Farmland expansion and intensification do not foster local food self-sufficiency. Insights from the Mediterranean area.

Bridging the gap between the micro and the macro scale in modelling food security to inform context-specific regionalised policies remains a major scientific challenge. A better understanding of the relations between global and local drivers impacting local food self-sufficiency (LFSS) is essential. We applied to the whole Mediterranean environmental area (Southern and Northern) a modelling framework for structural estimates (PLS-PM) using qualitative and quantitative methods to combine local-level information from field surveys and participatory workshops with global-level data. Our findings show that farmland expansion and intensification spatially disconnected from urban consumption areas do not appear to foster LFSS. On the other hand, public policies appear key to enhancing LFSS in the Mediterranean area if appropriate to the particular regional context. We outline how this multi-level modelling methodology can contribute to a place-based approach by informing context-specific regionalised policies aimed at food security.

First detection of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, infecting potato in the central region of Colombia.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs; Globodera spp.) cause significant losses in worldwide cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) crops. In Colombia, PCN was first reported in 1970 (Baeza 1972), although this report lacked a comprehensive species description and diagnosis. After that, G. pallida has been the only PCN species reported affecting potatoes in the main producing regions of Colombia (Evans et al. 1975; Nieto et al. 1983; Vallejo et al. 2021). However, in the survey conducted by Vallejo et al. (2021), a single sample from Chocontá, Cundinamarca in the central region of the country (N 5,22396046668291, W -73,6571338400244) showed molecular characters similar to G. rostochiensis. As correct identification is essential for effective pest management, the location was re-sampled in September 2022. From the soil samples collected, PCN cysts and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were retrieved from soil using Fenwick and centrifugation methods, respectively. Morphometric characters of cysts (n = 53) were consistent with G. rostochiensis, with a length without neck (L) ranging from 451 to 614 µm (X̅ = 546.9 ± 20.3 µm), width (W) from 424 to 658 µm (X̅ = 546.9 ± 25.5 µm) and L/W ratio was 1.00 ± 0.02. Distance from anus to vulva varied from 41 to 109 µm (X̅ =75.67 ± 13.8 µm), Granek's ratio from 2.3 to 5.5 µm (X̅ = 3.89 ± 0.7 µm), and the number of cuticular ridges between the vulva and the anus were 14 to 20 (X̅ = 16.19 ± 1.7). The second-stage juvenile (n = 90) length ranged from 394 to 547 µm (X̅ = 495.62 ± 31.0 µm), the stylet length varied from 18 to 24 µm (X̅ = 21.21 ± 0.9 µm) with rounded knobs. The length of the hyaline tail ranged from 20 - 31 µm (X̅ = 24.09 ± 1.92) and the true tail from 31- 56 µm (X̅ = 48.30 ± 5.71 µm). Molecular analyses confirmed morphological identification. DNA was extracted from cysts and J2s. PCR was performed for the 28S rDNA D2-D3 segment using primers D2A and D3B (Subbotin et al. 2006), and for the mitochondrial COI gene region using primers JB3 and JB5 (Derycke et al. 2005). BLAST analyses of target 28S rDNA D2-D3 sequences (OP293373-OP293380) showed 100% identity of the 658 bp to other sequences on Genbank, including isolates from Turkey, United Kingdom, and Iran (MK311329.1, MG994942.1, KU297659.1, and KU297658.1). Similarly, the target COI region sequences (OP297993-OP298001) were 100% identical to the 407 bp of G. rostochiensis POT01 isolate from Germany, and 99.75% identical to voucher NRM67 from Indonesia, and isolate CD2200 from USA (MF773722.1, MT240262.1, and MN095979.1). Phylogenetic analysis of both gene regions strongly supported G. rostochiensis, with the Colombian sequences clustering with MH399815.1, and KU297654.1 isolates for the COI and 28S regions, respectively (Fig. 1S). In addition, a pathogenicity test was conducted in the greenhouse. For this, ten cysts were inoculated to potato plants of Criolla variety grown in 5 pots of 15 cm diameter with sterile soil and sand (1:1). Noninoculated plants served as controls (three replicates each). After three months, 54 ± 23 cysts/100 g of soil were isolated from inoculated plants (Fig. 2S), resulting in a reproduction factor (R=Pf/Pi) of 4.54 ± 0.86, while no yellow females or cysts were observed on the control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of G. rostochiensis in Colombia. This is an important pest that causes serious yield losses of potatoes and is a quarantine nematode in many countries (EPPO 2017). Further studies are necessary to prevent the spread of this PCN species in the main producing potato regions of Colombia.

