National University of San Marcos

Co-microencapsulation is an innovative approach for delivering two or more bioactive components to their site of action. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two co-microencapsulation methods on the viability of the Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 during storage (24 °C and 4 °C) and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, focusing on the release and the bioaccessibility of iron in vitro. Co-microencapsulation of L. plantarum and iron was performed using extrusion and spray-drying, using alginate (2%), chitosan (1%), and maltodextrin (0% and 5%) as wall materials. The microcapsules were characterized in terms of probiotic encapsulation yield, iron encapsulation efficiency, morphology (by scanning electron microscopy), and functional groups (by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). Both encapsulation methods exhibited high encapsulation yield values (87.43% – 98.90%). However, the spray-drying method with 5% maltodextrin leads to a higher survival rate at 4 °C, with a viability loss rate of -0.010 day-1. This negative value indicates an increase in the probiotic viability due to the use of maltodextrin as an energy source. Similarly, this treatment resulted in bacterial growth of 0.12 log CFU/g under intestinal conditions and the lowest viability reduction of 0.32 log CFU/g under gastric conditions. Maltodextrin enhanced probiotic viability both during storage and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Furthermore, the spray-drying method also promoted greater and faster iron release under gastric (85% – 98%) and intestinal (51.67%) conditions, as well as higher iron bioaccessibility (74.13%). These findings suggest that co-microencapsulation of L. plantarum and iron via spray-drying with maltodextrin has significant potential for the development of functional foods containing viable probiotic bacteria while ensuring the timely release of iron with superior bioaccessibility, thereby offering health benefits.

The study aimed to determine the width of the neonatal line (NNL) and time of occurrence of accentuated lines (ALs) in enamel of deciduous incisors to assess the biological condition during pre, peri- and early postnatal development of individuals from the cemetery. For 32 incisors (16 i¹, 7 i², 9 i2) thin sections for microscopy analyses were performed. ALs could be identified in the enamel of 14 specimens (43.75%). In the prenatal enamel the earliest observed AL occurred around 69.2 days before birth (upper confidence limit 95% 73.8 days; lower confidence limit 95% 64.7 days), while the latest AL approximately 24.6 days before birth (upper 95% 27.4 days, lower 95% 21.8 days). In postnatal enamel the earliest AL were observed approximately 9 days after birth. Statistical analyses shows that neither prenatal nor postnatal ALs time of occurrence vary with the child’s age at death (Z=-0.168; p = 0.093 for prenatal and Z = 0.048; p = 0.962 for postnatal enamel). The mean value of NNL width was 18 μm (min. 9 μm, max. 36 μm) and no relationship between the child’s age-at-death and neonatal line width (r = 0.117; p = 0.581) was statistically significant. The number of accentuated lines did not significantly affect the individual’s life expectancy (Z = 0.116; p = 0.908) either. The group of children from Cerro Colorado site is characterized by a high frequency and earlier time of occurrence of accentuated lines as well as a greater width of the neonatal line compared to other prehistoric and historical populations. It may indicate worse living conditions and poor biological conditions of the studied Chancay population.

Respiratory viruses represent a significant public health threat. There is the need for robust and coordinated surveillance to guide global health responses. Established in 2012, the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) addresses this need by collecting clinical and virological data on persons with acute respiratory illnesses across a network of hospitals worldwide. GIHSN utilizes a standardized patient enrolment and data collection protocol across its study sites. It leverages pre‐existing national infrastructures and expert collaborations to facilitate comprehensive data collection. This includes demographic, clinical, epidemiological, and virologic data, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) for a subset of viruses. Sequencing data are shared in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). GIHSN uses financing and governance approaches centered around public–private partnerships. Over time, GIHSN has included more than 100 hospitals across 27 countries and enrolled more than 168,000 hospitalized patients, identifying 27,562 cases of influenza and 44,629 of other respiratory viruses. GIHSN has expanded beyond influenza to include other respiratory viruses, particularly since the COVID‐19 pandemic. In November 2023, GIHSN strengthened its global impact through a memorandum of understanding with the World Health Organization, aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts and data sharing for improved health responses. GIHSN exemplifies the value of integrating scientific research with public health initiatives through global collaboration and public–private partnerships governance. Future efforts should enhance the scalability of such models and ensure their sustainability through continued public and private support.

