Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología (Journal)
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Application of fuzzy cognitive maps in the diagnosis and prevention of canine dirofilariasis
Get PDFThis article explored the feasibility of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) as a tool in the diagnosis and prevention of canine dirofilariasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes that affects dogs in tropical and subtropical regions. Through an exhaustive review of the literature and analysis of previous applications, a methodological proposal was developed for the implementation of FCM in modeling the factors influencing the spread of the disease. Various hypothetical scenarios were designed based on different geographical and epidemiological conditions in Ecuador, aiming to validate the applicability of FCM in predicting outbreaks and optimizing prevention and treatment strategies. The results showed that FCM were effective in identifying high-risk areas, allowing the prioritization of interventions such as vector control, periodic deworming, and community education. Validation with historical prevalence data from regions such as Quito, Loja, Manabí, and Guayaquil confirmed that the model predictions aligned with trends observed in real outbreaks, highlighting the maps\u27 ability to guide public veterinary health policies. In conclusion, FCM proved to be a useful and adaptable tool for managing canine dirofilariasis, providing a comprehensive approach that optimizes resource use and improves intervention strategies
Clinical and therapeutic implications in HIV-systemic lupus erythematosus coinfection
Get PDFHIV and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) coinfection has posed a significant clinical challenge due to the interaction between both pathologies and their treatments. It has been observed that antiretroviral therapy in these cases could induce immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), exacerbating lupus activity. Therefore, this study analyzed, based on a clinical case, the relationship between HIV infection and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus by evaluating clinical manifestations, disease activity, and complications such as hepatotoxicity. The Saaty AHP method was applied to identify critical factors in therapeutic management, as well as the clinical manifestations found in the reviewed literature. The results showed an exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus after antiretroviral therapy and significant hepatotoxicity, partially resolved with treatment adjustments. However, the pathogenic relationship between HIV and autoimmune diseases remains uncertain, complicating early diagnosis and personalized management for optimizing long-term clinical outcomes. Furthermore, balanced management of immunosuppression and infection prevention were identified as key factors. In conclusion, the integration of multidisciplinary areas has been suggested to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these complex cases. Additionally, the development of research projects to promote the creation of clinical protocols for the multidisciplinary management of patients with HIV and autoimmune diseases has been recommended
Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Protection of Fundamental Rights and Automated Profiling
Get PDFThis study examines the need to establish a regulatory framework in Ecuador for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, specifically in the creation of automated profiles of individuals. Using a non-experimental diagnostic approach, the study analyzes the lack of legislation regarding AI use and the protection of fundamental rights in a digital context. Through surveys, it was found that there is a general lack of knowledge about AI and automated profiling, highlighting the need for education and awareness. The paper also evaluates three regulatory alternatives through multicriteria analysis (AHP, TOPSIS, and PROMETHEE), considering data protection, ethics, transparency, technological security, and social impact. The study concludes that comprehensive regulation protecting individual rights and promoting transparency is important to mitigate the risks associated with AI use
Relevance and Impact of Generative AI in Vocational Instructional Material Design: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFThis study examines the relevance and impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in the design of instructional materials for vocational education through a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. The review draws from reputable databases, including Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and ERIC, to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2024. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 eligible articles were analyzed. The findings highlight that GenAI significantly enhances instructional material design by supporting personalized learning, automating content creation, and improving accessibility. It enables the development of adaptive and high-quality resources tailored to diverse learner needs in vocational education. Furthermore, the study visualizes research trends using bibliometric analysis, providing insights into the evolution and distribution of GenAI-related research across time, regions, and themes. However, challenges such as the need for digital competency development among educators, ethical concerns regarding bias and content quality, and the potential over-reliance on AI tools are identified. This study underscores the importance of balancing AI-driven innovation with human-centered instructional design to ensure effective and sustainable educational practices. Practical recommendations include targeted professional development programs and ethical frameworks to guide the integration of GenAI into vocational education
Risk and clinical factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in Latin America
Get PDFIntroduction: diabetes mellitus and hypertension are interrelated diseases that strongly promote the spread of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease within populations. The prevalence of hypertension doubles in the presence of diabetes and is associated with 35-75% of diabetic cardiovascular and renal complications, which is why the aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological characteristics of diabetes associated with hypertension in Latin America, focusing on risk factors and clinical manifestations. Methods: a descriptive-analytical systematic review was carried out through a search of updated scientific material in academic databases such as Medline (via PubMed), academic Google and Web of Sciences, with a time range from 2020 to 2024, in Spanish and English.Results: it was obtained that the most common risk factors for diabetes associated with hypertension include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and dyslipidemia, with the affectation in the average age of 57 years, the most frequent clinical manifestations of diabetes associated with hypertension include mainly nephropathy, heart disease and elevated blood pressure. Conclusions: the risk factor was identified as frequent smoking in older people, this frequency is attributable to the higher prevalence of these conditions in the elderly and to its important contribution to the development of hypertension in diabetics, and the most frequent clinical manifestation is nephropathy
Essential oils and microencapsulation: mechanisms and efficacy in the inhibition of biofilms and pathogens
Get PDFIntroductionEssential oils (EOs) have been the subject of extensive investigation due to their diverse biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, fungicidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Synthesized by over 17 500 plant species, EOs are intricate mixtures of terpenes, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids, among other bioactive compounds. These attributes render EOs as promising candidates for addressing microbial infections, particularly those associated with biofilms, which account for a substantial proportion of nosocomial infections and microbial infections at large.
MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed and SciELO databases. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, emphasizing studies that explored the chemical composition and antimicrobial mechanisms of EOs, the processes of biofilm formation, their structural characteristics, resistance mechanisms, and the application of microencapsulation techniques to enhance EO stability and antimicrobial efficacy.
ResultsA total of 30 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to detailed review. These studies provide a comprehensive analysis of the antimicrobial potential of EOs and demonstrate the significant enhancement of their efficacy through microencapsulation. The compiled data enable the assessment of both the inherent antimicrobial activity of EOs and the mechanisms by which microencapsulation amplifies this activity.
ConclusionsThis review underscores the chemical composition and antimicrobial mechanisms of EOs, as well as the dynamics of biofilm formation and resistance. Furthermore, it highlights the role of microencapsulation as a strategy to preserve and enhance the antimicrobial properties of EOs
Impact of Clinical Psychology in Emergencies and Disasters in Ecuador and other Global Crises
Get PDFIn a world where emergencies and disasters are becoming more frequent due to climate change, social conflicts, and global pandemics, clinical psychology has proven to be an essential tool for mitigating the emotional and mental impact of these crises. The objective of this study is to identify the challenges and opportunities of clinical psychology professionals in the context of emergencies and disasters in Ecuador, proposing recommendations to optimize their work based on the comparison of various telepsychology methodologies. This study uses a combination of literature review and qualitative case analysis. Documents from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and interviews with mental health professionals in Ecuador were reviewed. In addition, strategies used in international disasters such as the tsunami in Japan (2011) and Hurricane Katrina (2005) were analyzed. Among the most common psychological effects derived from disasters are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, affecting both direct victims and response teams. Clinical psychology plays a fundamental role in emotional recovery during crisis contexts. In Ecuador, significant progress has been made in this area; however, it is imperative to strengthen psychological services, especially in vulnerable and rural areas
Evaluation of the biocompatibility of solid lipid nanoparticles of Myristyl Myristate in human blood cells
Get PDFIntroduction: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as promising drug delivery systems, standing out for their biocompatibility and stability.Objective: to evaluate the biocompatibility of SLNs formulated with myristyl myristate (MM) in human lymphocytes through cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress assays.Methods: SLNs were synthesized using sonication and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Concentrations ranging from 18.75 to 300.00 μg/ml were selected for in vitro assays. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, while genotoxicity was analyzed through the Comet assay. Lipid peroxidation was measured by quantifying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs).Results: after 24 hours of exposure, cell viability remained above 90% at all concentrations. However, after 48 hours, viability decreased at concentrations of 150 and 300 μg/ml. No significant DNA damage or changes in lipid peroxidation levels were observed under any tested condition.Conclusion: these findings suggest that MM-based SLNs exhibit high in vitro biocompatibility, with no relevant short-term cytotoxic or genotoxic effects. However, further studies in in vivo models and under prolonged exposure conditions are necessary to assess their safety for biomedical applications
Use of cocoa mucilage (Theobroma cacao L.) for the control of weeds in african palm (Elaeis guineensis)
Get PDFThe use of cocoa mucilage to control weeds in African palm (Elaeis guineensis) was evaluated, given the need for sustainable alternatives for weed control. As an objective of the study, the effectiveness of different concentrations of mucilage (0%, 60%, 80% and 100%) on broad-leaf and narrow-leaf weeds was evaluated. This study was developed by directly applying cocoa mucilage to the experimental plots, evaluating different variables such as weed cover, mortality and biomass weight. The results showed significant differences in weed coverage before and after the application of the bioherbicide. The treatment with broad leaves reached a coverage of 62.37%, while the treatment with narrow leaves had 50% coverage. Regarding weed mortality, the treatment with 100% mucilage and narrow leaf achieved a mortality of 99%, while the treatment with 60% mucilage and broad leaf had a mortality of 46%. Biomass weight, the treatment with broad leaves recorded the highest initial weight of 606 g, but the treatment with 100% mucilage and narrow leaves had the lowest weight of dead biomass, with only 73 g. In conclusion, treatment with 100% mucilage and narrow leaf showed the best results in controlling weeds in African palm. This study highlights the potential of mucilage as a bioherbicide and its effectiveness in agriculture
Experiences Of Pregnant Women Of The Angkola Batak Tribe In Prevention Of Anemia Of Pregnancy In South Tapanuli District Phenomenological Study
Get PDFAnemia is one of the nutritional problems in pregnancy. Proper handling of anemia in pregnant women is currently needed, so that the problem does not continue. The purpose of this study was to explore in depth the experiences of pregnant women of the Batak Angkola tribe in preventing anemia in South Tapanuli Regency . The methods research design was phenomenology. The data collection method was carried out by in-depth interviews. The purposive sampling method was used to select participants who met the criteria as participants. The participants in this study numbered 10 people consisting of pregnant women , families, cadres , coordinating midwives and heads of health centers in South Tapanuli Regency . The results of the transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The results of this study found 4 themes that reflected the phenomena studied. These themes are the behavior of pregnant women in preventing anemia , Support for pregnant women , Dalihan Natolu\u27s support in preventing anemia , Cultural influences in preventing anemia . Conclusions It is recommended that the local government of South Tapanuli Regency include the role of families, cadres, coordinating midwives and heads of health centers in the success of prevention of anemia in pregnant women