Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey toward Skin Cancer among Ecuadorian Population.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and melanoma is a highly preventable cancer. In Ecuador, few studies have evaluated the awareness levels of the population about the disease. For this reason, the objective of this study was to measure the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding skin cancer and its determining factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis using an online self-assessment questionnaire containing 40 questions was delivered. A total of 537 participants were included in this study. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were assigned to each participant based on the number of correct or appropriate responses. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: In total, 75% of participants referenced knowledge of the harmful effects related to noncontrolled solar exposure. Concerning sunscreen, 76.7% knew the reason for using it. The female group was 1.68 times more likely to get a higher score than the male group, and the groups between 61-70 and 71-80 years were 0.30 and 0.17 times less likely to get a higher score compared with the less than 20-years-old group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate the requirement to increase the population's knowledge about skin cancer and possible protection measures. For this reason, the prevention and health promotion programs at a national level from primary healthcare centers are recommended. Due to the limitation of the representativeness of the sample, the use of more studies among Ecuadorian residents of the low socioeconomic level and replication in different provinces of Ecuador is justified.

Ideologías curriculares y concepciones sobre diversidad y justicia social / Ideologias curriculares e concepções sobre diversidade e justiça social / Idéologies curriculaires et conceptions de la diversité et de la justice sociale / Curriculum ideologies and conceptions of diversity and social justice

Resumen El estudio buscó identificar las ideologías curriculares de futuros profesores y su vínculo con concepciones sobre diversidad y justicia social. Los datos se obtuvieron de la aplicación del inventario de ideologías curriculares a 231 participantes y entrevistas semiestructuradas a una muestra intencionada del total en una universidad chilena. Los resultados muestran que predomina la ideología Centrada en el Aprendizaje y que una proporción importante muestra eclecticismo ideológico. A pesar del foco en el aprendizaje, algunos defienden argumentos academicistas y eficientistas. Es gradual la relación entre ideologías y concepciones sobre diversidad y justicia, desde una marcada coherencia hasta ausencia de dicha relación. Finalmente, se discuten implicancias para la investigación y la formación inicial docente.

Resumo O estudo se propôs a identificar as ideologias curriculares de futuros professores e seu vínculo com concepções sobre diversidade e justiça social. Os dados foram obtidos por meio da aplicação da lista de ideologias curriculares a 231 participantes e de entrevistas semiestruturadas a uma mostra selecionada de universitários chilenos. Os resultados demonstram o predomínio da ideologia Centrada na Aprendizagem e uma proporção importante mostra ecletismo ideológico. Apesar do foco na aprendizagem, alguns defendem argumentos acadêmicos e eficientistas. Há uma relação gradual entre ideologias e concepções sobre diversidade e justiça, de uma coerência marcante até a ausência de tal relação. Finalmente, são discutidas implicações para a pesquisa e a formação inicial docente.

Résumé Cette étude vise à identifier les idéologies curriculaires de futurs enseignants et leur rapport avec les conceptions de la diversité et de la justice sociale. Les données ont été obtenues en soumettant la liste des idéologies curriculaires à 231 participants et à travers des entrevues semi-structurées auprès d'un échantillon sélectionné d'étudiants universitaires chiliens. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que l'idéologie centrée sur l'apprentissage est prédominante et que l'éclectisme idéologique est aussi présent en grande proportion. Malgré l'accent mis sur l'apprentissage, quelques uns soutiennent des arguments académiques et efficientistes. Il existe une relation progressive entre les idéologies et les conceptions de la diversité et de la justice, allant d'une cohérence remarquable jusqu'à l'absence de relation. Les implications de ces résultats pour la recherche et la formation initiale des enseignants sont discutées en conclusion.

Abstract In this study, we aimed to identify the curriculum ideologies of preservice teachers and the relationship between those and their conceptions of diversity and social justice. Data were obtained from the application of the inventory of curriculum ideologies to 231 participants and semi-structured interviews to a purposeful sample of participants in a Chilean university. Results showed that the Learner Centered Ideology was predominant and that a significant number of participants showed ideological eclecticism. Despite the focus on learning, some defend Scholar Academic and Social Efficiency arguments. Moreover, there is a gradual relationship between ideologies and conceptions of diversity and justice, varying from a marked coherence to total absence of relationship. Finally, implications for research and initial teacher education are discussed.

Prevalence of canine and human dirofilariosis in Puebla, Mexico.

