Título del artículo:

Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Internal Consistency, Gender Differential Item Functioning and Discriminant Validity of the Fear of COVID-5 Scale Amidst Emerging Adult University Students in Mexico

The study aimed to perform confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, gender differential item functioning, and discriminant validity of the Fear of COVID-5 Scale in emerging adult students of a university in Mexico. Confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach\'s alpha and McDonald\'s omega), and gender differential item functioning were estimated (Kendall tau b correlation). The Fear of COVID-5 Scale showed a one-dimension structure (RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, and SRMR = 0.02), with high internal consistency (Cronbach\'s alpha of 0.78 and McDonald\'s omega of 0.81), non-gender differential item functioning (Kendall tau b between 0.07 and 0.10), and significant discriminant validity (Higher scores for fear of COVID-19 were observed in high clinical anxiety levels). In conclusion, the Fear of COVID-5 Scale presents a clear one-dimension structure similar to a previous study.

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Omega (United States)

Título del artículo:

Nursing Intervention To Prevent Delirium In Critically Ill Adults

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a nursing intervention for delirium prevention in critically ill patients. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a non-equivalent control group and with evaluation before and after the intervention. 157 Patients were part of the intervention group and 134 of the control group. Patients were followed-up until they were discharged from the ICU or died. The incidence of delirium in both groups was compared. Additionally, the effect measures were adjusted for the propensity score. Results: The incidence and incidence rate of delirium in the control group were 20.1% and 33.1 per 1000 person-days (CI 95% 22.7 to 48.3) and in the intervention group was 0.6% and 0.64 per 1000 person-days (CI 95% 0.22 to 11.09), respectively. The crude Hazard Ratio was 0.06 (CI 95% 0,008 to 0,45) and adjusted 0.07 (CI 95% 0,009 to 0,60). The number needed to be treated was six. Conclusion: Low incidence of delirium in critically ill patients intervened demonstrated the effectiveness of interventions. The average intervention time was 4 days with a 15-minutes dedication for each patient.

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Revista da Escola de Enfermagem

Título del artículo:

Considerations and guidance for the structure, organisation, and operation of cardiometabolic prevention units: A consensus statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income regions such as Latin America. This is because of the combination and interaction in different proportions of a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. This reality brings about the need to change paradigms to consistently and systematically boost cardiovascular prevention as the most cost-effective medium- to long-term strategy to reduce their prevalence in medium- and low-resource countries, not only in Latin America but also in other global regions. To achieve the therapeutic goals in various diseases, including CVD, the current literature demonstrates that the most effective way is to carry out the patient’s diagnosis and treatment in multidisciplinary units. For this reason, the Inter American Society of Cardiology (IASC) proposes the creation of cardiometabolic prevention units (CMPUs) as a regional initiative exportable throughout the world to standardise cardiovascular prevention based on the best available evidence. This ensures homogeneity in the global management of cardiometabolic risk factors and access to quality medicine independently of the population’s social situation. These guidelines, written by a panel of experts in cardiovascular prevention, defines what a CMPU is, its objectives and the minimum requirements for it, as well as proposing three categories and suggesting an operational scheme. It must be used as a guide for all individuals or centres that, aware of the need for multidisciplinary and standardised work, want to create a unit for the comprehensive management of cardiometabolic risk established as an international research network. Lastly, the document makes meaningful points on the determination of cardiovascular risk and its importance. These guidelines do not cover specific targets and therapeutic schemes, as these topics will be extensively discussed in another SIAC publication, namely a statement on residual cardiometabolic risk.

