Novel Organogels from Mauritia flexuosa L.f and Caryodendron orinocense Karst.: A Topical Alternative.

Organogels have importance for topical applications because they can be used to deliver drugs in a controlled and prolonged fashion. These are materials consisting of a three-dimensional network of organic molecules dispersed in a solvent. Recent studies have demonstrated that the solvent could be replaced by oils from non-conventional biologic sources. There is a diversity of not-explored species in the Amazon that are promising sources of vegetable oils with a promising composition. This study developed an organogel with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.f) and cacay (Caryodendron orinocense Karst.) oils, using cetostearyl alcohol as an organogelator due to its compatibility, stability, security, affordability, and it is readily available. The oils were characterized, and the organogels were synthesized by studying their crystal evolution and oil-binding capacity. The microstructure was evaluated with polarized light microscopy, fractal dimension, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and thermal and rheological analyses. It was found that the critical gelation concentration was higher for cacay oil as it possessed a higher amount of polyunsaturated triacylglycerols. The crystals of the buriti organogel had a smaller lamellar shape, a greater surface area, and physical and thermal stability; although, it presented a slower crystal evolution due to the low number of minor compounds and a greater number of saturated triacylglycerols. The polar fraction of the organogelators as well as triacylglycerol and minor polar compounds are important in forming crystallization nuclei. The study showed that Amazonian oils in crystallization processes form microstructures with differentiating physicochemical properties.

A Review of Potential Use of Amazonian Oils in the Synthesis of Organogels for Cosmetic Application.

New strategies for the delivery of bioactives in the deeper layers of the skin have been studied in recent years, using mainly natural ingredients. Among the strategies are organogels as a promising tool to load bioactives with different physicochemical characteristics, using vegetable oils. Studies have shown satisfactory skin permeation, good physicochemical stability mainly due to its three-dimensional structure, and controlled release using vegetable oils and low-molecular-weight organogelators. Within the universe of natural ingredients, vegetable oils, especially those from the Amazon, have a series of benefits and characteristics that make them unique compared to conventional oils. Several studies have shown that the use of Amazonian oils brings a series of benefits to the skin, among which are an emollient, moisturizing, and nourishing effect. This work shows a compilation of the main Amazonian oils and their nutraceutical and physicochemical characteristics together with the minority polar components, related to health benefits, and their possible effects on the synthesis of organogels for cosmetic purposes.

Quality of work life and health-related quality of life in women working in the informal economy in the commune 9 of Cali, Colombia / Calidad de vida en el trabajo y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en trabajadoras del sector informal de la comuna 9 de Cali, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Quality of work life (QWL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) determine health, social participation and productivity indices of women working in the informal economy. Objectives: To establish the relationship between QWL and HRQOL in women workers in informal economies from the commune 9 of Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Analytical and correlational cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in 48 in women working in the informal economy who were administered the Quality of Life at Work (CVT-GOHISALO)" and the Health-Related Quality of Life-HRQOL (SF-36) questionnaires. The correlation between the dimensions of both instruments was established using the Spearman's correlation coefficient (weak: rho=0.1-0.3; moderate: rho=0.31-0.6; strong: rho=0.61-0.9, and perfect: rho=09.-1.0), considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: There is dissatisfaction in 5 dimensions of the CVT-GOHISALO questionnaire, with the highest levels of dissatisfaction found in personal development (97.91%) and well-being achieved through work (95.83%). In the SF-36 questionnaire, the mean score was low in both the physical and mental summary components (45.89.3 and 44.712.9, respectively). A moderate positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between the overall score of the CVT-GOHISALO scale and the physical summary component of the SF-36 questionnaire (rho=o.4i9; p=0.004) and the four dimensions of this component (p<0.05). Conclusion: The lower the QWL, the lower the HRQOL. Therefore, it is necessary to implement comprehensive public health programs in Cali considering work-related and social aspects that impact the personal development and well-being of the people working in the informal economy.

