador. Method: A quantitative observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out at the Tajamar health center in Ecuador during the year 2022. We worked with 215 users using the simple random method, using scientific methods of observation, analysis and synthesis. empirical survey. The survey responses made it possible to give a degree of achievement in: very adequate, adequate, slightly adequate and inadequate, as well as always, almost always and never. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken into account. Results: 51.2% considered the treatment by health personnel to be very adequate, only 32.6% found the general state of the infrastructure adequate, 44.2% agreed with the prescribed medication. Regarding the information provided, 37.7% always found it correct and understandable. 69% said they would return to the center again. In general, 37% and 29% of users described the quality of care in the health services provided as neutral and negative. Conclusions: Dissatisfaction with health care among users of the Tajamar Health Center was evident. It is recommended to carry out an intervention to improve the quality of care in said health unit.

Introdução: A OMS atribui anualmente entre 5,7 e 8,4 milhões de mortes a cuidados de má qualidade em países de baixo e médio rendimento, sendo responsáveis por até 15% das mortes nestes países; Isto é, a nível geral existe um elevado nível de insatisfação, especialmente nos países do terceiro mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar o grau de insatisfação com os cuidados de saúde em usuários do Centro de Saúde Tajamar, Equador. Método: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo observacional, descritivo e transversal no centro de saúde Tajamar, no Equador, durante o ano de 2022. Trabalhamos com 215 usuários através do método aleatório simples, utilizando métodos científicos de observação, análise e síntese. As respostas ao inquérito permitiram atribuir um grau de realização em: muito adequado, adequado, pouco adequado e inadequado, bem como sempre, quase sempre e nunca. Critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram levados em consideração. Resultados: 51,2% consideraram o tratamento do pessoal de saúde muito adequado, apenas 32,6% consideraram adequado o estado geral da infraestrutura, 44,2% concordaram com a medicação prescrita. Quanto às informações prestadas, 37,7% consideraram-nas sempre corretas e compreensíveis. 69% disseram que voltariam ao centro novamente. Em geral, 37% e 29% dos utentes descreveram a qualidade dos cuidados nos serviços de saúde prestados como neutra e negativa. Conclusões: Ficou evidente a insatisfação com a assistência à saúde entre os usuários do Centro de Saúde Tajamar. Recomenda-se a realização de uma intervenção para melhorar a qualidade do atendimento na referida unidade de saúde.

Caracterización de lesiones cutáneas asociadas al uso de equipos de protección individual e infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus en personal sanitario en la lucha contra el Covid-19 / Characterization of skin lesions associated with the use of personal protective equipment and Staphylococcus aureus infections in health personnel in the fight against Covid-19

La pandemia por Covid-19 ha marcado cambio en paradigma de la atención médica, generando la necesidad del uso de equipo de protección individual (EPI), para salvaguardar la salud. Lo que ha originado manifestaciones cutáneas secundarias asociadas al uso de los mismos. Se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal con el objetivo de caracterizar las lesiones cutáneas asociadas al uso de EPI e infecciones por Staphylococcusaureus en 283 enfermeros, el diagnóstico dermatológico fue realizado por especialistas; el cultivo bacteriológico se realizó a partir de hisopados de algodón estériles o frotis de aposición sobre la lesión de piel. Para el aislamiento del género Staphylococcus, las muestras se sembraron en agar salino manitol rojo de fenol, incubándose de 24 a 48 horas a 37°C. La identificación de S. aureus se efectúo por la fermentación del manitol en el agar selectivo, la reacción positiva de la prueba de la coagulasa. El S. aureus se diferenció del Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo con el empleo de la prueba de la Dnasa. Se precisó LC-EPI en 75,618% de los enfermeros, de los cuales 92,523% presentaron síntomas sugestivos a infección bacteriana secundaria, ratificada en su totalidad por cultivo microbiológico, identificando a S. aureus. Se estimó que más del 60% de las LC-EPI eran de presentación única catalogada grado I, afectando mayormente las regiones: orbitaria, temporal, nasal, infraorbitaria y frontal, asociándose con el uso de lentes/protectores faciales, gorros y mascarillas como causantes de las lesiones. Se recomienda la definición de protocolos de prevención de LC-EPI(AU)

