Translational control of papillomavirus mRNAs in the spotlight.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause most cases of cervical cancer, a disease with an increasing impact worldwide. Recent studies have shown that the synthesis of viral oncoproteins is strongly subject to translational control. Thus, targeting the protein synthesis machinery might open novel avenues to develop innovative therapies aiming to improve patients' survival.

Hard ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the Colombian Caribbean harbor the Jingmen tick virus: an emerging arbovirus of public health concern.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites involved in transmitting viruses of public health importance. The objective of this work was to identify the Jingmen tick virus in hard ticks from the Colombian Caribbean, an arbovirus of importance for public health. METHODS: Ticks were collected in rural areas of Córdoba and Cesar, Colombia. Taxonomic identification of ticks was carried out, and pools of 13 individuals were formed. RNA extraction was performed. Library preparation was performed with the MGIEasy kit, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) with MGI equipment. Bioinformatic analyses and taxonomic assignments were performed using the Galaxy platform, and phylogenetic analyses were done using IQ-TREE2. RESULTS: A total of 766 ticks were collected, of which 87.33% (669/766) were Rhipicephalus microplus, 5.4% (42/766) Dermacentor nitens, 4.2% (32/766) Rhipicephalus linnaei, and 3.0% (23/766) Amblyomma dissimile. Complete and partial segments 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) were detected in the metatranscriptome of the species R. microplus, D. nitens, and A. dissimile. The JMTVs detected are phylogenetically related to JMTVs detected in Aedes albopictus in France, JMTVs detected in R. microplus in Trinidad and Tobago, JMTVs in R. microplus and A. variegatum in the French Antilles, and JMTVs detected in R. microplus in Colombia. Interestingly, our sequences clustered closely with JMTV detected in humans from Kosovo. CONCLUSIONS: JMTV was detected in R. microplus, D. nitens, and A. dissimile. JMTV could pose a risk to humans. Therefore, it is vital to establish epidemiological surveillance measures to better understand the possible role of JMTV in tropical diseases.

Methodological considerations in the study of perceived discrimination at work and its association with workers health and occupational outcomes: A scoping review. / Consideraciones metodológicas en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida y su asociación con la salud de los trabajadores y resultados ocupacionales: revisión panorámica.

Introduction: Perceived workplace discrimination is a complex phenomenon involving unfair treatment in the workplace based on personal characteristics such as age, ethnicity, gender, or disability. The objective of this study is to explore the association of perceived workplace discrimination with health and occupational outcomes. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a scoping review of articles published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted in databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and PsyInfo. Inclusion criteria focused on studies exploring perceived workplace discrimination among workers, excluding those on patients, students, or the general population, and articles not written in English or Spanish. Results: Of the 9,871 articles identified, 102 met the criteria and were analyzed. Research showed a progressive increase in the study of perceived workplace discrimination, with a majority of studies in North America and Europe and a predominance of cross-sectional designs. Most studies did not clearly define the concept of perceived workplace discrimination nor report the psychometric characteristics of the measurement instruments. A significant association was found between perceived discrimination and negative outcomes in workers' mental and physical health, as well as a negative impact on job satisfaction and an increase in absenteeism. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics such as race/ethnicity, gender, and age influenced the perception of discrimination. Conclusions: This review confirms that perceived workplace discrimination significantly impacts the health and job satisfaction of workers, with particular detriment in minorities and women. Despite an increase in research over the last two decades, there remains a lack of consistency in the definition and measurement of the phenomenon. Most studies have used cross-sectional designs, and there is a notable absence of research in the Latin American context.

Introducción: La discriminación laboral percibida es un fenómeno complejo que implica un trato injusto en el lugar de trabajo, basado en características personales como edad, etnia, género o discapacidad. El objetivo de este estudio es explorar cómo ha sido investigada la discriminación laboral percibida, en el contexto de investigaciones acerca de su asociación con salud y resultados ocupacionales. Métodos: Siguiendo la guía PRISMA-ScR y la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs, se realizó una revisión panorámica de artículos publicados entre los años 2000 y 2022 en bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus y PsycInfo. Los criterios de inclusión se centraron en estudios que exploraron la discriminación laboral percibida en trabajadores, excluyendo aquellos en pacientes, estudiantes o población general, y artículos no escritos en inglés o español. Resultados: De los 9871 artículos identificados, 102 cumplieron con los criterios y fueron analizados. La investigación mostró un aumento progresivo en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida, con una mayoría de estudios en América del Norte y Europa y un predominio de diseños transversales. La mayoría no definió claramente el concepto de discriminación laboral percibida ni reportó las características psicométricas de los instrumentos de medición. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la discriminación percibida y resultados negativos en la salud mental y física de los trabajadores, así como un impacto negativo en la satisfacción laboral y un aumento en el ausentismo. Además, las características sociodemográficas como raza/etnia, género y edad influyeron en la percepción de discriminación. Conclusiones: Esta revisión confirma que la discriminación laboral percibida impacta considerablemente la salud y satisfacción laboral de los trabajadores, afectando más a minorías y mujeres. A pesar de un incremento en su investigación en las últimas dos décadas, persiste una carencia de consistencia en la definición y medición del fenómeno. La mayoría de los estudios han utilizado diseños transversales, y se observa una notable ausencia de investigaciones en el contexto latinoamericano.

