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Melanoma, primarily caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can be prevented by the use of sunscreens. However, the use of synthetic sunscreens raises environmental concerns. Natural compounds with antioxidant photoprotective properties and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells can be promising for the prevention and treatment of melanoma with less environmental effect. This study focuses on Melaleuca leucadendron essential oil (EO) for photoprotection and antitumor applications. EO was hydrodistilled from M. leucadendron leaves with a 0.59% yield. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detected monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Nanoemulsions were prepared with (NE-EO) and without EO (NE-B) using the phase inversion method, showing good stability, spherical or oval morphology, and a pseudoplastic profile. Photoprotective activity assessed spectrophotometrically showed that the NE-EO was more effective than NE-B and free EO. Antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods indicated that pure and nanoemulsified EO mainly inhibited the ABTS radical, showing IC50 40.72 and 5.30 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity tests on L-929 mouse fibroblasts, NGM human melanocyte, B16-F10 melanoma, and MeWo human melanoma revealed that EO and NE-EO were more cytotoxic to melanoma cells than to non-tumor cells. The stable NE-EO demonstrates potential for melanoma prevention and treatment. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of these activities.

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem. Benznidazole (BZ) is the drug used to treat it. However, in its commercial formulation, it has significant side effects and is less effective in the chronic phase of the infection. The development of particulate systems containing BZ is therefore being promoted. The objective of this investigation was to develop polymeric nanoparticles loaded with BZ and examine their trypanocidal impact in vitro. Two formulas (BNP1 and BNP2) were produced through double emulsification and freeze drying. Subsequent to physicochemical and morphological assessment, both formulations exhibited adequate yield, average particle diameter, and zeta potential for oral administration. Cell viability was assessed in H9C2 and RAW 264.7 cells in vitro, revealing no cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes or detrimental effects in macrophages at specific concentrations. BNP1 and BNP2 enhanced the effect of BZ within 48 h using a treatment of 3.90 μg/mL. The formulations notably improved NO reduction, particularly BNP2. The findings imply that the compositions are suitable for preclinical research, underscoring their potential as substitutes for treating CD. This study aids the quest for new BZ formulations, which are essential in light of the disregard for the treatment of CD and the unfavorable effects associated with its commercial product.

La universidad como institución es el espacio idóneo para generar una transformación en los patrones socioculturales de perpetuación de las diferencias de género que promueva la desnaturalización de las violencias y discriminación. El presente ensayo pretende argumentar, con perspectiva de género, cómo histórica y culturalmente se han construido los patrones patriarcales desde la colonialidad en la formación del conocimiento; además, se plantea la necesidad de transitar desde el componente teórico a una acción integrada mediante el modelo educativo de la socioformación para proponer una transversalización del enfoque de género en las funciones sustantivas, docencia, vinculación e investigación, y, sobre todo, en la misma forma de hacer, pensar y sentir la universidad.

The treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) can be challenging due to bacterial resistance, particularly from strains like MRSA and biofilm formation. However, combining conventional antibiotics with natural products shows promise in treating SSTIs. The objective of this study is to develop a nanoemulsion-based hydrogel containing Protium spruceanum extract and mupirocin and evaluate its potential for the treatment of SSTIs. The nanoemulsion was obtained by phase inversion and subsequently characterized. The antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro against S. aureus MRSA, including the synergism of the combination, changes in membrane permeability using flow cytometry, and the anti-biofilm effect. In addition, the irritative potential was evaluated by the HET-CAM assay. The combination exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against S. aureus and MRSA due to the extract enhancing membrane permeability. The hydrogel demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties, inhibited biofilm formation, and exhibited low irritation. The formulation was nanometric (176.0 ± 1.656 nm) and monodisperse (polydispersity index 0.286 ± 0.011). It exhibited a controlled release profile at 48 h and high encapsulation efficacy (94.29 ± 4.54% for quercitrin and 94.20 ± 5.44% for mupirocin). Therefore, these findings suggest that the hydrogel developed could be a safe and effective option for treating SSTIs.

El presente artículo de reflexión pretende ser un referente teórico y práctico en el análisis de tendencias de Educación Continua en el Ecuador en tiempos de Covid-19. La metodología de trabajo utilizada fue cuantitativa de tipo descriptiva, exploratoria y explicativa donde se tomó como marco de referencia indicadores del INEC y también indicadores académicos de los procesos de formación profesional y Educación Continua emitidos por la Secretaría Técnica del Sistema Nacional de Cualificaciones Profesionales (SETEC). La principal conclusión y reflexión del proceso de investigación ha permitido identificar un cambio de paradigma en los procesos de formación y capacitación profesional en el país mismos que deberían ajustarse al desarrollo de competencias digitales y, a la apertura de nuevos cursos de educación continua online y virtual que permitan al usuario optimizar su tiempo y mejorar su perfil profesional.

Fundamento: La psicología de la salud tiene su origen en Cuba, y sus protagonistas en la región central del país merecen ser objeto de reconocimiento por los aportes hechos a esta carrera de las ciencias médicas. Objetivo: identificar los aspectos más relevantes que han hecho considerar a la DrC. Lucía del Carmen Alba Pérez como un pilar fundamental en el desarrollo de la psicología cubana desde 1969 hasta la actualidad. Métodos: se realizó una investigación documental sustentada en una amplia revisión, entrevistas a la figura en estudio e informantes clave; se complementaron estos métodos y técnicas con otros de corte teórico como el histórico lógico, análisis y síntesis, y se empleó la triangulación de fuentes para arribar a las esencialidades de la personalidad investigada. Resultados: la DrC. Lucía del Carmen Alba Pérez con sus 48 años como docente y 50 como profesional de la psicología, con una distinguida participación en la formación de los profesionales del sector, eventos nacionales e internacionales, publicaciones y reconocimientos académicos y científicos a todos los niveles, constituye un pilar fundamental en el desarrollo de la psicología cubana en la región central. Forma parte del grupo de psicólogos que protagonizó el proceso de fundación, consolidación y desarrollo de la psicología de la salud en Cuba. Conclusiones: se expusieron los aspectos más relevantes de la vida profesional de la mencionada doctora y su participación en el desarrollo de la Psicología de la Salud como carrera de las ciencias médicas.

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem. Benznidazole (BZ) is the drug used to treat it. However, in its commercial formulation, it has significant side effects and is less effective in the chronic phase of the infection. The development of particulate systems containing BZ is therefore being promoted. The objective of this investigation was to develop polymeric nanoparticles loaded with BZ and examine their trypanocidal impact in vitro. Two formulas (BNP1 and BNP2) were produced through double emulsification and freeze drying. Subsequent to physicochemical and morphological assessment, both formulations exhibited adequate yield, average particle diameter, and zeta potential for oral administration. Cell viability was assessed in H9C2 and RAW 264.7 cells in vitro, revealing no cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes or detrimental effects in macrophages at specific concentrations. BNP1 and BNP2 enhanced the effect of BZ within 48 h using a treatment of 3.90 μg/mL. The formulations notably improved NO reduction, particularly BNP2. The findings imply that the compositions are suitable for preclinical research, underscoring their potential as substitutes for treating CD. This study aids the quest for new BZ formulations, which are essential in light of the disregard for the treatment of CD and the unfavorable effects associated with its commercial product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma, primarily caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can be prevented by the use of sunscreens. However, the use of synthetic sunscreens raises environmental concerns. Natural compounds with antioxidant photoprotective properties and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells can be promising for the prevention and treatment of melanoma with less environmental effect. This study focuses on Melaleuca leucadendron essential oil (EO) for photoprotection and antitumor applications. EO was hydrodistilled from M. leucadendron leaves with a 0.59% yield. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detected monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Nanoemulsions were prepared with (NE-EO) and without EO (NE-B) using the phase inversion method, showing good stability, spherical or oval morphology, and a pseudoplastic profile. Photoprotective activity assessed spectrophotometrically showed that the NE-EO was more effective than NE-B and free EO. Antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods indicated that pure and nanoemulsified EO mainly inhibited the ABTS radical, showing IC50 40.72 and 5.30 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity tests on L-929 mouse fibroblasts, NGM human melanocyte, B16-F10 melanoma, and MeWo human melanoma revealed that EO and NE-EO were more cytotoxic to melanoma cells than to non-tumor cells. The stable NE-EO demonstrates potential for melanoma prevention and treatment. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of these activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing demand for reduced-calorie products today due to changing dietary habits of the population. This challenges the food industry to design products that resemble conventional ones concerning physical, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and physicochemical properties and perception of the liking of conventional and low-calorie orange jellies. Two different formulations (conventional and low-calorie) of each type of orange jelly were prepared and assessed under physical, physicochemical, sensory, and statistical analysis. The results showed that the formulated jellies presented differences in terms of the physical and physicochemical parameters studied, except for the color parameter a*. Conventional jelly had lower values of pH, acidity, and soluble solids, and higher moisture content. Additionally, conventional jelly was found to be lighter, more yellow, less rigid, and less viscous, than low-calorie orange jellies most likely due to its shorter cooking time. The two sensorial methodologies (time-intensity and temporal dominance of sensations analysis) used showed differences in perception of the evaluated stimuli, with the conventional orange jelly having higher dominance intensities for sweet taste and acidity. The low-calorie orange jelly presented a bitter taste, most likely due to the use of sweeteners.

Tras la declaración de la Organización Mundial de la Salud sobre la pandemia por la COVID-19, se han realizado múltiples homenajes a los sanitarios y otras personas que han laborado en las zonas rojas en el mundo. En la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, como iniciativa de un grupo de estudiantes, se decidió realizar la serie documental “Rostros de valientes”. A través de un lenguaje pedagógico los entrevistados refieren lo indispensable de cumplir estrictamente las medidas de protección orientadas para lograr el control de la enfermedad. Este proyecto ha servido para transmitir a los estudiantes, en un testimonio contado por sus propios protagonistas, y desde un punto de vista más humano y personal, el sacrificio que conlleva el ejercicio de las profesiones de la salud en situaciones extremas, tanto en Cuba como en el resto del planeta.

Los contenidos teórico-prácticos de la asignatura de electrónica para estudiantes de bachillerato técnico han pasado por varias dificultades relacionadas al proceso de enseñanza, al conocimiento teórico que se imparte y, a la falta de motivación de los estudiantes en esta materia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la factibilidad de aplicación de la gamificación como estrategia de aprendizaje del componente teórico en la asignatura de electrónica para poder consolidar en los estudiantes un aprendizaje significativo. La población seleccionada para este estudio correspondió a estudiantes de una institución secundaria de bachillerato técnico. Para analizar esta perspectiva se diseñó una encuesta cuyos resultados permitieron comprobar las hipótesis de investigación relacionadas a verificar la factibilidad de aplicación de la gamificación como recurso educativo para mejorar el aprendizaje de electrónica en estudiantes de bachillerato técnico, donde además, se ha planteado la utilización de estrategias relacionadas a la motivación, el cumplimiento de retos, desafíos, recompensas y, el uso herramientas tecnológicas con un enfoque gamificado.