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Global Heart

Título del artículo:

Neoliberal commensuration and new enclosures of the commons: mining and market–environmentalism governmentalities

Colombia’s Santurbán páramo wetlands are vital water supply sources for highland communities’ livelihoods and downstream cities such as Bucaramanga. Nevertheless, they face strong degeneration because of large-scale mining extraction. Seeking to harmonize divergent interests between conservation policies, domestic water supply and mining–energy development, the national government laid out land-use zones and delimited use of the Santurbán páramo since 2014. This article illustrates how hydro-territorial tensions between the mining company, the government and citizen mobilizations for water end up fencing in the collective assets of smallholder páramo residents. To understand this complex enclosure process, we show how foreign mining capital interests, urban citizens’ claims for water and government ecological boundary-making paradoxically converge. Commensuration of water meanings and values, while bridging diverse worldviews, generates new enclosures of the commons. Engaging with the conceptualization of ‘hydrosocial territories’ and neoliberal reconfiguration politics, we contribute to debates on how modernist commensuration works to commodify water and territory, disqualifying peasants’ territorial self-governance. We conclude that Santurbán páramo residents’ hydro-territorial rights are subject to the interests of social forces competing for control over this páramo territory, whether to transfer rural water to cities or to establish large-scale mining.

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Territory, Politics, Governance

Título del artículo:

A bioinspired peptide in tir protein as recognition molecule on electrochemical biosensors for the detection of e. Coli o157:H7 in an aqueous matrix

Currently, the detection of pathogens such as Escherichia coli through instrumental alternatives with fast response and excellent sensitivity and selectivity are being studied. Biosensors are systems consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules that exhibit remarkable properties such as simplicity, portable, affordable, user-friendly, and deliverable to end-users. For this, in this work we report for the first time, to our knowledge, the bioinformatic design of a new peptide based on TIR protein, a receptor of Intimin membrane protein which is characteristic of E. coli. This peptide (named PEPTIR-1.0) was used as recognition element in a biosensor based on AuNPs-modified screen-printed electrodes for the detection of E. coli. The morphological and electrochemical characteristics of the biosensor obtained were studied. Results show that the biosensor can detect the bacteria with limits of detection and quantification of 2 and 6 CFU/mL, respectively. Moreover, the selectivity of the system is statistically significant towards the detection of the pathogen in the presence of other microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. This makes this new PEPTIR-1.0 based biosensor can be used in the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of E. coli in aqueous matrices.

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Molecules

Título del artículo:

Changes in the protein profile of e. Coli o157: H7 against treatment with ib-m1 and ionp@ib-m1

Escherichia coli O157: H7 is a pathogenic bacterium which is recognized for the ability to resist multiple antibiotics; accordingly, complications occur in the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium. The Ib-M1 peptide and the IONP @ Ib-M1 bioconjugate have emerged as a new antimicrobial alternatives against E. coli O157: H7. The mechanism of action of Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M1 against this bacterium is still unknown; therefore, the goal of this research was to identify the change in the proteins profile of E. coli O157: H7 after treatment with Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M1 as a first step to determine its mechanism of action. For this, the proteins were obtained first, and then a two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed to finally determine the variability of the protein profiles. Once the protein profiles were obtained, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out. 72 differentially expressed proteins were identified, which can be connected to the effect on the bacterium’s growth in the presence of Ib-M1 and IONP @ Ib-M. These proteins are involved in acyl groups transfer processes (Yhbs protein), lipoprotein translocation (LolA protein) and amino acid transport (GpmA protein), among others.

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Revista Colombiana de Quimica

Título del artículo:

A Machine Learning based Method for Managing Multiple Impulse Purchase Products: An Inventory Management Approach

algorithms could provide as a means of producing efficient and flexible inventory management methods. In this way, although there are some methods to carry out this practice, none are set up for impulse purchase products. This article illustrates this perspective within the context of an impulse purchase product provisioning problem and shows how group policies based on a clustering process can result in better (lower cost) groupings. To solve this problem, a method is proposed for finding a near-optimal inventory grouping solution. The key innovation in this solution is the idea to form groups for the items that have similar demand or ordering and cost characteristics. Subsequently, once the clusters have been formed, it was necessary to look at aggregating impulse purchase SKUs, and then two grouping techniques or heuristics that both consider common characteristics and develop some ordering decision rules are presented. The results show that the proposed method can be used to cluster impulse purchase products more effectively and the grouping techniques applied were efficient in terms of solution quality. The aim of the proposed unsupervised clustering-based method was not only to provide a classification of SKUs free of subjectivity processes but also to provide an approach to apply more efficient inventory policies for impulse purchase products.