Consideraciones metodológicas en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida y su asociación con la salud de los trabajadores y resultados ocupacionales: revisión panorámica / Methodological considerations in the study of perceived discrimination at work and its association with workers health and occupational outcomes: a scoping review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La discriminación laboral percibida es un fenómeno complejo que implica un trato injusto en el lugar de trabajo, basado en características personales como edad, etnia, género o discapacidad. El objetivo de este estudio es explorar cómo ha sido investigada la discriminación laboral percibida, en el contexto de investigaciones acerca de su asociación con salud y resultados ocupacionales. MÉTODOS: Siguiendo la guía PRISMA-ScR y la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs, se realizó una revisión panorámica de artículos publicados entre los años 2000 y 2022 en bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus y PsycInfo. Los criterios de inclusión se centraron en estudios que exploraron la discriminación laboral percibida en trabajadores, excluyendo aquellos en pacientes, estudiantes o población general, y artículos no escritos en inglés o español. RESULTADOS: De los 9871 artículos identificados, 102 cumplieron con los criterios y fueron analizados. La investigación mostró un aumento progresivo en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida, con una mayoría de estudios en América del Norte y Europa y un predominio de diseños transversales. La mayoría no definió claramente el concepto de discriminación laboral percibida ni reportó las características psicométricas de los instrumentos de medición. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la discriminación percibida y resultados negativos en la salud mental y física de los trabajadores, así como un impacto negativo en la satisfacción laboral y un aumento en el ausentismo. Además, las características sociodemográficas como raza/etnia, género y edad influyeron en la percepción de discriminación. CONCLUSIONES: Esta revisión confirma que la discriminación laboral percibida impacta considerablemente la salud y satisfacción laboral de los trabajadores, afectando más a minorías y mujeres. A pesar de un incremento en su investigación en las últimas dos décadas, persiste una carencia de consistencia en la definición y medición del fenómeno. La mayoría de los estudios han utilizado diseños transversales, y se observa una notable ausencia de investigaciones en el contexto latinoamericano.

INTRODUCTION: Perceived workplace discrimination is a complex phenomenon involving unfair treatment in the workplace based on personal characteristics such as age, ethnicity, gender, or disability. The objective of this study is to explore the association of perceived workplace discrimination with health and occupational outcomes. METHODS: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, a scoping review of articles published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted in databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and PsyInfo. Inclusion criteria focused on studies exploring perceived workplace discrimination among workers, excluding those on patients, students, or the general population, and articles not written in English or Spanish. RESULTS: Of the 9,871 articles identified, 102 met the criteria and were analyzed. Research showed a progressive increase in the study of perceived workplace discrimination, with a majority of studies in North America and Europe and a predominance of cross-sectional designs. Most studies did not clearly define the concept of perceived workplace discrimination nor report the psychometric characteristics of the measurement instruments. A significant association was found between perceived discrimination and negative outcomes in workers' mental and physical health, as well as a negative impact on job satisfaction and an increase in absenteeism. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics such as race/ethnicity, gender, and age influenced the perception of discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms that perceived workplace discrimination significantly impacts the health and job satisfaction of workers, with particular detriment in minorities and women. Despite an increase in research over the last two decades, there remains a lack of consistency in the definition and measurement of the phenomenon. Most studies have used cross-sectional designs, and there is a notable absence of research in the Latin American context.

Functional analysis of the AUG initiator codon context reveals novel conserved sequences that disfavor mRNA translation in eukaryotes.

mRNA translation is a fundamental process for life. Selection of the translation initiation site (TIS) is crucial, as it establishes the correct open reading frame for mRNA decoding. Studies in vertebrate mRNAs discovered that a purine at -3 and a G at +4 (where A of the AUG initiator codon is numbered + 1), promote TIS recognition. However, the TIS context in other eukaryotes has been poorly experimentally analyzed. We analyzed in vitro the influence of the -3, -2, -1 and + 4 positions of the TIS context in rabbit, Drosophila, wheat, and yeast. We observed that -3A conferred the best translational efficiency across these species. However, we found variability at the + 4 position for optimal translation. In addition, the Kozak motif that was defined from mammalian cells was only weakly predictive for wheat and essentially non-predictive for yeast. We discovered eight conserved sequences that significantly disfavored translation. Due to the big differences in translational efficiency observed among weak TIS context sequences, we define a novel category that we termed 'barren AUG context sequences (BACS)', which represent sequences disfavoring translation. Analysis of mRNA-ribosomal complexes structures provided insights into the function of BACS. The gene ontology of the BACS-containing mRNAs is presented.

One-Pot, Optimized Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Difunctionalized and B-N Co-Doped Carbon Dots: Structural Characterization.

In this work, we employed a novel microwave-assisted synthesis method to produce nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon dots (B-N co-doped CDs). To achieve optimal synthesis, we conducted a comprehensive parameter modulation approach, combining various synthesis temperatures, times, and precursor concentrations, while keeping the power constant at 150 W and pH 5. Using maximum fluorescence emission as our response variable, the best conditions were identified as 120 °C, 3 min, and a precursor concentration of 1 mg/mL. Characterization using field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed these CDs to have a spherical morphology with an average size of 10.9 ± 3.38 nm. Further high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed an interplanar distance of 0.23 nm, which is in line with prior findings of CDs that present a 0.21 nm distance corresponding to the (100) plane of graphite. Optical properties were ascertained through UV-vis absorption, identifying distinct π-π* and n-π* transitions. Fluorescence spectroscopy highlighted an emission peak at 375 nm when excited at 295 nm, achieving a quantum yield of 56.7%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy analyses confirmed the boronic acid and amine groups' presence, underscoring the graphitic nature of the core and the co-doping of boron and nitrogen. These empirical observations were compared with theoretical investigations through simulated Raman spectra, proposing a potential structure for the CDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further endorsed the co-doping of nitrogen and boron, along with the detection of the specified functional groups. All these characteristics could lend this nanomaterial to different types of applications such as fluorescent probes for a broad range of analytes and for fluorescent cell imaging.

