Saluta

Presentation of the edition Saluta 2

2025-08-03T12:15:28-05:00

Saxitoxins: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Impact and Research Advances

2025-09-09T17:11:54-05:00

Saxitoxins, potent neurotoxins produced by dinoflagellates of the genus Alexandrium, have been the subject of numerous studies since their discovery due to their serious implications for public health and food safety. These toxins act on sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing signal transmission and causing paralysis. Several species of dinoflagellates produce saxitoxins, the production of which is genetically controlled by specific genes and enzymes. The algae that produce saxitoxins are found in different regions of the world, an influence that depends on environmental factors. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) that generate saxitoxins have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems, affecting the food chain and decreasing biodiversity. Marine organisms such as bivalve molluscs can accumulate these toxins, affecting predators, including humans. Saxitoxins pose a significant threat to food safety, especially in seafood consumption. Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) can cause serious neurological symptoms. To protect public health, monitoring programs and sanitary restrictions are implemented. Recent advances in research include new, more sensitive and faster detection methods. It is crucial to continue research and preventative measures to mitigate the risks associated with these toxins and protect coastal communities and seafood consumers globally.

Advances in the application of high-dose-rate brachytherapy in patients with gynecological cancer: a theoretical review and imaging approach

2025-09-09T17:11:53-05:00

This article analyzes the role of imaging in planning high-dose-rate brachytherapy in patients with gynecological cancer and the advances in this treatment for the benefit of patients. In Panama, gynecological cancer is one of the most common cancers nationwide. Therefore, it is considered necessary to understand the most favorable protocols for brachytherapy treatment. A theoretical review was carried out on the use of imaging in high-dose-rate brachytherapy as a treatment for gynecological cancer and in this way to know which imaging technique was considered the most viable, for this, documentary collection was used as a technique and a bibliographic matrix was implemented as a data collection instrument where information from five studies published between 2020 and 2025 was collected. It was observed that imaging is a fundamental part in the treatment planning of high-dose-rate brachytherapy in gynecological cancer, part of this includes the prior evaluation of the patient that allows knowing the extent of the disease, determining the amount of dose and its distribution, the delimitation of the target volumes such as the macroscopic tumor volume or the clinical treatment volume, and the organs at risk. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are suitable methods for determining organs at risk and delineating target volumes. However, the authors emphasize their preference over MRI due to their greater soft tissue resolution and anatomical accuracy. Over time, new techniques have been introduced to enhance treatment, such as the development of 3D Image-Guided Brachytherapy (3DIGBT), single-dose multifractionated brachytherapy, and systems such as the Interactive Optimization Interface (IOI).

Emotional eating in students in health sciences area at the Universidad Veracruzana

2025-09-09T17:11:56-05:00

The main purpose of this research was to describe the relationship between the emotions and eating behavior of 56 undergraduate students. Method: from a qualitative approach with descriptive scope, with a convenience sampling of 56 students; through the application of Garaulet's (2012) emotional eating questionnaire, which classifies individuals based on the relationship between food intake and emotions, and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale- questionnaire (TMMS-24), a self-reported scale that measures perceived emotional intelligence. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SSPS version 20. Conclusions: The emotional profile during eating was independent of gender, more than half of the students obtained high levels of emotional eaters or very emotional eaters. Thus evidencing that in the population studied there is a revealing percentage with a high level of risk in emotional eating behaviors. Results allow the design of programs and actions to promote and prevent problems associated with intake, in the student population, such as obesity, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, as well as the development of symptoms of eating disorders, among others. This work is part of the actions of the State Council of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity to combat overweight and obesity in the state of Veracruz. CEASAF.

Psychosocial characteristics of alcoholic patients attending addiction consultation at the polyclinic "Dr. Juan M Martínez Puente. Sancti Spiritus, Cuba.

2025-09-09T17:11:57-05:00

It is well known that alcohol is a psychoactive substance, with intoxicating and dependence-generating properties. Its consumption is associated with inherent health risks, although these vary significantly from one consumer to another in terms of magnitude and consequences. The objective of the study was to characterize, psychologically and socially, the alcoholic patients who attend the consultation of Dr. Juan Miguel Martínez Puente polyclinic in the northern area of the city of Sancti Spíritus. An observational, descriptive and transversal study was carried out from January 2023 to June 2024. Theoretical methods were used for the foundation of the research and empirical methods such as observation, clinical interview and psychosocial interview. Psychological tests were also used, such as: Trait-State Anxiety Inventory, Trait-State Depression Inventory, Self-Assessment Scale, Ten Wishes Technique, Sentence Completion Test, Cornell Index Personality Inventory, (1) allowing to deepen in aspects of the affective sphere (anxiety and depression), social sphere (work, family) and personality characteristics of the patients. The demographic variables of the study are described in the table. The results indicate that the patients are anxious, with medium and high levels of anxiety and depression, and reflect sleep disturbances. With respect to the personality characteristics of the subjects, there is difficulty in self-esteem and self-worth, due to undervaluation, reduced motivations. Most of them have managed to remain in their work environment, although with the difficulties associated with alcohol. The family area is the most affected, manifested in the conflict relations they establish with the other members of the family. It is concluded that most of the alcoholic patients who attend addiction care and rehabilitation consultations at the polyclinic are male. All of them present, to some extent, psycho-affective alterations and serious conflicts in the family and social spheres.

Key words: alcoholic patients, affective sphere, social sphere, work sphere, family, personality, psycho-affective alterations.

The level of self-esteem in employees at The Doña Carmen De Barroso nursing home

2025-09-09T17:11:55-05:00

The objective of this study was to identify the level of self-esteem among the staff of the Doña Carmen de Barroso Nursing Home. A quantitative approach was used, with a descriptive and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 13 staff members, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, a validated instrument consisting of 10 items in a four-point Likert format, was applied to all participants.

The majority of the staff were women (54.0%), and 62.0% of the participants were in the 31 to 50-year-old age range. The results indicated that 62.0% of the participants had a high level of self-esteem, while 23.0% showed a medium level and 15.0% exhibited a low level. These findings revealed that, although the majority of the staff had positive self-esteem, a significant percentage presented medium or low levels of self-esteem, which could impact their performance and workplace well-being.

Based on the results, it is recommended to implement periodic meetings where staff members can share their experiences, concerns, and achievements in a supportive environment. Additionally, it is suggested to strengthen workplace recognition, promote emotional well-being strategies, and offer workshops focused on emotional intelligence and stress management. These actions will contribute to improving the work environment and enhancing employees' self-esteem.

Editorial Saluta 12

2025-08-03T12:26:09-05:00