Geological context and human exposures to element mixtures in mining and agricultural settings in Colombia.

Anthropogenic and natural sources contribute to chemical mixtures in air, water, and soil, posing potential risks to the environment and human health. To understand the interplay between element profiles in the human body, geographical location, and associated economic activities, we carried out an observational analytic cross-sectional study. The study recruited 199 participants from three municipalities, two of which had gold-mining as their primary economic activity, while the other was dedicated to agricultural and other local activities not related to mining. The concentrations of a total of 30 elements in human hair samples and 21 elements in environmental soil samples were measured using various spectrometry techniques. Unsupervised clustering analysis using Self-Organizing Maps was applied to human hair samples to analyze element concentrations. Distinct clusters of individuals were identified based on their hair element profiles, which were mapped to geographical location and economic activities. While higher levels of heavy metals (Ag, As, Hg, and Pb) were observed in individuals engaged in mining activities in certain clusters, individuals in agricultural areas show higher concentrations of elements found in pesticides (Ba and Sr). However, the elemental composition of hair is influenced not only by the anthropogenic activities but also by the inherent geological context where people live. Our findings highlight the significance of accounting for environmental factors when evaluating human health risks, as the intricate mixture of elements can yield valuable insights for targeted health interventions.

Physiotherapy in palliative medicine: patient and caregiver wellness.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the demonstrated efficacy of physiotherapy in palliative care programmes, there are scarce data of its real-life impact on patients' and caregivers' wellness and stress. Our aim was to assess effectiveness of a 30-day physiotherapy programme in psychological wellness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with advanced chronic diseases or cancer and in their caregivers' stress. METHODS: Quasiexperimental before-after study applying personalised kinesitherapy, exercise with curative effects, respiratory physiotherapy, therapeutic massages and ergotherapy. Psychological wellness, HRQoL and caregiver's strain outcomes were measured. RESULTS: 207 patients (60% men, with a mean age of 73.6±12 years) were included; 129 (62.3%) with advanced cancer, and the remaining 78 with advanced chronic diseases. Psychological wellness (Emotional Stress Detection Tool decreased from 12.4±3 to 11±3; p<0.0001), caregiver's strain (Caregiver Strain Index decreased from 8.5±3.2 to 7.9±3.5; p<0.0001) and HRQoL (WHO-BREF physical health domain increased from 8.3±2.6 to 9.4±2.9; p<0.0001) showed a significant improvement after the physiotherapy programme. Global satisfaction with the physiotherapy intervention was also high (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 of 28.3±3.3 points). CONCLUSIONS: A personalised physiotherapy programme incorporated to integral palliative care improved psychological wellness, HRQoL and caregivers' strain of patients with advanced chronic diseases and cancer.

Regularidades y tendencias del proceso de evaluación por portafolio en la carrera de Medicina

Introducción: El uso del portafolio para el aprendizaje y la evaluación ha surgido, en los últimos años, como herramienta en los procesos formativos al adoptarse una nueva y renovada visión sobre la enseñanza, el aprendizaje desarrollador y la evaluación educativa. Objetivo: Describir las regularidades y tendencias del proceso de evaluación por portafolio de las asignaturas de la carrera de Medicina en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna", Pinar del Río, Cuba, entre enero de 2021 y julio de 2021. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, con la utilización de métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos, en los cuales el universo coincidió con la muestra representada por 60 profesionales docentes de la carrera de Medicina de dicha facultad. Se analizaron documentos normativos relacionados con el proceso de evaluación de las asignaturas médicas, especialmente, la evaluación por portafolio, así como el estado de opinión de profesores sobre la pertinencia de esta modalidad de evaluación. Resultados: Se consideró baja la dimensión cognitiva-procedimental al tenerse en cuenta que la mayoría de los indicadores fueron evaluados de bajo, debido a las dificultades presentadas respecto al dominio de los conocimientos, habilidades y ventajas del objeto de estudio de la investigación. Conclusiones: La concepción de la evaluación por portafolio, como proceso formativo en función del logro del aprendizaje desarrollador en los alumnos y un resultado desde lo instructivo, educativo e interdisciplinario, muestra insuficiencias y por ello es necesario comprender que el uso de esta herramienta constituye para el docente un medio de enseñanza y para los estudiantes un recurso para aprender construyendo.

