Good nursing practices in the prevention of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation at third level hospitals in Latin America

Introduction: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the most prevalent nosocomial infection in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Good nursing practices are essential for its prevention. Objective: to conduct a systematic review of good nursing practices in the prevention of nosocomial infections associated with mechanical ventilation, and to evaluate the effectiveness of its implementation in third-level hospitals in Latin America. Methodology: a systematic review of studies published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted. The search process was conducted in the Scielo, LILACS and Redalyc databases and allowed the selection of 10 articles from 6 Latin American countries, whose samples were pediatric patients, adults, and older adults. Results: a package of interventions is applied in pediatric patients that emphasizes maintaining oral hygiene and raising the head of the bed. These interventions are also conceived for adult and older adult patients. In studies in the adult population, although full adherence to the implemented interventions is not achieved, a reduction in the risk of pneumonia and in the length of hospital stay is observed. Conclusions: the nursing intervention packages, which are applied in the ICUs of Latin America, in the care of patients with VAP, coincide in including as main nursing care actions, oral hygiene measures, elevation of the head of the bed and observance of protocols for endotracheal aspiration. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Intensive care unit. Type of study: Bibliography Review.

Indira Anabel Sánchez Estrada, María Humbelina Olalla García

6-25

Virtopsy: the image of crime. Review article

Introduction. Technological development has changed various areas, with forensic medicine being one of the most favoured. Recently, imaging and radiology techniques have transformed post-mortem investigation, offering precise and less invasive options than conventional autopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed axial tomography (CAT) have become established as fundamental tools in the evaluation of bodies, allowing detailed images to be obtained without the need for destructive procedures. These innovations have given rise to virtopsy, a methodology that integrates several specialties to improve documentation and analysis in the forensic field. Objective. Analyze the impact of virtopsy as a novel technique in forensic medicine, identifying unobservable lesions and alterations, to support scientific diagnoses within the judicial context. Methodology. This study was conducted as a synthetic analytical research review based on the use of imaging techniques in forensic medicine, analyzing advantages, applications, and progress in judicial fields. Searches were performed in indexed databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, and the Zotero software was used to manage the bibliographies. Results. A total of 25 articles were reviewed, highlighting relevant topics on virtopsy, which is an effective and complementary alternative to traditional autopsy, allowing a detailed analysis of the body without invasive intervention and facilitating the collection and storage of digital evidence. Conclusion. Virtopsy represents a meaningful change in forensic medicine. Its non-invasive nature, the ability to store digital evidence, and its use on post-mortem bodies as well as living individuals make it an invaluable tool for criminal investigation. With the advancement of this technology, it is likely that virtopsy will become established as the standard method for conducting autopsies in the future. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Forensic medicine. Type of study: Review article.

Bryan Paul Costales Montalvo, Fabiola Robalino Larrea

26-47

Effects of polymerization time of Bio Crown nano hybrid resin with 3D printing

Introduction. The resinous materials currently printed in Dentistry are becoming more popular in the field of prosthodontics, they contain organic and inorganic fillers nano and microhybrid ceramics including silanized zirconium; this allows them to have an elevated level of fracture and flexural resistance. Its elaboration is indirect in a 3D printer, after elaboration of an exocad design where plural fixed prostheses of up to 3 units, veneers, inlays can be planned. In this way, 3D composites offer an efficient and durable alternative for various applications in restorative dentistry. Objective. To evaluate and compare the roughness and shore D hardness of Prizma Bio-Crown 3D resin at different polymerization times. Methodology. Experimental in vitro, 100 evaluate samples of nano hybrid resin (Prizma bio crown) were performed. The samples were made with 3D printing (LCD) with dimensions of 12 mm high by 6 mm wide, each sample block was subjected to a polishing protocol that includes the use of silicone discs, goat hair and felt, accompanied by two polishing pastes: DURA Polishing and Superpolishing. Polishing was done for 20 seconds at each step, using an electric motor at different speeds (10,000 rpm, 5,000 rpm, and 4,000 rpm, respectively). Results. The study reveals a significant variability in roughness levels between the diverse groups of samples, indicating substantial variations in manufacturing, finishing and polishing conditions. Using a detailed measurement scale, we evaluated the average roughness (Ra) on four sides of the samples for each group, revealing distinctive patterns based on treatment time and the finishing and polishing technique employed. These results suggest that the optimization of these parameters is crucial to obtain restorations with high-quality Prizma Bio Crown resin, with smooth, aesthetic and wear-resistant surfaces. Conclusion. The processes of pre-printing, post-printing, polymerization time and polishing protocol were identified as determining factors in the physical properties of the material, especially in its roughness and Shore D hardness. These findings provide a guide to standardize these parameters and improve both aesthetics and functionality in the processing of 3D printed Bio Crown resin in the dental field. General area of study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Oral Rehabilitation. Type of study: Original article.

Angie Giovanna Carballo Aguilar, Jefferson Omar Coyago Cholango, David Gerardo Carrillo Vaca

48-68

Calorie restriction and mimetics in aging

Introduction. The aging of the world's population has prompted the search for strategies to prolong health and delay age-related diseases. Calorie restriction (CR), which reduces caloric intake without malnutrition, is the most studied geroprotective dietary intervention. However, the difficulty of maintaining it has directed research towards drugs that mimic its effects, known as calorie restriction mimetics (CRMs). Objective. To examine the potential of CR and its mimetics to delay aging, assessing their impact on health and longevity, and analyzing their scientific basis and possible therapeutic applications. Methodology. Qualitative literature review based on literature on CR and CRM in relation to aging. Data was collected from scientific databases such as PubMed, LILACS and Cochrane, focusing on clinical studies from the last five years. The findings are summarized in a narrative review. Results. CR showed significant improvements in health and longevity in experimental and human models, reducing weight, insulin levels, body temperature and oxidative stress. It promoted autophagy through mTOR inhibition and AMPK activation. MRCs, such as metformin and rapamycin, also demonstrated anti-aging effects by modulating nutrient-sensing pathways and reducing oxidative damage, suggesting their potential as alternatives to CR. Conclusion. CR and its mimetics, such as rapamycin, improve longevity and muscle quality by activating key pathways such as AMPK and SIRT1. Although they act differently, both promote autophagy and antioxidant protection, suggesting the need for combined approaches to optimize anti-aging effects. General Area of Study: Medicine. Specific area of study: Endocrinology. Type of study: Bibliography Review.

Kevin Paúl Díaz Núñez, Andrea Carolina Cevallos Teneda

69-88