Aplicación del Modelo de Adaptación de Roy en el contexto comunitario / Applying Roy's adaptation model to a community context

Introducción. Este artículo proporciona un aporte importante desde la aplicación del Modelo de Adaptación de Callista Roy a grupos. Objetivo. Promover comportamientos adaptativos a través de estrategias de atención primaria en salud dirigidas a un grupo de adultos mayores con enfermedad crónica que habitan en un municipio del departamento de Cundinamarca Colombia; Materiales y Métodos. Abordaje cualitativo tipo investigación-acción participativa. La enfermera utilizó la observación participante, y caracterizó la comunidad; además, con preguntas exploratorias les permitió reconocer sus problemas y proponer estrategias de mejora, incluso para su propia salud; posteriormente se aplicó el proceso de atención de enfermería. Resultados. Se logró valorar el comportamiento del grupo a través de los modos físico, auto-concepto o identidad grupal, la función del rol o unidad de funcionamiento de la sociedad e integridad social y la interdependencia o contexto social en el que funciona el grupo. Discusión. Aplicar el Modelo en la práctica permite reconocer situaciones negativas en los grupos para favorecer procesos de afrontamiento innovadores y controlar los estímulos ambientales en el contexto comunitario. Las habilidades en la valoración deben ser agudas ya que son la clave para la aplicación del modelo de Roy en la práctica comunitaria. Conclusiones. Se identificaron los estímulos que desencadenan los principales problemas de adaptación y se implementó un plan de cuidado con el desarrollo de estrategias para la adaptación, tales como la visita domiciliaria, encuentros intergeneracionales, participación comunitaria con grupos de apoyo creados por la municipalidad y la educación en salud con el fin de promover la adaptación del grupo.

Introduction: This article is an important contribution to the application of Callista Roy's Adaptation Model to groups. Objective: To promote adaptive behaviors through primary health care strategies for a group of chronically ill older adults living in a municipality in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. Materials and methods: A qualitative participatory action research approach was used. A nurse used participant observation and characterized the community; besides, with exploratory questions, the nurse enabled them to identify their problems and suggest strategies for improvement, including for their own health. Subsequently, the nursing care process was applied. Results: Group behavior was assessed through the following modes of adaptation: physiologic adaptation, self-concept or group identity, role-function adaptation or unit of social functioning and social integrity, and interdependence adaptation or social context in which the group functions. Discussion: Applying Roy's model in practice makes it possible to identify negative situations in groups, promote innovative coping processes, and control environmental stimuli in a community. Assessment skills must be sharp, as they are key to applying Roy's model to community practice. Conclusions: The stimuli that trigger the main adaptation problems were identified, and a nursing care plan was implemented developing adaptation strategies, such as home visits, intergenerational meetings, community participation with support groups created by the municipality, and health education, to promote group adaptation.

Introdução. Este artigo oferece uma contribuição importante da aplicação do Modelo de Adaptação de Callista Roy a grupos. Objetivo. Promover comportamentos adaptativos por meio de estratégias de atenção primária à saúde voltadas para um grupo de idosos com doenças crônicas que vivem em um município do departamento de Cundinamarca, Colômbia; Materiais e métodos. Abordagem de pesquisa de ação participativa qualitativa. A enfermeira utilizou a observação participante e caracterizou a comunidade; além disso, perguntas exploratórias permitiram que eles reconhecessem seus problemas e propusessem estratégias de melhoria, inclusive para sua própria saúde; posteriormente, foi aplicado o processo de assistência de enfermagem. Resultados. Foi possível avaliar o comportamento do grupo por meio de modos físicos, autoconceito ou identidade do grupo, função do papel ou unidade de funcionamento da sociedade e integridade social e interdependência ou contexto social no qual o grupo funciona. Discussão. A aplicação do Modelo na prática permite o reconhecimento de situações negativas em grupos para favorecer processos inovadores de enfrentamento e controlar os estímulos ambientais no contexto da comunidade. As habilidades de avaliação devem estar afiadas, pois são a chave para a aplicação do Modelo de Roy na prática comunitária. Conclusões. Os estímulos que desencadeiam os principais problemas de enfrentamento foram identificados e um plano de cuidados foi implementado com o desenvolvimento de estratégias de enfrentamento, como visitas domiciliares, encontros intergeracionais, participação comunitária com grupos de apoio criados pelo município e educação em saúde para promover o enfrentamento em grupo.

Detection of Acetaminophen in Groundwater by Laccase-Based Amperometric Biosensors Using MoS2 Modified Carbon Paper Electrodes.

The use of enzyme-based biosensors for the detection and quantification of analytes of interest such as contaminants of emerging concern, including over-the-counter medication, provides an attractive alternative compared to more established techniques. However, their direct application to real environmental matrices is still under investigation due to the various drawbacks in their implementation. Here, we report the development of bioelectrodes using laccase enzymes immobilized onto carbon paper electrodes modified with nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The laccase enzymes were two isoforms (LacI and LacII) produced and purified from the fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus CS43 that is native to Mexico. A commercial purified enzyme from the fungus Trametes versicolor (TvL) was also evaluated to compare their performance. The developed bioelectrodes were used in the biosensing of acetaminophen, a drug widely used to relieve fever and pain, and of which there is recent concern about its effect on the environment after its final disposal. The use of MoS2 as a transducer modifier was evaluated, and it was found that the best detection was achieved using a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Moreover, it was found that the laccase with the best biosensing efficiency was LacII, which achieved an LOD of 0.2 µM and a sensitivity of 0.108 µA/µM cm2 in the buffer matrix. Moreover, the performance of the bioelectrodes in a composite groundwater sample from Northeast Mexico was analyzed, achieving an LOD of 0.5 µM and a sensitivity of 0.015 µA/µM cm2. The LOD values found are among the lowest reported for biosensors based on the use of oxidoreductase enzymes, while the sensitivity is the highest currently reported.