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Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review

Título del artículo:

Effect of method of synthesis on antifungal ability of ZnO nanoparticles: Chemical route vs green route

To compare the antifungal effect of two nanomaterials (NMs), nanoparticles of zinc oxide were synthesized by a chemical route and zinc oxide-based nanobiohybrids were obtained using green synthesis in an extract of garlic (Allium sativum). The techniques of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopies and Scanning (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopies (TEM) were used to determine the characteristics of the nanomaterials synthesized. The results showed that the samples obtained were of nanometric size (< 100 nm). To compare their antifungal capacity, their effect on Cercospora sp. was evaluated. Test results showed that both nanomaterials had an antifungal capacity. The nanobiohybrids (green route) gave an inhibition of fungal growth of ~72.4% while with the ZnO-NPs (chemical route), inhibition was ~87.1%. Microstructural studies using High Resolution Optical Microscopy (HROM) and ultra-structural analysis using TEM carried out on the treated strains demonstrated the effect of the nanofungicides on the vegetative and reproductive structures, as well as on their cell wall. To account for the antifungal effect presented by ZnO-NPs and ZnO nanobiohybrids on the fungi tested, effects reported in the literature related to the action of nanomaterials on biological entities were considered. Specifically, we discuss the electrical interaction of the ZnO-NPs with the cell membrane and the biomolecules (proteins) present in the fungi, taking into account the n-type nature of the ZnO semiconductor and the electrical behavior of the fungal cell membrane and that of the proteins that make up the protein crown.

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Advances in Nano Research

Título del artículo:

Representations of Colombian Andean farmers on climate change and mitigation and adaptation strategies

This article presents the findings of research conducted in a rural community located in Norte de Santander Department, Colombia, on farmers\' representations of the impacts of climate change. The analysis of the behavior of temperature and average rainfall in the period 1985-2015 was put together concerning the local knowledge of the farmers. The approach was developed through 56 multiple choice questions surveys done to 144 producers intentionally selected from a group of 1,933 farmers, analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings indicate a broad opinion by farmers of the effects of climate change due to the gradual increase in temperature that causes changes in the bimodal system and intensity of rainfall; reduction in agricultural and livestock production, product quality and quantity; intensification of pest and disease attacks; reduction in water sources and water quality; extinction and migration of species of flora and fauna; and effects on the family’s comfort during work and rest hours, health and hygiene. Likewise, local strategies and the participation of public institutions in the mitigation and adaptation to climate change are evident.

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Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural

Título del artículo:

Impacts of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Rice Growth, Development, and Stress Management With a Particular Emphasis on Strigolactone Effects on Root Development

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed soil-borne microorganisms, which have a symbiotic relationship with several terrestrial plants. They play a key role in plant growth promotion and development, plant nutrient homeostasis, soil nutrient management, and induction of plant defense mechanisms against pest infestation and disease incidences. This interaction of AMF with rice plants has been studied in great detail, providing distinct perspectives on the natural basis of nutrient transport, stress management, improvement of soil health, and induction of systemic plant resistance. This review highlights the responses of (i) AMF interaction with rice plants, (ii) AMF colonization and sporulation potential in rice rhizosphere, (iii) AMF species as a source of inoculum for rice production, (iv) AMF for rice plant maintenance and durability, and (v) AMF responses to other soil microorganisms. Additionally, a new class of phytohormones known as strigolactone (SLs) has been briefly described covering the various forms of analogs, isomers, and membrane transporters. The role of SLs in pre-symbiotic molecular talks, induction of energy metabolism in mitochondria, spore germination, stimulation of hyphal branches, and the relationships of SLs synthesis with soil nutrient content provides in-depth insights into the mechanisms involved in improving AMF interactions with rice plants.

