Functional differences between Andean oak (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl.) populations: The importance of intraspecific variation.

Monodominant tree communities can have phenotypic trait variation (intraspecific variation) as extreme as the trait variation across a forest with higher species diversity. An example of such forests is those composed of Quercus, an important genus of woody angiosperms in the montane neotropical forest. The Andean oak, or Quercus humboldtii Bonpl., is the sole member of this genus in South America and a characteristic component of montane ecosystems. Although there are several studies on the ecology and genetic structure of this species, there are few studies on the functional trait diversity among populations. Understanding functional traits can improve our comprehension of how organisms respond to various environmental conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate differences in six functional traits in individuals of the Andean oak, in two ontogenetic stages (juveniles and adults) from three populations with contrasting environmental conditions. Additionally, using T-statistics, we assessed the impact of external filters (e.g., climate, resource availability, large-scale biotic interactions) on population assembly. We found a remarkable level of functional differentiation among Andean oak forests, with all traits differing between populations and five traits differing between ontogenetic stages. External filters had a stronger influence in populations with more extreme environmental conditions. These findings emphasize the dynamic and context-dependent nature of functional traits in this species. However, given the limited exploration of functional diversity in Andean oak populations, further studies are needed to inform conservation efforts.

African polyvalent antivenom can maintain pharmacological stability and ability to neutralise murine venom lethality for decades post-expiry: evidence for increasing antivenom shelf life to aid in alleviating chronic shortages.

INTRODUCTION: Antivenom is a lifesaving medicine for treating snakebite envenoming, yet there has been a crisis in antivenom supply for many decades. Despite this, substantial quantities of antivenom stocks expire before use. This study has investigated whether expired antivenoms retain preclinical quality and efficacy, with the rationale that they could be used in emergency situations when in-date antivenom is unavailable. METHODS: Using WHO guidelines and industry test requirements, we examined the in vitro stability and murine in vivo efficacy of eight batches of the sub-Saharan African antivenom, South African Institute for Medical Research polyvalent, that had expired at various times over a period of 30 years. RESULTS: We demonstrate modest declines in immunochemical stability, with antivenoms older than 25 years having high levels of turbidity. In vitro preclinical analysis demonstrated all expired antivenoms retained immunological recognition of venom antigens and the ability to inhibit key toxin families. All expired antivenoms retained comparable in vivo preclinical efficacy in preventing the lethal effects of envenoming in mice versus three regionally and medically important venoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides strong rationale for stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators and health authorities, to explore the use of expired antivenom more broadly, to aid in alleviating critical shortages in antivenom supply in the short term and the extension of antivenom shelf life in the longer term.

How to fill the biodiversity data gap: Is it better to invest in fieldwork or curation?

Data gaps and biases are two important issues that affect the quality of biodiversity information and downstream results. Understanding how best to fill existing gaps and account for biases is necessary to improve our current information most effectively. Two current main approaches for obtaining and improving data include (1) curation of biological collections, and (2) fieldwork. However, the comparative effectiveness of these approaches in improving biodiversity data remains little explored. We used the Flora de Bogotá project to study the magnitude of change in species richness, spatial coverage, and sample coverage of plant records based on curation versus fieldwork. The process of curation resulted in a decrease in species richness (synonym and error removal), but it significantly increased the number of records per species. Fieldwork contributed to a slight increase in species richness, via accumulation of new records. Additionally, curation led to increases in spatial coverage, species observed by locality, the number of plant records by species, and localities by species compared to fieldwork. Overall, curation was more efficient in producing new information compared to fieldwork, mainly because of the large number of records available in herbaria. We recommend intensive curatorial work as the first step in increasing biodiversity data quality and quantity, to identify bias and gaps at the regional scale that can then be targeted with fieldwork. The stepwise strategy would enable fieldwork to be planned more cost-effectively given the limited resources for biodiversity exploration and characterization.

Analysis of commercially available snake antivenoms reveals high contents of endotoxins in some products.

As injectable therapeutics, snake antivenoms must meet specifications for endotoxin content. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test was used to evaluate the endotoxin content in several commercially available antivenoms released for clinical use. It was found that some products have endotoxin concentrations higher than the accepted limit for these contaminants. These results emphasize the need to include endotoxin determination as part of the routine evaluation of antivenoms by manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

Variable thermal plasticity of leaf functional traits in Andean tropical montane forests.

