Influencia de la edad en el contenido de fenoles y ligninas en Gmelina arborea (Lamiaceae) / The influence of age on the phenolic contents and lignins of Gmelina arborea (Lamiaceae)

Resumen Introducción: La melina (Gmelina arborea), es una especie de gran interés por su madera y propiedades medicinales. En Costa Rica, existen clones genéticamente superiores que se propagan sin el conocimiento de la edad ontogénica y fisiológica de los materiales. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación del contenido de fenoles y ligninas en hojas, peciolos, tallos y raíces de plantas con diferentes edades. Métodos: Los contenidos de fenoles y ligninas totales se determinaron mediante el método colorimétrico de Folin-Ciocalteu y el método de extracción alcalina, respectivamente. Para la investigación se eligieron plantas in vitro "año cero" y árboles de año y medio, cuatro, siete y 20 años. El muestreo se realizó en marzo y abril del 2021. Resultados: Se demostró que todas las partes de la planta analizadas contienen compuestos fenólicos y ligninas, independientemente de su edad. No hubo una correlación positiva entre la edad con el contenido de fenoles y ligninas para ninguna condición de desarrollo, pues los valores más altos no se obtuvieron en los árboles más longevos. Los extractos de hojas de las plantas in vitro y los árboles de siete años mostraron, respectivamente, los contenidos más altos de fenoles y ligninas para todas las condiciones (P < 0.05). Los valores promedio más bajos de compuestos fenólicos para todas las condiciones se obtuvieron en los árboles de cuatro años. Respecto a las ligninas, el contenido más bajo se presentó en las raíces más longevas, aunque la tendencia no se mantuvo para el resto de las partes de la planta. Conclusiones: La investigación muestra los primeros resultados del contenido de compuestos fenólicos y ligninas presentes en diferentes tejidos de una especie forestal de edades diferentes. Por lo tanto, son los primeros valores de referencia acerca del compromiso bioquímico para la síntesis fenólica según la edad y el estado de desarrollo específico de una planta leñosa.

Abstract Introduction: Melina (Gmelina arborea) is a tree species of great interest for its wood and medicinal properties. In Costa Rica, there are genetically superior clones that are propagated without knowledge of the ontogenic and physiological age of the materials. Objective: To evaluate how age influences the content of phenols and lignins in leaves, petioles, stems, and roots of melina plants. Methods: The total phenolic and lignins contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method and alkaline extraction method, respectively. Plants of five different ages were chosen for the investigation (in vitro plants "year 0" and trees of a year and a half, four, seven and 20 years). Sampling was done in March and April 2021. Results: All parts of the plant analyzed contain phenolic compounds and lignins, regardless of their age. There was no positive correlation between age and phenol and lignin content for any development condition, since the highest values were not obtained in the oldest trees. Leaf extracts from in vitro plants and seven-year-old trees showed, respectively, the highest phenol and lignin contents for all conditions (P < 0.05). The lowest average values of phenolic compounds for all conditions were obtained in four-year-old trees. Regarding lignins, the lowest content occurred in the oldest roots, although the trend was not maintained for the rest of the plant parts. Conclusions: This study provides the first results of the content of phenolic compounds and lignins present in different tissues of a forest species of different ages. Therefore, they are the first reference values about the biochemical commitment for phenolic synthesis according to the age and the specific developmental stage of a woody plant.

First genetic evaluation of a wild population of Crocodylus intermedius: New insights for the recovery of a Critically Endangered species.

During the second third of last century, the Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) underwent a hunting process driven by the demand from the North American, European, and Japanese leather industry, resulting in a sharp decline of its populations. Currently, only two known remaining populations of this Critically Endangered species persist in the Colombian Orinoquía: in the Guayabero-Duda-Lozada and the Cravo Norte-Ele-Lipa River Systems. The latter has been the only population subject of study, including recent surveys and local conservation initiatives such as egg and hatchling ranching. Despite suggestions for population recovery based on the observed increase in clutches in the area, information regarding its genetic status has been pending assessment. This research aims to provide a genetic characterization of this remaining population and to evaluate the diversity recovered during a period of the egg ranching initiative. For this purpose, we utilized variable molecular markers, specifically 17 microsatellite loci, nuclear DNA. Despite revealing intermediate levels of genetic diversity, we identified an effective population size of 11.5-17, well below the minimum values proposed for short-term subsistence. While no evidence of inbreeding was found, it is acknowledged as a potential risk based on the population's history. Additionally, we detected a historical bottleneck possibly influenced by arid periods affecting the region since the Pleistocene. While the evaluated population presents a unique opportunity for C. intermedius conservation, it also exposes a high risk of entering the extinction vortex. The primary action to be taken is to support the egg and hatchling ranching program, which successfully recovered most of the genetic diversity present in the population.

