Recent publications
Objectives
To determine the association between the occurrence of hypertension and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Materials and methods
From January 2012 to January 2020, we evaluated 314 SLE patients, all members of the Almenara Lupus Cohort. We applied the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines to define hypertension, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) to determine organ damage, and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) to assess disease activity. We performed univariable and multivariable analysis using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for potential confounders (demographic factors, disease-related factors and treatment).
Results
314 patients and 1695 visits were included; 93% of the patients were women. Their mean disease duration was of 6.8 years (SD: 6.4), and their age at diagnosis of 35.7 (SD: 13.4) years. Baseline damage was 0.8 (SD: 1.2) at the first visit, increasing by 0.15 points at the subsequent follow-up visit (SD: 0.46). The prevalence of hypertension in these patients was 56.4% at least once during their follow-up. In the multivariable analysis, hypertension remained associated with damage accrual (IRR: 1.645, 95% CI: 1.187–2.280, p = 0.003) after adjusting for confounders. In the analyses performed per domain, hypertension was associated with renal damage in the multivariable model (OR: 4.331, 95% CI 1.547–12.126, p = 0.005).
Conclusion
Hypertension was associated with subsequent greater damage in our SLE patients. Thus, providers involved on the care of these patients should monitor their blood pressure at all clinic visits.
Background
Red blood cell alloimmunization currently continues to be a significant problem during the blood transfusion process, where phenotypic identification plays a clinically relevant role in its prevention. The objective of the study was to carry out the phenotypic identification of blood groups in blood donors from three hospitals in Lima.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 20,141 blood donors in three hospitals in Lima, Perú during the period from January to June 2023. Red blood cell phenotyping was performed by the gel agglutination method using gel cards with the IH-500 automated system.
Results
A predominance of donors within the age group of 29 to 38 years (30.9%) was observed, with the majority being men (69.5%). Most donors were Peruvian (97.9%), and among foreign donors (2.1%), Venezuelans predominated (1.5%). In the distribution of the ABO and RhD blood groups, the O Rh+ phenotype predominated in 79% of the donors. In the phenotypic distribution of the Rh system, the presence of the D antigen was observed in 98.1% of the donors, with the c phenotype being the most frequent (76.4%). For the Kidd system, 70.7% of the donors presented the Jka antigen and 81.9% the Jkb antigen. In the Duffy system, 77.7% of the donors presented the Fya antigen and 50% the Fyb antigen. For the MNS system, 93.7% of donors had the S antigen and 76.1% had the s antigen. It was also found that 1.5% of donors are carriers of the Kell antigen, all of which are clinically important.
Conclusion
The phenotypic identification of blood groups in blood donors from three hospitals in Lima highlighted the clinical relevance of identifying less common antigens in the Kell, Kidd, Duffy, and MNS systems to prevent alloimmunization during blood transfusions.
Introduction
The evaluation of teaching performance in didactic interactions has generally been approached from the student’s perspective, with little literature on evaluation based on the teacher’s own perspective. Having an instrument that allows self-evaluation of teaching performance during didactic interactions will contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning at the university level.
Objectives
The validity and reliability evidence for the scores of the self-evaluation questionnaire of the teacher’s didactic performance are examined. The self-assessment of didactic performance is analyzed and the general didactic performance of the teacher and of his interactive episodes is contrasted according to some socio-academic characteristics. Method: Methodological, instrumental, descriptive, comparative and predictive cross-sectional study. A total of 203 teachers participated, of whom 64 were professors from a public university in northwestern Mexico, and 139 professors from two public universities in Peru.
Results
Satisfactory evidence of content-based validity was found, Aiken’s V estimates were higher than 0.70 for all items in the criteria: clarity, pertinence and relevance. As for the evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the construct, satisfactory results were found with the confirmatory factor analysis strategy for a multidimensional model of seven oblique factors (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.06) and a second-order factor model made up of two general factors and seven specific first-order factors (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.07). Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was also acceptable. The reliability for the overall score of the questionnaire as well as for the interactive episodes evidenced McDonald’s ordinal alpha and omega coefficients ≥0.94 and H coefficient ≥ 0.95. With respect to the comparative analyses according to the professional training discipline and the sex factor, differences were found for a small effect size (d > 0.20) in favor of education teachers and women both in general didactic performance and in the teaching and formative evaluation factors. Likewise, being an education teacher and a woman is more than twice as likely to have optimal teaching performance. As for the nationality of the teachers, no significant differences were found.
