Universidad de Carabobo, UC

This study comprehensively describes the interaction between SiO2 spherical nanoparticles and water molecules as a solvent medium. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into the significance of nanoparticle size in understanding their behavior and the resulting changes in the physical properties of materials. Our results indicate that SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit a strong affinity for water, which increases with the nanoparticle size. Our investigation can be relevant for the design of new composite materials with applications ranging from medical prostheses to quantum electronics, optoelectronic devices, catalysis, and photoluminescence. We have concentrated on the study of the amorphous, where size effects seem to be more pronounced.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A key component is arteriopathy due to oxidative stress, involving homocysteine as a modifiable risk factor by supplementing folic acid. Hypothesis: This meta-analysis hypothesizes that folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering homocysteine levels. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases up to March 18, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comparing folic acid supplementation with placebo or alternative treatments in adult patients. The primary outcomes were impact on cardiovascular diseases, stroke, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and mortality. Data were extracted and analyzed using random-effects models to calculate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Our analysis included 16 studies with 39,034 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis found a statistically significant reduction in stroke risk [RR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.79, 0.96; P = 0.004] and mortality [RR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.85, 0.99; P = 0.01]. It showed no statistically significant risk reduction in cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, or peripheral arterial disease. Additionally, when evaluating its effectiveness on HDL and LDL, folic acid supplementation showed no statistically significant difference in any of these values between the studies. Conclusions: Folic acid supplementation showed efficacy in reducing the risk of stroke and mortality. However, future research is necessary to investigate homocysteine's role in cardiovascular diseases and events. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO registry— CRD42024525945.

Los agentes quimioterapéuticos Doxorrubicina y el Paclitaxel han sido cuestionados desde hace algún tiempo, por los efectos negativos observados en algunos pacientes cuando se usan en concentraciones altas, lo que ha limitado su uso. En función de esa problemática se planteó en este estudio determinar el efecto in vitro del extracto del Crotón malambo, en líneas celulares de cáncer humano, y su posible interacción con ambos fármacos. Se estudiaron los siguientes fármacos: Doxorrubicina y Paclitaxel, y el extracto de C. malambo en las líneas celulares de cáncer de mamá MCF-7 y de cáncer de próstata PC3. Se empleó Sulforodamina B para determinar citotoxicidad. Se analizó la naturaleza de las interacciones entre los productos naturales y los fármacos quimioterapéuticos calculando el correspondiente índice de combinación (CI). Se encontró que el extracto, no tiene efecto citotóxico y si un efecto citostático sobre las líneas celulares estudiadas. Las combinaciones Doxorrubicina/C. malambo, permitieron reducir la concentración del fármaco desde 3,9 hasta 4,8 veces para inhibir la viabilidad celular en un 50% en la línea PC3, mientras que para MCF-7, se obtuvo un índice de reducción de la dosis de 2,29. En lo que respecta a la combinación del extracto y Paclitaxel solo mostro efecto sinérgico sobre la viabilidad celular de la línea PC3. Los hallazgos encontrados muestran el potencial farmacológico del extracto del C. malambo y abren las puertas a nuevos estudios tanto in vitro como in vivo que puedan demostrar la capacidad para lograr sinergismo y reducir las concentraciones terapéuticas de ambos fármacos.

Background: The use of beta-blockers in the perioperative period has been widely investigated due to their potential to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality; yet their overall impact on various postoperative outcomes remains debated. This study constitutes a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of beta-blockers on mortality, MI, stroke, and other adverse effects such as hypotension and bradycardia in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed across PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases; we included randomized controlled trials and cohort and case-control studies published from 1999 to 2024. Results: This meta-analysis included data from 28 studies encompassing 1,342,430 patients. Perioperative beta-blockers were associated with a significant increase in stroke risk (RR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.97, p = 0.03, I2 = 62%). However, no statistically significant association was found between beta-blocker use and mortality (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.01, p = 0.05, I2 = 100%). Subgroup analyses revealed a protective effect on mortality for patients with high risks, such as patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure, and other arrhythmias. For myocardial infarction (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.28, p = 0.36, I2 = 86%), a reduction in events was observed in the subgroup of randomized controlled trials. Beta-blockers significantly increased the risk of hypotension (RR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.70, p < 0.01, I2 = 25%) and bradycardia (RR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.74, p < 0.01, I2 = 64%). Conclusion: Perioperative beta-blockers show increasing rates of stroke events following non-cardiac surgery but do not significantly impact the incidence of MI or mortality. The increased risks of hypotension and bradycardia necessitate careful patient selection and monitoring. Future research should aim to refine patient selection criteria and optimize perioperative management to balance the benefits and risks of beta-blocker use in surgical settings.

