Synergic Effect of α

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among Mexican women. The treatment with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) has some serious side effects. Alpha-mangostin (α-M), has a protective effect against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, as well as antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, we explored the in vitro and in vivo effect of α-M on human cervical cancer cell proliferation when combined with CDDP. In vitro, The cytotoxic effect of α-M and/or CDDP was measured by the 3-(3,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium assay. Meanwhile, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the cell cycle were determined with flow cytometry. For α-M+CDDP treatment, both a coincubation and preincubation scheme were employed. In vivo, xenotransplantation was performed in female athymic BALB/c (nu/nu) mice, and then tumor volume and body weight were measured weekly, whereas α-M interfered with the antiproliferative activity of CDDP in the coincubation scheme, with preincubation with α-M+CDDP showing significantly greater cytotoxicity than CDDP or α-M alone, significantly inhibiting average tumor volume and preventing nephrotoxicity. This effect was accompanied by increased apoptosis and ROS production by HeLa cervical cancer cells, as well as an arrest in the cell cycle. These results suggest that α-M may be useful as a neoadjuvant agent in cervical cancer therapy

COVID-19 healthcare and social-related needs from the perspective of Spanish patients and healthcare providers: a qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions

IntroductionIdentifying stakeholders’ needs is crucial to informing decisions and policy development. This study aims to identify healthcare and social-related needs and effective strategies associated with COVID-19 from the first-person perspectives of patients and healthcare providers.MethodsCross-sectional online survey design including qualitative open-ended questions, conducted in primary care and hospital settings across Spain, with 12 out of 19 regions represented. Adults aged 18 years and older, who (a) resided in Spain and had a history of COVID-19 or (b) worked as healthcare providers delivering direct or indirect care for people with COVID-19 in Spanish primary care or hospitals during 2020 were eligible to participate. Recruitment was conducted via social-media networks (Twitter, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp) and communication channels of key organizations including patient and professional associations and groups. A total of 182 people were invited to complete the surveys and 76 people completed the surveys (71% women), of which 33 were home-isolated patients, 14 were hospitalized patients, 16 were primary care professionals, and 13 were hospital care professionals.ResultsA total of 327 needs and 86 effective strategies and positive aspects were identified across surveys and classified into the following overarching themes: (i) Accessibility, (ii) Basic needs, (iii) Clinical care, (iv) Person-and-family centered care, (v) Caring for the healthcare professional, (vi) Protocolization, information, health campaigns, and education, (vii) Resource availability, (viii) and Organizational needs/strategies.DiscussionFindings indicate the Spanish health and social care systems were generally unprepared to combat COVID-19. Implications for research, practice, and policy focus on integrating first-person perspectives as best practice to identify, prioritize and address needs to increase health and social care systems capacity and preparedness, as well as providing well-co-coordinated responses across government, healthcare, and non-government sectors to promote and protect the physical and mental health of all

COVID-19 healthcare and social-related needs from the perspective of Spanish patients and healthcare providers: a qualitative analysis of responses to open-ended questions

Identifying stakeholders’ needs is crucial to informing decisions and policy development. This study aims to identify healthcare and social-related needs and effective strategies associated with COVID-19 from the first-person perspectives of patients and healthcare providers. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey design including qualitative open-ended questions, conducted in primary care and hospital settings across Spain, with 12 out of 19 regions represented. Adults aged 18 years and older, who (a) resided in Spain and had a history of COVID-19 or (b) worked as healthcare providers delivering direct or indirect care for people with COVID-19 in Spanish primary care or hospitals during 2020 were eligible to participate. Recruitment was conducted via social-media networks (Twitter, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp) and communication channels of key organizations including patient and professional associations and groups. A total of 182 people were invited to complete the surveys and 76 people completed the surveys (71% women), of which 33 were home-isolated patients, 14 were hospitalized patients, 16 were primary care professionals, and 13 were hospital care professionals. Results: A total of 327 needs and 86 effective strategies and positive aspects were identified across surveys and classified into the following overarching themes: (i) Accessibility, (ii) Basic needs, (iii) Clinical care, (iv) Person-and-family centered care, (v) Caring for the healthcare professional, (vi) Protocolization, information, health campaigns, and education, (vii) Resource availability, (viii) and Organizational needs/strategies. Discussion: Findings indicate the Spanish health and social care systems were generally unprepared to combat COVID-19. Implications for research, practice, and policy focus on integrating first-person perspectives as best practice to identify, prioritize and address needs to increase health and social care systems capacity and preparedness, as well as providing well-co-coordinated responses across government, healthcare, and non-government sectors to promote and protect the physical and mental health of al