Introduction
Information regarding children with Down syndrome (DS) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is limited and conflicting. We aimed to investigate the association between DS and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients admitted to the PICU at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (National Institute for Child Health, INSN for the acronym in Spanish) and to assess nutritional status within the study cohort.
Methods
This study involved the secondary analysis of a database. We included patients consecutively admitted to INSN, a tertiary care children's hospital in Lima, Peru. We collected demographic data, clinical characteristics, and nutritional status using standardized tables. The outcomes assessed included mortality, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV), ventilator-free days (VFD), and healthcare-associated infections (HAI). We applied Cox regression and Poisson regression analyses to explore the relationship between Down syndrome and clinical outcomes, providing both crude and adjusted results.
Results
A total of 525 children (average age 71.3 months, range 1–218 months) were analyzed. Children with DS were younger and had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, congenital heart disease, and underweight. Both crude bivariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that children with DS had higher mortality rates, increased frequency of HAIs, longer DMV, longer PICU stay, and fewer VFD. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that children with DS had a significantly higher risk of developing HAIs (RR 2.95; 95% CI 1.10, 7.87) and longer DMV (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.24, 1.65). Among the 525 children, underweight was associated with increased risk of mechanical ventilation (MV) use and longer DMV.
Discussion
Critically ill children with DS are at increased risk of developing HAIs and longer DMV. In all 525 children, underweight is associated with higher risk of MV use and longer duration of MV.
Despite maintaining a lower mortality rate and greater control of victims infected by COVID-19, the world’s population and science are still confronted with this coronavirus. Therefore, the aim was to assess the association between sociodemographic factors and the level of knowledge and attitudes of dental students regarding disinfection as a control measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study evaluated 503 dental students from the capital city and one Peruvian province between February and June 2022. A validated 13-item questionnaire was used. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to evaluate the influence of the variables sex, age, year of study, marital status, place of origin, death of a family member due to COVID-19, and history of COVID-19, with the level of knowledge and attitudes of the dental students, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Of the total participants, 14.3% showed sufficient knowledge, and 89.3% showed positive attitudes regarding disinfection as a control measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, those from the capital city were 52% less likely to have sufficient knowledge regarding disinfection as a control measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19, compared to those from the province (APR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31–0.75). Moreover, none of the variables considered in this study were significantly associated with attitudes toward this topic (p > 0.05). A minority of dental students presented sufficient knowledge, while the majority presented positive attitudes regarding disinfection as a control measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In addition, being from the capital city was a limiting factor for sufficient knowledge. The variables sex, age, year of study, marital status, place of origin, death of a family member due to COVID-19, and history of COVID-19 were not influential factors for positive attitudes on this topic.
Introduction
Chronic exposure to pesticides causes various adverse health effects, mainly at a neurological level. However, there is little evidence focused on liver tissue injury and transaminase activity as indicators of effect.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was designed based on medical-occupational records of workers from an agro-export company in Peru to associate the levels of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) transaminases (ALT and AST). Occupational medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic and occupational information and laboratory values of BChE activity and transaminases.
Results
We evaluated 459 records, and 69.9% were men. The mean age was 34.9 ± 11.5 years. BChE, ALT, and AST levels were 6238.8 ± 709.1 U/l, 34.4 ± 12.5 U/l, and 22.4 ± 8.5 U/l, respectively. The proportion of inhibited BCHE and elevated transaminase levels was 15.3% and 21.6%, respectively. We found a significant association between BChE inhibition and elevation of transaminases (AST: PR = 0.798, 95%CI: 0.716–0.889; ALT: PR = 0.419, 95%CI: 0.239–0.736).
Conclusion
The potential usefulness of transaminases is shown as a biomarker of exposure and monitoring in occupational health programs for the agro-industry.
Purpose
To evaluate the current trends and spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastic research and public health through a scientometric study from 2019 to 2024.
Methods
An observational and descriptive approach was applied to the published literature on microplastics and public health published in January 2019 and July 2024. A quantitative approach was used to analyze document production, author–country collaborations and thematic evolution. A comprehensive search of the Scopus database was conducted using a combination of keywords related to “microplastics” and “public health.” Papers that explicitly addressed these topics were considered for analysis. SciVal and R studio software were used for the analyses.