Glioblastoma is the most commonly occurring malignant brain tumor, with a high mortality rate despite current treatments. Its classification has evolved over the years to include not only histopathological features but also molecular findings. Given the heterogeneity of glioblastoma, molecular biomarkers for diagnosis have become essential for initiating treatment with current therapies, while new technologies for detecting specific variations using computational tools are being rapidly developed. Advances in molecular genetics have made possible the creation of tailored therapies based on specific molecular targets, with various degrees of success. This review provides an overview of the latest advances in the fields of histopathology and radiogenomics and the use of molecular markers for management of glioblastoma, as well as the development of new therapies targeting the most common molecular markers. Furthermore, we offer a summary of the results of recent preclinical and clinical trials to recognize the current trends of investigation and understand the possible future directions of molecular targeted therapies in glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND Anopheles darlingi is the most efficient vector of malaria parasites in the Neotropics. Nevertheless, the specificities of its larval habitats are still poorly known. OBJECTIVES Characterize permanent larval habitats, and population dynamics of An. darlingi and other potential vectors in relation to climate, physicochemical variables, insect fauna and malaria cases. METHODS A 14-month longitudinal study was conducted in Porto Velho, Rondônia, western Brazilian Amazon. Monthly, 21 permanent water bodies were sampled. Immature anophelines and associated fauna were collected, physicochemical characteristics, and climate variables were recorded and analyzed. FINDINGS Five types of habitats were identified: lagoon, stream, stream combined with lagoon, stream combined with dam, and fishpond. A total of 60,927 anophelines were collected. The most abundant species in all habitats were Anopheles braziliensis and An. darlingi. The highest density was found in the lagoon, while streams had the highest species richness. Abundance was higher during the transition period wet-dry season. There was a lag of respectively four and five months between the peak of rainfall and the Madeira River level and the highest abundance of An. darlingi larvae, which were positively correlated with habitats partially shaded, pH close to neutrality, increase dissolved oxygen and sulphates. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study provides data on key factors defining permanent larval habitats for the surveillance of An. darlingi and other potential vectors as well as a log-linear Negative Binomial model based on immature mosquito abundance and climate variables to predict the increase in the number of malaria cases.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading global health challenge, being a highly prevalent cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of CRC varies significantly between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with higher rates of incidence but lower mortality in HICs. Factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and dietary habits play significant roles in CRC development, with the Western diet and limited access to screening contributing to increased incidence. This review highlights disparities in CRC screening, management, and outcomes between HICs and LMICs, with HICs benefiting from advanced screening methods like colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, while LMICs face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure and resources. Tailored strategies, including low-cost screening options and community-based initiatives, are critical in LMICs to improve early detection and outcomes. Future directions for improving CRC care globally include telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and mobile health technologies to bridge access gaps, as well as personalized medicine to enhance treatment efficacy. Global collaboration and investment in healthcare infrastructure are necessary to reduce CRC-related mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings.

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo comprender el proceso educativo y emocional vivido por los adolescentes ante la migración de sus padres. Centrada en el paradigma cualitativo, con análisis de contenido para explicar y sistematizar la información obtenida. El estudio reveló la capacidad de resiliencia de los individuos para superar las malas condiciones de educabilidad que enfrentan en un contexto familiar de abandono, tristeza y soledad, arrojando luz sobre el tipo de acciones que los educadores podrían llevar a cabo para intervenir en situaciones desfavorables, y quizá para identificar acciones correctivas que, desde la política social y educativa, se podrían impulsar para mejorar las condiciones de los estudiantes que viven en condiciones de desequilibrio emocional producto de la migración de sus padres.

