Universidad Católica de Santa Fe

Objective To evaluate the evidence regarding the association between antiretroviral therapy and dental caries in children and adolescents with HIV. Methods Searches were conducted in five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS) from the inception of records up to October 2024, including studies that examine the impact of antiretroviral therapy on caries in individuals under 18 years of age. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Quantitative synthesis was performed using the inverse variance method or Mantel–Haenszel method, depending on the type of outcome analyzed. Measures of association included odds ratios and mean differences, employing a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 585 studies were identified, of which 17 were selected for qualitative review and 15 were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of dental caries in children and adolescents with HIV undergoing antiretroviral therapy compared to those without the virus (odds ratio of 2.11; 95% CI: 1.41–3.17). Subgroup analysis showed a stronger association in case–control studies and for the DMFT index. The certainty of the evidence according to GRADE was rated as very low. Conclusion Despite limited certainty, the results suggest that HIV under antiretroviral therapy is associated with a higher risk of dental caries. It is prudent to interpret these results with caution, considering the methodological limitations of the studies. However, given the possible relevance of this association for public health, it is recommended to consider specific dental care protocols for children and adolescents with HIV, as well as the need for preventive strategies integrated into HIV management.

The treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) faces significant challenges, including drug toxicity, high costs, and the emergence of resistant strains. These limitations highlight the urgent need for novel antileishmanial agents and therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated blue light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy as an alternative approach to inhibit Leishmania stationary promastigotes and treat infected mammalian models. In vitro assays using Leishmania amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. infantum demonstrated that blue LED significantly inhibited parasite growth during and after treatment, with inhibition levels comparable to those achieved with amphotericin B (AmpB). Treatment of infected macrophages with blue LED substantially reduced infection rates and amastigote recovery across all three parasite species. Ultrastructural analyses revealed the destruction of internal organelles and alterations to the surface membranes of all Leishmania species following blue LED exposure. In in vivo experiments, L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice were treated with AmpB, blue LED alone, combination of blue LED plus AmpB, or saline as a control. Animals treated with blue LED, particularly in combination with AmpB, exhibited significant reductions in parasite loads in infected tissues such as lesions, spleens, livers, and draining lymph nodes, as confirmed by limiting dilution assays and qPCR. Additionally, these treatments induced a robust antileishmanial Th1-type immune response, characterized by increased production of IFN-γ, IL-12, nitrite, and IgG2a antibodies. These findings suggest that blue LED phototherapy holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for TL and warrants further investigation in future studies.

A pretreatment step is essential to improve the enzymatic digestibility of biomass, and in recent years, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has emerged as a promising alternative. However, while HC has been primarily studied for pretreatment, its application to directly assist the enzymatic hydrolysis process remains unexplored. In this work, a novel approach was introduced, and the effect of HC on the enzymatic hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse was evaluated by performing a face centered central composite design with enzyme loading and temperature as variables. The analysis of the design results and the process optimization were aided by Design-Expert and Statistica software. Additionally, a sequential strategy involving HC-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis was implemented through four cycles of fed-batch processing. Under optimized conditions (enzyme loading of 18 FPU/g and temperature of 50 °C), glucan and xylan hydrolysis yields of 91% and 77%, respectively, were achieved after 12 h. These yields surpassed those obtained in control experiments performed with ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis. In fed-batch process, the obtained sugar concentrations were increased 5–6 times in the hydrolysate compared to the values obtained in simple batch mode. The results demonstrate HC as an innovative and effective alternative for enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis. Graphical abstract