Tropical montane forests (TMFs) are biodiversity hotspots and provide vital ecosystem services, but they are disproportionately vulnerable to climate warming. In the Andes, cold-affiliated species from high elevations are being displaced at the hot end of their thermal distributions by warm-affiliated species migrating upwards from lower elevations, leading to compositional shifts. Leaf functional traits are strong indicators of plant performance and at the community level have been shown to vary along elevation gradients, reflecting plant adaptations to different environmental niches. However, the plastic response of such traits to relatively rapid temperature change in Andean TMF species remains unknown. We used three common garden plantations within a thermosequence in the Colombian Andes to investigate the warming and cooling responses of key leaf functional traits in eight cold- and warm-affiliated species with variable thermal niches. Cold-affiliated species shifted their foliar nutrient concentrations when exposed to warming, while all other traits did not significantly change; contrastingly, warm-affiliated species were able to adjust structural, nutrient and water-use efficiency traits from acquisitive to conservative strategies in response to cooling. Our findings suggest that cold-affiliated species will struggle to acclimate functional traits to warming, conferring warm-affiliated species a competitive advantage under climate change.

The utility of limited Spanish proficiency in interpreted genetic counseling sessions.

Professional interpreters are an integral component of healthcare for Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Research has demonstrated that errors in interpretation are common and can contribute to poor outcomes for Spanish-speaking clients. Providers with some Spanish proficiency may be able to detect clinically significant interpretation errors, potentially limiting negative clinical outcomes and helping to reduce health disparities for clients with LEP. This study aimed to identify the level of Spanish proficiency necessary for genetic counselors to be able to detect a majority of clinically significant errors made by a professional interpreter during a reproductive genetic counseling session. Practicing genetic counselors and genetic counseling graduate students were surveyed regarding their Spanish language background, experience working with interpreters, and self-rated Spanish proficiency. Participants then watched short video clips from three simulated reproductive genetic counseling sessions conducted with a professional interpreter and were tasked with identifying clinically significant interpretation errors. Survey responses were analyzed from 118 participants who met eligibility criteria. Participants who reported "basic" and "fair" Spanish proficiency detected an average of 36.5% and 67% of clinically significant errors, respectively. Those reporting "good" proficiency or higher detected more than 80% of errors. Overall self-rated Spanish proficiency was positively correlated with years of Spanish language education and individual measures of speaking, listening, and reading proficiency, indicating that self-report may be a reasonable measure of proficiency when the goal is error detection in an interpreted session. Genetic counselors with even minimal Spanish proficiency can detect clinically significant interpretation errors, allowing for the correction of these errors during the session. Genetic counselors with "basic" and "fair" may consider genetic counseling-specific Spanish language classes to increase their proficiency to be able to detect a majority of interpretation errors and thereby improve the quality of care and reduce health disparities for Spanish-speaking clients.

Anthropometric profile and body composition of the Mexican olympic beach volleyball team / Perfil antropométrico y composición corporal de la selección olímpica mexicana de voleibol de playa

SUMMARY: The present research corresponds to a cross-sectional descriptive study in the anthropometric field, which allows coaches to develop standards to identify talent and optimize training in the discipline of beach volleyball. Its objective was to define the anthropometric profile and body composition of the Mexican Olympic beach volleyball teams in both sexes. The participants were couples one and two of Mexico in both sexes (defined by FIVB ranking), 4 women and 4 men with average age of 30.25±6.85 and 27.25±7.36 years. The technique used was Heath-Carter´s somatotype method and the anthropometric profile restricted ISAK protocol. Among the findings resulting from the research, unification can be observed in the male morphological characteristics (triceps skinfold, front thigh skinfold, calf skinfold, circumference of relaxed and contracted arm, waist, hip, femur diameter and BMI), as for the somatotype, both sexes of Mexican couples are positioned in mesomorphs-balanced. In relation to other studies consulted, balance in somatotype and muscular development is observed with high performance teams. Weight and height, as well as age, are important variables for the selection of talent and future optimal performance in world and professional volleyball.