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Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Título del artículo:

Work psychosocial conditions influencing on absenteeism: Evaluation of an explicative model

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an explanatory model of work absenteeism, based on the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and the mediation of the perception of social relationships and work stress. This was based on the predictions of theoretical models such as Demands-Con-trol, Unbalance Effort-Rewards and Social Support, implicit in the instrument used; as well as in the research background consulted. It is justified principally by the impact that absenteeism has on the stability of organizations and the relevance of its prediction for the Psychology of Work and Organizations. For the fulfillment of the objective, a modeling SEM is carried out with the psychosocial risk and absenteeism measurement data made with 252 workers of an agro-industrial company of the department of Cesar in Colombia; 96 % of participants were men, with an average age of 35 years, the majority did not complete secondary studies, 89 % were in operational positions, the majority in indefinite hiring; workers less than 6 months old had been excluded. The Psychosocial Risk Battery of Colombian researchers Villalobos, Vargas, Rondón, y Felknor (2013a, 2013b) was applied. This is one of the few validated and standardized instruments on Colombian population that measures psychosocial risk globally and conforms to the definitions legally accepted in the country regarding such occupational hazards. This battery measures workers\' perception of intra-occu-pational risk factors, in particular, demands for work, control over work, social relations and leadership, as well as rewards and recognition for work; Likewise, it evaluates the extra-labor psychosocial risk associated with working conditions, as well as symptoms of work-related stress. The path analysis was executed using statistical software SPSS v25 and AMOS v24; the goodness-of-fit for the models was verified with indicators CMIN/ DF, CFI, TLI y RMSEA; the correlations coefficients between variables and the function “modification Indices” of AMOS was operated to specify the appropriate model to the data. Based on goodness-of-fit measures, the initial theoretical model was discarded. In a second model, the mediating role of the social relations factor is ruled out and Unjustified Absenteeism, Non-Remunerated Absenteeism and Work Accident Absenteeism were excluded, but the adjustment of the model was not adequate either. In a third model, the factors Control on Work and Rewards were also excluded, although the fourth model, that inlayed correlations between de independent variables was the one who had the best goodness of fit; so, it is affirmed that only some specific forms of absenteeism are determined by work-related stress due to the arrangement of risk before interpersonal relationships and labor demands, combined with risk from extra-labor conditions. The inclusion of interpersonal relationships in the model is fully expected based on the findings of different previous investigations. On the other hand, the exclusion of the control factor over work was unexpected, since in previous studies it was more related to absenteeism than the demands of work. It is suggested that the findings should be taken with caution, given the limitations of the research, in particular, the homogeneity of the participants and the lack of comparability with other productive contexts; However, the relevance of the study is sustained in the fact that it is one of the first attempts in the country that uses explanatory models to establish the effects of psychosocial risk factors on organizational outcomes. Complementing the above, the possibility of using the Psychosocial Risk Battery together with the measurement of other important organizational outcomes such as presenteeism, motivation and job satisfaction, job performance and productivity, organizational commitment, accident rate in the workplace, among others, are also considered to empirically validate various models exposed in theory or corroborated in other countries and productive sectors.

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Interdisciplinaria

Título del artículo:

Beauty centers: An overview of their biosafety conditions in Valledupar, Colombia

Introduction: The risk of transmission of microorganisms in aesthetic and beauty centers is high when mitigation measures are not adopted; thus, it is necessary to constantly review the conditions of these centers, in order to prevent diseases and make the corresponding decisions. Objectives: To assess biosafety conditions of beauty centers in Valledupar, Colombia. Methods: This study followed a descriptive methodology and was based on the administration of a survey focused on determining which services are provided in beauty centers, on which activities are developed by their staff, and the conditions under which services are provided. Results: Study results that 93% of centers are legally constituted; furthermore, the most commonly provided service was hairdressing, with 21%. Only 9% of workers were covered by a social insurance system. In terms of social insurances, centers did not comply with minimum requirements. Conclusions: The aesthetic centers in Valledupar are not complying with requirements from biosafety protocols set forth by legislation and are thus adopting inadequate procedures.

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Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Trabalho

Título del artículo:

Reframing Technological Innovation Capabilities: Empirical Evidence and a Framework for Study

A firm’s technological innovation capabilities are dependent on the cultivation of strategic expertise and competitive technologies. Current literature does not adequately represent the wide-ranging perspectives on this topic or instill an appropriate amount of apprehension over the competitiveness of current firms’ technological innovation capabilities. This chapter contributes to the micro-foundations of technological innovation research by defining the technological innovation capabilities of both individuals and firms and clarifying their relationship to a firm’s competitiveness. First, this chapter will present a conceptual framework of the dimensions required to build competitiveness through technological innovation capabilities. Second, building on the framework, this paper will offer empirical evidence based on a case study of SMEs, providing valuable insights into their capacity for technological innovation.

