Título del artículo:

Styles of reasoning according to the taxonomy structure of observed learning outcome of John Biggs in the students of geometry of the specialty of mathematics

The objective of this investigation was to determine the styles of reasoning according to the taxonomy structured of observed learning objectives of John Biggs in the students of geometry of the specialty of mathematics of the \"Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador\", Venezuela. The stated problem is that teachers of mathematics must know the problems of teaching mathematics; besides, they should know how their students learn, since according to the reasoning styles of John Biggs, one can determine how and with what depth a person learns. The methodology is quantitative, not experimental, and descriptive at the field level, where specialized literature was reviewed, and the results obtained from the application of the test with the super-item, as a data collection instrument, were analyzed by objectives based on the construction of the database in statistical package for the social sciences, the statistical analysis and the detailed interpretation of the procedure performed for each item, which allowed the analysis and interpretation of the results. These results reach the uni-structural level catalogued by Biggs as inferior or superficial. Therefore, recommendations are offered to improve the learning level of the students in question.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Spatial epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia: Socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with a growing epidemic

Background: Despite the identification of some environmental factors linked to the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) epidemic, little is known about the impact of environmental disturbances caused by human activities. We assessed the association between socioeconomic and demographic factors with the spatial structure of the CL epidemic in Colombia. Methods: Using data from more than 65 000 CL cases collected across the entire country from publicly available sources, we conducted a spatial clustering analysis to identify high burden areas (clusters) of CL. Associations between CL clusters and socioeconomic variables were investigated. Results: We identified seven statistically significant clusters of CL located across all Colombian biomes. Deforestation and livestock were statistically significantly associated with the spatial clustering of CL. Urbanization, time spent traveling to main cities and water bodies were other factors linked with the clustering of CL. Conclusions: This study found that human activities such as deforestation linked to agriculture, livestock production and mining activities are key drivers of the spatial distribution of the CL epidemic. The intensity of these human activities, which are projected to increase because of social and economic transformations in progress in Colombia, will potentially exacerbate the already growing CL epidemic in the country.

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Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Título del artículo:

Dose-Optimization of Respiratory-Gated Auricular Vagal Afferent Nerve Stimulation (RAVANS) for Blood Pressure Modulation in Hypertensive Patients

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal frequency of respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS) for the modulation of blood pressure in hypertensive patients.Twelve hypertensive subjects (52.5±6.0 years, 8 females) underwent five randomized stimulation sessions, during which they received exhalatory-gated stimulation at frequencies of 2, 10, 25, and 100 Hz or sham stimulation. A continuous blood pressure signal was collected during a 30-minute stimulation period and a 10-minute recovery period using a Finometer device (Finapress Medical System, the Netherlands). LabChart (ADInstruments, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) was used to process and compute blood pressure responses.A significantly greater reduction of systolic blood pressure values during stimulation was observed in the 100 Hz session compared to sham (p=0.02). In addition, significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (p=0.04) and mean arterial pressure (p=0.04) values were observed during RAVANS stimulation compared to baseline during the 100 Hz session. Evaluation of other stimulation frequencies did not reveal significant results.RAVANS exhibits a frequency-dependent effect on the modulation of arterial blood pressure levels of hypertensive subjects.

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Computing in Cardiology

Título del artículo:

Comparative Study of the Antennal Phenotype in Species of the Belminus (Hemiptera: Triatominae) Genus Using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

The genus Belminus Stål, 1859 is distinguished by markedly entomophagous species. This genus is a poorly studied group of the Triatominae (Jeannel, 1919), which includes hematophagous species that are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909), the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This study reports for the first time the description of the antennal sensilla of Belminus corredori (Galvão & Angulo, 2003), Belminus herreri (Lent & Wygodzinsky, 1979), and Belminus ferroae (Sandoval, Pabón, Jurberg & Galvão, 2007) nymphs and adults throughout scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Nine morphological types of sensilla were identified in the three species, including bristles I and II, trichobothria, tapered hairs, thin-walled trichoid, thick-walled trichoid, basiconic, campaniform, and coeloconica sensilla. The analysis of the most abundant types of sensilla and their distribution in nymphs and adults shows similarities with the antennal phenotypes described in other Triatominae. Quantitative differences showed the important phenotypic plasticity of this morphological trait in the genus and allowed for the separation of the species in both sexes. These differences were associated with sexual dimorphism and wing condition (macropterous and brachypterous). The role of the antennal phenotype in sexual behavior, its usefulness as a taxonomic tool, and its relationship with the dispersal capacity of these species are discussed.