Introduction: The use of a portfolio for learning and evaluation has emerged in recent years, as a tool for training processes in the new and renewed vision of teaching, developmental learning and educational evaluation. Objective: Describe regularities and tendencies in the portfolio assessment process used in the Medicine career at the Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna", Pinar del Río, Cuba, between January 2021 and July 2021. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, using theoretical, empirical and statistical methods, in which 60 professor from the over mentioned Faculty of Medicine were selected as universe and sample. Normative documents related to the evaluation process of medical subjects were analyzed, especially, the portfolio assessment, as well as the opinion expressed by professors concerning this evaluation modality. Results: The cognitive-procedural dimension was considered low taking into account that most of the indicators were evaluated as low, due to the difficulties presented with respect to the mastery of knowledge, skills and advantages of the aim proposed in the research. Conclusions: In this case, the use of the portfolio assessment as a formative process in terms of in students' achievements and learning process and in terms of result from the instructional, educational and interdisciplinary aspects, shows insufficiencies. Therefore, it is necessary to understand that the use of this tool constitutes for the professors a means of teaching and for the students a resource for learning by building.

Introdução: O uso do portfólio para aprendizagem e avaliação tem surgido, nos últimos anos, como uma ferramenta nos processos de formação ao adotar uma nova e renovada visão de ensinar, desenvolver a aprendizagem e a avaliação educacional. Objetivo: Descrever as regularidades e tendências do processo de avaliação por portfólio das disciplinas da carreira de Medicina da Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Guevara de la Serna", Pinar del Río, Cuba, entre janeiro de 2021 e julho de 2021. Método: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo e transversal, utilizando métodos teóricos, empíricos e estatísticos, em que o universo coincidiu com a amostra representada por 60 profissionais docentes da carreira de Medicina da referida faculdade. Foram analisados os documentos normativos relacionados ao processo avaliativo das disciplinas médicas, em especial a avaliação por portfólio, bem como a opinião dos docentes sobre a relevância dessa modalidade de avaliação. Resultados: A dimensão cognitivo-processual foi considerada baixa ao se levar em conta que a maioria dos indicadores foi avaliada como baixa, devido às dificuldades apresentadas quanto ao domínio de conhecimentos, habilidades e vantagens do objeto de estudo da investigação. Conclusões: A concepção da avaliação de portfólio, como um processo formativo baseado na conquista do desenvolvimento da aprendizagem nos alunos e resultado dos aspectos instrutivo, educacional e interdisciplinar, mostra insuficiências e por isso é necessário entender que o uso de esta ferramenta constitui para o professor um meio de ensino e para os alunos um recurso para aprender construindo.

Diagnóstico de la superación en farmacovigilancia de productos naturales en Servicios Farmacéuticos, en Pinar del Río / Analysis of the training in pharmacovigilance of natural products in Pharmaceutical Services, Pinar del Rio

RESUMEN Introducción: la superación en farmacovigilancia de los produtos naturales es importante para el conocimiento y habilidades en el desempeño de los profesionales en servicios farmacéuticos comunitario por su vínculo en el desarrollo científico en la identificación, cuantificación, manejo de la documentación, vigilancia y reporte de reacciones adversas de los produtos tradicionales. Objetivo: diagnosticar el estado actual de la superación en farmacovigilancia de los productos naturales dirigidos a profesionales en servicios farmacéuticos en Pinar del Río en el periodo de enero de 2019 a marzo de 2020 Métodos: se realizó una investigación desarrollo de tipo educacional en los profesionales en servicios farmacéuticos en Pinar del Río. El universo lo constituyeron 78 profesionales, y la muestra seleccionada correspondió a 58 profesionales en los servicios farmacéuticos. Se utilizó como método general el dialéctico materialista, como métodos teóricos, histórico lógico, como métodos empíricos las encuesta, el análisis documental, la entrevista y la observación. En los métodos estadísticos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva. Resultados: según las necesidades de aprendizaje se encontró insuficiente en un 93,10 %, la utilización de la documentación fue bajo en un 65,5 % y el nivel de superación fue baja en un 75,86 %. Conclusiones: se constató la insuficiente preparación que existe en los profesionales de servicios farmacéuticos en farmacovigilancia de los productos naturales y déficit en la utilización de la cuantificación, evaluación y notificación de las reacciones adversas de los productos naturales.

