Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar Humano
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Aggression and violence in adolescents in the iberoamerican context, a systematic review

2022 , Javela, J.J. , Naranjo-Niño, B. , Ospina-Sánchez, D.J. , Bahamon, M , Cuesta-Guzmán, M. , Sánchez-Villegas, M. , Moreno-Londoño, H.

This research is a systematic review that uses the Prism method, searching different databases to systematically analyze studies related to aggression and violence in adolescents in Iberoamerica. Objective: The present study aims to systematically analyze studies related to aggression and violence in adolescents in Iberoamerica. Method: Research works were collected from a total of 5 databases. For the selection of the articles, keywords or search terms were entered, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. After the complete reading, a total of 47 research studies were selected. Results: The country retrieved with the largest number of articles was Brazil with a total of 11 documents, followed by Spain with ten, and the United States with a total of eight documents. It was also found that the database with the largest number of articles retrieved was Scopus, with 21 papers equivalent to 44.7 % of the total documents retrieved, followed by Science Direct and SciELO, each with a percentage of 19.1 %, equivalent to 9 documents. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.

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Risk Factors Associated with Hyporesponsiveness to Erythropoietin in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Hemodialysis Who Present Anemia: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

2025 , Carlos Perez Tulcanaza , André Benítez-Baldassari , Andrea Banegas-Sarmiento , Sánchez Redrobán, José

Background: Anemia represents a significant complication in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis, primarily caused by reduced renal erythropoietin production. Despite erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) being the cornerstone of treatment, hyporesponsiveness to these agents remains a clinical challenge with implications for patient outcomes. Objective: To identify and quantify risk factors associated with hyporesponsiveness to erythropoietin in patients with CKD on hemodialysis who present with anemia. Methods: This multicenter case–control study analyzed data from 784 hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin therapy across six dialysis centers in Ecuador between January and December 2019. Hyporesponsiveness was defined as requiring ≥ 200 IU/kg/week of erythropoietin alfa for ≥3 consecutive months to maintain target hemoglobin levels (10–12 g/dL). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were compared between hyporesponsive cases (n = 123) and responsive controls (n = 661). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors. Results: The prevalence of erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness was 15.69%. A multivariate analysis identified female sex (adjusted OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.20–3.20; p < 0.001), age < 50 years (adjusted OR = 4.25; 95% CI: 2.42–7.47; p < 0.001), serum albumin < 4.0 g/dL (adjusted OR = 10.53; 95% CI: 6.53–16.98; p < 0.001), ferritin ≥ 800 ng/mL (adjusted OR = 7.28; 95% CI: 4.22–12.57; p < 0.001), transferrin saturation < 20% (adjusted OR = 9.27; 95% CI: 5.47–15.69; p < 0.001), parathyroid hormone ≥ 500 pg/mL (adjusted OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.16–3.09; p = 0.011), and use of renin–angiotensin system blockers (adjusted OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.36–3.71; p = 0.002) as independent risk factors for erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness. Conclusions: Multiple demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors independently contribute to erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness in hemodialysis patients. Identification of these risk factors may guide clinicians in developing individualized treatment approaches, optimizing erythropoietin dosing, and implementing targeted interventions to improve anemia management in this vulnerable population.

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Methodological strategy for asynchronous learning mathematical operations with real numbers

2022 , Espinosa-Pinos C.A. , Nunez-Torres M.G. , Jordan-Buenano N. , Jordan-Buenano C.

Consolidating the skills to use concepts, properties, and procedures based on algorithms or heuristics and analysis to solve challenging situations is of great importance for students in their learning. This article aims to propose a methodological strategy based on adaptive learning to facilitate the solution of combined operations with real numbers in eighth-grade students of basic general education. The mixed method uses questionnaires applied to students and teachers to collect data. The diagnosis determines that students do not master the basic competencies to work basic operations with real numbers. The teachers agree with the need to apply innovative strategies that promote learning in mathematics. It is concluded that it is imperative to update the planning of content with activities that help motivate students to learn mathematics, considering that not everyone learns at the same pace. © 2022 IEEE.

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Risk of sarcopenia: A red flag for cognitive decline in postmenopause?

2025 , María S. Vallejo , Juan E. Blümel , Peter Chedraui , Konstantinos Tserotas , Carlos Salinas , Marcio A. Rodrigues , Doris Rodríguez-Vidal , Claudia Rey , Eliana Ojeda , Mónica Ñañez , Álvaro Monterrosa-Castro , Gustavo Gómez-Tabares , María T. Espinoza , Carlos Escalante , Alejandra Elizalde , Maribel Dextre , Andrés Calle , Sócrates Aedo

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SURROGATE MOTHERHOOD, QUESTIONS [MATERNIDAD SUBROGADA, CUESTIONAMIENTOS]

2023 , Carrillo A.F.

