Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y Bienestar Humano
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A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19

2023 , González Andrade, Fabricio , Carrero Y.

Aim To characterize non-hospitalized patients with mild and moderate clinical presentation. Methods We performed an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study carried out in Ecuador, with 1,447 participants between 18 and 66 years, non-hospitalized, with a molecular RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2. We analyzed demographic characteristics according to sex, age group, clinical findings, behavior after diagnosis, family and social behavior, sequelae, clinical evolution, type of exposure, and personal history. Results The sample analyzed had a mean age of 37 years (95% CI 18–66), women 713 individuals (49.27%), men 733 individuals (50.66%). Age group distribution was 18–30 years, 524 individuals (36.29%), 31–45, 538 individuals (37.26), and more of 45 years, 382 individuals (26.46%). 1416 individuals were mestizos (97.99%). According to the province of residence from Pichincha were 1019 patients (70.52%), followed by Imbabura, 93 patients (6.44%), and the others 335 (23.15%) patients come from all over the country. In women, the most common findings were fever >38C (54.40%), sputum (27.43%) and hypoxia (16.32%); HTN (5.75%) and hypercholesterolemia (3.69%). Men were more prevalent in all other findings. Comorbidities were more prevalent in all those over 45 years of age. COVID-19 antibodies test was positive in 416 patients (28.85%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depressed mood, and chronic fatigue were more prevalent in men than women. Still, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic fatigue were more common in individuals of 31 to 45 years. 868 patients (60.07%) were in contact with a known infected person, 318 patients (22.02%) were health workers, and 782 patients (57.63%) were informed about work exposure. 545 patients (37.72%) were overweight, primarily women 310 (42.29%). 609 patients (42.65%) showed symptoms after the acute period, and 331 individuals (23.49%) reported some sequelae. Conclusion The epidemiological and clinical behavior of hospitalized and critical patients differs greatly from ambulatory or mild or moderate symptoms. It is essential to highlight those non-hospitalized patients constitute the predominant population of patients, hence the importance of adequate management that would directly affect the development of complicated forms and, consequently, the collapse of healthcare centers. It is vitally important to open more investigations that compare hospitalized and outpatient patients to have a clearer picture of the epidemic. Copyright: © 2023 González-Andrade, Carrero. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Neurological dysfunction and exposure to agrotoxics [Disfunción neurológica y exposición a agrotóxicos]

2022 , Andrade-Mora D.S. , Celi-Simbaña S.S. , Celi-Simbaña K.P.

[No abstract available]

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The role of negative affects as mediators in the relationship between stress and mental health in Ecuadorian adolescents

2023 , Moreta-Herrera R. , Zumba-Tello D. , de Frutos-Lucas J. , Llerena-Freire S. , Salinas-Palma A. , Trucharte-Martínez A.

Background Stress and negative emotions have adverse consequences for the mental health of adolescents, an area that deserves further examination. These attributes are associated with each other and regularly interact in different ways. The way they exert an influence can be both direct and indirect, so the general objective is to elucidate the potential mediating effect of negative affects in the relationship between stress and mental health in Ecuadorian adolescents. participants and procedure An explanatory and mediation design based on structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied with 1154 high school students from Ecuador (67.7% women) aged 14 to 19 years (M = 15.69). results In our sample, the presence of stress and negative affect is moderate, while that of mental health problems is low. According to our final model, these variables covary with and influence each other in the following way: stress (X) has a direct effect on mental health (Y) and also an indirect effect mediated by negative affect (M). The structural regression model proposed explains 63.0% of the variance in mental health. conclusions Stress exerts a relevant impact on mental health, both through direct and indirect pathways. The indirect pathway, mediated by negative affect, opens the door to novel interventional strategies to foster mental health. © 2023 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved

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Young People with Asthma on Vacation at Aqua Park—Esmeraldas

2024 , Álvarez-Sánchez A. , Alquinga-Quinteros M.J. , González-Vega K.N.

