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El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la percepción de estudiantes graduados en el área de Ciencias de la Salud referida a las habilidades blandas necesarias para su contratación y el desarrollo profesional en el Perú, 2022. Investigación, no experimental, cuantitativa, descriptiva y analítica. Muestreo por conveniencia de tipo no probabilístico de 412 estudiantes graduados en universidades ubicadas en Lima y El Callao, Perú, durante los meses de septiembre a diciembre del 2022. El análisis factorial exploratorio identificó tres factores subyacentes en la percepción referida a las habilidades blandas necesarias para su contratación y el desarrollo profesional: personal, asociado a "habilidades de comunicación"; social, asociado a "habilidades de liderazgo"; y metodología, asociado a "habilidades de gestión y organización". Los hallazgos de este estudio sugieren que los estudiantes graduados en el área de Ciencias de la Salud en Lima y Callao, Perú, consideran las habilidades blandas como importantes para su desarrollo y formación profesional. Los tres factores identificados en el análisis factorial exploratorio pueden ser útiles para diseñar programas de formación y capacitación para mejorar las habilidades blandas de los estudiantes en estas áreas.

ABSTRACT The gut microbiome is amenable to dietary interventions, and polyphenol-rich diets have been shown to enhance abundances of bacteria associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. We examined the effects of a strawberry-based intervention on the gut microbiome of 69 healthy elderly German adults. Participants in five groups consumed varying amounts of strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, and capers in olive oil over 10 weeks as part of a randomized controlled trial. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze differences in microbial composition, diversity, phenotypes, differential abundance, and functional pathways. The intervention group featuring the highest amounts of fresh and freeze-dried strawberries without capers in olive oil (group 4) showed changes in gut microbial diversity and differential abundance that could be linked to improved health. Beta diversity, based on weighted UniFrac distances, increased significantly (P = 0.0035), potentially pathogenic bacteria decreased (P = 0.04), and abundances of SCFA-producing genera Faecalibacterium and Prevotella increased significantly. Other findings included a significant reduction of CAG-352, Preveotellaceae_NK3B31-group, and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes (group 2), and a trend of lowered Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio (P = 0.067) and a reduction in Ruminococcaceae (group 3). Our findings suggest that a dietary intervention based on strawberries can positively alter the gut microbiota of healthy elderly people as seen in an enrichment of SCFA-producing genera, increased diversity, and a reduction in potentially pathogenic bacteria.IMPORTANCEAging is often associated with changes in the gut microbiome, including a decline in beneficial bacteria and an increase in potentially pathogenic species. Addressing these changes through lifestyle interventions is of significant interest. Our study demonstrates that a 10-week dietary intervention with strawberries can beneficially modulate gut microbial composition and diversity in healthy elderly individuals. Notably, the group consuming the highest amount of strawberries (without capers in olive oil) initially had higher abundances of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Here, the intervention led to increased abundances of the beneficial genera Faecalibacterium and Prevotella, which are linked to health benefits including reduced inflammation and improved lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that strawberry consumption can positively influence gut microbial composition, thereby contributing to overall health and disease prevention in older adults.

Given the current trend, English as a second language has become increasingly essential due to globalization. In this context, self-questioning has emerged as a contemporary approach to its teaching. This study aimed to determine the influence of self-questioning as a learning strategy for literary texts in English. Methodologically, the research employed a quantitative, pre-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design with intentional non-probabilistic sampling. The sample consisted of 34 students from the third cycle of the language program (translation and interpretation) during the first semester of 2019 at César Vallejo University, Lima, Peru. The students were randomly divided into three groups. The interventions included a self-questioning strategy through group discussion, student-led questioning based on prompts from the teacher, and a control group, which involved individual reading and free analysis of the text. A pre and post-test opinion questionnaire with Likert-scale response options was administered to collect data, validated by expert judgment. Results showed statistically significant differences across all groups. Conclusion: Self-questioning as a learning strategy significantly impacts the acquisition of English as a second language.

IntroductionCutibacterium acnes can both be a helpful colonizer of the human skin as well as the causative agent of acne and purulent infections. Until today, it is a moot point whether there are C. acnes strains exclusively devoted to be part of the skin microbiome and others, that carry special features enabling them to cause disease. So far, the search for the molecular background of such diverse behavior has led to inconsistent results.MethodsIn the present study, we prospectively collected C. acnes strains from 27 infected persons and 18 healthy controls employing rigid selection criteria to ensure their role as infectious agent or colonizer. The genome sequences from these strains were obtained and carefully controlled for quality.ResultsDeduced traditional phylotyping assigned almost all superficial isolates to type IA1, while the clinical strains were evenly distributed between types IA1, IB, and II. Single locus sequence typing (SLST) showed a predominance of A1 type for the control strains, whereas 56% of the clinical isolates belonged to types A1, H1 and K8. Pangenome analysis from all the present strains and 30 published genomes indicated the presence of an open pangenome. Except for three isolates, the colonizing strains clustered in clades separate from the majority of clinical strains, while 4 clinical strains clustered with the control strains. Identical results were obtained by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. However, there were no significant differences in virulence gene contents in both groups.DiscussionGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) from both the pangenome and SNP data consistently showed genomic differences between both groups located in metabolic pathway and DNA repair genes. Thus, the different behavior of colonizing and infectious C. acnes strains could be due to special metabolic capacities or flexibilities rather than specific virulence traits

Abstract The major risk factor for chronic disease is chronological age, and age-related chronic diseases account for the majority of deaths worldwide. Targeting senescent cells that accumulate in disease-related tissues presents a strategy to reduce disease burden and to increase healthspan. The senolytic combination of the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor dasatinib and the flavonol quercetin is frequently used in clinical trials aiming to eliminate senescent cells. Here, our goal was to computationally identify natural senotherapeutic repurposing candidates that may substitute dasatinib based on their similarity in gene expression effects. The natural senolytic piperlongumine (a compound found in long pepper), and the natural senomorphics parthenolide, phloretin and curcumin (found in various edible plants) were identified as potential substitutes of dasatinib. The gene expression changes underlying the repositioning highlight apoptosis-related genes and pathways. The four compounds, and in particular the top-runner piperlongumine, may be combined with quercetin to obtain natural formulas emulating the dasatinib + quercetin formula.