Impact of ileostomy in the adjuvant treatment and outcome of colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: After tumor resection, a preventive diverting loop ileostomy creation is a routine surgical procedure to prevent anastomotic leakage and infections and to preclude secondary surgeries. Despite its benefits, several studies have proposed potential complications that extend the disease course by impairing the feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy and adherence. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ileostomy complications on the adherence to adjuvant treatment and overall survival (OS) of colon cancer (CC) patients. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Patients diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma were treated between January 2010 and December 2020 at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: χ2 and t-test, Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox regression. Statistical significance differences were assessed when p was bilaterally < 0.05. RESULTS: The most frequent complications of loop-derived ileostomy were hydro-electrolytic dehydration (50%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (26%), grade 1-2 diarrhea (28%), and grade 3-4 diarrhea (21%) (p = 0.001). Patients with complete chemotherapy did not reach the median OS. In contrast, the median OS for patients with non-complete chemotherapy was 56 months (p = 0.023). Additionally, 5-year OS reached to 100% in the early restitution group, 85% in the late restitution group, and 60% in the non-restitution group (p = 0.016). Finally, AKI (p = 0.029; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.348 [1.133-9.895]), complete chemotherapy (p = 0.028; 95% CI 0.376 [0.105-0.940]), and reversed ileostomy (p = 0.001; 95% CI 0.125 [0.038-0.407]) remained as predictors of overall survival for patients with CC treated with a loop ileostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasize the early stoma reversal restitution as a safe and feasible alternative to prevent severe complications related to ileostomies which improve chemotherapy adherence and overall survival of colon cancer patients. This is one of the pioneer studies analyzing the impact of ileostomy on treatment adherence and outcome of Latin American patients with colon cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospective study No. 2021/045, in April 2021.

Comparison of virtual reality and physical simulation training in first-year radiography students in South America.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the learning outcomes achieved by first-year radiography students educated with either virtual reality (VR) simulation training or physical simulation training. The implementation of VR has been proposed to enhance learning in radiography students and provide a more effective and efficient approach to simulation. However, the learning outcomes achieved with this approach have not been widely investigated. METHODS: Through stratified randomisation, 188 radiography students were allocated to one of two matched groups: a VR group (using Virtual Medical Coaching's Radiography simulation) and a physical simulation group (using Philips' X-ray equipment). Both groups were taught 31 radiography views over one 25-week semester. Both groups were assessed in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), using actors as patients in a physical X-ray environment. Assessment was conducted by assigning objective count scores for five assessment criteria. RESULTS: The VR group achieved shorter OSCE duration and fewer errors in moving equipment and patient positioning: these results were statistically significant (P < 0.00). There was no significant difference in the frequency of errors in radiographic exposure setting between the VR and the physical simulation group. The current findings concur with the limited number of published studies concerning VR simulation in radiography. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated superior effectiveness and efficiency in the VR group. This provides preliminary evidence to introduce VR simulation in the host institution and provide evidence that it may be possible to replace the use of physical simulation across other years of the degree. Further research investigating these possibilities is warranted.

Mujeres transgénero viviendo con síntomas asociados al tratamiento antirretroviral: estudio fenomenológico

Objetivo: Comprender las experiencias de mujeres transgénero con VIH que viven con síntomas asociados al tratamiento antirretroviral en Bucaramanga. Material y Método: se realizó un estudio fenomenológico basado en el método de Colaizzi durante los meses de febrero a marzo de 2022; los participantes fueron invitados a contribuir en el estudio por intermedio de una madre transgénero, contactada a través de una red comunitaria; se utilizó un muestreo de "bola de nieve"; el primer contacto se realizó de manera telefónica con cada una de las posibles participantes, verificando los criterios de inclusión; se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad y la saturación teórica se dio al realizar la séptima entrevista, pero se decidió completar 10 entrevistas para ampliar el análisis. Resultados: Se identificaron 5 unidades temáticas: cerrando los ojos a la verdad, experimentado expresiones negativas, entre el ir y venir de los síntomas, generando estrategias para el control de síntomas y renaciendo a una nueva vida. Conclusiones: En las mujeres transgénero, la experiencia de síntomas asociados al tratamiento antirretroviral, es un proceso difícil, pero se posibilita por el apoyo en el control de síntomas y el apoyo familiar y social.

Objective: To understand the experiences of HIV-positive transgender women living with antiretroviral treatment-related symptoms in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Material and Method: A phenomenological study was conducted based on Colaizzi's, between February and March 2022; participants were invited to contribute to the study through a Transgender mother, contacted through a community network; a snowball sampling method was used, the initial contact was made via telephone with each potential participant, verifying inclusion criteria; in-depth interviews were conducted and theoretical saturation was achieved after the seventh interview, but it was decided to complete 10 interviews to further expand the analysis. Results: Five thematic units were identified: closing eyes to the truth, experiencing negative expressions, the coming and going of symptoms, generating strategies for symptom control, and rebirth to a new life. Conclusion: Among transgender women, the experience of symptoms associated with antiretroviral treatment is a difficult process, but is made possible by symptom management support, as well as family and social support.

