Universidad Las Tunas

Background: Breast milk is the optimal food for humans, however, many mothers encounter difficulties sustaining exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Prenatal education (PE) has been suggested as a potential strategy to promote EBF. There remains a gap in understanding how PE influences EBF duration. Methods: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effect of PE on EBF continuation among mothers who gave birth in private and public hospitals in Quito, Ecuador. A total of 278 participants were recruited, with 152 receiving PE and 126 not receiving it. Data was collected through structured surveys. Baseline clinical information was obtained through face-to-face interviews conducted after delivery and before discharge. Then, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted at one, four, and six months postpartum. Results: Comparisons between the exposed (PE) and unexposed groups revealed significant differences in education level, health insurance, antenatal care visits, rooming-in rates, parity, and maternal breastfeeding (BF) intentions. Participants who received PE demonstrated a significantly longer mean duration of EBF compared to those who did not (89.4 ± 77.2 days vs. 66.1 ± 70.2 days, p = 0.004). The incidence rate of EBF abandonment was 11.81 per 100 person-months in the PE group and 14.91 per 100 person-months in the non-PE group. Cox survival analysis indicated a lower risk of EBF cessation among mothers who received PE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40-0.84, p = 0.004). Other factors associated with EBF discontinuation included delivery at a public health facility, postpartum depression, specific reasons for stopping BF, insufficient supply, return to work, healthcare provider recommendations, family advice, and negative BF experiences. Conclusion: Standardized PE programs have a significant and independent positive impact on EBF duration among mothers in Quito, Ecuador. These findings underscore the importance of integrating PE into routine prenatal care and providing comprehensive postpartum support to promote BF continuation. It is necessary to develop targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors for BF cessation.

Background Understanding the impact of social network use and addictive behaviors on adolescent psychosocial health is crucial in today's digital age. Aim To verify the associations between social network use, WhatsApp, and the addictive behaviors to social network with psychosocial health in Spanish adolescents. Methods a cross-sectional study was developed with 632 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years from the region of Murcia, Spain. The assessment of social network use (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok) involved evaluating the frequency of use of each social network individually using a single-item scale with five response options. WhatsApp use was evaluated in the same manner. The Short Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms was employed to assess potential addictive behaviors to social network use. The psychosocial health was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Generalized linear regression models (adjusted for several covariates) were conducted, and predictive probabilities of having psychosocial health problems were calculated. Results The predicted probability of presenting psychological health problems in the medium users and high users of social networks was 19.3% (95% CI 13.0 to 27.7), and 16.2% (95% CI 10.2 to 24.6) higher compared to low users, respectively. High usage of Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook was associated with increased probabilities of psychosocial health problems, with Facebook showing the highest probabilities, at 31.3% (95% CI 14.8 to 54.2) for medium users and 51.9% (95% CI 26.5 to 76.3) for high users. Additionally, adolescents with addictive behaviors to social network use had 19.0–25.2% higher risk of experiencing psychosocial health problems. Finally, the highest probabilities of having psychological health problems were identified in adolescents with high addictive behaviors when using social networks (28.9%; 95% CI 19.3–40.8%) and the lowest in those with low addictive behaviors (6.8%; 95% CI 3.3–13.6%). Conclusion Adolescents who use social networks more frequently are more likely to experience psychological health problems compared to those who do not. Facebook showed the strongest association, followed by Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Our data also revealed that adolescents exhibit various signs of addictive behaviors to social network use.

