Retailers' perspectives on selling tobacco in a low-income San Francisco neighbourhood after California's $2 tobacco tax increase.

BackgroundCalifornia's tobacco tax increased by $2.00 per pack in 2017. Although such increases are among the most effective tobacco control strategies, little is known about their impact from the perspective of corner store owners in low-income neighbourhoods with high concentrations of tobacco outlets.MethodsWe interviewed 38 corner store owners and managers in San Francisco's Tenderloin, the district with the city's highest tobacco outlet density, 60-90 days following implementation of the tax increase. Questions focused on perceptions of the impact of the higher tobacco tax on their revenues, customers and tobacco company promotions. We used qualitative content analysis to identify, compare and reconcile key themes.ResultsMost retailers reported a decline in cigarette sales, with customers buying fewer cigarettes, switching to cheaper brands or other products like marijuana, or trying to quit smoking. Retailers described challenges associated with running a small business and selling tobacco and concerns about selling a product that is 'bad' for customers' health. Contrary to expectation, tobacco companies appeared to be offering few product promotions in this neighbourhood.ConclusionsSmall, independent retailers' concerns, about selling tobacco and about the health and well-being of customers, suggest that such retailers may be important allies in tobacco control efforts,particularly those focused on the point-of-sale

Hubungan Overweight Dengan Kejadian Diabetes Mellitus Tipe 2 Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Bulango Utara

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting in impaired insulin secretion and resistance. This study aims to determine the relationship between overweight and the incidence of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the working area of North Bulango Public Health Center in 2020. This study used an analytical observational research design with a Cross Sectional Study design. The population in this study were all patients with degenerative diseases at the North Bulango Health Center in 2020, namely 1,219 people and the number of samples was 144 people using purposive sampling. Data analysis using Chi-Square. Respondents who experienced the incidence of type 2 DM were 66.7% and the least that did not experience or were not type 2 DM was 33.3%. Most of the respondents who are overweight are 61.1% and not overweight are 38.9%. The results of bivariate analysis showed p value = 0.000 which indicates that excess body weight is associated with the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Formación de administradores en educación superior a través de las prácticas profesionales en Venezuela y España

Las Prácticas Profesionales se constituyen en una actividad académica de suma importancia para el desarrollo de los profesionales universitarios. La investigación que se presenta tuvo como objetivo realizar un estudio comparativo en la organización y desarrollo de las prácticas profesionales de la carrera de Administración, entre las Universidades de Córdoba (España) y del Zulia (Venezuela). El diseño de la investigación es descriptivo, bajo una metodología comparativa propuesta por Velloso y Pedró (1991), desarrollando los cuatro pasos: descripción, interpretación, yuxtaposición y comparación. El análisis e interpretación de los resultados obtenidos de la investigación permitieron establecer las actividades conjuntas de la Coordinación de Prácticas Profesionales en las universidades en estudio y en concordancia con los objetivos fijados se formularon las siguientes conclusiones: se debe ampliar la formación específica de los futuros egresados para posibilitar su incorporación al mercado laboral, orientándolos a las condiciones legales del trabajo y su relación laboral. La desvinculación que existe entre la universidad-mercado laboral se debe a la falta de una comunicación efectiva. Partiendo del F.O.D.A. se observan diversos factores que van a permitir a las universidades mantener el prestigio como una fortaleza, la credibilidad de su entorno y la garantía de robustecer los programas estudiantiles a través de convenios lo cual facilitará su desarrollo operativo y funcional. Se debe mejorar la relación universidad-sector productivo. Las universidades están en condiciones de convertir las prácticas profesionales en modelo integrador cuyas estrategias fundamentales sean mecanismos de articulación que permitan este engranaje

Synthesis of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Antibacterial Activity

The synthesis of nanomaterials is currently one of the most active in nanoscience branches; especially those help improve the human quality life. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an example of this as it is known to have inhibitory and bactericidal effects. In this work, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by chemical reduction method of silver nitrate (AgNO3) from aqueous solution, using a mix of polivinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) - Aloe Vera as reducing agent and for stabilization and control of particle size. Silver nanoparticles obtained were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and measurements using Zetasizer Nano ZS were applied to size estimation. The existence of surface plasmon resonance peak at λmax ∼ 420 nm is evidence of silver nanoparticles formation. It was possible to standardize an appropriate protocol for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of the nanoparticles, for mesophilic microorganisms. Bactericidal activity above 90% against these kinds of bacteria was demonstrated. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd

Innovation capabilities in health organizations. Proposal of a model through structural equation models