In this study, the plasmonic effect enabled by silver nanoparticles (AgNps) is evaluated for the enhancement of thermal performance in micro solar collectors. AgNps were synthesized via chemical reduction process using silver nitrate at varying concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0,3, and 0.4 ml) and pH conditions (5.5–10.5). The creation of evenly spread nanoparticles with a size of 10–15 nm was confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and TEM analysis. The best results were seen when the pH was 10.5 and the concentration of silver nitrate was 0.2 ml (102 mg l⁻¹). Zeta potential measurements indicated good colloidal stability under these conditions. Thermal conductivity tests showed that nanofluids with AgNps enhanced the base fluid’s conductivity by up to 25% under simulated solar irradiation at 100% intensity. The plasmonic effect was evaluated in both homogeneous (AgNps are dispersed in a base fluid) and heterogeneous systems (AgNps immobilized on anionic resins). The observed maximum temperature difference of 1.4 °C was achieved at pH 10.5, silver concentration of 0.2 ml, and 2 suns irradiation. These findings highlight the potential of AgNp-based nanofluids to significantly enhance the solar energy harvesting systems, providing a promising avenue for advancing renewable energy technologies.

Species presence in urban landscapes is driven by complex biological and environmental interactions. In this study, we evaluated habitat and microhabitat selection by amphibians in urban environments using correspondence analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, and preference analysis. Data on habitats, microhabitats, and activities were recorded for 26 amphibian species in urban areas. All species were observed in natural habitats, while only 11 in artificial habitats. Leptodactylus latinasus, Leptodactylus macrosternum, Rhinella arenarum, and Rhinella dorbignyi were found in both habitat types, in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Most individuals (74%) were recorded in natural habitats, predominantly aquatic ones. In artificial habitats (26%), R. arenarum was the most abundant species, primarily using terrestrial habitats. All species exhibited some degree of habitat preference, even generalist species. Amphibian activities were also linked to habitat type, with natural aquatic habitats primarily used for breeding and natural terrestrial habitats for refuge, foraging, and other activities. Our results highlight that heterogeneous natural habitats promote greater species diversity, while artificial habitats restrict amphibian presence. However, the capacity of certain species to adjust to artificial environments underscores the need to enhance these habitats by adding bodies of water, bare ground, and vegetation of all kinds to support the conservation of urban amphibians.

Background Young soccer players, club professionals and soccer academies require to monitor and evaluate the state of maturity. This will allow decisions to be made in the process of selection and detection of sports talent. Objective a) To determine which of the two equations (Mirwald and Moore) is more adequate to analyze physical performance in young soccer playersnd b) to propose reference values to evaluate the physical condition of young Chilean soccer players according to maturity stage. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 302 young Chilean soccer players between 11 and 16 years of age. Weight, standing height, sitting height and seven physical tests were evaluated: Hand grip strength (HGS) [(right and left], explosive strength [horizontal jump (HJ), squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ)], agility (Illinois and 5x10 repetitions) and aerobic fitness (distance in meters and VO2max). Maturity status (MS) was estimated using two equations: Mirwald and Moore for men. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method (L = lambda for the skewness; M = mu for the median; S = sigma). Results MS was estimated by Mirwald at 13.8 ± 0.60 years and by Moore at 13.18 ± 0.47 years. HGS (right and left) were higher by Moore's method from 1 to 4%. With the explosive strength tests (HJ, CMJ and SJ), the values were higher from 1 to 3%. With the agility tests (Illinois and 5x10repetitions), the explanatory power was higher from 2 to 4%. With the aerobic fitness values (meters run and VO2max), the values were higher from 1 to 3% in relation to the Mirwald method. Percentiles (P3, P5, P10, P15, P25, P50, P75, P85, P90, P95 and P97) were developed for the physical tests according to Moore's MS (-2APHV, -1APHV, 0APHV, +1APHV and + 2APHV). Conclusion Moore's equation is more adequate than Mirwald's to analyze physical performance in young Chilean soccer players aged 11 to 16 years. Percentiles based on maturity status can be used to categorize, monitor and evaluate physical performance during the growth and development of young soccer players.

