Variations in concerns reported on the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI) in head and neck cancer patients from different health settings across the world

Background: The aim was to collate and contrast patient concerns from a range of different head and neck cancer follow-up clinics around the world. Also, we sought to explore the relationship, if any, between responses to the patient concerns inventory (PCI) and overall quality of life (QOL). Methods: Nineteen units participated with intention of including 100 patients per site as close to a consecutive series as possible in order to minimize selection bias. Results: There were 2136 patients with a median total number of PCI items selected of 5 (2-10). “Fear of the cancer returning” (39%) and “dry mouth” (37%) were most common. Twenty-five percent (524) reported less than good QOL. Conclusion: There was considerable variation between units in the number of items selected and in overall QOL, even after allowing for case-mix variables. There was a strong progressive association between the number of PCI items and QOL

Presidential campaign in Ecuador 2023 driven by the TikTok virtual community and educommunication perspective

Introducción: La comunicación política se está adaptado a las redes sociales y en específico al estilo de TikTok, integrando un enfoque de comunicación en doble vía, así como la implementación de estrategias con alta segmentación de usuarios, lo que refleja la evolución en la forma en que se desarrolla la política digital en Ecuador. Objetivos:  Analizar los factores que han contribuido en el éxito de la campaña política en TikTok de Daniel Noboa como candidato de segunda vuelta para la presidencia de Ecuador en el 2023. Metodología: La metodología presenta un enfoque mixto, mediante el uso de encuestas. Una muestra que representa a los expertos en comunicación digital de la zona centro del Ecuador. Resultados: Entre los resultados más relevantes se observa en la estrategia, mediante el uso de espacios públicos BTL, desafíos realizados por los influencers, creación de contenido audiovisual conciso y divertidos, la interacción, el algoritmo de TikTok, la comunicación directa y la necesidad de la alfabetización mediática para el consumo y difusión responsable. Conclusiones: El factor más impórtate en la estrategia es la conexión emocional con la audiencia en la que se ejecuta mediante la captación, interacción y fidelización de los usuarios electores para el logro de los objetivos políticos. Pero desde la perspectiva de la educomunicación es necesario el desarrollo de habilidades para el consumo del contenido y difusión responsable en las redes sociales. Área de estudio general: Ciencias Sociales. Área de estudio específica: Comunicación digital política.Introduction: Political communication is being adapted to social networks and specifically to the TikTok style, integrating a two-way communication approach, as well as the implementation of strategies with high user segmentation, which reflects the evolution in the way that digital policy is developed in Ecuador. Objectives: Analyze the factors that have contributed to the success of Daniel Noboa's political campaign on TikTok as a second-round candidate for the presidency of Ecuador in 2023. Methodology: The methodology presents a mixed approach, using surveys. A sample that represents digital communication experts from the central zone of Ecuador. Results: Among the most relevant results are observed in the strategy, using BTL public spaces, challenges conducted by influencers, creation of concise and fun audiovisual content, interaction, the TikTok algorithm, direct communication, and the need to media literacy for responsible consumption and dissemination. Conclusions: The most crucial factor in the strategy is the emotional connection with the audience in which it is executed through the recruitment, interaction, and loyalty of voting users to achieve political objectives. But from the perspective of educommunication, it is necessary to develop skills for the consumption of content and responsible dissemination on social networks. General area of study: Social Sciences. Specific area of study: Political digital communication

Presidential campaign in Ecuador 2023 driven by the TikTok virtual community and educommunication perspective

Introducción: La comunicación política se está adaptado a las redes sociales y en específico al estilo de TikTok, integrando un enfoque de comunicación en doble vía, así como la implementación de estrategias con alta segmentación de usuarios, lo que refleja la evolución en la forma en que se desarrolla la política digital en Ecuador. Objetivos:  Analizar los factores que han contribuido en el éxito de la campaña política en TikTok de Daniel Noboa como candidato de segunda vuelta para la presidencia de Ecuador en el 2023. Metodología: La metodología presenta un enfoque mixto, mediante el uso de encuestas. Una muestra que representa a los expertos en comunicación digital de la zona centro del Ecuador. Resultados: Entre los resultados más relevantes se observa en la estrategia, mediante el uso de espacios públicos BTL, desafíos realizados por los influencers, creación de contenido audiovisual conciso y divertidos, la interacción, el algoritmo de TikTok, la comunicación directa y la necesidad de la alfabetización mediática para el consumo y difusión responsable. Conclusiones: El factor más impórtate en la estrategia es la conexión emocional con la audiencia en la que se ejecuta mediante la captación, interacción y fidelización de los usuarios electores para el logro de los objetivos políticos. Pero desde la perspectiva de la educomunicación es necesario el desarrollo de habilidades para el consumo del contenido y difusión responsable en las redes sociales. Área de estudio general: Ciencias Sociales. Área de estudio específica: Comunicación digital política.Introduction: Political communication is being adapted to social networks and specifically to the TikTok style, integrating a two-way communication approach, as well as the implementation of strategies with high user segmentation, which reflects the evolution in the way that digital policy is developed in Ecuador. Objectives: Analyze the factors that have contributed to the success of Daniel Noboa's political campaign on TikTok as a second-round candidate for the presidency of Ecuador in 2023. Methodology: The methodology presents a mixed approach, using surveys. A sample that represents digital communication experts from the central zone of Ecuador. Results: Among the most relevant results are observed in the strategy, using BTL public spaces, challenges conducted by influencers, creation of concise and fun audiovisual content, interaction, the TikTok algorithm, direct communication, and the need to media literacy for responsible consumption and dissemination. Conclusions: The most crucial factor in the strategy is the emotional connection with the audience in which it is executed through the recruitment, interaction, and loyalty of voting users to achieve political objectives. But from the perspective of educommunication, it is necessary to develop skills for the consumption of content and responsible dissemination on social networks. General area of study: Social Sciences. Specific area of study: Political digital communication