La alianza de los estudios de futuros y la prospectiva como práctica de intervención social y toma de decisiones, sugiere el potencial de ambas disciplinas como herramientas que produzcan escenarios de futuros, fortaleciendo la sustentabilidad del medio rural. Este documento presenta una propuesta metodológica construida desde un enfoque de sistemas socio-ambientales complejos adaptativos, cumpliendo tres procesos: (i) modelar el sistema complejo, (ii) producir un escenario base con enfoque socio-ambiental, y (iii) producir escenarios de futuros deseables para su análisis. El modelo obtiene y gestiona información clave proporcionada por habitantes rurales y expertos mediante dinámicas que recuperan estructuras de juegos serios, fomentando la ideación participativa y alimentando el sistema de indicadores SAMSPE. Se presentan resultados de su aplicación en diferentes regiones de México, analizando su utilidad en comunidades rurales con alta marginación que habitan ecosistemas vulnerables, concluyendo que los modelos participativos de futuros contribuyen a la sustentabilidad del desarrollo de estas.

América Latina, en las últimas décadas, ha presentado un interés creciente por la actividad emprendedora debido a la importancia de la educación en el desarrollo estudiantil. Se realizó la recopilación de una muestra de trabajos publicados en países de América Latina que implicó la relación entre educación y la iniciativa emprendedora de los estudiantes. Se elaboró la revisión documental con una muestra de 58 documentos de nueve países de la región, donde se exponen las principales conclusiones y se analizan las coincidencias y diferencias entre ellos, para establecer la importancia dada a la educación universitaria en la formación de futuros emprendedores. Del análisis se tiene que, para la mayoría de los investigadores, la universidad cumple un rol preponderante en el desarrollo del espíritu emprendedor. Sin embargo, aún falta que las universidades latinoamericanas internalicen su rol formativo y que además los factores socioeconómicos de los estudiantes también condicionan la finalidad emprendedora en sí.

The Mexican oregano by-products are a source of bioactive molecules (polyphenols) that could be extracted using solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study fermented the by-products via SSF (120 h) with a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Sequentially, a bioactive and chemical determination was made according to the phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH●/FRAP), bioactive properties (α-amylase inhibition and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli), and chemical composition (HPLC-MS). The results showed that the total phenolics and flavonoid content, as well as the antioxidant activity, increased (0.60, 2.55, and 3.01 times, respectively) during the SSF process compared with unfermented material. Also, the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli and α-amylase inhibition. These inhibitory results could be attributed to bioactive compounds identified via HPLC, such as gardenin B, trachelogenin, ferulic acid, and resveratrol 3-O-glucoside. Therefore, the application of L. mesenteroides under SSF on oregano by-products comprises an eco-friendly strategy for their valorization as raw materials for the recovery of phenolic compounds that could be natural alternatives against synthetic antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, promoting a more circular and sustainable supply system within the oregano industry.

Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica are non-timber forest species that grow in the desert regions of northern Mexico. Currently, they are recognized as a viable alternative to traditional remedies used to address certain ailments. However, the low yields of bioactive compounds obtained propitiate the use of more effective extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in combination with statistical models such as Taguchi to maximize the yields of bioactive compounds. The objective of the research was to determine the optimal conditions for maximizing the yields of purified polyphenolic compounds from F. cernua and J. dioica using the Taguchi statistical model. In addition, we evaluated the total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP, and OH• hydroxyl radical inhibition), and the in vitro evaluation of α-amylase inhibition and ex vivo hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, a functional group analysis was conducted using FTIR. The optimization process revealed that the maximum yields of bioactive compounds for F. cernua and J. dioica were achieved with a particle size of 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm, temperatures of 60 °C for both, a water–ethanol concentration of 50% for both, and extraction times of 30 min and 5 min, respectively. The matrix bioactive compounds obtained contain flavonoid-type phenolic compounds, which exhibit properties such as inhibiting free radicals and acting as reducing agents; inhibiting α-amylase activity, which is involved in carbohydrate metabolism; and protecting red blood cells from damage by reactive oxygen species. Finally, the FTIR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups associated with the polyphenolic compounds (O–H, C–H, C–C, C=O). These results suggest that both non-timber forest species are a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential for application in the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries However, it is necessary to carry out compound identification as well as toxicity analyses to guarantee the safety of these bioactive compounds.

The objective was to determine the relationship between soft skills and the adequacy of Peruvian companies in the face of the post-pandemic. The research was descriptive correlational with a non-experimental cross-sectional design, and an ad hoc checklist was used to record the information collected from the public retrievable material from business managers. It was identified that there is a statistically significant correlation between leadership and innovation with the adequacy of the companies; in addition, leadership, innovation, decision making and empathy of the managers better predict the adequacy of the companies in the post-pandemic period, as well as the soft skills as a whole.

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo brindar una revisión acerca de las criptomonedas y su rol en la economía moderna, centrándose en la inmersión de las criptofinanzas en el sector real de la economía y sus procesos productivos, desde su creación y su tecnología subyacente hasta la concepción y desarrollo a futuro de las monedas digitales de banco central (CBDC). Se evidencia que las criptomonedas, pese a su gran popularidad en ciertos sectores, tiene aún poca relevancia en los procesos productivos. No obstante, y sobre todo con la posibilidad de que las autoridades monetarias emitan su versión de moneda digital, se espera que la relación entre las criptofinanzas y el sector real de la economía sea cada vez mayor.

Objetivo: A anestesia de molares mandibulares irreversivelmente inflamados está atrelada a taxas de falha que variam de 43% a 83% após o Bloqueio do Nervo Alveolar Inferior (BNAI). Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi revisar a literatura disponível sobre técnicas anestésicas primárias e complementares, para auxiliar o clínico a alcançar anestesia profunda durante o tratamento de urgência de molares mandibulares com pulpite irreversível. Materiais e métodos: Foram pesquisados, na base de dados PubMed, ensaios clínicos randomizados cuja população abrangeu pacientes com pulpite irreversível em molares mandibulares procurando atendimento de urgência. Foi avaliado o sucesso anestésico através do relato de dor durante a abertura coronária e/ou instrumentação dos canais radiculares utilizando a escala visual analógica. Dos 82 estudos encontrados sobre técnicas anestésicas primárias, 7 foram incluídos, enquanto para as técnicas complementares, dos 21 estudos encontrados, foram incluídos 8. Revisão de literatura: A técnica Intraóssea (IO) chegou a apresentar 100% de sucesso em dentes em que a BNAI havia falhado. Já, as técnicas Intraligamentar (IL) e Infiltração Mandibular (IM), aumentaram de 28,1% para 75% e 65,6% respectivamente, as taxas de sucesso anestésico. Discussão: O uso de anestesia IO como técnica complementar ao BNAI, ou ainda, o uso deste, combinado com as anestesias IL e IM aumentam de forma significativa os percentuais de sucesso para alcançar anestesia pulpar. Conclusão: Embora a conquista da anestesia profunda de molares inferiores inflamados seja desafiadora, técnicas anestésicas podem ser combinadas para proporcionar ao paciente um conforto maior durante o tratamento.

