Determination of E. coli /coliforms in iceberg lettuce samples obtained from the “27 de febrero” market, august 2023

Introduction: Contamination in food has become a public health problem, causing significant pathologies in humans. Different microbiological colonies, such as E. coli and coliforms, are studied. These groups of bacteria can be identified in different types of foods, including iceberg lettuce, due to their production parameters and poor agricultural practices. Objective: To determine the presence of E. coli / coliforms in iceberg lettuce sold in the “27 de Febrero” market in Cuenca.  Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study in August 2023 was conducted with 30 samples collected to identify E. coli / coliforms in iceberg lettuce. Results: The determination of E. coli/coliforms in the 30 samples of lettuce analyzed from the “27 de Febrero” market in Cuenca indicates a growth of 30% for E. coli, which determines some degree of contamination, and 100% for coliforms that pass the limits established by the Peruvian Sanitary Regulations. Conclusions: The frequency of E. coli/coliforms was determined in samples collected from iceberg lettuce sold by traders at the “27 de Febrero” market in Cuenca from various contamination factors throughout its production, one of them being the quality of the irrigation water in direct contact with this product.

Emily Tamara Aguilar Ortiz, Jenny Alexandra Saquicaray Morocho, Silvia Monserrath Torres Segarra

6-19

Teaching satisfaction scale through virtual vs. face-to-face modality in medical students in times of SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: The global health emergency required the implementation of confinement measures, in this framework of action, higher education institutions, being considered agglomeration centers, had to adapt to maintain social distancing. Objective: To determine the level of satisfaction when acquiring knowledge through the virtual vs. face-to-face modality in medical students in times of SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: This is a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in a public higher education institution in the Republic of Ecuador, during the period December 2020 – January 2021, within the framework of the confinement due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. An evaluation instrument approved by an education expert and validated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used with a sample of 299 participants. Results: The general level of satisfaction of the students, when acquiring knowledge through the virtual modality, was mostly unsatisfactory, related to factors such as connectivity, study time, student interest and class structure. Conclusion: the virtual modality in countries such as Ecuador may not be efficient enough to generate a satisfactory perception in students. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: health sciences education. Type of study: original.

Isaac Toapanta Pullutasig, Lidia Andrea Espinales Casanova, Gustavo Andrés Farinango Vinueza, Gema Nathaly Molina Ormaza, Pierina Doménica García Vinces

20-32

Antimicrobial resistance by Enterobacteriaceae in Latin America and the Caribbean 2013-2023

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, also known as the silent pandemic, due to the increasing rate of multi-resistant and pan-resistant bacteria. Enterobacteria are important to this problem because they are the most common at the hospital and community level and can produce beta-lactamase enzymes that inhibit beta-lactam antibiotics. Objective: To report the beta-lactam antibiotics with the highest efficacy against beta-lactamase enzyme-producing enterobacteria and the incidence of these enterobacteria in Latin America from 2013 to 2023. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA method and sources such as PAHO, SciELO, Redalyc, PubMed, and the Google Scholar metasearch engine, collecting 69 documents and maintaining seven based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Based on the different studies, it was found that the enterobacteria with antimicrobial resistance and the highest incidence in hospitals are E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Enterobacter spp., and the beta-lactam antibiotics with higher efficacy against beta-lactamase enzymes are Imipenem and Meropenem; however, it has also begun to lose its effectiveness, causing a more drastic alternative treatment to be recommended, such as colistin. Conclusion: In Latin American hospitals, a large number of cases of bacterial infections produced by enterobacteria with multi-resistance to beta-lactams can be observed, caused by patient self-medication, which, despite efforts to control the sale of these medications, continues to exist a high rate of enterobacteria with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). General study area: Biochemistry and Pharmacy. Specific area of study: Microbiology. Type of study: Literature review.