Resumen Introducción. La calidad de vida en el trabajo (CVT) y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) determinan los índices de salud, participación social y productividad en trabajadoras del sector informal. Objetivo. Establecer la relación entre CVT y CVRS en trabajadoras del sector informal de la comuna 9 de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico y correlacional realizado en 2019 en 48 trabajadoras informales a las que se les aplicaron los cuestionarios CVT-GOHISALO y SF-36 para medir la CVT y la CVRT, respectivamente. La correlación entre las dimensiones de ambos instrumentos se estableció mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (débil: rho=0.1-0.3; moderada: rho=0.31-0.6; fuerte: rho=0.61-0.9, y perfecta: rho=0.9-1.0), considerando un nivel de significancia de p<0.05. Resultados. Existe insatisfacción en 5 dimensiones del CVT-GOHISALO, con los niveles más altos de insatisfacción en desarrollo personal (97.91%) y bienestar logrado a través del trabajo (95.83%). En el cuestionario SF-36, según la combinación de las puntuaciones de cada dimensión, el promedio obtenido en los componentes físico y mental fue bajo (45.819.3 y 44.7112.9, respectivamente). Se observó una correlación moderada positiva y estadísticamente significativa entre el puntaje global del cuestionario CVT-GOHISALO y el componente físico del cuestionario SF-36 (rho=0.419; p=0.004) y las cuatro dimensiones de este componente (p<0.05). Conclusión. A menor CVT, menor CVRS. Por lo tanto, es necesario implementar programas integrales de salud pública en Cali que consideren aspectos laborales y sociales que impacten el desarrollo personal y el bienestar de la población trabajadora del sector informal.

Can Nimesulide Nanoparticles Be a Therapeutic Strategy for the Inhibition of the KRAS/PTEN Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive, devastating disease due to its invasiveness, rapid progression, and resistance to surgical, pharmacological, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments. The disease develops from PanINs lesions that progress through different stages. KRAS mutations are frequently observed in these lesions, accompanied by inactivation of PTEN, hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, and chronic inflammation with overexpression of COX-2. Nimesulide is a selective COX-2 inhibitor that has shown anticancer effects in neoplastic pancreatic cells. This drug works by increasing the levels of PTEN expression and inhibiting proliferation and apoptosis. However, there is a need to improve nimesulide through its encapsulation by solid lipid nanoparticles to overcome problems related to the hepatotoxicity and bioavailability of the drug.

Evaluación de la Saturación Venosa de Oxígeno (SvO2) desde la teoría de los sistemas dinámicos / Evaluation of SvO2 from the Theory of Dynamic Systems

Introducción: La evolución de un sistema dinámico se puede caracterizar a partir de la construcción de atractores caóticos. Objetivo: Desarrollar una metodología de evaluación de la saturación venosa de oxígeno, fundamentada en los sistemas dinámicos, para pacientes en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Metodología: Se seleccionaron 10 pacientes con diferentes patologías de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Postquirúrgicos, y registró la saturación venosa de oxígeno durante su tiempo de estancia. Con base en estos valores se construyeron atractores caóticos en el mapa de retardo y se evaluaron los valores mínimos y máximos ocupados por el atractor. Resultados: Se halló que la saturación venosa de oxígeno tiene un comportamiento caótico; los valores máximos y mínimos de los atractores en el mapa de retardo variaron entre 22,10 mmHg y 93,70 mmHg. Conclusiones: Se plantea una nueva metodología capaz de caracterizar el comportamiento de la variable monitorizada para la evaluación del paciente crítico(AU)

Introduction: The evolution of a dynamic system can be characterized from the construction of chaotic attractors. Objective: To develop a methodology based on dynamic systems, for the evaluation of venous oxygen saturation of patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Methodology: 10 patients with different pathologies of the Post-surgical Intensive Care Unit were selected, and recorded venous oxygen saturation during their time of stay. Based on these values, chaotic attractors were constructed on the delay map and the minimum and maximum values occupied by the attractor were evaluated. Results: It was found that venous oxygen saturation has a chaotic behavior; the maximum and minimum values of the attractors on the delay map varied between 22.10 mmHg and 93.70 mmHg. Conclusions: A new methodology is proposed capable of characterizing the behavior of this monitored variable for the evaluation of the critical patient(AU)

La elaboración de la sección «Discusión» de artículos científicos originales. ¿Un reto para los docentes universitarios? / Development of the "Discussion" section in original research papers. A challenge for university teachers?