Objetivo: Dificuldades anestésicas podem decorrer de cenários de infecção e inflamação, como são os casos de pulpite irreversível. Logo, o propósito da presente revisão sistematizada foi auxiliar o clínico a alcançar anestesia profunda durante o tratamento de urgência endodôntica de molares mandibulares com pulpite irreversível. Materiais e métodos: Foram selecionados via PubMed, ensaios clínicos randomizados realizados com pacientes com pulpite irreversível em molares mandibulares procurando atendimento de urgência. Estes deveriam avaliar o sucesso anestésico através do relato de dor durante a abertura coronária e/ou instrumentação dos canais radiculares. Dois desfechos primários distintos eram alvo deste estudo (soluções anestésicas e condutas alternativas). Para soluções anestésicas, foram incluídos 18 estudos, e para condutas alternativas, 10 estudos. Revisão de literatura: Diversas estratégias têm sido investigadas para aumentar o percentual de sucesso anestésico, como o uso de técnicas complementares ao bloqueio do nervo alveolar inferior (BNAI), o aumento do volume de anestésico ou do vasoconstritor, o tamponamento das soluções e condutas alternativas. Discussão: Constatou-se que não há diferença na taxa de sucesso no BNAI e para técnicas anestésicas complementares para os diferentes agentes anestésicos. Além disso, a maior concentração de adrenalina, o aumento do volume da solução utilizada, substâncias capazes de tamponar a solução anestésica, a administração ou injeção de anti-inflamatórios, a crioterapia e o óxido nitroso também parecem melhoram as taxas de sucesso anestésico. Conclusão: Diversos métodos alternativos parecem promissores para potencializar uma anestesia profunda, e devem ser mais bem investigados para a adoção de parâmetros em prol de seu emprego definitivo.

From a circular economy perspective, the appropriate management and valorization of winery wastes and by-products are crucial for sustainable development. Nowadays, grape pomace (GP) has attracted increasing interest within the food field due to its valuable content, comprising nutritional and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols, organic and fatty acids, vitamins, etc.). Particularly, GP polyphenols have been recognized as exhibiting technological and health-promoting effects in different food and biological systems. Hence, GP valorization is a step toward offering new functional foods and contributing to solving waste management problems in the wine industry. On this basis, the use of GP as a food additive/ingredient in the development of novel products with technological and functional advantages has recently been proposed. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the bioactivity and health-promoting effects of polyphenolic-rich extracts from GP samples. Advances in GP incorporation into food formulations (enhancement of physicochemical, sensory, and nutritional quality) and information supporting the intellectual property related to GP potential applications in the food industry are also discussed.

Aim: To explore the feasibility and accuracy of virtual reality (VR) derived from cardiac computed angiography (CCTA) data to predict left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device size. Method: Retrospective data of patients who underwent LAAO according to clinical indication were reviewed; all patients underwent a pre-procedural CCTA. Measurements of the left atrial appendage (LAA) orifice diameters by CCTA, VR, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (acquired during the procedure) were compared to the implanted device size. The LAA perimeter was calculated using the Ramanujan approximation. Statistical analyses included Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (ρc), the mean difference, and the mean square error (MSE). Results: The sample was composed of 20 patients (mean age 75.7 ± 7.5 years, 60% males) who underwent successful LAAO insertion (ACP™ N = 8, Watchman™ N = 12). The CCTA, VR, and TEE maximal diameter ρc was 0.52, 0.78 and 0.60, respectively with mean differences of +0.92 ± 4.0 mm, −1.12 ± 2.3 mm, and −3.45 ± 2.69 mm, respectively. The CCTA, VR, and TEE perimeter calculations ρc were 0.49, 0.54, and 0.39 respectively with mean differences of +4.69 ± 11.5 mm, −9.88 ± 8.0 mm, and −16.79 ± 7.8 respectively. Discussion: A VR visualization of the LAA ostium in different perspectives allows for a better understanding of its funnel-shaped structure. VR measurement of the maximal ostium diameter had the strongest correlation with the diameter of the inserted device. VR may thus provide new imaging possibilities for the evaluation of complex pre-procedural structures such as the LAA.

Wetlands provide several ecological, biological, and environmental benefits, including their role in the hydrological cycle, especially in coastal areas. Coastal wetlands are affected by anthropogenic threats, as these are in constant synergy with local populations and agricultural expansion, which is one of the main factors causing their depletion. In addition, the ravages of climate change accentuate their vulnerability, which may lead to their irreparable loss. In this regard, the objective of this work was to identify the coastal wetlands of northern Peru and in order to verify the progress made in their conservation. For this purpose, a search was performed in wetlands atlas and similar studies, and a check was made to see if those wetlands had records of flora and fauna studies. Finally, information was sought on protection measures in the area. Consequently, 22 coastal wetlands were registered, and among them, three are internationally recognized as Ramsar sites: Mangroves of Tumbes, Mangrove of San Pedro de Vice, and the Virrilá Estuary, where commendable conservation efforts are underway. However, it was found that more than 77% of the coastal wetlands in northern Peru do not have preservation actions or scientific evidence describing their biodiversity.

Abstract Background Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonosis in Brazil, with a great impact on human and animal health. Although dogs are frequently infected by pathogenic Leptospira, the current epidemiological understanding of canine leptospirosis is mainly based on serological tests that predict the infecting serogroup/serovar. Thus, the present study aimed at identifying the causative agent for severe cases of canine leptospirosis in a highly endemic area through the isolation and characterization of the isolated strains. Results Urine, serum and blood samples were collected from 31 dogs with suspected acute leptospirosis treated at the Veterinary Hospital Service of Santo Amaro University between 2018 and 2019. Acute infection was confirmed in 17 dogs (54.8%) by the associated use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Microscopic Agglutination (MAT) and bacteriological culture. Eleven dogs (35.5%) had titers ≥800, with the most frequent serogroups being Autumnalis and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 4 each) and Canicola (n = 2). Leptospires were recovered from four dogs, and Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) revealed infection caused by L. interrogans, which were further characterized as serogroups Canicola (n = 1) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 3). Conclusion The identity of the isolates and serological pattern of MAT suggest that dogs are highly exposed to the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola, also indicating possible circulation of serogroups not yet isolated in Brazil, notably serogroup Autumnalis. Our findings also reinforce the usefulness of using multiple diagnostic approaches to confirm acute canine leptospirosis.