The objective of this work was to determine the risk of exposure to Dirofilaria immitis in the stray dog population and people living in the metropolitan area of Puebla City, Mexico, using serologic methods. A total of 283 blood salmples were collected from dogs and 254 salmples from people. The canine samples were analyzed using a commercial kit to detect D. immitis antigens and the Knott test to detect microfilariae. Human samples were analyzed by ELISAs to detect antibodies against D. immitis and Wolbachia anti-WSP, as well as Western blot to identify specific bands of the parasite in the adult antigenic extract of D. immitis. Positive results were represented on a GIS map that included layers with geoenvironmental information relevant to parasite transmission in the study area. The prevalence of D. immitis in the canine stray population was 2.12 %, with positive cases found in individuals aged 1-10 years. Human seroprevalence was established at 5.11 %, with women and men similarly affected. By age, a significantly higher seroprevalence was observed in younger individuals (<18 years) than in the rest of the population. The geolocation of the results showed that positive cases were found in the environment (within 2 km) of potentially favorable areas for mosquito breeding. The importance of human influence in the creation and maintenance of favorable conditions for the transmission of canine and human dirofilariosis within an urban area is highlighted, both by the lack of environmental sanitation and by the absence of measures to limit or eliminate the canine reservoir population.

Aromatic Regions Govern the Recognition of NADPH Oxidase Inhibitors as Diapocynin and its Analogues.

Oxidative stress is related to the pathogenesis and progress of several human diseases. NADPH oxidase (NOX), and mainly the NOX2 isoform, produces superoxide anions (O2•- ). To date, it is known that NOX2 can be inhibited by preventing the assembly of its subunits, p47phox and p22phox. In this work, we analyzed the binding to NOX2 of the apocynin dimer, diapocynin (C1), a known NOX2 inhibitor, and of 18 designed compounds (C2-C19) which have chemical relationships to C1, by in silico methods employing a p47phox structure from the Protein Data Bank (PDB code: 1WLP). C1 and six of the designed compounds were recognized in the region where p22phox binds to p47phox and makes π-π interactions principally with W193, W263, and Y279, which form an aromatic-rich region. C8 was chosen as the best compound according to the in silico studies and was synthesized and evaluated in vitro. C8 was able to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) similar to C1. In conclusion, targeting the aromatic region of p47phox through π-interactions is important for inhibiting NOX activity.

Future methane emissions from the heavy-duty natural gas transportation sector for stasis, high, medium, and low scenarios in 2035.

Today's heavy-duty natural gas-fueled fleet is estimated to represent less than 2% of the total fleet. However, over the next couple of decades, predictions are that the percentage could grow to represent as much as 50%. Although fueling switching to natural gas could provide a climate benefit relative to diesel fuel, the potential for emissions of methane (a potent greenhouse gas) from natural gas-fueled vehicles has been identified as a concern. Since today's heavy-duty natural gas-fueled fleet penetration is low, today's total fleet-wide emissions will be also be low regardless of per vehicle emissions. However, predicted growth could result in a significant quantity of methane emissions. To evaluate this potential and identify effective options for minimizing emissions, future growth scenarios of heavy-duty natural gas-fueled vehicles, and compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas fueling stations that serve them, have been developed for 2035, when the populations could be significant. The scenarios rely on the most recent measurement campaign of the latest manufactured technology, equipment, and vehicles reported in a companion paper as well as projections of technology and practice advances. These "pump-to-wheels"(PTW) projections do not include methane emissions outside of the bounds of the vehicles and fuel stations themselves and should not be confused with a complete wells-to-wheels analysis. Stasis, high, medium, and low scenario PTW emissions projections for 2035 were 1.32%, 0.67%, 0.33%, and 0.15% of the fuel used. The scenarios highlight that a large emissions reductions could be realized with closed crankcase operation, improved best practices, and implementation of vent mitigation technologies. Recognition of the potential pathways for emissions reductions could further enhance the heavy-duty transportation sectors ability to reduce carbon emissions. IMPLICATIONS: Newly collected pump-to-wheels methane emissions data for current natural gas technologies were combined with future market growth scenarios, estimated technology advancements, and best practices to examine the climate benefit of future fuel switching. The analysis indicates the necessary targets of efficiency, methane emissions, market penetration, and best practices necessary to enable a pathway for natural gas to reduce the carbon intensity of the heavy-duty transportation sector.

Pump-to-Wheels Methane Emissions from the Heavy-Duty Transportation Sector.

Pump-to-wheels (PTW) methane emissions from the heavy-duty (HD) transportation sector, which have climate change implications, are poorly documented. In this study, methane emissions from HD natural gas fueled vehicles and the compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations that serve them were characterized. A novel measurement system was developed to quantify methane leaks and losses. Engine related emissions were characterized from twenty-two natural gas fueled transit buses, refuse trucks, and over-the-road (OTR) tractors. Losses from six LNG and eight CNG stations were characterized during compression, fuel delivery, storage, and from leaks. Cryogenic boil-off pressure rise and pressure control venting from LNG storage tanks were characterized using theoretical and empirical modeling. Field and laboratory observations of LNG storage tanks were used for model development and evaluation. PTW emissions were combined with a specific scenario to view emissions as a percent of throughput. Vehicle tailpipe and crankcase emissions were the highest sources of methane. Data from this research are being applied by the authors to develop models to forecast methane emissions from the future HD transportation sector.