Effect of Shoulder Movement Routine on Postoperative Shoulder Pain in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative shoulder pain is a common issue after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). This study evaluated the impact of a shoulder movement routine on postoperative shoulder pain in women undergoing uncomplicated TLH. Materials and Methods: An open-label randomized clinical trial included women without prior shoulder pain undergoing TLH between 20 January and 20 March 2024. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n = 36) received a shoulder movement routine, while Group 2 (control, n = 39) performed a hand movement routine. Shoulder pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 h, 24 h, and 7 days postoperatively. Results: Seventy-five women participated. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding demographic variables, surgery duration, or hospital stay. Shoulder pain scores (VAS) at three time points (6 h, 24 h, and 7 days) showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.57, p = 0.69, and p = 0.91, respectively). Similarly, there were no significant differences in incisional or abdominal pain. Conclusions: The shoulder movement routine did not significantly reduce postoperative shoulder pain in women undergoing uncomplicated TLH.

Temporary Target Versus Suspended Insulin Infusion in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Using the MiniMed 780G Advanced Closed-Loop Hybrid System During Aerobic Exercise: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

Aim: To compare the safety in terms of hypoglycemic events and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics during aerobic exercise (AE) of using temporary target (TT) versus suspension of insulin infusion (SII) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using advanced hybrid closed-loop systems. Methods: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial. Two moderate-intensity AE sessions were performed, one with TT and one with SII. Hypoglycemic events and CGM metrics were analyzed during the immediate (baseline to 59 min), early (60 min to 6 h), and late (6 to 36 h) post-exercise phases. Results: In total, 33 patients were analyzed (44.6 ± 13.8 years), basal time in range (%TIR 70-180 mg/dL) was 79.4 ± 12%, and time below range (%TBR) <70 mg/dL was 1.8 ± 1.7% and %TBR <54 mg/dL was 0.5 ± 0.9%. No difference was found in the number of hypoglycemic events, %TBR <70 mg/dL and %TBR <54 mg/dL between TT and SII. Differences were found in the early phase, with better values when using TT for %TIR 70-180 mg/dL (83.0 vs. 65.3, P = 0.005), time in tight range (%TITR 70-140 mg/dL) (56.3 vs. 41.5, P = 0.04), and time above range (%TAR >180 mg/dL) (15.3 vs. 31.8, P = 0.01). In the diurnal period, again %TIR was better for TT use (82.1 vs. 73.1, P = 0.02) and %TAR (15.0 vs. 22.96, P = 0.04). No significant differences were found in the CGM metrics during the different phases of AE. Conclusion: Our data appear to show that the use of TT compared with SII is equally safe in all phases of AE. However, the use of TT allows for a better glycemic profile in the early phase of exercise.

Variability in the Timing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemics in Guatemala, 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: The description of local seasonality patterns in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence is important to guide the timing of administration of RSV immunization products. METHODS: We characterized RSV seasonality in Guatemala using the moving epidemic method (MEM) with absolute counts of RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) from hospital surveillance in Santa Rosa and Quetzaltenango departments of Guatemala. RESULTS: From Week 17 of 2008 through Week 16 of 2018, 8487 ARI cases tested positive for RSV by rRT-PCR. Season onsets varied up to 5 months; early seasons starting in late May to early August and finishing in September to November were most common, but late seasons starting in October to November and finishing in March to April were also observed. Both epidemic patterns had similar durations ranging from 4 to 6 months. Epidemic thresholds (the levels of virus activity that signal the onset and end of a seasonal epidemic) calculated prospectively using previous seasons' data captured between 70% and 99% of annual RSV detections. Onset weeks differed by 2-10 weeks, and offset weeks differed by 2-16 weeks between the two surveillance sites. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics in Guatemala demonstrates the difficulty in precisely predicting the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics based on onset weeks from past seasons and suggests that maximal reduction in RSV disease burden would be achieved through year-round vaccination and immunoprophylaxis administration to at-risk infants.