Objectives: To determine the possible predictive value of self-efficacy on fatigue in SLE patients. Methods: SLE patients from a single-center prevalent cohort were included. Self-efficacy was ascertained with the five instruments of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions plus the PROMIS general self-efficacy. For PROMIS instruments, a score of 50 is the average for a clinical population (people with a chronic condition), the higher score, the greater self-efficacy. Fatigue was ascertained with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-F), the higher score, the lower fatigue. Generalized estimating equations were performed, using as outcome the FACIT-F in the subsequent visit, and the self-efficacy instrument in the previous visit; multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders. All the confounders were measured in the same visit than the self-efficacy instrument. Results: A total of 209 patients and 563 visits were included. At baseline, FACIT-F was 33.0 (10.2), mean general self-efficacy was 47.2 (10.4), self-efficacy for managing emotions was 44.6 (8.0), for managing symptoms was 47.7 (8.2), for managing daily activities was 45.5 (7.5) for managing social interactions was 42.9 (7.9) and for managing medications and treatment was 43.9 (7.0). In the multivariable models a lower fatigue was predicted by self-efficacy for managing symptoms and managing activities. Conclusion: A better self-efficacy is predictive of a subsequent lower fatigue, even after adjustment for possible confounders. Strategies to improve self-efficacy in SLE patients should be encouraged.

Ocular melanoma encompasses the uveal tract, conjunctiva, eyelid, and orbit. Palpebral localization is extremely infrequent, constituting less than 1% of skin melanomas, the main treatment of which is surgical. However, the radicality of the resection is restricted by anatomical location and functional sequelae. The importance of obtaining free surgical margins, which impact the percentage rate of locoregional recurrence and patient survival, has led to recommendations regarding the distance of the margin in the macroscopic (5 mm) and microscopic (>2 mm) evaluation, as well as the use of Mohs surgical technique for selected groups. Adequate surgical and reconstructive planning are the main objectives of multidisciplinary management in these patients. We present the case of a patient with palpebral melanoma treated in an oncology unit in Latin America.

Salmonella is a significant threat to Brazilian poultry, causing economic losses and public health risks. This study analyzed 15 Salmonella isolates along with 45 retrieved complete genomes, including serovars Gallinarum, Pullorum, Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg. Biochemical characterization, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing, and comparative genomics were performed. The studied strains exhibited high levels of antimicrobial resistance, particularly to tilmicosin, penicillin/novobiocin, nalidixic acid, and streptomycin. Genomic analysis revealed diverse virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with zoonotic strains showing higher virulence compared to avian-adapted strains. Multiple plasmid types carrying ARGs were identified, highlighting the potential for horizontal gene transfer. Pangenomic and phylogenomic analyses differentiated Salmonella strains from serogroup D1 from those from serogroup B. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to mitigate the impact of Salmonella on both animal and human health in Brazil.

The vortex dynamics of an undoped uniaxially textured YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) superconducting film grown onto a MgO (100) substrate was inspected by applying the vortex glass and collective-pinning models. The texture and structural characterization studied by X-ray diffraction revealed a uniaxially (00 l) YBCO layer, which coexists with minor Y2BaCuO5 and CuO phases. The temperature dependence of the magnetization in the superconducting state revealed a critical temperature TC = 88 K. By measuring the hysteresis loops ( M(H)) at 10–70 K, the critical fields HC1, HC2, HP and Hirr were estimated and a vortex matter diagram was sketched. By using the Bean model, the critical current density values JC(T,H) were obtained and the typical peak effect is observed. The vortex dynamics mechanism is discussed taking into account four vortex feature regimes in the double-logarithmical JC(H) curves. The vortex pinning mechanism is discussed by obtaining the pining force, FP, its normalization, f(h), and magnetic relaxation M(t) measurements taken in field cooling mode at 10–60 K. The glassy exponent μ and the characteristic energy U(J, T) in the vortex glass model were estimated following the Maley method. The collective-pinning model is used to discuss the possible vortex regimes mechanism (individual flux lines, small bundles and large bundles of pinned flux). Eventually, the E(J) curves, expressed from the swept field and creep measurements, show a power-law behaviour, in agreement with the vortex matter.

Northern Peru marks the end of an extensive coastal marine region: The Panama province, which is characterized by predominantly tropical and equatorial features and is home to the only rocky reefs known in Peruvian territory. This unique ecosystem could explain the presence of a diverse range of fish species. However, due to the difficulty of sampling and accessing reef areas, our knowledge of this biodiversity is incomplete. To address this issue, we used DNA barcoding for the study of the fish biodiversity and revealed patterns that may have influenced their evolution throughout the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP). A fragment of Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of 177 samples of rocky reef fishes was sequenced. Intra and interspecific K2P distances were calculated and three species delimitation methods (GMYC, PTP, and bPTP) were used to obtain MOTUs. Both analyses support the conformation of additional MOTUs in samples of Mugil cephalus, Ophichthus zophochir, Malacoctenus tetranemus, Ariopsis seemanni and Halichoeres dispilus, species with a divergence above 2%. By comparing these sequences with public data, our analysis revealed the existence of COI lineages and suggested potential ecological parapatric speciation in the TEP. More studies using other markers and different approaches are required to confirm the existence of species complexes that could be related to the presence of cryptic species.

