National University of San Marcos

Ugarte-Gil M.F., Gamboa-Cárdenas R.V., Pimentel-Quiroz V., Reategui-Sokolova C., Elera-Fitzcarrald C., Zevallos F., Rodriguez-Bellido Z., Pastor-Asurza C., Perich-Campos R., Alarcón G.S.

Objectives: To determine the possible predictive value of self-efficacy on fatigue in SLE patients. Methods: SLE patients from a single-center prevalent cohort were included. Self-efficacy was ascertained with the five instruments of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions plus the PROMIS general self-efficacy. For PROMIS instruments, a score of 50 is the average for a clinical population (people with a chronic condition), the higher score, the greater self-efficacy. Fatigue was ascertained with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue (FACIT-F), the higher score, the lower fatigue. Generalized estimating equations were performed, using as outcome the FACIT-F in the subsequent visit, and the self-efficacy instrument in the previous visit; multivariable models were adjusted for possible confounders. All the confounders were measured in the same visit than the self-efficacy instrument. Results: A total of 209 patients and 563 visits were included. At baseline, FACIT-F was 33.0 (10.2), mean general self-efficacy was 47.2 (10.4), self-efficacy for managing emotions was 44.6 (8.0), for managing symptoms was 47.7 (8.2), for managing daily activities was 45.5 (7.5) for managing social interactions was 42.9 (7.9) and for managing medications and treatment was 43.9 (7.0). In the multivariable models a lower fatigue was predicted by self-efficacy for managing symptoms and managing activities. Conclusion: A better self-efficacy is predictive of a subsequent lower fatigue, even after adjustment for possible confounders. Strategies to improve self-efficacy in SLE patients should be encouraged.

Severiche-Maury Z., Ríos C.U., Arrubla-Hoyos W., Cama-Pinto D., Holgado-Terriza J.A., Damas-Hermoso M., Cama-Pinto A.

In the quest to improve energy efficiency in residential environments, home energy management systems (HEMSs) have emerged as an effective solution, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve energy efficiency. This study proposes a deep learning-based approach employing Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks to predict household energy usage based on power consumption data from common appliances, such as lamps, fans, air conditioners, televisions, and computers. The model comprises two interrelated submodels: one predicts the individual energy consumption and usage time of each device, while the other estimates the total energy consumption of connected appliances. This dual structure enhances accuracy by capturing both device-specific consumption patterns and overall household energy use, facilitating informed decision-making at multiple levels. Following a systematic methodology that includes model building, training, and evaluation, the LSTM model achieved a low test set loss and mean squared error (MSE), with values of 0.0163 for individual consumption and usage time and 0.0237 for total consumption. Additionally, the predictive performance was strong, with MSE values of 1.0464 × 10−6 for usage time, 0.0163 for individual consumption, and 0.0168 for total consumption. The analysis of scatter plots and residuals revealed a high degree of correspondence between predicted and actual values, validating the model’s accuracy and reliability in energy forecasting. This study represents a significant advancement in intelligent home energy management, contributing to improved efficiency and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Alca-Ramos Y.V., Checca-Huaman N., Rueda-Vellasmin R., Passamani E.C., Ramos-Guivar J.A.

The use of natural organic extracts in nanoparticle synthesis can reduce environmental impacts and reagent costs. With that purpose in mind, a novel biosynthesis procedure for the formation of magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using Eucalyptus globulus extract in an aqueous medium has been systematically carried out. First, the biosynthesis was optimized for various extract concentrations, prepared by decoction and infusion methods, and yielded IONPs with sizes from 4 to 9 nm. The optimum concentration was found at 5% w/v, where the biosynthesis reaction time and ammonium hydroxide amount were the lowest of all samples. This extract concentration was tested, including in replicated samples, for a scale-up process, yielded a total mass of 70 g. It was found by Rietveld and electron microscopy analyses that the structural and morphological properties, such as crystalline and particle sizes (9 nm), are equivalent when scaling the synthesis process. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy results indicated that Fe ions are atomically ordered and in a trivalent state in all samples, corroborating with structural results found by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic analysis showed that the scale-up sample exhibited ferrimagnetic-like behavior suitable for magnetic remediation performance (55 emu g−1). The eucalyptus functionalization was demonstrated by thermogravimetric measurements, whereas the colloidal analysis supported the stability of the magnetic suspensions at pH = 7 (zeta potential > −20 mV). The kinetic adsorption performance indicated a fast kinetic adsorption time of 40 min and remarkable removal efficiency of 96% for lubricant removal from water (emulsion systems). The infrared analysis confirmed the presence of the eucalyptus chemical groups even after the removal experiments. These results suggest that the scale-up sample can be recovered for future and sustainable magnetic remediation processes.

