Título del artículo:

One-pot synthesis of alginate-antimicrobial peptide nanogel

Nanosized alginate-based particles (NAPs) were obtained in a one-pot solvent-free synthesis procedure, achieving the design of a biocompatible nanocarrier for the encapsulation of IbM6 antimicrobial peptide (IbM6). IbM6 is integrated in the nascent nanosized hydrogel self-assembly guided by electrostatic interactions and by weak interactions, typical of soft matter. The formation of the nanogel is a dynamic and complex process, which presents an interesting temporal evolution. In this work, we optimized the synthesis conditions of IbM6-NAPs based on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and evaluated its time evolution over several weeks by sensing the IbM6 environment in IbM6-NAPs from photochemical experiments. Fluorescence deactivation experiments revealed that the accessibility of different quenchers to the IbM6 peptide embedded in NAPs is dependent on the aging time of the alginate network. Lifetimes measurements indicate that the deactivation paths of the excited state of the IbM6 in the nanoaggregates are reduced when compared with those exhibited by the peptide in aqueous solution, and are also dependent on the aging time of the nanosized alginate network. Finally, the entrapment of IbM6 in NAPs hinders the degradation of the peptide by trypsin, increasing its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K-12 in simulated operation conditions. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)

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Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences

Título del artículo:

Microencapsulation of Theobroma cacao L polyphenols: A high-value approach with in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities

Chagas disease (CHD) is the highest economic burden parasitosis worldwide and the most important cardiac infection, without therapeutic alternatives to halt or reverse its progression. In CHD-experimental models, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds have demonstrated therapeutic potential in cardiac dysfunction. Theobroma cacao polyphenols are potent natural antioxidants with cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory action, which are susceptible to degradation, requiring technological approaches to guarantee their protection, stability, and controlled release. Here, 21 cocoa polyphenol-rich microencapsulates were produced by spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques using two wall materials (maltodextrin and gum arabic). Chemical (total and individual phenolic content and antioxidant activity), structural (morphology), and biological parameters (cytotoxicity, trypanocidal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities) were assessed to determine the most efficient microencapsulation conditions on Trypanosoma cruzi-infected myocardioblast and macrophage cells. Significant antiproliferative properties against infected cells (superior to benznidazole) were found in two microencapsulates which also exhibited cardioprotective properties against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

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Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy

Título del artículo:

Effect of environmental variables on the incidence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil and Colombia

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe of the three forms of Leishmaniasis. In the Americas, Brazil and Colombia present more than 90 % of the cases in the region. Our aim in this research was to estimate the association of the incidence rate of Visceral Leishmaniasis with the following environmental variables: the percentage of area suitable for the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis, the episodes of La Niña and El Niño, the Brazilian and Colombian biomes. Epidemiological data were obtained from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System and the Colombian National Public Health Surveillance System. Environmental data were downloaded from the NASA Giovanni web app, the Modis Sensor database, and the meteorological agencies of Australia, Japan, and the United States of America. Records of the presence of Lu. longipalpis were obtained from public databases and previous studies. As a result, the incidence per 10,000 inhabitants with LEBS for each El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episode showed the largest values during El Niño 2015–2016, mainly in Brazil\'s Northeast and Central regions and the Northeast region of Colombia. Compared with the Neutral 2012–2014 episode, the episodes of El Niño 2015–2016 and La Niña 2010–2011 showed an average increase in the monthly incidence rate of VL, and the average increase was higher during El Niño 2015–2016 (aIRR = 2.304 vs.1.453) We found a positive association between the incidence rate of VL and the El Niño 2015–2016 episode and an impressive% of area suitable for the vector Lu. longipalpis in the Amazon region.An increase of 1 % in the area suitable for the vector Lu. longipalpis leads to an average rise of 0.8 % in the monthly incidence rate of VL. Our study shows a possible association between VL incidence and ENSO, with the most considerable incidence rates observed during El Niño 2015–2016 in Brazil\'s Northeast and Central regions and the Northeast region of Colombia. The present study is very important to better understand the Visceral Leishmaniasis transmission dynamics.