ABSTRACT Introduction: training in pharmacovigilance of natural products is important for developing knowledge and skills in the performance of professionals in the community pharmaceutical services, because of its link in the scientific development, identification, quantification, documentation management and observation as well as reporting adverse reactions of traditional products. Objective: to analyze the current status of the training in pharmacovigilance of natural products aimed at professionals of the pharmaceutical services in Pinar del Rio during January 2019 to March 2020. Methods: a development-educational type research was carried out among professionals in pharmaceutical services in Pinar del Rio. The target group comprised 78 professionals, and the chosen sample corresponded to 58 professionals in pharmaceutical services. The general method applied was the dialectical materialist, along with historical-logical as theoretical methods; the empirical methods were the survey, documentary analysis, interview and observation. Results: considering the learning needs, it was found that 93,10 % as insufficient, the use of documents was low in 65,5 % and the level of training was low in 75,86 %. Conclusions: the insufficient training of professionals from the pharmaceutical services qualified to carry out pharmacovigilance of natural products and the deficit in the application of quantification, evaluation and reports of adverse reactions of natural products were proved.

Capacitación en ensayos clínicos. Cienfuegos 2004-2018

RESUMEN Fundamento: los profesionales de la salud deben estar adecuadamente calificados para desempeñar sus funciones como investigadores. En Cienfuegos se han impartido varios cursos para capacitar al personal en ensayos clínicos, lo cual permite elevar la calidad de este tipo de investigación. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de la capacitación del personal de salud en la temática de ensayos clínicos durante el periodo desde 2004 hasta 2018 en la provincia Cienfuegos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo sobre los cursos impartidos en Cienfuegos en el periodo comprendido desde 2004 hasta 2018. Se consultó la documentación legislada por secretaria docente de postgrado para la impartición de cursos. Se analizaron las variables: cursos impartidos, años en que se impartieron, investigadores capacitados, lugar de procedencia y profesión. Resultados: se impartieron 46 cursos, de ellos 19 para la capacitación de investigadores clínicos. Se capacitaron 366 investigadores, de los cuales 283 (77,3 %) pertenecen a la atención secundaria y 83 (22,7 %) a la atención primaria de salud. Entre los años 2013 y 2017 se alcanzaron las mayores cifras: 30 cursos y 163 investigadores capacitados para un el 46, 2 %. Según su profesión, el 52, 5 % son médicos y el 21,9 % son enfermeros. Conclusiones: en Cienfuegos se capacitó al personal que participó en la ejecución de ensayos clínicos; con mayor representación en el personal médico y de enfermería de la atención secundaria en relación al número de ensayos clínicos que se ejecutan en este nivel del sistema de salud.

ABSTRACT Background: Health professionals must be adequately qualified to perform their duties as investigators. In Cienfuegos, several courses have been given to train staff in clinical trials, which allows raising the quality of this type of research. Objective: Describe the behavior of the training of health personnel on the subject of clinical trials in the period from 2004 to 2018 in the province of Cienfuegos. Methods: Descriptive study on the courses taught in Cienfuegos in the period from 2004 to 2018. The documentation legislated by the postgraduate teaching secretary for the delivery of courses was consulted. The variables were analyzed: courses taught, years in which they were taught, researchers trained, place of origin and profession. Results: 46 courses were given, of them 19 for the training of clinical investigators. 366 researchers were trained, of which 283 (77.3%) belong to secondary care and 83 (22.7%) to primary health care. In the study period, it was identified that between 2013 and 2017 higher figures were reached, 30 courses and 163 trained researchers for 46.2%. According to their profession, 52.5% are doctors and 21.9% are nurses. Conclusions: In Cienfuegos, the personnel who participated in the execution of clinical trials were trained; with greater representation in the medical and nursing staff of secondary care in relation to the number of clinical trials carried out at this level of the health system.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of cyst nematode species (Globodera spp.) associated with potato crops in Colombia.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) from the genus Globodera spp. cause major losses in the potato (Solanum tuberosum) industry worldwide. Despite their importance, at present little is known about the status of this plant pathogen in cultivated potatoes in Colombia. In this study, a total of 589 samples collected from 75 geographic localities in nine potato producing regions of Colombia (Cundinamarca, Boyacá, Antioquia, Nariño, Santander, Norte de Santander, Tolima, Caldas and Cauca) were assayed for the presence of potato cyst nematodes. Fifty-seven percent of samples tested positive for PCN. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the rRNA gene and D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene, all populations but one were identified as Globodera pallida. Sequences of G. pallida from Colombia formed a monophyletic group closely related to Peruvian populations, with the lowest average number of nucleotide substitutions per site (Dxy = 0.002) and net nucleotide substitutions per site (Da = 0.001), when compared to G. pallida populations from Europe, South and North America. A single sample formed a well-supported subclade along with G. rostochiensis and G. tabacum from Japan, USA and Argentina. To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive survey of Globodera populations from Colombia that includes genetic data. Our findings on species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Globodera populations from Colombia may help elucidate the status and distribution of Globodera species, and lead to the development of accurate management strategies for the potato cyst nematodes.

