Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia

Contamination with anthropogenic debris, such as plastic and paint particles, has been widely investigated in the global marine environment. However, there is a lack of information regarding their presence in marine protected areas (MPAs). In the present study, the abundance, distribution, and chemical characteristics of microplastics (MPs; <5 mm), mesoplastics (MePs; 5-25 mm), and paint particles were investigated in multiple environmental compartments of two MPAs from Peru. The characteristics of MPs across surface water, bottom sediments, and fish guts were similar, primarily dominated by blue fibers. On the other hand, MePs and large MPs (1-5 mm) were similar across sandy beaches. Several particles were composite materials consisting of multiple layers confirmed as alkyd resins by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, which were typical indicators of marine coatings. The microstructure of paint particles showed differentiated topography across layers, as well as different elemental compositions. Some layers displayed amorphous structures with Ba-, Cr-, and Ti-based additives. However, the leaching and impact of potentially toxic additives in paint particles require further investigation. The accumulation of multiple types of plastic and paint debris in MPAs could pose a threat to conservation goals. The current study contributed to the knowledge regarding anthropogenic debris contamination in MPAs and further elucidated the physical and chemical properties of paint particles in marine environments. While paint particles may look similar to MPs and MePs, more attention should be given to these contaminants in places where intense maritime activity takes place.

The current four-symptom screen recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is widely used as screen to initiate diagnostic testing for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), yet the performance is poor especially when TB prevalence is low. In contrast, more sensitive molecular tests are less suitable for placement at primary care level in low-resource settings. In order to meet the WHO End TB targets, new diagnostic approaches are urgently needed to find the missing undiagnosed cases. Proteomics-derived blood host biomarkers have been explored because protein detection technologies are suitable for the point-of-care setting and could meet cost targets. This study aimed to find a biomarker signature that fulfills WHO’s target product profile (TPP) for a TB screening. Twelve blood-based protein biomarkers from three sample populations (Vietnam, Peru, and South Africa) were analyzed individually and in combinations via advanced statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. The combination of I-309, SYWC and kallistatin showed the most promising results to discern active TB throughout the data sets meeting the TPP for a triage test in adults from two countries (Peru and South Africa). The top-performing individual markers identified at the global level (I-309 and SYWC) were also among the best-performing markers at country level in South Africa and Vietnam. This analysis clearly shows that a host protein biomarker assay is feasible in adults for certain geographical regions based on one or two biomarkers with a performance that meets minimal WHO TPP criteria.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is of critical importance, but data for Peru are not available. To fill this gap, a non-interventional hospital-based surveillance study was conducted in 15 hospitals across Peru from July 2017 to October 2019. Consecutive unique blood culture isolates of key GNB ( Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Acinetobacter spp.) recovered from hospitalized patients were collected for centralized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, along with linked epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 449 isolates were included in the analysis. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) was present in 266 (59.2%) GNB isolates. Among E. coli ( n = 199), 68.3% showed 3GC resistance (i.e., above the median ratio for low- and middle-income countries in 2020 for this sustainable development goal indicator). Carbapenem resistance was present in 74 (16.5%) GNB isolates, with wide variation among species (0% in E. coli , 11.0% in K. pneumoniae , 37.0% in P. aeruginosa , and 60.8% in Acinetobacter spp. isolates). Co-resistance to carbapenems and colistin was found in seven (1.6%) GNB isolates. Empiric treatment covered the causative GNB in 63.3% of 215 cases. The in-hospital case fatality ratio was 33.3% (92/276). Pseudomonas aeruginosa species and carbapenem resistance were associated with higher risk of in-hospital death. In conclusion, an important proportion of bloodstream infections in Peru are caused by highly resistant GNB and are associated with high in-hospital mortality.

Research on the impact of seasonal and climatic variability on childhood nutritional status in the Amazon is limited. We examined how the nutritional status of Shawi children under five years changed seasonally and explored parental participation in food system activities (fishing, livestock, agriculture, hunting) as a potential influence. Using a community-based research approach with Indigenous Shawi Peoples, we conducted cross-sectional surveys in pre-harvest (July-August 2014) and post-harvest (November-December 2015) seasons. Sociodemographic data, parental participation, weight, height, and hemoglobin concentration were collected for childhood nutritional assessment. We employed bivariable linear regression to analyze associations between seasonal variations in children’s nutrition and parental food system engagement. The study took place across eleven Indigenous Shawi communities in Loreto, Peruvian Amazon. In total, 74 Shawi children and their parents were analyzed. Results indicated a decrease in childhood wasting (4.9% to 0.0%) and persistent anemia (66.2% to 66.2%), while stunting increased (39.2% to 41.9%) from pre-harvest to post-harvest. Parental participation in food activities varied seasonally, but its impact on childhood nutritional status was not statistically significant. Our findings highlight significant levels of undernutrition in Indigenous Shawi children, with slight seasonal variation. Future interventions must consider seasonal dynamics, and further exploration of parental roles in children’s diets is warranted.

