Factors associated with the gender gap in the STEM sector: Comparison of theoretical and empirical concept maps and qualitative SWOT analysis.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees represent a future employment scenario with low unemployment rates due to the high demand for qualified personnel. However, the STEM sector also represents an educational field marked by horizontal segregation and the gender gap. Different factors play a role in deciding which higher education studies to pursue. From a theoretical and empirical approach, this study aims to identify which factors are associated with the gender gap in the STEM higher education sector. Furthermore, as a research question, it is proposed: are the factors identified at a theoretical and empirical level associated with the gender gap in the STEM higher education sector the same? The empirically validated questionnaire "Questionnaire with university students on STEM studies in Higher Education" (QSTEMHE) was applied to the student community of public and private universities in Spain in 2021, using simple random probability sampling to answer the research question and objective. A final sample of 2101 participants of different genders belonging to different branches of knowledge was obtained. The data analysis was carried out using qualitative methodology and the phenomenological method, following different stages. Firstly, a theoretical conceptual map of the main factors identified in the literature and their authors was composed. Secondly, an empirical conceptual map has been designed with the factors identified in the narratives of the study participants. Finally, these maps were complemented with a SWOT analysis based on the participants' discourses. As a result, it has been observed that there are extrinsic and intrinsic factors and that social constructs and gender stereotypes strongly influence the perception of men, women, and professions and the masculinisation and feminisation of these. Outreach interventions should be proposed from the institutional educational spheres to alleviate existing biases about studies and professions.

Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the biomolecular mechanisms associated to the antitumoral potential of a novel silver-based core@shell nanosystem.

A combination of omics techniques (transcriptomics and metabolomics) has been used to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the antitumor action of a nanosystem based on a Ag core coated with mesoporous silica on which transferrin has been anchored as a targeting ligand against tumor cells (Ag@MSNs-Tf). Transcriptomics analysis has been carried out by gene microarrays and RT-qPCR, while high-resolution mass spectrometry has been used for metabolomics. This multi-omics strategy has enabled the discovery of the effect of this nanosystem on different key molecular pathways including the glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the oxidative phosphorylation and the synthesis of fatty acids, among others.

From Perpetual Wetness to Soil Chemistry: Enumerating Environmental and Physicochemical Factors Favoring Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi Snail Presence in the Municipality of Gonzaga, Cagayan, Philippines.

Snail control to complement mass drug administration is being promoted by the World Health Organization for schistosomiasis control. Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi, the snail intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines, has a very focal distribution; thus, scrutinizing baseline data and parameters affecting this distribution is very crucial. In this study in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Philippines, snail habitats were surveyed, and the various factors affecting the existence of the snails were determined. Malacological surveys and the mapping of sites of perpetual wetness in five endemic and five neighboring non-endemic barangays were conducted. Environmental and physicochemical factors were also examined. Maps of both snail and non-snail sites were generated. Of the fifty sites surveyed, O. h. quadrasi were found in twelve sites, and two sites yielded snails that were infected with S. japonicum cercariae. Factors such as silty loam soil, proximity to a snail site, water ammonia, and soil attributes (organic matter, iron, and pH) are all significantly associated with the presence of snails. In contrast, types of habitats, temperatures, and soil aggregation have no established association with the existence of snails. Mapping snail sites and determining factors favoring snail presence are vital to eliminating snails. These approaches will significantly maximize control impact and minimize wasted efforts and resources, especially in resource-limited schistosomiasis endemic areas.

Severe Pericardial Effusion Due to Autoimmune Hypothyroidism With Levothyroxine Withdrawal and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The presence of autoantibodies is a common link between autoimmune hypothyroidism (AH) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The coexistence of AH (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) and SLE is common; however, massive pericardial effusion (PEEF) with signs of tamponade is extremely rare and only a few cases have been reported in literature. We present a case of a 54-year-old female who came in with progressive dyspnea who was found out to have massive PEEF from overt AH and concurrent SLE, which was successfully managed medically. This gave us valuable insight that massive pericardial effusion occurring in overt hypothyroidism may be secondarily caused by other co-existing disease entities such as SLE. The importance of the correct diagnosis cannot be overemphasized, as this largely contributed to the successful management of this case.

