Uncovering a novel mechanism: Butyrate induces estrogen receptor alpha activation independent of estrogen stimulation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Butyrate is a promising candidate for an antitumoral drug, as it promotes cancer cell apoptosis and reduces hormone receptor activity, while promoting differentiation and proliferation in normal cells. However, the effects of low-dose butyrate on breast cancer cell cultures are unclear. We explored the impact of sub-therapeutic doses of butyrate on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) transcriptional activity in MCF-7 cells, using RT-qPCR, Western blot, wound-healing assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Our results showed that sub-therapeutic doses of sodium butyrate (0.1 - 0.2 mM) increased the transcription of ESR1, TFF1, and CSTD genes, but did not affect ERα protein levels. Moreover, we observed an increase in cell migration in wound-healing assays. ChIP assays revealed that treatment with 0.1 mM of sodium butyrate resulted in estrogen-independent recruitment of ERα at the pS2 promoter and loss of NCoR. Appropriate therapeutic dosage of butyrate is essential to avoid potential adverse effects on patients' health, especially in the case of estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors. Sub-therapeutic doses of butyrate may induce undesirable cell processes, such as migration due to low-dose butyrate-mediated ERα activation. These findings shed light on the complex effects of butyrate in breast cancer and provide insights for research in the development of antitumoral drugs.

Case Report of a Young Adult with Fatal COVID-19 and Abundant SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Lipofuscin Accumulation in Tissues.

This is a case report of a young adult who died of COVID-19 twelve days after admission, with coronavirus nucleocapsid protein and lipofuscin found in the heart and kidney tissues, providing further evidence of the role of SARS-CoV-2 in cellular senescence.

Developing STEM Career Identities among Latinx Youths: Collaborative Design, Evaluations, and Adaptations during COVID-19.

In response to the low representation of Latinx adults in STEM occupations, this community-based participatory action research study aims to increase the number of middle school youths developing STEM career identities and entering high school with the intention to pursue STEM careers. The students were provided with summer and after-school activities focusing on network science and career development curricula. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design and career narratives, this study examined the changes in STEM and career self-efficacy, as well as career identity. The results show improvements in self-efficacy, an increased number of youths with intentions of pursuing future STEM career opportunities, and deeper reflections on their talents and skills after program participation. This paper also describes the program development and implementation in detail, as well as the adaptations that resulted from COVID-19, for scholars and educators designing similar programs. This study provides promising evidence for the quality of STEM and career development lessons in supporting the emergence of a STEM career identity and self-efficacy.

N-terminal region is responsible for mHv1 channel activity in MDSCs.

Voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) are important regulators of the immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in mice and have been proposed as a potential therapeutic target to alleviate dysregulated immunosuppression in tumors. However, till date, there is a lack of evidence regarding the functioning of the Hvcn1 and reports on mHv1 isoform diversity in mice and MDSCs. A computational prediction has suggested that the Hvcn1 gene may express up to six transcript variants, three of which are translated into distinct N-terminal isoforms of mHv1: mHv1.1 (269 aa), mHv1.2 (269 + 42 aa), and mHv1.3 (269 + 4 aa). To validate this prediction, we used RT-PCR on total RNA extracted from MDSCs, and the presence of all six predicted mRNA variances was confirmed. Subsequently, the open-reading frames (ORFs) encoding for mHv1 isoforms were cloned and expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes for proton current recording using a macro-patch voltage clamp. Our findings reveal that all three isoforms are mammalian mHv1 channels, with distinct differences in their activation properties. Specifically, the longest isoform, mHv1.2, displays a right-shifted conductance-voltage (GV) curve and slower opening kinetics, compared to the mid-length isoform, mHv1.3, and the shortest canonical isoform, mHv1.1. While mHv1.3 exhibits a V0.5 similar to that of mHv1.1, mHv1.3 demonstrates significantly slower activation kinetics than mHv1.1. These results suggest that isoform gating efficiency is inversely related to the length of the N-terminal end. To further explore this, we created the truncated mHv1.2 ΔN20 construct by removing the first 20 amino acids from the N-terminus of mHv1.2. This construct displayed intermediate activation properties, with a V0.5 value lying intermediate of mHv1.1 and mHv1.2, and activation kinetics that were faster than that of mHv1.2 but slower than that of mHv1.1. Overall, these findings indicate that alternative splicing of the N-terminal exon in mRNA transcripts encoding mHv1 isoforms is a regulatory mechanism for mHv1 function within MDSCs. While MDSCs have the capability to translate multiple Hv1 isoforms with varying gating properties, the Hvcn1 gene promotes the dominant expression of mHv1.1, which exhibits the most efficient gating among all mHv1 isoforms.