There is a knowledge gap in the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Peru. Through a surveillance study in 13 hospitals of 10 Peruvian regions (2017–2019), we assessed the proportion of MRSA among S. aureus BSIs as well as the molecular typing of the isolates. A total of 166 S. aureus isolates were collected, and 36.1% of them were MRSA. Of note, MRSA isolates with phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the hospital-associated Chilean-Cordobes clone (multidrug-resistant SCC mec I, non–Panton-Valentine leukocidin [PVL] producers) were most commonly found (70%), five isolates with genetic characteristics of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)—SCC mec IV, PVL-producer—(8.3%) were seen in three separate regions. These results demonstrate that hospital-associated MRSA is the most frequent MRSA found in patients with BSIs in Peru. They also show the emergence of S. aureus with genetic characteristics of CA-MRSA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the extension of CA-MRSA dissemination in Peru.

Background Despite their documented efficacy, substantial proportions of patients discontinue antidepressant medication (ADM) without a doctor's recommendation. The current report integrates data on patient-reported reasons into an investigation of patterns and predictors of ADM discontinuation. Methods Face-to-face interviews with community samples from 13 countries ( n = 30 697) in the World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys included n = 1890 respondents who used ADMs within the past 12 months. Results 10.9% of 12-month ADM users reported discontinuation-based on recommendation of the prescriber while 15.7% discontinued in the absence of prescriber recommendation. The main patient-reported reason for discontinuation was feeling better (46.6%), which was reported by a higher proportion of patients who discontinued within the first 2 weeks of treatment than later. Perceived ineffectiveness (18.5%), predisposing factors (e.g. fear of dependence) (20.0%), and enabling factors (e.g. inability to afford treatment cost) (5.0%) were much less commonly reported reasons. Discontinuation in the absence of prescriber recommendation was associated with low country income level, being employed, and having above average personal income. Age, prior history of psychotropic medication use, and being prescribed treatment from a psychiatrist rather than from a general medical practitioner, in comparison, were associated with a lower probability of this type of discontinuation. However, these predictors varied substantially depending on patient-reported reasons for discontinuation. Conclusion Dropping out early is not necessarily negative with almost half of individuals noting they felt better. The study underscores the diverse reasons given for dropping out and the need to evaluate how and whether dropping out influences short- or long-term functioning.

Ten new thiosemicarbazone derivatives, furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (1), 3-methyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (2), 5-hydroxymethyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3), 5-trifluoromethyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (4), 5-nitro-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (5), 5-phenyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (6), 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (7), 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (8), 5-(1-naphthyl)-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (9), and 5-(1H-Pyrazol-5-yl)-furan-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (10) were synthesized by condensing thiosemicarbazide with the respective furan-2-carbaldehyde in methanol. The prepared compounds were characterized by spectroscopic studies (FT-IR and NMR) and electrospray mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of 2, 6, 7, and 8 have also been determined by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2, 6, and 7 crystallize in the E conformation about the N1-C6, N1-C11, and N1-C11 bonds, respectively, while 8 adopts the Z conformation about the N1-C12 bond with the presence of an intramolecular N2-H…O2 hydrogen bond. All prepared thiosemicarbazone derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities against Staphylococcus aureus strains, Candida albicans/Candida tropicalis fungi, and seven human tumor cell lines (HuTu80, H460, DU145, M-14, HT-29, MCF-7, and LNCaP), respectively. The antioxidant activity was also studied by the DPPH assay. Compound 5 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC700699 (MIC = 1 μg/mL) compared to the nitrofurantoin and gentamicin reference drugs (MIC = 1–25 and 10->100 μg/mL, respectively). Compound 4 was ten times less active than amphotericin B (MIC = 5 μg/mL) against Candida albicans (ATCC90028 and ATCC10231), while 1 exhibited a moderate effect of scavenging of DPPH radical (IC50 = 40.9 μg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid reference compound (IC50 = 22.0 μg/mL). Among all the studied thiosemicarbazones, 5 showed a higher cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 13.36–27.73 μΜ) in relation to the other tested compounds (IC50 = 34.84—>372.34 μΜ) against all tested cell lines, except the LNCaP cell line, exhibiting its highest antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 13.36 μΜ) on the HuTu80 cell line. Besides, 8 and 9 exhibited high antitumor activity (IC50 = 13.31 and 7.69 μΜ, respectively) against the LNCaP cells.