Ary Sebastian Sarango Berru, Jonnathan Gerardo Ortiz Tejedor

33-49

Literature review: canine demodicosis

Introduction. The mite that lives on the skin of mammals is known as demodex, but when the immune system is affected the mite population increases causing demodicosis, this being a common dermatological pathology, it occurs due to the excessive proliferation of the mite, the immune system of dogs play an essential role in the balance of the mite population when the animals are healthy and in the development of this disease when the animal is sick, which leads to oxidative stress. Objective. The present bibliographic review will help to know the current data on generalities of the mite's way of propagation, clinical aspects, pathology, diagnoses, and updated treatments for adequate therapy. Methodology. This bibliographic review was carried out through thorough exploration of different journals, theses, databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, Mendeley, ResearchGate, Pubmed and books, using the following keywords “demodicosis”, “mite”, “demodex canis”. and “parasite”. Conclusions. Canine demodicosis is a parasitic pathology that affects dogs of any age. Although it is not contagious, it can be transmitted from mother to puppies through breastfeeding. It is very important to take care of pets, keeping them healthy, so that their immune system functions correctly.

Katherine Paola Jordán Bayas, Diana Fernanda Avilés Esquivel, Deysi Guevara Freire, Paula Toalombo Vargas

50-69

Revisión bibliográfica sobre la fisiopatología de la Peste Porcina Africana (PPA)

Introduction. African Swine Fever that affects wild and domestic swine. It is a very contagious disease, and lethal that causes great economic loss. It reaches 100% mortality and death, because they are obligated to sacrifice infected animals and animals suspected of having the disease. It is obligatory to inform the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Objective. This revision wishes to contribute with relevant facts about scientific advances that describe the Physiopathology of African Swine Fever (ASF). Methodology. A documental investigation was realized, both critical and descriptive, which permitted obtaining information about the physiopathology of the African Swine Fever. (ASF). Utilizing as its basis scientific facts. 39 written articles were used in Spanish and English from the year 2018 to 2023. Discussion. The virus originated in Africa and was found on that continent and others such as Europe, Asia, Ocean, and America affecting 50 counties around the world. Morphologic and biochemically the virus is complex and can resist distinct environmental conditions that inactivate with heat but resist low temperatures. The clinical conditions that are displayed in (ASF) are Hyper-severe, severe, sub-severe chronic and asymptomatic. The Hyper-severe types produce sudden death, and when moderate or asymptomatic, the animal survives the infection, and the virus continues converting them into healthy carriers. Conclusion. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a worldwide threat to the swine industry. Its complex interaction with the immune system, the quickness with which it expands, the lack of an effective treatment, and the inexistence of a commercial vaccine makes this disease a huge challenge for the worldwide swine sector. General area of study: Veterinarian medicine. Specific Area of Study: Physiopathology. Type of Study: Article of Bibliographic Revision.

Erika Evangelina Altamirano Martínez, Ana Rafaela Burgos Mayorga

70-93

Sleep disorders, generalities and outlook in university students

Introduction: Sleep disorders are alterations in the sleep-wake cycle, which affect the consolidation and maintenance of sleep and therefore human functioning. They are associated with various factors that can coexist in the same subject and are associated with an increase in risk of cardiometabolic pathologies and worse quality of life. Objective: to address the generalities of sleep disorders, in a synthetic manner aimed primarily at constituting an easily accessible resource for health personnel at the first level of care. Methodology: a non-systematic search of original articles, case reports and bibliographic reviews published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Redalyc, and SciELO was conducted; descriptors: sleep disorders; sleep-wake disorders; hypersomnolence; parasomnias. Works older than 5 years, English and/or Spanish language are included and are available freely. Results: An easy-to-read scientific document was constructed that addresses the main topics for the knowledge of first-level care personnel. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are complex pathological entities, whose comprehensive approach involves knowledge of incident factors, clinical symptoms and principles of previous treatment, assessment by specialty that offers advanced treatment, when the case needs it. General area of ​​study: medicine. Specific area of ​​study: psychiatry. Type of study: narrative review.

