National University of San Marcos

Background Suicidal ideation (SI) poses a significant global health concern, particularly among hospitalized individuals, with gaps in understanding its contributing factors in low and middle-income countries like Peru. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined 940 patients evaluated by the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Unit at a major Peruvian general hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed, employing standardized instruments such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI). The prevalence of SI and its associations were explored through bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results The prevalence of SI was 19.7%, with notable associations found in patients experiencing moderate-to-severe depression (36.8%) and those rated as moderately to severely ill on CGI (33.2%). Multivariate analysis confirmed these associations, highlighting link with retirement (aPR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.04–2.26, p = 0.032), clinical severity (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.22–1.63, p < 0.0001), and depressive symptoms (aPR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.13–4.17, p < 0.0001) on SI. Conclusion This study provides insights into factors associated with SI among hospitalized patients. Identifying risk factors, such as retirement, clinical severity, and depressive symptoms, underscores the need for targeted interventions to address SI within the Peruvian general hospital setting.

Two Co(II) mixed-ligand metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on 2-methylimidazole and trimesate were synthesised at room temperature. The structure and properties of the two MOFs, named mDESY-1 and mDESY-2, were verified...

Puya raimondii Harms, an endangered giant bromeliad, has great ecological and cultural significance in the Central Andes. To help studies of population size structure in this species, this study proposes a rapid classification system based on plant developmental stages instead of using absolute size measurements, and applies it to three populations in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Plant height, stem height, total and photosynthetically-active rosette diameter and height to the base of the rosette were measured, to illustrate how the developmental stages compare. Five plant developmental stages were identified in the study: juvenile, subadult, adult, reproductive adult, and senescent reproductive adult. The juvenile stage could, in future, be further divided into smaller, vulnerable plants and more established juveniles, but this requires more detailed study to determine appropriate distinguishing developmental criteria. Comparing locations, Puya plants in Queshque were smaller than in the other locations, across all developmental stages. This study provides an efficient and informative classification system for P. raimondii giant rosettes, using well-defined developmental stages, that can reveal important differences between populations and prompt the generation of new hypotheses about the ecology of these important plants. The classification system could be applied in populations across the species’ distributional range in the Central Andes to explore how age, size and environmental factors affect growth and development in this species.

Bluetongue (BT) is a viral infection caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV) that affects domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. It is primarily transmitted by Culicoides spp. midges, and its infection is highly prevalent across temperate and tropical regions. However, significant changes in the global distribution of BTV have been observed in recent years. We aimed to evaluate the national BTV seroprevalence and risk factors among domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goat species) in Peru. Serum samples were collected from 3452 cattle of 453 districts, 2786 sheep of 408 districts, and 1568 goats of 271 districts using a cross-sectional study in two stages (at the district and animal level) from 2017 to 2019 and analyzed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The national BTV true seroprevalences at animal level for cattle, sheep, and goats were 20.34% (95% CI: 17.76–20.82), 7.63% (95% CI: 7.17–9.56), and 8.58% (95% CI: 7.52–10.85), while the true districts-level seroprevalences were 31.53% (95% CI: 24.06–33.77), 24.41% (95% CI: 18.06–27.53), and 13.35% (95% CI: 8.59–17.98), respectively. In addition, we found that altitude and maximum temperature were identified as important factors influencing the seroprevalence of BTV in cattle, sheep, and goats. Higher altitudes above 3000 m above sea level (masl) played a protective role, reducing the BTV seroprevalence. In conclusion, antibodies against BTV were detected in Peruvian domestic ruminants without clinical signs. The seroprevalence was low in the South (<10.0%), varied in the Center and North, and high (>30%) in the East (Amazon rainforest). This study lays the groundwork for identifying BTV serotypes and Culicoides spp. in different regions, including altitudes above 3000 masl, to enhance BTV surveillance in Peru.