Biological soil crusts occur worldwide as pioneer communities stabilizing the soil surface. In coastal primary sand dunes, vascular plants cannot sustain due to scarce nutrients and the low-water-holding capacity of the sand sediment. Thus, besides planted dune grass, biocrusts are the only vegetation there. Although biocrusts can reach high coverage rates in coastal sand dunes, studies about their biodiversity are rare. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the biodiversity of microorganisms in such biocrusts and the neighboring sand from sampling sites along the Baltic Sea coast. The biodiversity of Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fungi, and other microbial Eukaryota were assessed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) with a mixture of universal and group-specific primers. The results showed that the biocrusts recruit their microorganisms mainly from the neighboring sand rather than supporting a universal biocrust microbiome. Although in biocrusts the taxa richness was lower than in sand, five times more co-occurrences were identified using network analysis. This study showed that by comparing neighboring bare surface substrates with biocrusts holds the potential to better understand biocrust development. In addition, the target sequencing approach helps outline potential biotic interactions between different microorganisms groups and identify key players during biocrust development.

El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar las consecuencias socioeconómicas que han tenido las medidas adoptadas por el gobierno de Perú al decretar la inamovilidad humana y aislamiento debido a la pandemia de covid-19. Para lo cual se obtuvieron datos estadísticos del portal oficial del Banco Central de Reserva del Perú en el periodo marzo – agosto de 2020 referentes a la variación del PIB respecto al mismo periodo del año 2019, exportaciones, importaciones, puestos de trabajo, ingresos e índices de precios, los cuales se analizaron respecto al número de casos de contagiados por covid.19 reportados por el Ministerio de Salud en el mismo periodo. Se analizó desde la perspectiva de estadística secuencial-temporal y se obtuvo que todos los indicadores estudiados tuvieron una fuerte caída al inicio del aislamiento obligatorio (marzo-junio), pero se recuperaron al flexibilizarse las medidas, a excepción de los puestos de empleo, aun cuando los casos de covid-19 no disminuyeron y siguen en aumento sin lograrse el aplanamiento de la curva, siendo esta la única tendencia estadísticamente significativa.

Objective. This study aims to explore the production of Peruvian researchers, analyzing the status of their publications and their impact on higher education. Method. The performance of Peruvian publications will be analyzed in the information banks of Scimago Journal & Country Rank Country Rank, through the number of citations, the Hirsh H index and the Impact Factor, together with the data provided by the Qualification Regulation. , classification and registration of RENACYT researchers. The information was processed using tables, graphs and the descriptive statistical analysis of the information collected. Results. The results show that the country's publications have shown a favorable growth trend, however, when compared to other countries in the region, their performance is moderate and slow, a situation that has a marked influence on the parameters established in the Regulations for qualification, classification and registration of the RENACYT researchers. Conclusions. This panorama impacts on the redefinition of scientific research in higher education, since through the application of the Regulation of qualification, classification and registration of RENACYT researchers it is expected to raise the level of the researcher, introducing changes that affect directly to teachers who must meet a series of strict requirements to be cataloged as researchers.

The research analyses the germination of seeds of Cinchona officinalis L., in three soils of populations located in three sectors of the province of Cajamarca in Peru, for its reintroduction in areas where it has disappeared. The seeds were collected in the localities from which the soil samples were obtained and moved to the city of Trujillo, Peru. An experimental design was established per block with three soils and three replicates of 2 kg each with 100 seeds per replicate, for a total of 300 seeds per soil. Perforated plastic containers with lids were used. Spray irrigation was applied daily and the units were covered to conserve humidity. Seedlings were counted between 13 and 60 days and their height was measured at the end of the study. Non-parametric analysis of variance was performed with α = 0.05 to establish the influence of soil on the percentage of germination. It was concluded that the seeds of C. officinalis L. can germinate maintaining similar conditions to those of its habitat (temperature and humidity); also the soil where the biggest quantity of seeds germinated was the one with a sandy loam texture. It was concluded that the type of soil has significant influence on the percentage of germination with p

This research aims to identify the potentialities and limitations of emergency remote education in the Peruvian university context as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic based on teachers’ experience of the Hermilio Valdizán National University (UNHEVAL). The type of this research was descriptive and the sample consisted of 123 teachers of the academic period 2020-I. For the data collection, a questionnaire was used, whose validation was made through the judgment of experts (0.96) and the reliability of the results through the Z-test. According to the results, flexibility stands out between the potentialities in regards to topics’ distribution, time, and the possibility to produce greater interest in the participants. It was observed that time flexibility is not considered as favorable unlike what was detected through literature. Infrastructure stands out, especially when is related to the connectivity and Internet access as well as the distractors produced by the easy access to devices and applications that are not related to the class session. The paper revealed weakness in the digital competencies of both teachers and students, and the scarce level of social interaction caused by social isolation. It is concluded that the potentialities and limits of emergency remote education in a Peruvian university are conditioned by different elements specific to each context or country and must be considered for the production of new educational proposals as a policy of prevention of the possibility of new events that require mandatory isolation. Received: 1 July 2021 Accepted: 19 April 2022

Introducción: la obesidad aumenta el riesgo a padecer de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) y afecta el curso de enfermedades de origen infeccioso. Objetivo: examinar la literatura sobre cómo influye la obesidad en la gravedad del cuadro clínico de algunas de las enfermedades no transmisibles y transmisibles de mayor impacto en el Perú. Métodos: investigación documental. Se hace un análisis de contenidos de artículos y documentos de estudios desarrollados en diversos contextos asociados a la presencia de obesidad junto con infecciones o ECNT y en base de datos. Resultados: la condición de obesidad alcanzada por malos hábitos de consumo y baja actividad física, es la principal responsable del elevado índice de las ECNT y por consecuente de las tasas de mortalidad. Conclusiones: el exceso de peso afecta al sistema inmunológico, contribuyendo específicamente en los fenómenos exacerbados de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, determinada por el aumento de secreción de adipocitoquinas, que predispone al organismo a desarrollar y contraer ECNT y enfermedades infecciosas.