Objetivo: Compreender as vivências de mulheres transgênero com HIV que convivem com sintomas associados ao tratamento antirretroviral em Bucaramanga, Colômbia. Material e Método: Foi realizado um estudo fenomenológico baseado no método de Colaizzi durante os meses de fevereiro a março de 2022; os participantes foram convidados a contribuir para o estudo através de uma mãe transgênero, contactada através de uma rede comunitária; foi utilizada amostragem "bola de neve"; o primeiro contato foi feito por telefone com cada um dos possíveis participantes, verificando os critérios de inclusão; foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade e a saturação teórica ocorreu quando foi realizada a sétima entrevista, mas optou-se por realizar 10 entrevistas para ampliar a análise. Resultados: Foram identificadas cinco unidades temáticas: fechar os olhos para a verdade, vivenciar expressões negativas, o ir e vir dos sintomas, gerar estratégias para o controle dos sintomas e renascer para uma nova vida. Conclusão: Entre as mulheres transgênero, a experiência dos sintomas associados ao tratamento antirretroviral é um processo difícil, mas que é possível graças ao apoio na gestão dos sintomas e ao apoio familiar e social.

Incertidumbre en cuidadores en asociación con la carga de síntomas de pacientes terminales / Uncertainty in caregivers in association with symptom burden of terminally ill patients / Incerteza nos cuidadores em associação com a carga de sintomas de pacientes terminais

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de incertidumbre del cuidador familiar (CF) de la persona hos-pitalizada en fase terminal y su asociación con carga de síntomas y funcionalidad del paciente. Materiales y método: Estudio observacional de tipo corte transversal, donde se identificó la prevalencia de incertidumbre en el CF de pacientes hospitalizados en fase terminal usando la escala de incertidumbre. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la carga de síntomas mediante escala Edmonton del paciente terminal hospitalizado en una institución de salud de alta complejidad. Resultados: La muestra incluyó información de 69 CF y pacientes terminales hospitalizados. El 85,51% de los cuidadores tuvo un nivel de incertidumbre medio. Se observó un nivel es-tadísticamente significativo de incertidumbre menor en el CF, a mayor intensidad de dolor del paciente (p=0,04), al igual que en náuseas (p=0,0004), depresión (p=0,03) y ansiedad (p=0,025) según carga de síntomas. Discusión: La vivencia del cuidador de un paciente terminal, refle-jada en la incertidumbre frente a la enfermedad de este, se relaciona principalmente con la de-pendencia funcional del enfermo, debido probablemente al impacto que su falta de suficiencia puede generar en las rutinas diarias del cuidador familiar, lo cual, puede alterar completamente la dinámica familiar y generar sobrecarga, estrés, ansiedad y trastornos en la comunicación. Conclusión: La mayoría de CF de pacientes terminales son mujeres en edad productiva, con carga familiar, y con nivel de incertidumbre medio alto frente a la enfermedad del paciente. La incertidumbre del cuidador familiar es diferente según los síntomas que presenta el paciente.

Objective: To determine the level of uncertainty of the family caregiver (FC) of the terminally hospitalised person and its association with symptom burden and patient functionality. Mate-rials and methods: Observational cross-sectional study, in which the prevalence of uncertain-ty in the FC of terminally ill hospitalised patients was identified using the uncertainty scale. In addition, the symptom burden was assessed using the Edmonton scale in terminally ill patients hospitalised in a highly complex health institution. Results: The sample included information from 69 CF and terminally ill hospitalised patients. 85.51% of caregivers had a medium level of uncertainty. A statistically significant lower level of uncertainty was observed in the CF, the greater the intensity of the patient's pain (p=0.04), as well as in nausea (p=0.0004), de-pression (p=0.03) and anxiety (p=0.025) according to symptom burden. Discussion: The ex-perience of the caregiver of a terminally ill patient, reflected in the uncertainty of the patient's illness, is mainly related to the functional dependence of the patient, probably due to the impact that their lack of sufficiency can have on the daily routines of the family caregiver, which can completely alter the family dynamics and generate overload, stress, anxiety and communica-tion disorders. Conclusion: The majority of FC of terminally ill patients are women of produc-tive age, with a family burden, and with a medium-high level of uncertainty about the patient's illness. The uncertainty of the family caregiver is different according to the patient's symptoms

Objetivo: Determinar o nível de incerteza do cuidador familiar (CF) da pessoa hospitalizada em estado terminal e sua associação com a carga de sintomas e a funcionalidade do paciente. Mate-riais e métodos: Estudo observacional de corte transversal, no qual a prevalência de incerteza no CF de pacientes terminais hospitalizados foi identificada usando a escala de incerteza. Além dis-so, a carga de sintomas de pacientes terminais hospitalizados em uma instituição de saúde de alta complexidade foi avaliada usando a escala de Edmonton. Resultados: A amostra incluiu infor-mações de 69 pacientes com FC e pacientes terminais hospitalizados. 85,51% dos cuidadores tin-ham um nível médio de incerteza. Foi observado um nível de incerteza estatisticamente significa-tivo menor na FC quanto maior a intensidade da dor do paciente (p=0,04), bem como na náusea (p=0,0004), depressão (p=0,03) e ansiedade (p=0,025) de acordo com a carga de sintomas. Dis-cussão: A experiência do cuidador de um paciente terminal, refletida na incerteza da doença do paciente, está relacionada principalmente à dependência funcional do paciente, provavelmente devido ao impacto que sua falta de suficiência pode ter nas rotinas diárias do cuidador familiar, o que pode alterar completamente a dinâmica familiar e gerar sobrecarga, estresse, ansiedade e distúrbios de comunicação. Conclusão: A maioria dos CF de pacientes terminais são mulheres em idade produtiva, com ônus familiar e com um nível médio-alto de incerteza sobre a doença do paciente. A incerteza do cuidador familiar é diferente de acordo com os sintomas do paciente.