The Covid-19 pandemic has marked a paradigm shift in medical care, generating the need for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard health. This has caused secondary skin manifestations associated with their use. A descriptive cross-sectional investigation was carried out with the objective of characterizing the skin lesions associated with the use of PPE and Staphylococcus aureus infections in 283 nurses. The dermatological diagnosis was made by specialists; the bacteriological culture was performed using sterile cotton swabs or apposition smears on the skin lesion. For the isolation of the genus Staphylococcus, the samples were seeded in phenol red mannitol saline agar, incubating for 24 to 48 hours at 37°C. The identification of S. aureus was carried out by the fermentation of mannitol in the selective agar, the positive reaction of the coagulase test. S. aureus was differentiated from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus using the DNase test. LC-EPI was required in 75.618% of the nurses, of which 92.523% presented symptoms suggestive of secondary bacterial infection, fully confirmed by microbiological culture, identifying S. aureus. It was estimated that more than 60% of the LC-EPI were of a single presentation classified as grade I, mainly affecting the regions: orbital, temporal, nasal, infraorbital, and frontal, associated with the use of glasses/face protectors, hats, and masks as causes of the injuries. The definition of LC-EPI prevention protocols is recommended(AU)

Microwave Imaging in Breast Cancer - Results from the First-In-Human Clinical Investigation of the Wavelia System.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Microwave Breast Imaging (MBI) is an emerging non-ionising technology with the potential to detect breast pathology. The investigational device considered in this article is a low-power electromagnetic wave MBI prototype that demonstrated the ability to detect dielectric contrast between tumour phantoms and synthetic fibroglandular tissue in preclinical studies. Herein, we evaluate the MBI system in the clinical setting. The capacity of the MBI system to detect and localise breast tumours in addition to benign breast pathology is assessed. Secondly, the safety profile and patient experience of this device is established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female patients were recruited from the symptomatic unit to 1 of 3 groups: Biopsy-proven breast cancers (Group-1), unaspirated cysts (Group-2) and biopsy-proven benign breast lesions (Group-3). Breast Density was determined by Volpara VDM (Volumetric Density Measurement) Software. MBI, radiological, pathological and histological findings were reviewed. Subjects were surveyed to assess patient experience. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients underwent MBI. 24 of these were included in final data analysis (11 Group-1, 8 Group-2 and 5 Group-3). The MBI system detected and localised 12 of 13 benign breast lesions, and 9 out of the 11 breast cancers. This included 1 case of a radiographically occult invasive lobular cancer. No device related adverse events were recorded. 92% (n = 23) of women reported that they would recommend MBI imaging to other women. CONCLUSION: The MBI system detected and localized the majority of breast lesions. This modality may have the potential to offer a non-invasive, non-ionizing and painless adjunct to breast cancer diagnosis. Further larger studies are required to validate the findings of this study.

Efectividad de la educación sanitaria para la prevención de enfermedades diarreicas agudas / Effectiveness of health education for the prevention of acute diarrheal diseases

En investigaciones similares se ha reportado un grado de desconocimiento respecto a las enfermedades diarreicas agudas en los padres de grupos de riesgo. Varias investigaciones han abordado el tema de la educación sanitaria como factor determinante en la prevención de enfermedades. Las políticas de salud, están obligadas a mantener vigentes las estrategias de prevención efectivas y proponer una búsqueda continua y exhaustiva de nuevas políticas que ayuden a desterrar la EDA de las principales causas de morbilidad en grupos vulnerables. El desafío actual es atenuar los determinantes sociales y atender a la población con factores de riesgo. En esta revisión se evaluó y sistematizó publicaciones en busca de pruebas de la efectividad de la educación sanitaria en la prevención de la enfermedad diarreica aguda(AU)