La presente investigación corresponde a un estudio descriptivo transversal en el campo antropométrico, que permite a los entrenadores desarrollar estándares para identificar talentos y optimizar el entrenamiento en la disciplina de voleibol de playa. Su objetivo fue definir el perfil antropométrico y la composición corporal de las selecciones olímpicas mexicanas de voleibol de playa en ambos géneros. Los participantes fueron las parejas uno y dos de México en ambos géneros (definidos por ranking Fédération Internationale de Volleyball), 4 mujeres y 4 hombres con edad promedio de 30.25±6.85 y 27.25±7.36 años. La técnica utilizada fue el método del somatotipo de Heath-Carter y el protoolo ISAK del perfil antropométrico restringido. Entre los hallazgos resultantes de la investigación, se puede observar una unificación en las carácteristicas morfológicas masculinas (pliegue cuatáneotricipital, pliegue cutáneo anterior del muslo, pliegue citáneo de la pantorrila, circunferencia del brazo relajado y contraído, cintura, cadera, diámetro del fémur e IMC), en cuanto al somatotipo, ambos sexos de las parejas mexicanas se posicionan en mesomorfos-equilibrados. En relación a otros estudios consultados, se observa equilibrio en somatotipo y desarrollo muscular con equipos de alto rendimiento. El peso y la altura, así como la edad, son variables importantes para la selección del talento y en el futuro desempeño óptimo en el voleibol mundial y profesional.

"Advocating for what we need": A CBPR approach to advance care planning in the Latinx older adult community.

BACKGROUND: Advance care planning (ACP) is low among Latinx older adults. We used community-based participatory research (CBPR) to identify ACP barriers/facilitators and design community-based ACP events. METHODS: In partnership with community-based organizations, clinicians, and local government, we formed a Latinx Community Committee (n = 13 community members). We then conducted 6 focus groups with Latinx-identifying, English or Spanish-speaking older adults (age ≥ 55), caregivers, and community leaders to assess ACP barriers/facilitators. We analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis and, based on these learnings, designed and implemented community-based ACP events. Using a validated survey, we assessed acceptability and pre-to-post-event ACP readiness (4-point scale; 4 = most ready; 0.2 change considered meaningful) with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Focus groups included 10 Spanish-speaking older adults, 8 caregivers, and 10 community leaders. Themes highlighted the importance of ACP (e.g., means of advocacy), barriers (e.g., how to start conversations), and facilitators (e.g., trusted community spaces) in the Latinx community. Ninety-seven people attended 5 events targeting 3 Latinx populations (LGBTQI+, intergenerational, and older adults broadly). Overall pre-to-post-event ACP readiness increased (2.62 (SD 0.97) to 2.95 (SD 0.93); p = 0.05). Readiness to document wishes increased significantly (2.44 (SD 1.0) to 2.98 (SD 0.95); p = 0.003). Most reported being comfortable attending events (85%) and would recommend them to others (90%). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a feasible, acceptable, and effective CBPR ACP intervention. Co-developed community events represent a promising approach to reducing disparities in ACP among the Latinx population.

Longevity and Mechanism of Heterosubtypic Protection Induced by M2SR (M2-Deficient Single-Replication) Live Influenza Virus Vaccine in Mice.