Characterization of major resistance (R) genes to late blight (LB)-caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans-is very important for potato breeding. The objective of this study was to identify novel genes for resistance to LB from diploid Solanum tuberosum L. Andigenum Group (StAG) cultivar accessions. Using comparative analysis with a edgeR bioconductor package for differential expression analysis of transcriptomes, two of these accessions with contrasting levels of resistance to LB were analyzed using digital gene expression data. As a result, various differentially expressed genes (P ≤ 0.0001, Log 2 FC ≥ 2, FDR < 0.001) were noted. The combination of transcriptomic analysis provided 303 candidate genes that are overexpressed and underexpressed, thereby giving high resistance to LB. The functional analysis showed differential expression of R genes and their corresponding proteins related to disease resistance, NBS-LRR domain proteins, and specific disease resistance proteins. Comparative analysis of specific tissue transcriptomes in resistant and susceptible genotypes can be used for rapidly identifying candidate R genes, thus adding novel genes from diploid StAG cultivar accessions for host plant resistance to P. infestans in potato. De la Cruz G, Blas R, Pé rez W, Neyra E and Ortiz R (2023) Foliar transcriptomes reveal candidate genes for late blight resistance in cultivars of diploid potato Solanum tuberosum L. Andigenum Group.

Purpose of Review Taxes on sugary drinks and foods have emerged as a key strategy to counteract the alarming levels of diabetes worldwide. Added sugar consumption from industrialized foods and beverages has been strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. This review provides a synthesis of evidence on how taxes on sugary products can influence the onset of type 2 diabetes, describing the importance of the different mechanisms through which the consumption of these products is reduced, leading to changes in weight and potentially a decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Recent Findings Observational studies have shown significant reductions in purchases, energy intake, and body weight after the implementation of taxes on sugary drinks or foods. Simulation studies based on the association between energy intake and type 2 diabetes estimated the potential long-term health and economic effects, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting that the implementation of sugary food and beverage taxes may have a meaningful impact on reducing type 2 diabetes and complications. Summary Public health response to diabetes requires multi-faceted approaches from health and non-health actors to drive healthier societies. Population-wide strategies, such as added sugar taxes, highlight the potential benefits of financial incentives to address behaviors and protective factors to significantly change an individual’s health trajectory and reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes worldwide, both in terms of economy and public health.

Introduction Nursing professionals who contracted Covid-19 went from being caregivers to victims of the infection, and they knew first-hand how dangerous it could be. The impact on these health care professionals stayed with them even after their physical health recovered. Objective To understand the experiences of nursing professionals hospitalized with COVID-19, regarding their illness, hospitalization and care received. Methods Qualitative phenomenological study, with two in-depth interviews each with six nursing professionals who had representative cases from public hospitals in Lima, Peru, was chosen until theoretical saturation was achieved. Results Four main themes emerged from the transcripts of the 12 interviews conducted: self-assessment about the form of infection, identification and complications of the disease, feelings about the disease-hospitalization, and perception of the care received as a patient. Conclusion Being hospitalized as COVID-19 patients has been a difficult experience for nursing professionals, characterized by fear of dying; where the emotional support of their family and colleagues, as well as their spiritual strength, have allowed them to achieve their recovery, so they feel satisfied with the care received.