Results
Significant growth in paper production was observed, with an increase in international collaboration and a diversity of paper types. The most prominent journals in this field include “Science of the Total Environment” and “Journal of Hazardous Materials”, which lead in terms of academic output and impact. There was an upward trend in the number of publications in the Q1 quartile, reflecting growing interest in this field. Several authors have demonstrated a significant impact on microplastic research and its impact on public health, highlighting the importance of further research in this field. In addition, 156 sources and 259 papers related to microplastics and public health research were identified, reflecting the diversity and richness of research in this field. The thematic evolution showed interesting changes in focus topics over time, highlighting the intersection of microplastics with topics such as “covid‐19” and “public health.”
Conclusions
These findings underscore the relevance and urgency of microplastic and public health research and suggest promising directions for future research. The increasing volume of published research in these fields over time reflects the continuing importance of microplastics research and its impact on public health.
Multi-species tests in bioassays offer a holistic view of the ecosystem’s response to toxicity, as different species display varying sensitivities to pollutants. This research aimed to assess the ability of toxicity tests’ to distinguish contamination levels, examine site-specific effects, and investigate seasonal variability. Using a multispecies approach (Nannochloropsis oceanica, Artemia franciscana, and Arbacia nigra), bioassays evaluated marine water quality from Callao Bay in Peru across four sampling areas (Naval School: PA1, Peruvian Marine Institute: PA2, Callao Pier: PA3, and San Lorenzo Island: PA4). These species, with varying sizes and morphologies, are relevant to marine systems and ideal for multispecies toxicity testing, contributing to broader environmental impact discussions. To conduct toxicity bioassays, seasonal evaluations were performed in fall, winter, spring, and summer. Brine shrimp displayed seasonal variations in toxicity values, with notable mortality rates during winter. Nannochloropsis oceanica was the most sensitive species, showing moderate toxicity across seasons. Areas impacted by pollution sources, such as wastewater and maritime traffic, exhibited the highest toxicity levels (PA3 and PA4). These fluctuations underscore the need to consider seasonal and local conditions when assessing organism sensitivity to seawater contaminants. Additionally, they reveal the complex interplay between environmental factors, water quality, and organism responses in marine ecosystems.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients often experience dysregulated inflammation, particularly when compounded by comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether T2D influences the profile of memory T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the gene expression of transcription factors such as T-bet (Tbx21), GATA3, RORyT (RORC), and FOXP3 in CKD patients. Methods: Twenty-two CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis were selected for the study. Flow cytometry was used to identify naïve T cells, Tregs (CD4+CD25+CD127-), central memory T lymphocytes (CCR7+CD45RA-), effector memory T lymphocytes (CCR7-CD45RA-), and TEMRA cells (CCR7-CD45RA+). The expression of helper T cell differentiation regulatory genes was assessed using real-time RT-PCR. Results: Both helper and cytotoxic effector memory T cell populations were found to be higher than naïve lymphocytes in CKD patients, regardless of T2D status. However, Tregs were significantly more frequent in diabetic CKD patients (5.1 ± 2.6%) compared to non-diabetic patients (2.8 ± 3.1%). In terms of transcription factor expression, a significant correlation was observed between T-bet and FOXP3 in diabetic patients, and between RORyT and FOXP3 in non-diabetic patients. Conclusions: While T2D does not notably alter the distribution of memory T cells in CKD patients, it significantly impacts the frequency of Tregs and their correlation with pro-inflammatory transcription factors like T-bet (Tbx21) and RORyT.
To examine oral manifestations in organ transplant patients, with a focus on viral infections, fungal infections, neoplastic diseases, and inflammatory diseases. A literature review study was conducted. A search was conducted on February 5, 2024, in Scopus and PubMed, using the keywords related to oral manifestations and organ transplantation. We included articles on solid organ or hematopoietic transplantation, which were published in English or Spanish. We excluded the articles focused on specific populations or without full text. Relevant articles were selected based on a review of the title, abstract, and full text. Viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus infections were commonly reported in transplant recipients, with studies highlighting the importance of monitoring and management. Fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, were reported to also be prevalent, emphasizing the need for improved dental care and screening. Neoplastic disease, specifically oral cancer, was a significant concern, with factors, such as immunosuppressive therapy and previous skin cancer, increasing the risk. Inflammatory diseases, such as oral mucositis, were common after transplantation, and they require supportive measures for management. Despite variations in reported incidences, studies underscored the importance of dental and periodontal care in transplant patients. Both healthy individuals and transplant recipients require comprehensive oral health care to prevent discomfort and disease. However, no definitive conclusions can be drawn owing to the study’s limitations. Thus, further research is needed in this area. This study highlights the prevalence of oral manifestations such as viral and fungal infections, oral cancer and inflammatory diseases in transplant patients. It underlines the need for comprehensive dental care and further research to improve the quality of life of these patients, despite the limitations of the study.
