Estudio para determinar la aceptación de un concepto tecnológico en un lugar de disfrute gastronómico

Proyecto de Gradución (Maestría en Administración de Empresas) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Administración de Empresas, 2018.El presente documento consiste en una investigación de mercado realizada en una fracción del total de los colaboradores de la empresa Dos Pinos R.L. Dicha investigación tiene como fin determinar la aceptación de los trabajadores de la Cooperativa Dos Pinos R.L. al concepto de negocio en el cual se facilite el disfrute gastronómico, en compañía de la Tecnología. El muestreo realizado es de tipo aleatorio, estratificado proporcional, según el género, con selección sistemática. Para dicho análisis se realizó una encuesta digital compuesta por 17 preguntas de tipo abiertas, cerradas y de selección múltiple, en la cual participaron 122 colaboradores de la empresa de diferentes áreas. De los resultados más importantes se encuentra un 83% de los encuestados no conocen un lugar con las características ofrecidas y el 88%, está dispuesta a asistir a un local comercial con las características que se proponen. Donde el 76% se encuentra en los rangos de edad de 25 a 34 y 35 a 44 años. Adicionalmente más del 75% frecuenta principalmente lugares ubicados en la zona de Alajuela y San José, mismas provincias que son su primera opción cuando planean compartir en un local comercial del tipo mencionado, con un 73% de la muestra. El análisis de las encuestas permite concluir que la creación de un local comercial donde se combine el disfrute gastronómico en compañía de la tecnología, contaría con la aceptación de los empleados de la Cooperativa encuestados, dato que se confirma con un 88% de respuestas afirmativas a la pregunta de si visitaría un negocio donde se presente este concepto. Como recomendación producto de la investigación es ampliar con más detalle el concepto del negocio, esto para que las personas encuestadas tengan una mejor referencia del tipo de negocio que se desea ofrecer. Como paso siguiente a la presente investigación, seria aplicar una encuesta para evaluar una posible ubicación para el desarrollo del concepto, esto aplicándolo al segmento de mercado seleccionado con el instrumento utilizado.Cooperativa Dos Pinos R.L

Development of novel microstructured lipid carriers for dissolution rate enhancement of albendazole

Objective: This study aimed to develop a microstructured lipid carrier that improves the rate of dissolution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) Albendazole. Methods: A solvent diffusion method was used for the development of microstructured lipid carriers. The developed carriers were characterized by optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and dissolution testing. Results: The morphology of the carriers was irregular, and their size tends to decrease with the addition of modifiers. Furthermore, the diffractograms and the thermograms indicated a loss of crystallinity. The thermograms and infrared spectra showed that there are not chemical incompatibilities between the API and the excipients. When the lipid carrier particles were modified with Aerosil® 200 (specifically when using this excipient at a level of 6% w/w), dissolution was increased up to 85.96±1.17 % of the drug content as per USP test for Albendazole tablets in comparison with 36.13±0.52 % for a lipid carrier formulation without modifiers. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that it is possible to develop a modified lipid carrier that improves the dissolution rate of an API with a low solubility, which was related to the amorphization of the API crystalline structure.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacéuticas (INIFAR

Rubus adenotrichus fruit extracts phytochemical characterization and antioxidant power evaluation for dermocosmetic formulations