Background Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive changes in behavior, executive function, or language. In Latin America, persons with FTD are underrecognized or diagnosed late. There is a lack of knowledge about the experiences have on families. Method We used a mixed methods approach consisting of qualitative, semi‐structured interviews that were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Local IRB approval was obtained for this study. Result We interviewed fourteen family caregivers of persons with FTD, ten of them (71.4%) were caregivers of persons with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD). There was female predominance (78.5%). The average of education was 14.5±2,3 years. Half were sole caregivers, seven were children, five were spouses, and two were sisters. The key themes emerging from qualitative interviews were difficulties surrounding the diagnostic process, the impact of knowing the diagnosis, and challenges surrounding caregiving. Caregivers stressed how tedious it is to access health services and obtain specialized care and the lack of knowledge of the disease among health professionals. Caregivers commented on the perceived lack of skills of some professionals when informing about the diagnosis and prognosis of a neurodegenerative disease. Knowledge of FTD prognosis generates anguish, hopelessness, and frustration among caregivers. Caregivers who are sons or daughters often adopt leadership roles within the family, especially from financial and caregiving point of view. They also often change or postpone life/professional plans. On the other hand, if the caregiver is the wife or husband, the absence of their partner in the home stands out as a main stressor, even though they remain together. Conclusion Our preliminary results highlight the importance of providing accessible, plain‐language education and support to caregivers of persons with FTD, as well as the opportunity to improve training on healthcare professionals. The impact of caring for patients with FTD appears to be dependent on the parental relationship.

Morphological and molecular methods were used to describe a new species of Trapania Pruvot-Fol, 1931 from shallow water kelp forests on the north-central coast of Peru. The new species, Trapania huarmeyana sp. nov., is distinguished from other species along the Eastern Pacific by external morphological characters such as its translucent white body with brown stripes and small spots on the dorsum, blotches on the base of the extra-branchial processes, extra rhinophoral processes and gill branches. Internally, T. huarmeyana sp. nov. is distinguishable by several morphological characteristics of the radula, jaws and genital organs. Phylogenetic trees recovered using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analysis of DNA sequences support its distinct status and clarify its relationship to other species from the Eastern Pacific. This new species constitutes the first record of Trapania from the Humboldt Current Ecosystem, contributing to our understanding of the distribution of the genus in the South-eastern Pacific.

Objectives To describe obstetric characteristics and perinatal outcomes in a serie of fetuses with Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT) and propose a novel index to assess postnatal mortality based on the THC ratio and the addition of the presence of polyhydramnios. Methods A retrospective study in a referral teaching hospital between 2013 and 2023. A descriptive analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to the determine the optimal cutoff value of the THC plus polyhydramnios based on optimal sensitivity and specificity. Results Eleven out of 15 fetuses were included in our series during the study period. The median gestational age at prenatal diagnosis was 30.9 weeks and the median gestational age at birth was 35.8 weeks. Seven patients developed polyhydramnios. There was no intrauterine death. There were four deaths after birth (36.4 %). A cutoff value of THC plus polyhydramnios higher than 3.0 was associated with postnatal mortality with 100 % sensitivity and 86 % specificity. There was no significant difference comparing TFR with THC plus polyhydramnios. Conclusions We report a high postnatal mortality of 36 % among fetuses with diagnosis of Sacrococcygeal Teratoma. Additionally, we propose a potential useful index associated with postnatal mortality based on the THC and the addition of polyhydramnios with a sensitivity of 100 %.