Exploring the potential of tocopherols: mechanisms of action and perspectives in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Currently, breast cancer is the most common cause of mortality caused by neoplasia in women worldwide. The unmet challenges of conventional cancer therapy are chemoresistance and lack of selectivity, which can lead to serious side effects in patients; therefore, new treatments based on natural compounds that serve as adjuvants in breast cancer therapy are urgently needed. Tocopherols are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that have shown antitumor activity against several types of cancer, including breast cancer. This review summarizes the antitumoral activity of tocopherols, such as the antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-invasive, and antioxidant effects of tocopherols, through different molecular mechanisms. According to the studies described, α-T, δ-T and γ-T are the most studied in breast tumor cells; however, α-T and γ-T show a more critical antitumor activity and significant potential as a complements to chemotherapeutic drugs against breast cancer, enhancing toxicity against tumor cells and preventing cytotoxicity in nontumor cells. However, the possible relationship between tocopherol intake, related to concentration, and the promotion of cancer in particular cases should not be ruled out, so additional studies are required to determine the correct dose to obtain the desired antitumor effect. Moreover, nanomicelles of D-α-tocopherol have promising potential as pharmaceutical excipients for drug delivery to improve the cytotoxicity and selectivity of first-line chemotherapeutics against breast cancer.

Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals E6 and E7 of HPV 16 Regulate Metabolic Reprogramming in Cervical Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer through the PHD2-VHL-CUL2-ELOC-HIF-1α Axis.

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) infection is associated with several types of cancer, such as head and neck, cervical, anal, and penile cancer. Its oncogenic potential is due to the ability of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins to promote alterations associated with cell transformation. HPV 16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins increase metabolic reprogramming, one of the hallmarks of cancer, by increasing the stability of hypoxia-induced factor 1 α (HIF-1α) and consequently increasing the expression levels of their target genes. In this report, by bioinformatic analysis, we show the possible effect of HPV 16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 on metabolic reprogramming in cancer through the E6-E7-PHD2-VHL-CUL2-ELOC-HIF-1α axis. We proposed that E6 and E7 interact with VHL, CUL2, and ELOC in forming the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that ubiquitinates HIF-1α for degradation via the proteasome. Based on the information found in the databases, it is proposed that E6 interacts with VHL by blocking its interaction with HIF-1α. On the other hand, E7 interacts with CUL2 and ELOC, preventing their binding to VHL and RBX1, respectively. Consequently, HIF-1α is stabilized and binds with HIF-1ß to form the active HIF1 complex that binds to hypoxia response elements (HREs), allowing the expression of genes related to energy metabolism. In addition, we suggest an effect of E6 and E7 at the level of PHD2, VHL, CUL2, and ELOC gene expression. Here, we propose some miRNAs targeting PHD2, VHL, CUL2, and ELOC mRNAs. The effect of E6 and E7 may be the non-hydroxylation and non-ubiquitination of HIF-1α, which may regulate metabolic processes involved in metabolic reprogramming in cancer upon stabilization, non-degradation, and translocation to the nucleus.

Effects of a Multicomponent Preventive Intervention in Women at Risk of Sarcopenia: A Pilot Study.

Sarcopenia is defined by the presence of decreased skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functionality in older people. Multicomponent interventions represent an alternative to non-pharmacological treatment for preventing disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a multicomponent intervention approach in women at risk of sarcopenia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pilot study of 12 weeks was conducted, with 24 sessions of dancing and resistance exercises and 12 sessions of nutritional education. The outcomes were changes in muscle mass, grip strength, gait speed, and body composition. The project was registered on Clinical Trials: NCT06038500 (14 September 2023). RESULTS: Twelve women aged 55-75 years participated in this study; after the intervention, changes were found in the following variables: grip strength, from 18.70 (17.98-19.23) at baseline to 21.57 (20.67-23.16) kg (p = 0.002); gait speed, from 0.95 (0.81-1.18) at baseline to 1.34 (1.20-1.47) m/s (p = 0.003); and hip circumference, from 99.75 (94.75-110.37) at baseline to 97.65 (93.92-109.50) cm (p = 0.023). Other measurements that appeared without changes were appendicular skeletal muscle mass, from 21.17 (18.58-22.33) at baseline to 20.77 (18.31-22.39) kg (p = 0.875), and the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index, from 8.64 (8.08-9.35) at baseline to 8.81 (7.91-9.38) kg/m2 (p = 0.875) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The three-month multicomponent intervention in women at risk of sarcopenia improved their grip strength and gait speed.

