Título del artículo:

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

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

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Environmental Research Letters

Título del artículo:

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

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

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

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

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

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The Lancet

Título del artículo:

Physical activity in institutions of integral care to the early childhood

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

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Revista de Salud Publica

Título del artículo:

Physical exercise in the patient with renal failure

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

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Revista de Nefrologia, Dialisis y Trasplante

Título del artículo:

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

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Iatreia

Título del artículo:

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

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

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Journal of Medical Microbiology

Título del artículo:

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

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

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Viruses

Título del artículo:

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

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

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Título del artículo:

Health Care Expenditures of Medicare Beneficiaries with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

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

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World Neurosurgery

Título del artículo:

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

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

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Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry

Título del artículo:

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

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

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

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

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

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Revista Chilena de Infectologia

Título del artículo:

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

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

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Heliyon

Título del artículo:

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

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

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Hypertension

Título del artículo:

The spectrum of the dyslipidemia in Colombia: The PURE study

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Worldwide, a third of ischemic heart disease is due to abnormal cholesterol levels and it is the most common cause of cardiovascular deaths in Colombia. In Colombia, no representative, large-scale study has assessed the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The aim of the present analysis was to identify the magnitude of the problem in Colombia, a middle-income-country with large regional, geographic, and socio-economical differences. Material and methods: The sample comprised 6628 individuals aged 35 to 70 years (mean age 50.7 years, 64.1% women) residing in the four Colombian regions. Results: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 87.7% and was substantially higher among participants older than 50 years, male, rural residents, and those with a lower level of education (66.8%), and with a lower income (66.4%). High non HDL-c was the most common abnormality (75.3%). The values of total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol were higher in areas with the lowest health needs index than in the areas with intermediate and highest health need index, the isolated HDL-c value was much lower. Conclusion: Colombia has a high prevalence of abnormalities of the lipid profile. The causes of the high rates of dyslipidemia were not well define in this study, but were more common in rural and poorer regions and among those with lower socio-economical status. Strategies to tackle the adverse lipid profile to reduce CVD are needed in Colombia, particularly in rural areas and among the areas with the higher health need index.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Journal of Cardiology

Título del artículo:

Use of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)-Derived Hydrogen in Ecuador: Potential Applications for Urban Transportation

This paper performs an assessment of the potential energy-purposed H2 production in Ecuador from municipal solid waste (MSW). Thermochemical and electrochemical paths are considered for MSW conversion. Ecuadorian provincial MSW distribution (2016 data) provides the base information for assessing and constructing maps of the theoretical H2 production yield and its density per unit area. Additionally, the use of H2 in fuel cell-propelled urban public transportation is proposed as an end-use consumer. Results show that it is possible to fulfil urban public transportation energy demand in 91% of the country with MSW-derived H2; in fact, the three provinces that together generate 57% of the available MSW (Guayas, Pichincha, and Azuay) could satisfy their public transportation diesel fuel demand with MSW-derived hydrogen. In the case of these three provinces, H2 generation could replace by 2.57 times (on average) the local urban transportation diesel fuel demand. Finally, a possible scenario for a non-conventional H2 production path is shown, which could also represent a suitable MSW final disposal alternative with benefits to urban mobility.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Waste and Biomass Valorization

Título del artículo:

Endoscope-assisted contralateral transmaxillary approach to the clivus and the hypoglossal canal: Technical case report