El presente trabajo pretende encontrar los determinantes de las capacidades de innovación en las organizaciones dedicadas al cuidado de la salud. En primer lugar, se elaboró el modelo estructural y de medida que diera cuenta de las relaciones entre las variables latentes y las manifiestas. Como segundo aspecto se identificó el modelo. Posteriormente se procedió a calcular los índices de ajuste y mediante algunas técnicas de métodos multivariados; se analizaron las áreas del mismo que no se ajustaban adecuadamente para intervenirlas y así conseguir un óptimo ajuste. También se plantearon algunas hipótesis que nos permitieran probar las relaciones de causalidad positiva entre las Capacidades de Innovación y las variables. Respecto a la muestra, se logró tener un total de 283 observaciones extraídas de la red de hospitales de alta complejidad en Colombia durante los años 2016 y 2017. Se obtuvo un modelo con un ajuste significativo y que diera cuenta de los detonantes de las Capacidades de Innovación en las organizaciones de salud. Finalmente se demostró la incidencia positiva que tiene la gestión del conocimiento, del talento humano, las capacidades directivas, la cultura organizacional y algunos factores asociados a la organización de salud sobre dichas capacidadesIn the present work, we try to find the determinants of innovation capabilities in the health care organizations. Firstly, the structural and measurement model was elaborated to account the relations between the latent variables and the manifest ones. Secondly, the model was identified; subsequent to this, we proceeded to calculate the adjustment indexes and using some techniques of multivariate methods. Then, we analyzed the areas of the model that did not fit properly to intervene them and thus achieve an optimal adjustment. We proposed some hypothesis that allowed us to prove positive causal relationships between the Innovation Capabilities and the variables. We had 283 observations extracted from the network of high complexity hospitals in Colombia during the years 2016 and 2017. A model with a significant adjustment that would account for the triggers of Innovation Capabilities in health care organizations was obtained. Finally, the positive impact of knowledge management, human resource management, management capabilities, organizational culture, and some factors associated with the health care Organizations on Innovation Capabilities was demonstratedUniversidad Pablo de Olavid

Sex and reproductive cycle affect lipid and fatty acid profiles of gonads of Arbacia dufresnii (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Analysis of the lipid composition of gonads allows differentiation between energy and structural lipids, which is important for understanding lipid utilization during gametogenesis. Fatty acids, which are frequently used as biomarkers in trophic ecology studies, are also a useful companion to lipid studies and provide a detailed understanding of a species' reproductive cycle. We examined the influence of sex and the reproductive cycle on the lipid and fatty acid profiles of gonads in the sea urchin Arbacia dufresnii. In a population from Nuevo Gulf, Argentina, we found significant changes in total lipid concentration, lipid profile and fatty acid profile throughout the reproductive cycle. Ovaries and testes containing fully mature gametes differed in total lipid concentration (higher in the ovaries), lipid profile (more energy lipids in ovaries and more structural lipids in testes) and fatty acid profile (differed by sex, not only in the variety of fatty acids present but in the degree of unsaturation). Our results show that differences in lipid and fatty acid profiles caused by sex and gonadal reproductive stage need to be considered when these tools are used as biomarkers in ecological studies.Fil: Zárate, Erica. The University of Auckland; Nueva ZelandaFil: Díaz de Vivar, María Enriqueta Adela. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia; ArgentinaFil: Avaro, Marisa Gladis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia; ArgentinaFil: Epherra, Lucía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Sewell, Mary A.. The University of Auckland; Nueva Zeland

Comparación de métodos para la recuperación y determinación de la prevalencia de Streptococcus agalactiae en mujeres gestantes de Medellín