Methodological considerations in the study of perceived discrimination at work: a scoping review protocol. / Consideraciones metodológicas en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida: protocolo de una revisión panorámica.

Introduction: Perceived discrimination is a complex phenomenon of study and has significant repercussions on people's health. Many studies confirm the negative effects of stress on workers' health in the workplace, affecting both their physical and mental health. However, there is no consensus when investigating the construct of "perceived work discrimination". Objective: To examine how perceived workplace discrimination has been investigated, considering its association with health and occupational outcomes. Methods: A scoping review will be performed according to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will search for published articles in english and spanish between 2000 and 2022 in the Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and PsycInfo databases. Through the Rayyan application, two reviewers will independently select titles and abstracts. Then, they will review the full texts. Subsequently, relevant information about the selected articles will be extracted, and their methodological quality will be evaluated. Finally, a narrative synthesis of the main results found will be made. Discussion: We expect the findings to improve methodological aspects when investigating perceived workplace discrimination, facilitating decision-making for those researchers who wish to address perceived work discrimination.

Introducción: La discriminación percibida es un fenómeno complejo de estudiar y que tiene grandes repercusiones en la salud de las personas. En el ámbito laboral, existe un gran número de estudios que confirma los efectos negativos en la salud de los trabajadores, afectando la salud física y psicológica de estos. Sin embargo, no existe un consenso al momento de investigar el constructo "discriminación laboral percibida". Objetivo: Explorar como se ha investigado la discriminación laboral percibida, considerando su asociación con salud y resultados ocupacionales. Métodos: Se realizará una revisión panorámica de acuerdo con las guías PRISMA para revisiones panorámicas y del Instituto Joanna Briggs. Se efectuará la búsqueda de los artículos publicados en idioma inglés y español entre los años 2000 y 2022 en las bases de datos Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed y PsycInfo. A través de la aplicación Rayyan, dos revisores realizarán de manera independiente la selección de títulos y resúmenes. Luego, los mismos revisarán los textos completos. Posteriormente, se extraerá la información relevante sobre los artículos seleccionados y se evaluará la calidad metodológica de estos. Finalmente, se hará una síntesis narrativa de los principales resultados encontrados. Discusión: Se espera que los hallazgos contribuyan a mejorar los aspectos metodológicos al momento de investigar la discriminación laboral percibida y facilitar la toma de decisiones de aquellos investigadores que deseen abordar la discriminación laboral percibida.

¿Podemos ver el mundo igual? interdisciplinariedad en el cuidado paliativo / Can we see the world the same? Interdisciplinarity in palliative care

Los cuidados paliativos según la Organización Mundial (OMS) de la salud son aquellos cuidados que buscan mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas y de sus familias cuando afrontan problemas físicos, psicológicos, sociales o espirituales inherentes a una enfermedad potencialmente mortal; en el mundo se estima que alrededor de 40 millones de personas requieren cuidados paliativos, pero solo el 14% la reciben, igualmente la OMS indica que el 78% de las personas que necesitan cuidados paliativos viven en países en vía de desarrollo, lo que devela una gran de necesidad de atención paliativa no solo a la persona enferma si también a su familia. Los requerimientos en la atención paliativa a nivel mundial, van de la mano con el aumento del envejecimiento que confluye de manera progresiva y casi simultánea con las manifestaciones de desgaste orgánico y los procesos de salud y enfermedad enmarcados en el entorno y en la biografía del individuo, sin embargo no se debe desconocer que las personas en cualquier edad y en cualquier etapa de enfermedad grave son candidatos para recibir cuidados paliativos pudiendo requerir diferentes enfoques de atención según las necesidades propias de cada individuo, por otra parte el conocimiento basado en la genética, ha permitido la hipótesis de la vida, pero la realidad del entorno del individuo está influida desde antes del nacimiento, la historia nutricional, uso de tabaco, exposición a tóxicos ambientales y el ciclo vital se han definido como causantes de alteraciones epigenéticas, que pueden contribuir en las condiciones de enfermedad plausibles de cuidados paliativos en sus etapas avanzadas.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), palliative care strives to improve the quality of life of persons and their families who face physical, psychological, social, or spiritual challenges associated with life-threatening illness. Worldwide, it is estimated that about 40 million people need palliative care, but only 14% receive it2. The WHO also indicates that 78% of people who need palliative care live in developing countries, which reveals a great need for palliative care not only for terminally-ill people but also for their families. The need for palliative care worldwide goes hand in hand with the increase in aging, which progressively and almost simultaneously converges with manifestations of organic exhaustion and processes of health and disease framed in the individual's environment and biography. However, it should not be overlooked that people of any age and at any stage of serious illness are candidates for palliative care and may require different approaches to care depending on the individuals' needs. Genetics-based knowledge has allowed the hypothesis of life, but the individual's environment is influenced from before birth. Nutritional history, tobacco use, exposure to environmental toxicants, and life cycle have been defined as causes of epigenetic alterations, which may contribute to diseases amenable to palliative care in advanced stages.