Background Early‐onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is a rare and devasting form of Alzheimer disease that represents 5‐10% of the total number of Alzheimer disease (AD). It is significantly less well studied than the late‐onset form of AD. The clinical presentation is heterogeneous, the amnestic variant is the most frequent (75%). Clinical aspects of EOAD in Admixed Latin American population are lacking in the literature. We aim to describe clinical features of amnestic EOAD patients followed‐up at a Neurological healthcare center in Peru. Method We reviewed medical records of patients with diagnosis of probable EOAD during January‐December 2023. All patients were evaluated by trained neurologists from a dementia outpatient clinic at a specialized neurologic center in Lima, Peru. Relevant information about neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and functional assessments were extracted from medical records with further descriptive analysis. IRB approval from local institution was obtained for this study. Result A total of 45 patients (73% female, age at onset = 56 [50‐61] years) met the selection criteria. The 71% of the cases have more than 6 years of education. The delay for diagnosis in this group was between 2 and 5 years. A first‐degree relative with dementia was present in 15.5% of patients. Clinical and cognitive assessment profile included: MMSE average score was 13.2±6.8. The clinical manifestation characterized by anterograde episodic memory impairment were accompanied by executive disfunction (97.8%), attention and calculation impairment (84.4%), and visuospatial impairment (71%); impaired repetition of phrases and anomia were present in 67 and 44% respectively. Based on NPI the most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms were depression (57%) irritability (51%), and anxiety (38%). Severity of dementia was CDR = 3 for 31.1%, CDR = 2 for 35.6%, CDR = 1 for 33.3%. Conclusion The clinical features of our Peruvian amnestic EOAD cohort are mostly consistent with previous reports. There is a significant delay of EOAD diagnosis. Implementing training strategies for clinicians, neurologists, and no‐neurologists, will improve a timely and accurate diagnosis of EOAD.

Background Research into human brain tissue is important for medical scientific advancement. Brain Banks worldwide allow the receipt of brains for such purposes through voluntary donation. Attitude towards organ donation can be influenced by cultural, ethical and social factors. The lack of a validated questionnaire to evaluate it in the Peruvian population highlights the need for this study in the context of the creation of the First Brain Bank in Peru. Method An observational, descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out. The questionnaire was applied to 52 Peruvians over 18 years of age, selected by convenience in different areas of Peru, who agreed to participate voluntarily. The questionnaire developed took as reference the “Health Street” questionnaire, created by the University of Florida. Then adapted taking into consideration the Peruvian context, according to the comments of experts on the subject. It resulted in 43 items with responses via Likert scale, 1 dichotomous, 10 polytomous and 3 open. The questionnaire was applied to the participants through an in‐person and/or virtual interview. Likewise, after signing the informed consent, in some cases the administration was guided by the researcher, and in others it was self‐administered. Finally, the internal consistency of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Result The questionnaire was applied to 52 Peruvians with different socioeconomic and clinical conditions (tab.1 and tab.2), recollected from different parts of the country and whose average age was 38.61 years. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient calculation was 0.97. Conclusion The evaluation of the questionnaire by the experts was adequate: there were 5 experts, as recommended in the literature. This questionnaire demonstrated good reliability in relation to the questions (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97) so there is a good acceptability of the instrument.

Using oils from exotic and native vegetables is an important trend in cosmetics today. Some studies have shown that free saturated and unsaturated fatty acids can inhibit collagenase and elastase. Chenopodium pallidicaule, also known as "cañihua," is a plant whose seeds contain oil with both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and squalene. This study aimed to identify and quantify the fatty acids in Chenopodium pallidicaule seed oil and evaluate its antioxidant, anticollagenase, and antielastase properties. Fatty acids were identified and quantified using a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry technique. Antioxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase activity were determined using spectrophotometry with 96-well microplate reader methods at specific wavelengths. The main fatty acid was linoleic acid (46.66 ± 0.03%), followed by oleic acid (25.69 ± 0.02%), palmitic acid (15.20 ± 0.01%), and linolenic acid (5.31± 0.02%). The DPPH decolorization assay evidenced an IC50 of 112.06 ± 0.47 mg/mL, while the ABTS decolorization assay evidenced an IC50 of 78.9 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The anti-collagenase assay showed an IC50 of 42.87 ± 4.76 mg/mL, and the anti-elastase assay evidenced an IC50 of 244.2 ± 17.30 mg/mL. All these results indicate that Chenopodium pallidicaule seed oil has the potential for use in the development of dermo-cosmetics.