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Journal of Medical Entomology

Título del artículo:

The Three Nociceptive Responses of the Orbicularis Oculi Reflex in Alzheimer’s Disease: State of the Evidence and Meta-analysis

There is an emerging belief that electrically elicited blink reflexes (BR) may distinguish Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from other disorders characterized by memory dysfunction. To qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish the effects that electrical stimulation has over the blink reflex (eBR) recorded from patients with AD and healthy controls (HCs), we did a systematic review of the literature, and conducted a meta-analysis. Following our selected criteria, 94 AD patients and 97 HCs were identified from articles published in English between 1950 and 2017. Although the 3 responses (R1, R2 and R3) of the eBR were studied in a number of patients, only the R2 response was quantified in all studies. Thresholds and stimulation intensities parameters were found to be used in a miscellaneous form, and the majority of times, such parameters deviated from validated guidelines. The stimulation frequencies used to elicit the BR responses ranged between 0.14 and 0.2 Hz. These frequencies favored HCs compared with AD patients (odds ratio = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.30-1.85), I2 = 0% [P =.99]; Q = 271.89 [df = 7, P <.000]). Egger’s regression test suggested publication bias (intercept = 32.38; 95% CI = −8.98 to −3.2; P =.001). Our results unveiled key shortcomings in the data reported; such shortcomings need to be corrected in future AD research looking for obtaining more reliable and reproducible eBR studies; otherwise, interventions may be misleading.

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Clinical EEG and Neuroscience

Título del artículo:

Fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medications

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Stable prevalence of chronic back disorders across gender, age, residence, and physical activity in Canadian adults from 2007 to 2014

Background: Chronic back disorders (CBD) are a global health problem and the leading cause of years lived with disability. The present study aims to examine overall and specific trends in CBD in the Canadian population aged 18 to 65 years. Methods: Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a cross-sectional study, from 2007 to 2014 (8 cycles) were used to calculate CBD prevalence across gender, age, geographical area (urban/rural and ten provinces and northern territories), and physical activity levels. CBD was defined in the CCHS as having back problems, excluding fibromyalgia and arthritis, which have lasted or are expected to last six months or more and that have been diagnosed by a health professional. Prevalence of CBD using survey weights and associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated yearly using balanced repeated replications technique. Trend tests were calculated using joinpoint regressions; ArcGIS software was used for mapping. Results: Age-standardized CBD prevalence in 2007 and 2014 were 18.9% (95% CI = 18.4;19.5) and 17.8% (95% CI = 17.2,18.4), respectively. CBD prevalence was consistently higher in women, older age groups, rural dwellers, and people classified as inactive. Crude and age-standardized CBD prevalence decreased faster in people classified as physically active compared to those who were inactive (p < 0.006). Although CBD slightly decreased over time, no statistically significant trends were found overall or by gender, area of residence, province or level of physical activity. The prevalence of CBD remained consistently high in the province of Nova Scotia, and consistently low in the province of Quebec over the eight CCHS cycles. Conclusion: Despite prevention efforts, such as the Canadian back pain mass media campaign, CBD prevalence has remained stable between 2007 and 2014. Tailored prevention and management of CBD should consider gender, age, and geographical differences. Further longitudinal studies could elucidate the temporal relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors such as physical activity and CBD.

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BMC Public Health

Título del artículo:

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii among donors in a blood bank in Cúcuta, Colombia Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii infection

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii infection manifests differently in humans according to their immunity ranging from asymptomatic profiles to severe disease. There are multiple transmission mechanisms including blood transfusions, but little is known about the frequency of T. gondii infection in Colombia’s blood banks. Objective: To determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in blood donors of a blood bank in the city of Cúcuta by serological and molecular diagnostic techniques. Materials and methods: We identified IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by immunoassay in serum from 348 donors. The frequency of T. gondii DNA was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in whole blood from seropositive donors and relevant variables were analyzed based on the information obtained from surveys during blood donor selection. Results: Out of the 348 enrolled donors, 134 (38.5%) showed IgG antibodies against T. gondii; two of them (0.6%) had both IgG and IgM, and in two of them (1.5%), parasite DNA was detected in blood samples. A bivariate analysis indicated an association between seropositivity to T. gondii and being over 26 years of age (p=0.020). Conclusions: The prevalence of T. gondii infection found in the blood donors of this study suggests a significant exposure to the infectious agent that becomes relevant when parasitemia is detected.

