Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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Serological and molecular methods for the detection of hepatitis B virus infections
Get PDFIntroduction: the hepatitis B virus has the ability to severely infect the liver and cause both acute and chronic infections. It belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family, is composed of partially double-stranded DNA, and contains four open reading frames (ORFs): ORF S (surface), C (core), P (polymerase), and X (HBx). The diagnosis is primarily based on detecting the surface antigen (HBsAg) and human antibodies against these antigens through immunological methods. Similarly, molecular methods such as PCR, qPCR, and LAMP are currently used, offering higher sensitivity and specificity. Objective: to review the effectiveness of serological and molecular methods in detecting hepatitis B virus infections.Methods: a systematic review was performed using the PRISMA method. Clinical trials, systematic reviews, and books addressing serological and molecular methods for detecting hepatitis B virus infections were included.Results: out of a total of 187 studies, 23 relevant articles were included in the review, providing valuable information on the serological and molecular methods used for detecting hepatitis B virus infections.Conclusion: serological methods are highly useful for the early detection of the virus, especially in low- and middle-income countries due to their low cost. Likewise, molecular methods are valuable for quantifying viral DNA and providing proper treatment monitoring, demonstrating higher sensitivity and specificit
Compressive Strength Of Bulkfill Resin Light Cured With Different Powers Led Light
Get PDFIntroduction: Bulk Fill resins are used as materials to replace tooth structure, being important to identify the resistance of these to different LED light lamps with their powers, so that they are able to withstand masticatory forces. Objective: To analyze the resistance of Bulk Fill resins, with light curing of LED light lamps of different powers, subjected to compressive forces. Methods: The research was an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative experimental design. The study population consisted of 30 cylindrical samples divided into three groups of 10 Bulk Fill resins light cured with 3M, Woodpecker and Valo lamps, placed in an acrylic matrix with an ISO 4049 measurement (6mmx6mm). The data obtained were subsequently analyzed and recorded in the SPSS V25 program. Results: The data obtained indicate that Group A 3M Lamp 1550 MW presented a compressive strength of 3496.3 N; Group B Woodpecker Lamp 1350 MW of 3496.3 N; Group C Valo Lamp 1250 MW of 2084.1 N. Group A was the one that presented a compressive strength of 3496.3 N; Group B Woodpecker Lamp 1350 MW of 3496.3 N; Group C Valo Lamp 1250 MW of 2084.1 N. Group A presented the highest compressive strength to the rest of the photocured resins at different powers. Conclusions: When comparing the compressive strengths of the Bulk Fill resins, which were subjected to three different light curing lamp powers, Group A - 3M Lamp had a higher compressive strength than the other sample groups; however, it was evidenced that all groups can reach strength values higher than 5000 N, in addition, it was defined that the ideal light curing intensity for Bulk Fill resins should be equal to or greater than 1000mw/cm2
Advances in transfusion therapy of packed red blood cells in patients with sickle cell disease, complementary pharmacology and emerging treatments
Get PDFIntroduction: sickle cell disease is a hemoglobinopathy caused by a point mutation in the HBB gene, which generates hemoglobin S (HbS), the polymerization of which induces sickle cell deformation of red blood cells. This causes severe anemia, vaso-occlusive crises, and organ damage. Transfusion therapy with red blood cell concentrates is essential to mitigate these complications and improve tissue oxygenation. Pharmacological treatments, such as hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, voxeletor, and crizanlizumab, increase hemoglobin production, reducing crises. In addition, emerging therapies such as gene editing and hematopoietic stem cell transplants seek a definitive curative solution, marking significant advances in the management of the disease. Methods: bibliographic search of articles in Spanish and English published between 2018-2024 in databases such as Pubmed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science. Results: transfusion methods such as erythrocytapheresis, exchange transfusion and simple transfusion were found to allow the management of sickle cell disease, in addition to drugs such as hydroxyurea, L-glutamine, voxelotor, crizanlizumab that help improve the quality of life of the patient, each type of treatment with its advantages and disadvantages. Likewise, a brief description of stem cell therapy and gene therapy was made, which are a potential future cure for sickle cell disease. Conclusions: transfusion therapy remains essential to treat sickle cell disease, while pharmacological advances have demonstrated efficacy in several clinical manifestations of the disease, including vaso-occlusive crises; however, none has managed to completely replace transfusions. Stem cell treatment may be a curative option, its limitations are compatibility and accessibility; likewise, gene therapy is a promise for the future that is still in the research stag
Online Learning Technology: Implications on Mental Health and Learning Outcomes of Students