Los antibióticos y su impacto en la sociedad / Antibiotics and their impact on society

RESUMEN La introducción de los antibióticos en el siglo pasado ha sido uno de los ejemplos que brinda la historia de intervenciones médicas que cambiaron drásticamente la esperanza de vida de la población. La época dorada de los antibióticos, cuando la aparición de nuevas moléculas era lo habitual, ha dado paso a otra de sequía, en la que es raro el desarrollo de este grupo farmacológico debido al largo período de tiempo que requieren las investigaciones de nuevos fármacos, su elevado costo y al aumento de las exigencias regulatorias. Este progreso médico ganado en décadas pasadas, está amenazado por el aumento de la resistencia de las bacterias a los antibióticos; constituye un grave riesgo mundial por lo que requiere una mayor atención y la coherencia a nivel internacional, nacional y regional. La resistencia bacteriana tiene un gran impacto microbiológico, terapéutico, económico, epidemiológico y en la salud pública; cuesta dinero, medios de subsistencia, vidas humanas y amenaza con socavar la eficacia de los programas de atención a la salud. La presente revisión bibliográfica propone reflexionar sobre los aspectos más significativos del desarrollo de los antibióticos y su impacto en la sociedad.

ABSTRACT The introduction of antibiotics in the last century has been one of the examples that history provides of medical interventions that drastically changed the life expectancy of the population. The golden age of antibiotics, where the appearance of new molecules was what usual, has given way to another of drought, in which the development of this pharmacological group is rare due to the long period of time required for research into new drugs, their high cost and the increase in regulatory requirements. This medical progress gained in past decades is threatened by the increase in the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, constituting a serious global risk for which it requires greater attention and coherence at the international, national and regional levels. Bacterial resistance has a great microbiological, therapeutic, economic, epidemiological and public health impact; it costs money, livelihoods, human lives, and threatens to undermine the effectiveness of health care programs. This bibliographic review proposes to reflect on the most significant aspects of the development of antibiotics and their impact on society.

Glutathione-related genetic polymorphisms are associated with mercury retention and nephrotoxicity in gold-mining settings of a Colombian population.

Mercury (Hg) vapor can produce kidney injury, where the proximal tubule region of the nephron is the main target of the Hg-induced oxidative stress. Hg is eliminated from the body as a glutathione conjugate. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in glutathione-related genes might modulate the negative impact of this metal on the kidneys. Glutathione-related SNPs were tested for association with levels of Hg and renal function biomarkers between occupationally exposed (n = 160) and non-exposed subjects (n = 121). SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan assays in genomic DNA samples. Total mercury concentration was measured in blood, urine and hair samples. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the effects of SNPs on quantitative traits. Alleles GCLM rs41303970-T and GSTP1 rs4147581-C were significantly overrepresented in the exposed compared with the non-exposed group (P < 0.01). We found significant associations for GCLM rs41303970-T with higher urinary clearance rate of Hg (ß = 0.062, P = 0.047), whereas GCLC rs1555903-C was associated with lower levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the non-exposed group (eGFR, ß = - 3.22, P = 0.008) and beta-2-microglobulin in the exposed group (ß-2MCG, ß = - 19.32, P = 0.02). A SNP-SNP interaction analysis showed significant epistasis between GSTA1 rs3957356-C and GSS rs3761144-G with higher urinary levels of Hg in the exposed (ß = 0.13, P = 0.04) but not in the non-exposed group. Our results suggest that SNPs in glutathione-related genes could modulate the pathogenesis of Hg nephrotoxicity in our study population by modulating glutathione concentrations in individuals occupationally exposed to this heavy metal.