Adjusted morbidity groups: Characteristics and comorbidities in patients with chronic conditions according to their risk level in Primary Care

Objetivos: Describir las características de los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA). Analizar los factores asociados al nivel de riesgo alto y estudiar el efecto de cada uno de ellos. Dise˜no: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal con enfoque analítico. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria (AP). Servicio Madrile˜no de Salud. Participantes: Población de 18.107 pacientes estratificados por los GMA integrados en la historia clínica electrónica de AP de la Comunidad de Madrid. Mediciones principales: Variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de uso de servicios. Se realizó análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante. Resultados: De los 18.107 pacientes se identificaron 9.866 (54,4%) pacientes crónicos, 444 (4,5%) estratificados como de alto riesgo, 1.784 (18,1%) como de medio riesgo y 7.638 (77,4%) como de bajo riesgo. Los de alto riesgo, comparados con medio y bajo riesgo, tenían una edad media mayor (77,8 [12,9]; 72,1 [12,9]; 50,6 [19,4]), menor porcentaje de mujeres (52,3%, 65%, 61,1%), mayor número de enfermedades crónicas (6,7 [2,4]; 4,3 [1,5]; 1,9 [1,1]), polimedicación (79,1%, 43,3%, 6,2%) y contactos con AP (33,9 [28]; 21,4 [17,3]; 7,9 [9,9]) (p < 0,01). En el multivariante el nivel de riesgo alto se relacionó de manera independiente con la edad > 65 (OR = 1,43; IC 95% = 1,03-1,99), sexo masculino (OR = 3,46; IC 95% = 2,64-4,52), inmovilidad (OR = 6,33; IC 95% = 4,40-9,11), número de enfermedades crónicas (OR = 2,60; IC 95% = 2,41-2,81) (p < 0,01) y número de contactos con AP > 7 (OR = 1,95; IC 95% = 1,36-2,80). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de la población fue clasificada por los GMA como crónica, y se estratificó en 3 niveles de riesgo que presentaban diferencias en sexo, edad, deterioro funcional, necesidad de cuidados, morbilidad, complejidad, polifarmacia y contactos con AP. La edad > 65, el sexo masculino, la inmovilidad, el número de enfermedades crónicas y los contactos con AP > 7 fueron los factores asociados al alto riesgo.Aims: To describe the characteristics of patients with chronic conditions according to their risk levels assigned by the adjusted morbidity groups (AMG). To analyse the factors associated with a high risk level and to study their effect. Design: Observational cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. Location: Primary care (PC), Madrid Health Service. Participants: Population of 18,107 patients stratified by their risk levels with the AMG in the computerised clinical records of Madrid PC. Main measurements: The variables studied were: socio-demographic, clinical-nursing care and use of services. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: Of the 18,107 patients, 9,866(54.4%) were identified as chronic patients, with 444 (4.5%) stratified as high risk, 1784 (18,1%) as medium risk, and 7,638 (77.4%) as low risk. The high risk patients, compared with medium and low risk, had an older mean age [77.8 (SD = 12.9), 72.1 (SD = 12.9), 50.6 (SD = 19.4)], lower percentage of women (52.3%, 65%, 61.1%), a higher number of chronic diseases [6.7 (SD = 2.4), 4.3 (SD = 1.5), 1.9 (SD = 1.1)], polymedication (79.1%, 43.3%, 6.2%), and contact with PC [33.9 (28), 21.4 (17.3), 7.9 (9.9)] (P <. 01). In the multivariate analysis, the high risk level was independently related to age > 65 [1.43 (1.03-1.99), male gender (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.64-4.52), immobility (OR = 6.33, 95% CI = 4.40-9.11), number of chronic conditions (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 2.41-2.81), and PC contact > 7 times (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.36- 2.80)] (P < .01). Conclusions: More than half of the population is classified by the AMG as a chronic, and it is stratified into 3 risk levels that show differences in gender, age, functional impairment, need for care, morbidity, complexity, and use of Primary Care services. Age > 65, male gender, immobility, number of chronic conditions, and contact with PC > 7 times were the factors associated with high risk