Mejoras integradas para el cultivo de pimientos en invernaderos en el sur de Córdoba

Se ha experimentado sobre un sistema integrado de mejoras a invernaderos para la región del sur de la Provincia de Córdoba para solucionar los problemas de detención del crecimiento de cultivos de pimiento en época invernal. Las mejoras se basan en el uso de las ya probadas dobles cubiertas de polietileno y mangas calefactores, habiéndose desarrollado para estas últimas un sistema de montaje sencillo y eficiente, a lo que se ha agregado el uso de manta térmica para evitar la rápida dispersión de energía en la cercanía de la fuente emisora de calor. La propuesta resulta económicamente conveniente, lo cual se desprende del análisis de costos de material, montaje y operación de las mejoras y los resultados medidos en lo concerniente a niveles térmicos en distintos lugares del invernadero y ambiente exterior.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Mejoras integradas para el cultivo de pimientos en invernaderos en el sur de Córdoba

Se ha experimentado sobre un sistema integrado de mejoras a invernaderos para la región del sur de la Provincia de Córdoba para solucionar los problemas de detención del crecimiento de cultivos de pimiento en época invernal. Las mejoras se basan en el uso de las ya probadas dobles cubiertas de polietileno y mangas calefactores, habiéndose desarrollado para estas últimas un sistema de montaje sencillo y eficiente, a lo que se ha agregado el uso de manta térmica para evitar la rápida dispersión de energía en la cercanía de la fuente emisora de calor. La propuesta resulta económicamente conveniente, lo cual se desprende del análisis de costos de material, montaje y operación de las mejoras y los resultados medidos en lo concerniente a niveles térmicos en distintos lugares del invernadero y ambiente exterior.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Enteritis rádica y nutrición artificial: presentación de un caso

Radiation enteritis is caused by intestinal toxicity after radiotherapy. There is micro and macroscopic damage, and its late presentation is characterized by malabsorption. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with a history of endometrial carcinoma treated by surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. She consulted for vomiting and di- arrhea, and presented clinical and analytical data of malnutrition. Enteral nutrition was prescribed but later it was necessary to initiate home parenteral nutrition. The potential appearance of this condition limits the maximum dose of radiotherapy and may compromise its efficacy. It is important to plan an early nutritional support as it will condition its evolution.La enteritis rádica se produce por toxicidad intestinal tras radioterapia. Existe daño microscópico y macroscópico, y su presentación tardía se caracteriza por malabsorción. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 69 años con antecedente de carcinoma de endometrio tratado mediante cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia. Consultó por vómitos y diarrea, y presentaba datos clínicos y analíticos de desnutrición. Se pautó nutrición enteral pero posteriormente fue necesario iniciar nutrición parenteral domiciliaria. La potencial aparición de este cuadro limita la dosis máxima de radioterapia y puede comprometer su eficacia. Es importante planificar el soporte nutricional temprano ya que condicionará su evolución

Disfunción hipofisaria en relación a linfoma cerebral primario

The primary central nervous system lymphoma, in addition to manifesting itself through neurological symptoms secondary to mass effect, if it is located in the hypothalamic-pituitary region, it may present clinical hormonal dysfunction. We present the case of a 74 year-old male with cardiovascular risk factors who consults for asthenia, instability and headache. The radiological study revealed a hypothalamic mass which, after performing a biopsy, showed a diffuse B lymphoma, and the functional study showed panhypopituitarism. Substitutive hormonal therapy and chemotherapy were applied with a negative evolution of brain pathology.El linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central, además de manifestarse a través de síntomas neurológicos secundarios a efecto masa, si se localiza en la región hipotálamo-hipofisaria, puede presentarse con clínica de disfunción hormonal. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 74 años con factores de riesgo cardiovascular que consultó por astenia, inestabilidad y cefalea. El estudio radiológico reveló una masa hipotalámica que, tras realizar biopsia, concluyó en un linfoma B difuso, y el estudio funcional mostró un panhipopituitarismo. Se instauró tratamiento hormonal sustitutivo y quimioterápico con tórpida evolución de la patología cerebral

First near-relativistic solar electron events observed by EPD onboard Solar Orbiter