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Palgrave Studies in Democracy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Growth

Título del artículo:

Proposal of a scale for COVID-19 stigma-discrimination toward health workers

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Investigative Medicine

Título del artículo:

The corn cob gasification-based renewable energy recovery in the life cycle environmental performance of seed-corn supply chain: An Ecuadorian case study

The influence of energy recovery from corn cob residues on the environmental performance of the seed-corn supply chain was the main research purpose of this work. An experimental and theoretical analysis as research methods were considered. In this way, an experimental study of corn cob gasification by using air as gasifying agent was conducted, while syngas-based power generation was assessed in a typical gas-ICE. Additionally, life cycle assessment (LCA) of two scenarios (combustion and gasification cases of corn cob residues) for the seed-corn supply chain was accomplished. According to results, a syngas yield in the range of 1.23 and 2.35 Nm3/kg of corn cob was obtained, with LHV close to 5.32 MJ/Nm3. Specific energy recovery from corn cob residues showed, an electricity surplus index of 744 kWh/t corn cob. Moreover, the carbon footprint for both combustion and gasification cases was 913 kg CO2-eq/t seed-corn and 797 kg CO2-eq/t seed-corn, respectively. Integrated thermochemical conversion of corn cob and power generation system represents a technological alternative for its sustainable management. This study provides a holistic inventory, energy balance, and life cycle analysis of corn cob energy utilization. No similar approaches were found in the reviewed literature.

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Renewable Energy

Título del artículo:

Sprint pattern analysis of professional female soccer players on artificial and natural turf

Introduction: There is few evidence that details the behavior of each spatiotemporal variable of the running pattern of female soccer players using different surfaces. Objective: To describe the spatiotemporal variables of the sprint pattern developed on natural and artificial turf by professional female soccer players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nineteen (n=19) professional athletes with an average age of 22.3 years, who´s sprint spatiotemporal variables were evaluated in a natural (Bermuda 419) and artificial (Star 2) playing field through an optical measurement system (Opto Gait, Italy). The analysis of the differences of the space and time variables by turf was done with the Wilcoxon test for paired data and the differences in speed and acceleration by playing position was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The Spearman test was used to compare the correlation between speed, acceleration and anthropometric variables. Finally, an alpha level of 5% was considered for the whole analysis. Results: On the natural turf, the speed and cadence of the players were higher; on the artificial turf, the energy, flight time, contact phase and step angle were higher (p<0.05). On the other hand, an indirect relationship was observed between speed, contact time, percentage and fat weight (p=0.01). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the natural turf, Bermuda 419, allows for a faster sprinting patterns, characterized by lower energy use, flight time, contact phase and step angle.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Retos

Título del artículo:

Validity of the patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for the detection of depression in primary care in Colombia

Background: The PHQ-2 is a screening test for major depressive disorder (MDD) derived from PHQ-9, which has shown to be useful in the detection of cases of clinical significance in previous studies. The psychometric properties of PHQ-2 in the Colombian population are unknown. Methods: PHQ-2 were assessed in 243 patients in general medical consultations using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the gold standard. Internal consistency, convergent validity and criterion validity were calculated by analyzing the Receptor Operating Characteristics (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). Results: Cronbach\'s alpha and McDonald\'s omega coefficients were 0.71. Spearman\'s rho coefficients for correlations with PHQ-9 and HADS-D scores were 0.63 and 0.59 (p<0.01). AUC was 0.89. The optimal cut point was ≥2 with the following indicators: sensitivity 0.87 specificity 0.74; Youden index 0.60; PPV 0.47; NPV 0.95; (LR+) 3.24; (LR-) 0.18 (95% CI 0.09-0.37). Kappa coefficient between PHQ-2 and MINI for depression was .458 and 0.46 for HADS-D. Limitations: Since this study was done with people attending hospital, which could has implications for the prevalence of depression, affecting the validity indicators of the instrument. Conclusions: PHQ-2 show an acceptable test performance in the context of the study. However, the test could yield a considerable amount of false positives that would require specialized evaluation to establish a reliable diagnosis.