El artículo da cuenta de cómo los docentes universitarios, devenidos investigadores, históricamente han mostrado una especial preocupación por la redacción de artículos originales. Uno de los mayores retos que deben enfrentar en este empeño es la elaboración de la discusión, el corazón del manuscrito y la sección más compleja, donde se somete a prueba la fortaleza científica de un investigador. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, orientado a presentar los resultados de la determinación de las principales dificultades de un grupo de docentes en la elaboración de la sección «Discusión» de artículos científicos. Los resultados muestran que todas las subcategorías experimentaron una reducción del porcentaje. Las limitaciones y fortalezas del estudio fue la subcategoría que mayor disminución tuvo, con un 21,1%. En relación con la selección del tiempo verbal para la redacción de los contenidos también experimentó una disminución de un 19,2% respecto a la primera revisión. El resto de las subcategorías experimentaron una reducción menor (entre un 1,9% y un 3,9%)

The article reports on how university teachers, aspiring researchers, have historically shown particular concern about writing original articles. One of the biggest challenges they face in this endeavour is the development of the discussion, the heart of the manuscript, as well as the most complex section, where the scientific strength of a researcher is put to the test. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out to present the results of the identification of the main problems of a group of teachers in developing the "Discussion" section of scientific articles. The results show that all subcategories experienced a percentage reduction. The limitations and strengths of the study was the subcategory that had the greatest decrease, with 21.1%. In relation to the selection of the verb tense for the writing of the contents also experienced a decrease of 19.2%, with respect to the first revision. The remaining sub-categories experienced a smaller reduction (between 1.9% and 3.9%)

Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Caffeic Acid and Its Activity in Hepatocarcinoma.

Caffeic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound synthesized by all plant species and is present in foods such as coffee, wine, tea, and popular medicines such as propolis. This phenolic acid and its derivatives have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activity. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the anticarcinogenic activity of this compound against an important type of cancer, hepatocarcinoma (HCC), considered to be of high incidence, highly aggressive and causing considerable mortality across the world. The anticancer properties of CA are associated with its antioxidant and pro-oxidant capacity, attributed to its chemical structure that has free phenolic hydroxyls, the number and position of OH in the catechol group and the double bond in the carbonic chain. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that this compound is hydrolyzed by the microflora of colonies and metabolized mainly in the intestinal mucosa through phase II enzymes, submitted to conjugation and methylation processes, forming sulphated, glucuronic and/or methylated conjugates by the action of sulfotransferases, UDP-glucotransferases, and o-methyltransferases, respectively. The transmembrane flux of CA in intestinal cells occurs through active transport mediated by monocarboxylic acid carriers. CA can act by preventing the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species), inducing DNA oxidation of cancer cells, as well as reducing tumor cell angiogenesis, blocking STATS (transcription factor and signal translation 3) and suppression of MMP2 and MMP-9 (collagen IV metalloproteases). Thus, this review provides an overview of the chemical and pharmacological parameters of CA and its derivatives, demonstrating its mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic aspects, as well as a critical analysis of its action in the fight against hepatocarcinoma.

Retos del sistema general de seguridad social y salud: prospectiva para el desarrollo social en la Costa Atlántico de Colombia / Challenges of the general system of social security and health: Prospective for social development in the Atlantic Coast of Colombia

Introducción: Concepción interdisciplinaria de la gestión del sistema de salud en el contexto latinoamericano, de acuerdo con lo establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud/ Organización Panamericana de la Salud. El artículo propone una estrategia prospectiva de desarrollo social en la Costa Atlántica de Colombia, para afianzar el funcionamiento, desde lo preventivo y asistencial, del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano. Objetivo: Definir, desde una visión prospectiva para el desarrollo social colectivo, los retos del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano. Método: Estudio exploratorio, fundamentado en el análisis teórico conceptual que permite derivar el sistema de relaciones de las categorías: gerencia del sistema de salud y desarrollo social colectivo. Se aplica la prospectiva estratégica, mediante el componente empírico-analítico, a través del cual se visualizan escenarios futuros que direccionen el desarrollo del sistema de salud a partir de la interacción entre sus actores representativos. Resultados: Se determinaron debilidades relacionadas con la gestión integral del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano, específicamente en la Costa Atlántica. En esta región del país el escaso uso de técnicas prospectivas debilita la estrategia gerencial y minimiza la posibilidad de asumir retos y prever incertidumbres en uno de los sistemas que, a través de la efectividad de servicios de salud y calidad de vida, supone un indicador de desarrollo social colectivo. Conclusiones: Necesidad de visionar retos y escenarios para modelar la gestión del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud en la Costa Atlántica de Colombia para afianzar la equidad, la inclusión y la calidad de vida e incrementar los estándares de gestión de la salud en colectivos y comunidades vulneradas(AU)