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of online learning on students\u27 mental health and learning outcomes at Batam University, focusing on digital literacy, socio-emotional engagement, digital skills, and the home learning environment. The transition to online learning, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped educational practices, introducing both opportunities and challenges for students. A quantitative approach with an explanatory survey method was adopted to analyze the direct and indirect effects of online learning on mental health and learning outcomes. The study involved 110 Mechanical Engineering students from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 cohorts. Data were collected using a questionnaire with 20 items for each variable, assessed on a Likert scale. Data validity and reliability were tested using SPSS, while path analysis with AMOS was employed to evaluate relationships between variables. The results indicate that online learning significantly affects students\u27 mental health, particularly increasing academic anxiety and stress levels. However, it positively influences learning outcomes, especially in metacognitive skills, though challenges persist in collaborative skills and creativity. Digital skills and the home learning environment are critical factors in achieving successful learning outcomes. This study concludes that while online learning provides flexibility and innovation, it also presents psychological and social challenges. Increasing socio-emotional engagement and adopting a more holistic approach are necessary to mitigate mental health issues and enhance learning outcomes, ensuring that online education supports both the well-being and academic success of students
Perception of pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers regarding education and psycho-emotional support received from palliative care
Get PDFIntroduction: Education and psychoemotional support are key strategies in palliative care, implemented to improve the quality of life of pediatric patients and their families. To optimize these programs, it is essential to understand the experiences and perceptions of those who participate in them, thus making it possible to identify areas for improvement and adjust interventions according to their needs.Methods: Fifteen interviews were conducted with caregivers and nine interviews with pediatric oncology patients aged 8 to 17. Data analysis was carried out using Lawrance Bardin\u27s content analysis framework, with Atlas Ti software used for data management.Results: Two main categories were identified: the biomedicalization of education for the pediatric oncology patient-caregiver dyad, and the implementation of psycho-emotional support strategies within the hospital. Educational processes focused primarily on biomedical aspects and physical care, with little emphasis on psycho-emotional education. Psycho-emotional support for pediatric oncology patients was provided mainly through playful and educational activities, but it was perceived as intermittent or insufficient.Conclusions: While educational strengths were observed in terms of physical care knowledge, it is necessary to incorporate psycho-emotional aspects into the education of pediatric oncology patients continuously and proactively as a psycho-emotional strategy. Playful strategies are appropriate and effective for pediatric patients
A rare acute abdominal condition: omental torsion in a 30-year-old male patient. Case report
Get PDFOmental torsion is considered an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain in patients. It is a medical condition in which the omentum pedicle, which is a tissue structure in the abdomen, rotates around its own axis. This twisting can negatively affect its blood supply, compromising its proper vascularization and can lead to complications in the patient\u27s health. In the vast majority of clinical situations, cases tend to manifest in the right hemiabdomen. This is largely due to the fact that the omentum in this area is larger and more mobile than in other abdominal regions. As a consequence of these characteristics, it is possible for it to be confused with a frequent acute abdominal pathology, such as appendicitis. However, the presence of infarction in the omentum located on the left side of the body has also been documented, affecting either a specific portion of the omentum or even encompassing its entire extent. This phenomenon may have an origin that is considered primary or, on the contrary, it may be a secondary result of other medical conditions. A 30-year-old male patient presents at the doctor\u27s office. He reports that he has been feeling acute abdominal pain, which has recently begun to manifest itself
Neuropsychological strategies and learning environments to enhance neurodevelopment and inclusion in childhood
Get PDFIntroduction: child neurodevelopment is a fundamental process for the acquisition of cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral skills, which are decisive in school and social life. This theoretical–propositional article aims to articulate neuropsychological strategies and inclusive learning environments as complementary elements to enhance integral development in childhood.Methods: it was developed through a documentary review, analyzing relevant literature extracted from indexed databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, prioritizing recent studies (2019–2024). After the analysis, an integrative model is proposed that considers three levels: cognitive–neuropsychological, pedagogical–environmental, and socio–community. The role of the teacher as a mediator, the participation of families, and the support of inclusive public policies are emphasized.Results: the results demonstrate that strategies such as strengthening executive functions, multisensory stimulation, neurofeedback, and emotional self-regulation significantly favor children’s attention, working memory, and emotional regulation. The proposal confirms the importance of integrating inclusive environments, conceived as physical, pedagogical, social, and digital spaces to guarantee equity and inclusion.Conclusions: this research contributes to the academic debate by offering an innovative perspective that strengthens the link between neuropsychology and inclusive education, with implications for research, pedagogical practice, and educational policies
India Semi-Arid Settings Examine the Relationship between Planting Dates, Irrigation, and Nitrogen Stress on the Grain Quality of Different Maize Cultivars
Get PDFIntroduction: Maize production in India\u27s semi-arid regions is heavily reliant on environmental factors and agricultural practices. The planting dates of August 19 and September 20, irrigation levels, and nitrogen availability all have a substantial impact on grain output and quality. The research investigates how these factors interact to influence various maize cultivars. Understanding these associations can aid in optimizing management tactics for increased maize output.