Objectives: This review aims to evaluate several convolutional neural network (CNN) models applied to breast cancer detection, to identify and categorize CNN variants in recent studies, and to analyze their specific strengths, limitations, and challenges. Methods: Using PRISMA methodology, this review examines studies that focus on deep learning techniques, specifically CNN, for breast cancer detection. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies from the past five years, with duplicates and those unrelated to breast cancer excluded. A total of 62 articles from the IEEE, SCOPUS, and PubMed databases were analyzed, exploring CNN architectures and their applicability in detecting this pathology. Results: The review found that CNN models with advanced architecture and greater depth exhibit high accuracy and sensitivity in image processing and feature extraction for breast cancer detection. CNN variants that integrate transfer learning proved particularly effective, allowing the use of pre-trained models with less training data required. However, challenges include the need for large, labeled datasets and significant computational resources. Conclusions: CNNs represent a promising tool in breast cancer detection, although future research should aim to create models that are more resource-efficient and maintain accuracy while reducing data requirements, thus improving clinical applicability.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Communication Skills Scale (CSS) among Peruvian nurses, as well as the factors associated with job insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We explored five models of confirmatory factor analysis for the CSS and its four subscales and assessed the convergent validity and criterion validity of the scale by analyzing its connection with job insecurity through stepwise multiple regression. We used insights from a focus group for the cultural adaptation of the scale. In the psychometric phase, 225 nurses participated through a virtual survey. Results: The psychometric analysis revealed that the CSS and its subscales have a robust internal structure—similar to the original questionnaire—and are optimally reliable in the Peruvian population. Furthermore, the results show that job insecurity was associated with contract type, communication skills, empathy, and job satisfaction. Conclusions: The CSS and its subscales are valid and reliable to be applied to Peruvian nurses. Initiatives should be undertaken to strengthen communication skills and increase job satisfaction among nursing professionals by improving their working conditions, especially in times of crisis, to reduce job insecurity and promote well-being.

Mutualisms characterized by reciprocal benefits between species are a fundamental relationship of tropical ecosystems. Ant Gardens (AGs) represent an interesting ant-plant mutualism, involving specialized interactions between vascular epiphytes and ants. While this relationship has been extensively studied in various tropical regions, the available information on Peruvian ecosystems is limited. The objective of this study was to identify the ant and epiphyte species that constitute AGs. From February 2023 to January 2024, a study was conducted on two 50 × 10 m transects within the Mauritia flexuosa peat swamp forest, located within the Water Association Aguajal Renacal del Alto Mayo (ADECARAM) Tingana in San Martín, Peru. A total of 69 ant gardens were documented, comprising 18 phorophyte species, 19 epiphyte species, and three ant species. The results demonstrated that neither the height nor the diameter at breast height (DBH) of phorophytes exhibited a statistically significant correlation with the number of AGs per host. However, a positive correlation was observed between the length and width of the AGs and the number of ants per AG. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of AG mutualism in Peruvian ecosystems.