In the quest to improve energy efficiency in residential environments, home energy management systems (HEMSs) have emerged as an effective solution, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve energy efficiency. This study proposes a deep learning-based approach employing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks to predict household energy usage based on power consumption data from common appliances, such as lamps, fans, air conditioners, televisions, and computers. The model comprises two interrelated submodels: one predicts the individual energy consumption and usage time of each device, while the other estimates the total energy consumption of connected appliances. This dual structure enhances accuracy by capturing both device-specific consumption patterns and overall household energy use, facilitating informed decision-making at multiple levels. Following a systematic methodology that includes model building, training, and evaluation, the LSTM model achieved a low test set loss and mean squared error (MSE), with values of 0.0163 for individual consumption and usage time and 0.0237 for total consumption. Additionally, the predictive performance was strong, with MSE values of 1.0464 × 10⁻⁶ for usage time, 0.0163 for individual consumption, and 0.0168 for total consumption. The analysis of scatter plots and residuals revealed a high degree of correspondence between predicted and actual values, validating the model’s accuracy and reliability in energy forecasting. This study represents a significant advancement in intelligent home energy management, contributing to improved efficiency and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Background/Aims Adolescent pregnancy is a significant public health challenge that has biological, psychological and social implications. This study aimed to identify associations between adolescent pregnancy and socioeconomic, gender inequality and reproductive health indicators in Peru. Methods This retrospective ecological study explored the pregnancy rate among adolescents aged 10–14 years using data from the Peruvian online registry system of birth certificates (2017–2021). Indicator data were taken from various sources. Maps and simple linear regression models were used to analyse the association between indicators and the adolescent pregnancy rate. Results From 2017 to 2021, the pregnancy rate among adolescents was 0.28 per 100 live births, with jungle regions showing the highest rates. Completing secondary education (P<0.001) and contraceptive use (P=0.011) were associated with a decrease in pregnancy rate. Conclusions There was a significant association between early adolescent pregnancy and socioeconomic and reproductive health indicators. Implications for practice It is essential to improve access to secondary education and encourage contraceptive use in Peru, as both are linked to early adolescent pregnancy. Public health efforts should prioritise improving socioeconomic conditions and ensuring fair access to reproductive health services, especially in the most vulnerable areas.

The analysis of STRs located on the X chromosome has been one of the strategies used to address complex kinship cases. Its usefulness is, however, limited by the low availability of population haplotype frequency data and lack of knowledge on the probability of mutations. Due to the large amount of data required to obtain reliable estimates, it is important to investigate the possibility of grouping data from populations with similar profiles when calculating these parameters. To better understand the partition of genetic diversity among human populations for the X-STRs most used in forensics, an analysis was carried out based on data available in the literature and new data (23,949 haplotypes in total; from these 10,445 new) obtained through collaborative exercises within the Spanish and Portuguese Working Group of the International Society for Forensic Genetics. Based on the available population data, a similarity in X-STR profiles was found in European populations, and in East Asian populations, except for some isolates. A greater complexity was found for African, South American, and South and Southeast Asian populations, preventing their grouping into large metapopulations. New segregation data on 2273 father/mother/daughter trios were also obtained, aiming for a more thorough analysis of X-STR mutation rates. After combining our data with published information on father/mother/daughter trios, no mutations were detected in 13 out of 37 loci analyzed. For the remaining loci, mutation rates varied between 2.68 × 10-4 (DXS7133) and 1.07x10-2 (DXS10135), being 5.2 times higher in the male (4.16 ×10-3) than in the female (8.01 ×10-4) germline.

This work considers a one-dimensional system consisting of two identical Timoshenko beams. The model considers that an adhesive layer of small thickness joins the two surfaces, thus producing an interfacial slip under homogeneous mixed Neumann-Dirichlet-Dirichlet boundary conditions. We introduce a Kelvin-Voigt type damping into the rotation equation, and we study the well-posedness of the problem and the asymptotic behavior of the solutions using techniques from the semigroup theory of linear operators and the frequency domain method. When the wave’s propagation speeds are equal in both beams, we show that the Kelvin-Voigt dissipative term acting on the rotation equation is sufficient to obtain the exponential decay of the solutions while maintaining the structural dissipation characteristic of the model. When these propagation speeds differ, we show the lack of exponential decay and prove that the solutions decay polynomially with a decay rate of $t^{-\frac{1}{2}}$. We prove, finally, that this decay rate is optimal.