Falero C., Huanca W., Barrios-Arpi L., Lira-Mejía B., Ramos-Coaguila O., Torres E., Ramos E., Romero A., Ramos-Gonzalez M.

Triazole pesticides are widely used throughout the world, but their abuse causes toxic effects in non-targeted organisms. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of the triazole ipconazole was evaluated in porcine and ram spermatozoa. Ipconazole significantly reduced sperm viability, increased ROS levels, altered catalase and SOD enzyme activity, and caused alterations in the molecular mRNA expression of structural biomarkers (PRM1, ODF2, AKAP4, THEG, SPACA3 and CLGN) related to fertility in males, as well as the overexpression of BAX (cell death) and ROMO1 (oxidative stress) mRNA. Our results indicate that the fungicide triazole is involved in cellular, enzymatic and molecular alteration of porcine and ram spermatozoa, and is possibly a factor in the development of infertility in male mammals.

Alvarado A.T., Martínez-Herrera J., Surco-Laos F., García J.A., Bendezú M.R., Chávez H., Laos-Anchante D., Cuba-García P.A., Melgar-Merino E.J., Molina-Cabrera A., Vega-Ramos N., Loyola-Gonzales E., Panay-Centeno J.F., Yarasca-Carlos P.E., Pineda-Pérez M., et. al.

The major production of artisanal and industrial wines is elaborate in the Ica Valley, Peru. The objective was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and permissible values of glyphosate in artisanal wines from the Pisco Routes of the Ica Valley, Peru. Samples: six coded artisanal wines and two commercial brands as references (60088 and 60089). Total polyphenol content (TPC) was found between 107.90 ± 0.30 (60091) and 234.73 ± 0.61 mg GAE/100 mL (60084); total flavonoid content (TFC) was between 9.70 ± 0.30 (60091) and 16.83 ± 0.25 mg QE/100 mL (60084). Antioxidant activity: DPPH between 34.9 ± 0.44 (60091) and 55.6 ± 0.30 mM TEAC/100 mL (60085). FRAP between 42.50 ± 0.36 (60091) and 117.3 ± 0.44 (60085). Correlation relationship: TPC/DPPH (mM TEAC/100 mL) for 60086 (r = 0.7302, R2 = 0.5332), 60091 (r = 0.8029, R2 = 0.6447), 60085 (r = -0.9820, R2 = 0.9643), and for the reference 60089 (r = -0.9960, R2 = 0.9932). TPC/FRAP (mM TEAC/100 mL) for 60086 (r = 0.8096, R2 = 0.6554); reference 60088 presents an inverse and strong correlation with a 100% relationship at a linear level of both variables. TFC/DPPH for 60085 (r = -1.0, R2 = 1.0), 60084 (r = -0.9934, R2 = 0.9868), and 60090 (r = 0.9586, R2 = 0.9190). TFC/FRAP for 60087 (r = -0.9798, R2 = 0.9601) and 60090 (r = 0.9750, R2 = 0.9506) is higher compared to the reference wines 60088 and 60089. It is concluded that the samples of artisanal wines have the same antioxidant activity that would be due to their polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, and the glyphosate content is below the maximum permissible limit values (0.1 mg/L).

Zambrano-Romero W., Rodriguez C., Pita-Valencia J., Zambrano-Romero W.J., Moran-Tubay J.M.

The growth in the number of students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Latin America reached 33.5 million in 2021 and more than 220 million worldwide, increasing the number of data volumes in academic management systems. Some of the difficulties that universities face are providing high-quality education to students and developing systems to evaluate the performance of teachers, which encourages offering a better quality of teaching in universities; in this sense, machine learning emerges with great potential in education. This literature review aims to analyze the factors, machine learning algorithms, challenges, and limitations most used to evaluate the quality of teaching based on performance. The methodology used is PRISMA, which considers analyzing literature produced between 2014 and 2024 on factors, prediction algorithms, challenges, and limitations to predict the quality of teaching. Here, 54 articles from journals indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases were selected, and 111 factors were identified and categorized into five dimensions: teacher attitude, teaching method, didactic content, teaching effect, and teacher achievements. Regarding the advances in machine learning in predicting teacher teaching quality, 30 ML algorithms were identified, the most used being the Back Propagation (BP) neural network and support vector machines (SVM). The challenges and limitations identified in 14 studies related to HEIs are managing the large volume of data and how to use it to improve the quality of education.

Zhao Q., Engel M.S., Huang D., Cai C.