Efecto de la temperatura sobre diferentes mieles multiflorales del estado de hidalgo en su actividad antibacteriana

Se determinó el efecto de la temperatura en la actividad antibacteriana de cinco mieles multiflorales del Estado de Hidalgo. Se recolectaron mieles de Acaxochitlan (AC), Arenal (AR), Huehuetla (HU), Orizatlan (OR) y Tasquillo (TA). Las determinaciones se realizaron por medio de bioensayos en los cuales se tenía una concentración inicial de 106 - 107 UFC/mL de las bacterias patógenas (Salmonella sp., B. subtillis, P. aeroginosa, L. monocytogenes) determinando la eliminación por el método de un vertido en placa. Todas las mieles fueron sometidas a diferentes temperaturas (40, 50, 60, 70 y 80 oC). Se observaron diferencias significativas (P<0.05) en el comportamiento de las diferentes mieles con respecto a la temperatura. En Salmonella sp se encontró un efecto lineal en todas las mieles, al incrementar la temperatura va descendiendo su actividad antibacteriana. Para B. subtillis y P. areroginosa el comportamiento de las mieles AR, TA y HU fue de forma lineal, mientras las mieles de OR y AC su comportamiento fue cuadrático en donde a los 60°C se encuentra la mayor actividad antibacteriana. En cuanto a L. monocytogenes las mieles AC, AR, HU y OR se comportaron de forma cuadrática, pero en la miel de TA se obtuvo un efecto lineal. Los resultados revelaron que las mieles se comportan de una manera diferente (lineal o cuadrática) al ser sometidas a diferente temperatura y dependiendo de la bacteria patógena que estén eliminando

Health services utilization in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk levels