Clival lesions are still considered surgically complex due to their anatomical location. Critical structures, such as the internal carotid arteries (ICAs), cavernous sinuses, cranial nerves, and brainstem, may be encased within the lesion. Although advances in endoscopic endonasal approaches have provided new routes to these lesions, exposure and resection of clival tumors through the endonasal route remain a technical challenge. Here, the authors report a left-sided endoscopic transmaxillary approach to access the right aspect of the clivus and the hypoglossal canal. A 35-year-old woman presented with progressive right 6th cranial nerve palsy. MRI revealed a contrast-enhancing right petroclival chondrosarcoma that involved Meckel’s cave and extended into the right hypoglossal canal. An endoscopic-contralateral-transmaxillary approach through a left sublabial incision was used to access the right petroclival region and right hypoglossal canal. A left maxillary osteoplastic flap was elevated to expose the left maxillary sinus. This was followed by a left medial maxillectomy, gaining access to the left posterior nasal cavity. The posterior third of the left inferior turbinate and nasal septum were removed to access the right side of the petroclival region. Near-total resection was achieved without any vascular or neurological complications. A thin shell of residual tumor was left behind due to involvement of vital structures, such as the ICA, and further treated with proton-beam radiotherapy. The endoscopic-contralateral-transmaxillary approach provides a direct surgical corridor and good lateral visualization of the skull base vasculature. This approach allows wide maneuverability around the ICA and hypoglossal canal, which, in this case, allowed maximal tumor resection with full preservation of neurological function.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Neurosurgery

Título del artículo:

AG-CASU: An algorithm to generate irrigation parameters and crop management strategies for the aquacrop model

This paper presents an algorithm to generate the irrigation policies and crop management configuration files for the agroclimatic risk model AquaCrop. The software determines the parameters to be modified by a stochastic method. The AG-CASU algorithm takes account of the limits determined for each variable. The algorithm can be configured to determine the number of scenarios, the number of simulations, the feasibility of each of the parameters, the initial seed file and the compliance with the AquaCrop agroclimatic risk model. In general, the agroclimatic risk models use data and information referring to climate, soil composition, temperature, rainfall, availability of water resources and characteristics of the crops to estimate the productivity of a given crop. The genetic algorithm for calculating fitnness is connected to the AquaCrop simulator, which, given a set of parameters that represent an irrigation policy, generates an estimate of biomass productivity. The algorithm was validated through a case study in special coffee crops of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. The proposed algorithm automatically obtains the files corresponding to irrigation policies and cultivation strategies of the AquaCrop model, with coverage of the domain of the variables and with compliance to the AquaCrop software.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

ICIC Express Letters

Título del artículo:

ZnO-based nanofungicides: Synthesis, characterization and their effect on the coffee fungi Mycena citricolor and Colletotrichum sp.

In this work we compare the antifungal capacity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized by a chemical route and a ZnO-based nanobiohybrid obtained by green synthesis in an extract of garlic (Allium sativum). To find out the characteristics of the materials synthesized, X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy and absorption in UV–Vis were used, as well as both scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The results showed that the samples obtained were of nanometric size (<100 nm), with a predominance of the wurtzite crystal phase of ZnO and little crystallization of the nanobiohybrids. Their antifungal capacity on two pathogenic fungi of coffee, Mycena citricolor (Berk and Curt) and Colletotrichum sp. was also evaluated. Both nanomaterials showed an efficient antifungal capacity, particularly the nanobiohybrids, with ~97% inhibition in growth of M. citricolor, and ~93% for Colletotrichum sp. The microstructural study with high resolution optical (HROM) and ultra-structural microscopy (using TEM) carried out on the fungi treated with the synthesized nanomaterials showed a strong nanofungicidal effect on the vegetative and reproductive structures and fungal cell wall, respectively. The inhibition of the growth of the fungi and micro and ultra-structural affectations were explained considering that the size of the nanomaterials allows them to pass easily through the cell membranes. This indicates that they can be absorbed easily by the fungi tested here, causing cellular dysfunction. Nanofungicide effects are also attributable to the unique properties of nanomaterials, such as the high surface-to-bulk ratio of atoms and their surface physicochemical characteristics that could directly or indirectly produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which affect the proteins of the cell wall.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Materials Science and Engineering C

Título del artículo:

Force awakens: A new hope for athletic shoulder strength testing

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British Journal of Sports Medicine

Título del artículo:

May Measurement Month 2017: an analysis of blood pressure screening results in Colombia - Americas

