Título del artículo:

Gold Nanoparticles Decorated TiO2 Nanosheets as a Highly Selective Photocatalyst for the C-N Cross Coupling Reactions of Bio-Based Alcohols and Aniline Under Visible Light

Cross-coupling reactions of alcohols and anilines for the synthesis of imines and secondary amines are highly atom-efficient processes. In this study, a visible light photocatalytic procedure was developed for the synthesis of imines on Au nanoparticles supported on TiO2 nanosheets. AuNPs/TNSs drive the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of the alcohol into an aldehyde, accompanied by the formation of molecular hydrogen, resulting in the condensation of the aldehyde with aniline to obtain the respective imine. Biomass-derived alcohols such as vanillyl, veratryl alcohol, and myrtenol were successfully evaluated in the dehydrogenative condensation with aniline to obtain the respective imines in high yields. Electrochemical analysis confirmed that the high yield of imine (95%) is due to the strong interaction of Au nanoparticles with the TiO2 nanosheet support, which generates a better separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and a faster interfacial charge transfer, which improves the photocatalytic properties related to the calculated values of photonic efficiency (ξ).

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

ChemCatChem

Título del artículo:

A Colombian strain of Clostridioides difficile ribotype 002 induces a highly inflammatory response in a mouse infection model

Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea associated with antibiotic use in hospitalized patients. Recent studies have identified that C. difficile ribotypes RT002, RT106, and RT591 as the most prevalent circulating strains in Colombia; thus, we aimed to assess the capability of these ribotypes to elicit an inflammatory response during in vivo infection. To achieve this, C57BL/6 mice were treated with cefoperazone (CPZ) for 5 d to develop C. difficile infection (CDI) model. Two days post-antibiotic treatment, the mice were orally inoculated with 1 × 105 spores of C. difficile strains belonging to ribotypes RT002, RT106, RT591, and RT027 (ATCC strain, used as control). A group of animals was euthanized on day 7 post-infection to determine the bacterial load, total leukocyte number, and chemokines/cytokines levels in situ, and for histopathological analysis. RT002-infected groups showed significantly higher bacterial load, CD45+ leukocytes, and RANTES, eotaxin, MCP-1, G-CSF, and IL-2 levels compared to the other groups, suggesting a robust immune response. Furthermore, histopathological analysis of colonic tissue from the group infected with RT002 revealed the presence of an inflammatory response similar to the hypervirulent strain RT027. These results suggest that RT002 of C. difficile, one of the main circulating strains in Colombia, can induce a severe inflammatory response, potentially correlating with increased virulence and severity of these strains in CDI cases.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Virulence

Título del artículo:

Switching off the yeast-to-hyphae transition in Yarrowia lipolytica through histone deacetylase inhibitors

Fungi can develop a variety of morphotypes to survive, colonize, adapt and prevail under different environmental conditions. In general, two morphological shapes encompass the others: yeast (unicellular) and hyphae (multicellular). Under specific conditions, some fungi can adopt these two cellular morphologies, and for this reason, they are called dimorphic. Histone acetylation and deacetylation are well-known important mechanisms of chromatin remodelling that control cell differentiation processes as dimorphism. The reactions involved are catalysed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), respectively. In the present work, we used Yarrowia lipolytica as a dimorphic fungal model to investigate the effect of HDAC chemical inhibition on the growth and yeast-to-hyphae switch of fungi. For this purpose, we tested the compounds sodium butyrate (SB) and valproic acid (VPA) as epigenetic modulators. Our results indicated that Y. lipolytica tolerates high doses of these inhibitors due to its lipolytic nature. However, once the metabolic capability of the fungus is overcome, SB and VPA strongly suppress hyphal growth, suggesting that histone acetylation plays a pivotal role in the regulation of this process.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Research in Microbiology

Título del artículo:

Microbiological identification of pathogens in water from educational centers in Norte de Santander