Introduction The study aimed to determine the relationships between behavioral adaptation and video game addiction, mediated by anxiety, in Peruvian adolescents from urban and rural areas, using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Methods This explanatory and cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling, comprising 606 students of both sexes, aged 11 to 13, with 62.4% from urban areas and 37.6% from rural areas. The instruments used included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) to measure state and trait anxiety, the Behavioral Adaptation Inventory (IAC), and the Video Game Dependency Test (TDV). These instruments demonstrated adequate validity and reliability for the sample through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), ensuring their relevance in the Peruvian context. Results The SEM results confirmed that behavioral adaptation influences video game addiction, mediated by anxiety, with good model fit indices (χ²/df = 4.836; TLI = 0.945; CFI = 0.964; GFI = 0.950; RMSEA = 0.080, 90% CI [0.068, 0.092]). Regarding anxiety types, state anxiety showed a stronger negative mediating effect (β = −0.31; β = 0.20) compared to trait anxiety (β = −0.22; β = 0.16). Significant differences were found between rural and urban students, with rural adolescents exhibiting lower behavioral adaptation and higher levels of state and trait anxiety (p < 0.001) compared to their urban peers. Discussion The findings support theories emphasizing the interaction between emotional and behavioral factors in the development of problematic behaviors. Additionally, state anxiety is identified as having a greater mediating impact than trait anxiety, suggesting that situational emotional responses, rather than stable predispositions, are key determinants in intensifying addictive behaviors in specific contexts.

The biceps curl test is easy to apply, does not require expensive equipment, and its short execution time makes it feasible in school settings with limited resources. To verify the reliability of the biceps curl test in children and adolescents and to provide reference values according to chronological age and sex. A total of 1103 schoolchildren aged 6 to 17 years (500 boys and 603 girls) were evaluated. Weight and height were evaluated and Body Mass Index (BMI) and Tri Ponderal Index (TPI) were calculated. The right and left hand biceps curl was evaluated in 30 s. Children aged 6 to 11 years used a 1 kg dumbbell and those aged 12 to 17 years used a 2 kg dumbbell. Percentiles were calculated using the LMS method. The values of the relative Technical Error of Measurement (TEM%) of the biceps curl test of both hands ranged from 0.48 to 2.89%. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evidenced high values of 0.93 to 0.99. The Bland-Altman plot showed wide limits of agreement (-1.28 to 1.29 rep). These findings demonstrate that the test is reliable and consistent for use in pediatric populations and is suitable for different stages of physical development in school children. The values showed stability and wide limits of agreement. In addition, the proposed percentiles are useful to evaluate and monitor the strength endurance performance of both arms.