Similar investigations have reported a degree of ignorance regarding acute diarrheal diseases in parents of risk groups. Several investigations have addressed the issue of health education as a determining factor in disease prevention. Health policies are obliged to keep effective prevention strategies in force and propose a continuous and exhaustive search for new policies that help banish ADD from the main causes of morbidity in vulnerable groups. The current challenge is to mitigate the social determinants and care for the population with risk factors. In this review, we evaluated and systematized publications looking for evidence of the effectiveness of health education in the prevention of acute diarrheal disease(AU)

Factores de riesgo de infección por VPH en estudiantes universitarios de Guayaquil / Risk factors for HPV infection in university students in Guayaquil

La infección por VPH constituye un grave problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Aunque las investigaciones sobre VPH han girado en torno del diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la prevención de las infecciones en las mujeres, se ha reportado que la mayor parte de los estudiantes universitarios desconoce con certeza la clínica, manejo y tratamiento de esta infección y prácticas de prevención contra el VPH e, incluso, la mayoría de las universitarias nunca se realizado la prueba de Papanicolaou. Se evaluaron los factores de riesgo de infección por VPH (virus del papiloma humano) en estudiantes universitarios de Guayaquil. El estudio reveló que la prevalencia de infección por VPH en los estudiantes que reportaron no poseer información sobre la infección por VPH fue significativamente mayor ya que permanecen en un estado de baja percepción de riesgo de contagio(AU)

HPV infection is a serious public health problem worldwide. Although research on HPV has revolved around the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections in women, it has been reported that most university students are unaware of the clinical signs, management, and treatment of this infection, and of health practices. prevention against HPV and even the majority of university students have never had a Pap smear. Risk factors for HPV (human papillomavirus) infection in university students from Guayaquil were evaluated. The study revealed that the prevalence of HPV infection in students who reported not having information about HPV infection was significantly higher since they remain in a state of low perception of risk of contagion(AU)

Leishmaniasis cutánea americana: Índices epidemiológicos en Valle Hermoso de la provincia Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas / American cutaneous leishmaniasis: Epidemiological indices in Valle Hermoso, Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas province

Las leishmaniasis son causadas por aproximadamente 15 especies de protozoos del género Leishmania. Prevalecen en áreas tropicales y subtropicales del Viejo y Nuevo Mundo, la movilidad humana también los convierte en un problema médico en áreas no endémicas. Las manifestaciones clínicas pueden comprender formas cutáneas que pueden ser localizadas. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento varían según las manifestaciones clínicas, el área geográfica y la especie involucrada. Este artículo destaca aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos en la provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador. Se utilizaron fichas clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes que presentaron lesiones ulceradas o no, con un tiempo de evolución igual o mayor a 2 semanas. El mayor número de casos están entre los grupos sucesivos de adolescentes de 11 a 19 años y los adultos jóvenes entre 20 y 39 años. El 81,79% de los positivos procedían de áreas rurales o periurbanas. Dos terceras partes de los pacientes eran masculinos. Hubo predominio de lesiones únicas (87,79%); ubicadas en cuello y región cervical, y extremidades inferiores (24,84 y 24,20%, respectivamente). Cerca del 88% de los pacientes no presentaron ningún tipo de sintomatología asociada a la infección parasitaria. El 97,86% de los diagnósticos de laboratorio fueron por observación microscópica directa. 81,80% obtuvieron cura total de las lesiones y el 22% de los pacientes abandonaron la terapia antiparasitaria. Se requieren pruebas rápidas y accesibles que puedan definir las especies de Leishmania, ya que la discriminación tiene una importancia significativa para el pronóstico y tratamientos específicos de la especie(AU)