There are more than 700 species of the genus Rubus, popularly known as Mora (tropical highland blackberry). In Costa Rica, the species Rubus adenotrichus has been characterized by its high content of antioxidant substances, becoming one of the most cultivated species and that may have characteristics to be used in cosmetics or medicine. The objective of the present study is to identify the main phytochemical groups and to quantify the main markers in order to associate them with cosmetic or medicinal functions in pharmaceutical products. Ripe fruits of Rubus adenotrichius were fractionated with solvents of low, medium and high polarity, followed by a phytochemical screening according to the World Health Organization Guidelines for the Control of Quality of Products of Natural Origin. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by means of the H-ORAC and DPPH test; the concentration of total phenols by Folin-Ciocalteau and antocinanins by differential pH was determined. Finally, the physicochemical properties of the aqueous extract, such as pH, specific gravity, Brix grades, conductivity, and osmolarity was determined and an absorption spectrum from 260 to 700 nm was obtained. Phenolic compounds were found as condensed and non-condensed tannins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids as major phytochemical groups, a high antioxidant power measured in H-ORAC 311 ± 7.63 μg/mol Trolox Equivalent/g of dry fruit, and EC 50 118.46 mg/L for the aqueous extract. The total phenols found was 20.85 ± 0.27 mg/g of dry sample of gallic acid equivalents which makes the Rubus adenotrichus fruit an excellent component for bacteriostatic, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, nourishing and moisturizing formulations, and the astringent effect also allows its application to small superficial wounds on the skin. Likewise, the acidic pH of 3.55 ± 0.1 is beneficial for maintaining the cutaneous acid mantle thereby favoring the normal flora of the skin, but may be a problem for the formulation of carbomer-based gels or the incorporation of preservatives. The aqueous extract is hyperosmotic (559.66 ± 3.21 mOs/kg) and has a high electrical conductivity (285 ± 2 μS/cm) due to the presence of electrolytes and a considerable amount of sugars, according to Brix degrees (7.543° ± 0.005°). Finally, the 4% w/w aqueous extract shows an absorption of ultraviolet radiation of 25% in the wavelengths from 260 to 400nm, by which it also could be useful for formulating compositions for sun protection.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacéuticas (INIFAR

Mechanical Biosensors in Biological and Food Area: a Review

A review of state the art about the structure, classification and operation of biosensors applied in food and biological areas is presented. This review is focused to mechanical biosensors that use mill, micro and nanocantilevers. Basic concepts of atomic force microscopy and optical systems, used as testing platform of biosensors are described. The most funcionalized strategies and geometrical configurations are also explained. Mathematical methods for evaluating the performance in static and dynamic mode of the mechanical biosensors are reviewed and examples of application in biological and food areas are provided. An overall description of the operational effect of operation conditions and design variables on the sensitivity devices is also proposed. A brief description of the design processes and manufacturing of cantilevers based silicon technology as well as information about BioMEMS and BioNEMS are provided. Finally, overall tends in research, development and commercialization of biosensors are described briefly as well as probable areas of development in food biosensors. Thereby, this review provides an overall view of biosensors, as an exploratory guide to identify the most important aspects of this technology

Atrasentan and renal events in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (SONAR): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Short-term treatment for people with type 2 diabetes using a low dose of the selective endothelin A receptor antagonist atrasentan reduces albuminuria without causing significant sodium retention. We report the long-term effects of treatment with atrasentan on major renal outcomes. Methods: We did this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial at 689 sites in 41 countries. We enrolled adults aged 18–85 years with type 2 diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)25–75 mL/min per 1·73 m 2 of body surface area, and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)of 300–5000 mg/g who had received maximum labelled or tolerated renin–angiotensin system inhibition for at least 4 weeks. Participants were given atrasentan 0·75 mg orally daily during an enrichment period before random group assignment. Those with a UACR decrease of at least 30% with no substantial fluid retention during the enrichment period (responders)were included in the double-blind treatment period. Responders were randomly assigned to receive either atrasentan 0·75 mg orally daily or placebo. All patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was a composite of doubling of serum creatinine (sustained for ≥30 days)or end-stage kidney disease (eGFR <15 mL/min per 1·73 m 2 sustained for ≥90 days, chronic dialysis for ≥90 days, kidney transplantation, or death from kidney failure)in the intention-to-treat population of all responders. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of their assigned study treatment. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01858532. Findings: Between May 17, 2013, and July 13, 2017, 11 087 patients were screened; 5117 entered the enrichment period, and 4711 completed the enrichment period. Of these, 2648 patients were responders and were randomly assigned to the atrasentan group (n=1325)or placebo group (n=1323). Median follow-up was 2·2 years (IQR 1·4–2·9). 79 (6·0%)of 1325 patients in the atrasentan group and 105 (7·9%)of 1323 in the placebo group had a primary composite renal endpoint event (hazard ratio [HR]0·65 [95% CI 0·49–0·88]; p=0·0047). Fluid retention and anaemia adverse events, which have been previously attributed to endothelin receptor antagonists, were more frequent in the atrasentan group than in the placebo group. Hospital admission for heart failure occurred in 47 (3·5%)of 1325 patients in the atrasentan group and 34 (2·6%)of 1323 patients in the placebo group (HR 1·33 [95% CI 0·85–2·07]; p=0·208). 58 (4·4%)patients in the atrasentan group and 52 (3·9%)in the placebo group died (HR 1·09 [95% CI 0·75–1·59]; p=0·65). Interpretation: Atrasentan reduced the risk of renal events in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease who were selected to optimise efficacy and safety. These data support a potential role for selective endothelin receptor antagonists in protecting renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. Funding: AbbVie