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Acta Tropica

Título del artículo:

A bivariate survival model for events with dependent failure times based on Archimedean copula functions. Application case: A sample of HIV patients

This paper proposes a bivariate survival model for dependent failure times based on copula functions of the Archimedean family and the mean cumulative function for non-recurrent events of different types (MCFR ̅E) and uses it to estimate the probability of survival from the occurrence of events of different types on the same HIV/AIDS patient. The copula functions evaluate the dependence structure between the failure times of the events experienced by the same patient throughout their follow-up period, and the MCFR ̅E generates the marginal survival function for each event. The marginal function is a nonparametric estimator that gives the same estimated survival probability as the Kaplan-Meier estimator if the failure times of the different types of events are independent. If each patient experiences at least one event, a subset of them generates a compound event that affects the estimated probability of survival. The results show that the traditionally estimated survival probabilities are biased if dependent failure times are treated as independent.

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Brazilian Journal of Biometrics

Título del artículo:

Metataxonomic Identification of Microorganisms during the Coffee Fermentation Process in Colombian Farms (Cesar Department)

The metataxonomic diversity and microbial composition of microorganisms during the coffee fermentation process as well as their relationship with coffee quality were determined across 20 farms in the department of Cesar, Colombia, by sampling coffee fruits from Coffea arabica; Var. Castillo General®, Var. Colombia, and Var. Cenicafé 1. In each farm, the fruits were processed and the fermentation process took place between 10 and 42 h following this. Three samples of mucilage and washed coffee seeds were collected per farm during the fermentation process. The microorganisms present in the mucilage were identified using metataxonomic methods by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and ITS for fungi. The microorganisms’ morphotypes were isolated and identified. The analysis of bacteria allowed for the identification of the following genera: Gluconobacter, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter, Frateuria, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Tatumella, and Weisella, as well as unclassified enterobacteria; the Lactobacillacea and Secundilactobacillus families were only identified in the Var. Cenicafé 1. For fungi, the top 11 genera and families found included Hanseniaspora, Candida, Meyerozyma, Wickerhamomyces, Pichia, f-Saccharomycodaceae, f-Nectriciae, unclassified fungi, and Saccharomycetaceae, which were only found in Cenicafé 1. A total of 92% of the coffee samples obtained scored between 80.1 and 84.9, indicating “Very Good” coffee (Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale). Farms with the longest fermentation times showed better coffee attributes related to acidity, fragrance, and aroma. During coffee fermentation, there is a central microbiome. The differences between the microorganisms’ genera could be influenced by the coffee variety, while the specific conditions of each farm (i.e., altitude and temperature) and its fermentation processes could determine the proportions of and interactions between the microbial groups that favor the sensory characteristics responsible for coffee cup quality.

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Foods

Título del artículo:

Precision Solutions: A Strategy to Improve Medical Care for Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension in Latin America

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Chest

Título del artículo:

Electron nonlinear dynamics in a compact accelerator based on the circular rotating TM110 mode

The present study investigates the electron autoresonant acceleration using the rotating transverse magnetic mode TM110 microwave field within an inhomogeneous magnetostatic field. Differential equations governing the evolution of the phase shift between the electron\'s angular position and the angle at which transferred power is maximized, the total electron energy, and the longitudinal electron velocity are derived. Magnetic field profiles required to sustain electron acceleration are determined. The results demonstrate that an electron injected along the cavity axis with an energy of 30keV can be accelerated up to approximately 200keV, using an electric field amplitude of 20kV/cm, a frequency of 8GHz, and a linear magnetic field profile. Additionally, we consider the case of electron acceleration under exact resonance conditions, and the corresponding magnetic field profile predicted by the model is obtained. The findings presented in this paper are valuable for the design of RF accelerators utilizing the circular rotating TM110 mode, particularly in applications such as x-ray sources for medical purposes, airport security, and various other fields.