Leishmaniases are caused by approximately 15 species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania. They prevail in tropical and subtropical areas of the Old and New World human mobility also makes them a medical problem in nonendemic areas. Clinical manifestations may comprise cutaneous forms that may be localized. Diagnosis and treatment vary according to the clinical manifestations, geographic area, and species involved. This article highlights epidemiological and clinical aspects in the province of Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador. Clinical and epidemiological records of patients who presented ulcerated lesions or not, with an evolution time equal to or greater than 2 weeks were used. The largest numbers of cases are between the successive groups of adolescents from 11 to 19 years old and young adults between 20 and 39 years old. 81.79% of the positives came from rural or peri-urban areas. Two thirds of the patients were male. There was a predominance of single lesions (87.79%); located in the neck and cervical region, and lower extremities (24.84 and 24.20%, respectively). About 88% of the patients did not present any type of symptomatology associated with the parasitic infection. 97.86% of laboratory diagnoses were by direct microscopic observation. 81.80% obtained complete cure of the lesions and 22% of the patients abandoned antiparasitic therapy. Rapid and accessible tests that can define Leishmania species are required, as discrimination is of significant importance for species-specific prognosis and treatment(AU)

The Wavelia Microwave Breast Imaging system-tumour discriminating features and their clinical usefulness.

OBJECTIVE: The Wavelia Microwave Breast Imaging (MBI) system, based on non-ionising imaging technology, has demonstrated exciting potential in the detection and localisation of breast pathology in symptomatic patients. In this study, the ability of the system to accurately estimate the size and likelihood of malignancy of breast lesions is detailed, and its clinical usefulness determined. METHODS: Institutional review board and Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) approval were obtained. Patients were recruited from the symptomatic unit to three groups; breast cancer (Group-1), unaspirated cysts (Group-2) and biopsied benign lesions (Group-3). MBI, radiological and histopathological findings were reviewed. MBI size estimations were compared with the sizes determined by conventional imaging and histopathology. A Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) classifier was trained in a 3D feature space to discriminate malignant from benign lesions. An independent review was performed by two independent breast radiologists. RESULTS: 24 patients (11 Group-1, 8 Group-2 and 5 Group-3) underwent MBI. The Wavelia system was more accurate than conventional imaging in size estimation of breast cancers. The QDA accurately separated benign from malignant breast lesions in 88.5% of cases. The addition of MBI and the Wavelia malignancy risk calculation was deemed useful by the two radiologists in 70.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: The results from this MBI investigation demonstrate the potential of this novel system in estimating size and malignancy risk of breast lesions. This system holds significant promise as a potential non-invasive, comfortable, and harmless adjunct for breast cancer diagnosis. Further larger studies are under preparation to validate the findings of this study. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study details the potential of the Wavelia MBI system in delineating size and malignancy risk of benign and malignant breast lesions in a symptomatic cohort. The usefulness of the Wavelia system is assessed in the clinical setting.

On-Site Validation of a Microwave Breast Imaging System, before First Patient Study.

This paper presents the Wavelia microwave breast imaging system that has been recently installed at the Galway University Hospital, Ireland, for a first-in-human pilot clinical test. Microwave breast imaging has been extensively investigated over the last two decades as an alternative imaging modality that could potentially bring complementary information to state-of-the-art modalities such as X-ray mammography. Following an overview of the main working principles of this technology, the Wavelia imaging system architecture is presented, as are the radar signal processing algorithms that are used in forming the microwave images in which small tumors could be detectable for disease diagnosis. The methodology and specific quality metrics that have been developed to properly evaluate and validate the performance of the imaging system using complex breast phantoms that are scanned at controlled measurement conditions are also presented in the paper. Indicative results from the application of this methodology to the on-site validation of the imaging system after its installation at the hospital for pilot clinical testing are thoroughly presented and discussed. Given that the imaging system is still at the prototype level of development, a rigorous quality assessment and system validation at nominal operating conditions is very important in order to ensure high-quality clinical data collection.