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Biomedica : revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud

Título del artículo:

Antifungal activity and killing kinetics of anidulafungin, caspofungin and amphotericin B against Candida auris

Background: Candida auris is an emerging MDR pathogen. It shows reduced susceptibility to azole drugs and, in some strains, high amphotericin B MICs have been described. For these reasons, echinocandins were proposed as first-line treatment for C. auris infections. However, information on how echinocandins and amphotericin B act against this species is lacking. Objectives: Our aim was to establish the killing kinetics of anidulafungin, caspofungin and amphotericin B against C. auris by time–kill methodology and to determine if these antifungals behave as fungicidal or fungistatic agents against this species. Methods: The susceptibility of 50 C. auris strains was studied. Nine strains were selected (based on echinocandin MICs) to be further studied. Minimal fungicidal concentrations, in vitro dose–response and time–kill patterns were determined. Results: Echinocandins showed lower MIC values than amphotericin B (geometric mean of 0.12 and 0.94 mg/L, respectively). Anidulafungin and caspofungin showed no fungicidal activity at any concentration (maximum log decreases in cfu/mL between 1.34 and 2.22). On the other hand, amphotericin B showed fungicidal activity, but at high concentrations (≥2.00 mg/L). In addition, the tested polyene was faster than echinocandins at killing 50% of the initial inoculum (0.92 versus .8.00 h, respectively). Conclusions: Amphotericin B was the only agent regarded as fungicidal against C. auris. Moreover, C. auris should be considered tolerant to caspofungin and anidulafungin considering that their MFC:MIC ratios were mostly ≥32 and that after 6 h of incubation the starting inoculum was not reduced in .90%.

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Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

Título del artículo:

Aqueductal Cerebrospinal Fluid Stroke Volume Flow in a Rodent Model of Chronic Communicating Hydrocephalus: Establishing a Homogeneous Study Population for Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics Exploration

Background: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a cause of dementia that can be reversed when treated timely with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. Understanding CSF dynamics throughout the development of hydrocephalus is crucial to identify prognostic markers to estimate benefit/risk to shunts. Objective: To explore the cerebral aqueduct CSF flow dynamics with phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a novel rodent model of adult chronic communicating hydrocephalus. Methods: Kaolin was injected into the subarachnoid space at the convexities in Sprague-Dawley adult rats. 11.7-T Bruker MRI was used to acquire T2-weighted images for anatomic identification and phase-contrast MRI at the cerebral aqueduct. Aqueductal stroke volume (ASV) results were compared with the ventricular volume (VV) at 15, 60, 90, and 120 days. Results: Significant ventricular enlargement was found in kaolin-injected animals at all times (P < 0.001). ASV differed between cases and controls/shams at every time point (P = 0.004, 0.001, 0.001, and <0.001 at 15, 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively). After correlation between the ASV and the VV, there was a significant correlation at 15 (P = 0.015), 60 (P = 0.001), 90 (P < 0.001), and 120 days. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between the VV expansion and the aqueductal CSF stroke between 15 and 60 days. Conclusions: An initial active phase of rapid ventricular enlargement shows a strong correlation between the expansion of the VV and the increment in the ASV during the first 60 days, followed by a second phase with less ventricular enlargement and heterogeneous behavior in the ASV. Further correlation with complementary data from intracranial pressure and histologic/microstructural brain parenchyma assessments are needed to better understand the ASV variations after 60 days.