Common behavior of the critical properties of the 2D and 3D square-well fluids.

We have analyzed the behavior of the critical properties and second virial coefficient of the square well fluids in two (2D) and three dimensions (3D) as a function of the interaction range. In both systems, the critical density shows an oscillating-like behavior as the interaction range increases. The second virial coefficient evaluated at the critical temperature as a function of the interaction range shows a general behavior for both cases, and quite surprisingly, there is a minimum of this parameter, for the 2D and 3D fluids, located approximately at the same interaction range. These findings are discussed in terms of the structure of the fluids, via the analysis of the radial distribution function evaluated at the critical point.

High-resolution vascular tissue characterization in mice using 55MHz ultrasound hybrid imaging.

Ultrasound and Duplex ultrasonography in particular are routinely used to diagnose cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, these techniques may not be able to characterize vascular tissue compositional changes due to CVD. This work describes an ultrasound-based hybrid imaging technique that can be used for vascular tissue characterization and the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) data were acquired and processed in time, frequency, and wavelet domains to extract six parameters including time integrated backscatter (T(IB)), time variance (T(var)), time entropy (T(E)), frequency integrated backscatter (F(IB)), wavelet root mean square value (W(rms)), and wavelet integrated backscatter (W(IB)). Each parameter was used to reconstruct an image co-registered to morphological B-scan. The combined set of hybrid images were used to characterize vascular tissue in vitro and in vivo using three mouse models including control (C57BL/6), and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-knockout (APOE-KO) and APOE/A(1) adenosine receptor double knockout (DKO) mice. The technique was tested using high-frequency ultrasound including single-element (center frequency=55 MHz) and commercial array (center frequency=40 MHz) systems providing superior spatial resolutions of 24 µm and 40 µm, respectively. Atherosclerotic vascular lesions in the APOE-KO mouse exhibited the highest values (contrast) of -10.11±1.92 dB, -12.13±2.13 dB, -7.54±1.45 dB, -5.10±1.06 dB, -5.25±0.94 dB, and -10.23±2.12 dB in T(IB), T(var), T(E), F(IB), W(rms), W(IB) hybrid images (n=10, p<0.05), respectively. Control segments of normal vascular tissue showed the lowest values of -20.20±2.71 dB, -22.54±4.54 dB, -14.94±2.05 dB, -9.64±1.34 dB, -10.20±1.27 dB, and -19.36±3.24 dB in same hybrid images (n=6, p<0.05). Results from both histology and optical images showed good agreement with ultrasound findings within a maximum error of 3.6% in lesion estimation. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a high-resolution hybrid imaging technique to diagnose atherosclerosis and characterize plaque components in mouse. In the future, it can be easily implemented on commercial ultrasound systems and eventually translated into clinics as a screening tool for atherosclerosis and the assessment of vulnerable plaques.

Docking and quantum mechanic studies on cholinesterases and their inhibitors.

Docking studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were made for 88 N-aryl derivatives and for some acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) residues. Based on this information, some compounds were synthesized and tested kinetically in vitro as AChE inhibitors. Finally, some chemical properties of the N-aryl derivatives were calculated: partition coefficient (pi) and molecular electrostatic potentials (MESPs) whereas their electronic effects (rho) were taken from the literature. The results showed that all compounds act inside the AChE gorge, making pi-pi interactions and hydrogen bonds with Trp86 and Ser203 and by high HOMO energies of Ser2003 and high LUMO energies of N-aryl derivatives. These theoretical calculations for AChE are in agreement with the experimental data, whereas such calculations for BChE do not show the same behavior which could be due to in spite of both cholinesterase enzymes displaying similar functional activities they do possess important structural differences at their catalystic sites.

Ex vivo anticholinesterase activity of benzoic acid derivatives.

p-Aminobenzoic acid (p-ABA) derivatives were evaluated as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Finding a correlation between AChE activity with the partition coefficient (log P) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy of the compounds.

Terapia inhalatoria en pacientes pediátricos con asma bronquial. Uso de bloqueadores H-2 / Inhalatory therapy in pediatric patients with bronchial asthma. Blockader use H-2

Se estudió en forma prospectiva, pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de asma bronquial en el Hospital I Ramón Castilla-IPSS, Lima-Perú, quienes recibieron tratamiento con inhalador asociado a Beclametasona mas Salbutamol. La evolución del cuadro clínico, los valores de flujo pico, los efectos colaterales y standard de vida con la asociación medicamentosa fue superior cuando fue comparada al tratamiento antiasmático llamado de primera linea