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Journal of Affective Disorders

Título del artículo:

Validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening in adult primary care users in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is one of the most widely used self-report instruments in primary care. There is no criterion validity of the PHQ-9 in Colombia. The objective was to validate the PHQ-9 as a screening tool in primary care. A cross-sectional, scale criterion validity study was performed using as reference criterion the mini neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) in male and female adult users of primary care centres. We calculated the internal consistency and convergent and criterion validity of the PHQ-9 by analysing the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). We analysed 243 participants; 184 (75.7%) were female. The average age was 34.05 (median of 31 and SD = 12.47). Cronbach\'s α was 0.80 and McDonald\'s ω was 0.81. Spearman\'s Rho was 0.64 for HADS-D (P <0.010) and 0.70 for PHQ-2 (P <0.010). The AUC was 0.92 (95% CI 0.880-0.963). The optimal cut-off point of PHQ-9 was ≥7: sensitivity of 90.38 (95% CI: 81.41-99.36); specificity of 81.68 (95% CI: 75.93-87.42); PPV 57.32 (95% CI: 46.00-68.63); NPV 96.89 (95% CI: 93.90-99.88); Youden index 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.82); LR+ 4.93 (95% CI: 3.61-6.74); LR– 0.12 (95% CI: 0.005-0.270). In sum, the Colombian version of PHQ-9 is a valid and reliable instrument for depression screening in primary care in Bucaramanga, with a cut-off point ≥7.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatria

Título del artículo:

Gelation kinetics of colloidal dispersion gels by viscoelasticrheological methods

Colloidal dispersion gels are one of the methodologies implemented, such as chemical recovery processes, in mature wells, their components are mainly polyacrylamide and aluminum citrate, both aqueous unlike other types of gelling, in this there is an intramolecular process, between the polymer chains and the crosslinker, generating a ball of polyacrylamide of nanometric dimensions. The usual gelling processes increase the viscosity of a fluid because of an increase in the molecular weight of the polymer, but in this case, the viscosity of the fluid decreases to the point of being close to that of the solvent, for this reason a monitoring of its gelation kinetics, in a conventional way is not possible, in view of this problem, this research implements techniques of viscoelastic characterization of fluids, to determine the loss and storage modules G\' and G?, as well as the phase angle in the time, in order to learn more about the gelling mechanism, as well as to be able to estimate a reaction speed, from the point of view of viscoelastic variables, the results obtained revealed that despite being gelling, there is a decrease in the storage modulus, to a greater extent than the loss modulus, which implies that the material loses elastic properties, that is, from solid to become a material more viscous or liquid. With this information, an equation was proposed that can be used both in the laboratory and in oil field work. In addition to being extended to fluids with similar behaviors, where the interactions between the polymeric chains and their crosslinker generate a decrease in their elastic properties.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Comparative analysis between asphaltites and extra heavy oil asphaltenes

The asphaltite material receives many names depending on the country, or area of knowledge, for this reason it is also known as bitumen, asphalt and gilsonite, its composition is a mixture of high molecular weight organic substances, mainly polyaromatic compounds characterized by a black color, and they appear in a semi-solid or solid state. Asphaltenes correspond to the oil fraction with the highest molecular weight, this characteristic provides a high viscosity to hydrocarbons, which contain, in their composition, a concentration equal to or greater than 10%, although the exact structure of this is not known. molecular family, it has been possible to elucidate the functional groups present, such as carbonyl acids, thiols and pyridines, implying the presence of heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, but the most characteristic part of this type of molecules is their nucleus polyaromatic, which can contain up to 20 or more benzene rings. A sample of Colombian asphaltite was taken and compared with a sample of asphaltenes from a Colombian extra-heavy crude, solubility tests, a spectroscopic characterization by Ultraviolet-Visible, infrared, a thermal evaluation by Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry were carried out., in addition to an analysis by X-ray diffraction, in order to determine if the behavior and composition of both The objective of this investigation is to be analyzed by comparing a traditional asphaltite and an asphaltite, if the latter has the same properties and composition, with a view to being used as an energy source. The results obtained reveal that despite the fact that both substances present a similar composition, their glass transitions are different, as well as the crystalline phases present in each of the materials.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Association between HPV infection, presence of intraepithelial lesions in the cervix and risk factors