Aims Describe the outcomes reported in research on health systems interventions for type 1 diabetes management in comparison to the outcomes proposed by a core outcome set (COS) for this condition, an essential list of outcomes that studies should measure. Methods Systematic search of studies published between 2010 and 2021 reporting health systems interventions directed to improve the management of type 1 diabetes using PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL. Information on the outcomes was extracted and classified according to a COS: self‐management, level of clinical engagement, perceived control over diabetes, diabetes‐related quality of life, diabetes burden, diabetes ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C). Results 187 studies were included. Most of the studies included either children (n=82/187) or adults (n=82/187) living with type 1 diabetes. The most common outcome measured was HbA1C (n=149/187), followed by self‐management (n=105/187). While the least measured ones were diabetes ketoacidosis (n=15/187), and clinical engagement (n=0/187). None of the studies measured all the outcomes recommended in the COS. Additionally, different tools were found to be used in measuring the same outcome. Conclusions This study provides a description of what researchers are measuring when assessing health systems interventions to improve type 1 diabetes management. In contrast to a COS, it was found that there is a predominance of clinical‐based outcomes over patient‐reported outcome measures.

Introduction Saphenous vein graft aneurysm (SVGA) is a rare but life-threatening complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aim to identify the potential risk factors that lead to SVGA in post CABG patients. Methods A systematic review of Original Studies, Observational Studies, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses, Case Studies, and Case Series was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and Google Scholar. involving adult patients (>18) with SVGA after CABG using MESH terminology in a broad search strategy. All searches were performed and analyzed according to PRISMA and duplicates removed via rayyan. Two independent investigators extracted and assessed the data involving denmographics, baseline data related to CABG and its manifestations. Results Out of 487 finalised articles, 14 of them matched the inclusion requirements and reported 12 cases of SVGAs following CABG. Atherosclerosis with intimal calcification was the most common risk factor followed by infection. Others included hyperlipidemia, pneumonia and cardiac pathologies mostly related to the ventricles and valves. Conclusion Atherosclerosis associated with intimal calcification is the most common risk factor. Patient outcomes seem to improve upon early identification and regular follow-up imaging. The exclusion criteria indicated the study’s limits, and future studies that address these constraints may be able to better understand the risk variables involved in the genesis of SVGA.

Introduction. Mental health and psychiatry have been terms of intense and complex use for almost a century, and they may have reached a critical level of ambiguous and imprecise synonymy that makes their definition and validation difficult. Objective. To examine these concepts in depth, establishing precise distinctions, ontological connections, and instrumental scope reinforced by well-defined ideas in ethics and bioethics. Method. Narrative review of pertinent literature, consultation with diverse scientific, medical, historical, philosophical, and literary sources, with appropriate analysis of ethical and bioethical practices. Results. A broad, comprehensive definition is elaborated of mental health as a field with sociocultural, political, and demographic implications, and of psychiatry as a medical specialty. In addition to making clear distinctions and describing the specific impact of both fields on diverse populations, various levels of conceptual linkages, sociopolitical action, and ethical content are highlighted, as well as in processes of administration, education, and research. Discussion and conclusion. There are factors that reinforce or weaken the scope of mental health and psychiatry, including their ethical and bioethical dimensions. Their effectiveness requires a reaffirmation of objectives and the reinforcement of individual and institutional initiatives, as well as the search for authentic connections and a social projection that is objective, comprehensive, and just.

Brain tumors are rarely present during pregnancy. However, they can severely impact the fetus and mother’s well-being due to a complex interaction of disease and physiological factors. Moreover, awake surgery for gliomas has been scarcely reported during this life stage, and the nuances and techniques merit further investigation. Herein, we performed a systematic review of the literature about awake surgery for glioma resection during pregnancy. A total of six patients with a median age of 30.5 years (interquartile range: 40–27) were analyzed. Awake surgery was performed in the third trimester in 50% of patients (median time: 24.5 weeks) without reported intraoperative complications. Conscious sedation was achieved by remifentanil and propofol infusion in 67% of cases, and intraoperative fetal heart monitoring was utilized in 83% of cases. Most studies revealed good clinical maternal-fetal outcomes at follow-up; however, long-term safety effects remain undetermined and warrant further research. In conclusion, awake surgery for glioma resection under a multidisciplinary approach can be a reasonable treatment option for select patients during pregnancy.