Dried Serum Samples for Antibody Detection in Arthropod-Borne Virus Infections Are an Effective Alternative to Serum Samples.

The disease burden of arthropod-borne infections is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries, where the availability of resources for surveillance and testing is limited. The lack of local infrastructure demands that biological samples be sent to central laboratories by refrigerated transport, which increases costs and the risk of sample degradation. Dried blood spot samples are an alternative for ensuring sample integrity during transportation and storage. They can be used for the detection of nucleic acids and proteins, such as antigens or antibodies. Here, we compared anti-chikungunya IgM, anti-dengue IgM, anti-dengue IgG, and anti-Zika IgG detection between paired serum and dried serum samples (DSSs); the agreement between results was found to be 90.6%, 94.1%, 85.9%, and 95.5%, respectively, indicating a strong correlation. Our results suggest that DSSs provide a reliable alternative for detection of specific antibodies in arthropod-borne infections.

Ethanol inhibition of undifferentiated rat neural progenitor cell replication can be prevented by chlorogenic acid via the NFATc4/CSE signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal ethanol exposure hinders oxidative stress-mediated neuroblast/neural progenitor cell proliferation by inhibiting G1-S transition, a process vital to neocortical development. We previously showed that ethanol elicits this redox imbalance by repressing cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), the rate-limiting enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway in fetal brain and cultured cerebral cortical neurons. However, the mechanism by which ethanol impacts the CSE pathway in proliferating neuroblasts is not known. We conducted experiments to define the effects of ethanol on CSE regulation and the molecular signaling events that control this vital pathway. This enabled us to develop an intervention to prevent the ethanol-associated cytostasis. METHODS: Spontaneously immortalized undifferentiated E18 rat neuroblasts from brain cerebral cortex were exposed to ethanol to mimic an acute consumption pattern in humans. We performed loss- and gain-of-function studies to evaluate whether NFATc4 is a transcriptional regulator of CSE. The neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against the effects of ethanol were assessed using ROS and GSH/GSSG assays as measures of oxidative stress, transcriptional activation of NFATc4, and expression of NFATc4 and CSE by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Ethanol treatment of E18-neuroblast cells elicited oxidative stress and significantly reduced CSE expression with a concomitant decrease in NFATc4 transcriptional activation and expression. In parallel, inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway by FK506 exaggerated ethanol-induced CSE loss. In contrast, NFATc4 overexpression prevented loss of ethanol-induced CSE. CGA increased and activated NFATc4, amplified CSE expression, rescued ethanol-induced oxidative stress, and averted the cytostasis of neuroblasts by rescuing cyclin D1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that ethanol can perturb CSE-dependent redox homeostasis by impairing the NFATc4 signaling pathway in neuroblasts. Notably, ethanol-associated impairments were rescued by genetic or pharmacological activation of NFATc4. Furthermore, we found a potential role for CGA in mitigating the ethanol-related neuroblast toxicity with a compelling connection to the NFATc4/CSE pathway.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Identification of Dermatophytes from Mexico and Central American Countries.

Dermatophytes are fungi included in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Nannizzia, Paraphyton, Lophophyton, and Arthroderma. Molecular techniques have contributed to faster and more precise identification, allowing significant advances in phylogenetic studies. This work aimed to identify clinical isolates of dermatophytes through phenotypic (macro- and micromorphology and conidia size) and genotypic methods (sequences of ITS regions, genes of ß tubulin (BT2), and elongation factor α (Tef-1α)) and determine the phylogenetic relationships between isolates. Ninety-four dermatophyte isolates from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic were studied. The isolates presented macro- and micromorphology and conidia size described for the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Genotypic analysis classified the isolates into the genera Trichophyton (63.8%), Nannizzia (25.5%), Arthroderma (9.6%), and Epidermophyton (1.1%). The most frequent species were T. rubrum (26 isolates, 27.6%), T. interdigitale (26 isolates, 27.6%), and N. incurvata (11 isolates, 11.7%), N. gypsea and A. otae (nine isolates, 9.6%), among others. The genotypic methods clarified the taxonomic status of closely related species. For instance, the ITS and BT2 markers of T. rubrum/T. violaceum did not differ but the Tef-1α gene did. On the other hand, the three markers differed in T. equinum/T. tonsurans. Therefore, the ITS, BT2, and Tef-1α genes are useful for typing in phylogenetic analyses of dermatophytes, with Tef-1α being the most informative locus. It should be noted that isolate MM-474 was identified as T. tonsurans when using ITS and Tef-1α, but when using BT2, it was identified as T. rubrum. On the other hand, no significant difference was found when comparing the methods for constructing phylogenies, as the topologies were similar.