Fundamentos: Los pacientes crónicos sufren mayor número de problemas de salud y tienen mayores necesidades de asistencia y cuidados. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la utilización de servicios de salud de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los grupos de morbilidad ajustados (GMA), así como analizar los factores asociados. Sujetos y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥ 18 años identificados como crónicos por el estratificador GMA en una zona básica de salud de la Comunidad de Madrid, con una población adscrita de 18.107 habitantes. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, clínico-asistenciales y de utilización de servicios, y se clasificaron según el modelo “conductual” en “factores predisponentes”, “factores de necesidad” o “factores facilitadores”. Se empleó un análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariante, ajustando un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con estimadores robustos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 9.443 pacientes crónicos (el 52,1% de la población de la zona seleccionada), con una edad media de 57,8 años (Desviación estándar [DE]=18,7), siendo mujeres el 62,1%. El 4,7% eran pacientes de alto riesgo, el 18,7% de medio riesgo y el 76,6% presentaba bajo riesgo. La media de contactos/año fue de 14,1 (DE=15,2). 34,4 (DE=27,9) en alto riesgo, 21,8 (DE=17,2) en riesgo medio y 10,1 (DE=10,2) en bajo riesgo. De estos contactos, 7,5 (DE=7,1) fueron con médico y 12,9 (DE=12,9) presenciales. Los factores asociados a mayor utilización fueron el riesgo alto (Coeficiente B [CB]=12,6; IC95%=11,1-14,2), el estar inmovilizado (CB=8,8; IC95%=7,3-10,4), la polimedicación (CB=6; IC95%=5,1-6,9), el ser mujer (CB=1; IC95%=0,4-1,5), el número de enfermedades crónicas (CB=1; IC95%=0,8-1,2) y la edad (CB=0,03; IC95%=0,01-0,05). Conclusiones: La utilización de servicios de Atención Primaria en los pacientes crónicos es elevada y aumenta según el nivel de riesgo asignado por los GMA. El contacto con el médico es superior frente al de la enfermería, y el tipo más frecuente es presencial. La mayor utilización responde a factores predisponentes (ser mujer y la edad) y, sobre todo, de necesidad clínica (alto riesgo, multimorbilidad, polimedicación e inmovilidad).Background: Chronic patients suffer a greater number of health problems and have greater needs for assistance and care. The objective was to describe the use of health services in Primary Care in patients with chronic conditions according to risk level by adjusted morbidity groups (AMG) and analyze the associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study. We included patients ≥18 years-old identified as chronic by the stratification tool according to AMG in a basic health area in the Community of Madrid with an assigned population of 18,107 inhabitants. Sociodemographic, clinical-care and use of services variables were collected and were classified according to the “behavioral” model in predisposing, need or facilitators factors. Univariate, bivariate and multiple linear regression adjusted with robust estimators was performed. Results: 9,443 chronic patients (52.1% of the population in the selected zone) were identified, mean age of 57.8 (SD=18.7); 62.1% women. According to their risk level 4.7% were high risk, 18.7% medium risk and 76.6% low risk. The mean number of contacts per year was 14.1 (SD=15.2); 34.4 (SD=27.9) in high risk; 21.8 (SD=17.2) in medium risk and 10.1 (SD=10.2) in low risk. 7.5 (SD=7.1) contacts were with the doctor and 12.9 (SD=12.9) were face- to-face. The factors associated with higher use of services were high risk (Coefficient B[CB]=12.6; IC95%=11-14.2), immobilization (CB=8.8; IC95%=7.3-10.4), polypharmacy (CB=6; IC95%=5- 8.6), female sex (CB=1; IC95%=0.4-1.5), number of chronic diseases (CB=1; IC95%=0.8-1.2) and age (CB=0.03; IC95%=0.01-0.05). Conclusions: The health services utilization in Primary Care in chronic patients is high and increased according with the risk level by AMG. The contact with the doctor is superior to nurse and the most frequent type is face-to-face. The greater utilization of services responds to predisposing factors (female sex and age) and above all to need factors (high risk, immobility, multimorbidity and polypharmacy).Ayuda para la elaboración de tesis doctorales de la Fundación para la Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Atención Primaria (FIIBAP) de la Comunidad de Madrid

Amyloidogenic Properties of a D/N Mutated 12 Amino Acid Fragment of the C-Terminal Domain of the Cholesteryl-Ester Transfer Protein (CETP)

The cholesteryl-ester transfer protein (CETP) facilitates the transfer of cholesterol esters and triglycerides between lipoproteins in plasma where the critical site for its function is situated in the C-terminal domain. Our group has previously shown that this domain presents conformational changes in a non-lipid environment when the mutation D470N is introduced. Using a series of peptides derived from this C-terminal domain, the present study shows that these changes favor the induction of a secondary β-structure as characterized by spectroscopic analysis and fluorescence techniques. From this type of secondary structure, the formation of peptide aggregates and fibrillar structures with amyloid characteristics induced cytotoxicity in microglial cells in culture. These supramolecular structures promote cell cytotoxicity through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and change the balance of a series of proteins that control the process of endocytosis, similar to that observed when β-amyloid fibrils are employed. Therefore, a fine balance between the highly dynamic secondary structure of the C-terminal domain of CETP, the net charge, and the physicochemical characteristics of the surrounding microenvironment define the type of secondary structure acquired. Changes in this balance might favor misfolding in this region, which would alter the lipid transfer capacity conducted by CETP, favoring its propensity to substitute its physiological function

