Quality of life of medicine students in the pandemic: a prospective observational cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major impacts on the mental and psychological health of young students. Stress, anxiety, depression, and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the consequences generated during the necessary social isolation. In this way, medical education has transformed due to the current Covid 19 epidemic, which has affected students and teachers of medical education in the country. In this way, the present research intends to collect data to evaluate the affected areas of the students in terms of quality of life, health, and other areas of their lives, thus being able to bring new information that can be used for a better approach to the theme. Therefore, this study evaluated the quality of life of medical students during the pandemic through the application of a remote questionnaire

Desarrollos electrónicos y fotónicos en sistemas de comunicaciones ópticas

En este trabajo se hace una breve descripción de las principales líneas de investigación y desarrollo del grupo de Sistemas de Comunicaciones Ópticas. Dentro del grupo se desarrollan las siguientes líneas de trabajo:Fotónica en Microondas y RF (MW & RF Photonics) consiste en actividades de I+D en tecnologías y dispositivos fotónicos que procesen, controlen, reciban o generen señales de MW y RF. Entre los sistemas más conocidos que operan en MW se encuentran los radares, conformador de haces, comunicaciones satelitales, transpondedores satelitales, enlaces de radio, a los cuales mediante tecnología fotónica se intenta agregarle o mejorarle alguna de sus características.Facultad de Ingenierí

Unlocking the potential of the low FODMAP diet: comprehensive insights into clinical efficacy, microbiome modulation, and beyond

Introduction: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) present significant challenges for both pediatric and adult populations. The low FODMAP diet (LFD) has gained prominence as an evidence-based dietary intervention, offering symptom relief for abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. However, concerns about adherence, nutritional adequacy, and long-term safety remain critical, particularly in pediatric populations. Areas covered: This narrative review examines the nature and physiological impact of FODMAPs, focusing on the practical application of the low-FODMAP diet (LFD) in adults and pediatric gastroenterology. Particular attention is given to emerging insights into its impact on gut microbiota and long-term safety. Expert opinion: While LFD effectively alleviates symptoms in FGIDs and functional symptoms in IBD, its restrictive nature demands professional supervision to mitigate nutritional risks. For pediatric patients, adherence and reintroduction protocols require optimization. Further research into personalized dietary approaches and microbiome-targeted strategies could enhance the clinical utility of the LFD, ensuring its long-term safety and efficacy for diverse patient groups

Unraveling the Hidden Burden of Gastrointestinal and Nutritional Challenges in Children with Fabry Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Fabry Disease (FD) is a multisystem X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that often manifests with nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms may appear early in childhood, severely impacting quality of life and delaying diagnosis, and may be linked to nutritional challenges. This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, clinical relevance, and nutritional aspects of GI manifestations in pediatric FD patients to aid in early recognition and improve outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search with meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception to November 2024 using fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted by two reviewers independently. Disagreements were resolved by consensus; a third reviewer was consulted, when necessary. Pooled analysis was performed by a random-effects model; heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 method. A quality assessment appraisal of the studies was carried out using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: The review encompassed 18 studies involving 736 pediatric patients. The evaluation of the pooled prevalence of GI symptoms in FD patients was 53% (95% CI 38–68%, I2 90%), with abdominal pain being the most frequent (pooled prevalence of 46% (95% CI 33–60%, I2 86%)). Symptoms often presented early, with a summarized standardized mean difference between the mean age of symptom onset and the mean age at FD diagnosis of 2.07 years (95% CI of 0.56–3.57, I2 42%, p < 0.01). Nutritional issues, including reduced food intake and potential malabsorption, were reported in cases with severe GI symptoms, contributing to growth impairments. Conclusions: GI symptoms frequently constitute the earliest clinical manifestation of FD in children. Their nonspecific nature underscores the importance of heightened clinical suspicion for timely diagnosis. Early intervention, including enzyme replacement therapy and tailored nutritional strategies, can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent disease progression. Multidisciplinary approaches are essential to optimize patient outcomes and further research into the pathophysiology and management of GI symptoms in FD is warranted

Biosurfactants: An Overview of Their Properties, Production, and Application in Mineral Flotation