Consumption of Sugary Drinks among Urban Adults in Colombia: Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Body Adiposity.

INTRODUCTION: Calories from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to the development of noncommunicable diseases. There is limited knowledge of the intake of SSBs and their correlates in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the consumption of multiple SSBs and their sociodemographic correlates in an urban adult population from Colombia, South America. METHODS: This was a probabilistic, population-level study of adults aged 18 to 75 from five cities representing different regions of Colombia. Dietary intake was assessed employing a 157-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire that inquired about intake over the last year. The consumption of regular soda, low-calorie soda, homemade and industrialized fruit juices, energy drinks, sport drinks, malt drinks and traditional sugar cane infusion ("agua de panela") was analyzed for the total sample and subgroups defined by sociodemographic and clinical factors of interest. RESULTS: The study included 1491 individuals (female: 54.2%, mean age: 45.3, overweight: 38.0%, obese: 23.3%). Sugary beverages contributed, on average, 287 Cal/d among women and 334 Cal/d among men, representing 8.9% of total daily calories (TDC). Women in the lowest SEL consumed 10.6% of their TDC from sugary drinks, as opposed to 6.6% for those in a high SEL. For men, this difference was not present (p-value for interaction = 0.039). Interestingly, a higher educational level correlated with a lower consumption of calories from sugary drinks only among men. Fruit juices were by far the main source of sugary drinks, and their consumption did not change sizably by sex and socioeconomic or educational level. Among women, there was a negative association between socioeconomic level (SEL) and consumption of regular soda, a 50% difference between extreme levels. The intake of low-calorie soda was much higher among men than women, and it more than tripled in the highest vs. lowest SEL among men. The consumption of energy drinks was heavily concentrated in men of low SEL. CONCLUSION: Colombian urban adults obtain a considerable proportion of their calories from sugary drinks, especially vulnerable groups such as women with lower education. Given the recent acceleration of the obesity epidemic in Latin America, strategies to limit the intake of such liquid calories may provide important public health benefits.

Health conditions of Hitnü indigenous people potentially exposed to crude oil in Arauca, Colombia / Condiciones de salud de los indígenas hitnü potencialmente expuestos a petróleo crudo (Arauca, Colombia)

Introduction: The Hitnü indigenous people live in precarious sanitary conditions, with food insecurity and being victims of sociopolitical violence in Arauca, Colombia. In addition, it is possible that they may be affected by exposure to hydrocarbons found in oil. Objective: To identify the health outcomes of morbidity and mortality profiles of the Hitnü people that could be associated with the exposure to crude oil. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with Hitnü indigenous people, during February and March, 2021, time of drought. A household questionnaire was applied, and one individual to collect data from the environment around the house, occupations and other activities, as well as data from sociodemographic, signs, symptoms, and findings of a medical examination. The potential association with hydrocarbons was explored considering three groups: inhabitants in Arauca city, Aspejaná reserve (not exposed), and San José del Lipa and La Vorágine reserves (exposed by the Ele river and tributaries). With free listings, causes of death were explored. The study incorporated a rigorous intercultural management in all its components. Results: A total of 576 indigenous people from 16 settlements participated. The water consumed could serve as means of exposure to hydrocarbons. Health problems were very varied, including infectious and chronic diseases, malnutrition, and trauma. The masses on the neck were associated with residing in the ancestral reserves (PR = 3.86; CI95% 1.77-8.39), territories with potential exposure to crude-oil. The most relevant causes of death were homicide, tumors, and tuberculosis. Conclusion: For its possible association with exposure to hydrocarbons, it is a priority to start the intercultural study of lymphadenopathies in indigenous communities potentially exposed to crude oil.