Hora Dorada de neutropenia febril en cáncer pediátrico Hospital de Niños "J. M. de los Ríos"

Tratamientos intensificados se asocian con neutropenia severa, identificada como factor de riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes con enfermedades neoplásicas. Objetivo: Evaluar la importancia del momento de inicio del tratamiento antibiótico en la evolución y pronóstico de pacientes con neutropenia febril (NF) por Cáncer ingresados al Hospital de Niños "J.M. de los Ríos" entre febrero 2020 ­ febrero 2022. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal, analítico, se registró formulario de recolección de datos y base de datos Google Drive para análisis estadístico por distribución de frecuencias y porcentajes. Se entregó Consentimiento y Asentimiento Informado a padres y pacientes, ambos aprobados por Comisión de Bioética, capacitándose en manejo de fiebre neutropénica. Incluyó pacientes con fiebre durante la primera hora después de recibir quimioterapia, indicándoseles antibióticos. Resultados: Sexo masculino 63,2 % (36/57) de los casos de NF y preescolares 43,9 % (25/57) fueron los más afectados. Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda fue el cáncer más frecuente 68,4 % (39/57) y Bacteriemia 40,4 % (23/57) la patología infecciosa predominante. Evolucionaron satisfactoriamente en la mayoría de los casos; la Media de la estancia hospitalaria fue 14,56 días, más prolongada en pacientes con Leucemia Linfocítica Aguda en fase de inducción. Gramnegativos los aislamientos predominantes 35,1 % (20/57), representados por Pseudomonas aeruginosa. El tiempo de cumplimiento de antibióticos fue 4 - 12 horas desde el inicio de fiebre. Mortalidad ocurrió por enfermedad de base mal controlada. Conclusiones: Cumplimiento de antibióticos durante la primera hora de fiebre neutropénica en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer disminuye complicaciones infecciosas, estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad.

Intensified treatments are associated with severe neutropenia, identified as a risk factor for infectious complications in patients with neoplastic diseases. Objective: To evaluate the importance of the moment of initiation of antibiotic treatment in the evolution and prognosis of patients with febrile neutropenia (NF) due to Cancer admitted to the Hospital de Niños J.M. de los Ríos between February 2020 - February 2022. Methods: Descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study, a data collection form and Google Drive database were registered for statistical analysis by distribution of frequencies and percentages. Consent and Informed Assent were given to parents and patients, both approved by the Bioethics Commission, training in the management of neutropenic fever. It included patients with fever during the first hour after receiving chemotherapy, indicating antibiotics. Results: Male sex 63.2 % (36/57) of the cases of NF and preschoolers 43.9 % (25/57) were the most affected. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia was the most frequent cancer 68.4 % (39/57) and Bacteremia 40.4 % (23/57) the predominant infectious pathology. They evolved satisfactorily in most cases; Mean hospital stay was 14.56 days, longer in patients with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in the induction phase. Gram-negative the predominant isolates 35.1 % (20/57), represented by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotic compliance time was 4 - 12 hours from the onset of fever. Mortality occurred due to poorly controlled underlying disease. Conclusions: Antibiotic compliance during the first hour of neutropenic fever in pediatric patients with cancer reduces infectious complications, hospital stay and mortality.

Lineage BA.2 dominated the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave in the Philippines.

The Omicron severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant led to a dramatic global epidemic wave following detection in South Africa in November 2021. The BA.1 Omicron lineage was dominant and responsible for most SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in countries around the world during December 2021-January 2022, while other Omicron lineages, including BA.2, accounted for the minority of global isolates. Here, we describe the Omicron wave in the Philippines by analysing genomic data. Our results identify the presence of both BA.1 and BA.2 lineages in the Philippines in December 2021, before cases surged in January 2022. We infer that only the BA.2 lineage underwent sustained transmission in the country, with an estimated emergence around 18 November 2021 (95 per cent highest posterior density: 6-28 November), while despite multiple introductions, BA.1 transmission remained limited. These results suggest that the Philippines was one of the earliest areas affected by BA.2 and reiterate the importance of whole genome sequencing for monitoring outbreaks.

SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for localized rectal cancer (2021)

The management of localized rectal cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes, reduce morbidity and prevent under or overtreatments. While early stages may obtain benefit of local resections without any additional therapies, locally advanced rectal cancer becomes a challenge defining the better sequential strategy of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The latest results of international phase III studies have positioned the total neoadjuvant therapy as a potential new standard of care in high risk rectal cancers, however, the best schedule is still not well defined.

SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for localized rectal cancer (2021).

The management of localized rectal cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes, reduce morbidity and prevent under or overtreatments. While early stages may obtain benefit of local resections without any additional therapies, locally advanced rectal cancer becomes a challenge defining the better sequential strategy of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The latest results of international phase III studies have positioned the total neoadjuvant therapy as a potential new standard of care in high risk rectal cancers, however, the best schedule is still not well defined.

Immunohistochemical detection of virus antigen in the nasal planum of rabid dogs.

The rabies virus is one of the most neurotropic of all viruses infecting mammals. During the terminal phases of infection, the virus spreads to peripheral tissues, including the skin. The external skin of the nose, called the nasal planum, is a sensory organ where numerous nerve bundles and terminal nerves are distributed. Therefore, the nasal planum is expected to serve as a postmortem diagnostic material. However, the distribution of rabies virus antigens in the nasal planum in rabid animals has not yet been studied. In this study, the nasal planum was obtained from 45 rabid dogs. In all rabid dogs, the viral antigen was detected in the peripheral nerve tissues, Merkel cells, and squamous cells. The viral antigen in the epidermis exhibited three patterns: first, a diffuse positive pattern from the basal layer to the squamous layer; second, a reticular positive pattern along the cell membrane in the squamous layer; and third, a basal layer pattern of the epidermis. In the dermis, viral antigens were detected more often in lamellated corpuscles just beneath the rete pegs. These results suggest that the nasal planum could serve as a useful alternative source for postmortem diagnosis in rabies endemic countries.

Psychosocial care in dementia in European higher education: Evidence from the SiDECar ("Skills in DEmentia Care") project.

In dementia care, psychosocial interventions can increase people's quality of life with dementia and their caregivers. Despite their effectiveness, their translation into practice lacks the desirable systematicity. Systematic educational programs on psychosocial interventions in dementia will improve this translation, as it prepares professionals to face the complexity of dementia care. This study aimed to systematically map out the extent to which higher education programs in Europe include teaching activities about psychosocial care of dementia. We collected quantitative and qualitative data about 303 higher education teaching activities on psychosocial care in dementia across Europe. The analysis revealed that the number of teaching activities focusing on psychosocial care in dementia was relative. Although the results reflected UNESCO indications, the teaching activities on psychosocial care in dementia appeared less systematized than optimal. As world health agencies recommend, international higher education systems should consider more psychosocial care topics because they can prepare professionals to respond timely and effectively to dementia patients and caregivers' needs.

Research priority-setting for human, plant, and animal virology: an online experience for the Virology Institute of the Philippines.

BACKGROUND: Viral pandemics have had catastrophic consequences on population health and economies. The Philippine government intends to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines, one of the key areas of which will be virology research. This project aimed to develop the institute's research agenda across the fields of human, plant, and animal virology. METHODOLOGY: Key considerations for the prioritization methodology were (1) the imminent establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, (2) mobility restrictions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, (3) the timeline to develop the research agenda, and (4) the need to separate the research agenda for the three fields of human, plant, and animal virology. The process was fully conducted online in four steps: stakeholder identification, soliciting research priorities, generating initial research priorities, and final prioritization consultations conducted on Zoom Pro. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants attended three online consultations between 21 and 27 July 2020 through Zoom Pro. Participants selected the research prioritization criteria and its weights, and used these to evaluate the research priorities. The final research agenda covers topics in epidemiology, diagnostics, surveillance, biosafety, and genomics. CONCLUSION: This initiative resulted in the first research agenda for the Virology Institute of the Philippines across the three fields of human, plant, and animal virology. An expert-driven process which places a premium on consensus-building facilitated through online platforms was the most feasible approach to develop the research agenda. This process resulted in an agenda aligned with the mandates of national research councils but leaves gaps on areas such as emerging infectious diseases. Pre-COVID-19 literature expressed apprehensions on the online medium that weakens social ties necessary for consensus. Our experience with changing the mode of consensus-building shows that users will continually adapt to technology. Online tools are currently able to address the limitations of the virtual space.

Assessment of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Landscape in the Philippines and the Development of the National Biorisk Management Framework.

Introduction: The emergence of biological threats that can potentially affect millions emphasizes the need to develop a policy framework in the Philippines that can mount an adequate and well-coordinated response. The objective of the study was to assess, strengthen, and harmonize efforts in biorisk management through the development of a National Biorisk Management Framework. Methods: The development of the National Biorisk Management Framework was carried out in two phases: (1) assessment of the current biosafety and biosecurity landscape and (2) framework development. Results: This study identified policy gaps in the incorporation of biosafety in course curricula, professional development, and organizational twinning. The desired policy outcomes focus on increasing the capacity and quality of facilities, and the development of the biosafety officer profession. The tabletop exercises revealed weak implementation of existing protocols and unclear coordination mechanisms for emergency response. Based on these, a framework was drafted composed of eight key areas in biosafety and biosecurity, and four key contexts in risk reduction and management. Discussion and Conclusion: Reforms in biosafety and biosecurity policies are expected to improve coordination, ensure sustainability, capacitate facilities, and professionalize biosafety officers. Because of the complexity of reforms necessary, success will require a consistent and coherent policy framework that (1) provides well-coordinated mechanisms toward harmonized risk reduction and management, (2) establishes and enforces guidelines on biosafety, biosecurity, and biorisk management, (3) regulates facilities essential for occupational safety and public health, and (4) is financed by the General Appropriations Act as part of the national budget.

Confirmación del origen de la fuga pleuroperitoneal mediante SPECT-TC en paciente en diálisis peritoneal / Confirmation of the pleuroperitoneal leak origin with a SPECT-CT in a patient on peritoneal dialysis

No disponible

Síndrome de Tapia como forma de presentación de paraganglioma yugular / Jugular paraganglioma presenting as Tapia síndrome

No disponible

A preliminary evaluation of a locally produced biotinylated polyclonal anti-rabies antibody for direct rapid immunohistochemical test (DRIT) in the Philippines.

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease endemic in developing countries of Asia and Africa. Recently, the direct rapid immunohistochemical test (DRIT) was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as a diagnostic test for rabies. Therefore, a biotinylated polyclonal antibody (pAb) against the rabies lyssavirus (RABV) nucleoprotein was developed using a plasmid cDNA vaccine derived from a challenge virus standard 11 strain. A preliminary evaluation on the efficacy of this reagent in recognizing the Philippine RABV strain was tested using banked canine hippocampal tissue samples with DRIT and the results were compared to dFAT. The effects of acetone and formalin fixation on DRIT were also assessed through immunoreactivity scores of the specimens. Of the 142 samples examined, 104 tested positive and 38 negative using both dFAT and DRIT, showing 100% agreement between the two diagnostic procedures. Moreover, no false positive or false negative results were observed using acetone and formalin fixation. Thus, locally prepared biotinylated pAb from plasmid cDNA can be used for DRIT, especially in resource-limited laboratories in the Philippines. However, these results should be confirmed with a more thorough evaluation of this technique, and the range of detection needs to be further evaluated in a larger panel of animal samples and on other lyssaviruses.

Glaucoma de ángulo abierto secundario a cortisona endógena por microadenoma hipofisario en un paciente joven, a propósito de un caso / Open angle glaucoma secondary to endogenous cortisone due to pituitary microadenoma in a young patient, a case report

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 31 años que fue derivado para valoración tras ser diagnosticado de síndrome de Cushing secundario a un microadenoma hipofisario. En la exploración se observó reducción de la agudeza visual y presión intraocular (PIO) de 48 mmHg en ambos ojos. El segmento anterior fue normal, la papila excavada y el ángulo abierto explorado mediante gonioscopia. Se realizó también campimetría que reveló una afectación avanzada. Se diagnosticó de glaucoma secundario a corticosteroides endógenos y se inició tratamiento médico a la espera de la extirpación del adenoma. La PIO no se normalizó tras la extirpación incompleta del adenoma, por lo que se optó por realizar trabeculectomía para controlarla. Como conclusiones: ante una hipertensión ocular con tumor hipofisario se debe sospechar glaucoma secundario a cortisona endógena; el tratamiento precoz del tumor es necesario para normalizar los niveles de la cortisona y controlar la PIO, el diagnóstico tardío o el tratamiento incompleto de estos tumores puede llevar a no obtener un control adecuado de la PIO

CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old male was referred for evaluation after being diagnosed with Cushing syndrome secondary to a pituitary microadenoma. He presented with a reduced visual acuity and high intraocular pressure (IOP) of 48mmHg in both eyes. The examination with biomicroscopy showed normal anterior segment, increased cup to disc ratio, and open angle. There was a moderate-advanced involvement in the visual field. The patient was diagnosed with glaucoma secondary to endogenous corticosteroids, and medical treatment was initiated pending the removal of the adenoma. The IOP did not return to normal after the incomplete removal of the adenoma, so a trabeculectomy was performed to control the IOP. As conclusions: In the case of an ocular hypertension with pituitary tumour, secondary glaucoma to endogenous cortisone should be suspected. Early treatment of the tumour is necessary to bring the cortisone and IOP levels back to normal. Late diagnosis or incomplete treatment of these tumours may lead to not obtaining adequate IOP control

Rapid in-country sequencing of whole virus genomes to inform rabies elimination programmes.