Currently, surrogate motherhood is configured as an assisted motherhood technique, which, in some societies, is accepted and regulated. However, its approval in other societies is still under debate, which is how this work proposes as a general objective Critically review the conception of the fundamental rights that are at stake in favor of the sons and daughters who were born by this technique. For this purpose, a qualitative approach has been used, since it responds to a descriptive investigation of the bibliographic review type, based on the following historical-logical, analytical-synthetic and inductive methods, which allow certain questions to be made regarding the rights of the fathers or mothers of those people who are born as a result of surrogate motherhood. Putting in this way to the public arena, a real, current and controversial situation, which should be better analyzed, to guarantee the fundamental rights of the parties that derive from human dignity. © 2023, University of Cienfuegos, Carlos Rafael Rodriguez. All rights reserved.

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The intervention of Brain Gym in the mathematical abilities of high-school students: A pilot study

2023 , Ramos-Galarza C. , Aymacaña-Villacreses C. , Cruz-Cárdenas J.

Introduction: The learning process of Mathematics is a challenge in Latin America; therefore, it is of vital importance to conduct actions that improve the performance in this science. Methods: This article is reporting on quasi-experimental research, where, through the use of Brain Gym, the objective is to improve: the definition of rational numbers, problem-solving ability, mathematical order relationships, and equivalent fractions. We worked with 67 students between 12 and 14 years old, organized into an experimental group (n = 35) and a control group (no participation group; n = 32). Results: We made pre and post-test measurements and found that the control group students improved in their problem-solving ability F(1,65) = 8.76, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.12 and equivalent fractions F(1,65) = 4.54, p = 0.03, η2 = 0.06. Discussion: In conclusion, the importance of applying innovative processes to improve the teaching and learning of Mathematics can be affirmed. It is important to note that both the control and experimental groups improved their learning, however, the experimental group did so to a greater extent than the students in the control group, who received a traditional educational process, and they did learn, but not at the level of the experimental group. Copyright © 2022 Ramos-Galarza, Aymacaña-Villacreses and Cruz-Cárdenas.

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Cereals as sources of lysine in the reformulation of meat products. Evaluation using a biosensor

2025 , Erika Alvarez Cañarte , Guilber Vergara Velez , Frank Guillermo Intriago Flor , Efrain Pérez Vega , Miguel Andrès Falconi Vèlez , Delia Noriega Verdugo , Génesis Pamela García García , Livis Sharith Díaz Alarcón , Andrés Miguel Anchundia Loor , Carlos Jadán-Piedra , Jadán Piedra, Felipe

The energy and protein requirements of the population must be met, and the use of new analytical methods for rapid, low-cost detection of essential elements like lysine in reformulated foods is crucial. In this context, conditions were evaluated to develop a biosensor with lysine alpha oxidase (LOx), which showed high affinity for lysine with a KM of 0.32 mM. Different concentrations of cereals and legumes (70-30; 55-45; 85-15; quinoa-Lablab Purpureus; pole beans-Lablab Purpureus; and rye-Lablab Purpureus) were incorporated into meat sausages to enrich lysine, achieving a significant increase in lysine concentration (up to 75%) when 15% quinoa was substituted. The potentiometric signal, related to oxygen consumption during lysine oxidation, was detected at 15 s using a voltage of −600 mV. The biosensor, coupled with the immobilized enzyme, allowed the use of low volumes. A positive relationship was found between oxygen consumption (mg O2/L∗s-1) and lysine concentration in the range of 0.01–0.2 mM, with an R2 of 0.9964. The immobilized enzyme-based sensor demonstrated good sensitivity (0.01 mM) and the membrane could be reused up to 18 times, maintaining 92% of its initial activity after 70 days. The biosensor method showed minimal residue formation and had a strong correlation with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results, validating its accuracy

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The Effectiveness of Thermal Stimulation Plus Conventional Therapy for Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2024 , Daniela Celi-Lalama , Aida Soria-Vizcaino , Lucía Fernanda Flores-Santy , Felipe Araya-Quintanilla , Esparza Yánez, Wilmer , Iván Cuyul-Vásquez , Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza

Background: Motor impairments limit the functional abilities of patients after stroke; it is important to identify low-cost rehabilitation avenues. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of thermal stimulation in addition to conventional therapy for functional recovery in post-stroke patients. Methods: An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Epistemonikos, LILACS, and PEDro databases. The eligibility criterion was randomized clinical trials that analyzed the clinical effects of thermal stimulation plus conventional therapy. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Results: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria, and six studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. For thermal stimulation plus conventional therapy versus conventional therapy alone, the mean difference (MD) for function was 6.92 points (95% CI = 4.36–9.48; p < 0.01), for motor function was 6.31 points (95% CI = 5.18–7.44; p < 0.01), for balance was 4.41 points (95% CI = −2.59–11.4; p = 0.22), and for walking was 1.01 points (95% CI = 0.33–1.69; p < 0.01). For noxious thermal stimulation versus innocuous thermal stimulation, the MD for activities of daily living was 1.19 points (95% CI = −0.46–2.84; p = 0.16). Conclusions: In the short term, adding thermal stimulation to conventional therapy showed statistically significant differences in functional recovery in post-stroke patients. The quality of evidence was high to very low according to GRADE rating. The studies included varied in the frequency and dosage of thermal stimulation, which may affect the consistency and generalizability of the results. A larger quantity and a better quality of clinical studies are needed to confirm our findings. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023423207.

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Arboviruses in Mammals in the Neotropics: A Systematic Review to Strengthen Epidemiological Monitoring Strategies and Conservation Medicine

2023 , García-Romero C. , Carrillo Bilbao G.A. , Navarro J.-C. , Martin-Solano S. , Saegerman C.

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a diverse group of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, with the exception of African swine fever virus, that are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods to a vertebrate host. They are the important cause of many diseases due to their ability to spread in different environments and their diversity of vectors. Currently, there is no information on the geographical distribution of the diseases because the routes of transmission and the mammals (wild or domestic) that act as potential hosts are poorly documented or unknown. We conducted a systematic review from 1967 to 2021 to identify the diversity of arboviruses, the areas, and taxonomic groups that have been monitored, the prevalence of positive records, and the associated risk factors. We identified forty-three arboviruses in nine mammalian orders distributed in eleven countries. In Brazil, the order primates harbor the highest number of arbovirus records. The three most recorded arboviruses were Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Serum is the most used sample to obtain arbovirus records. Deforestation is identified as the main risk factor for arbovirus transmission between different species and environments (an odds ratio of 1.46 with a 95% confidence interval: 1.34–1.59). The results show an increase in the sampling effort over the years in the neotropical region. Despite the importance of arboviruses for public health, little is known about the interaction of arboviruses, their hosts, and vectors, as some countries and mammalian orders have not yet been monitored. Long-term and constant monitoring allows focusing research on the analysis of the interrelationships and characteristics of each component animal, human, and their environment to understand the dynamics of the diseases and guide epidemiological surveillance and vector control programs. The biodiversity of the Neotropics should be considered to support epidemiological monitoring strategies. © 2023 by the authors.

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MRI reveals scoliosis as a silent driver of lumbar facet joint degeneration in aging Ecuadorian adults

2025 , Pablo Cueva-Medina , Jorge Silva-Hidalgo , González Andrade, Fabricio

Lumbar facet arthropathy (LFA) is a degenerative condition of the facet joints that contributes significantly to chronic low back pain (CLBP) yet remains underrecognized in standard diagnostic protocols. While aging and disc degeneration are established factors in the progression of LFA, the potential role of spinal deformities such as scoliosis has not been thoroughly investigated. This cross-sectional study examined the association between scoliosis severity and LFA in a non-surgical population of 284 Ecuadorian adults aged 30 to 80 years. Participants were classified by Cobb angle into normal, mild, moderate, and severe scoliosis categories and underwent MRI to assess facet joint degeneration at the L3–L4, L4–L5, and L5–S1 levels. Findings revealed that moderate scoliosis significantly increased the odds of severe LFA across all lumbar levels, particularly at L3–L4 (OR = 6.72) and L5–S1 (OR = 5.57). Mild scoliosis also posed a notable risk, with a threefold increase at L4–L5 and a twofold increase at L5–S1. Additionally, degeneration was more severe on the concave side of the scoliotic curve. Older age and female sex were also independently associated with more advanced degeneration. These results suggest that scoliosis, even in its mild forms, plays a significant role in the development and progression of LFA. The findings highlight the importance of including facet joint evaluation in routine scoliosis assessment and CLBP workups, particularly using MRI. Early identification of individuals at risk could inform preventive strategies and reduce long-term disability related to degenerative spinal disease.

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