La educación es la formación integral del ser humano con base en valores humanistas y, el papel de la universidad reside en la construcción profesional para servir a la sociedad con miras a construir un futuro sostenible, integrador y orientado al desarrollo de cada nación. Desde este marco experiencial, la investigación tuvo como objetivo el análisis de la actitud de los docentes ante la implementación de las TIC en el proceso de enseñanza. La investigación se fundamentó en el paradigma cualitativo de acuerdo con el método interpretativo, el análisis de contenido permitió recabar la información desde la entrevista no estructurada tras el uso de la plataforma MOODLE. Como resultado la actitud de los docentes arroja un significativo valor a la planificación adaptado a las necesidades específicas del estudiantado cuyo beneficio impacta en la experiencia de aprendizaje tras el uso de la tecnología.

Encontrar elementos innovadores, metodologías de trabajo y recursos digitales que impulsen la consolidación de esquemas de trabajos educativos efectivos, prácticos, duraderos y a la vanguardia de los nuevos tiempos se hace cada vez más presente en las instituciones de educación superior. El presente artículo tiene como propósito presentar la experiencia obtenida con los estudiantes de la asignatura práctica profesional II a través de un aula virtual orientada a la enseñanza del tópico evaluación de los aprendizajes con diferentes materiales educativos, dicha aula se enmarcó como un recurso didáctico de apoyo a las clases presenciales, bajo la modalidad b-learning durante el periodo lectivo I-2022 con soporte de la plataforma Google Classroom. El estudio se sustentó en un diseño no experimental de campo y tipo descriptivo, la recolección de los datos se obtuvó a partir de la técnica de la encuesta y como instrumento el cuestionario constitutivo de catorce preguntas cerradas. Finalmente, se valora positivamente el aula virtual como recurso didáctico, pues se considera útil para reforzar temas abordados en las sesiones presenciales, siendo un medio complementario de la enseñanza y aprendizaje con mayor flexibilidad que permite mejorar el rendimiento académico y aumentar la motivación.

Se ha evidenciado la utilidad de los dispositivos de telefonía celular móvil como medio instruccional accesible para la enseñanza aprendizaje en general. Sin embargo, es de provecho conocer cómo pueden servir de ayuda en el ámbito universitario. El presente artículo se propone, de forma sucinta, analizar las herramientas didácticas virtuales empleadas a través de la telefonía móvil como medio instruccional de apoyo en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje a nivel universitario. Metodológicamente, se trata de una investigación documental descriptiva. Se concluye que la telefonía móvil proporciona un instrumento educativo importante en la mediación del aprendizaje entre docentes y estudiantes, así como también con otros individuos en el contexto educativo.