Altered fire regimes are a global challenge, increasingly exacerbated by climate change, which modifies fire weather and prolongs fire seasons. These changing conditions heighten the vulnerability of ecosystems and human populations to the impacts of wildfires on the environment, society, and the economy. The rapid pace of these changes exposes significant gaps in knowledge, tools, technology, and governance structures needed to adopt informed, holistic approaches to fire management that address both current and future challenges. Integrated Fire Management is an approach that combines fire prevention, response, and recovery while integrating ecological, socio-economic, and cultural factors into management strategies. However, Integrated Fire Management remains highly context-dependent, encompassing a wide array of fire management practices with varying degrees of ecological and societal integration. This review explores Integrated Fire Management as both an adaptation and mitigation strategy for altered fire regimes. It provides an overview of the progress and challenges associated with implementing Integrated Fire Management across different regions worldwide. The review also proposes five core objectives and outlines a roadmap of incremental steps for advancing Integrated Fire Management as a strategy to adapt to ongoing and future changes in fire regimes, thereby maximizing its potential to benefit both people and nature.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder caused by oxidative stress and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), particularly the type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor, plays a crucial role in NAFLD progression. Cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with terpenes, such as beta-myrcene and d-limonene, have shown potential therapeutic effects on liver health, particularly in reducing oxidative stress and modulating lipid metabolism. This study aimed to analyse the effects of five cannabis oils (COs), each with different CBD:THC ratios and terpenes content, on hypertension, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and CB1 receptor expression in an experimental model of NAFLD induced by a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) in Wistar rats for 3 weeks. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed either a: 1) reference diet (RD; standard commercial laboratory diet) or a: 2) sucrose-rich diet (SRD) for 3 weeks. 3 to 7 SRD+CO as following: 3) SRD+THC; 4) SRD+CBD; 5) SRD+CBD:THC 1:1; 6) SRD+CBD:THC 2:1; and 7) SRD+CBD:THC 3:1. The COs were administered orally at a dose of 1.5 mg total cannabinoids/kg body weight daily. The cannabinoid and terpenes content of all COs used in the study was determined. The terpenes found in COs were beta-myrcene, d-limonene, terpinolene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, (-)-guaiol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol. During the experimental period, body weight, food intake and blood pressure were measured. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were evaluated. Liver tissue histology, NAFLD activity score (NAS), triglyceride and cholesterol content, lipogenic enzyme activities, enzyme related to mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and antioxidant enzyme activities were also evaluated. The CB1 receptor expression was also determined. Results: The results showed that SRD-fed rats developed hypertension, dyslipidemia, liver damage, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. This was accompanied by upregulation of liver CB1 receptor expression. CBD-rich CO, CBD:THC 1:1 ratio CO; CBD:THC 2:1 ratio CO and CBD:THC 3:1 ratio CO showed antihypertensive properties. THC-rich CO, CBD:THC 1:1 ratio CO; CBD:THC 2:1 ratio CO showed the greatest beneficial effects against hepatic steatosis and liver damage. All COs exhibited antioxidant effects in liver tissue. This was associated with normal liver CB1 receptor expression. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that COs, particularly THC-rich CO, CBD:THC ratio 1:1 CO, CBD:THC ratio 2:1 CO and terpenes, can effectively reduce dyslipidemia, liver damage and hepatic steatosis in SRD-induced NAFLD. COs with a higher proportion of CBD in their composition showed antihypertensive properties. All the COs exhibited antioxidant properties. These findings suggest that COs, especially those with CBD:THC ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 and terpenes, may represent a promising therapeutic approach for managing NAFLD and preventing its progression to more severe liver disease.

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, and prolonged with complementary feeding until 2 years of age or more, is the best nutritional approach in the first stage of life. Mastitis is a pathology that can jeopardize the continuity of breastfeeding. Different methods have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of mastitis, including probiotics. This narrative review aims to describe the problem of mastitis during lactation and the role of probiotics in its prevention. Mastitis should not be confused with the physiological phenomenon known as milk coming in. In persistent pain, timely medical consultation is key to avoiding complications. The administration of specific probiotics in the perinatal period has shown efficacy in reducing the incidence of mastitis.

Background Access to fungal disease diagnosis is crucial for reducing mortality, yet it varies widely across Argentina, especially outside Buenos Aires. In regions like Santa Fe and Paraná, where most healthcare facilities are under 150 beds, maintaining specialised mycology labs is challenging. Objectives This work describes the establishment and first‐year results of a centralised Fungal Disease Response Centre (FDRC) and referral network serving this region, covering approximately 1 million inhabitants. Methods The FDRC provided tests from the WHO's Essential Diagnostic List, along with antifungal susceptibility testing and molecular diagnostics. Additionally, we offered continuous training, a courier service and digital tools for service requests and result reporting. Methods In 2023, the FDRC handled samples from 878 patients from 22 institutions, performing 1151 tests on 897 samples. Common tests included Aspergillus galactomannan quantification and molecular diagnostics, diagnosing 101 fungal infections including fungaemias, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis and deep‐seated candidiasis. Average turnaround times were 6.2 h for antigen‐based tests and 21.5 h for molecular tests. Conclusions This centralised service improved diagnosis speed and quality, overcoming limitations of smaller labs. It also enabled population‐based studies, revealing higher‐than‐expected histoplasmosis prevalence. The FDRC's first‐year results demonstrate that regional centralisation can enhance diagnostic quality, improve patient outcomes and advance epidemiological knowledge.