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Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation

Título del artículo:

Weight stigma and allostatic load in adults: protocol for a scoping review

Introduction Weight-related stigma (WS) has been associated with adverse psychosocial and physical health effects. Despite the relationship between WS and allostatic load, there are no integrative reviews of this association. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between allostatic load biomarkers associated with WS by identifying gaps in this topic and proposing recommendations for future research. Methods and analysis This protocol was guided by the methodological framework of Arksey and O\'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The research questions were based on the population-concept-context framework. Studies in adults diagnosed as overweight or obese, exposed to WS and assessing the association between WS and biomarkers of allostatic load will be included. A search will be conducted in Medline (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley) and Google Scholar. The search strategy will be conducted in three stages, based on the JBI recommendation with the MESH terms \"Social Stigma,\"\"Weight Prejudice,\"\"Biomarkers,\"\"Allostasis,\"\"Adults\"and related terms. Data extraction will be done with a template adapted from JBI. The search strategy and selection process results will be presented in a flow chart and summarised in the text. The main results will be presented in a descriptive synthesis. Ethics and dissemination Ethics review and approval are not required. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, congresses or symposia.

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BMJ Open

Título del artículo:

Nanocellulose composites as chemo-/bio-sensing agents and polymeric matrixes: A nanotechnological application

This chapter highlights the nanocellose-based composite sensors as powerful tools in multiple sensing/detecting applications and polymeric matrixes. The worldwide need for rapid, precise/accurate, selective/specific detection positions the nanosensors as crucial devices for sensing purposes. The authors discuss the basic sensor conception, a basic architecture applied in different spatial scales and research areas, such as environmental sciences, medicine, and optoelectronics. Chemo-and biosensors are also described in the chapter. The use of nanocellulose as supporting or embedding material in sensors and polymeric matrixes gives the attributes of this noble material, which, combined with active and sensitive materials at the nanoscale, assemble new opportunities in the sensors field.

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Smart and Sustainable Applications of Nanocomposites

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Associations of the ‘weekend warrior’ physical activity pattern with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: the Mexico City Prospective Study

Objectives The objective was to investigate the benefits of the’weekend warrior’ physical activity pattern in Latin America, where many people take part in high levels of non-exercise physical activity. Methods Participants in the Mexico City Prospective Study were surveyed from 1998 to 2004 and resurveyed from 2015 to 2019. Those who exercised up to once or twice per week were termed weekend warriors. Those who exercised more often were termed regularly active. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Results The main analysis included 26 006 deaths in 154 882 adults (67% female) aged 52±13 years followed for 18±4 years (mean±SD). Compared with those who reported no exercise, the HR (95% CI) was 0.88 (0.83 to 0.93) in the weekend warriors and 0.88 (0.84 to 0.91) in the regularly active. Similar results were observed for cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, but associations were weaker. Stratified analyses showed that substantial reductions in all-cause mortality risk only occurred when the duration of exercise sessions was at least 30–60 min. The repeated-measures analysis included 843 deaths in 10 023 adults followed for 20±2 years. Compared with being inactive or becoming inactive, the HR was 0.86 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.12) when being a weekend warrior or becoming a weekend warrior and 0.85 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.03) when being regularly active or becoming regularly active. Conclusions This is the first prospective study to investigate the benefits of the weekend warrior physical activity pattern in Latin America. The results suggest that even busy adults could benefit from taking part in one or two sessions of exercise per week.

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British Journal of Sports Medicine

Título del artículo:

Risk factors for recognized and unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infection: a seroepidemiologic analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study

There are limited data on individual risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection (including unrecognized infection). In this seroepidemiologic substudy of an ongoing prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults, participants were thoroughly characterized pre-pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained by serology. Among 8,719 participants from 11 high-, middle-, and low-income countries, 3,009 (35%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Characteristics independently associated with seropositivity were younger age (odds ratio, OR; 95% confidence interval, CI, per five-year increase: 0.95; 0.91–0.98) and body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.01–1.34). Smoking (as compared with never smoking, OR, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.70–0.97) and COVID-19 vaccination (OR, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.60–0.82) were associated with a reduced risk of seropositivity. Among seropositive participants, 83% were unaware of having been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Seropositivity and a lack of awareness of infection were more common in lower-income countries. The COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (including recognized and unrecognized infections). Overweight or obesity is an independent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection and lack of infection awareness are more common in lower-income countries. IMPORTANCE In this large, international study, evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained by testing blood specimens from 8,719 community-dwelling adults from 11 countries. The key findings are that (i) the large majority (83%) of community-dwelling adults from several high-, middle-, and low-income countries with blood test evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were unaware of this infection—especially in lower-income countries; and (ii) overweight/obesity predisposes to SARS-CoV-2 infection, while COVID-19 vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These observations are not attributable to other individual characteristics, highlighting the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination to prevent not only severe infection but possibly any infection. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which overweight/obesity might increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Microbiology Spectrum