Recommendations on the use of the flash continuous glucose monitoring system in hospitalized patients with diabetes in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Continuous glucose monitoring can improve glycemic control for hospitalized patients with diabetes, according to current evidence. However, there is a lack of consensus-established recommendations for the management of hospitalized patients with diabetes using flash continuous glucose monitoring system (fCGM) in Latin America. Therefore, this expert consensus exercise aimed to establish guidelines on the implementation of fCGM in the management of hospitalized patients with diabetes in Latin America. METHODS: The modified Delphi method was applied on a panel of nine specialists, establishing consensus at 80%. A twenty-two-question instrument was developed to establish recommendations on the use of fCGM in hospitalized patients living with diabetes. RESULTS: Based on consensus, experts recommend the use of fCGM in hospitalized patients with diabetes starting at admission or whenever hyperglycemia (> 180 mg/dl) is confirmed and continue monitoring throughout the entire hospital stay. The recommended frequency of fCGM scans varies depending on the patient's age and diabetes type: ten scans per day for pediatric patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, adult patients with type 1 diabetes and pregnant patients, and seven scans for adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Different hospital services can benefit from fCGM, including the emergency room, internal medicine departments, intensive care units, surgery rooms, and surgery wards. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fCGM is recommended for patients with diabetes starting at the time of admission in hospitals in Latin America, whenever the necessary resources (devices, education, personnel) are available.

Stress factors and food purchase prioritization during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic confinement has an impact on stress levels, which causes changes in food purchase and consumption behaviors. The objective of this study is to associate food purchase prioritization with stress level during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement. METHODS: Multicenter, observational and cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire that included data on sociodemographic variables, stress factors and food purchase prioritization was disseminated through digital platforms and social networks. RESULTS: A number of 6357 participants were included, of whom 83.6% were female, 56.3% were from the middle socioeconomic level, 71.2% had completed higher education and 78.3% had a job. At greater stress levels it was observed a higher prioritization of canned foods (Odds ratio (OR): 1.91, 95% CI: 1.56; 2.34), sweets (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06; 2.34) and flours (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25; 1.68). While lower stress levels are associated with nuts (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66; 0.85), vegetables (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72; 0.94), and fruits (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80; 1.01), after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between food purchase prioritization and stress level during the COVID-19 confinement. At greater stress levels, individuals purchase more food, both healthy and unhealthy. The later may have a negative impact on people's health, leading to or further aggravating malnutrition by excess and nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases.

Type 2 diabetes in latin America: recommendations on the flash glucose monitoring system.

OBJECTIVE: To establish recommendations through the consensus of a Latin American experts panel on the use of the flash glucose monitoring system (fCGM) in people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding the benefits and challenges of using the fCGM. METHODS: An executive committee of experts was created, comprised by a panel of fifteen physicians, including endocrinologists and internal medicine physicians, with expertise in management of adult patients with T2DM. The experts were from various countries: Colombia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. The modified Delphi method was used, considering a consensus level of at least 80% of the participants. A seventeen-item instrument was developed to establish recommendations on the use of fCGM in patients with T2DM in Latin American. RESULTS: The number of glucose scans recommended per day with the fCGM for patients managed with oral antidiabetic drugs or basal insulin was a median of 6 scans per day, and for those managed with multiple insulin doses, a median of 10 scans per day was recommended. Additionally, a holistic and individualized management approach was recommended, taking into account new treatment directions and identifying patients who would benefit from the use of the fCGM. CONCLUSION: Continuous use of the fCGM is recommended for people living with T2DM, regardless of their type of treatment. These metrics must be evaluated individually for each patient profile.

Combining anaerobic digestion slurry and different biochars to develop a biochar-based slow-release NPK fertilizer.