Seasonal influenza and the threat of global pandemics present a continuing threat to public health. However, conventional inactivated influenza vaccines (IAVs) provide little cross-protective immunity and suboptimal efficacy, even against well-matched strains. Furthermore, the protection against matched strains has been shown to be of a short duration in both mouse models and humans. M2SR (M2-deficient single-replication influenza virus) is a single-replication vaccine that has been shown to provide effective cross-protection against heterosubtypic influenza viruses in both mouse and ferret models. In the present study, we investigated the duration and mechanism of heterosubtypic protection induced by M2SR in a mouse model. We previously showed that M2SR generated from influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) significantly protected C57BL/6 mice against lethal challenge with both influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1, homosubtypic) and influenza A/Aichi/2/1968 (H3N2, heterosubtypic), whereas the inactivated influenza vaccine provided no heterosubtypic protection. The homosubtypic protection induced by M2SR was robust and lasted for greater than 1 year, whereas that provided by the inactivated vaccine lasted for less than 6 months. The heterosubtypic protection induced by M2SR was of a somewhat shorter duration than the homosubtypic protection, with protection being evident 9 months after vaccination. However, heterosubtypic protection was not observed at 14 months post vaccination. M2SR has been shown to induce strong systemic and mucosal antibody and T cell responses. We investigated the relative importance of these immune mechanisms in heterosubtypic protection, using mice that were deficient in B cells or mice that were depleted of T cells immediately before challenge. Somewhat surprisingly, the heterosubtypic protection was completely dependent on B cells in this model, whereas the depletion of T cells had no significant effect on survival after a lethal heterosubtypic challenge. While antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been demonstrated to be important in the response to some influenza vaccines, a lack of Fc receptors did not affect the survival of M2SR-vaccinated mice following a lethal challenge. We examined the influenza proteins targeted by the heterosubtypic antibody response. Shortly after the H1N1 M2SR vaccination, high titers of cross-reactive antibodies to heterosubtypic H3N2 nucleoprotein (NP) and lower titers to the stalk region of the hemagglutinin (HA2) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins were observed. The high antibody titers to heterosubtypic NP persisted one year after vaccination, whereas the antibody titers to the heterosubtypic HA2 and NA proteins were very low, or below the limit of detection, at this time. These results show that the intranasal M2SR vaccine elicits durable protective immune responses against homotypic and heterosubtypic influenza infection not seen with intramuscular inactivated vaccines. Both the homo- and heterosubtypic protection induced by the single-replication vaccine are dependent on B cells in this model. While the homosubtypic protection is mediated by antibodies to the head region of HA, our data suggest that the heterosubtypic protection for M2SR is due to cross-reactive antibodies elicited against the NP, HA2, and NA antigens that are not targeted by current seasonal influenza vaccines.

Niveles de ruido generados en procedimientos realizados en una facultad de odontología / Noise levels of dental equipment used in a dental school

Introducción: Los profesionales del área de odontología se ven expuestos a diferentes tipos de ruidos generados en el ambiente laboral producidos durante el ejercicio de su práctica clínica, originados, entre otros, por el instrumental y los aparatos rotatorios de uso diario. Estos niveles de ruido pueden variar de acuerdo a la especialidad clínica. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de ruido producido durante los procedimientos odontológicos en las clínicas de una facultad de odontología. Material y Métodos: A partir de un estudio de corte transversal analítico y mediante muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia se realizó el reconocimiento de las unidades en las especialidades odontológicas a evaluar. Se usó un sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nivel de frecuencia A, rango 30-130 dB, exactitud más o menos 1,5 dB. Se utilizaron las pruebas U de Mann Whitney y Kruskal Wallis para determinar diferencias en los niveles de ruido entre las especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: La mediana del nivel de ruido medido en general fue de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 ­ 77,51), la especialidad clínica en la que mayor ruido se identificó fue la operatoria dental (mediana 77,34 y RIC 76,44 ­79,4 dB). Conclusiones: las áreas clínicas operatoria dental, rehabilitación, endodoncia y odontopediatría corresponden a las especialidades donde los niveles de ruido determinados se ajustan a los límites permitidos por la normatividad vigente en Colombia para el ruido medido en ambiente laboral.

Introduction: Dental professionals are exposed to different noise levels in their work environment during their clinical practice, mainly caused by dental instruments and rotary instruments used on a daily basis. Noise levels may vary according to the type of clinical specialty. Objective: To determine noise levels during dental procedures in dental school clinics. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by means of non-probability convenience sampling to determine dental specialties to be evaluated. BENETECH GM1352 30-130dB Digital Sound Level Meter with accuracy +/- 1.5 dB and A weighting was used for measurements. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to identify differences in noise levels among dental specialties. Results: Measured median noise level was 75.94 dB (RCI 74.21 -77.51), dental surgery was identified to have the highest noise among clinical specialties (median 77.34 and RCI 76.44 -79.4 dB). Conclusions: Dental surgery, oral rehabilitation, endodontics and pediatric dentistry were found to be the clinical specialties where noise exposure is within the limits established by Colombian regulations for noise in the workplace.