Abstract Natural products have been touted as important tools because of their vast potential for the development of compounds with antimicrobial activity and the possible inhibitory activity and/or adjuvant resistance mechanisms. Propolis has been empirically used for many years for the treatment of diseases, mainly due to its antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimycobacterial activity of the ethanol extract of propolis alone and in combination with rifampicin (RIF), amikacin (AMI) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). The ethanol extract of propolis showed antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium chelonae and M. kansasii and was capable of increasing AMI, RIF and CIP activity in combination. On the other hand, compared to M. absecessus, M. fortuitum and M. avium, the extract was not active at 200 µg/mL and did not show pronounced adjuvant capacity when evaluated in association with the drugs. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the ethanol extract of propolis could be an alternative in the development of new drugs and can be used complementary with the current mycobacteriosis treatment.

An Indigenous agropastoralist population called the Wiwa from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in North-East Colombia, shows high rates of gastrointestinal infections. Chronic gut inflammatory processes and dysbiosis could be a reason, suggesting an influence or predisposing potential of the gut microbiome composition. The latter was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon next generation sequencing from stool samples. Results of the Wiwa population microbiomes were associated with available epidemiological and morphometric data and compared to control samples from a local urban population. Indeed, locational-, age-, and gender-specific differences in the Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio, core microbiome, and overall genera-level microbiome composition were shown. Alpha- and ß-diversity separated the urban site from the Indigenous locations. Urban microbiomes were dominated by Bacteriodetes, whereas Indigenous samples revealed a four times higher abundance of Proteobacteria. Even differences among the two Indigenous villages were noted. PICRUSt analysis identified several enriched location-specific bacterial pathways. Moreover, on a general comparative scale and with a high predictive accuracy, we found Sutterella associated with the abundance of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Faecalibacteria associated with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and helminth species Hymenolepsis nana and Enterobius vermicularis. Parabacteroides, Prevotella, and Butyrivibrio are enriched in cases of salmonellosis, EPEC, and helminth infections. Presence of Dialister was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas Clostridia were exclusively found in children under the age of 5 years. Odoribacter and Parabacteroides were exclusively identified in the microbiomes of the urban population of Valledupar. In summary, dysbiotic alterations in the gut microbiome in the Indigenous population with frequent episodes of self-reported gastrointestinal infections were confirmed with epidemiological and pathogen-specific associations. Our data provide strong hints of microbiome alterations associated with the clinical conditions of the Indigenous population.

O direito à moradia e o direito à cidade são abordados, neste artigo, como garantias fundamentais para a efetivação da plena cidadania. Para isso, estuda-se a regularização fundiária com interesse social como medida possível para a efetivação de políticas públicas voltadas para essa área. Como resultado, percebe-se que, apesar da previsão legal da regularização fundiária, o direito à moradia e à cidade sustentável continuam sendo de difícil realização, pois a existência de leis como o Estatuto da Cidade, Minha Casa Minha Vida e Regularização Fundiária Rural e Urbana (Reurb) não têm impedido a multiplicação das ocupações irregulares. Além disso, percebe-se que há a necessidade de, após a regularização fundiária, realizarse um levantamento jurídico, econômico e social que permita ampliar os recursos públicos, realizando-se uma gestão social para valorização das terras para torná-las mais sustentáveis e urbanizando-as para dar dignidade aos moradores, e evitando-se a gentrificação. Utiliza-se o método de procedimento tipológico, com uma abordagem hermenêutica e um delineamento de pesquisa qualitativa bibliográfica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the mean time of orotracheal intubation and insertion of supraglottic airway devices, considering healthcare providers wearing waterproof overall, gloves, boots, eye protection and mask at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear context in simulation setting. Methods: Six databases were searched. The selected studies were put in a pool of results using a random-effects meta-analysis, with standardized mean differences and calculation of 95% confidence intervals. Results: Nine observational studies were included. Regarding reducing time to provide ventilatory support, subgroup analyses were made. The emergency setting subgroup: -12.97 [-16.11; -9.83]; I2 = 64%. The surgery setting subgroup: -14.96 [-18.65; -11.27]; I2 = 75%. Another analysis was made by reproductive methodology subgroups. Ophir’s subgroup: -15.70 [-17.04; -14.37]; I2 = 0%. All meta-analyses had orotracheal tube as comparator. Conclusion: Moderate level of evidence was in favor of insertion of supraglottic devices because of fast application.

In this study, an alternative extraction technique, ultrasound-assisted extraction, was used to extract the polyphenolic fraction from two different residues of the candelilla plant (Euphorbia antisyphilitica). These metabolites were further analyzed to evaluate their bioactivity as antioxidants. In addition, their functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant assays showed statistically significant differences between the phenolic extracts, with citric acid residues (CAR) exhibiting a higher oxidant effect than sulfuric acid residues (SAR). The CAR from San Jerónimo (SJ) cultivar showed decreased IC50 values (179.441 ± 7.92 μL mL−1, DPPH•), and its polyphenolic fraction was able to inhibit lipid oxidation (70.31 ± 2.50%). FTIR analysis subsequently revealed the presence of functional groups related to polyphenolic compounds, such as hydroxy, carbonyl, carbon double bond, and amine groups. In addition, FTIR spectra showed slight differences in phenolic compounds, due to the strong acid treatment involved in the extraction of wax. The present study demonstrated that candelilla by-products from citric acid-wax extraction have a polyphenolic fraction with strong antioxidant activity, which may be useful in food and pharmaceutical products.

Introduction: The objective of this research was to deepen the results obtained in the systematic review of references, in high impact publications, placed in journals indexed in high level databases, such as: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) compared to publications of the same. impact, but in the global context. Method/Results: The research method (descriptive-documental) was used, taking as a reference articles related to the theme. Therefore, the results showed that in Peru and Ecuador, countries that are going up in these databases, we have only 14 Peruvian journals indexed in WoS and 9 in Scopus, for Ecuador their journals indexed in WoS reach 20, while for Scopus, is reduced to just 2 magazines. Conclusion: According to these data, the measures taken by the two countries to increase their scientific proliferation and the extent to which the State contributes to this academic-professional.

The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) used for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, as a robust and inexpensive method, is still the reality in many laboratories worldwide. Both the performance and the interpretation of the MAT vary from region to region, making standardization difficult. The prediction of the probable infecting serogroup using this test is indispensable for elucidating the epidemiology of the disease; however, in veterinary medicine, many studies consider any reaction detected with a titer of 100, which may ultimately overestimate some serogroups. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the ranking technique for predicting the probable infecting serogroup identified by the MAT, eliminating cross reactions with other serogroups. Leptospira strains (12 samples) were inoculated in hamsters, and after 30 days, serology was performed by the MAT for these animals to confirm the infecting serogroup. Using the ranking technique, the probable infectious serogroup found with the MAT was the same as that in which the strains of inoculated leptospires belonged; additionally, the technique can be applied in epidemiological studies involving herds.