Introducción. El pueblo hitnü vive en condiciones sanitarias precarias, con inseguridad alimentaria y víctima de la violencia sociopolítica en Arauca (Colombia). Además, se sospecha que pueden estar afectados por la exposición a los hidrocarburos del petróleo. Objetivo. Identificar los eventos de salud del perfil de morbilidad y mortalidad de los indígenas hitnü que podrían asociarse con la exposición a petróleo crudo. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con indígenas hitnü, durante febrero y marzo de 2021, época de sequía. Se aplicó un cuestionario de hogares y uno individual para recolectar datos del ambiente peridomiciliario, ocupaciones y otras actividades, así como datos sociodemográficos, signos, síntomas y hallazgos de un examen médico. La potencial asociación con los hidrocarburos se exploró considerando tres grupos, según su localización: cabecera de Arauca, resguardo Aspejená (no expuestos) y resguardos de San José del Lipa y La Vorágine (expuestos por su cercanía al río Ele y afluentes). Con listados libres, se exploraron las causas de muerte. El estudio incorporó un riguroso manejo intercultural en todos sus componentes. Resultados. Participaron 576 indígenas de 16 asentamientos. El agua consumida pudo servir como medio de exposición a los hidrocarburos. Los problemas de salud fueron muy variados e incluían enfermedades infecciosas y crónicas, malnutrición y trauma. Las masas en el cuello se asociaron con residir en los resguardos ancestrales (RP=3,86; IC95% 1,77-8,39), territorios potencialmente expuestos al petróleo. Las causas de muerte más relevantes fueron el homicidio, los tumores y la tuberculosis. Conclusión: Por su posible asociación con los hidrocarburos, es prioritario el estudio intercultural de linfoadenopatías entre indígenas potencialmente expuestos al petróleo.

Validación del CESQT en trabajadores colombianos: Un estudio psicométrico en tiempos de COVID-19 / Validation of the SBI in Colombian workers: A psychometric study in times of COVID-19

Resumen. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la validez factorial del modelo psicométrico del Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo (CESQT) en una muestra multiocupacional de trabajadores colombianos. Se hipotetizó un modelo de cuatro factores con base en la estructura factorial del modelo original. Los participantes fueron 153 trabajadores que desempeñan diversos roles en empresas ubicadas en Colombia. Se aplicó el CESQT que se compone de cuatro dimensiones: Ilusión por el trabajo (5 ítems), Desgaste psíquico (4 ítems), Indolencia (6 ítems) y Culpa (5 ítems). Las propiedades psicométricas fueron examinadas mediante Análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y fiabilidad (alfa de Cronbach). Los ítems presentaron valores estadísticos y psicométricos adecuados, así como las escalas. El modelo presentó un ajuste aceptable a los datos: GFI = .858, RMSEA = .066 (.051.079), NNFI = .913, CFI = .927. La consistencia interna fue alta para todas las escalas del instrumento (a = .79 hasta a = .87). Los resultados indican que el CESQT es un instrumento con suficiente validez psicométrica para evaluar el síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo (SQT) en el contexto cultural colombiano.

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to assess the factor structure of the Spanish Burnout Inventory (SBI) in a multi-occupational sample of Colombian workers. On the basis of previous results and the factor structure of the instrument, a four-factor model was hypothesized. The sample consisted of 153 Colombian workers from different occupational sectors. The SBI was applied. This instrument is composed of 20 items distributed in four dimensions: Enthusiasm toward the job (5 items), Psychological exhaustion (4 items), Indolence (6 items), and Guilt (5 items). The psychometric properties were examined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha. The items presented adequate statistical and psychometric values, as well as the scales. The model presented an acceptable fit to the data: GFI = .858, RMSEA = .066(051-079), NNFI = .913, CFI = .927. Reliability was adequate for all scales (a = .79 to a = .87). The results indicate that the SBI is an instrument with psychometric validity to assess the burnout in the Colombian cultural context.

Condiciones de salud de los indígenas hitnü potencialmente expuestos a petróleo crudo (Arauca, Colombia) / Health conditions of Hitnü indigenous people potentially exposed to crude oil in Arauca, Colombia