Contribución al desarrollo social a través de la extensión universitaria

La Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP), a través de la Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones Innovación y Extensión, busca promover la extensión universitaria como una estrategia que permite el intercambio, la aplicación y la integración del conocimiento científico, tecnológico, artístico y cultural; al igual que la vinculación con la realidad social, cultural, económica y productiva de la región y del país, al darle valor a las capacidades institucionales y al generar una articulación e integración entre la docencia y la investigación, la cual permita la identificación de problemáticas y la propuesta de alternativas de solución; además de las oportunidades en el sector externo para realizar intervenciones y alianzas que conduzcan a fortalecer y aportar al desarrollo económico, cultural y el bienestar de la comunidad en general. En este sentido, para el año 2018 se ofertó, a los miembros de la comunidad universitaria, la «Convocatoria interna para la financiación de proyectos de extensión social, cultural y artístico» cuya ejecución se realizaría en el año 2019 y cuyo objetivo era fomentar el desarrollo de proyectos de carácter social, cultural, artístico, los cuales permitieran la solución y transformación de problemáticas que involucraran o beneficiaran sectores de diferentes comunidades. En esta convocatoria fueron financiados catorce proyectos que involucran a diferentes estamentos de la sociedad civil en torno al planteamiento y a la discusión de problemáticas, conflictos y sus posibles soluciones, así como a la identificación de oportunidades de progresos tecnológicos, ambientales, educativos o de creación artística, los cuales involucren o beneficien sectores de diferentes comunidades

Colombian consensus recommendations for diagnosis, management and treatment of the infection by SARS-COV-2/ COVID-19 in health care facilities - Recommendations from expert´s group based and informed on evidence

La Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN) y el Instituto de Evaluación de Nuevas Tecnologías de la Salud (IETS) conformó un grupo de trabajo para desarrollar recomendaciones informadas y basadas en evidencia, por consenso de expertos para la atención, diagnóstico y manejo de casos de Covid 19. Estas guías son dirigidas al personal de salud y buscar dar recomendaciones en los ámbitos de la atención en salud de los casos de Covid-19, en el contexto nacional de Colombia

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social Apuestas para el desarrollo regional.

Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social: apuestas para el desarrollo regional [Edición 1 / Nov. 6 - 7: 2019 Bogotá D.C.]El Congreso Internacional de Responsabilidad Social “Apuestas para el Desarrollo Regional”, se llevó a cabo los días 6 y 7 de noviembre de 2019 en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C. como un evento académico e investigativo liderado por la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios -UNIMINUTO – Rectoría Cundinamarca cuya pretensión fue el fomento de nuevos paradigmas, la divulgación de conocimiento renovado en torno a la Responsabilidad Social; finalidad adoptada institucionalmente como postura ética y política que impacta la docencia, la investigación y la proyección social, y cuyo propósito central es la promoción de una “sensibilización consciente y crítica ante las situaciones problemáticas, tanto de las comunidades como del país, al igual que la adquisición de unas competencias orientadas a la promoción y al compromiso con el desarrollo humano y social integral”. (UNIMINUTO, 2014). Dicha postura, de conciencia crítica y sensibilización social, sumada a la experiencia adquirida mediante el trabajo articulado con otras instituciones de índole académico y de forma directa con las comunidades, permitió establecer como objetivo central del evento la reflexión de los diferentes grupos de interés, la gestión de sus impactos como elementos puntuales que contribuyeron en la audiencia a la toma de conciencia frente al papel que se debe asumir a favor de la responsabilidad social como aporte seguro al desarrollo regional y a su vez al fortalecimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible