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British Columbia residents have access to a program called QuitNow that provides behavioral support and information about pharmacotherapy to nicotine and tobacco users. Web- or computer-based smoking cessation programs have been shown to yield an abstinence rate about 1.5 times higher when compared to a control. Although quantitative evidence reveals significant promise for web-based services like QuitNow, there is very little qualitative evidence available. Understanding website utilization and the experiences of end users is key to contextualizing the effectiveness of web-based cessation services and providing directions for enhancing these services. This qualitative interview study aims to delve into users' utilization and experiences of QuitNow, which is supplemented by Google Analytics data. We interviewed 10 QuitNow users using semistructured interviews to understand what they liked the most and the least about QuitNow. We transcribed these interviews and conducted an inductive thematic analysis using NVivo (QSR International) software to extract common themes about user experiences. We also gathered utilization metrics via Google Analytics (n=13,856 users) to understand which aspects of QuitNow were used the most and which were used the least during the study period. Thematic analysis yielded four major themes: (1) barriers to information access reduce opportunities to take action, (2) lack of clarity around pharmacological options is discouraging, (3) hearing from others is an important part of the journey, and (4) recognizing own agency throughout the quit process. These themes provided context and support for the Google Analytics data, which showed that end user activity, measured by indicators such as page views and average time spent on each page, was highest on pages about how to quit (10,393 page views), pharmacology information (1999 page views), and the community forum (11,560 page views). Results of this study point to several important implications for improving the website, as well as directions for enhancing cessation support services in general.

Background The incidence of malaria in the Americas has decreased markedly in recent years. Honduras and the other countries of Mesoamerica and the island of Hispaniola have set the goal of eliminating native malaria by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, Honduras has recently approved national regulations to expand the possibilities of a shortened double dose primaquine (PQ) treatment for vivax malaria. Considering this new shortened anti-malarial treatment, the high frequency of G6PDd genotypes in Honduras, and the lack of routinely assessment of the G6PD deficiency status, this study aimed at investigating the potential association between the intake of PQ and haemolysis in malaria-infected G6PDd subjects. Methods This was a prospective cohort and open-label study. Participants with malaria were recruited. Plasmodium vivax infection was treated with 0.25 mg/kg of PQ daily for 14 days. Safety and signs of haemolysis were evaluated by clinical criteria and laboratory values before and during the 3rd and 7th day of PQ treatment. G6PD status was assessed by a rapid test (CareStart™) and two molecular approaches. Results Overall 55 participants were enrolled. The frequency of G6PD deficient genotypes was 7/55 (12.7%), where 5/7 (71.4%) were hemizygous A− males and 2/7 (28.6%) heterozygous A− females. Haemoglobin concentrations were compared between G6PD wild type (B) and G6PDd A− subjects, showing a significant difference between the means of both groups in the 3rd and 7th days. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was evident in the change in haemoglobin concentration between the 3rd day and the 1st day for both genotypes, but there was no statistical difference for the change in haemoglobin concentration between the 7th day and the 1st day. Besides these changes in the haemoglobin concentrations, none of the patients showed signs or symptoms associated with severe haemolysis, and none needed to be admitted to a hospital for further medical attention. Conclusions The findings support that the intake of PQ during 14 days of treatment against vivax malaria is safe in patients with a class III variant of G6PDd. In view of the new national regulations in the shortened treatment of vivax malaria for 7 days, it is advisable to be alert of potential cases of severe haemolysis that could occur among G6PD deficient hemizygous males with a class II mutation such as the Santamaria variant, previously reported in the country.

IntroductionMusculoskeletal disorders are multifactorial and a public health problem. They occur in different production sectors, but information is scarce in the flower-producing industry.AimTo analyze factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in floriculture workers of the northern savannah of Cundinamarca in 2016.Materials and MethodThis cross-sectional study was carried out in a non-random sample of 84 cultivators (production, packing and storage) of ornamental flowers for export in the savanna north of Cundinamarca. The sociodemographic variables, the informed consent and the Nordic questionnaire were obtained through a survey. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS version 24.ResultsParticipating women had a mean age of 41.744 (SD = 10.64) and seniority in the development of activities between 1 to 27 years. Statistically significant correlations were found between head/eye symptoms and active pauses r = –0.491, p <0.05; neck and race R 0.234 p <0.05; neck and have free time at home r = -0.391, p <0.01; Shoulder and workplace (less exposure) r = -0.257, p <0.05; wrist hand and active pauses r = -0.283, p <0.01, active pauses with stretching (exposure) r = 0.283, p <0.01; upper back and have time for active breaks r = -0.218, p <0.05; upper back and being able to sit up during breaks r = 0.255, p <0.05; upper back and have free time at home r = -0.235, p <0.05; right knee and lifting load r = 0.323, p <0.01; right knee and have free time at home r = -0.391, p <0.01.ConclusionFindings indicate positive correlations between race, sitting during breaks, lifting, and musculoskeletal symptoms; and negative correlations between taking active breaks, having free time at home, workplace, taking active breaks, taking active breaks with stretching, having time for active breaks, having free time at home, and musculoskeletal symptoms in flower women.