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Analyzing joint efficiency in storage tanks: A comparative study of API 650 standard and API 579 using finite element analysis for enhanced reliability

This study compares two renowned methodologies, API 650 and API 579, focusing on the analysis of joint efficiency at a value of 0.7. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the research suggests that a 35 % increase in filling height might be achievable for a large tank that adhere to the stability criteria outlined by API 650. To support these findings, 337 simulations rigorously examined various parameters. These encompass the design factor (β), bottom constraint, geometric configuration, mesh size, and a newly introduced Local ASME criterion. The latter is specifically introduced to evaluate protection against plastic collapse for Maximum Fill Height (MFH). Additionally, the study advocates elevating the joint efficiency from 0.7 to a range of 0.8–0.87 in API 653. This recommendation is pertinent to storage tanks that are not susceptible to buckling failure mode and possess limited documentation. The outcomes of this research provide significant insights into tank design and have the potential to refine industry standards and practices.

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International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Título del artículo:

Correlates of Toddlers’ Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior During Unstructured Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education and Daycare Settings

Despite recent research showing that early childhood education and daycare settings (ECEC) have an important role in promoting toddlers’ physical activity (PA), crucial information gaps remain regarding toddlers\' PA and sedentary behavior (SB) in these outdoor settings. We aimed in this study to: (a) analyze PA patterns and SB during unstructured outdoor play time in preschool and daycare environments using accelerometry and systematic observation; (b) provide concurrent accelerometry and observational data to help validate the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children-Preschool Version (OSRAC-P); and (c) examine individual, social and environmental correlates of PA and SB during toddlers’ unstructured outdoor play time. We found that: (a) toddlers displayed high amounts of PA with no sex, BMI, and/or age differences in PA and SB levels,; (b) environmental variables (e.g., fixed equipment and playground density) were not associated with PA levels or SB intensity; (c) the OSRAC-P was a reliable and valid means of observing and analyzing toddlers’ PA patterns during unstructured outdoor play time; and (e) different social patterns between boys and girls did not impact PA levels or patterns. Combining different measurement methods permitted an improved understanding of unstructured outdoor play in preschool and daycare settings.

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Perceptual and Motor Skills

Título del artículo:

Drug-induced liver injury secondary to androgenic steroid use

The use of anabolic steroids in an illicit way is a growing problem characterized by the lack of knowledge about the potential side effects of these products. Their illegal use has led to underdiagnosis of adverse events, among the most frequent of which was hepatotoxicity. We present the case of a mature adult male amateur athlete who was hospitalized for jaundice and drug-induced liver disease in relation to the use of high-dose anabolic steroids. The prevention of drug-induced liver damage (DILI) training the susceptible population about the dangers of self-medication and illegal drug use, as well as educating the vulnerable population to prevent self-medication. or the illegal use of these substances.

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Gaceta Medica Boliviana

Título del artículo:

Muscle length, pain, and function in young adults with sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Introduction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a pathomechanical alteration, in which stability is lost and the functioning of the pelvic girdle is altered; the ability to transmit and dissipate forces from the lower limbs to the spine and vice versa is also modified. The shortening of muscles such as the latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and lumbar spinal muscles can alter motor control and generate low back pain. Objective: To evaluate the muscle length of latissimus dorsi, hamstrings and lumbar spinal muscles, pain and functionality in young adults by comparing three study groups: pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and control. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 114 subjects of both sexes were included. Muscle length was assessed through muscle-specific tests. The Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry were used to measure pain and functionality, respectively. Differences in variables between study groups were calculated with the Chi2 test. Results: No differences in muscle length were observed in the study groups. The group with sacroiliac joint dysfunction presented more individuals with pain and moderate-severe functional limitation. Conclusions: Latissimus dorsi, hamstring and lumbar spinal retractions were not related to low back pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction; however, young adults in this group presented more discomfort and disability.