Methods:A field experiment examined the effects of nitrogen treatment, irrigation frequency, and planting dates on maize quality. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) found important causes of variability in carbohydrate, protein, and oil contents. Over the course of two years, data were obtained from India\u27s maize yield dataset.
Result: The first two main components explained 82% of the overall variance. In high-nitrogen crops, protein levels increased by 5.5 g kg⁻¹ in the first year and 9.8 g kg⁻¹ in the second year. Total redundant amino acids also increased by 3.1 g kg⁻¹ in 2020-2021. Moderate irrigation increased oil, triglycerides, and saturated fatty acids, but starch and amyl pectin had negligible modifications. At moderate irrigation, nitrogen had no effect. Total saturated fatty acids rose as planting dates shifted earlier.
Conclusion:Nitrogen levels, irrigation, and planting dates all had a substantial impact on Maize composition. Despite the managed water supply, seasonal volatility remained critical. These findings can help optimize maize production practices to improve grain quality under various environmental circumstances
Impact of digital media on misinformation and social health during the Metástasis case in Ecuador
Get PDFThe study analyzed the impact of digital media on the dissemination of misinformation and the configuration of social health during the “Metástasis” case in Ecuador, regarded as one of the country’s largest political and judicial corruption scandals. An exploratory and descriptive mixed-methods design was applied, combining critical discourse analysis, surveys of seven hundred users of platform X, and semi-structured interviews with two digital communication experts. In addition, sixty posts from the accounts @LaPosta_Ecu and @Primicias were collected and examined, focusing on interaction metrics such as likes, comments, reposts, and views. Results showed that the digital conversation was mainly structured around judicial corruption and drug trafficking, while the factors influencing virality included the emotional nature of content, the use of hashtags, and the presence of exclusive testimonies. Survey findings indicated that eighty-five percent of users acknowledged the influence of digital information on their opinions, although ninety percent perceived high levels of misinformation, which decreased trust in the media and reinforced social polarization. The interviews confirmed that platform X functioned as a strategic space for public debate but also as a channel for the spread of rumors and false news. In conclusion, the study highlighted the urgent need to promote media literacy policies and fact-checking mechanisms in order to protect social health and strengthen citizens’ resilience against the digital infodemic
Innovations in the treatment of dental caries using lasers
Get PDFDental caries is a major oral disease, affecting 3.5 billion people globally and representing a significant public health burden. Traditionally, caries treatment has involved invasive procedures, such as the use of drills and anesthesia, which creates discomfort for patients. However, technological advances have introduced less invasive approaches, with lasers being an innovative tool in caries treatment. The study focused on reviewing the literature on the use of lasers in dentistry, particularly in the treatment of caries, with a descriptive-analytical approach. Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are the most commonly used lasers, as they allow precise removal of carious tissue and disinfect the treated surfaces, which reduces the risk of infections. In addition, their use reduces the need for local anesthesia, improving patient comfort. However, there are challenges, such as the high initial investment in equipment and the need for specialized training. Despite these obstacles, the growing preference of patients for laser treatments highlights its potential as a promising therapeutic option, positioning it as a key advance in modern dentistry