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World Neurosurgery

Título del artículo:

Household, community, sub-national and country-level predictors of primary cooking fuel switching in nine countries from the PURE study

Introduction. Switching from polluting (e.g. wood, crop waste, coal) to clean (e.g. gas, electricity) cooking fuels can reduce household air pollution exposures and climate-forcing emissions. While studies have evaluated specific interventions and assessed fuel-switching in repeated cross-sectional surveys, the role of different multilevel factors in household fuel switching, outside of interventions and across diverse community settings, is not well understood. Methods. We examined longitudinal survey data from 24 172 households in 177 rural communities across nine countries within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study. We assessed household-level primary cooking fuel switching during a median of 10 years of follow up (∼2005-2015). We used hierarchical logistic regression models to examine the relative importance of household, community, sub-national and national-level factors contributing to primary fuel switching. Results. One-half of study households (12 369) reported changing their primary cooking fuels between baseline and follow up surveys. Of these, 61% (7582) switched from polluting (wood, dung, agricultural waste, charcoal, coal, kerosene) to clean (gas, electricity) fuels, 26% (3109) switched between different polluting fuels, 10% (1164) switched from clean to polluting fuels and 3% (522) switched between different clean fuels. Among the 17 830 households using polluting cooking fuels at baseline, household-level factors (e.g. larger household size, higher wealth, higher education level) were most strongly associated with switching from polluting to clean fuels in India; in all other countries, community-level factors (e.g. larger population density in 2010, larger increase in population density between 2005 and 2015) were the strongest predictors of polluting-to-clean fuel switching. Conclusions. The importance of community and sub-national factors relative to household characteristics in determining polluting-to-clean fuel switching varied dramatically across the nine countries examined. This highlights the potential importance of national and other contextual factors in shaping large-scale clean cooking transitions among rural communities in low- and middle-income countries.

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Environmental Research Letters

Título del artículo:

Dulaglutide and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes: an exploratory analysis of the REWIND randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Two glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduced renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes at risk for cardiovascular disease. We assessed the long-term effect of the GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on renal outcomes in an exploratory analysis of the REWIND trial of the effect of dulaglutide on cardiovascular disease. Methods: REWIND was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 371 sites in 24 countries. Men and women aged at least 50 years with type 2 diabetes who had either a previous cardiovascular event or cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned (1:1) to either weekly subcutaneous injection of dulaglutide (1·5 mg) or placebo and followed up at least every 6 months for outcomes. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACRs) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were estimated from urine and serum values measured in local laboratories every 12 months. The primary outcome (first occurrence of the composite endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes), secondary outcomes (including a composite microvascular outcome), and safety outcomes of this trial have been reported elsewhere. In this exploratory analysis, we investigate the renal component of the composite microvascular outcome, defined as the first occurrence of new macroalbuminuria (UACR >33·9 mg/mmol), a sustained decline in eGFR of 30% or more from baseline, or chronic renal replacement therapy. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01394952. Findings: Between Aug 18, 2011, and Aug 14, 2013, 9901 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive dulaglutide (n=4949) or placebo (n=4952). At baseline, 791 (7·9%) had macroalbuminuria and mean eGFR was 76·9 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (SD 22·7). During a median follow-up of 5·4 years (IQR 5·1–5·9) comprising 51 820 person-years, the renal outcome developed in 848 (17·1%) participants at an incidence rate of 3·5 per 100 person-years in the dulaglutide group and in 970 (19·6%) participants at an incidence rate of 4·1 per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·85, 95% CI 0·77–0·93; p=0·0004). The clearest effect was for new macroalbuminuria (HR 0·77, 95% CI 0·68–0·87; p<0·0001), with HRs of 0·89 (0·78–1·01; p=0·066) for sustained decline in eGFR of 30% or more and 0·75 (0·39–1·44; p=0·39) for chronic renal replacement therapy. Interpretation: Long-term use of dulaglutide was associated with reduced composite renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. Funding: Eli Lilly and Company.