Introduction: Water is an essential resource for survival, and therefore, its quality and safety must be a priority, especially for susceptible population groups. Objectives: To determine the presence of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, and Pseudomonas in drinking water in schools from three municipalities of Norte de Santander. Materials and Methods: Maintenance personnel were inquired about water storage. Samples from different sources were collected and processed using the membrane filtration method to identify aerobic mesophilic bacteria, E. coli, coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. following the technical standards established for each microorganism. Results: Mesophilic bacteria growth was identified in 77.50% of the samples, total coliforms in 84.00%, fecal coliforms in 72.00%, and Escherichia coli in 21%. Pseudomonas spp. was also identified in 73.00% of the samples and Salmonella spp. in 10.50%. Discussion: These findings reflect non-compliance with current regulations due to the presence of indicator organisms such as mesophiles and the indicator par excellence in water quality: coliforms, a fact that is ratified by the presence of Pseudomonas spp. and Salmonella spp. Conclusions: The presence of these microorganisms is associated with failures in the water purification process, which allows us to expose the need for corrective actions to guarantee the microbiological quality of water and ensure health.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Cuidarte

Título del artículo:

Evaluating brain mechanisms of combined vagus nerve stimulation and mindfulness training for migraine: A randomized 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial protocol

Background: Migraine is a major cause of disability and efficacious interventions are needed. In this mechanistic study, we investigate the combined, and potentially synergistic, effects of a multimodal intervention combining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and transcutaneous auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for migraine. Methods: We utilize a modified double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial randomized longitudinal design to assess the effects of an 8-week MBSR intervention with concomitant Respiratory-gated Auricular Vagal Afferent Nerve Stimulation (RAVANS) taVNS on migraine pathophysiology primary outcomes. We will enroll 150 patients with migraine (4–20 headache days/month). After a run-in month of daily diaries, we expect to randomly assign N = 96 participants to one of four treatment groups: (1) MBSR+RAVANS taVNS, (2) MBSR+Sham taVNS, (3) Nature Education Control (NEC) + RAVANS taVNS, or (4) NEC + Sham taVNS. Before and after intervention, participants have three in-person assessments (a 7 T MRI scan, an autonomic/sensory testing (AST) visit, and a 3 T PET-MRI scan). The primary outcomes for this study assess (1) central sensitization (brainstem/cortical response to trigeminal sensory afference), (2) autonomic dysfunction (High Frequency-Heart Rate Variability (HF-HRV) response to stressors), and (3) neuroinflammation (PET[11C]PBR28 signal). Results: Funded by NIH (P01AT009965), registered (NCT03592329). Final longitudinal outcomes will be collected by May 2025. Conclusion: This mechanistic study is designed to investigate both independent and synergistic neurobiological effects of MBSR and RAVANS taVNS interventions on three distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine. This research will elucidate the mechanistic and potentially synergistic effects of behavioral interventions (e.g., mindfulness) and device-based treatments (e.g., taVNS) for migraine.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Contemporary Clinical Trials

Título del artículo:

Smart recycling and sustainable lignocellulosic waste management

Lignocellulosic waste management and smart recycling strategies are critical components of a sustainable bioeconomy and environmental stewardship. The increasing generation of lignocellulosic waste from agricultural, forestry, and industrial activities poses significant environmental and economic concerns. Conventional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration contribute to pollution and resource depletion. In response, smart recycling techniques have emerged as viable solutions for converting lignocellulosic waste into valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact. Mechanical, chemical, and biological processes are integral to smart recycling, enabling the conversion of waste biomass into biofuels, biochemicals, biopolymers, and other high-value products. Advanced technologies such as pyrolysis, hydrothermal processing, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation offer efficient pathways for lignocellulosic waste valorization, contributing to energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of circular economic principles into lignocellulosic waste management promotes material reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency. This approach emphasizes the transformation of waste streams into secondary raw materials, thereby reducing dependence on finite resources and mitigating environmental degradation. Case studies and real-world applications have underscored the feasibility and scalability of smart recycling techniques across diverse waste streams and regions. However, challenges persist in terms of technological maturity, economic viability, and regulatory frameworks, necessitating interdisciplinary collaboration and policy interventions to facilitate its widespread adoption and implementation. Hence, keeping in view the necessity of the synthesis of innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and policy initiatives is imperative for advancing lignocellulosic waste management.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Value Addition and Utilization of Lignocellulosic Biomass: Through Novel Technological Interventions