Os cuidados paliativos segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) são aqueles cuidados que buscam melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas e das suas famílias quando afrontam problemas físicos, psicológicos, sociais ou espirituais inerentes a uma doença potencialmente mortal; no mundo se estima que ao redor de 40 milhões de pessoas requerem cuidados paliativos, mas só 14% a recebem, igualmente a OMS indica que 78% das pessoas que necessitam cuidados paliativos vivem em países em via de desenvolvimento, o que revela uma grande de necessidade de atenção paliativa não só à pessoa doente como também à sua família. Os requerimentos na atenção paliativa a nível mundial, estão de mão dados com o aumento do envelhecimento que conflui de maneira progressiva e quase simultânea com as manifestações de desgaste orgânico e os processos de saúde e doença enquadrados no entorno e na biografia do indivíduo, embora não se deva desconhecer que as personas em qualquer idade e em qualquer etapa de doença grave são candidatos para receber cuidados paliativos podendo requerer diferentes enfoques de atenção segundo as necessidades próprias de cada indivíduo, por outra parte o conhecimento baseado na genética, há permitido a hipótese da vida, mas a realidade do entorno do indivíduo está influída desde antes do nascimento, a história nutricional, uso de tabaco, exposição a tóxicos ambientais e ao ciclo vital se há definido como causantes das alterações epigenéticas, que podem contribuir nas condiciones de doenças plausíveis de cuidados paliativos nas suas etapas avançadas.

Consideraciones metodológicas en el estudio de la discriminación laboral percibida: protocolo de una revisión panorámica / Methodological considerations in the study of perceived discrimination at work: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCCIÓN: La discriminación percibida es un fenómeno complejo de estudiar y que tiene grandes repercusiones en la salud de las personas. En el ámbito laboral, existe un gran número de estudios que confirma los efectos negativos en la salud de los trabajadores, afectando la salud física y psicológica de estos. Sin embargo, no existe un consenso al momento de investigar el constructo "discriminación laboral percibida". OBJETIVO: Explorar como se ha investigado la discriminación laboral percibida, considerando su asociación con salud y resultados ocupacionales. MÉTODOS: Se realizará una revisión panorámica de acuerdo con las guías PRISMA para revisiones panorámicas y del Instituto Joanna Briggs. Se efectuará la búsqueda de los artículos publicados en idioma inglés y español entre los años 2000 y 2022 en las bases de datos Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed y PsycInfo. A través de la aplicación Rayyan, dos revisores realizarán de manera independiente la selección de títulos y resúmenes. Luego, los mismos revisarán los textos completos. Posteriormente, se extraerá la información relevante sobre los artículos seleccionados y se evaluará la calidad metodológica de estos. Finalmente, se hará una síntesis narrativa de los principales resultados encontrados. DISCUSIÓN: Se espera que los hallazgos contribuyan a mejorar los aspectos metodológicos al momento de investigar la discriminación laboral percibida y facilitar la toma de decisiones de aquellos investigadores que deseen abordar la discriminación laboral percibida.

INTRODUCTION: Perceived discrimination is a complex phenomenon of study and has significant repercussions on people's health. Many studies confirm the negative effects of stress on workers' health in the workplace, affecting both their physical and mental health. However, there is no consensus when investigating the construct of "perceived work discrimination". OBJECTIVE: To examine how perceived workplace discrimination has been investigated, considering its association with health and occupational outcomes. METHODS: A scoping review will be performed according to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will search for published articles in english and spanish between 2000 and 2022 in the Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and PsycInfo databases. Through the Rayyan application, two reviewers will independently select titles and abstracts. Then, they will review the full texts. Subsequently, relevant information about the selected articles will be extracted, and their methodological quality will be evaluated. Finally, a narrative synthesis of the main results found will be made. DISCUSSION: We expect the findings to improve methodological aspects when investigating perceived workplace discrimination, facilitating decision-making for those researchers who wish to address perceived work discrimination.

Electrochemical and Electroconductive Behavior of Silk Fibroin Electrospun Membrane Coated with Gold or Silver Nanoparticles.

The surface modification of materials obtained from natural polymers, such as silk fibroin with metal nanoparticles that exhibit intrinsic electrical characteristics, allows the obtaining of biocomposite materials capable of favoring the propagation and conduction of electrical impulses, acting as communicating structures in electrically isolated areas. On that basis, this investigation determined the electrochemical and electroconductive behavior through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of a silk fibroin electrospun membrane from silk fibrous waste functionalized with gold or silver nanoparticles synthetized by green chemical reduction methodologies. Based on the results obtained, we found that silk fibroin from silk fibrous waste (SFw) favored the formation of gold (AuNPs-SFw) and silver (AgNPs-SFw) nanoparticles, acting as a reducing agent and surfactant, forming a micellar structure around the individual nanoparticle. Moreover, different electrospinning conditions influenced the morphological properties of the fibers, in the presence or absence of beads and the amount of sample collected. Furthermore, treated SFw electrospun membranes, functionalized with AuNPs-SFw or AgNPS-SFw, allowed the conduction of electrical stimuli, acting as stimulators and modulators of electric current.

Jute Fibers Synergy with nZVI/GO: Superficial Properties Enhancement for Arsenic Removal in Water with Possible Application in Dynamic Flow Filtration Systems.