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Dulaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (REWIND): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Three different glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk with high glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations. We assessed the effect of the GLP-1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on major adverse cardiovascular events when added to the existing antihyperglycaemic regimens of individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without previous cardiovascular disease and a wide range of glycaemic control. Methods: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done at 371 sites in 24 countries. Men and women aged at least 50 years with type 2 diabetes who had either a previous cardiovascular event or cardiovascular risk factors were randomly assigned (1:1) to either weekly subcutaneous injection of dulaglutide (1·5 mg) or placebo. Randomisation was done by a computer-generated random code with stratification by site. All investigators and participants were masked to treatment assignment. Participants were followed up at least every 6 months for incident cardiovascular and other serious clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of the composite endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes (including unknown causes), which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01394952. Findings: Between Aug 18, 2011, and Aug 14, 2013, 9901 participants (mean age 66·2 years [SD 6·5], median HbA1c 7·2% [IQR 6·6–8·1], 4589 [46·3%] women) were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive dulaglutide (n=4949) or placebo (n=4952). During a median follow-up of 5·4 years (IQR 5·1–5·9), the primary composite outcome occurred in 594 (12·0%) participants at an incidence rate of 2·4 per 100 person-years in the dulaglutide group and in 663 (13·4%) participants at an incidence rate of 2·7 per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·79–0·99; p=0·026). All-cause mortality did not differ between groups (536 [10·8%] in the dulaglutide group vs 592 [12·0%] in the placebo group; HR 0·90, 95% CI 0·80–1·01; p=0·067). 2347 (47·4%) participants assigned to dulaglutide reported a gastrointestinal adverse event during follow-up compared with 1687 (34·1%) participants assigned to placebo (p<0·0001). Interpretation: Dulaglutide could be considered for the management of glycaemic control in middle-aged and older people with type 2 diabetes with either previous cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. Funding: Eli Lilly and Company.

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Physical activity in institutions of integral care to the early childhood

Objective To describe the knowledge about physical activity of the directors and educational agents that work in two institutions of integral care to the early childhood of the municipality of Los Patios, Colombia. Magisterial and Methods Qualitative research with field design, in which was applied an instrument type interview to 2 directors and 22 educational agents of the institutions of integral care to the early childhood that caters 500 girls and boys. The analysis of the information was done through the ATLAS software. You. Results It was identified that they do possess knowledge of physical activity, their benefits and the importance of fostering healthy habits in early childhood; on the other hand, the concept of physical activity covers many important aspects not only from the point of view of the prevention of illnesses but the importance in the growth and development of the children to have healthy adults in the future and with lower index of chronic diseases. Conclusion In addition to the knowledge of basic aspects of physical activity by the educational agents and directors, training and accompaniment of professionals and state agencies is required in a joint work that extends to the family and allows the promotion of the Physical activity as a healthy habit from childhood.

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Revista de Salud Publica

Título del artículo:

Physical exercise in the patient with renal failure

Kidney disease is a pathology where the kidneys are seriously damaged, generating alterations in the ability to filter toxins and other waste substances in the blood. The aim of this study was to evidence the effects and role of physiotherapeutic intervention in patients with kidney disease. A systematic review was conducted, with retrospective and descriptive analysis, of scientific articles published in indexed databases between January 2007 and November 2018. The search was performed for studies in the EBSCO, SciELO, MEDLINE, Medscape, PubMed databases, as well as in Central, EMBASE, REDALYC, DOAJ, OVID and several journals on the subject. The criteria for inclusion of studies were used for systematic reviews of the PRISMA Statement, and a riskof-bias assessment was performed through the evaluation of the Cochrane Collaboration and the PEDro scale. 68,620 scientific articles were recovered before applying the corresponding filters. After that, 20 articles were obtained which support the existence of an improvement in the quality of life, strength, physical capacity, oxygen consumption, physical, mental and social well-being in patients with renal failure. The performance of physical exercise in patients with renal failure improves the physical, social and mental response, as well as the activities of daily living. These effects are the result of an evaluation, prescription and adequate monitoring of the exercise. Therefore, we conclude it is essential that a professional in physiotherapy should participate in the interdisciplinary team necessary for the treatment of kidney disease.

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Revista de Nefrologia, Dialisis y Trasplante

Título del artículo:

Design of a gastric cancer model in SCID mice by means of genetic engineering of normal human gastric mucosa cells: Advances

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Iatreia

Título del artículo:

Semisynthetic eugenol derivatives as antifungal agents against dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton

Purpose. Eugenol, the main component of clove bud essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllus), has been linked to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and cytotoxic activity of eugenol, the essential oil of Eugenia caryophyllus, and some semisynthetic derivatives of eugenol against dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton. Methodology. We evaluated the antifungal effect of the compounds, determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by the microdilution method and the minimum fungicidal concentrations by cultures from the inhibitions. Additionally, the inhibition of the radial growth of the mycelium of the dermatophyte fungi was tested by poisoned substrate. Cytotoxicity was measured by the colorimetric method on Vero cells. Results: All of the eugenol compounds tested exhibited antifungal properties, showing MICs of 62.5–500 µg ml−1, determined within three dermatophyte species: Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton tonsurans. Among these derivatives, methyl isoeugenol, at concentrations of 300 and 100 µg ml−1, was found to completely inhibit (100 %) radial growth of the mycelium of all three species after 20 days of treatment. Additionally, phenotypic variations related to the decrease in pigment production of T. rubrum were observed after treatment with O-ethyl and O-butyl isoeugenol derivatives. Meanwhile, all of the tested (iso)eugenol molecules exhibited moderate toxicity in Vero cells [50 % cytotoxic concentration (the concentration required for a 50 % reduction in cell viability; CC50): 54.06–265.18 µg ml−1). Conclusion: The results suggest that the semisynthetic eugenol derivatives (SEDs) show promising antifungal activity and selectivity against dermatophyte fungi.

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Journal of Medical Microbiology

Título del artículo:

Evolution and interspecies transmission of canine distemper virus—an outlook of the diverse evolutionary landscapes of a multi-host virus

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a worldwide distributed virus which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus within the Paramyxoviridae family. CDV spreads through the lymphatic, epithelial, and nervous systems of domestic dogs and wildlife, in at least six orders and over 20 families of mammals. Due to the high morbidity and mortality rates and broad host range, understanding the epidemiology of CDV is not only important for its control in domestic animals, but also for the development of reliable wildlife conservation strategies. The present review aims to give an outlook of the multiple evolutionary landscapes and factors involved in the transmission of CDV by including epidemiological data from multiple species in urban, wild and peri-urban settings, not only in domestic animal populations but at the wildlife interface. It is clear that different epidemiological scenarios can lead to the presence of CDV in wildlife even in the absence of infection in domestic populations, highlighting the role of CDV in different domestic or wild species without clinical signs of disease mainly acting as reservoirs (peridomestic and mesocarnivores) that are often found in peridomestic habits triggering CDV epidemics. Another scenario is driven by mutations, which generate genetic variation on which random drift and natural selection can act, shaping the genetic structure of CDV populations leading to some fitness compensations between hosts and driving the evolution of specialist and generalist traits in CDV populations. In this scenario, the highly variable protein hemagglutinin (H) determines the cellular and host tropism by binding to signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) and nectin-4 receptors of the host; however, the multiple evolutionary events that may have facilitated CDV adaptation to different hosts must be evaluated by complete genome sequencing. This review is focused on the study of CDV interspecies transmission by examining molecular and epidemiological reports based on sequences of the hemagglutinin gene and the growing body of studies of the complete genome; emphasizing the importance of long-term multidisciplinary research that tracks CDV in the presence or absence of clinical signs in wild species, and helping to implement strategies to mitigate the infection. Integrated research incorporating the experience of wildlife managers, behavioral and conservation biologists, veterinarians, virologists, and immunologists (among other scientific areas) and the inclusion of several wild and domestic species is essential for understanding the intricate epidemiological dynamics of CDV in its multiple host infections.

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Viruses

Título del artículo:

Inhibition of C. albicans dimorphic switch by cobalt(II) complexes with ligands derived from pyrazoles and dinitrobenzoate: Synthesis, characterization and biological activity

Seven cobalt(II) complexes of pyrazole derivatives and dinitrobenzoate ligands were synthesized and characterized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure was determined for one of the ligands and one of the complexes. The analysis and spectral data showed that all the cobalt complexes had octahedral geometries, which was supported by DFT calculations. The complexes and their free ligands were evaluated against fungal strains of Candida albicans and emerging non-albicans species and epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. We obtained antifungal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 31.3 to 250 µg mL−1 . The complexes were more active against C. krusei, showing MIC values between 31.25 and 62.5 µg mL−1 . In addition, some ligands (L1–L6) and complexes (5 and Co(OAc)2 · 4H2 O) significantly reduced the yeast to hypha transition of C. albicans at 500 µg mL−1 (inhibition ranging from 30 to 54%). Finally, the complexes and ligands did not present trypanocidal activity and were not toxic to Vero cells. Our results suggest that complexes of cobalt(II) with ligands derived from pyrazoles and dinitrobenzoate may be an attractive alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by fungi, especially because they target one of the most important virulence factors of C. albicans.