Impact of measurable residual disease by decentralized flow cytometry: a PETHEMA real-world study in 1076 patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

The role of decentralized assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) for risk stratification in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains largely unknown, and so it does which methodological aspects are critical to empower the evaluation of MRD with prognostic significance, particularly if using multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC). We analyzed 1076 AML patients in first remission after induction chemotherapy, in whom MRD was evaluated by MFC in local laboratories of 60 Hospitals participating in the PETHEMA registry. We also conducted a survey on technical aspects of MRD testing to determine the impact of methodological heterogeneity in the prognostic value of MFC. Our results confirmed the recommended cutoff of 0.1% to discriminate patients with significantly different cumulative-incidence of relapse (-CIR- HR:0.71, P < 0.001) and overall survival (HR: 0.73, P = 0.001), but uncovered the limited prognostic value of MFC based MRD in multivariate and recursive partitioning models including other clinical, genetic and treatment related factors. Virtually all aspects related with methodological, interpretation, and reporting of MFC based MRD testing impacted in its ability to discriminate patients with different CIR. Thus, this study demonstrated that "real-world" assessment of MRD using MFC is prognostic in patients at first remission, and urges greater standardization for improved risk-stratification toward clinical decisions in AML.

Utilización de antibióticos en una población del municipio Cienfuegos / Use of antibiotics in a Cienfuegos municipality population

RESUMEN Fundamento: el uso de antibióticos es frecuentemente excesivo e inadecuado, lo cual puede producir efectos desfavorables. Objetivo: caracterizar la utilización de antibióticos en una población urbana del municipio de Cienfuegos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio exploratorio, retrospectivo en el que fueron encuestadas 164 personas mayores de 18 años a las que se aplicó una encuesta con las siguientes variables a estudiar: características sociodemográficas; si utilizó antibióticos en los últimos seis meses, quién se lo recetó o sugirió, fármaco que utilizó, enfermedad contra la que lo tomó, en que momento deja de consumirlos, si tenía hábitos de automedicación y el conocimiento acera de las consecuencias negativas de tales acciones. Resultados: 148 personas (90, 2 %) declararon haber utilizado antibióticos en los últimos seis meses, el fármaco que más refirieron consumir fue amoxacilina (29, 7 %); la amigdalitis (31,7 %) fue la principal afección que motivó el consumo de los antibióticos y el momento en que el paciente dejó de consumirlo fue cuando le orientó su médico (66,2 %). El mayor porciento de la utilización fue por prescripción médica (75,7 %); un 23,7 % se automedicó y las personas que más lo hicieron fueron del sexo femenino (71,4 %) y con un nivel entre preuniversitario (34,3 %) y universitario (51,4 %). Conclusiones: el alto consumo de antibióticos, su utilización en infecciones virales, la automedicación y el incumplimiento del tratamiento indicado son prácticas irracionales, que contribuyen a incrementar los efectos negativos de los antibióticos, por lo que se requiere ampliar las campañas divulgativas, dirigidos a la modificación de estas conductas en la población y en el personal sanitario encargado de prescribir estos medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Background: the use of antibiotics is frequently excessive and inappropriate, which can produce adverse effects. Objective: to characterize the use of antibiotics in the Cienfuegos municipality urban population. Methods: an exploratory, retrospective study was carried out in which 164 people over 18 years of age were surveyed and this survey was applied with the following variables to study: sociodemographic characteristics; If you used antibiotics in the last six months, who prescribed or suggested it, drug used, disease against which you took it, when did you stop taking them, if you had self-medication habits and knowledge about the negative consequences of such actions. Results: The 148 people (90, 2%) declared having used antibiotics in the last six months, the drug that they most reported consuming was amoxacillin (29, 7%); Tonsillitis (31.7%) was the main condition that motivated the use of antibiotics and the moment the patient stopped taking it was when he was advised by his doctor (66.2%). The highest percentage of use was by medical prescription (75.7%); the 23.7% self-medicated and the people who did it the most were female (71.4%) and with a level between pre-university (34.3%) and university (51.4%). Conclusions: the high consumption of antibiotics, their use in viral infections, self-medication and unfulfillment with the indicated treatment are irrational practices, which contribute to increase the negative effects of antibiotics, for which it is necessary to expand the informative campaigns, aimed at the modification of these behaviors in the population and in the health staff in charge of prescribing these drugs.