Introdução: Os profissionais da área da odontologia estão expostos a diferentes tipos de ruído gerado no ambiente de trabalho produzido durante o exercício da sua prática clínica, proveniente, entre outros, de instrumentos e aparelhos rotativos em uso diário. Estes níveis de ruído podem variar de acordo com a especialidade clínica. Objetivo: Determinar o nível de ruído produzido durante procedimentos odontológicos nas clínicas de uma escola de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Com base em um estudo analítico transversal e por meio de amostragem por conveniência não probabilística, foram levantadas as unidades das especialidades odontológicas a serem avaliadas. Foi utilizado um sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nível de frequência A, faixa de medição 30-130 dB, precisão mais ou menos 1,5 dB. Os testes U de Mann Whitney e Kruskal Wallis foram usados para determinar as diferenças nos níveis de ruído entre as especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: O nível de ruído médio medido globalmente foi de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 - 77,51), sendo que a especialidade clínica em que foi identificado o maior ruído foi a cirurgia dentária (média 77,34 e RIC 76,44 -79,4 dB). Conclusões: as áreas clínicas de cirurgia dentária, reabilitação, endodontia e odontologia pediátrica correspondem às especialidades onde os níveis de ruído determinados estão de acordo com os limites permitidos pela regulamentação em vigor na Colômbia para o ruído medido no ambiente de trabalho.

Comparison of adjuvant emulsions for their safety and ability to enhance the antibody response in horses immunized with African snake venoms.

Adjuvant emulsions are widely used to enhance the antibody response in animals used as immunoglobulin source to produce snake antivenoms. We tested the performance of four commercial emulsion adjuvants (Montanide, Freund, Carbigen, and Emulsigen-D) and an experimental adjuvant (QH-769) in the antibody response of horses towards venoms of the African snakes Bitis arietans, Echis ocellatus, Dendroaspis polylepis and Naja nigricollis. Montanide, Freund and Carbigen adjuvants generated the highest immune response but induced moderate/severe local lesions at the site of injection. In contrast, Emulsigen-D and QH-769 adjuvants generated the lowest immune response and low incidence of local lesions. No evidence of systemic alterations was observed in the horses immunized with any of the adjuvants. It is suggested that the use of Montanide or Freund-based emulsions in the first immunization steps, followed by the use of Emulsigen-D, QH-769 or similar adjuvants in the following injections, could result in a satisfactory immune response against snake venoms, while not inducing serious local deleterious effects.

Exploring the Interactions between Housing and Neighbourhood Environments for Enhanced Child Wellbeing: The Lived Experience of Parents Living in Areas of High Child Poverty in England, UK.

Children's health can be affected by the interrelated characteristics of the physical and social environment where they live, including housing quality, neighbourhood characteristics and the local community. Following a systems-based approach, this exploratory project sought to understand how the needs and aspirations associated with the home environment can work in synergy with, or be exacerbated by, other aspects of the local area. The study recruited parents of children aged 2-12 years old from two local authorities in England with high levels of child poverty: Tower Hamlets in East London, and Bradford District in West Yorkshire. Thematic analysis of participant interviews highlighted ten themes and opportunities for improvements. The evidence presented in this research emphasises how environmental quality issues within and outside the home, compounded further by delays in repairs and reduction in service standards, as well as affordability issues, are likely to deeply affect the wellbeing of an entire generation of disadvantaged children whose parents can feel disempowered, neglected and often isolated when attempting to tackle various dimensions of inequalities. Interventions which can improve the quality of housing, and access to space and services, are urgently needed, including initiatives to support and empower families and local communities, especially those prioritising opportunities for action.

Lessons from an international trial evaluating vaccination strategies for recovered inpatients with COVID-19 (VATICO).

The protection provided by natural versus hybrid immunity from COVID-19 is unclear. We reflect on the challenges from trying to conduct a randomized post-SARS-CoV-2 infection vaccination trial study with rapidly evolving scientific data, vaccination guidelines, varying international policies, difficulties with vaccine availability, vaccine hesitancy, and a constantly evolving virus.

Pharmacogenetics of Metformin Transporters Suggests No Association with Therapeutic Inefficacy among Diabetes Type 2 Mexican Patients.