The quest for sustainable mining processes has directed research towards environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional beneficiation practices, with biosurfactants emerging as a viable option due to their lower environmental impact. This study reviews the application of biosurfactants as bioreagents in mineral flotation, exploring their production, their mechanisms of action, and the sustainability benefits they offer. Methods include a decade-long text mining analysis of relevant literature, utilizing software tools like Zotero on platforms like Web of Science to extract and analyze data. The results underscore the growing interest in biosurfactants over the last ten years, highlighting their increasing relevance in industrial applications such as mineral flotation, where they replace synthetic surfactants. Particularly, biosurfactants have shown effectiveness in enhancing the froth flotation process, leading to more efficient mineral recovery while mitigating environmental harm. In conclusion, the adoption of biosurfactants in mineral processing not only aligns with sustainability goals but also demonstrates potential improvements in operational efficiency, offering a dual benefit of environmental protection and enhanced resource recovery

Low C3 Serum Levels Predict Severe Forms of STEC-HUS With Neurologic Involvement

Background: The correlation between the severity of hemolytic uremic syndrome related to Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC-HUS) and involvement of the complement system has been examined in a small number of studies, with conflicting results. In the present study, we investigated whether serum C3 levels on admission are associated with neurologic involvement. Methods: To this purpose, 68 consecutive STEC-HUS patients were recruited and main clinical and laboratory variables ad hospital admission were compared between those with or without neurologic involvement. Results: STEC-HUS patients who developed neurologic involvement (NI) showed significant higher leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and hemoglobin, and lower sodium levels as compared with those without. Interestingly, baseline serum levels of C3 were significantly lower in patients with NI as compared with those without (p < 0.001). Moreover, when stratified according to need of Eculizumab rescue therapy due to severe NI, patients treated with this drug showed baseline C3 serum levels significantly lower than those who were not (p < 0.001). Low C3 was independent risk factor for NI in our patients' population when entered as covariate in a multivariate logistic regression analysis including other major variables previously proposed as possible predictors of poor prognosis in STEC-HUS (for instance, leukocyte count, c-reactive protein, sodium levels) (HR 6.401, 95%CI 1.617–25.334, p = 0.008 for C3). To underline the role of complement in the worsening of STEC-HUS patients' clinical conditions and outcomes, all patients were divided into two groups according to the baseline lower vs. normal serum levels of C3 and the main data on care needs were assessed. Interestingly more patients with lower C3 serum levels required renal replacement therapy (p = 0.024), anti-hypertensive therapy (p = 0.011), Intensive Care Unit admission (p = 0.009), and longer hospitalization (p = 0.003), thus displaying significantly more severe disease features as compared with those with normal C3 serum levels. Conclusions: Our data suggests that children with STEC-HUS with decreased C3 concentrations at admission are more likely to develop neurologic involvement and are at increased risk of having severe clinical complications

Calcium butyrate efficacy in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome: Randomized placebo‐controlled multiomics‐based clinical trial

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, and treatment involves nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies, even if there is no optimal therapy. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of calcium butyrate supplementation in reducing IBS symptoms and to assess its effects on gut microbiota composition and relative metabolic profiles through a multiomics approach. Methods: Children aged 4–17 years with IBS diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria were randomized to receive either a formulation based on calcium butyrate (500 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. Clinical assessments included the visual analogue scale (VAS) and gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Fecal samples were analyzed via 16S metataxonomics and targeted/untargeted metabolomics. The primary outcome was an ≥50% reduction in the VAS scores. Secondary outcomes included microbiota composition changes and metabolite profile alterations. Results: Fifty-one children were enrolled. Treatment success was significantly higher in the butyrate group (73% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001). VAS and GSRS scores were significantly reduced in butyrate-treated patients at the end of treatment and postwashout. Metataxonomic analysis revealed increased short chain fatty acids-producing bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcus gauvreauii, while pro-inflammatory taxa such as Ruminococcus gnavus decreased. Metabolomics confirmed significant changes in SCFA and VOCs, supporting microbiota modulation. Discussion: Calcium butyrate supplementation effectively reduced IBS symptoms and induced beneficial microbiota and metabolic shifts in pediatric patients. These findings support butyrate as a potential therapy in pediatric IBS, warranting further large-scale investigations to confirm efficacy and optimize dosing strategies. Clinical Trial Identification Number: Study registered on: https://ClinicalTrials.gov. Number of registration: NCT04566679 Date of registration: 28/09/2020. Date of first enrollment of patients: 01/05/2021