Genomic surveillance is an important aspect of contemporary disease management but has yet to be used routinely to monitor endemic disease transmission and control in low- and middle-income countries. Rabies is an almost invariably fatal viral disease that causes a large public health and economic burden in Asia and Africa, despite being entirely vaccine preventable. With policy efforts now directed towards achieving a global goal of zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030, establishing effective surveillance tools is critical. Genomic data can provide important and unique insights into rabies spread and persistence that can direct control efforts. However, capacity for genomic research in low- and middle-income countries is held back by limited laboratory infrastructure, cost, supply chains and other logistical challenges. Here we present and validate an end-to-end workflow to facilitate affordable whole genome sequencing for rabies surveillance utilising nanopore technology. We used this workflow in Kenya, Tanzania and the Philippines to generate rabies virus genomes in two to three days, reducing costs to approximately £60 per genome. This is over half the cost of metagenomic sequencing previously conducted for Tanzanian samples, which involved exporting samples to the UK and a three- to six-month lag time. Ongoing optimization of workflows are likely to reduce these costs further. We also present tools to support routine whole genome sequencing and interpretation for genomic surveillance. Moreover, combined with training workshops to empower scientists in-country, we show that local sequencing capacity can be readily established and sustainable, negating the common misperception that cutting-edge genomic research can only be conducted in high resource laboratories. More generally, we argue that the capacity to harness genomic data is a game-changer for endemic disease surveillance and should precipitate a new wave of researchers from low- and middle-income countries.

Rasgos característicos del comportamiento motor del niño con prematurez durante los primeros meses de vida posnatal: una revisión de la literatura / Characteristics of motor behaviour in premature infants during the first months of postnatal life. A literature review

OBJETIVO: Describir los rasgos característicos del comportamiento motor del niño con prematurez durante los primeros meses de vida posnatal, de acuerdo con la evidencia disponible. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistematizada de la literatura; este método forma parte de los estudios secundarios en investigación y describe un fenómeno en detalle, tomando como base fuentes primarias de información. RESULTADOS: El proceso de búsqueda en las bases de datos consultadas arrojó 7.228 artículos; a partir de estos se identificaron 15 más a través de las estrategias de búsqueda «en bola de nieve». Iniciando el proceso de tamizaje o cribado se eligieron 63 registros por título y resumen, y se excluyeron 14 por encontrarse duplicados; se seleccionaron 49 artículos para ser revisados a texto completo y, de estos, se excluyeron 37 por no cumplir con los criterios de inclusión en su totalidad, resultando al final 12 artículos que fueron elegidos para elaborar la síntesis cualitativa del presente trabajo de investigación. CONCLUSIONES: En comparación con los niños nacidos a término los prematuros demuestran un repertorio motor particular, derivado de la inmadurez de sus sistemas; su comportamiento motor traza una línea de desarrollo a través de la cual se expresan deficiencias del tono muscular, del control postural, del balance muscular y de la activación muscular antigravitatoria como las principales

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of motor behaviour in premature infants during the first months of postnatal life, according to the available evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out; this method forms part of secondary studies under investigation and describes a phenomenon in detail based on primary sources of information. RESULTS: The literature search in the databases consulted yielded 7,228 articles; of these, 15 more were identified through "snowball" search strategies. At the start of the screening process, 63 eligible records were chosen based on their title and summary, and 14 were excluded because they were duplicates. A total of 49 articles were selected for a full text revision and, of these, 37 were excluded because they did not meet all the inclusion criteria. Finally, 12 articles were selected to prepare the qualitative synthesis of the present research work. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with neonates born at term, premature infants demonstrate a particular motor repertoire, due to the immaturity of their systems; their motor behaviour follows a line of development mainly characterised by deficits in muscle tone, postural control, muscle balance, and antigravity muscle activation