Due to the increase of bacterial resistance, the search for new antibiotics is necessary and the medicinal plants represent its most important source. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial property of extract and fractions from Protium spruceanum leaves, against pathogenic bacteria. By means of diffusion and microdilution assays, the crude extract was active against the nine bacteria tested being the hydromethanolic fraction the most active. During phytochemical procedures, procyanidin (1) and catechin (2) were identified as the main antibacterial constituents of this fraction. In silico results obtained using PASSonline tool indicated 1 and 2 as having good potential to interact with different targets of currently used antibiotics. These results no indicated potential to none DNA effect and indicated the cell wall as mainly target. Electrophoresis result supported that had no DNA damage. Cell wall damage was confirmed by propidium iodide test that showed increased membrane permeability and by cell surface deformations observed in scanning electronic microscopy. The in vitro assays together with the in silico prediction results establish the potential of P. spruceanum as source of antibacterial compounds that acts on important bacterial targets. These results contribute to the development of natural substances against pathogenic bacteria and to discovery of new antibiotics.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is caused by mutations of MECP2, a methyl CpG binding protein thought to act as a global transcriptional repressor. Here we show, using an isogenic human embryonic stem cell model of RTT, that MECP2 mutant neurons display key molecular and cellular features of this disorder. Unbiased global gene expression analyses demonstrate that MECP2 functions as a global activator in neurons but not in neural precursors. Decreased transcription in neurons was coupled with a significant reduction in nascent protein synthesis and lack of MECP2 was manifested as a severe defect in the activity of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Lack of MECP2 also leads to impaired mitochondrial function in mutant neurons. Activation of AKT/mTOR signaling by exogenous growth factors or by depletion of PTEN boosted protein synthesis and ameliorated disease phenotypes in mutant neurons. Our findings indicate a vital function for MECP2 in maintaining active gene transcription in human neuronal cells.

Antimicrobial and antitumor activities of resveratrol, a compound found mainly in grapes, have already been demonstrated. However, its low bioavailability is a limiting factor for therapeutic application. Polymeric micelles can be an approach to solve this problem since they can encapsulate hydrophobic substances. We developed and characterized micellar formulations containing resveratrol and evaluated their cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects. The formulations were prepared by the cold dispersion method with different concentrations of F127 (5 or 10% w/w) and resveratrol (500 or 5000 µM). The formulations were characterized according to size, polydispersity index, pH, encapsulation rate and in vitro release. Cytotoxic effect was evaluated on a bladder cancer cell line and antimicrobial effect was evaluated on E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. One of the formulations (10% w/w of F127 and 5000 µM of resveratrol) was a monodispersed solution with high encapsulation rate, thus it was chosen for the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial assays. MS- 10+RES-3 was able to preserve the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of resveratrol. This is the first study that evaluated antimicrobial potential and cytotoxicity of micelles containing resveratrol on bladder cancer cells and the results showed that micellar nanostructures could ensure the maintenance of the biological activity of resveratrol.

Abstract Background Biological processes occur on a vast range of time scales, and many of them occur concurrently. As a result, system-wide measurements of gene expression have the potential to capture many of these processes simultaneously. The challenge however, is to separate these processes and time scales in the data. In many cases the number of processes and their time scales is unknown. This issue is particularly relevant to developmental biologists, who are interested in processes such as growth, segmentation and differentiation, which can all take place simultaneously, but on different time scales. Results We introduce a flexible and statistically rigorous method for detecting different time scales in time-series gene expression data, by identifying expression patterns that are temporally shifted between replicate datasets. We apply our approach to a Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell-cycle dataset and an Arabidopsis thaliana root developmental dataset. In both datasets our method successfully detects processes operating on several different time scales. Furthermore we show that many of these time scales can be associated with particular biological functions. Conclusions The spatiotemporal modules identified by our method suggest the presence of multiple biological processes, acting at distinct time scales in both the Arabidopsis root and yeast. Using similar large-scale expression datasets, the identification of biological processes acting at multiple time scales in many organisms is now possible.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo identificar las consecuecnias de las ideas del movimiento estudiantil cordobés en la República de Honduras, el accionar de la agenda política de los estudiantes universitarios y su importancia en la construcción de la universidad en el siglo XX. La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras goza en la actualidad de la exclusividad de regir el espacio de la educación superior hondureño, sus cimientos están en las banderas de lucha de los estudiantes por la autonomía universitaria, la reforma universitaria, la misión social de la universidad, el cogobierno universitario y la paridad estudiantil en la entonces Universidad de Honduras. La investigación obedece a la perspectiva histórica, a través de la recopilación y análisis de información basada en la revisión de documentos de fuentes primarias como secundarias.