Background Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loe) is an Amazonian plant whose leaves contain chemical compounds with therapeutic and energizing properties. For the Kichwa nationality in Napo, the guayusa plant has traditionally been considered a fundamental part of their culture. In the last decade, the export market for the plant has been increasing, which has implied transformations in the cropping, management, and use of the plant. The main objective of this study was to identify and describe the practices and beliefs about the planting, harvesting, brewing, and benefits of guayusa among Kichwa families in Napo within the current context. The study of these practices and beliefs allowed us: a) to identify the values and cultural transformations associated with the use and management of the plant, and b) to detect new research topics to deepen our knowledge about the plant. Methods The methodology was qualitative using the specific following techniques: literature review, 18 semi-structured in-depth interviews with key actors and guayusa producers belonging to the Kichwa nationality, and field observation of guayusa crops and Kichwa family houses. Results The analysis shows that Kichwa families currently maintain some ancestral practices related to the crop management of the plant and its benefits. At the same time, the families’ consumption and ceremonial use of guayusa have undergone transformations. Conclusions Nowadays guayusa’s consumption transcends familial and ceremonial spaces, and it is brewed in different ways. Practices such as the analysis of dreams or punishment with tobacco and chili when drinking guayusa are not frequent. People are planting guayusa in order to sell it in national and international markets. These changes are perceived as a challenge to the preservation of Kichwa people’s cultural identity. In terms of the plant’s benefits, the endowment of energy and elimination of sleepiness, laziness, body aches, and hunger are highly valued. This study raises new questions about possible future research concerning the plant’s cultural, social, medical, and economic aspects.

The research is aimed at resolving insufficiencies in the treatment of content in the teaching-learning process of Field Hockey, in the 11-12-year-old category; consequently, the objective was set to develop a methodology for its didactic procedure. From a population of 18 teachers, a sample of 12 was intentionally selected; and from 168 hockey players, 72 were chosen. Methods and techniques such as document analysis, observation, interview, formative pedagogical experiment and critical opinion workshops were used. It was resolved the essence of the contradiction between the fragmented treatment of the contents of Hockey category 11-12 years and the need for a theoretical and methodological vision that favors coherent structuring between the developmental nature of the components of hockey players ` preparation and those of the teaching-learning process of this sport. The instructive and educational potential of the contents were argued as a way to achieve the link of unity between the cognitive and the affective in the methodology that contributes to the improvement of its structuring, through didactic procedures supported by developmental learning and the particularities of sport. The application of the methodology, from the formative pedagogical experiment, allowed its feasibility and functionality to be assessed, and its effectiveness in achieving the established goals was evident.

The study evaluated the performance of raw oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers (R-OPEFBF) within three different size ranges (250–425, 425–600, 600–800 µm) both before and after their utilization in biofiltration processes (as post-adsorbents, P-OPEFBF) to reinforce a polymer matrix of acrylic resin. The research examined the changes in R-OPEFBF composition and morphology caused by microorganisms in biofilters and their impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. Smaller R-OPEFBF particles (250–425 µm) demonstrated superior mechanical performance. Additionally, composites with P-OPEFBF displayed significant enhancements in mechanical properties (3.9–40.3%) compared to those with R-OPEFBF. The combination of the three fiber sizes improved the mechanical behavior of the composites, indicating the potential for both R-OPEFBF and P-OPEFBF as reinforcement materials in composite applications.

Technical progress, often measured through changes in total factor productivity (TFP), has been extensively examined within the economic literature. Researchers have proposed that institutional quality is a key driver of TFP. Specifically, while institutions influence business efficiency, financial sector dynamics, and human capital development, they are also critical to providing the conditions that incentivize cooperation and innovation, in turn, augmenting TFP. This study undertakes an examination of the nexus between institutional quality (IQ) and TFP growth across a sample of 20 countries situated in the Americas using annual data from 2002 to 2019. The findings of this study substantiate the premise that enhanced IQ engenders an upswing in the rate of TFP growth, even after controlling for key production inputs, trade integration and macroeconomic conditions. In particular, institutions that promote citizen voice and authority accountability, and nurture a positive perception of the public sector's efficacy, reflecting trust in the state’s competency, are found to be key drivers of productivity growth within the American region. JEL codes: O47; OO43; E0.