Título del artículo:

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Toxicology of the Subfamily Gomphrenoideae (Amaranthaceae): A Comprehensive Review

The subfamily Gomphrenoideae is composed of about 480 accepted species, many of which have been historically used as medicinal plants, reason why they have been studied in terms of chemical profile, biological activity, and safety. This review consolidates the advances in research on this subfamily over the past 47 years, emphasizing its promising biotechnological potential and justifying the development of research in species that remain unstudied; additionally, it presents new perspectives based on the current knowledge, including the study of in vitro cultures and co-cultures of the members of this subfamily as a sustainable approach to standardizing their chemical profiles and, consequently, enhancing their biotechnological potential. The information was collected from scientific databases such as Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Springer Link, Scielo, and Nature Research for 4 years. Verification of the scientific names and affiliations of the plants was carried out using the databases Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org), Plants of the World Online (www.plantsoftheworldonline.org), and The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org). To date, 512 chemical compounds have been reported for this subfamily, evidencing a wide diversity of chemical structures. It was also shown that the extracts, fractions, isolated pure compounds, and nanoparticles of this subfamily present antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antihyperglycemic activity, among others. Likewise, it is evident that the members of this subfamily do not present toxicity.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Chemistry and Biodiversity

Título del artículo:

Beyond technical skills: the importance of values in entrepreneurial finance and business success

This study investigates the influence of entrepreneurs\' personal values, ascribed and achieved characteristics, and family background, on business performance, with a particular focus on entrepreneurial finance in Bogotá, Colombia. By analyzing a sample of 771 entrepreneurs, the research identifies how personal values—shaped by gender, age, and family background—directly influence strategic decision-making, leadership styles, and long-term business success. Using factor analysis for dimension reduction, the study confirms that entrepreneurial success is not only determined by technical competencies or external conditions, but also by the alignment between personal values, leadership approaches, and the relational nature of local entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings show that male and female entrepreneurs prioritize different values, younger entrepreneurs focus more on personal growth and recognition, while older entrepreneurs emphasize responsibility and stability. Furthermore, entrepreneurs from business-owning families value innovation and autonomy, while first-generation entrepreneurs focus more on hard work and economic security. These insights highlight the need for context-sensitive, value-based entrepreneurial support programs that go beyond traditional financial training to foster inclusive, value-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems. The study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial finance by demonstrating that personal values are essential drivers of business strategies and performance, particularly in emerging economies.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Aibi, Revista de Investigacion Administracion e Ingenierias

Título del artículo:

Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and scrotal circumference as predictors of fertility-linked characteristics in male Brahman and Simmental bulls

This study investigates whether pre-pubertal scrotal circumference (SC) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations indicate sexual precocity in Brahman and Simmental bulls. Fifty-three bulls (Brahman, n = 27; Simmental, n = 26) were used. Scrotal circumference was measured at three periods: pre-puberty (Brahman = 19.99±0.20 months; Simmental = 9.13±0.17 months), puberty (Brahman = 21.42±0.20 months; Simmental = 18.26±0.17 months), and post-puberty (Brahman = 33.34±0.55 months; Simmental = 24.07±0.17 months). A single sample taken at the pre-pubertal period was used for the AMH determination. Two classes were defined based on the frequency distribution of AMH concentrations: low AMH <2.28 ng/mL and high AMH ≥2.28 ng/mL. Scrotal circumference was negatively correlated with the percentage of total defects (r = −0.5957; P = 0.0246) and positively correlated with the percentage of normal sperm (r = 0.595; P = 0.0265). There was a high correlation between SC and assessment periods (pre-puberty, puberty, and sexual maturity) in both breeds (Brahman: r = 0.8776; P = 0.0005; Simmental: r = 0.7483; P = 0.0002). At puberty, SC was higher (P = 0.0002) in animals of the low AMH class (34.78±0.78 cm) than in the high AMH class (32.47±0.42 cm). Males classified as having low AMH concentration had better (P<0.0001) andrological assessments, (vigorous oscillatory movement or vigor: 3.92±0.20; sperm mass movement or turbulence: 2.63±0.19; progressive motility: 77.55±3.80) than those classified as having high AMH concentration (vigor = 3.33±0.19; turbulence = 2.06±0.19; progressive motility = 65.14±3.79). Pre-pubertal AMH concentrations are negatively correlated with SC and are a good predictor of sexual precocity in Brahman and Simmental bulls.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Brasileira De Zootecnia