Context. Solar Orbiter, launched in February 2020, started its cruise phase in June 2020, in coincidence with its first perihelion at 0.51 au from the Sun. The in situ instruments onboard, including the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD), operate continuously during the cruise phase enabling the observation of solar energetic particles. Aims. In situ measurements of the first near-relativistic solar electron events observed in July 2020 by EPD are analyzed and the solar origins and the conditions for the interplanetary transport of these particles investigated. Methods. Electron observations from keV energies to the near-relativistic range were combined with the detection of type III radio bursts and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) observations from multiple spacecraft in order to identify the solar origin of the electron events. Electron anisotropies and timing as well as the plasma and magnetic field environment were evaluated to characterize the interplanetary transport conditions. Results. All electron events were clearly associated with type III radio bursts. EUV jets were also found in association with all of them except one. A diversity of time profiles and pitch-angle distributions was observed. Different source locations and different magnetic connectivity and transport conditions were likely involved. The July 11 event was also detected by Wind, separated 107 degrees in longitude from Solar Orbiter. For the July 22 event, the Suprathermal Electron and Proton sensor of EPD allowed for us to not only resolve multiple electron injections at low energies, but it also provided an exceptionally high pitch-angle resolution of a very anisotropic beam. This, together with radio observations of local Langmuir waves suggest a very good magnetic connection during the July 22 event. This scenario is challenged by a high-frequency occultation of the type III radio burst and a nominally non-direct connection to the source; therefore, magnetic connectivity requires further investigation.Agencia Estatal de Investigació

The voice of the little giants: Arcellinida testate amoebae in environmental DNA-based bioindication, from taxonomy free to haplotypic level

Bioindication, evaluating biological responses to environmental disturbances, is crucial for assessing the ecological status of an ecosystem. While historical bioindication relied on macroscopic organisms, the introduction of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques allows the application of protists without the necessity of morphological identification. In this study, we propose a novel bioindication methodology utilizing Arcellinida, a group of top predators among protists, as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems. For that purpose, we first characterized the Arcellinida diversity over 1 year at three different points of Lake Sanabria, an ancient glacier lake known to be subjected to anthropogenic disturbances. We compared this diversity with an undisturbed control site. Second, we characterized the Arcellinida diversity in other ecosystems to generate the ecological background to test the connectivity between them. Results indicate limited connectivity between the different ecosystems and an edge effect between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Disturbed freshwater ecosystems exhibited reduced Arcellinida diversity at both specific and infraspecific levels, providing valuable insight into recent disturbances. Arcellinida-based bioindication provides a sensitive, accurate and easy-to-interpret protocol for monitoring disturbances in freshwater ecosystems. It represents a valuable tool for environmental assessments and conservation strategiesThis study was funded by the Spanish Government PGC2018-094660B-I00 and PID2021-128499NB-I00 10.13039/501100011033/, (MCIU/AEI/ FEDER,UE) and an ‘Atracción de Talento Investigador’ grant awarded by the Consejería de Educación, Juventud y Deporte, Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) (2017-T1/AMB-5210) to E.L. and also under the grant PID2022-136691NA-I00 to D.V; a National Geographic Society EC86022R-21 to R.G.-

Physical activity and risk of Metabolic Syndrome in an urban Mexican cohort

Abstract Background In the Mexican population metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent. It is well documented that regular physical activity (PA) prevents coronary diseases, type 2 diabetes and MS. Most studies of PA have focused on moderate-vigorous leisure-time activity, because it involves higher energy expenditures, increase physical fitness, and decrease the risk of MS. However, for most people it is difficult to get a significant amount of PA from only moderately-vigorous leisure activity, so workplace activity may be an option for working populations, because, although may not be as vigorous in terms of cardio-respiratory efforts, it comprises a considerable proportion of the total daily activity with important energy expenditure. Since studies have also documented that different types and intensity of daily PA, including low-intensity, seem to confer important health benefits such as prevent MS, we sought to assess the impact of different amounts of leisure-time and workplace activities, including low-intensity level on MS prevention, in a sample of urban Mexican adults. Methods The study population consisted of 5118 employees and their relatives, aged 20 to 70 years, who were enrolled in the baseline evaluation of a cohort study. MS was assessed according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP III and physical activity with a validated self-administered questionnaire. Associations between physical activity and MS risk were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. Results The prevalence of the components of MS in the study population were: high glucose levels 14.2%, high triglycerides 40.9%, high blood pressure 20.4%, greater than healthful waist circumference 43.2% and low-high density lipoprotein 76.9%. The prevalence of MS was 24.4%; 25.3% in men and 21.8% in women. MS risk was reduced among men (OR 0.72; 95%CI 0.57–0.95) and women (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.64–0.94) who reported an amount of ≥30 minutes/day of leisure-time activity, and among women who reported an amount of ≥3 hours/day of workplace activity (OR 0.75; 95%CI 0.59–0.96). Conclusion Our results indicate that both leisure-time and workplace activity at different intensity levels, including low-intensity significantly reduce the risk of MS. This finding highlights the need for more recommendations regarding the specific amount and intensity of leisure-time and workplace activity needed to prevent MS