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International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Título del artículo:

Health Care Expenditures of Medicare Beneficiaries with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition affecting the elderly population and with costs associated with its surgical management reported to be less than those associated with conservative management. Objective: To determine if the rate of diagnosis of NPH has improved over the last decade, the rate of treatment has increased, and if surgical treatment costs and socioeconomic factors related to receipt of treatment have changed over time compared with conservative therapy. Methods: A retrospective study based on data from a nationally representative random sample of 2,378,637 Medicare beneficiaries (2006–2010) was performed. Shunt surgery, shunt revision, replacement, and removal were analyzed as independent variables. Results: A total of 2321 patients with NPH were included, with 580 (24.99%) receiving a first shunt procedure. The adjusted effect of the procedure is that total 5-year expenditures are $11,676 more per patient (P < 0.001) than expenditures associated with nonsurgical management. Shunt revision ($22,715, P < 0.01) and/or replacement ($46,607, P < 0.001) add significantly to 5-year expenditures. Socioeconomic factors including African American race (P = 0.006); age 75–79 years (P = 0.024), 80–84 years (P < 0.001), and ≥85 years (P < 0.001); and Medicaid (P < 0.001) have significant negative associations with shunt surgery. Conclusions: There was a 1.66-fold increase in the rate of diagnosis of NPH, from 0.12% in 1999 to 0.2% in 2008. The total costs per surgical patient rose by approximately 145% to 160% comparing 2001 and 2010. This increase was mainly due to hospital (by 167% to 168%) and home health costs (by 118% to 148%). Providing appropriate care across the socioeconomic spectrum warrants further study and requires identifying the factors that limit access to care.

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World Neurosurgery

Título del artículo:

Enhanced visible light photoelectrochemical performance of β-Bi2O3-TiO2/ITO thin films prepared by aqueous sol-gel

Semiconductor heterojunction of β-Bi2O3-TiO2/ITO thin films was prepared by aqueous sol-gel and their photoelectrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic properties were evaluated on the oxidation of salicylic acid. The β-Bi2O3 sol precursor properties were characterized by DLS, SEM, and X-ray diffraction. The composition and morphology of the films were characterized by SEM-EDS. The photoelectrochemical characterization was performed by linear sweep voltammetry with chopped light irradiation and photocurrent measurements. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of the films under UV-Vis and visible light irradiation was conducted on the oxidation of salicylic acid. Results show that the films are composed of a TiO2 layer with Bi2O3 particles dispersed throughout the surface. X-ray diffraction results confirm that the Bi2O3 obtained from the sol precursor prepared corresponds to β-tetragonal phase. The linear sweep voltammetry shows that the β-Bi2O3-TiO2/ITO films have a higher photocurrent in the anodic region than TiO2/ITO films used as reference. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of the β-Bi2O3-TiO2/ITO films on the oxidation of salicylic acid under visible light irradiation was higher than TiO2/ITO films. The results show that the β-Bi2O3-TiO2/ITO films are active under visible light and can be used in photoelectrochemical cells.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry

Título del artículo:

Python script used as a simulator for the teaching of the electric field in electromagnetism course

We present in this article a Python script, based on a methodology to obtain the electric field produced by n electric charges. This tool was implemented in courses of electromagnetism and its laboratory in three institutions of higher education. The aim of this work was to incorporate information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the physics subjects, in accordance with the programs promoted by the Colombian Ministry of Education. We wanted to connect the students with sensory experiences of the physical phenomena that allow them to improve their experience of learning of subjects traditionally studied through the board. Finally, in this work, an interactive computational code was obtained, in which the electric field of the discrete and continuous charge distributions can be calculated, for the classical problems that are shown in an electrical physics course.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Molecular characterization and detection of genes blactx-m groups 1 and 9 in klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to ceftazidime, in a hospital in san josé de cúcuta, colombia