British Columbia residents have access to a program called QuitNow that provides behavioral support and information about pharmacotherapy to nicotine and tobacco users. Web- or computer-based smoking cessation programs have been shown to yield an abstinence rate about 1.5 times higher when compared to a control. Although quantitative evidence reveals significant promise for web-based services like QuitNow, there is very little qualitative evidence available. Understanding website utilization and the experiences of end users is key to contextualizing the effectiveness of web-based cessation services and providing directions for enhancing these services. This qualitative interview study aims to delve into users' utilization and experiences of QuitNow, which is supplemented by Google Analytics data. We interviewed 10 QuitNow users using semistructured interviews to understand what they liked the most and the least about QuitNow. We transcribed these interviews and conducted an inductive thematic analysis using NVivo (QSR International) software to extract common themes about user experiences. We also gathered utilization metrics via Google Analytics (n=13,856 users) to understand which aspects of QuitNow were used the most and which were used the least during the study period. Thematic analysis yielded four major themes: (1) barriers to information access reduce opportunities to take action, (2) lack of clarity around pharmacological options is discouraging, (3) hearing from others is an important part of the journey, and (4) recognizing own agency throughout the quit process. These themes provided context and support for the Google Analytics data, which showed that end user activity, measured by indicators such as page views and average time spent on each page, was highest on pages about how to quit (10,393 page views), pharmacology information (1999 page views), and the community forum (11,560 page views).

El Mini-Endo-Bloc® es un elemento usado para mediar las limas durante la endodoncia, presenta muchas concavidades y orificios que dificultan el proceso de esterilización y pueden promover la infección cruzada o comprometer el pronóstico del tratamiento endodóntico. Objetivo: Observar la eficacia de la esterilización de los Mini-Endo-Bloc® utilizados en la clínica de la Federación Odontológica Colombiana (FOC). Métodos: Se recolectaron 60 Mini-Endo-Bloc® utilizados en pacientes que presentaban diagnósticos de necrosis pulpar y periodontitis apical, lo cuales se dividieron en dos grupos: Grupo control: 12 Mini-Endo-Bloc® desinfectados y no esterilizados. Grupo experimental: 48 Mini-Endo-Bloc® desinfectados y esterilizados, se realizó, según lo recomendado por la Farmacopea USPXXXV, prueba de esterilidad en Caldo Thioglycollate a 37°C, medio de caldo Casoy a 37°C y medio de caldo Casoy a 25°C para determinar presencia de bacterias, levaduras y hongos. Resultados: Al someter los Mini-Endo-Bloc® al protocolo de esterilización establecido por la FOC y teniendo en cuenta los parámetros de las pruebas de esterilidad, en el grupo experimental el 50% (n=24), fueron reprobadas (crecimiento microorganismos) y 50% (n = 24) fueron aprobadas (no crecimiento de microorganismos). Discusión: la mitad de las muestras fueron reprobadas, estos resultados pueden ser por fallas en el proceso de desinfección mecánica manual directa, el cual se dificulta en los Mini-Endo-Bloc®, debido a su estructura y diseño, permitiendo que residuos biológicos permanezcan en la superficie del instrumento, evitando que el vapor saturado entre en contacto con el material o los microorganismos durante la esterilización.

Upon loading with parasite antigen and adoptive transfer, dendritic cells (DC) are able to confer protection against the protozoan parasite Leishmania major. In the present study, we investigated whether viable DC are required for inducing protection. We provide evidence that L. major antigen-loaded DC that had been fixed with paraformaldehyde or exposed to UV irradiation, and even disrupted cells, are able to serve as an effective vaccine. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of DC-derived exosomes to mediate protective immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis. The route of antigen presentation to recipient T cells involves uptake of intravenously injected DC fragments into late endosomal compartments of splenic DC in the recipient. In vitro studies showed that DC fragments induce T-cell proliferation and interleukin 12 secretion by splenocytes. Together, these findings suggest that the development of a cell-free vaccine for immunoprophylaxis against leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases is feasible.

The haploid soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a suitable model organism to study host-pathogen interactions with Legionella pneumophila. In this study we show that D. discoideum AX2 is also susceptible to infection with other important human pathogens and obligate intracellular symbionts. Infection assays demonstrated that Legionella-like amoebal pathogens (LLAP K62), Mycobacterium avium and the obligate intracellular endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba sp. strains TUME1, UWE25 and UWC6 were able to multiply within Dictyostelium. Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also invaded Dictyostelium, however were degraded shortly after uptake. Comitin-minus host cells were more permissive to infections with L. pneumophila and LLAP K62. Furthermore, this mutation significantly delayed the degradation of S. typhimurium. Accompanying electron and fluorescence microscopy of infected AX2 cells revealed that L. pneumophila and M. avium replicate within vacuoles, while LLAP K62, TUME1 and UWE25 were tightly enclosed by membranous structures within the cytoplasm. The beta-proteobacterium UWC6 was found to persist in the cytoplasm. The observed subcellular locations which correspond to the locations within the respective natural hosts suggest that D. discoideum is a representative model system for these pathogens and symbionts.

La Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, como parte de la estrategia de dar respuesta a las necesidades de servicios de salud, desarrolló el macroproyecto denominado \"PRISMA\". Uno de los ejes de este macroproyecto consistió en la ejecución de un Plan de Penetración Territorial en Servicios de Telesalud e Informática Médica de la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, a partir de su estructura Organizacional (Zonas y Centros) y las Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud locales; el cual planteó la necesidad de observar la salud desde otra perspectiva, para comprender cómo esta se transforma en un concepto mucho más amplio y de vanguardia, apoyado en las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, para fortalecer un nuevo paradigma denominado Telesalud, donde se permite potencializar todo su desarrollo, dejando que abarque diferentes aspectos para el beneficio de la sociedad y de la región. Este proyecto se basó en el Plan de Desarrollo del Departamento de Arauca \"Humanizando el desarrollo\" y su subprograma \"Salud preventiva asistencial e intervencionista\", cuyo objetivo fue garantizar la calidad y oportunidad de las acciones en salud, mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población y reducir los índices de morbimortalidad y discapacidad evitables, fortaleciendo el trabajo intersectorial, interinstitucional y participación comunitaria de manera que contribuyera al cierre de brechas con enfoque de desarrollo humano y los temas estratégicos que el gobierno nacional se propuso con los avances en el Plan Nacional de Salud Rural, en el marco del Programa de Desarrollo con Enfoque Territorial, que aportan positivamente a la justicia, verdad, reparación y no repetición de que trata el acuerdo para una paz estable y duradera del 26 de noviembre de 2016. La solución propuesta constó de: Estación teleconsulta multiespecialidades que incluye dispositivos biomédicos y de cómputo; electrocardiógrafo digital de 12 derivaciones, transmisión web transtelefónica y software para estación de trabajo; espirómetro digital para telemedicina; sistema de conectividad satelital por 12 meses; apoyo técnico asistencial para garantizar la adherencia y el funcionamiento del modelo de telemedicina; 3 visitas de 3 días de duración cada una, por sede, en un periodo de 12 meses, para un total de 21 visitas; asistencia técnica para el fortalecimiento de las capacidades en la gestión del modelo de atención integral en salud como base para el Plan Nacional de Salud Rural; soporte técnico biomédico anual; disponibilidad 7x24 virtual y presencial con agenda en tiempos programados; equipo multidisciplinario para equipos de Rx y digitalizador del soporte de primer nivel; y atenciones piloto: teleconsultas (3.500) distribuidas en 16 especialidades, electrocardiogramas, lecturas de Rx convencional 2.000 (total 9.000 atenciones) para la ZVTN. En conclusión, se puede decir que, es evidente en grado de certeza que la alianza estratégica entre la Gobernación del departamento de Arauca con la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia, se basa principalmente en que comparten su razón de ser, sus objetivos y su misión que redundan en contribuir al desarrollo económico, social y político de la Nación, además de elevar el bienestar de los colombianos; a esto se le suma el ser ejemplares entre las entidades del Gobierno que adelantan proyectos sinérgicos para impulsar la convivencia ciudadana de forma sostenible, contribuyendo a la paz y la seguridad nacional.

La educación desde la más tierna edad en la resolución de conflictos, el acceso a la justicia, la igualdad de género, la promoción de políticas públicas para que las mujeres accedan al campo laboral, la educación en derechos, y la sensibilización de carabineros, jueces, médicos y demás agentes que se ven involucrados en la aplicación de la legislación que protege a víctimas de violencia parecen ser la solución, o al...

The formation of resistant starch type 5 (RS5), primarily associated with amylose–lipid complexes, is typically attributed to starches with high-amylose content due to their affinity for lipid interactions. Recently, studies have also investigated the potential of amylopectin-rich starches to form amylopectin–lipid complexes (ALCs), expanding RS5 sources. This study explores the capacity of waxy corn starch (WS), which is rich in amylopectin, to develop ALCs with oleic acid (10% w/w) under different thermal and mechanical conditions. Specifically, WS was treated at temperatures of 80 °C, 85 °C, and boiling, with stirring times of 0 and 45 min. Results demonstrated significant ALC formation, reaching a peak complexation index (CI) of 59% under boiling conditions with 45 min of stirring. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) identified a notable endothermic transition at 110 °C, indicating strong ALC interactions. FTIR spectra further evidenced starch–lipid interactions through bands at 2970 cm−1 and 2888 cm−1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of orthorhombic nanocrystals in native WS, with ALC samples exhibiting a V-type diffraction pattern, supporting effective complexation. This study advances knowledge on starch–lipid interactions, suggesting ALCs as a promising RS5 form with potential food industry applications due to its structural resilience and associated health benefits.