Groundwater is one of the primary sources of water for both drinking and industrial use in northeastern Mexican territory, around 46% of the total, due to the lack of precipitation during the year and solar radiation index. The presence of arsenic in brackish soil and groundwater is a severe health issue, specifically in semi-arid and arid regions in the north of Mexico. Additionally, it represents the only source of drinking water in communities far from big cities, mainly due to the absence of hydric infrastructure. This work presents a new approach to treating polluted water with arsenic. The system based on activating jute fiber with nanoparticles of zero-valent iron immobilized over graphene oxide will allow nZVI particles to preserve their unique qualities for water sanitization. A dynamic flow test was designed to determine the effectivity of activated jute fibers as a water sanitation system. The results showed a reduction in the total arsenic content from 350 ppb to 34 ppb with a filtrate flow of 20 mL/min. The above represents 90% adsorption by the activated fiber. The analyzed sample corresponds to contaminated groundwater taken from Coahuila, Mexico. This sanitation system could be applied to low-income populations lacking robust infrastructure, such arsenic treatment plants.

Understanding recovery and resilience from natural disasters in hospitality organizations.

Extreme weather events, such as Hurricane María, shed light on the importance of understanding the factors that promote resilience, defined as bouncing back after adverse events. The current study took a qualitative focus group approach toward understanding resilience in employees of the hospitality industry after Hurricane María. The hospitality industry plays an important role in disaster responses due to its role in supporting local and national economies, job stability for vulnerable employees, and in supporting response efforts, eg, housing aid workers. Through a series of in-depth focus groups, employees from San Juan, Puerto Rico and surrounding areas shared their Hurricane María experiences in terms of themselves as individuals, their workplaces, and their community. Major themes focused on the importance of the preparedness phase of the disaster response timeline, measuring impact and response on multiple levels in interdependent systems, creating and promoting awareness of resources, and acknowledging both struggle and strength when conceptualizing transformative potential. These findings can inform actionable strategies for individuals, organizations, and communities.

SARS-CoV-2 in a tropical area of Colombia, a remarkable conversion of presymptomatic to symptomatic people impacts public health.

BACKGROUND: The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to remain in asymptomatic individuals facilitates its dissemination and makes its control difficult. OBJECTIVE: To establish a cohort of asymptomatic individuals, change to the symptomatic status, and determine the most frequent clinical manifestations.  METHODS: Between April 9 and August 9, 2020, molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 154 asymptomatic people in contact with subjects diagnosed with COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on these people in different hospitals in Córdoba, the Caribbean area of Colombia. The genes E, RdRp, and N were amplified with RT-qPCR. Based on the molecular results and the Cq values, the patients were subsequently followed up through telephone calls to verify their health conditions. RESULTS: Overall, of 154 asymptomatic individuals, 103 (66.9%) remained asymptomatic, and 51 (33.1%) changed to symptomatic. The most frequent clinical manifestations in young people were anosmia and arthralgia. Adults showed cough, ageusia, and odynophagia; in the elderly were epigastralgia, dyspnea, and headache. Mortality was 8%. CONCLUSIONS: A proportion of 33% of presymptomatic individuals was found, of which four of them died. This high rate could indicate a silent transmission, contributing significantly to the epidemic associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Vigilancia ambiental de la circulación de poliovirus en tres municipios considerados como punto transitorio de migrantes en Colombia 2017-2019 / Environmental surveillance of the circulation of poliovirus in municipalities considered as transitory point of migrants in Colombia 2017-2019

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la circulación de poliovirus en tres municipios considerados como punto transitorio de migrantes en Colombia. Material y método: Se colectaron muestras de aguas residuales (n=36) de municipios fronterizos, seleccionados por mayor tránsito de migrantes regulares como irregulares, en el periodo comprendido entre el 2017-2019. Las muestras fueron concentradas y cultivadas siguiendo el algoritmo de vigilancia ambiental para la circulación de poliovirus de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). La identificación molecular se realizo mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa empleando cebadores específicos de grupo, de serotipo y de cepa vacunal sabin. Resultados y Discusión: Se detectó la presencia de Enterovirus no polio (EVNP) en las muestras ambientales obtenidas y no se hallo circulación de poliovirus deriva dos de la vacuna ni de poliovirus salvaje en los tres municipos evaluados; sin embargo en dos estudios previos publicados por Gonzalez y col con una metodologia similar en el año 2005 y 2015 evaluando las aguas residuales de la ciudad de Armenia-Quindio; se logró identificar la presencia de virus derivado de vacuna, con resultados negativos para la identificación de poliovirus salvaje. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos indican que el sistema de monitoreo de aguas residuales con el fin de determinar la presencia de virus es una herramienta util para realizar vigilancia ambiental.

Abstract Objective: To determine the circulation of poliovirus in three municipalities considered as transitory points for migrants in Colombia. Material and Method: Wastewater samples (n = 36) were collected from border municipalities, selected for greater transit of regular and irregular migrants, in the period between 2017-2019. The samples were concentrated and cultured following the World Health Organization (WHO) environmental surveillance algorithm for poliovirus circulation. Molecular identification was performed by polymerase chain reaction using group-specific, serotype and sabin vaccine strain primers. Results: The presence of non-polio Enterovirus (NPV) was detected in the environmental samples obtained and no circulation of poliovirus derived from the vaccine or wild poliovirus was found in the three evaluated municipalities; However, in two previous studies published by Gonzales et al with a similar methodology in 2005 and 2015 evaluating the wastewater of the city of Armenia-Quindío; It was possible to identify the presence of virus derived from vaccine, with negative results for the identification of wild poliovirus. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the wastewater monitoring system in order to determine the presence of viruses is a useful tool to carry out environmental surveillance.