Jhon Loor Izquierdo, Cinthya Benavides Silva, Karol García Palacios, Carlos Eduardo Marroquín Pasquel, Andrea Isabel Quiroga Sabando

120-139

Burnout syndrome in doctors and nursing staff Basic Hospital of Limones – Ecuador

Introduction.  Burnout syndrome is an occupational condition produced as a response to prolonged pressures that a person suffers from emotional and interpersonal stressors directly related to work and that especially affects health personnel due to the implications of the profession, such as long working hours, organizational pressures, coexistence with suffering and death, among others. Objective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of Burnout Syndrome in physicians and nursing personnel of the Basic Hospital of Limones, Ecuador. Methodology. Through the application of the Maslach Burnout Invetory (MBI) questionnaire. For this purpose, a qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was identified, which included 33 health professionals (18 nurses and 15 physicians) from the emergency, hospitalization, and operating rooms to whom a questionnaire of sociodemographic data and work characteristics and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were applied. Results.  The results provided by the study are that emotional exhaustion was predominantly low (45.8%), depersonalization was low in 37.5% and high in 33.3%, personal fulfillment was low in 70.8%. Conclusion. In conclusion, burnout syndrome was present in health professionals especially in those of female gender, age 31-40 years, marital status single-divorced, staff without children, being a physician

José Giovanny Romero Zhinin, Galo Javier Ochoa Bernal

140-157

Consumption of energy drinks among university students in Latin America

Introduction. Energy drinks are currently extremely popular, especially among the university population because they increase physical endurance, increase mental state, and prevent sleep (1). Objective. To determine the prevalence of consumption of Energy Drinks (BE) in university students in Latin America through a bibliographic compilation. Methodology. We worked with a qualitative and exploratory methodology with a descriptive approach through reliable sources that include studies from 2013 to 2023 published in different databases of the Virtual Library of the Catholic University of Cuenca such as: PubMed, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, SciELO and Google Scholar. Results. It was possible to determine the prevalence of BE consumption in university students in Latin America and it has an average of 76%, with Ecuador being the country with the highest prevalence of consumption and the most consumed energizer consists of caffeinated beverages, which reach 47% of consumption. Conclusion. Energy drinks have negative effects on the health of students and the general population. General Study Area: Biochemistry and Pharmacy. Specific area of study: Food. Type of study: Literature review article.

Joha Valentina Córdova Calle, Andrea Fernanda Macías Matamoros

158-169

Atrial flutter: case report

Introduction. Atrial flutter is a non-life-threatening disease and can be very symptomatic due to the high ventricular rates that normally occur. Diagnosis is easy because only a 12-lead ECG is required. In patients who cannot reverse or prevent flutter, resection of the atrioventricular node and implantation of a permanent pacemaker can be successfully attempted. Radiofrequency ablation techniques are now very successful in reversing atrial flutter and preventing its inducibility and recurrence.  Objective. Determine the management of atrial flutter pathology to present new or instructive aspects of the disease. Methodology. Estudio de caso clínico de tipo descriptiva, retrospectivo. La técnica que se utilizó para la recolección de la información del caso fue mediante la revisión de historia clínica y para la descripción de la patología será mediante la recopilación de artículos extraídos de bases de datos reconocidas como: Scopus, PorQuest, Pubmed, web of science, lilacs. Como criterio de inclusión: artículos publicados en los últimos 5 años, en español e inglés. El caso cuenta con el consentimiento informado del paciente para dar cumplimiento a lo establecido por Bioética. Results.  Se identificaron las principales causas, síntomas y signos, el diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención del aleteo auricular, como personal de salud es de vital importancia adquirir nuevos conocimientos sobre esta patología que afecta con más frecuencia a adultos. Conclusion. The highest risk of developing atrial flutter are men, the elderly and people with pre-existing heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is why our study applied treatment with antiarrhythmics, in addition to anticoagulants. General area of study: medicine. Specific area of study: cardiology. Type of study: clinical cases.

Evelyn Johanna Banegas Santos, Rodrigo José Mendoza Rivas, Aida Marlene Yunga Corte

94-119