Aim: To verify the acute effect of two physical exercise programs on cognitive performance (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) in schoolchildren. Methods:This is a randomized controlled clinical study with three groups: Experimental Group 1 (EG1) received problem-solving, balance, and movement coordination exercises; Experimental Group 2 (EG2) received exercises involving playful and recreational activities; and Control Group (CG) did not receive any type of intervention. Both interventions were applied at moderate intensity. The study included 94 schoolchildren of nine and 10 years old (48 boys) from public schools. To evaluate cognitive performance, two tests were used: The Trail Test to assess cognitive flexibility and the computerized Stroop Test (Testinpacs) to determine inhibitory control. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to construct models with Trail or Stroop tests as dependent variables. Results: in the Trail Test (cognitive flexibility), there was a statistically significant interaction effect in EG1 regarding both execution time (p < 0.01) and the number of errors (p < 0.01), while in EG2, it was only on the number of errors (p < 0.01). Concerning the Stroop test (inhibitory control), both EG1 and EG2 showed a significant reduction in the number of errors (p < 0.01), indicating an acute effect after the intervention in both groups. Conclusion: the exercise programs in EG1 and EG2 positively affected cognitive performance, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in schoolchildren. Moreover, considering all the variables of cognitive performance tests, EG1 was a promising alternative to be developed in schools, positively impacting cognitive performance and, consequently, learning.

The exponential growth of digital technological resources requires the educational system to be in constant transformation. In order to contribute to this purpose, a pedagogical model is proposed to develop technological awareness in the use of digital technological resources during the bachelor's degree training process; since, manifestations that limit their adequate use by students were observed. The application of the proposal has contributed to the conscious use of digital technological resources by future high school graduates, from the integration of the different agents and socializing agencies involved in the training process.

The formation of mid-level technicians with a solid professional training includes as a modality in the Technical and Vocational Education the "trainee period", which consists of job rotation. Previous studies on this process have shown multiple insufficiencies, and its solution lies in using job rotation as a form of organization during the trainee period of this professional. Among the methods used are theoretical systematization, modeling, interview, among others; which contribute to the contextualization of the rotation to the work object of the business and the object of the profession; the theoretical dispersion of the rotation is eliminated by being conceptualized as a form of organization of the teaching-learning process; the characteristics of the students in the teaching production centers are recognized and the classification of the rotation is established as a form that responds to the characteristics of the work places.

This systematic review explores the most current evidence regarding aquatic exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The review also seeks to provide guidelines for the best approach and treatment for patients experiencing this type of pain. To study the relationship between aquatic exercise and knee osteoarthritis, with emphasis on the reduction of pain caused by the disease. We systematically search the databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. The findings of this review show that aquatic exercise presents statistically significant changes in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) stiffness, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) [standardized mean difference (SMD) -5.46 (-5.82 to -5.11), -0.82 (-1.09 to -0.55), and − 1.53 (-1.96 to -1.09), respectively].This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference in some of the scales evaluated for functional results, stiffness, and pain reduction in the treatment with aquatic exercises for knee OA; however, we believe that more studies should be carried out to support these results from the mechanical, physiological, and clinical points of view.

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide and often leads to long-lasting emotional, physical, and cognitive changes and results in reduced functioning across multiple domains. These changes often lead to strain in marital relationships, as the uninjured spouse grapples with adapting to changes in their partner. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate romantic relationship status after TBI at 6- and 12-months following injury and to identify predictor variables of these changes. Methods Ninety-seven TBI survivors were recruited while hospitalized at a tertiary care center in Quito, Ecuador, and followed at 6 and 12 months after their injury. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to examine baseline predictors of linear romantic relationship probability trajectories across 6 and 12 months after injury. The final set of HLMs included each of the previously significant predictors from the first model, time, and interaction terms between time and the previously significant predictor. Results The first HLM showed that the probability of having a romantic relationship remained stable between 6 and 12 months after TBI. Individuals who were employed at baseline had higher romantic relationship probability trajectories than did those who had been unemployed. Older individuals had higher romantic relationship probability trajectories than younger individuals did, and women had higher romantic relationship probability trajectories than men did. Conclusions This is the first study to examine romantic relationship probability trajectories for an Ecuadorian adult population with TBI, and the data are highly valuable for understanding post-TBI outcomes in the region. These results can inform interventions and support systems to bolster marital resilience in the aftermath of TBI. Further research is warranted to explore the nuances of these relationships and to validate these findings in diverse populations.