In order to obtain new materials with multifunctional properties, CaLaSnFeO6 samples were synthesized by the solid reaction technique. Structural analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction technique. Rietveld refinement of the experimental data revealed that these materials crystallize in a perovskite-type monoclinic structure (P21/n, space group #14) with alternating arrangement of Fe-Sn cations along the three crystallographic axes. The strongly granular character of the surface of the material was observed by scanning electron microscopy micrographs. X-ray energy dispersive spectra exhibited a close correspondence of the composition of the samples with that expected from their stoichiometric formula. Magnetic characterization in the temperature regime 50 K < T < 325 K and applied fields up to 30 kOe suggests the occurrence of a ferromagnetic ordering with Curie temperature TC = 204 K. Diffuse reflectance spectra revealed the semiconducting characteristic of the CaLaSnFeO6 double perovskite with a bandgap of Eg = 2.33 eV. To establish the origin of the magnetic interactions, electronic structure calculations were performed in the vicinity of the Fermi level by means of the Density Functional Theory. These properties generate technological expectations in the spintronics industry for the production of information storage devices on magnetic media based on polarized spin currents such as spin valves and magnetic transistors.

The use of natural organic extracts in nanoparticle synthesis can reduce environmental impacts and reagent costs. With that purpose in mind, a novel biosynthesis procedure for the formation of magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using Eucalyptus globulus extract in an aqueous medium has been systematically carried out. First, the biosynthesis was optimized for various extract concentrations, prepared by decoction and infusion methods, and yielded IONPs with sizes from 4 to 9 nm. The optimum concentration was found at 5% w/v, where the biosynthesis reaction time and ammonium hydroxide amount were the lowest of all samples. This extract concentration was tested, including in replicated samples, for a scale-up process, yielded a total mass of 70 g. It was found by Rietveld and electron microscopy analyses that the structural and morphological properties, such as crystalline and particle sizes (9 nm), are equivalent when scaling the synthesis process. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy results indicated that Fe ions are atomically ordered and in a trivalent state in all samples, corroborating with structural results found by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic analysis showed that the scale-up sample exhibited ferrimagnetic-like behavior suitable for magnetic remediation performance (55 emu g⁻¹). The eucalyptus functionalization was demonstrated by thermogravimetric measurements, whereas the colloidal analysis supported the stability of the magnetic suspensions at pH = 7 (zeta potential > −20 mV). The kinetic adsorption performance indicated a fast kinetic adsorption time of 40 min and remarkable removal efficiency of 96% for lubricant removal from water (emulsion systems). The infrared analysis confirmed the presence of the eucalyptus chemical groups even after the removal experiments. These results suggest that the scale-up sample can be recovered for future and sustainable magnetic remediation processes.

Cryopreservation is known to destabilise spermatozoa and is associated with deficiencies in protamine levels and increased DNA fragmentation, which can reduce fertility in various species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cryopreservation on protamine levels and DNA fragmentation in alpaca spermatozoa. A total of 108 testicles/epididymides were collected from a slaughterhouse and sperm were recovered from the cauda epididymis. Only samples meeting the criteria of > 10 g in weight, > 3 cm in length, > 30% motility, and > 50 million spermatozoa/mL were processed. Sixty samples ( n = 60) were suitable for cryopreservation: 30 were used to assess protamine levels, and 30 to evaluate DNA fragmentation. Assessments were conducted both before and after cryopreservation using imaging flow cytometry. Protamine levels were assessed with chromomycin A3 (CMA3, 0.25 mg/mL), where fluorescence inversely correlates with protamination levels. The TUNEL assay was used to analyse DNA fragmentation, following fixation with 0.4% formaldehyde and permeabilisation with 0.8% Triton X‐100. Results showed a significant decrease in CMA3 mean fluorescence after cryopreservation (288.19 ± 145.53 mFL vs. 68.54 ± 51.25 mFL, p < 0.05) and an increase in DNA fragmentation (2.98 ± 2.39 vs. 9.45 ± 15.43, p < 0.05). In conclusion, cryopreservation decreases CMA3 fluorescence, related to a possible increase in protamination, and increases DNA fragmentation in alpaca spermatozoa.