Introduction: There is an interdisciplinary basis conceived for the management of the health system in the Latin American context, in accordance with the provisions of WHO/PAHO and that is linked with related disciplines, such as management and education. This article proposes a prospective strategy of social development in the Atlantic Coast of Colombia to consolidate its functioning from the preventive and welfare perspectives in the Colombian's General System of Social Security and Health (SGSSS, by its acronym in Spanish). Objective: To define the challenges of the SGSSS from a prospective point of view for the collective social development. Method: An exploratory study, based on the conceptual, theoretical analysis to derive the relations´ system of the following categories: management of the health system, and collective social development. Strategic prospective is used by the empirical-analytical component to visualize future scenarios of probable occurrence that address the development of the health system from the interaction between its representative actors. Results: The weaknesses identified were related to the comprehensive management of the Colombian SGSSS, specifically on the Atlantic Coast, where the limited use of prospective techniques weakens the management strategy and minimizes the possibility of assuming challenges and anticipating uncertainties in one of the systems that through the effectiveness of health services and quality of life warrants responding to collective social development. Conclusions: There is a need to view challenges and scenarios for modeling the management of the SGSSS on the Atlantic Coast of Colombia to strengthen the equity, inclusion and quality of life, and to increase the standards of health management in vulnerable groups and communities(AU)

Retos del sistema general de seguridad social y salud: prospectiva para el desarrollo social en la Costa Atlántico de Colombia / Challenges of the general system of social security and health: Prospective for social development in the Atlantic Coast of Colombia

Introducción: Concepción interdisciplinaria de la gestión del sistema de salud en el contexto latinoamericano, de acuerdo con lo establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud/ Organización Panamericana de la Salud. El artículo propone una estrategia prospectiva de desarrollo social en la Costa Atlántica de Colombia, para afianzar el funcionamiento, desde lo preventivo y asistencial, del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano. Objetivo: Definir, desde una visión prospectiva para el desarrollo social colectivo, los retos del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano. Método: Estudio exploratorio, fundamentado en el análisis teórico conceptual que permite derivar el sistema de relaciones de las categorías: gerencia del sistema de salud y desarrollo social colectivo. Se aplica la prospectiva estratégica, mediante el componente empírico-analítico, a través del cual se visualizan escenarios futuros que direccionen el desarrollo del sistema de salud a partir de la interacción entre sus actores representativos. Resultados: Se determinaron debilidades relacionadas con la gestión integral del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud colombiano, específicamente en la Costa Atlántica. En esta región del país el escaso uso de técnicas prospectivas debilita la estrategia gerencial y minimiza la posibilidad de asumir retos y prever incertidumbres en uno de los sistemas que, a través de la efectividad de servicios de salud y calidad de vida, supone un indicador de desarrollo social colectivo. Conclusiones: Necesidad de visionar retos y escenarios para modelar la gestión del Sistema General de Seguridad Social y Salud en la Costa Atlántica de Colombia para afianzar la equidad, la inclusión y la calidad de vida e incrementar los estándares de gestión de la salud en colectivos y comunidades vulneradas(AU)

Introduction: There is an interdisciplinary basis conceived for the management of the health system in the Latin American context, in accordance with the provisions of WHO/PAHO and that is linked with related disciplines, such as management and education. This article proposes a prospective strategy of social development in the Atlantic Coast of Colombia to consolidate its functioning from the preventive and welfare perspectives in the Colombian's General System of Social Security and Health (SGSSS, by its acronym in Spanish). Objective: To define the challenges of the SGSSS from a prospective point of view for the collective social development. Method: An exploratory study, based on the conceptual, theoretical analysis to derive the relations´ system of the following categories: management of the health system, and collective social development. Strategic prospective is used by the empirical-analytical component to visualize future scenarios of probable occurrence that address the development of the health system from the interaction between its representative actors. Results: The weaknesses identified were related to the comprehensive management of the Colombian SGSSS, specifically on the Atlantic Coast, where the limited use of prospective techniques weakens the management strategy and minimizes the possibility of assuming challenges and anticipating uncertainties in one of the systems that through the effectiveness of health services and quality of life warrants responding to collective social development. Conclusions: There is a need to view challenges and scenarios for modeling the management of the SGSSS on the Atlantic Coast of Colombia to strengthen the equity, inclusion and quality of life, and to increase the standards of health management in vulnerable groups and communities(AU)