Sap beetles (Nitidulidae) are species-rich, highly diverse, widely distributed and exhibit varied food habits. However, studies on nitidulids in Kachin amber are scarce, particularly those involving nitidulids with specialized mandibles. Here, we report a new genus and species of Nitidulidae, Vetunitidula mandibulata gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (approx. 99 Ma). This species is characterized by distinctly enlarged mandibles and a loose three-article antennal club, suggesting it as a stem-group nitidulid. The enlarged mandibles may be a manifestation of sexual dimorphism, as in some extant species. Together with previous studies of fossil nitidulids, our discovery highlights the remarkable diversity and morphological disparity of sap beetles during the late Mesozoic.

Moreno N., Jimenez C., Villegas-Lanza J.C.

In this research, we conducted the numerical simulation of the tsunami, and the static stress transfer of Coulomb for the 1960 northern Peru earthquake (Mw 7.6). The Tsunami numerical model was used to simulate the propagation and inundation processes. In the inundation grid, we used a high resolution bathymetry (30[Formula: see text]m resolution) from marine sounding. For the inundation grid (grid D), the results of simulated model are parameters such as arrival times of the first wave of the tsunami, maximum wave heights and inundation areas for each zone to be modeled. These results have been validated with information provided by the population that endured the effects of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The simulated arrival times of the leading wave for the areas of San José, Pimentel, Santa Rosa and Puerto Eten were 69.5, 69, 66.5 and 68[Formula: see text]min, respectively. The maximum inundation in San José was 2.78[Formula: see text]km away and the height of the wave reached approximately 6.2[Formula: see text]m. The Coulomb stress transfer indicates an increase in stress in the northern zone of the seismic source close to Piura coast, as well as an increase in stress between the Peruvian trench and the seismic source near the meridians [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which implies an activation of seismicity and a potential zone for a next seismic event of similar or greater magnitude.

Sierra-Hernandez O., Saurith-Coronell O., Rodríguez-Macías J., Márquez E., Mora J.R., Paz J.L., Flores-Sumoza M., Mendoza-Mendoza A., Flores-Morales V., Marrero-Ponce Y., Barigye S.J., Martinez-Rios F.

The rise in multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights the critical need for novel antibiotics. This study explores clovibactin-like compounds as potential therapeutic agents targeting lipid II, a crucial component in bacterial cell wall synthesis, using in silico techniques. A total of 2624 clovibactin analogs were sourced from the PubChem database and screened using ProTox 3.0 software based on their ADME-Tox properties, prioritizing candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and minimal toxicity. Molecular docking protocols were then employed to assess the binding interactions of the selected compounds with lipid II. Our analysis identified Compound 22 as a particularly promising candidate, exhibiting strong binding affinity, stable complex formation, and high selectivity for the target. Binding energy analysis, conducted via molecular dynamics simulations, revealed a highly negative value of −25.50 kcal/mol for Compound 22, surpassing that of clovibactin and underscoring its potential efficacy. In addition, Compound 22 was prioritized due to its exceptional binding affinity to lipid II and its favorable ADME-Tox properties, suggesting a lower likelihood of adverse effects. These characteristics position Compound 22 as a promising candidate for further pharmacological development. While our computational results are encouraging, experimental validation is essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds. This study not only advances our understanding of clovibactin analogs but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance through innovative antibiotic development.

Parodi F.F., Quinde A.T., Romero C.R.

Enciso-Roca E.C., Arroyo-Acevedo J.L., Común-Ventura P.W., Tinco-Jayo J.A., Aguilar-Felices E.J., Ramos-Meneses M.B., Carrera-Palao R.E., Herrera-Calderon O.

Chenopodium quinoa sprouts possess a superior nutritional profile relative to conventional quinoa seeds, which is mainly attributable to their germination process. Sprouting quinoa is able to preserve its substantial nutritional value while enhancing its bioavailability and digestibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of three varieties of quinoa sprouts (pasankalla, yellow maranganí, and black coito). The chemical compounds were determined using LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry). Antioxidant activity was determined using two analytical methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). To evaluate the gastroprotective effects of these hydroalcoholic extracts in Holtzman male rats, a gastric lesion was induced with 96% ethanol after the administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of the three varieties of C. quinoa sprouts. Our phytochemical analysis results reveal the presence of amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophane, proline, tyrosine, and arginine, among others) and their derivatives, organic acids, monosaccharides, lipids, nucleobases/nucleosides, steroids, triterpene saponins, and coumarins. The pasankalla, yellow maranganí, and black coito varieties exhibited antioxidant capacities of 36.70, 32.32, and 34.63 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/mg of extract for the DPPH radical and 56.61, 41.56, and 52.09 µmol TE/mg of extract for the ABTS radical, respectively. The percentage of antisecretory efficiency at a dose of 500 mg/kg for the pasankalla, yellow maranganí, and black coito varieties was 34.13%, 30.67%, and 26.67%, respectively, and the anti-ulcer effect, expressed as a percentage of inhibition of ulcer formation, was 74.7%, 67.4%, and 69.5%, respectively. In contrast, the groups treated with ranitidine and sucralfate exhibited percentages of 59.0% and 67.4%, respectively. The pasankalla quinoa exhibits more significant antioxidant activity and a stronger gastroprotective effect compared to the other varieties examined in this study. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the three varieties of C. quinoa sprouts exhibited a gastroprotective effect, and the pasankalla variety at a dose of 500 mg/kg exhibited a stronger protective effect on the gastric mucosa of the rats.