Despite the availability of efficient methods to evaluate blood pressure (BP) and of safe and efficient medication to treat and control hypertension, the levels of awareness, treatment and control are very low globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To highlight the importance of improving these rates, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) endorsed by the World Hypertension League have implemented the May Measurement Month initiative. We present here the results obtained in Colombia. The Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander (FOSCAL) led the implementation of this strategy in Colombia and 11 departments participated. The data collection followed the guidelines of the ISH. The information collected was compiled for the report generation and the submission to the Technical Secretariat of the ISH. Data cleaning was performed locally by FOSCAL. Data were collated and analysed centrally. A total of 22 258 participants (58.8% female) were included in the analysis. Mean age was 40.9 ± 17.7 years. Age and sex-standardized BP excluding participants receiving BP medications was 118/74.3 mmHg, and in those on treatment 125/78 mmHg. High BP was present in 5036 (22.8%) individuals, 1637 of 18 644 (8.8%) who were not receiving anti-hypertensive medications were hypertensive, and 961 of 3359 (28.6%) receiving treatment were not controlled. These results highlight the need to develop innovative promotion strategies at individual and population levels to increase the awareness of the importance of BP, and the consequences of not having well-controlled hypertension. This initiative is an effective and easy to implement strategy that should be maintained in the coming years.

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European Heart Journal, Supplement

Título del artículo:

Control and treatment of arterial hypertension; Program 20-20

Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of premature death in the world. Arterial hypertension is among the most prevalent modifiable diseases, and is the third cause of death in the world, with one in every eight deaths worldwide being attributed to it. Arterial hypertension is easily to identify using non-invasive methods. World population studies have shown that the prevalence of arterial hypertension in adults greater than 35 years is 41%, and only 46.5% are aware of being hypertensive. In those that are aware, 87.9% are receiving pharmacological treatment, but only 32.5% of those that receive treatment are well-controlled, with an overall control worldwide of just 18%. In this article, the factors that explain this situation are reviewed, including the difficulties associated with the availability and access to health services and anti-hypertensive medication, education of the health teams, and lack of awareness by the patients as regards their illness. This is reflected by a low adherence to the interventions on changes in life style and the pharmacological treatment. Furthermore, a review is carried out on a series of initiatives and strategies that are being developed by different organisations in order to improve the adequate detection, treatment, and control of arterial hypertension, as such that it contributes to substantially decrease the morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascualar diseases.

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Revista Colombiana de Cardiologia

Título del artículo:

Physical fitness characteristics of Omani primary school children according to body mass index

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that children with high cardiorespiratory fitness and normal body mass index (BMI) have less risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), however limited research was undertaken in Omani children. Therefore the aims of the present study were to describe body composition and physical fitness of a large cohort of Omani school children of both genders, and to investigate the effects of weight status on physical fitness. METHODS: Three hundred and fourteen Omani school children aged 9 to 10 years old took part in anthropometric assessments, body composition and fitness tests, including handgrip strength, the basketball chest pass, broad jump, 20-m sprint, four 10-m shuttle agility, 30-s sit-up, and multistage fitness test (MSFT). RESULTS: Obese boys and girls performed worse than normal-weight children in sprint, agility and endurance. In addition, fitness measures in the overweight group and underweight groups were not significantly different from other groups, except a better handgrip strength and poorer MSFT in overweight compared to normal weight girls, and poorer agility performance in underweight girls compared to the three other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most fitness measures are lower in obese Omani children, which suggests that they will be more at risk of developing NCDs later in life.

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Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

Título del artículo:

Pedophilia, substance-use disorder, and intellectual disability: A case report

Objective: To present a case of pedophilic disorder associated to intellectual disability and substance-use disorder (SUD). Background: Pedophilic disorders often appear in comorbidity with other mental disorders. Case description: A 21-year-old man is hospitalized in an addictive behavior unit, with a history of SUD, an exclusive sexual preference for boys aged 12 or under, associated to interpersonal problems with borderline Intelligence Quotient score, and failure in global functioning. Discussion: The article analyses the criteria related to pedophilic disorder, the difficulties in its diagnosis, the clinical implications of the comorbidity with intellectual disability and SUD. Conclusions: It is important to differentiate between pedophilic disorder, SUD, and intellectual disability. An active search for deviant sexual behavior is recommended in patients with dual diagnosis.

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Addictive Disorders and their Treatment