Memoria del II Coloquio Internacional sobre Diversidad Cultural y Estudios Regionales

Desde la Sede de Occidente y, específicamente, en el seno de la Coordinación de Investigación y con el apoyo de la Dirección de la Sede y las Coordinaciones de Docencia, Administración y Acción Social, así como de la Vicerrectoría de Investigación, se han celebrado en el 2011 y en el 2012 dos coloquios internacionales sobre diversidad cultural y estudios regionales. El propósito de ambos consistió principalmente en motivar a investigadores e investigadoras de las distintas unidades académicas de la Universidad de Costa Rica y de otras instituciones de Educación Superior, así como a representantes de Centros e Institutos de Investigación nacionales e internacionales, a presentar resultados de investigaciones que contribuyeran a un mayor conocimiento de los procesos culturales y que dieran a conocer resultados que permitieran la comprensión de las realidades de distintos sectores y regiones. En el 2011 se presentaron cuarenta y seis ponencias y se dictaron tres conferencias magistrales, y en el 2012 se expusieron cincuenta ponencias y se impartieron tres conferencias magistrales.UCR::Sedes Regionales::Sede de Occidente::Recinto San Ramón::Centro de Investigaciones sobre Diversidad Cultural y Estudios Regionales (CIDICER

Early mobilisation in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a subanalysis of the ESICM-initiated UNITE-COVID observational study

Background Early mobilisation (EM) is an intervention that may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. There is limited data on EM in COVID-19 patients and its use during the first pandemic wave. Methods This is a pre-planned subanalysis of the ESICM UNITE-COVID, an international multicenter observational study involving critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU between February 15th and May 15th, 2020. We analysed variables associated with the initiation of EM (within 72 h of ICU admission) and explored the impact of EM on mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as discharge location. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear mixed-effect models and ANOVAs. Results Mobilisation data from 4190 patients from 280 ICUs in 45 countries were analysed. 1114 (26.6%) of these patients received mobilisation within 72 h after ICU admission; 3076 (73.4%) did not. In our analysis of factors associated with EM, mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.25, 0.35; p = 0.001), higher age (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00; p ≤ 0.001), pre-existing asthma (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98; p = 0.028), and pre-existing kidney disease (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71, 0.99; p = 0.036) were negatively associated with the initiation of EM. EM was associated with a higher chance of being discharged home (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58; p = 0.007) but was not associated with length of stay in ICU (adj. difference 0.91 days; 95% CI − 0.47, 1.37, p = 0.34) and hospital (adj. difference 1.4 days; 95% CI − 0.62, 2.35, p = 0.24) or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.7, 1.09, p = 0.24) when adjusted for covariates. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that a quarter of COVID-19 patients received EM. There was no association found between EM in COVID-19 patients' ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality. However, EM in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of being discharged home rather than to a care facility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04836065 (retrospectively registered April 8th 2021)

Effect of alirocumab on mortality after acute coronary syndromes. An analysis of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES randomized clinical trial