Enfermedades del tejido conectivo y sus cambios morfoestructurales / Morphological changes in connective tissue diseases

Introducción: Las enfermedades del tejido conectivo constituyen un problema de salud para las instituciones sanitarias de cualquier país, no solo por los síntomas que las acompañan, lo cual resulta motivo de atención médica frecuente, sino por la elevada carga asistencial, los elevados costos sanitarios y las afectaciones a la calidad de vida que genera en las personas que las padecen. Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre algunas enfermedades del tejido conectivo y sus complejidades morfológicas estructurales. Desarrollo: En la literatura consultada pudo constatarse la existencia de un grupo de enfermedades autoinmunes de tipo sistémico; tales como la artritis reumatoide, el lupus eritematoso sistémico, la esclerosis sistémica, la dermatomiositis, las miopatías inflamatorias, el síndrome antifosfolípido, el síndrome de Sjögren y las vasculitis necrotizantes sistémicas, que llaman la atención de los especialistas. Conclusiones: La mayoría de estas afecciones evolucionan con dolor, molestias y limitaciones para desarrollar las actividades de la vida cotidiana por lo que los pacientes suelen expresar sufrimiento, en particular, porque son enfermedades progresivas que pueden producir daños irreversibles con pronóstico no siempre favorable y cuya respuesta al tratamiento específico no siempre es satisfactoria, lo que acentúa el malestar y los síntomas en general y dan lugar a angustia y sufrimiento espiritual al paciente y sus familiares(AU)

Introduction: Connective tissue diseases are a health concern for healthcare institutions in any country, not only because of the symptoms they present, which is a reason for frequent medical attention, but also because of the need for care, high health costs and the great negative effects on the quality of life generated in the lives of people who suffer from them. Objective: To reflect about some connective tissue diseases and their structural and morphological complications. Development: During the analysis of the consulted literature, we could verify the existence of a group of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, inflammatory myopathies, antiphospholipid syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome and systemic necrotizing vasculitis, which has drawn the specialists' attention. Conclusions: Most of these conditions develop with pain, discomfort and limitations to perform activities of daily life, a reason why patients often feel distressed, particularly because these are diseases that can cause irreversible damage with a not always favorable prognosis and whose response to specific treatment is not always satisfactory, which accentuates the discomfort and symptoms in general and gives rise to spiritual anguish and suffering in the patient and their relatives(AU)

Eggs early in complementary feeding increase choline pathway biomarkers and DHA: a randomized controlled trial in Ecuador.

Background: Choline status has been associated with stunting among young children. Findings from this study showed that an egg intervention improved linear growth by a length-for-age z score of 0.63.Objective: We aimed to test the efficacy of eggs introduced early in complementary feeding on plasma concentrations of biomarkers in choline pathways, vitamins B-12 and A, and essential fatty acids.Design: A randomized controlled trial, the Lulun ("egg" in Kichwa) Project, was conducted in a rural indigenous population of Ecuador. Infants aged 6-9 mo were randomly assigned to treatment (1 egg/d for 6 mo; n = 80) and control (no intervention; n = 83) groups. Socioeconomic data, anthropometric measures, and blood samples were collected at baseline and endline. Household visits were made weekly for morbidity surveillance. We tested vitamin B-12 plasma concentrations by using chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay and plasma concentrations of choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, retinol, essential fatty acids, methionine, dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine, and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) with the use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Results: Socioeconomic factors and biomarker concentrations were comparable at baseline. Of infants, 11.4% were vitamin B-12 deficient and 31.7% marginally deficient at baseline. In adjusted generalized linear regression modeling, the egg intervention increased plasma concentrations compared with control by the following effect sizes: choline, 0.35 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.57); betaine, 0.29 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.58); methionine, 0.31 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.60); docosahexaenoic acid, 0.43 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.73); DMA, 0.37 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.69); and TMAO, 0.33 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.58). No significant group differences were found for vitamin B-12, retinol, linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), or ratios of betaine to choline and LA to ALA.Conclusion: The findings supported our hypothesis that early introduction of eggs significantly improved choline and other markers in its methyl group metabolism pathway. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02446873.