Mexico has been under official epidemiological alert due to diabetes since 2016. This study presents new information on the frequency and variants of metformin transporters OCT1, OCT2, OCT3, ABCB1, and CYP2C9 variants as well. It also reports the association with HbA1c control on 103 DMT2 patients. They were genotyped through real-time PCR (TaqMan assays) and grouped according to treatment: metformin and metformin + glibenclamide. Metformin plasmatic levels were determined through mass spectrometry. The analysis of HbA1c showed statistical significance across genotypes in polymorphisms rs72552763 (p = 0.022), rs622342 (p = 0.009), rs1128503 (p = 0.021), and rs2032582 (p = 0.009) within the monotherapy group. Bivariate analysis found no association between any polymorphism and HbA1c control. Two logistic regression models accounted for two diplotypes in OCT1 and ABCB1, including statistically significant covariates. The first model yielded significance in age (p = 0.026), treatment period [p = 0.001], BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.043), and combined therapy (p < 0.001). There was no association with GAT/GAT of rs72552763 or A/A rs622342 in OCT1. The second model yielded significance in age (p = 0.017), treatment period (p = 0.001), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.042), and combined therapy (p < 0.001), finding no association with C/C of rs1128503 or G/G of rs2032582 in ABCB1. Our multinomial logistic regression results may benefit future predictive analyses in diabetic populations.

Nothingness Is All There Is: An Exploration of Objectless Awareness During Sleep.

Recent years have seen a heightened focus on the study of minimal forms of awareness during sleep to advance the study of consciousness and understand what makes a state conscious. This focus draws on an increased interest in anecdotical descriptions made by classic Indian philosophical traditions about unusual forms of awareness during sleep. For instance, in the so-called state of witnessing-sleep or luminosity sleep, one is said to reach a state that goes beyond ordinary dreaming and abide in a state of just awareness, a state in which one is not aware of anything else other than one's own awareness. Moreover, for these traditions, this state is taken to be the essence or background of consciousness. Reports on such a state opens the door to exciting new lines of research in the study of consciousness, such as inquiry into the so-called objectless awareness during sleep-states of awareness that lack an ordinary object of awareness. In this two-staged research project, we attempted to find the phenomenological blueprints of such forms of awareness during sleep in 18 participants by conducting phenomenological interviews, informed by a novel tool in qualitative research, the micro-phenomenological interview (MPI) method. Following a phenomenological analysis, we isolated a similar phase across 12 reported experiences labeled as "nothingness phase" since it described what participants took to be an experience of "nothingness." This common phase was characterized by minimal sense of self-a bodiless self, yet experienced as being "somewhere"-, the presence of non-modal sensations, relatively pleasant emotions, an absence of visual experience, wide and unfocused attention, and an awareness of the state as it unfolded.

Shaping Pathways to Child Health: A Systematic Review of Street-Scale Interventions in City Streets.

Street-level built environment factors, for example, walking infrastructure, building density, availability of public transport, and proliferation of fast-food outlets can impact on health by influencing our ability to engage in healthy behaviour. Unhealthy environments are often clustered in deprived areas, thus interventions to improve the built environments may improve health and reduce inequalities. The aim of this review was to identify whether street-level built environment interventions can improve children's health in high income countries. A secondary aim was to describe key built environment elements targeted in interventions and research gaps. A systematic review of published literature was conducted by a multi-disciplinary team. Ten intervention papers were included. Physical activity or play was the only health outcome assessed. Most interventions described temporary changes including closure of streets to traffic (N = 6), which were mainly located in deprived neighbourhoods, or the addition of technology to 'gamify' active travel to school (N = 2). Two studies reported permanent changes to street design. There was limited evidence that closing streets to traffic was associated with increases in activity or play and inconclusive evidence with changes to street design and using technology to gamify active travel. Our ability to draw conclusions was hampered by inadequate study designs. Description of interventions was poor. Rigorous evaluation of built environment interventions remains challenging. We recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to evaluation, explicit reporting of built environment indicators targeted in interventions and offer solutions to others working in this area.

Dimensiones de personalidad y consumo de alcohol en trabajadores de una empresa de seguridad privada / Personality dimensions and alcohol consumption in workers of a private security company

El estudio realizado fue no experimental correlacional de corte transversal con enfoque cuantitativo, en una población de 100 trabajadores de seguridad de una empresa en la ciudad de Quito, que desempeñaban funciones de guardias de seguridad. Los datos se recolectaron mediante dos instrumentos validados: cuestionario factorial de personalidad 16PF-V y el test AUDIT (por sus siglas en inglés: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Los rasgos de riesgo más observa-dos fueron: imperturbable-con poca ansiedad (52%) e introvertido-socialmente inhibido (49%), el 79% de los participantes no mostró dificultades con el consumo de alcohol. El nivel de consumo de alcohol se correlacionó positiva y estadísticamente significativa con la dimensión de personalidad ansiedad. Se destaca la necesidad de dar seguimiento constante a esta problemática y generar estrategias preventivas y de afrontamiento al respecto.