Introducción. El pueblo hitnü vive en condiciones sanitarias precarias, con inseguridad alimentaria y víctima de la violencia sociopolítica en Arauca (Colombia). Además, se sospecha que pueden estar afectados por la exposición a los hidrocarburos del petróleo. Objetivo. Identificar los eventos de salud del perfil de morbilidad y mortalidad de los indígenas hitnü que podrían asociarse con la exposición a petróleo crudo. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con indígenas hitnü, durante febrero y marzo de 2021, época de sequía. Se aplicó un cuestionario de hogares y uno individual para recolectar datos del ambiente peridomiciliario, ocupaciones y otras actividades, así como datos sociodemográficos, signos, síntomas y hallazgos de un examen médico. La potencial asociación con los hidrocarburos se exploró considerando tres grupos, según su localización: cabecera de Arauca, resguardo Aspejená (no expuestos) y resguardos de San José del Lipa y La Vorágine (expuestos por su cercanía al río Ele y afluentes). Con listados libres, se exploraron las causas de muerte. El estudio incorporó un riguroso manejo intercultural en todos sus componentes. Resultados. Participaron 576 indígenas de 16 asentamientos. El agua consumida pudo servir como medio de exposición a los hidrocarburos. Los problemas de salud fueron muy variados e incluían enfermedades infecciosas y crónicas, malnutrición y trauma. Las masas en el cuello se asociaron con residir en los resguardos ancestrales (RP=3,86; IC95% 1,77-8,39), territorios potencialmente expuestos al petróleo. Las causas de muerte más relevantes fueron el homicidio, los tumores y la tuberculosis. Conclusión. Por su posible asociación con los hidrocarburos, es prioritario el estudio intercultural de linfoadenopatías entre indígenas potencialmente expuestos al petróleo.

Introduction. The Hitnü indigenous people live in precarious sanitary conditions, with food insecurity and being victims of sociopolitical violence in Arauca, Colombia. In addition, it is possible that they may be affected by exposure to hydrocarbons found in oil. Objective. To identify the health outcomes of morbidity and mortality profiles of the Hitnü people that could be associated with the exposure to crude oil. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out with Hitnü indigenous people, during February and March, 2021, time of drought. A household questionnaire was applied, and one individual to collect data from the environment around the house, occupations and other activities, as well as data from sociodemographic, signs, symptoms, and findings of a medical examination. The potential association with hydrocarbons was explored considering three groups: inhabitants in Arauca city, Aspejaná reserve (not exposed), and San José del Lipa and La Vorágine reserves (exposed by the Ele river and tributaries). With free listings, causes of death were explored. The study incorporated a rigorous intercultural management in all its components. Results. A total of 576 indigenous people from 16 settlements participated. The water consumed could serve as means of exposure to hydrocarbons. Health problems were very varied, including infectious and chronic diseases, malnutrition, and trauma. The masses on the neck were associated with residing in the ancestral reserves (PR = 3.86; CI95% 1.77-8.39), territories with potential exposure to crude-oil. The most relevant causes of death were homicide, tumors, and tuberculosis. Conclusion. For its possible association with exposure to hydrocarbons, it is a priority to start the intercultural study of lymphadenopathies in indigenous communities potentially exposed to crude oil.

Indicadores de cuidado humanizado de enfermería en atención intrahospitalaria / Indicators of humanized nursing care in intrahospital care

Objetivo principal: Identificar indicadores de cuidados humanizados de enfermería, tras la triangulación de información recopilada desde los usuarios y enfermeras expertas en la temática. Metodología: Estudio de abordaje mixto, exploratorio, con un control de datos secuencial, prioridad igualitaria en el enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, donde el proceso de mezcla de datos se realizó en la etapa de interpretación. Resultados principales: Tras el análisis de toda la información, se obtuvo un total de 37 elementos factibles de ser medidos e integrados en el desarrollo de los indicadores. Al realizar una segunda revisión de estos aspectos, se agruparon en los que estaban más orientados a ser evaluados desde la perspectiva del paciente y otros desde la perspectiva de la institución, dando origen a dos indicadores de cuidado humanizado. Conclusión principal: Se generaron dos indicadores de cuidados humanizados, el primero de ellos denominado entrega de cuidado humanizado por parte de enfermeras, y el segundo, titulado como fortalecimiento del cuidado humanizado por parte de la institución.(AU)

Objective: Develop indicators of humanized nursing care, after the triangulation of information collected from users and expert nurses on the subject. Methodology: Study with a mixed, exploratory approach, with sequential data control, equal priority in the quantitative and qualitative approach, where the data mixing process was carried out in the interpretation stage. Results: After analyzing all the information, a total of 37 feasible elements were obtained to be measured and integrated in the development of the indicators. When performing a second review of these aspects, they were grouped into those that were more oriented to be evaluated from the perspective of the patient and others from the perspective of the institution, giving rise to two indicators of humanized care. Conclusion: Two indicators of humanized care were generated, the first of them called delivery of humanized care by nurses, and the second, entitled as strengthening of humanized care by the institution.(AU)