Ellis L.T., Alataş M., Ali S.N., Alvarez D.J., Aponte Rojas A.M., Atwood J.J., Batan N., Bednarek-Ochyra H., Cano M.J., Cimerman Ž.L., Colotti T., Costa M.J., Enkhjargal E., Erata H., Erzberger P., et. al.

Díaz-Ramírez F.P., Saldaña-Alvarado F.V., Gamboa-Cárdenas R.V., Pimentel-Quiroz V., Reategui-Sokolova C., Elera-Fitzcarrald C., Noriega E., Rodriguez-Bellido Z., Pastor-Asurza C., Perich-Campos R., Alarcón G.S., Ugarte-Gil M.F.

Objectives To determine the association between the occurrence of hypertension and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Materials and methods From January 2012 to January 2020, we evaluated 314 SLE patients, all members of the Almenara Lupus Cohort. We applied the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines to define hypertension, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) to determine organ damage, and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) to assess disease activity. We performed univariable and multivariable analysis using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for potential confounders (demographic factors, disease-related factors and treatment). Results 314 patients and 1695 visits were included; 93% of the patients were women. Their mean disease duration was of 6.8 years (SD: 6.4), and their age at diagnosis of 35.7 (SD: 13.4) years. Baseline damage was 0.8 (SD: 1.2) at the first visit, increasing by 0.15 points at the subsequent follow-up visit (SD: 0.46). The prevalence of hypertension in these patients was 56.4% at least once during their follow-up. In the multivariable analysis, hypertension remained associated with damage accrual (IRR: 1.645, 95% CI: 1.187–2.280, p = 0.003) after adjusting for confounders. In the analyses performed per domain, hypertension was associated with renal damage in the multivariable model (OR: 4.331, 95% CI 1.547–12.126, p = 0.005). Conclusion Hypertension was associated with subsequent greater damage in our SLE patients. Thus, providers involved on the care of these patients should monitor their blood pressure at all clinic visits.

Griffiths M.E., Broos A., Morales J., Tu I., Bergner L., Behdenna A., Valderrama Bazan W., Tello C., Carrera J.E., Recuenco S., Streicker D.G., Viana M.

Interrupting pathogen transmission between species is a priority strategy to mitigate zoonotic threats. However, avoiding counterproductive interventions requires knowing animal reservoirs of infection and the dynamics of transmission within them, neither of which are easily ascertained from the cross-sectional surveys that now dominate investigations into newly discovered viruses. We used biobanked sera and metagenomic data to reconstruct the transmission of recently discovered bat-associated influenza virus (BIV; H18N11) over 12 years in three zones of Peru. Mechanistic models fit under a Bayesian framework, which enabled joint inference from serological and molecular data, showed that common vampire bats maintain BIV independently of the now assumed fruit bat reservoir through immune waning and seasonal transmission pulses. A large-scale vampire bat cull targeting rabies incidentally halved BIV transmission, confirming vampire bats as maintenance hosts. Our results show how combining field studies, perturbation responses, and multi-data–type models can elucidate pathogen dynamics in nature and reveal pathogen-dependent effects of interventions.

Sanchez-Orbegoso O., Bocanegra-Becerra J.E., Rabanal-Palacios J., Yaya-Loo H.

Abstract Bilateral ophthalmic aneurysms represent a distinct niche of brain aneurysms located in a complex skull base region. When considering surgical treatment, a single-stage approach is often advantageous to minimize operative time, tissue manipulation, and damage to neural and vascular structures compared to a two-stage surgery. Nonetheless, this procedure is not exempt from risks, given that thorough knowledge, preoperative and intraoperative judgment can be necessary to reduce the significant risk of bilateral vision loss. Thus, a tailored approach often is needed. In this study, we present the case of a 53-year-old female who was diagnosed with bilateral ophthalmic aneurysms during the work-up for chronic headaches. Because of the growth pattern and imminent risk of rupture, she underwent elective microsurgical treatment. A frontotemporal approach ipsilateral to the most lobulated aneurysm was performed. Both aneurysms were successfully clipped in a single craniotomy. Her postoperative imaging demonstrated adequate clipping and an uneventful clinical course. Our case outlines the feasibility of a single approach and contributes to the tailored selection for patients when considering microsurgical treatment for these complex lesions.