Objective: To establish associations between risk factors and the presence of intraepithelial lesions and human papillomavirus infection. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 1639 from the Santos Marquina municipality, Mérida, Venezuela. Cervical cytology and colposcopy, human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were analyzed using PCR and surveys to measure risk factors. Results: 477 women (31.8%) had human papillomavirus infection and 82 women (5.6%) had abnormalities in cervical cytology. Among the cases where human papillomavirus genotyping was performed, 135 (42%) correspond to low-risk types, while 177 (55%) correspond to high-risk types. A higher proportion of abnormal cytologies was found in cases with high-risk human papillomavirus with 21 cases (13.4%) compared to low-risk human papillomavirus with 9 cases (6.4%). The number of lifetime sexual partners greater than 1 (OR=2,303; p=0.001) and the history of pregnancy (OR=3,283; p=0.036) were significant independently associated with the presence of abnormal cytology. While the number of lifetime sexual partners greater than 1 (OR=1.304; p=0.026), the residence in rural area (OR=1.957; p <0.001) and the age under 35 years (OR=1,397; p=0.003) were significant independently associated with the presence of human papillomavirus infection. Conclusion: The type of human papillomavirus and other risk factors play an important role in the appearance of cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista de Obstetricia y Ginecologia de Venezuela

Título del artículo:

Chemical study, antioxidant capacity, and hypoglycemic activity of malva pseudolavatera webb & berthel and malva sylvestris l. (malvaceae), grown in ecuador

Malva pseudolavatera and M. sylvestris (Malvaceae) are two species in great demand in Ecuador for their medicinal virtues. However, the chemical and biological information on M. psudolavatera is scarce. The present study aims to carry out a comparative chemical study of the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of the leaves of the species M. pseudolavatera and M. sylvestris to justify their traditional use. Extracts were made with 80% hydroalcoholic mixture from the leaves of M. sylvestris and M. pseudolavatera. The chemical composition was analyzed by Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The antioxidant capacity was performed by the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2\'azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid techniques and the hypoglycemic activity in Wistar rats at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, of the extracts, were evaluated. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis allowed the detection of similarities and differences in the chemical composition of both leaf extracts, the flavonoid gosipetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside, was found in both species and for M. pseudolavatera is reported for the first time. The extract of M. sylvestris showed antioxidant capacity and hypoglycemic activity, superior to the extract of M. pseudolavatera. The results of this research report for the first time the phenolic and flavonoid composition, as well as the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of the extracts of the leaves of M. pseudolavatera and its comparison with that of M. sylvestris for which there were previous reports.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research

Título del artículo:

Analysis of the atmospheric macro-physical using spatial methods

The central western area of Venezuela has an unequal distribution of precipitation. Due to its agricultural importance, is necessary to plan water accounting and this requires a evaluation of spatial and temporal variability of precipitation and an estimate of local geophysical effect from the relief. In this research we use an iterative computationally lattice approach to perform a confirmatory analysis of the variability and the spatial correlation structure in monthly precipitation stations. Spatial correlograms and pooled empirical semivariogram were applied to evaluate the most appropriate spatial weighting matrix to estimate the Moran\'s I. The altitude effect over monthly rainfall was estimated through spatial regression algorithm which determine the predominant spatial process in each slice. A homogeneous spatial stochastic process with positive spatial autocorrelation is evidenced. There is a trend towards a higher frequency of spatial error and spatial auto-regressive processes between the months of June and August whilst there are not dominant process between October and December. This response is caused by the dynamics of the intertropical convergence zone, which generates a seasonal effect on precipitation. These estimations allows decision-making in modeling and will lead to an improvement for analysis and forecasting in areas strongly affected by climate change and water stress.