Expression of Hv1 proton channels in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and its potential role in T cell regulation.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous cell population with high immunosuppressive activity that proliferates in infections, inflammation, and tumor microenvironments. In tumors, MDSC exert immunosuppression mainly by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), a process triggered by the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activity. NOX2 is functionally coupled with the Hv1 proton channel in certain immune cells to support sustained free-radical production. However, a functional expression of the Hv1 channel in MDSC has not yet been reported. Here, we demonstrate that mouse MDSC express functional Hv1 proton channel by immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blot, besides performing a biophysical characterization of its macroscopic currents via patch-clamp technique. Our results show that the immunosuppression by MDSC is conditional to their ability to decrease the proton concentration elevated by the NOX2 activity, rendering Hv1 a potential drug target for cancer treatment.

100 YEARS OF VITAMIN D: Dietary intake and main food sources of vitamin D and calcium in Colombian urban adults.

Data on dietary calcium and vitamin D intake from Latin America are scarce. We explored the main correlates and dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D in a probabilistic, population-based sample from Colombia. We studied 1554 participants aged 18-75 from five different geographical regions. Dietary intake was assessed by employing a 157-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and national and international food composition tables. Daily vitamin D intake decreased with increasing age, from 230 IU/day in the 18-39 age group to 184 IU/day in the 60-75 age group (P -trend < 0.001). Vitamin D intake was positively associated with socioeconomic status (SES) (196 IU/day in lowest vs 234 in highest SES, P-trend < 0.001), and with educational level (176 IU/day in lowest vs 226 in highest education level, P-trend < 0.001). Daily calcium intake also decreased with age, from 1376 mg/day in the 18-39 age group to 1120 mg/day in the 60-75 age group (P -trend < 0.001). Calcium intake was lowest among participants with only elementary education, but the absolute difference in calcium intake between extreme education categories was smaller than for vitamin D (1107 vs 1274 mg/day, P-trend = 0.023). Daily calcium intake did not correlate with SES (P -trend = 0.74). Eggs were the main source of overall vitamin D, albeit their contribution decreased with increasing age. Dairy products contributed at least 48% of dietary calcium in all subgroups, mostly from cheese-containing traditional foods. SES and education were the key correlates of vitamin D and calcium intake. These findings may contribute to shape public health interventions in Latin American countries.

Enzyme activity and expression of catalases in response to oxidative stress in Sporothrix schenckii.

Sporothrix schenckii is a dimorphic fungus, pathogenic to humans and animals, which is usually infective in the yeast form. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the host's defense, damaging the pathogen's DNA, proteins, and lipids. To prevent oxidative damage, the ROS are detoxified by pathogen-derived antioxidant enzymes such as catalases (CATs). In this work, we analyzed the activity and expression level of three S. schenckii genes, designated as CAT1, CAT2, and CAT3, that putatively encoded for three isoforms of monofunctional CAT with a predicted molecular weight of 57.6, 56.2, and 81.4 kDa, respectively. Our results demonstrate that oxidative stress induced by exogenous H2O2 leads to an altered lipid peroxidation, modifying CAT activity and the expression levels of the CAT genes, being CAT1 and CAT3 the genes with the highest expression in response to the oxidizing agent. These results show that CAT isoforms in S. schenckii can be regulated in response to oxidative stress and might help to control ROS homeostasis in the fungus-host interaction.