Diagnóstico de la actividad científica estudiantil en la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo / Student scientific activity during the medical degree course of the National University of Chimborazo

El éxito de la investigación estudiantil radica en una buena preparación o capacitación de los docentes y en una adecuada promoción y acompañamiento a los estudiantes con procesos de tutoría efectiva. OBJETIVO: Presentar los principales resultados del diagnóstico realizado al estado actual del desarrollo y promoción de la actividad científica estudiantil en la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Entre mayo y agosto del 2015 se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en el cual se trabajó con una población de 546 estudiantes que cursaban la carrera de Medicina. Para la recogida de datos a los estudiantes, se elaboró un cuestionario semiestructurado, además se aplicó una entrevista grupal a 50 docentes de la carrera de Medicina, que impartían ciencias básicas y ciencias clínicas. RESULTADOS: Las variables que se describen en este estudio se comportan de manera insuficiente, en particular para los docentes del área de las ciencias básicas. Por otra parte, los estudiantes solamente comienzan a percibir la utilidad de la preparación que han recibido para vincular la investigación con los conocimientos y habilidades adquiridos en el externado, en el transcurso de los semestres superiores. DISCUSIÓN: Constituye una tarea pendiente la estimulación, el desarrollo y la promoción de la actividad científica estudiantil. A partir del diagnóstico realizado, es posible alertar sobre la necesidad de otorgar prioridad a la participación docente, con independencia del semestre, en las actividades tutoriales y sobre la carencia de un aprendizaje significativo de la investigación en los semestres iniciales

The success of student research lies in a good preparation and training of teachers, as well as adequate promotion and student support with effective mentoring processes. OBJECTIVE: To present the main results of a study of the development and promotion of student scientific activity in the Medical School of the National University of Chimborazo. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, descriptive study was conducted on 546 medical degree students between May and August 2015. A semi-structured interview was used to gather student data. A group interview was held in which data was recorded on 50 teachers of the School of Medicine, who taught basic and clinical science. RESULTS: The study variables behaved inadequately, particularly for teachers in the area of basic science. Moreover, students only began to perceive the usefulness of the preparation they have received to link research with the knowledge and skills acquired during external rotation. DISCUSSION: More work needs to done in stimulating the development and promotion of student scientific activity. The study carried out has made it possible to draw attention to the need to give priority to teacher participation in tutorial activities, regardless of the semester, as well as the lack of a significant teaching of research in earlier semesters

GH Receptor Deficiency in Ecuadorian Adults Is Associated With Obesity and Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity.

CONTEXT: Ecuadorian subjects with GH receptor deficiency (GHRD) have not developed diabetes, despite obesity. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the metabolic associations for this phenomenon. DESIGN: Four studies were carried out: 1) glucose, lipid, adipocytokine concentrations; 2) metabolomics evaluation; 3) metabolic responses to a high-calorie meal; and 4) oral glucose tolerance tests. SETTING: Clinical Research Institute in Quito, Ecuador. SUBJECTS: Adults homozygous for the E180 splice mutation of the GH receptor (GHRD) were matched for age, gender, and body mass index with unaffected control relatives (C) as follows: study 1, 27 GHRD and 35 C; study 2, 10 GHRD and 10 C; study 3, seven GHRD and 11 C; and study 4, seven GHRD and seven C. RESULTS: Although GHRD subjects had greater mean percentage body fat than controls, their fasting insulin, 2-hour blood glucose, and triglyceride levels were lower. The indicator of insulin sensitivity, homeostasis model of assessment 2%S, was greater (P < .0001), and the indicator of insulin resistance, homeostasis model of assessment 2-IR, was lower (P = .0025). Metabolomic differences between GHRD and control subjects were consistent with their differing insulin sensitivity, including postprandial decreases of branched-chain amino acids that were more pronounced in controls. High molecular weight and total adiponectin concentrations were greater in GHRD (P = .0004 and P = .0128, respectively), and leptin levels were lower (P = .02). Although approximately 65% the weight of controls, GHRD subjects consumed an identical high-calorie meal; nonetheless, their mean glucose concentrations were lower, with mean insulin levels one-third those of controls. Results of the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test were similar. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of insulin sensitivity, adipocytokines, and energy metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Without GH counter-regulation, GHRD is associated with insulin efficiency and obesity. Lower leptin levels, despite higher percentage body fat, suggest that obesity-associated leptin resistance is GH dependent. Elevated adiponectin levels not correlated with percentage body fat indicate that GH signaling is necessary for their typical suppression with obesity.