The possibility of cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure, and in particular nuclear power plants, has prompted several efforts by academia. Many of these works aim to capture the vulnerabilities of the industrial control systems used in these plants through computer simulations and hardware in the loop configurations. However, general results in this area are limited by the cost and diversity of existing commercial equipment and protocols, as well as by the inherent complexity of the nuclear plants. In this context, this work introduces a testbed for the study of cyber-attacks against a realistic simulation of a nuclear power plant. Our approach consists in surveying issues regarding realistic simulations of nuclear power plants and to design and experimentally validate a software testbed for the controlled analysis of cyberattacks against the simulated nuclear plant. The proposal integrates a simulated Modbus/TCP network environment containing basic industrial control elements implemented with open-source software components. We validate the proposed testbed architecture by performing and analyzing a representative cyberattack in the developed environment, thus showing the principles for the analysis of other possible cybernetic attacks.

A leptospirose é uma enfermidade infectocontagiosa que pode acometer os animais e o homem. Nos países tropicais e em desenvolvimento ocorrem 70% dos casos humanos, com mortalidade variando entre 10 a 70%. Os cães podem se tornar portadores assintomáticos por um longo período, podendo transmitir a Leptospira para humanos. Devido ao intenso convívio com o ser humano, os cães podem servir como sentinelas da contaminação ambiental. Esse trabalho investigou a frequência de ocorrência da leptospirose canina em populações assintomáticas da região sudoeste do estado de São Paulo. Para isso foram examinadas pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (MAT), amostras de sangue provenientes de 572 cães assintomáticos dos municípios de Apiaí, Cananeia, Itapeva e Itu por amostragem de conveniência, oriundos de campanhas de castração. Em Apiaí, foram encontrados 40,5% dos animais reagentes para Leptospira spp.; em Itapeva, 42,6%; em Cananeia, 7,7% e em Itu, 5,1%. Os dados encontrados demonstram que, pelo menos, um animal dos municípios de Itapeva, Apiaí e Cananeia apresentaram título igual ou maior que 800, indicando a circulação da bactéria nessas localidades e que a equipe envolvida nas campanhas de castração precisam ser alertadas sobre o correto uso de equipamento de proteção individual, principalmente no esvaziamento mecânico da bexiga antes do procedimento cirúrgico. O estudo também sugere que as campanhas de castração podem ser estratégicas no monitoramento de doenças zoonóticas e poderiam auxiliar no estabelecimento de ações preventivas para a saúde humana e animal.

Introduction Ageing-related processes such as cellular senescence are believed to underlie the accumulation of diseases in time, causing (co)morbidity, including cancer, thromboembolism and stroke. Interfering with these processes may delay, stop or reverse morbidity. The aim of this study is to investigate the link between (co)morbidity and ageing by exploring biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of disease-triggered deterioration in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and (thromboembolic) ischaemic stroke (IS).Methods and analysis We will recruit 50 patients with PDAC, 50 patients with (thromboembolic) IS and 50 controls at Rostock University Medical Center, Germany. We will gather routine blood data, clinical performance measurements and patient-reported outcomes at up to seven points in time, alongside in-depth transcriptomics and proteomics at two of the early time points. Aiming for clinically relevant biomarkers, the primary outcome is a composite of probable sarcopenia, clinical performance (described by ECOG Performance Status for patients with PDAC and the Modified Rankin Scale for patients with stroke) and quality of life. Further outcomes cover other aspects of morbidity such as cognitive decline and of comorbidity such as vascular or cancerous events. The data analysis is comprehensive in that it includes biostatistics and machine learning, both following standard role models and additional explorative approaches. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers for interventions addressing senescence may become available if the biomarkers that we find are specifically related to ageing/cellular senescence. Similarly, diagnostic biomarkers will be explored. Our findings will require validation in independent studies, and our dataset shall be useful to validate the findings of other studies. In some of the explorative analyses, we shall include insights from systems biology modelling as well as insights from preclinical animal models. We anticipate that our detailed study protocol and data analysis plan may also guide other biomarker exploration trials.Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Ethikkommission an der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Rostock, A2019-0174), registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021184), and results will be published following standard guidelines.

To elucidate and to inhibit post-surgical fibrotic processes after trabeculectomy in glaucoma therapy, we measured gene expression in a fibrotic cell culture model, based on transforming growth factor TGF-β induction in primary human tenon fibroblasts (hTFs), and used Connectivity Map (CMap) data for drug repositioning. We found that specific molecular mechanisms behind fibrosis are the upregulation of actins, the downregulation of CD34, and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, IL11 and BMP6. The macrolide antibiotic Josamycin (JM) reverses these molecular mechanisms according to data from the CMap, and we thus tested JM as an inhibitor of fibrosis. JM was first tested for its toxic effects on hTFs, where it showed no influence on cell viability, but inhibited hTF proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. We then demonstrated that JM suppresses the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. In hTFs stimulated with TGF-β1, JM specifically inhibited α-smooth muslce actin expression, suggesting that it inhibits the transformation of fibroblasts into fibrotic myofibroblasts. In addition, a decrease of components of the ECM such as fibronectin, which is involved in in vivo scarring, was observed. We conclude that JM may be a promising candidate for the treatment of fibrosis after glaucoma filtration surgery or drainage device implantation in vivo.

Objective: to compare the mean development time of the techniques of direct laryngoscopy and insertion of supraglottic devices; and to evaluate the success rate in the first attempt of these techniques, considering health professionals wearing specific personal protective equipment (waterproof overalls; gloves; boots; eye protection; mask). Method: meta-analysis with studies from LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords were the following: personal protective equipment; airway management; intubation; laryngeal masks. Results: in the “reduction of the time of the procedures” outcome, the general analysis of the supraglottic devices in comparison with the orotracheal tube initially presented high heterogeneity of the data (I2= 97%). Subgroup analysis had an impact on reducing heterogeneity among the data. The “laryngeal mask as a guide for orotracheal intubation” subgroup showed moderate heterogeneity (I2= 74%). The “2ndgeneration supraglottic devices” subgroup showed homogeneity (I2= 0%). All the meta-analyses favored supraglottic devices. In the “success in the first attempt” outcome, moderate homogeneity was found (I2= 52%), showing a higher proportion of correct answers for supraglottic devices. Conclusion: in the context of chemical, biological or radiological disaster, the insertion of the supraglottic device proved to be faster and more likely to be successful by health professionals. PROSPERO record (CRD42019136139).