Diabetes and associated dietary intake among urban adults: COPEN (Colombian Nutritional Profiles)-a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes is increasing rapidly in low-income and middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, describe its correlates and its associated dietary intake in urban adults from Colombia. SETTING: The Colombian Study of Nutritional Profiles was a population-based, cross-sectional, multi-stage probabilistic sampling survey designed to represent the five main Colombian cities. PARTICIPANTS: Between June and November 2018, we studied 736 non-pregnant participants aged 18 or older. Diabetes was defined as a random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL, self-reported prior diagnosis of diabetes or use of any oral or injectable antidiabetic medication(s). Participants also fulfilled a detailed 157-item food-frequency questionnaire. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of diabetes, dietary intake of key nutrients, achievement of dietary goals among individuals with diabetes. RESULTS: The overall estimated prevalence of diabetes was 10.1%, with no difference by sex (9.6% in women, 10.8% in men, p=0.43). The association between diabetes and education level depended on sex, diabetes was more prevalent among more educated men and less educated women. Abdominal obesity was associated with a 65% increase in diabetes prevalence among men, and a 163% increase in women. Individuals with diabetes reported lower mean consumption of all nutrients, but after adjustment by sex, age, socioeconomic level (SEL) and body mass index, only their lower sodium consumption remained significant (p=0.013). The proportion of non-achievement of dietary intake goals among participants with diabetes was 94.4% for saturated fats, 86.7% for sodium, 84.4% for fibre and 80% for trans fats. In multivariate logistic regression models, age was the strongest independent correlate of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes by self-report, random plasma glucose or medication use was highly prevalent among Colombian adults. There were large differences by abdominal obesity status, region of residence, SEL and educational level. The proportion of individuals with diabetes meeting dietary recommendations was alarmingly low.

Percepción de pacientes hospitalizados en unidades medico quirúrgicas sobre el cuidado humanizado de enfermería / Percepção de pacientes internados em unidades médico-cirúrgicas sobre o cuidado humanizado de enfermagem / Perception of hospitalized patients in medical surgical units on humanized nursing care

Resumen: En el contexto de las sociedades actuales, sumado la tecnologización de la atención y el predominio del paradigma tradicional, paternalista y biomédico, para enfermería se hace necesario el rescate de un cuidado más humano por parte de los profesionales de la disciplina. Por esta razón surge el interés de medir la percepción de cuidado humanizado brindado por enfermeras/os a personas hospitalizadas en unidades médico-quirúrgicas de tres centros asistenciales de una región de Chile. Estudio descriptivo, transversal y correlacional, para el cual previamente se adaptó y validó la escala de Percepción de Comportamientos de Cuidado Humanizado para ser utilizada en Chile. Este instrumento fue aplicado a una muestra de 150 personas hospitalizadas. Los resultados evidenciaron que se presentaba una buena percepción del cuidado humanizado otorgado por las enfermeras, destacando la dimensión calidad del quehacer de enfermería, como la mejor evaluada; mientras que la dimensión comunicación fue la más débilmente percibida. A su vez, no se encontraron relaciones significativas entre variables sociodemográficas y la percepción del cuidado humanizado. Si bien existe una adecuada apreciación del cuidado humanizado y de la calidad del trabajo de enfermería, se debe reforzar un pilar muy importante en la interrelación enfermera/o-paciente, sobre todo en la esfera comunicativa. Así, se evidencia la importancia de seguir trabajando en el fomento y fortalecimiento de un cuidado humanizado, holístico y parsimonioso por parte de enfermería.

Resumo: No contexto das sociedades atuais, somada à tecnologização do cuidado e ao predomínio do paradigma tradicional, paternalista e biomédico, é necessário que a enfermagem resgate um cuidado mais humano por parte dos profissionais da disciplina. Por isso, surge o interesse em medir a percepção do cuidado humanizado prestado pela enfermagem às pessoas internadas em unidades médico-cirúrgicas de três centros de saúde de uma região do Chile. Estudo descritivo, transversal e correlacional, para o qual foi adaptada e validada a escala de Percepção de Comportamentos de Cuidado Humanizado para ser usado no Chile. Esse instrumento foi aplicado a uma amostra de 150 pessoas hospitalizadas. Os resultados mostraram que houve uma boa percepção da assistência humanizada prestada pelos enfermeiros, destacando-se a dimensão qualidade do trabalho de enfermagem como a melhor avaliada. Porém, a dimensão comunicação foi a mais fraca percebida. Por sua vez, não foram encontradas relações significativas entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e a percepção do cuidado humanizado. Embora haja uma valorização adequada do cuidado humanizado e da qualidade do trabalho da enfermagem, um pilar muito importante na relação enfermeiro-paciente deve ser reforçado, principalmente na esfera comunicativa. Assim, evidencia-se a importância de continuar trabalhando para promover e fortalecer o cuidado humanizado, holístico e parcimonioso pela enfermagem.