Candelilla Wax Edible Coating with Flourensia cernua Bioactives to Prolong the Quality of Tomato Fruits.

The improvement of the postharvest quality of tomato fruits was evaluated using an edible coating functionalized with an Flourensia cernua extract evaluating the antifungal, structural, barrier, and optical properties. The formulation and evaluation of an edible coating and its application on tomato was evaluated using a response surface methodology to determine the ideal concentrations of candelilla wax, whey protein, and glycerol. Edible films showed good barrier properties, with water vapor permeability varying from 0.435-0.404 g mm/m2 day kPa. The addition o F. cernua extract showed significant improvement in the transparency of films. The edible coating applied to tomato reduced weight and firmness loss. The sensory evaluation proved that the product obtained is acceptable for consumers. The edible coating added with F. cernua extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi and the visual appearance at the end of storage confirmed the beneficial effect of the edible coating.

Impact of Olive Extract Addition on Corn Starch-Based Active Edible Films Properties for Food Packaging Applications.

Active edible films based on corn starch containing glycerol as a plasticizer and an olive extract obtained from Spanish olive fruit (Olea europaea) by-products (olive extract; OE) at different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 wt%) were prepared by using the casting technique and further solvent-evaporation. OE showed high total phenolic and flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity, which was evaluated by using three different methods: free radical scavenging assay by (1, 1-Dipheny l-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH, 2, 2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) ABTS radical inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The incorporation of OE into the corn starch/glycerol matrix underlined the antioxidant potential and antimicrobial effect against E. coli and S. aureus of these novel active films, being noticeable for films added with 0.2 wt% OE. The developed active films showed a clear thermo-oxidative stability improvement with OE incorporation, in particular at 0.2 wt% loading with an increase of around 50 °C in the initial degradation temperature (Tini) and oxidation onset temperature (OOT). The functional properties of control films were also improved with OE addition resulting in a decrease in Young's modulus, elongation at break, shore D hardness and water vapor permeability. The present work suggested the potential of the developed corn starch-based edible films as low-price and sustainable food packaging systems to prevent the oxidative deterioration of packaged foodstuff while reducing also the generation of olive by-products.

Genetic Polymorphisms in Multispecific Transporters Mitigate Mercury Nephrotoxicity in an Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Community in Colombia.

In artisanal and small-scale gold mining, occupational exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor is related to harmful effects on several organs, including the kidneys. We previously reported significantly increased levels of Hg in blood and urine despite normal kidney function in individuals from Colombia occupationally exposed to Hg compared with those nonexposed. We evaluated the contribution of 4 genetic variants in key genes encoding the transporters solute carrier (SLC; rs4149170 and rs4149182) and ATP-binding cassette(ABC; rs1202169 and rs1885301) in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity due to Hg exposure in these groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the blood- and urine-Hg concentration with SLC and ABC polymorphisms in 281 Colombian individuals (160 exposed and 121 nonexposed to Hg). We found an enrichment of ABCB1 rs1202169-T allele in the exposed group (p = .011; OR= 2.05; 95% CI = 1.18-3.58) compared with the nonexposure group. We also found that carriers of SLC22A8 rs4149182-G and ABCB1 rs1202169-T alleles had a higher urinary clearance rate of Hg than noncarriers (ß = 0.13, p = .04), whereas carriers of SLC22A6 rs4149170-A and ABCB1 rs1202169-C alleles showed abnormal levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (ß = -84.96, p = .040) and beta-2-microglobulin (ß = 743.38, p < .001). Our results suggest that ABCB1 rs1202169 and its interaction with SLC22A8 rs4149182 and SLC22A6 rs4149170 could mitigate Hg nephrotoxicity by controlling the renal proximal tubule cell accumulation of inorganic Hg. This will be useful to estimate the risk of kidney toxicity associated to Hg and the genetic selection to aid adaptation to Hg-rich environments.