This article focuses on providing general information about Esmeraldas, one of the twenty-four provinces that make up the Republic of Ecuador. It addresses various aspects of this region, including its gastronomy, geographic location, warm climate, and the activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay. In addition, it highlights a tourist site called “Aqua Park,” which offers an exciting option to spend a pleasant vacation in the company of friends and family. Also mentioned is an interesting aspect of Esmeraldas, its role as a medicinal forest that can be beneficial for asthmatic people. Reference is made to scientific reviews that highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of certain compounds of marine origin. These compounds have demonstrated their ability to target pathogenic molecular mechanisms similar to those involved in glucocorticoid-resistant asthma. In addition, some studies have investigated the protective effects of specific formulations containing marine-derived ingredients on the airways. Although these scientific summaries do not directly address possible side effects or associated risks, they suggest that marine-derived compounds may have therapeutic potential in reducing airway inflammation in people suffering from asthma. However, it is important to note that further research is required to fully understand the safety and efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of asthma. For young asthmatics, the need to take precautions to avoid common triggers such as tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust mites is emphasized. It is also advised to be attentive to weather conditions and to avoid exposure to the open air at times of high contamination or sudden temperature changes. Finally, a warning related to the water park is offered. Although it is presented as an exciting vacation option, it is suggested that there could be asthma triggers in the area, including those mentioned above, as well as the chemicals used for the maintenance of the tourist facilities. In summary, the article provides an overview of Esmeraldas and its attractions, as well as exploring the possibility of using marine compounds in the treatment of asthma. While this possibility is raised, the need for further research to fully understand its efficacy and safety is recognized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of taking precautions for those suffering from asthma, as they may be exposed to various triggers in different environments. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

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Integral communication on city-brands making: Contributions, strains and challenges [Comunicación integral en construcción de marcas ciudad: Aportes, tensiones y desafíos]

2017 , Navas J.S.G. , Gonzalez, J.

The following qualitative work analyzes the relationship between integrated communication and the construction of city brands from the very perspective of the professionals of communication, who allocate different meanings to this process. The construction of city brands is challenging. There has been an investigation coming from the tensions and challenges that arise from the construction and management of a city brand. Furthermore, a research was carried out through open interviews and discussion groups, this technique allowed to frame historically and socially the professional experiences and the collective construction of a dialogue. Additionally, based on a thematic and content analysis, the textual data was organized and analyzed, this process allowed to created categories and a referential framework that places the purpose of the study. In conclusion, a renaissance figure in communication vanishes before the active participation of all the communication professionals, who ought to work in an integrated, inclusive and collaborative processes beyond the commercial and tourist point, thus, a real change and transformation of a city could be seen from inside and out.

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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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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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Body Composition Evaluation using Bioelectrical Impedance and its Impact on Academic Performance of Nursing Students

2023 , Romero Riaño, Paola , Camaño Carball, Lilian , Yánez-Rueda H. , Buele, Jorge

In the past, nutritional assessment relied on manual measurements that did not allow for the differentiation of body composition components. With technological advancements, the introduction of bioelectrical impedance has provided a more specific approach to obtaining results. This study aims to utilize this innovative method to assess the connection between body composition and academic performance in nursing students. The research focused on a representative sample of 89 participants, utilizing bioelectrical impedance to measure the primary bioelements of the human body. Strong and significant correlations were observed between height and weight, height and muscle mass, and muscle mass and weight. A moderate correlation was found between weight and fat, as well as significant weak correlations between age and fat, and between fat and body mass index. Additionally, a significant weak negative correlation was observed between height and fat. Of the participants, 42.2% of women and 48% of men were classified as overweight. However, the statistical analysis did not reveal significant correlations between academic performance and variables such as weight, muscle mass, fat, and body mass index. Based on this information, it was concluded that most students had a body mass index within the normal range, and no direct relationship between body composition and academic performance was identified. Continuous monitoring of overweight students using this technology is recommended to promote healthy nutritional practices. © 2023 IEEE.

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Risk and Protective Factors in Ecuadorian Adolescent Survivors of Suicide

2023 , Bahamón M.J. , Javela J.J. , Vinaccia S. , Matar-Khalil S. , Cabezas-Corcione A. , Cuesta, E.

Suicide is one of the main causes of death among the adolescent population, which is why it is considered an important mental-health problem. In addition to this situation, for each suicide, the group of people who survive it (known as suicide survivors) can present serious emotional affectations, becoming a population at risk for this problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of suicide-survivor status on risk factors and protective factors for suicide. A total of 440 adolescents with a mean age of 15.78 (SD = 1.74) participated, who were divided according to survivor status, identified as the SV group (79 cases), and non-survivors, identified as the NSV group—adolescents that did not have experience or contact with a suicide attempt (361 cases). A questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization and risk conditions, the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI), the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (TECA) were applied. Descriptive statistics, mean difference for independent samples, contingency tables, X2 statistic, Fisher’s exact statistic, and Cohen’s d coefficient were used. The results show significant differences between SV and NSV participants in risk and protective factors regarding the presence of a greater adoption of perspective and emotional understanding. On the other hand, NSV adolescents presented higher scores of perceived social supports regarding risk factors, and there was a higher proportion of a history of suicide attempt, severity/hospitalization, impulse to self-harm, and level of suicidal risk in the SV group. The need to incorporate forms of suicide prevention with the survivor population is discussed, increasing the possibilities of postvention. © 2023 by the authors.

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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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