Abstract: In the context of current times, along with the technologization of care and the predominance of the traditional, paternalistic, and biomedical paradigm, it is necessary for nursing profession to rescue a more humane care by professionals in the discipline. For this reason, the interest in this article is focused on measuring the perception of humanized care provided by nurses to people hospitalized in medical-surgical units of three healthcare centers in a region of Chile. Descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study, where the Perception of Humanized Care Behaviors scale was previously adapted and validated to be used in Chile. This instrument was applied to a sample of 150 hospitalized people. The results showed that there was a good perception of the humanized care provided by nurses, highlighting the dimension quality of nursing work as the best evaluated. However, the dimension of communication was the weakest point perceived. No significant relationships were found between sociodemographic variables and the perception of humanized care. Although there is an adequate appreciation of humanized care and the quality of nursing work, a very important pillar in the nurse-patient relationship must be reinforced, especially in the communicative sphere. So, the importance of a continuous work on the promotion and strengthening of humanized, holistic, and parsimonious care by nursing is evidenced.

La salud como derecho fundamental: una radiografía de la realidad en las salas de urgencias en Ibagué (Colombia) / Health as a fundamental right: a radiation of reality in the emergency rooms in Ibague (Colombia) / A saúde como direito fundamental: uma radiação da realidade nos quartos de emergência na Ibague (Colômbia)

La Salud como derecho fundamental se contempla en la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos como la Carta Magna de libertad, justicia y paz; siendo de cumplimiento estricto sin restricción de credo, cultura y antecedentes jurídicos. El objetivo de esta investigación se consolidó en validar el cumplimiento en la prestación de servicios de salud en las salas de urgencias. La metodología desarrollada fue de tipo cualitativo y analítico, realizada de enero 2019 a diciembre de 2019. Para la validación de los datos se utilizó una comparación cuantitativa de investigaciones de índole Nacional frente a un local, buscando evidenciar un comportamiento similar entre las dos muestras. Los resultados se agruparon en un conjunto indicadores materializados en la atención de servicios de urgencias (SU) unificados en las variables de satisfacción en los clientes. Para finalmente, concluir que en Colombia se estiman aproximadamente 2 médicos y 1,5 camas hospitalarias por cada 1.000 habitantes, resultado de un gasto en salud inferior al 7,20 % del PIB y que el contar con los recursos para poder asistir a una IPS privada frente a una publica quiebra el frágil hilo entre la vida y la muerte que sin duda denota, que el mayor reto que enfrenta el Sistema de Salud en Colombia es poder brindar un servicio hospitalario integral a toda su población en concordancia directa con este derecho fundamental

Health as a fundamental right is contemplated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the Magna Carta of freedom, justice and peace; being of strict compliance without restriction of creed, culture and legal background. The objective of this research was consolidated in validating compliance in the provision of health services in emergency rooms. The methodology developed was of a qualitative and analytical type, carried out from January to December 2019. For the validation of the data, a quantitative comparison of national versus local research will be analyzed, seeking to demonstrate similar behavior between the two samples. The results are grouped into a set of indicators materialized in the attention of emergency services (ED) unified in the variables of customer satisfaction. Finally, to conclude that in Colombia, approximately 2 doctors and 1.5 hospital beds are estimated for every 1,000 inhabitants, the result of health spending of less than 7.20% of GDP and that it has the resources to be able to attend a private IPS In front of a public bankrupt the fragile thread between life and death that undoubtedly denotes, that the mayor's challenge facing the health system in Colombia is to be able to provide a comprehensive hospital service to all its population in direct accordance with this fundamental right

A saúde como direito fundamental é contemplada na Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos como a Magna Carta de liberdade, justiça e paz; estar em estrita conformidade sem restrição de credo, cultura e antecedentes legais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi consolidado na validação da conformidade na prestação de serviços de saúde em pronto-socorro. A metodologia desenvolvida foi do tipo qualitativa e analítica, realizada de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Para a validação dos dados, será analisada uma comparação quantitativa da pesquisa nacional e local, buscando demonstrar comportamento semelhante entre as duas amostras. Os resultados estão agrupados em um conjunto de indicadores materializados no atendimento de serviços de emergência (DE) unificados nas variáveis de satisfação do cliente. Finalmente, concluise que na Colômbia são estimados aproximadamente 2 médicos e 1,5 leitos hospitalares para cada 1.000 habitantes, como resultado de gastos com saúde inferiores a 7,20% do PIB e que possui os recursos para poder assistir a um IPS privado Diante de uma falência pública, o frágil fio entre vida e morte que indubitavelmente denota, que o desafio do prefeito diante do sistema de saúde na Colômbia é poder oferecer um serviço hospitalar abrangente a toda a sua população, de acordo diretamente com esse direito fundamental