Insectivorous bats of the family Vespertilionidae have been grouped into eight tribes, with Lasiurini showing an extensive distribution in South America. In Bolivia, three species of lasiurine bats have been reported: Lasiurus blossevillii (Lesson & Garnot, 1826), L. ega (Gervais, 1856), and L. villosissimus (É. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire, 1806). The morphological analyses of specimens of this genus deposited in Bolivian scientific collections and comparisons with specimens from other countries (including holotypes) prompt us to report the first records of three species: Lasiurus atratus Handley 1996, L. castaneus Handley 1960, and L. egregius (Peters, 1870) in Bolivia, expanding their known geographic ranges to the southwestern part of the Amazon.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is worsened by chronic inflammatory diseases. Interleukin receptor antagonists (IL-RAs) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors have been studied to see if they can prevent cardiovascular events. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical benefits and harms of IL-RAs and TNF inhibitors in the primary and secondary prevention of ACVD. Search methods: The Cochrane Heart Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL plus, and clinical trial registries for ongoing and unpublished studies were searched in February 2024. The reference lists of relevant studies, reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports were searched to identify additional studies. No limitations on language, date of publication or study type were set. Selection criteria: RCTs that recruited people with and without pre-existing ACVD, comparing IL-RAs or TNF inhibitors versus placebo or usual care, were selected. The primary outcomes considered were all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and adverse events. Data collection and analysis: Two or more review authors, working independently at each step, selected studies, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias and used GRADE to judge the certainty of evidence. Main results: We included 58 RCTs (22,053 participants; 21,308 analysed), comparing medication efficacy with placebo or usual care. Thirty-four trials focused on primary prevention and 24 on secondary prevention. The interventions included IL-1 RAs (anakinra, canakinumab), IL-6 RA (tocilizumab), TNF-inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab) compared with placebo or usual care. The certainty of evidence was low to very low due to biases and imprecision; all trials had a high risk of bias. Primary prevention: IL-1 RAs The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the intervention on all-cause mortality(RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.58, 1 trial), myocardial infarction (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.04 to 12.48, I² = 39%, 2 trials), unstable angina (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.11, I² = 0%, 2 trials), stroke (RR 2.42, 95% CI 0.12 to 50.15; 1 trial), adverse events (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.22, I² = 54%, 3 trials), or infection (rate ratio 0.84, 95% 0.55 to 1.29, I² = 0%, 4 trials). Evidence is very uncertain about whether anakinra and cankinumab may reduce heart failure (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.94, I² = 0%, 3 trials). Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) was not reported as an outcome. IL-6 RAs The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the intervention on all-cause mortality (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.12 to 3.74, I² = 30%, 3 trials), myocardial infarction (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.04 to1.68, I² = 0%, 3 trials), heart failure (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.11 to 9.63, I² = 0%, 2 trials), PVD (RR 2.94, 95% CI 0.12 to 71.47, 1 trial), stroke (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.14, 1 trial), or any infection (rate ratio 1.10, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.37, I2 = 18%, 5 trials). Adverse events may increase (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.23, I² = 33%, 5 trials). No trial assessed unstable angina. TNF inhibitors The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the intervention on all-cause mortality (RR 1.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 4.99, I² = 10%, 3 trials), myocardial infarction (RR 2.61, 95% CI 0.11 to 62.26, 1 trial), stroke (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.08 to 2.80, I² = 0%; 3 trials), heart failure (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.06 to 12.76, 1 trial). Adverse events may increase (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25, I² = 51%, 13 trials). No trial assessed unstable angina or PVD. Secondary prevention: IL-1 RAs The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the intervention on all-cause mortality (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.06, I² = 0%, 8 trials), unstable angina (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.19, I² = 0%, 3 trials), PVD (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.73, I² = 38%, 3 trials), stroke (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.2, I² = 0%; 7 trials), heart failure (RR 0.91, 95% 0.5 to 1.65, I² = 0%; 7 trials), or adverse events (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.09, I² = 3%, 4 trials). There may be little to no difference between the groups in myocardial infarction (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.0.75 to 1.04, I² = 0%, 6 trials). IL6-RAs The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the intervention on all-cause mortality (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.96, I² = 0%, 2 trials), myocardial infarction (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.07 to 3.04, I² = 45%, 3 trials), unstable angina (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.02, 1 trial), stroke (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.07 to 16.25, 1 trial), adverse events (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.05, I² = 0%, 2 trials), or any infection (rate ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.36, I² = 0%, 4 trials). No trial assessed PVD or heart failure. TNF inhibitors The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of the intervention on all-cause mortality (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.95, I² = 47%, 5 trials), heart failure (RR 0.92, 95% 0.75 to 1.14, I² = 0%, 4 trials), or adverse events (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.56, I² = 32%, 2 trials). No trial assessed myocardial infarction, unstable angina, PVD or stroke. Adverse events may be underestimated and benefits inflated due to inadequate reporting. Authors' conclusions: This Cochrane review assessed the benefits and harms of using interleukin-receptor antagonists and tumour necrosis factor inhibitors for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic diseases compared with placebo or usual care. However, the evidence for the predetermined outcomes was deemed low or very low certainty, so there is still a need to determine whether these interventions provide clinical benefits or cause harm from this perspective. In summary, the different biases and imprecision in the included studies limit their external validity and represent a limitation to determining the effectiveness of the intervention for both primary and secondary prevention of ACVD.