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Revista Cubana de Investigaciones Biomedicas

Título del artículo:

ANALYSIS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FUEL HYDROTREATING THROUGH LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND PROCESS DATA

This document presents an evaluation of the life cycle in the operating scenarios of a diesel hydrotreating (HDT) industrial unit, considering the Eco-Indicator 99 and the process data. First, the process data of the HDT unit were debugged and grouped into operating modes using the kmean algorithm and the silhouette coefficient. The operating modes were then analyzed for their performance differences. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed for each of the identified modes. According to the results, the statistical analysis of the process data led to the identification of two operating modes (Mode 1 and 2), characterized by their different levels of hydrotreatment severity. Mode 1 represented the higher severity conditions and, therefore, produced a diesel stream with lower sulfur content than that resulting from Mode 2. The LCA showed that the Mode 1 resulted in a greater environmental impact than that derived from Operating Mode 2, due to a higher consumption of industrial utilities and a higher CO2 emission. The H2 consumption and CO2 emission influenced the impacts related to the Natural Resources category, while the electricity consumption influenced the Human Health category. Likewise, the environmental impact levels of the operation of the HDT industrial unit were found to increase by ca 84% in going from the less severe operation to the most severe condition.

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37th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, ECOS 2024

Título del artículo:

Recommendations on vaccination in children and adolescents with inborn errors of immunity according to the expanded Colombian immunization program

In this manuscript, we carried out an exhaustive analysis of the global recommendations for immunization in inborn errors of immunity patients. We examined the mechanisms of action and types of vaccines, and we described the vaccines included in the Colombian immunization program together with the specific guidelines for immunization in patients with the most frequent inborn errors of immunity in Colombia. These recommendations were adjusted according to the severity and subclassifications of each immunodeficiency, considering variations in the immune response to offer evidence-based recommendations for vaccination in children with these conditions. We included the most common inborn errors of immunity worldwide and considered the vaccines included in the Colombian immunization program to avoid delays in vaccination schedules. This work was achieved through a narrative, non-systematic review of articles indexed in Spanish and English, using MeSH terms such as: “inborn errors of immunity”, “primary immunodeficiencies”, “vaccination in inborn errors of immunity, “types of vaccines”, “mechanism of action of vaccines”, and “live vaccines in inborn errors of immunity”. We used search engines such as: PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and websites of recognized institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Biomedica

Título del artículo:

Relationship between Anabolic Steroid Consumption and Mental Health

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Revista del Hospital Psiquiatrico de la Habana

Título del artículo:

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) husks and seed shells are sources of phenolic compounds with potential health benefits

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is an oilseed plant that yields a highly nutritious oil. However, its husks and seed shells are under-utilized byproducts. In this study, ethanolic extracts of sacha inchi husks (SI-husk) and seed shells (SI-shell) were obtained using ultrasound-assisted extraction, evaluating the effects of extraction temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio on the yields. The extracts’ total phenolic contents, phenolic profiles, antioxidant activities, and antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were investigated. Under the selected extraction conditions for SI-husk (60 °C, 1:8 s/s, 280 W, 120 min) and SI-shell (60 °C, 1:3 s/s, 280 W, 120 min), the extracts’ total phenolic contents were 80.18 ± 0.32 and 50.94 ± 0.48 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g, respectively. Cyanidin, naringenin, and kaempferol were principally found in the SI-husk extract (79.4 %) and vanillic acid in the SI-shell extract (79.9 %). Both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, with ORAC values of 360.36 ± 0.21 and 228.11 ± 0.14 µmol TE/g, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli using the agar disk diffusion assay. SI-husk (1 mg) exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibition zone of 10.5 ± 1.8 mm. Our results provide new insights into sacha inchi byproducts as sources of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