Background Obtaining ideal support to maintain the nasal tip has been investigated in several rhinoplasty studies. We aimed to describe a support technique, namely the use of a “hinge strut” (HS) for the nasal tip in Latino noses and to evaluate nasolabial angles at 6-months follow-up. Methods In total, 46 Latino patients who had undergone rhinoplasty using the HS technique between June 2021 and June 2022 were recruited in Lima, Peru. All patients had nasolabial angle measurements taken preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively in active and passive positions to evaluate angle changes during this 6-month period. Results We evaluated 38 women and six men aged 18–45 years (mean age, 25.74 years). In the passive position, the mean nasolabial angles were 91.5 degrees preoperatively and 106, 104, and 103 degrees at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, postoperatively. In the active position, the mean nasolabial angles were 85.5 degrees preoperatively and 102.6, 99.1, and 98.1 degrees at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively, postoperatively ( P < 0.0001, using Friedman chi-square test). Conclusions The HS technique is safe and reproducible, with nasal tip maintenance and an adequate angle elevation trend observed at 6-months follow-up. Further studies and longer observation times are necessary to determine longer-term outcomes.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a type of dyslipidemia characterized by high triglyceride levels in the blood and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Conventional management includes antilipidemic medications such as statins, lowering LDL and triglyceride levels as well as raising HDL levels. However, the treatment may be stratified using omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), aka fish oil derivatives. Studies have shown that fish oil supplements reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases; however, the underlying mechanism and the extent of reduction in CVD needs more clarification. Our paper aims to review the clinical trials and observational studies in the current literature, investigating the use of fish oil and its benefits on cardiovascular system as well as the proposed underlying mechanism.

The release of vast quantities of sulfide from the sediment into the water column, known as a sulfidic event, has detrimental consequences on fish catches, including downstream effects on other linked element cycles. Despite being frequent occurrences in marine upwelling regions, our understanding of the factors that moderate sulfidic event formation and termination are still rudimentary. Here, we examined the biogeochemical and hydrodynamic conditions that underpinned the formation/termination of one of the largest sulfur plumes to be reported in the Peruvian upwelling zone. Consistent with previous research, we find that the sulfur-rich plume arose during the austral summer when anoxic conditions (i.e., oxygen and nitrate depletion) prevailed in waters overlying the upper shelf. Furthermore, the shelf sediments were organically charged and characterized by low iron-bound sulfur concentrations, further enabling the diffusion of benthic-generated sulfide into the water column. While these biogeochemical conditions provided a predicate to sulfidic event formation, we highlight that attenuations in local wind intensity served as an event trigger. Namely, interruptions in local wind speed constrained upwelling intensity, causing increased stratification over the upper shelf. Moreover, disturbances in local wind patterns likely placed additional constraints on wind-driven mesoscale eddy propagation, with feedback effects on coastal elemental sulfur plume (ESP) formation. We suggest ESP development occurs as a result of a complex interaction of biogeochemistry with regional hydrodynamics.

Aims: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is treatable but guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) may not be affordable or accessible to people living with the disease. Methods and results: In this cross-sectional survey, we investigated the price, affordability, and accessibility of four pivotal classes of HFrEF GDMT: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI); beta-blockers; mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA); and sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). We sampled online or community pharmacies in 10 countries across a range of World Bank income groups, assessing mean 30 day retail prescription prices, affordability relative to gross national income per capita per month, and accessibility. We reported median price ratios relative to the International Reference Standard. We performed a literature review to evaluate accessibility to GDMT classes through publicly funded drug programmes in each country. HFrEF GDMT prices, both absolute and relative to the international reference, were highest in the United States and lowest in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The most expensive drug was the ARNI, sacubitril/valsartan, with a mean (standard deviation, SD) 30 day price ranging from $11.06 (0.81) in Pakistan to $611.50 (3.54) in United States. The least expensive drug was the MRA, spironolactone, with a mean (SD) 30 day price ranging from $0.18 (0.00) in Pakistan to $12.32 (0.00) in England. Affordability (SD) of quadruple therapy-ARNI, beta-blockers, MRA, and SGLT2i-was best in high-income and worst in low-income countries, ranging from 1.49 (0.00)% of gross national income per capita per month in England to 232.47 (31.47)% in Uganda. Publicly funded drug programmes offset costs for eligible patients, but ARNI and SGLT2i were inaccessible through these programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Price, affordability, and access were substantially improved in all countries by substituting ARNI for ACEi/ARB. Conclusions: There was marked variation between countries in the retail price of HFrEF GDMT. Despite higher prices in high-income countries, GDMT was more accessible and affordable than in low- and middle-income countries. Publicly funded drug programmes in lower income countries increased affordability but limited access to newer HFrEF GDMT classes. Pharmaco-disparities must be addressed to improve HFrEF outcomes globally.