ResumenStreptococcus agalactiae es un coco Gram positivo que se encuentra frecuentemente asociado a infecciones en neonatos, mujeres embarazadas y adultos inmunocomprometidos.ObjetivoComparar la sensibilidad de los métodos para la recuperación y la determinación de la prevalencia de S. agalactiae en un grupo de mujeres gestantes de Medellín.Materiales y métodosSe llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo de corte. La población estudiada fueron 362 mujeres gestantes que consultaron en el periodo comprendido entre febrero y octubre de 2008, a las que se les tomaron muestras con hisopo del introito vaginal y de la región anal. Las muestras secultivaron simultáneamente en agar Nueva Granada y caldo Todd Hewitt con suplemento de antibióticos, a partir del cual se hizo un subcultivo en agar sangre de carnero al 5%.ResultadosAl comparar el método de recuperación en agar Nueva Granada con el método de referencia en caldo Todd Hewitt, la sensibilidad del primero fue de 44% y el valor diagnóstico positivo de 58%; presentó una alta especificidad (98%) y un valor diagnóstico negativo de 99%. Se identificó S. agalactiae en 21 (5,8%) gestantes.ConclusiónEl cultivo en caldo Todd Hewitt es un método sensible para la recuperación de S. agalactiae. Por consiguiente, se recomienda continuar con esta metodología para la tamización de mujeres gestantes en nuestro medio. La prevalencia de 5,8% encontrada en este estudio concuerda con los reportes de la literatura mundial y, teniendo en cuenta que la tasa de transmisión vertical es, aproximadamente, de 50% (1), se demuestra la necesidad de implementar medidas de vigilancia epidemiológica en nuestro medio.Streptococcus agalactiae, is a Gram positive coccus that is frequently associated to infections in neonates, pregnant women, and immunocompromised adults.ObjectiveCompare method sensitivity for recovery from S. agalactiae and to determine its prevalence in a group of pregnant women of the city of Medellín.Materials and methodsCross-sectional descriptive study. The population was pregnant women of Medellín who consulted from February to October, 2008; 362 pregnant women were included; the samples were taken from vagina introitus and anal area. The samples were simultaneously cultured in New Granada Agar and Todd Hewitt Broth supplemented with antibiotics, which was the base for the performance of a subculture in Ram Blood Agar at 5%.ResultsWhen comparing the New Granada Agar method of recovery with the Todd Hewitt Broth gold test, the sensitivity of the first was 44% and the positive predictive value was 58%; it presented 98% specificity and a negative predictive value of 99%. S. agalactiae was found in 21 (5.8%) pregnant women.ConclusionsTodd Hewitt Broth is a sensitive method for the recovery from S. agalactiae; therefore, continuing with this methodology for the screening of pregnant women in our environment is recommended. The 5,8% prevalence found in this study is consistent with the reports in world-wide literature. Considering that the rate of vertical transmission is approximately 50%, the need to implement epidemiological surveillance measures in our environment is evident

Early fluid bolus in adults with sepsis in the emergency department : a systematic review, meta-analysis and narrative synthesis

Background: Early intravenous fluids for patients with sepsis presenting with hypoperfusion or shock in the emergency department remains one of the key recommendations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines to reduce mortality. However, compliance with the recommendation remains poor. While several interventions have been implemented to improve early fluid administration as part of sepsis protocols, the extent to which they have improved compliance with fluid resuscitation is unknown. The factors associated with the lack of compliance are also poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis and narrative review to investigate the effectiveness of interventions in emergency departments in improving compliance with early fluid administration and examine the non-interventional facilitators and barriers that may influence appropriate fluid administration in adults with sepsis. We searched MEDLINE Ovid/PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases for studies of any design to April 2021. We synthesised results from the studies reporting effectiveness of interventions in a meta-analysis and conducted a narrative synthesis of studies reporting non-interventional factors. Results: We included 31 studies out of the 825 unique articles identified in the systematic review of which 21 were included in the meta-analysis and 11 in the narrative synthesis. In meta-analysis, interventions were associated with a 47% improvement in the rate of compliance [(Random Effects (RE) Relative Risk (RR) = 1.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.25–1.74, p-value < 0.01)]; an average 24 min reduction in the time to fluids [RE mean difference = − 24.11(95% CI − 14.09 to − 34.14 min, p value < 0.01)], and patients receiving an additional 575 mL fluids [RE mean difference = 575.40 (95% CI 202.28–1353.08, p value < 0.01)]. The compliance rate of early fluid administration reported in the studies included in the narrative synthesis is 48% [RR = 0.48 (95% CI 0.24–0.72)]. Conclusion: Performance improvement interventions improve compliance and time and volume of fluids administered to patients with sepsis in the emergency department. While patient-related factors such as advanced age, co-morbidities, cryptic shock were associated with poor compliance, important organisational factors such as inexperience of clinicians, overcrowding and inter-hospital transfers were also identified. A comprehensive understanding of the facilitators and barriers to early fluid administration is essential to design quality improvement projects

Organic solvents as risk factor for autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Genetic and epigenetic factors interacting with the environment over time are the main causes of complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases (ADs). Among the environmental factors are organic solvents (OSs), which are chemical compounds used routinely in commercial industries. Since controversy exists over whether ADs are caused by OSs, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the association between OSs and ADs. Methods and Findings: The systematic search was done in the PubMed, SCOPUS, SciELO and LILACS databases up to February 2012. Any type of study that used accepted classification criteria for ADs and had information about exposure to OSs was selected. Out of a total of 103 articles retrieved, 33 were finally included in the meta-analysis. The final odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by the random effect model. A sensitivity analysis confirmed results were not sensitive to restrictions on the data included. Publication bias was trivial. Exposure to OSs was associated to systemic sclerosis, primary systemic vasculitis and multiple sclerosis individually and also to all the ADs evaluated and taken together as a single trait (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.25-1.92; p-value, 0.001). Conclusion: Exposure to OSs is a risk factor for developing ADs. As a corollary, individuals with non-modifiable risk factors (i.e., familial autoimmunity or carrying genetic factors) should avoid any exposure to OSs in order to avoid increasing their risk of ADs