Background: The expression of CTX-M β-lactamases belonging to groups 1 and 9 in Klebsiella pneumoniae produces high levels of resistance to ceftazidime, and they have a wide distribution worldwide. Aim: To identify and characterize the blaCTX-M-Group1 and blaCTX-M-Group9 genes in K. pneumoniae isolates resistant to ceftazidime in a hospital in San José de Cúcuta, Colombia. Material and Methods: Primers were designed for the identification of K. pneumoniae and blaCTX-M genes by PCR. Subsequently, the genetic relationship of these isolates was analyzed by REP-PCR. Results: A 38% of the 24 isolates identified by PCR as K. pneumoniae showed blaCTX-M-3. blaCTX-M-15 y blaCTX-M-32 genes (Group CTX-M-1) and 42% blaCTX-M14. blaCTX-M-24 y blaCTX-M-27 genes (Group CTX-M-9). The phylogenetic analysis grouped the K. pneumoniae isolates into 4 clusters, showing correlation in clusters I, II and IV, when comparing the genetic profiles with the type of sample and group of genes. Discussion: We found a similar frequency of blaCTX-M-Group 1 and blaCTX-M-Group 9 genes in isolates of K. pneumoniae resistant to ceftazidime. The correlation between the REP-PCR with the CTX-M groups and the type of sample revealed the presence of three clonal patterns.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Chilena de Infectologia

Título del artículo:

Biopolymeric pellets of polyvinyl alcohol and alginate for the encapsulation of Ib-M6 peptide and its antimicrobial activity against E. coli

The encapsulation of Ib-M6 antibacterial peptide in pellets of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl alcohol-alginate (PVA-Alg) matrices was carried out in order to explore its controlled release and activity against Escherichia coli K-12. The pellets were obtained by combined ice segregation induced self-assembly (ISISA) and freezing-thawing methods and their microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Bromothymol blue was used as a model compound to study the transport mechanisms and release from pellets. The results show that there is a significant effect of the total concentration of PVA precursor solutions, the mass ratio of PVA of different molecular weights and the addition of alginate on the microstructure and transport properties of pellets. The antibacterial activity of Ib-M6 against Escherichia coli K-12 was not affected by the encapsulation in PVA pellets. However, the release of Ib-M6 from PVA-Alg pellets was not possible, probably due to the electrostatic interaction of positively charged Ib-M6 and negatively alginate structure. Nonetheless, the controlled release of Ib-M6 from polymeric matrices can be fitting by modifying parameters such as the concentration and type of polymer precursors.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Heliyon

Título del artículo:

Latin American Consensus on themanagement of hypertension in the patient with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome

The prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and the metabolic syndrome continues to increase in Latin America, while the rates of diagnosis, treatment and control of these disorders remain low. The frequency of the risk factors that constitute the metabolic syndrome and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease has not diminished since the publication of the previous consensus. This document discusses the socioeconomic, demographic, environmental and cultural characteristics of most associated Latin American countries and partially explains the lack of better results in improving clinical and public health actions that allow high morbidity and mortality rates caused by cardiovascular diseases and DM2 to be reduced through programs aligned with the socalled precision medicine, which should be predictive, preventive, personalized and participatory. The Consensus ratifies the diagnostic criteria expressed in the previous consensus to define hypertension and DM2 but, for the metabolic syndrome, and in the absence of evidence, the recommendation is to implement a cohort study that determines the abdominal perimeter value associated with hard outcomes, such as DM2 and CVD. Meanwhile, we recommend modifying the criterion to more than 94cm in men and more than 84cm in women according to WHO recommendations. We also recommend the carrying out of a study that identifies the situation of hypertension and DM2 in people of African ancestry who, in Latin America, exceed 75 million and whose epidemiology does not include solid studies. With respect to the proposed therapeutic targets, we recommended maintaining those defined in the previous consensus, but insisting that early pharmacological management of prediabetes with metformin should be introduced, as should the treatment of diabetic hypertensive patients with a combination therapy of two fixed-dose antihypertensive drugs and management with statins. To increase adherence, the use of different drugs combined in a single pill (polypill) is recommended. The simplification of the therapeutic regimen is accompanied by greater control of cardiovascular risk factors, both in primary and secondary prevention, and has been shown to be cost-effective. The consensus recommends the use of the currently available polypill combining an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, a statin and aspirin for secondary cardiovascular prevention and in patients with a high cardiovascular risk, such as hypertension patients with DM2.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Hypertension