Background: Previous trials of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) inhibitors demonstrated reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, but not death. We assessed the effects of alirocumab on death after index acute coronary syndrome. Methods: ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab) was a double-blind, randomized comparison of alirocumab or placebo in 18 924 patients who had an ACS 1 to 12 months previously and elevated atherogenic lipoproteins despite intensive statin therapy. Alirocumab dose was blindly titrated to target achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between 25 and 50 mg/dL. We examined the effects of treatment on all-cause death and its components, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular death, with log-rank testing. Joint semiparametric models tested associations between nonfatal cardiovascular events and cardiovascular or noncardiovascular death. Results: Median follow-up was 2.8 years. Death occurred in 334 (3.5%) and 392 (4.1%) patients, respectively, in the alirocumab and placebo groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.98; P=0.03, nominal P value). This resulted from nonsignificantly fewer cardiovascular (240 [2.5%] vs 271 [2.9%]; HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.05; P=0.15) and noncardiovascular (94 [1.0%] vs 121 [1.3%]; HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.01; P=0.06) deaths with alirocumab. In a prespecified analysis of 8242 patients eligible for ≥3 years follow-up, alirocumab reduced death (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.94; P=0.01). Patients with nonfatal cardiovascular events were at increased risk for cardiovascular and noncardiovascular deaths (P<0.0001 for the associations). Alirocumab reduced total nonfatal cardiovascular events (P<0.001) and thereby may have attenuated the number of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular deaths. A post hoc analysis found that, compared to patients with lower LDL-C, patients with baseline LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) had a greater absolute risk of death and a larger mortality benefit from alirocumab (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.90; Pinteraction=0.007). In the alirocumab group, all-cause death declined wit h achieved LDL-C at 4 months of treatment, to a level of approximately 30 mg/dL (adjusted P=0.017 for linear trend). Conclusions: Alirocumab added to intensive statin therapy has the potential to reduce death after acute coronary syndrome, particularly if treatment is maintained for ≥3 years, if baseline LDL-C is ≥100 mg/dL, or if achieved LDL-C is low. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01663402

Tecnologías para la identificación de especies arbóreas con dispositivos móviles – eFlora

Se desarrolló una aplicación para dispositivos móviles que puede ser utilizada para identificar taxonómicamente especies arbóreas. Se recopilaron descripciones de diversas características dendrológicas de 800 especies presentes en el Área de Conservación Pacífico Central (ACOPAC) de Costa Rica a partir de descripciones de especies y colectas de los herbarios de la Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal del TEC, del Museo Nacional de Costa Rica y del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio). Además, se utilizaron descripciones y fotografías de colectas de la página web del Botanical Gardens of Missouri. Se desarrollaron prototipos de la herramienta que fueron probados con grupos de usuarios, con la retroalimentación generada se desarrolló la tercera versión que se presenta en este documento. La metodología centrada en el usuario permitió satisfacer las necesidades detectadas en esta etapa; y además permite seguir mejorando la aplicación a mediano y largo plazo.  El prototipo generado se puede clasificar como versión beta, que es una versión completa del programa que será entregada a un grupo seleccionado de usuarios para detectar mejoras. Además, se aporta un algoritmo identificador, una hoja de datos con la información taxonómica de 800 especies arbóreas, un repositorio de fotografías para 300 de estas especies y una colección de iconografía que simplifica los términos taxonómicos complejos. Una vez mejorada y probada la aplicación se ofrecerá a los usuarios potenciales

Tecnologías para la identificación de especies arbóreas con dispositivos móviles – eFlora

Se desarrolló una aplicación para dispositivos móviles que puede ser utilizada para identificar taxonómicamente especies arbóreas. Se recopilaron descripciones de diversas características dendrológicas de 800 especies presentes en el Área de Conservación Pacífico Central (ACOPAC) de Costa Rica a partir de descripciones de especies y colectas de los herbarios de la Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal del TEC, del Museo Nacional de Costa Rica y del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio). Además, se utilizaron descripciones y fotografías de colectas de la página web del Botanical Gardens of Missouri. Se desarrollaron prototipos de la herramienta que fueron probados con grupos de usuarios, con la retroalimentación generada se desarrolló la tercera versión que se presenta en este documento. La metodología centrada en el usuario permitió satisfacer las necesidades detectadas en esta etapa; y además permite seguir mejorando la aplicación a mediano y largo plazo.  El prototipo generado se puede clasificar como versión beta, que es una versión completa del programa que será entregada a un grupo seleccionado de usuarios para detectar mejoras. Además, se aporta un algoritmo identificador, una hoja de datos con la información taxonómica de 800 especies arbóreas, un repositorio de fotografías para 300 de estas especies y una colección de iconografía que simplifica los términos taxonómicos complejos. Una vez mejorada y probada la aplicación se ofrecerá a los usuarios potenciales