Título del artículo:

Performance and User Experience Assessment of a BCI-Controlled Robotic System for Assisted Arm and Forearm Rehabilitation (Brazo-FiT)

Robotic rehabilitation technologies have become increasingly important in addressing functional mobility limitations, affecting millions of people globally. These technologies offer personalized therapy through consistent and precise control of limb movements. User feedback is important to improve these systems´ design and functionality and attain better rehabilitation outcomes. The Brazo-FiT system is a rehabilitation tool designed for upper extremity therapy, operated through a brain-computer interface (BCI) and comprising a UR3 collaborative robot and a supportive setup including a height-adjustable chair, a large display, and an Arduino controller. This setup enables personalized therapy by interpreting users’ imagined movements and translating them into physical arm and forearm movements via the robot. This study evaluates Brazo-FiT performance and user experience. Brazo-FiT demonstrates effective interpretation of movement imagination with an average training phase classification accuracy of 90% and 76% after cross-validation and a 60% success rate during online testing. User satisfaction is notably high, with positive feedback on the system’s efficiency, appearance, smoothness of operation, and component comfort. Open-ended responses suggest areas for improvement, including more personalized session pacing and enhanced cognitive guidance for movement imagination.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Ifmbe Proceedings

Título del artículo:

Underground Gas Storage in an Extra-Heavy Oil Reservoir in the Orinoco Oil Belt-Eastern Venezuela Basin: Modeling Phase Behavior and Main Recovery Mechanisms

The management and storage of gases are essential to produce energy with low environmental impact from the different hydrocarbon basins in Venezuela. In particular, Eastern Venezuela Basin, where a wide variety of reservoirs with different types of complex mixtures are found (including the highly viscous oil reservoirs of the Orinoco Oil Belt), encompasses potential structures for management and storage of produced gases due to proven reservoir/seal integrity and existing infrastructure in many cases. This article presents a methodology for the storage of gases (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, hydrogen) in an extra-heavy crude oil field in the Eastern Venezuela Basin, with special emphasis on the analyses of phase behavior, role of cushion and type of gas, flow and recovery mechanisms, as well as prospective additional recovery of hydrocarbons. To reproduce the phase behavior and flow/recovery mechanisms, it was necessary to build a fluid model by tuning an equation of state using a PVT analysis representative of the area under study (Junín Block of the Orinoco Belt), specifically, lab tests such as Constant Composition Expansion, Differential Liberation, separator tests, together with viscosity measurements. This fluid model was based on a tailored lumping scheme that allowed the evaluation of the injection of CO2, methane, nitrogen, and hydrogen. Additionally, miscibility slim tube experiments by injecting each of these gases (as solvents) are utilized and matched accordingly. Finally, multiple scenarios of gas injections were simulated in a cluster of wells in the field by evaluating gas injection time, injection and production rates, effect of pressure on the integrity of the reservoir, along with the possible impact on the production of hydrogen and additional recovery of hydrocarbons. Results of this study show the effect of the type of gas injected on the hydrocarbon storage and recovery capabilities in a real reservoir model, where the injected gases are immiscible with the selected extra-heavy crude oil. Different predictions of gas injection in both the crude oil and water zones, as well as the main mechanisms involved in the process are discussed in this article. Based on the complexity of current reservoir fluids (free gas, oil, water, emulsions, etc.), a program of fluid sampling and laboratory analyses are recommended, including pore scale analysis for the quantification of dissolution, trapping and wettability of the injected gases, among others. This article may serve as a basis for feasibility studies of gas storage in extra-heavy crude oil reservoirs in Venezuela and worldwide for the acquisition of experimental data and reservoir monitoring, which in turn would allow a successful implementation of this technology in a full-field scale.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Society of Petroleum Engineers SPE Conference at Oman Petroleum and Energy Show Opes 2025

Título del artículo:

In vitro antitumor capacity of extracts obtained from the plants Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) and Moringa oleifera in gastric cancer

Background: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Perioperative or adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with stage 1B or higher cancers. Moringa oleifera and Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) have been reported to enhance various biological functions, including antitumor and antiproliferative activity. Methods: In order to evaluate this potential present in crude extracts of the leaves of these plants, as well as the seed oil of P.volubilis, the antitumor activity was determined according to the effect of these derivatives on different biological parameters such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis (among others), in AGS cells (CRL-1739). Results: All extracts tested were cytotoxic at 90 and 160 μg/ml concentrations. P. volubilis seed oil showed 95% mortality at 1% concentration (CC 50 = 46.7%). Cell proliferation was inhibited, and all extracts affected the cell cycle, but the P. volubilis oil significantly induced an accumulation of AGS cells in the sub G1 phase, inducing DNA fragmentation as a mechanism of cell death. The ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extract also inhibited cell migration. Conclusion: M. oleifera, P. volubilis leaf extracts and P. volubilis seed oil can potentially be antitumor products. Further validation in a murine model of gastric cancer is needed to investigate the antitumor potential of these extracts further and to continue the development of herbal products that can help in the management of this type of tumor.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

F1000research

Título del artículo:

Modeling In-Situ Catalytic Upgrading and Hydrogen Production from Unconventional Extra-Heavy Oil Reservoirs: First Results of a Reference Case in the Orinoco Oil Belt “La Faja Petrolífera Del Orinoco” - Venezuela

Modeling the in situ combustion (ISC) process in the presence of chemical additives (i.e., catalysts and hydrogen donors) is challenging due to the multiple chemical reactions that occur in the process (e.g., hydrocarbon combustion, thermal-cracking, water-gas shift, coke gasification, etc.). The objective of this study is to model numerically the in situ catalytic upgrading of crude oil process using experimental data from the Orinoco Oil Belt and a hydrogen generation method available in a commercial numerical simulator, which will allow considering the effect of the catalyst in improving crude oil properties and in providing a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process. ISC combustion tests with catalysts (nanoparticles of a transition metal) and hydrogen donors have been carried out in Venezuela for extra-heavy crude oil reservoirs of Eastern Venezuela Basin, aiming at the stabilization of the combustion front and improving physical-chemical properties of the crude oil. In this article, the numerical simulation was based on results of combustion tube tests with catalysts (pre-packed combustion cells) performed at reservoir conditions (8.5 °API, unconsolidated sandstones,4500 cP at 50°C) of the Orinoco Oil Belt heavy oil reserves. The kinetic model used in the numerical simulation considers the upgraded component, as well as the hydrogen and the catalyst components. The history matching ISC tests with catalysts was carried out using a machine learning tool, and the outputs were applied to field upscaling by a cluster of wells in the Orinoco Oil Belt. Experimental results from in situ combustion tests with catalyst show an improvement in crude oil properties, mainly in API gravity and viscosity, as well as a reduction in asphaltene content, a high generation of light compounds and a higher recovery factor greater than 90%. The experimental outcome also highlights the effect that mineralogy of the reservoir-rock may have on the in situ upgrading process. An acceptable match of experimental variables such as API, thermocouple temperature, oil recovery, gas composition is obtained. The main mechanisms involved in crude oil upgrading and hydrogen production are analyzed and illustrated in detail. Predictions of the cumulative oil production, gas composition and coke concentrations, temperature and oxygen distributions, as well as sensitivity analyses of the critical variables (e.g., injection rate) in the evaluated sector model of the field are presented and discussed in this article. This paper presents a workflow for modeling in situ catalytic upgrading and in situ hydrogen production from Venezuelan highly viscous oil reservoirs, with potential application worldwide. This study contributes to the development of technologies for in situ hydrogen production, as well as for the management of acid gases in order to accelerate the energy transition to net-zero carbon in 2050.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Society of Petroleum Engineers Gotech 2025

Título del artículo:

Is the angioimmunoblastic T-Cell lymphoma beneficial to avoid CD4 ⁺ lymphopenia and other AIDS manifestations in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus?

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukemia

Título del artículo:

Nutritional status among women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women in a Latin American country

Aims: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has been proposed that, among other risk factors, the nutritional status of women can lead to the endothelial dysfunction that characterizes this entity. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional status of women with PE with healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. Material and Methods: A multicenter case-control study was carried out. Between September 2006 and July 2009, 201 women with PE were compared with 201 pregnant, and 201 non-pregnant aged-matched women without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases. A clinical history and physical examination was performed. Fasting blood samples were drawn to measure serum glucose and lipid profile. The nutritional status of participants was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The average age of womenwas 26.6 ± 7.2 years. Compared to healthy pregnant controls, women with PE had a higher body mass index, higher fasting blood glucose levels, higher triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Women with PE had a higher intake of carbohydrates, energy intake and cereal compared to healthy pregnant and non-pregnant controls. A conditional logistic regression demonstrated that carbohydrate and sodium intake are associated with PE development. Conclusions: Diets of women with PE were characterized by higher energy and carbohydrate intake compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant women. This suggests that higher carbohydrate and sodium intake increases the risk of PE among women in Colombia. © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research

Título del artículo:

Complex choristoma of the lacrimal caruncle: A case report of an unusual congenital tumor with clinical and histopathological classification

Rare congenital tumors can be localized in the peribulbar area. Here we report an unusual case presented in a 3-year-old child with a history of a congenital tumor in the lacrimal caruncle of the right eye, associated with epiphora and constant discomfort. A surgical resection was performed, and the final histopathological diagnosis was lacrimal caruncle complex choristoma. Choristomas are growths of apparently normal tissue in an abnormal location, which can be situated anywhere in the body, including ocular and peribulbar structures. These almost unknown congenital tumors constitute the most common conjunctival tumors in children and can be interpreted clinically as different lesions, which are only differentiated through precise histopathological analysis. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Ophthalmology

Título del artículo:

Integral Care Guidelines for the prevention, early detection and treatment of pregnancy, partum and puerperium complications: Section on toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

Toxoplasma infection was selected for the development of recommendations for its prevention, diagnosis and therapy as a part of the clinical practice guideline for the prevention, early detection and treatment of the complications of pregnancy, developed y sponsored by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Colciencias and Health and Social Protection Ministry of Health in Colombia. Infection by Toxoplasma gondii that occurs during pregnancy may end up in serious complications for the fetus and important sequelae for the newborn. A clinical guideline based on the best available scientific evidence, with emphasis on Colombian references, was performed. Experts on parasitology, neonatology and infectious diseases (adult and pediatric) developed the recommendations. Recommendations are proposed to be followed by healthcare professionals in pregnancy care programs all around the country, with the aim of lowering the morbidity and mortality related to this disease. Specific recommendations for the diagnosis starting in first trimester of the pregnancy, recommendations for prevention in women not infected with the parasite, identification of infection in the fetus or the newborn and recommendations for treatment in those settings are done. © 2012 ACIN.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Infectio

Título del artículo:

COVID-19 infection in neonates and post-pandemic reflections

COVID-19 had a significant impact on morbidity and mortality, especially in adults. However, in children and neonates, the clinical presentation was generally less severe. Due to the severity of the disease in adults, some of the measures implemented for neonates during the pandemic proved to be misguided. Objective: To present a series of neonatal COVID-19 cases, with post-pandemic reflections. Patients and Method: A retrospective and descriptive study conducted in Colombia, involving 16 neonates infected with COVID-19, diagnosed by nasopharyngeal PCR testing. Of these, 12 (75%) were patients admitted from home, while 4 were referred from lower-complexity institutions. Socio-demographic and clinical variables and outcomes were analyzed. Results: In the group of patients who came from home, the most common symptoms were jaundice in 10 (83.3%) and respiratory distress in 7 (58.3%). None of the patients required mechanical ventilation. Bacterial infections were identified in 4 cases admitted through the emergency department. Among the neonates referred from other institutions, all 4 presented with respiratory distress secondary to conditions typical of the neonatal period. The source of infection was not documented in any of the cases. Conclusions: This study reported that these neonates with COVID-19 had a favorable clinical outcome. Bacterial infections were present in community-acquired cases. Additionally, in these cases, the neonate could serve as the index case, alerting to other possible community-acquired cases. Management should be individualized and long-term follow-up should be mandatory.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Andes Pediatrica

Título del artículo:

Caplan and Felty syndrome. Complications in rheumatoid arthritis. Case report

Caplan syndrome and Felty syndrome are rare complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The coexistence of both syndromes, though uncommon, may present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report describes a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, neutropenia, splenomegaly, and multiple nodules suggestive of Caplan syndrome, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the effective management and follow-up of these complex manifestations.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Argentina De Reumatologia

Título del artículo:

Beef cows with larger vulvar width have greater antral follicle count, viable oocytes, and higher circulating AMH

Owing to the low heritability of reproductive traits, the search for markers and their interrelationship that could indicate reproductively superior individuals is important in the selection process for bovine reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the possible interrelationships between the antral follicle count (AFC), vulvar-width (VW), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations, fertility in Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus females. Brahman (Bos Taurus-Indicus, n = 126) and Simmental and Angus (Bos Taurus-Taurus, n = 155) cows were classified as having large (≥86 mm) and small (<86 mm) VW. From each group, one blood sample per animal was collected to determine the AMH serum concentrations. The GLIMMIX procedure in SAS^® was used to determine whether vulva width (VW) and AMH classes, associated or not with breed, could influence the age at first calving (FCA), calving to first service interval (CFSI), calving interval (CI), number of services per pregnancy (SP), and number of viable oocytes (VO). Antral follicle count (AFC) (36.10 ± 1.90 vs. 22.78 ± 1.64, for large and small VW, respectively), AMH (1.17 ± 0.07 vs. 0.48 ± 0.007 ng/mL), and viable oocytes or VO (18.86 ± 1.76 vs. 10.15 ± 1.49) were greater (P < 0.05) in the large VW than in the small VW. Brahman cows had greater AFC (36.30 ± 1.34 vs. 22.09 ± 1.67), VW (106.94 ± 15.83 vs. 69.78 ± 14.11 mm), and AMH (1.18 ± 0.07 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05 ng/mL) compared to that of taurine cows. In conclusion, VW was an efficient predictor of AFC and AMH concentrations in both genetic groups, but under the conditions of this trial no link could be detected between these variables and the reproductive indices studied.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Acta Paulista De Enfermagem

Título del artículo:

Advancements in pneumatic seed-metering devices: A review of numerical and experimental approaches

The pneumatic seed-metering device is the key component of precision seeders, comprising the air chamber, seed plate, and seed-cleaning device as its main elements. Advancements in its design and optimization of operational parameters significantly improve seed distribution, thereby increasing crop yields. This work presents a critical review of experimental and numerical simulation research aimed at improving pneumatic seed-metering devices. It summarizes research on key findings and optimal operating conditions identified for various crops related to these devices, including geometric features optimizing air-chamber functionality; hole shapes in the seed plate that increase suction and improve seed retention; types of seed-cleaning devices designed to minimize multiple seeds; analytical models for estimating required seed retention pressure; the application of simulation tools to improve key components; types of seed-mixing devices promoting effective seed capture; and innovations in the development of novel components for optimized seed distribution. This review indicates that 86 % of studies examined focus on air-vacuum systems, while 14 % address air-blowing systems. The predominance of air-vacuum systems arises from their advantages, including high seeding precision, robust seed adaptability, and high-speed operation. However, fewer studies focus on seed-cleaning and anti-blocking devices. Numerical tools like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Discrete Element Method (DEM), and their coupling (CFD-DEM) are crucial for optimizing pneumatic seed-metering devices through the analysis of airflow, seed behavior, and their interaction. Further research is needed in this field, and this review serves as a reference for future investigations aimed at the development of new devices that can enhance seed uniformity during seeding.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Results in Engineering

Título del artículo:

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in slaughterhouse horses and donkeys from the North and Northeast of Colombia

Introduction. Gastrointestinal parasites represent one of the most significant health problems in equines, affecting welfare, production, and performance. Objective. The objective of this study was to report the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus) from different regions of Colombia. Materials and methods. A random sampling design was implemented on animals slaughtered at a processing facility located in Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia. A total of 292 fecal samples from the digestive systems of the slaughtered horses and donkeys were collected. Fecal samples were processed using the McMaster coprological technique. In addition, the same number of livers was inspected for adult forms of Fasciola hepatica. Results and discussion. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 96.9% (283/292), with the highest values for Strongylus sp., followed by Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp., and Parascaris equorum. No significant differences were found according to sex, species, municipality, or department. In the present study, no adult forms of Fasciola hepatica were observed in the inspected livers. Conclusion. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites found in this research could be controlled through effective health plans and antiparasitic control in animals from the regions under study.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Innovaciencia

Título del artículo:

Preface

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Physics Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Candidate Interventions for Integrating Hypertension and Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Care in Primary Health Settings: HEARTS 2.0 Phase 1

Background: HEARTS in the Americas is the regional adaptation of the WHO Global HEARTS Initiative, aimed at helping countries enhance hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management in primary care settings. Its core implementation tool, the HEARTS Clinical Pathway, has been adopted by 28 countries. To improve the care of hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), HEARTS 2.0 was developed as a three-phase process to integrate evidence-based interventions into a unified care pathway, ensuring consistency across fragmented guidelines. This paper focuses on Phase 1, highlighting targeted interventions to improve and update the HEARTS Clinical Pathway. Methods: First, the coordinating group defined the project’s scope, objectives, principles, methodological framework, and tools. Second, international experts from different disciplines proposed interventions to enhance the HEARTS Clinical Pathway. Third, the coordinating group harmonized these proposals into unique interventions. Fourth, experts appraised the appropriateness of the proposed interventions on a 1-to-9 scale using the adapted RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Finally, interventions with a median score above 6 were deemed appropriate and selected as candidates to enhance the HEARTS Clinical Pathway. Results: Building on the existing HEARTS Clinical Pathway, 45 unique interventions were selected, including community-based screening, early detection and management of risk factors, lower blood pressure thresholds for diagnosing hypertension in high-CVD-risk patients, reinforcement of single-pill combination therapy, inclusion of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for patients with diabetes, CKD, or heart failure, expanded roles for non-physician health workers in team-based care, and strengthened clinical documentation, monitoring, and evaluation. Conclusion: HEARTS 2.0 Phase 1 identifies key interventions to integrate and improve hypertension and cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic care within primary care, enabling their seamless incorporation into a unified and effective clinical pathway. This process will inform an update to the HEARTS Clinical Pathway, optimizing resources, reducing care fragmentation, improving care delivery, and advancing health equity, thereby supporting global efforts to combat the leading causes of death and disability.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Global Heart

Título del artículo:

Psychological symptoms and resilience among Venezuelan migrants in the department of Cesar, Colombia

One of the most significant social phenomena in recent years in Latin America is the massive migration of Venezuelan nationals, driven by political and social factors. Colombia ranks among the countries with the highest number of Venezuelan migrants, as they share a vast border that stretches from the north, along the Guajira Peninsula, to the south, in the Amazon jungle. The report indicates that there are currently over two million migrants from the mentioned country in Colombian territory, representing only those who are legally registered to enter Colombia; the underreporting of those who arrive through unconventional methods exposes a higher figure. Many of these migrants stay in intermediate cities near the border, where the condition of binational families is observed, as is the case in the capital of the Cesar department, from which this study derives its geographical context. The primary objective of this research is to examine the impact of migration on the psychological well-being and resilience of Venezuelan migrants residing in Valledupar, Colombia. This study proposes a quantitative and correlational study with a non-experimental design. The Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and the Resilience Scale (RS-14) were administered to a sample of 152 individuals (women and men aged 18-60) residing in the Cesar department. Among the key findings, this study indicates that the most prevalent psychological symptoms were paranoid ideation (30.9 %), psychoticism (30.9 %), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (29.6 %). In each case, an inverse and statistically significant correlation existed between the variables, and 84 % of the participants demonstrated high resilience levels. The study concludes that migration, understood as a traumatic event, triggers clinical emotional symptoms that can be mitigated through resilient behaviors.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Gaceta Medica De Caracas