Purpose the aim of this study is to determine the incidence, burden of disease, and spatial distribution of Schizophrenia in Ecuador in a ten-year period. Methods publicly available hospital discharge records from 2011 to 2021 were analyzed to determine incidence, DALYs, and spatial distribution of schizophrenia cases for that period. Results From 2010 to 2021, a total of 10542 schizophrenia cases were reported. There was a significant negative association between time and incidence rates, suggesting an important decrease in schizophrenia cases throughout the study time. The estimated burden of disease of schizophrenia in Ecuador varied from 153.054 to 289.785 per 100,000 population on average depending on the scenario used for estimation. Highest incidence clusters were in Guayas and Pichincha, location of the two most populous cities in the country. Conclusion This is the first study to characterize in detail the incidence and burden of schizophrenia in Ecuador. The results obtained could contribute to the refinement and formulation of health policies, the allocation of government resources and the improvement of health surveillance systems to improve the quality and scope of care provided to individuals affected by this disorder.

The research was aimed to the solution of the insufficiencies shown by the students of highschool education when performing oral reading and not reaching the requirements of reading with expressiveness, present in the teaching-learning process of the subject Spanish-Literature. The objective was the elaboration of a methodology based on a didactic model of expressive reading. The didactic model contributed to solve the essential contradiction demonstrated between the selection and sequencing of the content, and the selection and sequencing of the method. The latter was selected according to its relevance, based on the underlying connection between the subsystems:phonological,affective-motivational and didactic-contextual. The didactic model was materialized in a methodology, which was implemented through the experiential pedagogical experience.

Objetivo: Diseñar un modelo de optimización de los costos de material directo en la elaboración de aceros al carbono, que permita sustentar matemáticamente la toma de decisiones respecto a la composición de las coladas y el requerimiento de materiales. Métodos y técnicas: Métodos estadísticos, programación lineal y computacionales. Principales resultados: La identificación de los conceptos de costos directos que impactan significativamente en los procesos productivos de la industria siderúrgica cubana y la correcta estimación estadística de sus parámetros, permitieron el diseño de un modelo de programación lineal adecuado para el tratamiento matemático de la optimización del costo de material directo para la producción de aceros. Conclusiones: El modelo de programación lineal diseñado, aporta una estructura adecuada para el tratamiento matemático de las variables, parámetros y elementos restrictivos asociados a la optimización de los costos de material directo en la producción de aceros. Las pruebas comparativas realizadas, permitieron verificar la pertinencia de la implementación del modelo propuesto, para la optimización de los costos productivos en la industria siderúrgica cubana.

Objetivo: Diseñar un modelo de optimización de los costos de material directo en la elaboración de aceros al carbono, que permita sustentar matemáticamente la toma de decisiones respecto a la composición de las coladas y el requerimiento de materiales. Métodos y técnicas: Métodos estadísticos, programación lineal y computacionales. Principales resultados: La identificación de los conceptos de costos directos que impactan significativamente en los procesos productivos de la industria siderúrgica cubana y la correcta estimación estadística de sus parámetros, permitieron el diseño de un modelo de programación lineal adecuado para el tratamiento matemático de la optimización del costo de material directo para la producción de aceros. Conclusiones: El modelo de programación lineal diseñado, aporta una estructura adecuada para el tratamiento matemático de las variables, parámetros y elementos restrictivos asociados a la optimización de los costos de material directo en la producción de aceros. Las pruebas comparativas realizadas, permitieron verificar la pertinencia de la implementación del modelo propuesto, para la optimización de los costos productivos en la industria siderúrgica cubana.