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Universitas Scientiarum

Título del artículo:

A heart failure program in low-income patients in Argentina (COMM-HF)

Objective. In low-and middle-income countries, heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death and disability. Materials and methods. A feasibility study was conducted to assess the fidelity, reach, and adoption of an educational program led by non-medical staff to improve outpatient care for patients hospitalized with HF in the local public health system. Results. Thirty patients were included, with a mean age of 55.3 years (63.3% male). A total of 97.3% of planned home visits and 90% of scheduled phone calls were completed. Counselling modules were delivered during 90.4% of home visits, with no significant challenges reported during implementation. At the end of follow-up, there was a trend towards improved lifestyle habits, a reduction in mean heart rate (78.0 to 68.3 beats per minute; p = 0.016), a decrease in the proportion of patients in NYHA functional class III (20% to 7.4%; p = 0.041), and a slight reduction in mean body mass index (29.5 vs. 28.9; p = 0.042). Conclusions. A home-based educational program, designed to optimize outpatient management of heart failure and led by non-medical healthcare personnel, was well-received and demonstrated feasibility for implementation in low-income patients relying solely on the Argentine public health system.

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Archivos Peruanos de Cardiologia y Cirugia Cardiovascular

Título del artículo:

Fragility analysis of a triangular free-form reinforced concrete shell

Considering the importance of deepening the knowledge of the structural behavior of free-form shell structures with a triangular plan, this work presents the results of research on the analysis of seismic vulnerability, verified through linear time-history analysis (NLTHA), generating fragility curves through PSDM models. The analyzes carried out are based on uncertainties regarding both the mechanical properties of the materials and the geometric characteristics of the structures, as well as the action of seismic events. Real accelerograms, compatible with the elastic response spectra for Lisbon and Ouren, Portugal given by the EC8 standard, are used to consider seismic events. In the analyses, fundamental factors are considered, such as the accumulation of damage and the degradation in the resistance of materials. The structure presents highly ductile behavior in the face of seismic loads, attributed to its rigidity, geometry, lightness, and modal behavior, with participation in the horizontal components of the mass in the first five vibration modes greater than 80% and with minimal influence of the vertical component, characteristics inherent to this type of structure. However, it should be noted that the area close to the support, in the same direction as the ground acceleration, is the most vulnerable. This occurs due to the plastic yielding of the concrete during the earthquake, which promotes the appearance of cracks and compression damage. This is verified for the structure when subjected to earthquakes with PGA in the horizontal direction between 0.01 and 0.8 g. The probability of considerable damage increases with seismic events having PGA greater than 0.6 g, which, in turn, can compromise the stability of the structure. It is, therefore, of great importance to study the seismic behavior of shell structures, especially free-form shells, considering the variability and uncertainties related to the structural stress arising from the seismic demand.

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Structural Concrete

Título del artículo:

Thermal and burial history of the axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment, Eastern Cordillera basin, Colombia: evidence from low-temperature thermochronology and numerical modelling

The axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment of the Eastern Cordillera basin, Colombia exhibits a complex geological history characterized by both along and across strike variations in deformation and exhumation, as well as magmatic activity, all of which provide valuable insights into the broader tectono-thermal evolution of the Andean region. In this study, we combine existing thermochronological data, with 16 new zircons (U-Th)/He and 9 new fission-track dates, and numerical modeling to investigate the thermal history in response to such anomalies across the axial Arcabuco-Floresta segment. Single grain ZHe data from Devonian to Lower Cretaceous strata range from 74 to 20 Ma. ZFT data from the same samples show a broader age distribution ranging from 200 to 70 Ma. The integration of different inverse modeling approaches suggests that cooling, here interpreted as exhumation, occurred in three distinct episodes which can each be linked to different regional tectonic interactions since the Late Cretaceous. Over this time, exhumation commenced in the northern and western parts of the basin and extended progressively through to the eastern and southern parts. The first episode, from the Late Cretaceous to Eocene is related to the accretion of different oceanic terranes related to Farallon Plate. The second, from the Oligocene to Middle Miocene, is interpreted as a probable compressional response to accretion of the Panamá-Chocó Arc, Nazca Plate and the Gorgona Terrane. The third, extending from the Middle Miocene to Pleistocene, may be associated with exhumation driven by far-field deformation resulting from the final collision phase of the Panamá-Chocó block with South America and its interaction with the Nazca and Caribbean plates. This last phase led to the complete emergence of the Eastern Cordillera and its development as an orographic barrier. No evidence was found suggesting any possible influence of thermal overprinting on the thermochronological data in the basin.

