Introduction: Down syndrome is a genetic disorder attributed to a chromosomal abnormality, which shows a series of physical and cognitive symptoms that arise as an effect of the syndrome specifically, one of the main effects is the lack of balance that is generated in the subjects who present this condition, as well as obesity or overweight conditions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional status and motor balance of students with Down syndrome. Methodology: the methodology of the case study of a tenth-grade student of an educational institution. It is a descriptive study taking into consideration the compilation of nutritional energy intake and energy expenditure per 24-hour reminder and the application of the KTK test for the measurement of balance. Results: The results show a degree of overweight of the research subject according to the BMI curve table for children with Down Syndrome, and lack of balance according to the results presented by the applied test. A proposal for a system of physical exercises and "school for parents" workshops is established to induce adequate nutrition for the research subject. Conclusions: The analysis of energy expenditure and caloric expenditure is modified by the conditioning of the syndrome presented by the research subject, which implies that his body schema, specifically the development of his balance, is significantly affected; however, within the characteristics of Down syndrome, a margin of affectation in balance can be generated from the degree of overweight that the subject presents.

Introduction: Finger sucking is a habit that has an elevated level of prevalence in children; however, its persistence after the age of 3 can cause malocclusion problems. That is why the use of the palatal grid has become a device that effectively helps control these problems. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of the palatal grid through a literature review to avoid the habit of digital sucking in children. Methodology: A descriptive methodology with a qualitative approach was implemented through a bibliographic and documented review with a procedure based on search strategies and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was shown that the greatest number of malocclusion problems due to nutritional and non-nutritive suction occur in 3-10-year-old children. In addition, the implementation of the palatal or lingual grid has effective results to improve or prevent digital sucking habits. Conclusion: The habit of sucking constitutes an act of survival for human beings; however, if it is persistent, it can cause malocclusions or dentofacial deformities in infants. In the same way, it was found that the worldwide use of the palatal grid has demonstrated significant effectiveness for treating this pathology, but there is little updated literature to demonstrate the effectiveness of this device. General area of study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Dentistry. Type of study: Original articles.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health concern caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs and is transmitted through respiratory droplets. People with immunocompromised diseases are more susceptible. Globally, TB is a leading cause of death, with high mortality rates, especially in regions such as Asia and Africa. Objective: To describe the frequency of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples in patients attending the INFA Health Center in Macas, period 2019-2023.  Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design with non-probabilistic total coverage sampling was used. A group of n=28 positive samples was analyzed using molecular biology and smear microscopy tests. Results: Twenty-eight cases of TB were confirmed, predominantly in males and adults aged 21 to 64 years. The mucosal sample was the most prevalent. A marked variation in incidence was observed, highlighting the year 2022 with the highest number of cases recorded. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of knowing the epidemiology and drug resistance of tuberculosis in the INFA Health Center of Macas, underscoring the need for effective control and prevention strategies to address this disease locally and globally.  Field of Study: Microbiology.

Introduction: Enterococcus sp is a bacterium that is part of the intestinal microbiota and contaminates the female genital tract. Generally, it does not cause problems; however, it can develop infection if it enters the urinary tract, bloodstream, skin wounds, or other sterile areas. Objective: To determine and quantify the presence of Enterococcus sp on inert surfaces of restrooms in the Academic Department of Health and Wellness of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Methodology: A non-experimental, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted; 424 samples from 106 restrooms were collected. The samples were gathered from door and toilet flush handles in the different restrooms of the Academic Department of Health and Wellness employing the swab technique and subsequent isolation in chromogenic culture medium. Then, the samples were taken to the Microbiology Laboratory of the Academic Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacy of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Results: A higher presence of Enterococcus sp was determined in the restrooms before routine cleaning, representing 1.44% of the total, while after cleaning, it was 0.48%. Conclusion: The study revealed that restrooms have a higher bacterial load of Enterococcus sp before bathroom cleaning.

Introduction: Product quality and safety in the makeup industry are essential to protect the consumer health. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, in liquid eyeliners represents a risk to users' eye and skin health. Objective: To identify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in eyeliners sold in the ¨El Arenal¨ shopping center in Cuenca. Methodology: An exploratory-descriptive research was conducted to quantify Staphylococcus aureus Colony Forming Units in liquid eyeliners. A convenience sampling was carried out, 30 cosmetics sales stands were chosen in the "El Arenal" shopping mall, selecting five stands for convenience. A total of 15 samples were chosen. The samples were prepared using Letheen enrichment broth with Tween. They were seeded in three selective culture mediums: Modified Letheen agar, salted mannitol, and Macconkey, and incubated at 37 °C for reading after 24 and 48 hours. They were identified by observing and recognizing colony morphology and confirmatory biochemical tests: catalase and coagulase. Results: The selected liquid eyeliner samples showed the presence of S. aureus in four out of the five stands tested. Biochemical tests confirmed the presence of S. aureus, with positive results in 40% of the total samples. Conclusion: The presence of S. aureus highlights the importance of cosmetic quality surveillance and control that the country's regulatory agencies must  carry out to protect public health and guarantee consumer safety.

Introduction: Transhumanism is an ideology that has grown in importance in recent years since innovations in biotechnology have opened doors to carry out processes that help improve human beings and enhance physical and intellectual characteristics to reach perfection. Objective: The aim is to expose problems of a social and biological nature and describe how technological implementation and the different transformation processes can influence the conception of man or humanity. Methodology: This research approach is a narrative review that aims to collect and analyze the content of several literature sources, such as articles, journals, or online databases related to an anthropological vision of transhumanism and the factors that influence its application. Results: The views of various authors on what it means to be human and the possible social repercussions were contrasted, in addition to demonstrating that the implementation of technologies is a natural step in the evolution of humankind. Conclusion: The sources used during the study support the thought that technologies should be implemented to improve the quality and quantity of life; thus, having a solid moral basis for their application is fundamental to avoid undermining the integrity of those who undergo such procedures.

Introduction: class III malocclusion is a maxillomandibular deformity relevant in orthodontics due to its impact on patient function and aesthetics. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the position of cervical vertebrae and Class III malocclusion and its implication in diagnosis and treatment. A systematic scientific literature review was conducted using specialized databases, selecting relevant studies addressing this relationship. It was a descriptive and analytical research, focusing on a literature review. Results: Significant relationships exist between the position of cervical vertebrae and Class III malocclusion in various studies, although a conclusive connection was not established. Conclusion: Cervical posture plays a relevant role in classifying and managing Class III malocclusion, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive evaluation in the therapeutic approach for these patients.