The Y410 circuit of the distribution network of the municipality of Camagüey has a large extension, its layout is rural, and it has a high number of interruptions. In the initial section there are important clients such as Frigorífico and IPVCE. Since the greatest number of effects do not occur in this initial part, it was proposed to study this circuit with the objective of moving the Nulec Y230 from its position to the position of the disconnector C214. In addition, the possibility of synchronizing the PSFV ¨Antonio Pías Gómez I¨ and the PSFV ¨Antonio Pías Gómez II¨ of 2.5 MWp each to this circuit was studied. The circuit was modeled, carrying out the flow of loads, the study of short circuit levels and the coordination of electrical protections. The results of the study allowed the connection of the photovoltaic systems, but not the movement of the Nulec Y230 to the position of the C214.

The present article is aimed at presenting the diagnosis on the formation of the professional in training of Pedagogy Psychology for the successful support to subjects with conduct disorder from determining the inconsistencies in this direction, as part of their professional duties, which limits the new actions that he/she has to undertake in his professional performance based on the demands of the inclusive school. With the application of various scientific methods, both theoretical and empirical, it is possible to verify the current state of the formation of the Pedagogy Psychology professional in training for the care of subjects with conduct disorder.

The training of a general practitioner requires of a professor with a comprehensive point of view, capable of establishing the link community-family-individual as the center of the teaching-learning process. Hence, this article's objective is the design of a didactic program to deal with the content related to the lifestyle of women of childbearing age to increase the quality of these professionals' training. This research applied theoretical, empirical, and statistical methods. The program contains a general objective and four specific topics. In its conception, the medical sciences professor faces teaching and professional challenges according to scientific-technical, didactic, philosophical, political-ideological, and computing issues. This training process is essential within the teaching role in order to train a specialist with didactic knowledge that is able to educate the population and achieve better results in his/her professional performance.

This article provides an overview of Ipomoea batatas L., the Ipomoea genus. The review covers traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemical compounds, pharmacological activities, and toxicity studies. Data were collected from scientific databases and search engines. Sweet potatoes are used in various countries for traditional uses such as dietary fiber sources, treating allergies, and providing energy in diabetes mellitus treatment. The primary phytochemical compounds in Ipomoea batatas are phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. Sweet potato contains several nutritional constituents: vitamin C, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, β-carotene, and minerals. Sweet potato exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. The types of phytochemical compounds in each part of the plant are different. Each pharmacological activity and mechanism of action depends on the phytochemical compounds, part and variety of the plant, and extraction solvent. However, further study is required to investigate the chronic toxicity of Ipomoea batatas .

The intricate cellular composition of the skin encompasses dynamic interactions among melanocytes, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, crucial for protective responses to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), wound healing and aging. Recent insights underline mitochondrial transfer as pivotal in cellular repair, yet its occurrence between skin cells remains unclear. Our research probes mitochondrial exchanges between skin cells, especially post-UVR exposure, uncovering a predominance of transfer via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) over microvesicles (MVs). Notably, fibroblasts show diminished mitochondrial acquisition, possibly accelerating aging and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. To counteract this, we subjected fibroblasts to UVR, augmenting ROS production, and then initiated Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer/Transplant (AMT/T) using Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a source. This intervention markedly boosted fibroblast proliferation, countering the adverse effects of UVR-related stress reflected in reduced proliferation and escalated ROS levels. Investigating AMT/T's therapeutic potential, we applied MSC-sourced mitochondria to a mouse surgical wound model, resulting in a faster wound healing with minimal mitochondria (25 ng) and MSCs (250,000) introduced. These results emphasize mitochondrial transfer's critical role in skin cellular defense mechanisms, presenting a novel strategy for mitigating UVR-induced damage, enhancing wound recovery, and the potential shielding of skin from environmental stressors.