To overcome infection, hosts employ two defense strategies: resistance (which limits pathogen fitness), and tolerance (which reduces infection damage). These strategies may be influenced by environmental challenges such as food shortage, social conflict, and co‐infections. Here, our objective was to assess defense strategies in rats infected with Trichinella spiralis and/or Trypanosoma cruzi under environmental challenges. After four weeks of treatment with environmental challenges (food restriction [0/1] and/or social conflict [0/1]), rats were exposed to Tri. spiralis [0/1] and/or Try. cruzi [0/1]. Six weeks postinoculation, we measured parasite intensity and several indicators of health or pathology. Tolerance to Try. cruzi increased in the presence of social conflict and food restriction. Coinfected animals showed reduced tolerance compared to mono‐infected. However, food‐restricted mono‐infected rats had lower tolerance than other groups. No significant differences were found in resistance to Try. cruzi . Tolerance to Tri. spiralis was higher in food‐restricted rats and Coinfected rats. Moreover, we found a potential shift in defense strategy: rats that are mono‐infected and exposed to social conflict may be more resistant but less tolerant to Tri. spiralis than all other experimental groups. Overall, our findings highlight that defense strategies are context‐dependent in the nematode‐protozoan infection model studied, and provide evidence of a shift in the defense strategy to accommodate during environmental challenges. Given that rodents play a key role as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, understanding the range and variability of defense strategies in these animals is of utmost importance.

Introduction Certain aspects of indigenous communities, such as cultural practices and access to care, have been discussed as potential determinants of oral health. However, research on this topic remains limited. Understanding the factors influencing oral health and their perceptions is crucial for developing culturally appropriate interventions. This study aims to evaluate the determinants and self-perception of oral health through a mixed study within a specific indigenous community in the north of Chile. Furthermore, this is the first study to examine oral health in the Quechua and Aymara communities of Chile. Methods This exploratory study was conducted in in two phases: a quantitative phase, involving clinical examination and administration of questionnaires; and qualitative phase, consisting of interviews with subset of participants from the quantitative phase. A descriptive statistic of the quantitative data was performed. Results While no significant differences were found between indigenous and non-indigenous population in this city of Chile, differences were observed between the two main indigenous communities (Aymaras and Quechuas). Historical factors appeared to influence these differences. Belonging to the Aymara community emerges as a significant determinant of oral health, characterized by a greater need for oral rehabilitation, barriers to accessing dental care, lower self-perception of the quality of oral health. Educational level and rurality were identified as factors potentially affecting the oral health status of this community. Conclusion Ethnicity can influence in oral health, primarily in relation to rurality and educational level. This study found no significant overall differences in oral health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. However, Quechuas exhibited better oral health than Aymaras. Participants demonstrated good oral health knowledge and a positive attitude towards prevention, despite recalling limited education in their youth. We emphasize the need for implementing strategies for oral health promotion and prevention that consider cultural, linguistic and specific needs of these communities.

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of arthropod-borne pathogens. Aedes aegypti is one of the most widespread mosquito species worldwide, responsible for transmitting diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya, among other medically significant viruses. Characterizing the array of viruses circulating in mosquitoes, particularly in Aedes aegypti, is a crucial tool for detecting and developing novel strategies to prevent arbovirus outbreaks. In this study, we address the implementation of a sequencing and analysis pipeline based on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION Mk1b system, for arboviral detection in field-caught mosquitoes from Argentina. Full genome of Humaita Tubiacanga Virus (HTV), Phasi Charoen-like Phasivirus (PCLV), Aedes aegypti totivirus (AaeTV) has been sequenced in three distinct regions of Argentina comprising Buenos Aires province, Santa Fe province and the northern province of Salta. Viral sequences enriched by SISPA and coupled with Nanopore sequencing can be a useful tool for viral surveillance, not only for detecting viruses that have a high impact on human and animal health, but also for detecting insect-specific viruses that could promote the transmission of arboviruses.