Satellite products are widely used to understand and monitor the dynamics of the Peruvian coastal upwelling system (PCUS), one of the four major eastern boundary upwelling systems. They complement in situ observations obtained through surveys and oceanographic stations periodically operated by the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE). Therefore, we mainly aim to assess the reliability of satellite products for sea surface temperature (SST) and surface chlorophyll-a (chl-a) using a unique in situ database from IMARPE. We evaluated SST data from MODIS (levels 2 and 3) and chl-a data from MODIS and SeaWiFS (both at level 3) due to their prior and continuous utilization. In the case of SST, our results demonstrated a strong correlation and good performance from MODIS compared with IMARPE data, although there is a tendency to slightly overestimate it, particularly during autumn. For surface chl-a, during their respective satellite periods, both sensors exhibited a favorable correlation and performance, with SeaWiFS outperforming MODIS. When analyzing matching points in terms of location and timing, both sensors tended to underestimate IMARPE data (autumn). Despite some differences between satellite and IMARPE data, the evaluated satellite products provide reliable information for understanding and monitoring the PCUS. However, for chl-a, it is important to consider the differences between sensors for retrospective studies. © 2024 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a crucial role in the termination of nerve impulses by hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). The inhibition of AChE has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the management of neurological disorders such as Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The potential of various compounds as AChE inhibitors was investigated. In this study, we evaluated the impact of natural compounds of interest on the intrinsic deformability of human AChE using computational biophysical analysis. Our approach incorporates classical dynamics, elastic networks (ENM and NMA), statistical potentials (CUPSAT and SWOTein), energy frustration (Frustratometer), and volumetric cavity analyses (MOLE and PockDrug). The results revealed that cyanidin induced significant changes in the flexibility and rigidity of AChE, especially in the distribution and volume of internal cavities, compared to model inhibitors such as TZ2PA6, and through a distinct biophysical-molecular mechanism from the other inhibitors considered. These findings suggest that cyanidin could offer potential mechanistic pathways for future research and applications in the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the primary stability, according to the insertion torque value (ITV) and resonance frequency analysis (RFA), of dental implants placed in standardized blocks of bone quality equivalent to type II-A bone, using three surgical undersized protocols of 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.8 mm, considering different dental implant diameters and lengths. Methods: One hundred and twenty dental implants (DIs) of different diameters (3.5, 3.8, 4.5, and 5.0 mm) and lengths (8.5, 10.0, 11.5, 13.0, and 15.0 mm) placed in polyurethane blocks equivalent to type II-A bone, according to the Lekholm and Zarb classification modified by Rosas et al., were examined with three surgical protocols of under-milling of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 mm. The ITV and the RFA were the determinants of primary stability, and their respective values were recorded as Ncm and the implant stability quotient (ISQ) immediately after the placement of the DIs. These were evaluated according to each surgical insertion protocol, length, and diameter of the DI under a multivariate analysis model (MANOVA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: It was observed that the average of the ITV was significantly higher when a 0.8 mm under-milling protocol was used (63.2 ± 14.9 Ncm) (p < 0.001). However, the ITV was significantly lower when a 0.2 mm under-milling protocol was used (25.1 ± 8.3 Ncm) (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the ISQ did not present significant differences (p = 0.166) when comparing the 0.2 (67.6 ISQ ± 5.4 ISQ), 0.5 (65.8 ISQ ± 3.4 ISQ), and 0.8 (65.7 ISQ ± 4.0 ISQ) under-milling protocols in the evaluation of the primary stability of the dental implant. The multivariate effect size (ηp² = 0.639) indicated that the variability detected in the insertion torque and the ISQ, at the same time, was explained by 63.9% (p < 0.001) due only to the compression protocol, while the implant diameter explained this variability by 27.0% (ηp² = 0.270) (p < 0.001) and the implant length only significantly explained this variability by 12.1% (ηp² = 0.121) (p = 0.030). Finally, any interaction between the compression protocol, implant diameter, and length did not influence insertion torque variability or the ISQ (p > 0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that when the surgical protocol for subpreparation is optimal according to the prepared bone bed, regardless of the diameter or length of the dental implant used, primary stability was assured according to the ITV and the RFA in 63.9%. This finding allows us to recommend carrying out a correct analysis of bone quality in order to subsequently select the most appropriate surgical protocol for the subpreparation of the bone bed to achieve better primary stability of the dental implant.

El principal propósito de esta investigación es examinar las diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la ética profesional de profesores universitarios desde el enfoque de la Responsabilidad Social Universitaria (RSU) en Chile. Se aplica un instrumento de autosuministración a una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 61 profesores universitarios de Chile. Se calculan estadísticos descriptivos, medidas de tendencia central y coeficientes de fiabilidad. Se examinan diferencias estadísticamente significativas según características de los profesores universitarios. Los resultados muestran diferencias de medias según género, edad, formación profesional y experiencia docente del profesor universitario. En conclusión, los tomadores de decisión deben promover en las universidades instancias que propicien el desarrollo de la docencia centrada en el estudiante y en los valores que constituyen la responsabilidad social, implementando estrategias que fomenten el rol del estudiante universitario afuera de la universidad, lo que prospecta el desarrollo de un profesional competente y socialmente responsable.