Efficacy of a vaccine formula against tuberculosis in cattle.

"Test-and-slaughter" has been successful in industrialized countries to control and eradicate tuberculosis from cattle; however, this strategy is too expensive for developing nations, where the prevalence is especially high. Vaccination with the Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain has been shown to protect against the development of lesions in vaccinated animals: mouse, cattle and wildlife species. In this study, the immune response and the pathology of vaccinated (BCG-prime and BCG prime-CFP-boosted) and unvaccinated (controls) calves were evaluated under experimental settings. A 10(6) CFU dose of the BCG strain was inoculated subcutaneously on the neck to two groups of ten animas each. Thirty days after vaccination, one of the vaccinated groups was boosted with an M. bovis culture filtrate protein (CFP). Three months after vaccination, the three groups of animals were challenged with 5×10(5) CFU via intranasal by aerosol with a field strain of M. bovis. The immune response was monitored throughout the study. Protection was assessed based on immune response (IFN-g release) prechallenge, presence of visible lesions in lymph nodes and lungs at slaughter, and presence of bacilli in lymph nodes and lung samples in histological analysis. Vaccinated cattle, either with the BCG alone or with BCG and boosted with CFP showed higher IFN-g response, fewer lesions, and fewer bacilli per lesion than unvaccinated controls after challenge. Animals with low levels of IFN-g postvaccine-prechallenge showed more lesions than animals with high levels. Results from this study support the argument that vaccination could be incorporated into control programs to reduce the incidence of TB in cattle in countries with high prevalence.

Mycobacterium bovis DNA detection in colostrum as a potential indicator of vaccination effectiveness against bovine tuberculosis.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a problem on many dairy farms in Mexico, as well as a public health risk. We previously found a high frequency of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in colostrum from dairy cows using a nested PCR to detect mpb70. Since there are no reliable in vivo tests to determine the effectiveness of booster Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination against bTB, in this work we monitored M. bovis DNA in colostrum by using this nested PCR. In order to decrease the risk of adverse reactions in animals likely containing viable M. bovis, a single application of BCG and a subunit vaccine (EEP-1) formulated with M. bovis culture filtrate proteins (CFP) and a copolymer as the adjuvant was performed in tuberculin skin test-negative cattle (TST(-)), while TST reactor animals (TST(+)) received EEP-1 only. Booster immunization using EEP-1 was applied to both groups, 2 months after primary vaccination to whole herds and 12 months later to lactating cows. Colostrum samples were collected from 6 farms where the cows were vaccinated over a 12-month period postvaccination and, for comparison, from one control farm where the cows were not vaccinated with comparable bTB prevalence. We observed an inverse relationship between the frequency of M. bovis DNA detection and time postvaccination at the first (P < 0.001) and second (P < 0.0001) 6-month periods. Additionally, the concentration of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was higher in mpb70 PCR-positive colostrum samples (P = 0.0003). These results suggest that M. bovis DNA frequency in colostrum could be a potentially useful biomarker for bTB vaccine efficacy on commercial dairy farms.