In this research, we developed a biochar-based fertilizer using biogas slurry and biochar derived from lignocellulosic agro-residues. Biogas slurry was obtained through the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (fresh vegetable biomass and/or prepared food), while biochars were derived from residues from quinoa, maize, rice, and sugarcane. The biochar-based fertilizers were prepared using an impregnation process, where the biogas slurry was mixed with each of the raw biochars. Subsequently, we characterized the N, P and K concentrations of the obtained biochar-based fertilizers. Additionally, we analyzed their surface properties using SEM/EDS and FTIR and conducted a slow-release test on these biochar-based fertilizers to assess their capability to gradually release nutrients. Lastly, a bioassay using cucumber plants was conducted to determine the N, P, and K bioavailability. Our findings revealed a significant correlation (r > 0.67) between the atomic O/C ratio, H/C ratio, cation exchange capacity, surface area, and the base cations concentration with N, P, and/or K adsorption on biochar. These properties, in turn, were linked to the capability of the biochar-based fertilizer to release nutrients in a controlled manner. The biochar-based fertilizer derived from corn residues showed <15 % release of N, P and K at 24 h. Utilization of these biochar-based fertilizers had a positive impact on the mineral nutrition of cucumber plants, resulting in an average increase of 61 % in N, 32 % in P, and 19 % in K concentrations. Our results underscore the potential of biochar-based fertilizers in controlled nutrient release and enhanced plant nutrition. Integration of biochar and biogas slurry offers a promising and sustainable approach for NPK recovery and fertilizer production in agriculture. This study presents an innovative and sustainable approach combining the use of biochar for NPK recovery from biogas slurry and its use as a biochar-based fertilizer in agriculture.

Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic / Inseguridad alimentaria y factores sociodemográficos en América Latina durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Insegurança alimentar e fatores sociodemográficos na América Latina durante a pandemia de COVID-19

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample popu- lation in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results. Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, house- hold with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. Conclusions. These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeco- nomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la asociación de la inseguridad alimentaria con factores sociodemográficos en una muestra de población de América Latina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal multicéntrico en diez países de América Latina mediante una encuesta en línea a través de diversas plataformas digitales, entre el 14 de octubre del 2020 y el 15 de febrero del 2021. Se realizó un análisis estadístico de los datos usando procedimientos de estadística descriptiva, la prueba ji al cuadrado y un análisis de regresión logística. Resultados. En un total de 6 357 encuestas, el 58,2% de las personas encuestadas gozaba de seguridad ali- mentaria, el 29,3% tenía una inseguridad alimentaria leve, el 9,2% una inseguridad alimentaria moderada y el 3,3% una inseguridad alimentaria grave. Por lo que respecta a la asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y las variables sociodemográficas, hay una asociación significativa para algunas de las variables estudiadas, como la zona de residencia, el nivel de estudios, la actividad laboral, el número de personas en el hogar, el hogar con menores de 10 años y el nivel socioeconómico. Conclusiones. Estos resultados indican que los factores sociodemográficos asociados a la inseguridad alimentaria durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en América Latina fueron la residencia en zonas rurales; la edu- cación primaria y secundaria completa o no; la actividad laboral (trabajo doméstico, personas desempleadas y trabajadores autónomos); el nivel socioeconómico bajo, medio bajo, y medio; el hogar con más de cuatro personas; y el hogar con menores de 10 años.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Compreender a relação entre insegurança alimentar e fatores sociodemográficos em uma amostra populacional da América Latina durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos. Estudo transversal multicêntrico realizado em 10 países da América Latina por meio de uma pesquisa on-line conduzida em diferentes plataformas digitais de 14 de outubro de 2020 a 15 de fevereiro de 2021. A análise estatística dos dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação de estatísticas descritivas, teste qui-quadrado e análise de regressão logística. Resultados. De um total de 6 357 questionários, 58,2% dos entrevistados afirmaram ter segurança alimentar, 29,3% indicaram um nível de insegurança alimentar leve, 9,2% tinham insegurança alimentar moderada e 3,3%, insegurança alimentar grave. No que diz respeito à relação entre insegurança alimentar e variáveis sociodemográficas, há uma relação significativa com as variáveis estudadas, incluindo área de residência, nível de escolaridade, ocupação, número de pessoas no domicílio, domicílio com crianças com menos de 10 anos de idade e nível socioeconômico. Conclusões. Os achados apontam que os fatores sociodemográficos associados à insegurança alimentar durante a pandemia de COVID-19 na América Latina foram residência em zona rural; ensino fundamental e médio completo e incompleto; ocupação (do lar, desempregado(a) e autônomo(a)); nível socioeconômico baixo, médio-baixo e médio; domicílio com mais de quatro pessoas; e domicílio com crianças menores de 10 anos de idade.

Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample population in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, household with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level. Conclusions: These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeconomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.

Artificial intelligence, applications and challenges in simulation-based education

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by "surprise" due to the lack of regulation over this technological innovation which, while promising application opportunities in different fields of knowledge, including education, simultaneously generates concern, rejection and even fear. In the field of Health Sciences Education, clinical simulation has transformed educational practice; however, its formal insertion is still heterogeneous, and we are now facing a new technological revolution where AI has the potential to transform the way we conceive its application.

El rápido avance de la inteligencia artificial (IA) ha tomado al mundo por "sorpresa" debido a la falta de regulación sobre esta innovación tecnológica, que si bien promete oportunidades de aplicación en diferentes campos del conocimiento, incluido el educativo, también genera preocupación e incluso miedo y rechazo. En el campo de la Educación en Ciencias de la Salud la Simulación Clínica ha transformado la práctica educativa; sin embargo, aún es heterogénea su inserción formal, y ahora nos enfrentamos a una nueva revolución tecnológica, en la que las IA tienen el potencial de transformar la manera en que concebimos su aplicación.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Nationwide Colombian Pediatric Series.

Objectives. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare complement-mediated kidney disease with genetic predisposition and represents up to 10% of pediatric hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases. Few studies have evaluated aHUS in Latin American population. We studied a Colombian pediatric cohort to delineate disease presentation and outcomes. Methods. A multicenter cohort of 27 Colombian children with aHUS were included. Patients were grouped by age at onset. Clinical features were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher exact tests. Renal biopsy was performed on 6 patients who were suspected of having other renal diseases before aHUS diagnosis. Results. Most patients were male (70%). The onset of aHUS occurred frequently before age 4 years (60%) and followed gastroenteritis as the main triggering event (52%). Age groups showed comparable clinical presentation, disease severity, treatment, and outcomes. Pulmonary involvement (67%) was the main extrarenal manifestation, particularly in the 1 to 7 age group (P = .01). Renal biopsies were as follows: 3 had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I, one MPGN type III, one C3-glomerulonephritis, and one rapidly progressive GN. Genetic screening was available in 6 patients and identified 2xCFHR5, 2xMCP, 1xADAMTS13/THBD, and 1xDGKE mutations. A total of 15 relapses were seen, of which 8 (72%) occurred in the 1 to 7 age group. The renal outcome was not significantly different regardless of age group. Conclusion. In our cohort, we observed a relatively high frequency of extrarenal involvement at first presentation represented by pulmonary manifestations. The renal prognosis at initial presentation was worse than in previous reports.

Mixed-Mode Solar Drying and its Effect on Physicochemical and Colorimetric Properties of Zompantle (Erythrina Americana).

A mixed-mode solar drying was developed to evaluate the physicochemical and colorimetric properties of Zompantle (Erythrina americana). A 22-factorial design was used; the operation mode (mesh shade and direct) and airflow (natural convection and forced convection) were established as factors in this design. The initial moisture content in the Zompantle flower was reduced from 89.03% (w.b) to values that ranged from 3.84% to 5.84%; depending on the operation mode of the dryer, the final water activity ranged from 0.25 to 0.33. The Zompantle's components as proteins (4.28%), antioxidant activity (18.8%), carbohydrates (4.83%), fat (0.92%), fiber (3.71%), ash (0.94%), and total soluble solids (3°Brix) increased as the water was evaporated during the drying. The increment in the Zompantle's components depends on the operation mode; in direct mode and natural convection, the proteins, antioxidant activity, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, ash, and total soluble solids were 6.99%, 61.69%, 79.05%, 1.20%, 3.84%, 8.70%, and 45 °Brix, respectively. The total drying efficiency was 14.84% with the direct mode and natural convection (DM-NC) and 17.10% with the mesh shade and natural convection (MS-NC). The Hue angle measures the property of the color; the indirect mode and natural convection keep the hue angle close to the initial value (29.2 °). The initial chroma value of the Zompantle flower was 55.07; the indirect mode and natural convection kept high saturation (37.58); these dry conditions ensured a red color in the dehydrated Zompantle. Dehydrated Zompantle's flowers could have several practical applications, such as an additive in traditional Mexican cuisine.