In the current context of deforestation and fire in the Amazon, buffaloes could be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for cattle production in the region, as they can convert low-quality foods and be raised in floodplain areas. However, little is known about the reproductive diseases that affect these animals; thus, the purpose of this study was to perform the molecular characterization of Leptospira spp. in the urogenital tract of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Amazon River Delta region in Brazil. Samples were collected from 114 kidneys, 204 ovaries, and 160 uterine swabs of slaughtered buffaloes in the Macapá microregion of Amapá State (Brazil) and were subjected to PCR to detect bacterial DNA. Positive amplicons were sequenced to identify Leptospira species. Among the total samples, 11/473 were PCR positive (2.3%), including 10 kidney samples and one uterine swab sample. DNA sequencing identified two pathogenic species from the kidney samples: L. interrogans, accounting for 60.0% (6/10) of these samples, and L. borgpetersenii, accounting for 20.0% (2/10), while 20.0% (2/10) were identified only at the genus level. The bacterium in the uterine swab sample was identified as L. interrogans with genetic proximity to strains belonging to the serovar Hardjo. This is the first report of leptospires species identified in buffaloes from the Amazon River Delta region and revealed that these animals may be carriers of different pathogenic Leptospira species, similar to bovines, including showing genital colonization.

This article presents some of the personal observations of a veteran Israeli scholar whose long-years' encounters with the 'real' as well as the 'imagined' eastern Europe have shaped his historical research. As an Israeli-born historian of Polish-Ukrainian origin, (the so-called 'second generation') he claims to share an ambivalent attitude towards his countries of origin with other fellow- historians. Jewish emigrants from eastern Europe have been until very late in the modern era members of an old ethno-religious group. One ethnos out of many in a diverse multi-ethnic environment, whose demographic core survived and flourished for centuries in the old places. Several decades of social, economic, and political upheavals exposed the Jewish population to drastic changes. These changes lead several intellectuals who left their home countries to look back at what have happened as both involved actors, and distant observers. Israeli historians of east European origin found themselves confronted with a crucial question: in what way the past in the Old Country connected (if at all) to the history of Israel. Following some 40 years of academic career in the field of eastern European Jewish history, it is claimed that until the collapse of the Soviet Union, the image of eastern Europe that runs through the Israeli historical research has been shaped in large part by members of the different generations of emigrants, outside of eastern Europe. The renewed direct contact after 1989 caused a dramatic change: within a few years, Israeli historians were examining archives and libraries throughout eastern Europe. After seven decades of isolation between the Israeli historian and the primary sources necessary to his/her research in the archives, the new wave of documents was celebrated in Israeli Universities. Yet far more influential was the revolution prompted in 1989 on the historical perspective from which Israeli historians could now examine the Jewish past. What happened in 1989 has seemed, to some Israeli historians, a breaking point marking the end of the eastern European period in the course of Jewish history. The article concludes with some thoughts on a new historical (Israeli) perspective. A one that fits a time when hundreds of thousands of immigrants from what was the largest eastern-European Jewish collective in the world inhabit a remote Middle Eastern nation-state.

L´angiosarcome est une tumeur rare à multiples localisations mais celle cutanée est la plus fréquente faisant de sa symptomatologie un polymorphisme clinique. C´est une tumeur de mauvais pronostic à cause de sa grande propension à la récidive locale et aux métastases à distances précoce. Nous rapportons un cas de découverte fortuite d´un angiosarcome de l´épaule sur un ancien foyer de traumatisme direct datant d´une année chez un patient de 72 ans, venu consulter pour douleur persistante en regard d´une tuméfaction à la face postérieure de l´épaule contemporaine au traumatisme. L´examen clinique conclu en un hématome ancien partiellement calcifié soutenu par la ponction de la masse ayant ramené 5 cc de sang d´aspect noirâtre et renforcé par une échographie. La radiographie de l´épaule n´étant pas pathologique, une exploration de la tuméfaction a été entreprise. Celle-ci a permis de mettre en évidence et reséquer des tissus friables, d´aspect rougeâtre, avec un saignement important difficilement maitrisé pendant deux jours compliqué d´une anémie non tolérée corrigée par deux transfusions sanguines. L´anatomie pathologique des tissus réséqués a conclu en un angiosarcome moyennement différentié avec malheureusement des berges non saines. Un bilan d´extension a été réalisé à la recherche des métastases. Pas de récidive locale sur trois mois et le patient a été transféré dans un centre spécialisé à Lusaka pour la radiothérapie complémentaire. L´objectif de ce présent travail est de présenter un cas rare d´angiosarcome de découverte fortuite sur un antécédent de traumatisme de l´épaule gauche et de ressortir les aspects thérapeutiques en passant en faisant une revue de la littérature.

Objetivo: Determinar el grado de satisfacción de acuerdo a las habilidades comunicacionales que presenta el personal de salud de dos hospitales del departamento de Huánuco, Perú. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, comparativo y transversal en 349 pacientes que asisten a consulta externa de los Hospitales: materno infantil Carlos Showing Ferrari (HMICSF) y Regional Hermilio Valdizán Medrano (HRHVM). Se valoró la satisfacción mediante un cuestionario que estima la comunicación eficaz por actitudes del personal de salud, como: adecuado lenguaje, capacidad para escuchar, observar y establecer empatía; se registró el tiempo de espera para la atención en los servicios y si se percibió adecuado o no. Resultados: En promedio un 85% de los pacientes que acudieron al HMICSF mostró satisfacción con respecto al trato y comunicación frente al 31% del HRHVM. Sin embargo, en ambos hospitales aproximadamente el 57% de los pacientes calificó como inaceptable el tiempo de espera invertido para la atención, el cual estuvo alrededor de los 90 minutos. Conclusión: La satisfacción del paciente no depende exclusivamente del tiempo de espera. Los hospitales deben implementar programas de capacitación para que su personal alcance una comunicación eficiente y eficaz, lo cual reforzará y mejorará la seguridad y maximizará la satisfacción del paciente, asegurándose calidad de atención y una gestión exitosa.

The exploration of this research is the effect of the sound design in a long take to reveal a powerful narrative structure. The research proposes a new term: rhizomatic sound design, which seeks to bind together the rhizome theory with the sound design practice. Analyzing the acoustic elements that configure the long take, the result of this research invites the team members of a film to apply the rhizomatic sound design concept in their own fields, to gain a deeper understanding of the cinematic language and acknowledge new ways to create the architecture of the narrative.