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Journal of Physics: Conference Series

Título del artículo:

Genetic polymorphisms in multispecific transporters mitigate mercury nephrotoxicity in an artisanal and small-scale gold mining community in Colombia

In artisanal and small-scale gold mining, occupational exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor is related to harmful effects on several organs, including the kidneys. We previously reported significantly increased levels of Hg in blood and urine despite normal kidney function in individuals from Colombia occupationally exposed to Hg compared with those nonexposed. We evaluated the contribution of 4 genetic variants in key genes encoding the transporters solute carrier (SLC; rs4149170 and rs4149182) and ATP-binding cassette(ABC; rs1202169 and rs1885301) in the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity due to Hg exposure in these groups. Regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the blood- and urine-Hg concentration with SLC and ABC polymorphisms in 281 Colombian individuals (160 exposed and 121 nonexposed to Hg). We found an enrichment of ABCB1 rs1202169-T allele in the exposed group (p ¼ .011; OR¼ 2.05; 95% CI ¼ 1.18–3.58) compared with the nonexposure group. We also found that carriers of SLC22A8 rs4149182-G and ABCB1 rs1202169-T alleles had a higher urinary clearance rate of Hg than noncarriers (b ¼ 0.13, p ¼ .04), whereas carriers of SLC22A6 rs4149170-A and ABCB1 rs1202169-C alleles showed abnormal levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate (b ¼ -84.96, p ¼ .040) and beta-2microglobulin (b ¼ 743.38, p < .001). Our results suggest that ABCB1 rs1202169 and its interaction with SLC22A8 rs4149182 and SLC22A6 rs4149170 could mitigate Hg nephrotoxicity by controlling the renal proximal tubule cell accumulation of inorganic Hg. This will be useful to estimate the risk of kidney toxicity associated to Hg and the genetic selection to aid adaptation to Hg-rich environments.

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Toxicological Sciences

Título del artículo:

Total cardiovascular or fatal events in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors treated with dulaglutide in the REWIND trail: a post hoc analysis

Background: The Researching cardiovascular Events with a Weekly INcretin in Diabetes (REWIND) double blind randomized trial demonstrated that weekly subcutaneous dulaglutide 1.5 mg, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist, versus matched placebo reduced the first outcome of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke (594 versus 663 events) in 9901 persons with type 2 diabetes and either chronic cardiovascular disease or risk factors, and followed during 5.4 years. These findings were based on a time-to-first-event analysis and preclude relevant information on the burden of total major events occurring during the trial. This analysis reports on the total cardiovascular or fatal events in the REWIND participants Methods: We compared the total incidence of MACE or non-cardiovascular deaths, and the total incidence of expanded MACE (MACE, unstable angina, heart failure or revascularization) or non-cardiovascular deaths between participants randomized to dulaglutide and those randomized to placebo. Incidences were expressed as number per 1000 person-years. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using the conditional time gap and proportional means models. Results: Participants had a mean age of 66.2 years, 46.3% were women and 31% had previous cardiovascular disease. During the trial there were 1972 MACE or non-cardiovascular deaths and 3673 expanded MACE or non-cardiovascular deaths. The incidence of total MACE or non-cardiovascular deaths in the dulaglutide and placebo groups was 35.8 and 40.3 per 1000 person-years, respectively [absolute reduction = 4.5 per 1000 person-years; conditional time gap HR 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82–0.98) p = 0.020, and proportional means HR 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80–0.98) p = 0.022]. The incidence of total expanded MACE or non-cardiovascular deaths in the dulaglutide and placebo groups was 67.1 and 74.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively [absolute reduction = 7.6 per 1000 person-years; conditional time gap HR 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87–0.99) p = 0.023, and proportional means HR 0.90 (95% CI, 0.82–0.99) p = 0.028]. Conclusions: These findings suggest that weekly subcutaneous dulaglutide reduced total cardiovascular or fatal event burden in people with type 2 diabetes at moderate cardiovascular risk. Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.clinicaltrials.gouv. Unique Identifier NCT01394952).

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Cardiovascular Diabetology