Introduction/Objective:
In romantic relationships, jealousy can influence how individuals feel emotionally and interact with their partners. This study analysed the metric properties of the Brief Jealousy Scale (BJS) in young adults from Peru using current methods.
Method:
A total of 297 individuals were selected to participate in the study. They averaged 26.52 years of age (with a variation of 7.75 years), and 74.10% were women. The study used a technique called Item Response Theory (IRT) with a two-parameter model to confirm the structure and reliability of the BJS.
Result:
The BJS demonstrated high reliability and fit through goodness-of-fit indices. DIF analysis indicated slight gender biases in some items, reflecting differences in the perception of jealousy between men and women.
Conclusions:
The study highlights the importance and usefulness of the Jealousy Scale in relationships, as it helps to understand relationship dynamics and guides interventions. Future studies should address issues such as participant selection and study design and examine whether the scale can be used in different cultures.
This study aim to analyze the scientific productivity of the journal "Odovtos-International Journal of Dental Sciences" during the period from 2019 to 2023. Manuscripts were selected from the Scopus database using the search criterion `SRCTITLE ("Odovtos-International Journal of Dental Sciences") AND PUBYEAR > 2019 AND PUBYEAR < 2024`. During the evaluated period, 164 manuscripts were identified in the journal. Of these, 36 articles, 14 reviews, 7 editorials, and 7 letters to the editor were evaluated. The selected manuscripts were analyzed in terms of their content, authors, institutions, countries of origin, keywords provided by the authors, and citations received. Amaury De Jesús Pozos- Guillen, from the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí in Mexico, had the highest academic production with a total of 10 publications. Adrián Gómez-Fernández, from the University of Costa Rica, showed a high Field-Weighted Citation Impact (Field-Weighted Citation Impact) with a value of 0.45, having received 43 citations in total. The University of Costa Rica led in terms of academic production with 44 publications. The Universidad Científica del Sur in Peru produced 15 publications. Despite having only 5 publications, the Universidad Arturo Prat in Chile achieved a high citation impact weighted by field of 0.86. The results of the analysis provided valuable insight into scholarly production and collaboration among authors in the journal. The findings of this study may be useful for researchers, journal editors, and policy makers to better understand the dynamics and trends in the field of dental sciences.
Background and Objective
Lipedema is a commonly underdiagnosed chronic condition. This study aimed to evaluate liposuction techniques for lipedema by conducting a systematic review and presenting our experience. A case series study and a comprehensive review were conducted.
Methods
We assessed surgical outcomes among patients with lipedema who underwent liposuction. Descriptive and inferential statistics were implemented. In our case series, we used tumescent liposuction, vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) liposuction, and waterjet-assisted liposuction (WAL). We also performed a literature review of current concepts and state-of-the-art treatment for lipedema.
Key Content and Findings
Twenty-four female patients were included in this study with a median age of 37 years [interquartile range (IQR), 10 years]. A statistically significant difference between preoperative (29.65 kg/m²) and postoperative body mass index (BMI) (26.95 kg/m²; P<0.05) of patients was evidenced. The amount of total fat removal between surgical techniques was statistically different (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference in the amount of total fat removal between surgical techniques was found (P=0.0015). Post-hoc analysis with Dunn’s test evidenced a significant difference only between tumescent suction-assisted lipectomy and WAL (P<0.001). Nineteen studies were included in this review. Low complication rates, improvement in patient-reported outcomes, and reduction in conservative therapy requirements were found when evaluating multiple studies in this review.