Growing evidence suggests that the built environment features found in many high-poverty urban areas contribute to negative health outcomes. Both built environment hazards and negative health outcomes disproportionately affect poor people of color. We used community-based participatory research and Photovoice in inner-city Atlanta to elicit African Americans' perspectives on their health priorities. The built environment emerged as a critical factor, impacting physical and mental health outcomes. We offer a conceptual model, informed by residents' perspectives, linking social, economic, and political processes to built environment and health inequities. Research, practice, and policy implications are discussed within an environmental justice framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the evaluation of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) community health worker (CHW) intervention to improve children's asthma-related health by reducing household environmental triggers for asthma. After randomization to an intervention or control group, 298 households in Detroit, Michigan, with a child, aged 7 to 11, with persistent asthma symptoms participated. The intervention was effective in increasing some of the measures of lung function (daily nadir Forced Expiratory Volume at one second [p = .03] and daily nadir Peak Flow [p = .02]), reducing the frequency of two symptoms ('cough that won't go away,' 'coughing with exercise'), reducing the proportion of children requiring unscheduled medical visits and reporting inadequate use of asthma controller medication, reducing caregiver report of depressive symptoms, reducing concentrations of dog allergen in the dust, and increasing some behaviors related to reducing indoor environmental triggers. The results suggest a CHW environmental intervention can improve children's asthma-related health, although the pathway for improvement is complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are essential communities of organisms in the Icelandic soil ecosystem, as they prevent erosion and cryoturbation and provide nutrients to vascular plants. However, biocrust microbial composition in Iceland remains understudied. To address this gap in knowledge, we applied high-throughput sequencing to study microbial community composition in biocrusts collected along an elevation gradient (11–157 m a.s.l.) stretching away perpendicular to the marine coast. Four groups of organisms were targeted: bacteria and cyanobacteria (16S rRNA gene), fungi (transcribed spacer region), and other eukaryotes (18S rRNA gene). The amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the dominance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Within the cyanobacteria, filamentous forms from the orders Synechococcales and Oscillatoriales prevailed. Furthermore, fungi in the biocrusts were dominated by Ascomycota, while the majority of reads obtained from sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene belonged to Archaeplastida. In addition, microbial photoautotrophs isolated from the biocrusts were assigned to the cyanobacterial genera Phormidesmis, Microcoleus, Wilmottia, and Oscillatoria and to two microalgal phyla Chlorophyta and Charophyta. In general, the taxonomic diversity of microorganisms in the biocrusts increased following the elevation gradient and community composition differed among the sites, suggesting that microclimatic and soil parameters might shape biocrust microbiota.

In a longitudinal cohort study of primary-school-age children with asthma in Detroit, Michigan, we examined relationships between lung function and ambient levels of particulate matter < or = 10 microm and < or = 2.5 microm in diameter (PM10 and PM2.5) and ozone at varying lag intervals using generalized estimating equations. Models considered effect modification by maintenance corticosteroid (CS) use and by the presence of an upper respiratory infection (URI) as recorded in a daily diary among 86 children who participated in six 2-week seasonal assessments from winter 2001 through spring 2002. Participants were predominantly African American from families with low income, and > 75% were categorized as having persistent asthma. In both single-pollutant and two-pollutant models, many regressions demonstrated associations between higher exposure to ambient pollutants and poorer lung function (increased diurnal variability and decreased lowest daily values for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) among children using CSs but not among those not using CSs, and among children reporting URI symptoms but not among those who did not report URIs. Our findings suggest that levels of air pollutants in Detroit, which are above the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards, adversely affect lung function of susceptible asthmatic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing research evidence that stressors in the social and physical environment (e.g., poverty, inadequate housing, air pollution, and racism) are associated with poor health outcomes. Given the complex set of determinants of health status, the disproportionate burden of disease experienced within marginalized communities, and the limited effectiveness of traditional prevention research, particularly within communities of color, there have been growing calls for more comprehensive and participatory approaches to public health research and practice. The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the process of establishing, implementing, and evaluating the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center (URC), a community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership involving community-based organizations, a local health department, academia, and an integrated health care system. Lessons learned and recommendations for creating effective CBPR partnerships are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide distribution that affects man and several animal species. Domestic and wild animals can behave as reservoirs of the agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in dogs and wild small mammals from rural properties and conservation units of three municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Sera were collected from 192 domestic dogs and 132 small mammals, namely rodents of the Cricetidae and Caviidae families and marsupials of the Didelphidae family. The study used Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) against 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. Overall, 9.90% (19/192) dogs, and 1.51% (2/132) small mammals were seropositive. Leptospira interrogans serovar Australis was the most frequent serovar in dogs and antibodies against L. interrogans serovar Pomona were detected in a dog and a small mammal belonging to the same municipality. We conclude that in the regions studied the frequency of seropositivity in dogs is low, and leptospires do not seem to be circulating in small mammals, yet, further research is necessary to assess the real role that these animals may have for leptospirosis in the studied areas. This is the first serological survey in small mammals, including wild rodents, in the area that encompasses conservation units of great importance to Rio Grande do Sul state. Keywords: Dogs, Small mammals, Leptospirosis, Rio Grande do Sul

Le carcinome basocellulaire (CBC) est le cancer cutané le plus fréquent. Il apparait chez les jeunes adultes au-delà de la cinquième décennie et souvent provoqué par une exposition chronique aux rayons solaires, expliquant sa fréquente localisation faciale. Il a un développement lent et une invasion locorégionale en cas de non prise en charge précoce et ne donne presque jamais de métastase à distance. Nous présentons un cas très rare de carcinome basocellulaire kystique chez un jeune adulte de 36 ans, albinos avec une localisation bilatérale; une localisation brachiale gauche sous forme ulcéro-bourgeonnante et infiltrant évoluant depuis 7 ans, térébrante avec érosion osseuse (fracture pathologique de l'humérus) et une localisation à la charnière cervico-dorsale évoluant depuis seulement 6 mois sous forme ulcéro-bourgeonnante et surinfectée. 6 poches de transfusions de sang de 450cc isogroupe et isorhésus lui ont été administrées durant son séjour de 1 mois dans notre institution hospitalière et des pansements à l'eau boriquée ont été appliqués en complément d'une antibiothérapie et d'un traitement martial. Le mauvais état général du patient avec une cachexie, une anémie chronique, l'évolution des lésions cancéreuses contrindiquaient une amputation du membre supérieur gauche et l'exérèse de la masse cervico-dorsale. En conseil pluridisciplinaire, nous avons opté pour un traitement de deuxième ligne à savoir la chimiothérapie et/ou la radiothérapie. Notre patient a ainsi été transféré à Lusaka faute d'un plateau technique suffisant pour le dit traitement.