El objetivo de este estudio se centró en analizar el concepto ético en el contexto educativo. La metodología abordada fue el método hermenéutico por su interés particular en la interpretación de textos. La entrevista a profundidad fue la técnica indagatoria que permitió el análisis del corpus lingüístico identificado. El sendero investigativo resultó en el diseño de la investigación entendido como el qué, es decir, la exploración de constructos tanto en docentes y en estudiantes. Por su parte, el cómo investigar se realizó a través de la relación establecida con los informantes. Dado el análisis e interpretación se definieron las categorías de educar según el escenario tecnológico y la necesidad de promover la integridad académica como elemento en el que el razonamiento ético se convierte en un conocimiento previo. Entre los resultados relevantes destacan: el concepto e importancia del razonamiento ético, nueve aspectos para crear ambientes favorables, seis pasos para el tratamiento de la información en una propuesta sustentada en los modelos derivados de la conducta ética y un ejemplo práctico. Se concluye que el razonamiento ético puede generar óptimas experiencias de aprendizaje y contribuir efectivamente en la producción de escritos propios que hayan recibido la ayuda de la inteligencia artificial.

The Caatinga, an exclusive biome in Brazil, is the largest tropical dry forest area in the Americas. It is characterized by a semi-arid climate and various soils that harbor a great diversity of flora and fauna. Novel records of aerial insectivorous bat species in the family Molossidae in the Chapada Diamantina, northeastern Brazil are presented. The study is based on field sampling of 115 molossid bat specimens from six genera and 12 taxonomically confirmed species, along with four taxa requiring further evaluation for definitive species identification. All specimens were obtained using mist nets around a small freshwater lagoon surrounded by semideciduous dry forest. The verified genera were Cynomops, Eumops, Molossops, Molossus, Neoplatymops, and Nyctinomops. Our findings enhance the understanding of bat diversity in the Brazilian Caatinga, with the first records of Eumops delticus, E. bonariensis, and Molossus currentium. The most abundant species were Molossus rufus, Eumops glaucinus, Cynomops planirostris, Nyctinomops laticaudatus, and Molossus molossus. Previously unreported morphological and morphometric variations for these Caatinga taxa were examined. Additionally, information on sexual dimorphism in craniodental characteristics of Molossops temminckii and variations in the presence of the sagittal crest in Neoplatymops mattogrossensis are provided. Based on the voucher specimens from this study, the recognized number of species of Molossidae known from the Caatinga has increased to 21. Our results offer new insights into the taxonomy and biogeography of Neotropical molossids, highlighting their importance as members of bat communities in dry forest ecosystems from northeastern South America.

A computational study was carried out at the molecular level through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine how the size of SiO 2 spherical nanoparticles (NPs) influences their surface properties due to molecular interactions. This study comprehensively describes the interaction between SiO 2 spherical NPs and water molecules as a solvent medium. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into the significance of nanoparticle size in understanding their behavior and the resulting changes in the physical properties of materials. Our results indicate that SiO 2 NPs exhibit a strong affinity for water, which increases with the nanoparticle size. This was confirmed by the radial function distribution and hydrogen bond analysis, which revealed a strong interaction between the silanol groups on the SiO 2 NPs and the water molecules. The molecular interactions that control the dynamic behavior of the nanoparticle-water system are hydrogen bond, electrostatic, and dipole-dipole interactions. Furthermore, the results of the elasticity values indicated that SiO 2 NPs only exhibit a high degree of functionality at specific sizes, making them suitable as a size-dependent filler material.

The gut microbiome has been studied in recent years due to its association with various pathological pathways involved in different diseases, caused by its structure, function, and diversity alteration. The knowledge of this mechanism has generated interest in the investigation of its relationship with ophthalmologic diseases. Recent studies infer the existence of a gut-eye microbiota axis, influenced by the intestinal barrier, the blood-retina barrier, and the immune privilege of the eye. A common denominator among ophthalmologic diseases that have been related to this axis is inflammation, which is perpetuated by dysbiosis, causing an alteration of the intestinal barrier leading to increased permeability and, in turn, the release of components such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), and bacterial translocation. Some theories explain that depending on how the microbiome is composed, a different type of T cells will be activated, while others say that some bacteria can pre-activate T cells that mimic ocular structures and intestinal permeability that allow leakage of metabolites into the circulation. In addition, therapies such as probiotics, diet, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have been shown to favor the presence of a balanced population of microorganisms that limit inflammation and, in turn, generate a beneficial effect in these eye pathologies. This review aims to analyze how the intestinal microbiome influences various ocular pathologies based on microbial composition and pathological mechanisms, which may provide a better understanding of the diseases and their therapeutic potential.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/54281.].