Valores de referencia hematológicos en población altoandina ecuatoriana, empleando analizador SYSMEX XE-2100®* / Hematological reference values in Ecuador's Andean population, using analyzer Sysmex XE-2100 ®*

Contexto: La biometría hemática, es el análisis más solicitado para la evaluación del estado de salud de unsujeto. Sus valores de referencia son importantes en poblaciones de altura, dada la disminución de la presiónparcial de oxígeno que afecta la concentración de hemoglobina, hematocrito e indicadores hematimétricos.En la ciudad de Quito, el último estudio de estimación de valores de referencia, se lo hizo en 1985,empleando métodos manualesMaterial y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de conjunto. Se seleccionó unamuestra de 2613 biometría hematícas de sujetos de ambos sexos con edades entre 18 y 45 años, remitidasa Net-L@b S.A. (Quito), todas realizadas en estudios de salud preventiva en contador Sysmex XE-2100®.Resultados: La edad promedio de los sujetos estudiados fue de 28.76 ± 7.6 años, siendo el 53.6 por ciento de sexomasculino. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los valores de referencia calculados y losreportados por otras publicaciones en poblaciones a diferentes altitudes, en todos los parámetros evaluados,persistiendo incluso al compararlos con poblaciones de altitud similar a la de Quito.Conclusiones: Se evidencia la necesidad que los laboratorios calculen los valores de referencia de supoblación atendida o que sustente el uso de valores de referencia calculados en otras poblaciones.

Carcinoma tiroideo oculto: un estudio de 100 necropsias en el Hospital Universitario Antonio Patricio de Alcalá, Cumaná / Occult thyroid carcinoma: a study of 100 necropsias at the University Hospital Antonio Patricio de Alcalá, Cumaná

Determinar la prevalencia de cáncer tiroideo en 100 necropsias de personas fallecidas por causas no tiroideas. Resecar la glándula tiroidea en 100 autopsias de cadáveres cuyo fallecimiento haya sido originado por causas no inherentes a ese órgano. Cada glándula se cortará cada 3 mm a nivel de los polos superiores, inferiores e istmo, obteniendo cortes histológicos que son teñido con hematoxilina y eosina, para su posterior visualización bajo microscopia óptica. Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario "Antonio Patricio de Alcalá", Cumaná. La incidencia de las glándulas tiroides con nódulos alcanzó el 35 por ciento, ocupando el carcinoma tiroideo el 4 por ciento de todos los órganos endocrinos estudiados, siendo el más frecuente el carcinoma papilar, seguido del folicular. No se observó diferencia según el sexo y la edad. La ubicación más frecuente fue en el lóbulo izquierdo, presentando un solo foco en todos los casos: la naturaleza histológica de los nódulos no malignos más frecuente fue la hiperplasia nodular, alcanzando el 68,5 por ciento de todos las glándulas con nódulos, continuando en orden los procesos inflamatorios destacándose la tiroiditis crónica con el 8,5 por ciento. El 75 por ciento del cáncer tiroideo está asociado a la hiperplasia nodular. De cada 10 pacientes que fallecen por causa no tiroidea, 3,5 presentarán una lesión nodular. El carcinoma oculto más frecuentemente encontrado es el papilar

Bacteriología en apendicitis aguda: en el Hospital Universitario Antonio Patricio de Alcalá de Cumaná julio-diciembre 1990 / Bacteriology in acute appendicitis in the Hospital Antonio Patricio de Alcala de Cumaná july-december 1990

La apendicitis aguda es la causa más común de abdomen agudo quirúrgico, se estima una incidencia de 1,33 casos de apendicitis aguda por 1.000 habitantes hombres y 0,99 por 1.000 habitantes mujeres. Esta enfermedad es mucho más frecuente en personas jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida, pero se ha descrito en pacientes entre 1 y 89 años de edad con una media de 23 años. La apendicitis aguda no se asocia con ningún agente bacteriano, viral o protozoario específico de la flora intestinal normal o externa. Se ha sugerido que, posterior a la lesión de tejido, ocurre invasión a partir de la luz intestinal. Se ha dicho en muchas oportunidades que nada puede ser tan simple y, sin embargo, tan complicado como el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda, por lo cual sigue representando una de las situaciones más críticas e importantes de la práctica de cirugía de emergencia. El tratamiento correcto de la apendicitis aguda de los temas de más relevancia dentro de la cirugía abdominal, por lo cual es indispensable conocer los agentes etiológicos más frecuentemente involucrados en dicha patología para pedir la antibioticoterapia más precisa y eficaz. Es nuestra intensión lograr conocer la flora bacteriana más común en la apendicitis aguda, así como la susceptibilidad de ésta a algunos antibióticos usualmente utilizados