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Frontiers in Earth Science

Título del artículo:

Face and content validation of the instrument «Awareness, Attitudes, Prevention and Perceptions of COVID-19 Outbreak among Nurses»

Introduction: The care of patients with COVID-19 has generated the need to identify levels of awareness, prevention, attitudes and perception of nursing professionals in intensive care units. The objective of this work was to perform the face and content validation of an instrument of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19. Methodology: Facial validation study of the instrument «Awareness, Attitudes, prevention and perceptions of COVID-19 Outbreak among Nurses» which has 62 questions in four dimensions: knowledge, prevention, attitude and opinion. The Fehring model was used and evaluated taking into account the content validity index (CVI). Results: Eleven experts with postgraduate training and more than 10 years of clinical experience participated. The CVI (< 0.80) and the experts’ comments made it possible to identify 8 items that required revision and 4 were deleted. The validated instrument was made up of 58 items, with 36 in knowledge, 13 in prevention, 5 in attitude and 4 in opinion, and with 4 items requiring reversal for the analysis of the instrument. Conclusions: The instrument showed adequate face and content validity so it can be used for the identification of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19.

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Acta Colombiana de Cuidado Intensivo

Título del artículo:

Muscular strength, endothelial function and cognitive disorders: state of the art

In recent years, the ageing population has increasingly grown. This process carries a range of pathophysiological changes involving alterations in the skeletal muscle, vascular endothelium and brain function, becoming an important risk factor for developing cognitive disorders and cardiovascular diseases. With ageing, there is a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength, and a relationship between muscle strength decrease and cognitive decline has been shown. Lower handgrip strength has been linked to memory impairment, lower global cognitive function, decreased attention and reduced visuospatial abilities in the elderly, but understanding of the underlying mechanisms that explain the link between altered skeletal muscle function and structure, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of endothelial dysfunction in the onset of cognitive disorders has been scarcely explored. This review aims to detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the progressive changes associated with ageing can alter healthy skeletal muscle and endothelial function, creating an environment of oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes can lead to reduced muscle strength, and the secretion of detrimental endothelial factors, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, blood–brain barrier disruption, and damage to neurons and microglia, ultimately accelerating the onset of cognitive disorders in the elderly. In addition, we aimed to describe the mechanisms that potentially explain how preserving muscular function with resistance training could prevent brain function deterioration, including the production of different factors that allow an improved endothelial function, haemodynamic parameters and brain plasticity, ultimately delaying the onset of cognitive impairment and chronic diseases. (Figure presented.).

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Journal of Physiology

Título del artículo:

Environment and Armed Conflict: Perspectives of Former Combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)

Colombia is home to the longest-running armed conflict in history. This situation has had negative repercussions on various social, economic, political, and environmental aspects. Specifically, this study aimed to analyze the environmental consequences of the armed conflict in Colombia through the interpretation of general notions about the conflict and its link to environmental degradation. To accomplish this task, an exploration of the context was conducted, including the general characteristics of the territory that contributed to the emergence of the conflict, the environmental damages caused during the war, and the main actors involved in the degradation of the territory, based on the perceptions, opinions, experiences, and feelings of former combatants. Information was collected through in-depth interviews. The results focused on understanding the significant elements of the link between the environmental situation and the post-peace agreement period. This study prompts reflection on the indirect implications of war and provides valuable insights for the design and implementation of public policies aimed at preventing environmental deterioration, promoting reconciliation, and improving the living conditions of the affected population.

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Juridicas CUC