Conclusions
Liposuction has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative in patients with lipedema. It positively impacts clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
This study explores the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting the end of romantic relationships among Peruvian youth and adults, considering various socioeconomic and personal attributes. The study implements logistic regression , gradient boosting, support vector machines, and decision trees on SMOTE-balanced data using a sample of 429 individuals to improve model robustness and accuracy. Using stratified random sampling, the data is split into training (80%) and validation (20%) sets. The models are evaluated through 10-fold cross-validation, focusing on accuracy, F1-score, AUC, sensitivity , and specificity metrics. The Random Forest model is the preferred algorithm because of its superior performance in all evaluation metrics. Hyperparameter tuning was conducted to optimize the model, identifying key predictors of relationship dissolution, including negative interactions, desire for emotional infidelity, and low relationship satisfaction. SHAP analysis was utilized to interpret the directional impact of each variable on the prediction outcomes. This study underscores the potential of machine learning tools in providing deep insights into relationship dynamics, suggesting their application in personalized therapeutic interventions to enhance relationship quality and reduce the incidence of breakups. Future research should incorporate larger and more diverse datasets to further validate these findings.
Objective: to identify the effectiveness in the knowledge and attitudes of dental students after the application of an Online Educational Module: Care of the Environment in the Dental field
Materials and Method
the design was prospective, longitudinal, analytical, and quasi-experimental. The sample was census type, consisting of 99 students from the third semester, 61 students from the fifth semester, and 48 students from the ninth semester. An educational video on environmental care was prepared with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, authorities of the faculty and the university of social responsibility. Likewise, a questionnaire was developed and validated to measure attitudes and knowledge about caring for the environment in the dental field. Sociodemographic variables will also be considered. The instrument was applied before and after the educational program.
Results
in the pre-application of the educational program, attitudes had an average score of 17.30 and knowledge had an average score of 4.33. When comparing the scores, in the pre-application, between men and women for attitudes, they were statistically significant (p=0.0017), as for the semester, in attitudes (p=0.021) and knowledge (p=0.0102), significant differences were found. When comparing the attitude scores in the post-application increased, and no differences were observed according to gender or semester. However, significant differences in knowledge were observed depending on the semester (p=0.0001).
Conclusion
The Online Educational Program ‘Environmental Care in the Dental field’ was effective in improving attitudes and knowledge according to pre- and post-application comparisons.
Objectives: To analyze how the rights to a healthy environment and a family environment of invisible children are protected in the Socabaya-Arequipa-Peru Women's Prison. Material and method: Data taken from the official documents in the following three prison records were used: the incident log, medical statistical report and the activity control book. The selection criteria were based on the availability, plausibility and official nature of the information in the documents. Qualitative analysis of the applied type and the designs of documentary analysis and grounded theory were selected for the method. Results: The rights of invisible children to healthy conditions and a family environment are inadequately protected in the Socabaya-Arequipa-Peru Women's Prison. Lack of prison health services disrupt family relationships and negatively impact female inmates' rights. Discussion: The lack of political will to guarantee rights to healthy conditions and a family environment is due to the fact that gender-based approaches, policies based on the protection of children's interests, greater transparency and access to public information have yet to be introduced in the prison healthcare milieu.
Although organic export agriculture is affected by climate change, it is an essential climate adaptation mechanism. The objective of this article is to examine the link between climate change, organic Peruvian agro-exports, and food security. Using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression methods, the study found that climate change as measured by air and seawater temperatures was related to Peruvian organic agro-exports in the period 2000-2022. There was also a strong association between organic agro-exports and food security both in Peru and globally. It is concluded that the prevalence of global undernourishment is directly affected by air and sea surface temperatures and that this phenomenon is inversely affected by Peruvian organic agro-exports; i.e., higher organic agro-exports increase food security. It is recommended that policymakers promote organic agro-exports as a climate change adaptation strategy in support of healthier diets for populations, global food security, and climate resilience.
The radial forearm flap is classified as a type C fasciocutaneous flap by Cormack and Lamberty and a type B flap with a septocutaneous perforator by Mathes and Nahai’s 1997 classification. It is highly versatile due to its main irrigation through the radial artery and its minor pedicles, it offers a wide variety of alternatives for reconstruction, not only for proximal or distal defects of the arm but it is also possible to use it as a free flap as a reconstructive alternative in head and neck, posterior portion of the trunk, lower extremity, esophagus, and penis reconstruction. It allows the incorporation of bone, tendons, nerves, and muscles to repair complex injuries, and can be used with direct flow or retrograde flow. With these versatile qualities, the forearm flap has become one of the most frequently used for free tissue transfers.
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