The research was non-experimental, correlational and cross-sectional with a quantitative approach. The population consisted of 100 security workers of a company who performed func-tions of security guards in the city of Quito. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the 16PF-V factorial personality questionnaire and the AUDIT test (for its acronym in English: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). The most observed risk traits were: unper-turbed, with little anxiety (52%) and introverted, socially inhibited (49%), 79% of the partici-pants did not show difficulties with alcohol consumption. The level of alcohol consumption was positively correlated and statistically significant with the anxiety personality dimension. Moni-toring this problem and generating preventive and coping strategies in this regard is highlighted

Impacto de la edad gestacional en la gravedad de la infección por Sars-CoV-2 en personas gestantes, en un hospital del conurbano bonaerense / Impact of gestational age on the severity of Sars-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people, in a hospital in the Buenos Aires surroundings

ntroducción: La información sobre la evolución de la infección por COVID-19 en personas gestantes (PG) continúa en desarrollo.Objetivos: Describir la presentación de la infección por Sars-CoV-2 en PG y determinar variables asociadas a mayor gravedad.Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Periodo: 01/03/2020-31/07/2021. Se incluyeron PG con diagnóstico de COVID-19 asistidas en una maternidad de gestión pública: se clasificaron según gravedad y se dividieron en dos grupos: Grup o1 leve y de manejo ambulatorio; Grupo 2 moderado, severo y crítico, con internación. Se analizó la relación entre gravedad y obesidad, DBT, hipertensión inducida por el embarazo (HIE), edad gestacional, edad materna, vacunación antigripal. Recién nacidos (RN) de madres infectadas se estudiaron con PCR para Sars-CoV-2 24-48 hs postnacimiento. Análisis estadístico: Chi-cuadrado o test exacto de Fisher. Significancia= p<0,05. Aprobado porComité Ética Institucional.Resultados: 52 PG con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Edadmediana 29,6 años. Grupo 1: 29 PG (55,5%). Grupo 2: 23 PG(44%), 19 (36,5%) moderados, 2 (4%) severos y 2 (4%) críticos. No hubo fallecimientos maternos ni fetales. Edad gestacional ≥ 28 semanas fue la única variable asociada a mayor gravedad,p=0,00004. 48% de los embarazos finalizaron por cesárea.48/52 RN fueron estudiados con PCR para Sars-CoV-2, siendo 1 (2%) positivo (fue el único RN sintomático).Conclusiones: La infección por COVID-19 en PG se asoció a presentaciones clínicas más graves cuando la infecciónse cursó en el tercer trimestre de gestación y se asociócon mayor incidencia de cesáreas

ntroduction: The information concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection in pregnant people (PP) continues to be established.Aim: to describe the evolution of the Sars-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people and to determine variables associated with clinical severity.Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational study. Period: 01-03-2020 to 31-07-2021. We included PP with diagnosis of COVID-19, assisted in a public maternity hospital. The cases were classified according to clinical severity based on the NIH guidelines. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: mild (ambulatory manage-ment). Group 2: moderate, severe and critical (requiring hospitalization). The relationship between variables and clinical severity was analyzed. Variables studied: obesity, DBT, gestational hypertension, gestational age, maternal age, influenza vaccination. Newborns of infected mothers were studied with PCR for Sars-CoV-2 24 to 48 hours af-ter birth. Statistical analysis: Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, significance = p <0.05. Study approved by the Institu-tional Ethics Committee.Results: 52 PP with diagnosis of COVID-19 were includ-ed. Median age 29.6 years. 23 patients (44%) required hospitalization and 2 (4%) MRA (mechanical respiratory assistance). 29 (55.5%) were mild, 19 (36.5%) moderate, 2 (4%) severe, and 2 (4%) critical. There were no mater-nal or fetal deaths. Gestational age ≥ 28 weeks was the only variable associated with more severe clinical forms, p = 0.0001. 48% of the pregnancies ended by cesarean section. 48/52 newborns were studied with PCR for Sars-CoV-2, with only 1 (2%) being positive. This was the only symptomatic newborn.Conclusions: In our study, Sars-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was associated with more severe clinical pre-sentations when the infection occurred in the 3rd trimes-ter of pregnancy. COVID-19 was also associated with a higher incidence of ter

Síndrome coronario agudo en el servicio de emergencias del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST como parte del síndrome coronario agudo, es una afección frecuente que cursa con una elevada mortalidad. En los últimos años, las enfermedades cardiovasculares han constituido la primera causa de muerte en Cuba, y en 2018 lo fueron en la provincia de Matanzas. Objetivo: caracterizar la morbimortalidad de los pacientes atendidos con síndrome coronario agudo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal, descriptivo de 106 pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de síndrome coronario agudo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Emergentes del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas, en 2019. Resultados: 83 % de los pacientes llegaron en trasporte sanitario a la Unidad de Emergencia. El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 70 a 79 años (28,30 %). Predominó el sexo masculino, con 51,89 %. El síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST prevaleció sobre el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST, en un total de 58 pacientes. El mayor número de casos se diagnosticó en los meses de invierno y en horas de la mañana. Prevaleció el tratamiento trombolítico en las primeras seis horas de iniciados los síntomas. Se demostró la desaparición del dolor y la regresión de los cambios electrocardiográficos como resultados de la reperfusión. Las arritmias malignas constituyeron la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes no trombolizados. Conclusiones: el uso de la trombólisis en servicios de emergencias disminuyó la mortalidad en las primeras horas, por enfermedades cardiovasculares, en la provincia de Matanzas en 2019.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myocardium infarct with elevation of the ST segment as a part of the acute coronary syndrome, is a frequent disease that causes a high mortality. In the last years, cardiovascular diseases have constituted the first cause of death in Cuba, and in 2018 they were in the province of Matanzas. Objective: to characterize morbidity and mortality in patients attended with acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in 106 patients admitted with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the Unit of Emergent Intensive Care of the Teaching Clinical-surgical Hospital Comandante Faustino Perez Hernandez, of Matanzas, in 2019. Results: 83 % of patients arrived in sanitary transportation to the Emergency Unit. The most affected age group was the one aged 70-79 years (28.30 %). Male sex predominated, with 51.89 %. Acute coronary syndrome with elevation of ST segment prevailed over the acute coronary syndrome without elevation of the ST segment, in a total of 58 patients. The biggest number of cases was diagnosed in the winter months and in the morning. Thrombolytic treatment prevailed in the first six hours after the beginning of the symptoms. There it was demonstrated the disappearance of the pain and the regression of the electrocardiographic changes as a result of the reperfusion. Malignant arrhythmias were the main causes of death in non thrombolyzed patients. Conclusions: the use of thrombolysis in emergency services diminished mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases in the first hours in the province of Matanzas in 1919.

Percepción sobre la sexualidad en los estudiantes universitarios / Perception about sexuality in university students

La sexualidad es un aspecto esencial para los seres humanos, su estudio incluye términos tales como: sexo, identidades y papeles de género, erotismo, placer, intimidad, reproducción y orientación sexual. La investigación realizada tuvo un enfoque cualitativo, de tipo observacional descriptiva y corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 40 estudiantes mayores de 18 años, los que estuvieron emitieron su conformidad con ser parte del estudio y estaban matriculados en la carrera de Psicología Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Ecuador, en el año 2020. La recolección de los datos fue mediante una entre-vista. En los participantes, el 67,5% perteneció al género femenino, el 92,5% se declaró con orientación sexual heterosexual, 97,5% solteros/as. La mayoría conceptualizó adecuadamente la sexualidad, con algunas confusiones en categorías que lo componen. El ambiente marcado por mitos morales y religiosos generó pensamientos y conductas reprimidas, discriminatorias y equivocadas. La aceptación de la sexualidad se apreció difusa.

Sexuality is an essential aspect for human beings, its study includes terms such as: sex, gender identities and roles, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, reproduction, and sexual orientation. This research was qualitative, descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional approach. The popula-tion was made up of 40 students over 18 years of age, who agreed to be part of the study and were enrolled in the Clinical Psychology major, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Chimborazo, Ecuador, in the year 2020. The data was collected through an interview. Among the participants, 67.5% belonged to the female gender, 92.5% declared themselves to be hetero-sexual sexual orientation, and 97.5% single. Most adequately conceptualized sexuality, with some confusion in its component categories. The environment marked by moral and religious myths generated repressed, discriminatory and wrong thoughts and behaviors. Acceptance of sexuality was diffuse.