Título del artículo:

Performance of Gram Stain, Leukocyte Esterase, and Nitrite in Predicting the Presence of Urinary Tract Infections: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Introduction: While urine culture is the gold standard for the urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis, delays in results highlight the need for rapid tests. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of urine Gram staining, leukocyte esterase, and nitrite in predicting the presence of UTI. Methods: A cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on adult patients undergoing urine culture at a high-complexity hospital in northeastern Colombia. The results of Gram staining and urinalysis (nitrite and leukocyte esterase) were compared to urine culture as the gold standard test, and screening performance characteristics were calculated and reported for individual and combined tests. Results: A total of 2,123 urine cultures were analyzed, with 49.8% testing positive. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (24.7%), and 76.17% of patients received antibiotics, primarily ceftriaxone (38.7%). Gram staining showed 56.9% (95% confidence interval (CI)=54.4 to 59.4) sensitivity and 76.8% (95% CI=72.6 to 80.5) specificity, leukocyte esterase had 67.9% (95% CI= 65.3 to 70.4) sensitivity and 84.5% (95% CI=81.4 to 87.2) specificity, and nitrite demonstrated the highest sensitivity (85.3%, 95% CI=82.0 to 88.2). The combination of Gram staining (+), leukocyte esterase (+), and nitrite (+) achieved 87.6% (95% CI=84.2 to 90.5) sensitivity and 94.6% (95% CI=93.1 to 95.9) negative predictive value (NPV), with the decision tree identifying this combination as having the highest diagnostic utility (positive likelihood ratio (PLR) = 23.77, 95% CI=18.34 to 30.80). Conclusion: It seems that, integrating urine Gram staining with leucocyte esterase and nitrite improves UTI diagnosis in high-complexity emergency settings, reducing unnecessary urine cultures and antibiotic use while enhancing resource utilization and mitigating bacterial resistance.

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Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine

Título del artículo:

Sea surface temperature modulates El Niño and La Niña driven leptospirosis patterns: Evidence from causal machine learning in Colombia

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease prevalent in tropical regions influenced by climatic factors such as precipitation and soil moisture, which are regulated by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study examines the causal relationship between El Niño and La Niña episodes and leptospirosis cases in Colombia at the municipal level from 2007 to 2023. Using an ecological longitudinal design, we analyzed laboratory-confirmed cases from the National Public Health Surveillance System, environmental data from remote sensing, and socioeconomic data, employing a causal machine learning framework with doubly robust estimation and overlap weighting. We estimated the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) and the Conditional Average Treatment Effect (CATE) for three scenarios: Neutral vs. La Niña, Neutral vs. El Niño, and El Niño vs. La Niña. Results showed 10,629 cases, predominantly in males, with the highest incidence in Cali, Barranquilla, San José del Guaviare, and Cartagena. La Niña was associated with a 1.2 percentage point reduction in the probability of excess leptospirosis cases (ATE = -0.012, 95% CI: -0.015 – -0.008), while El Niño corresponded with a 7.2 percentage point increase in the probability of excess leptospirosis cases (ATE = 0.072, 95% CI: 0.041 – 0.103) compared to Neutral episodes. The El Niño vs. La Niña comparison showed no significant effect. As sea surface temperatures rose in the Pacific Ocean off the Colombian coast, the impact of both El Niño and La Niña episodes was observed to diminish, according to the CATE analysis. Regional variations, particularly in the Orinoco and Amazon regions, seem to drive these national trends, probably due to inverse hydro-climatic responses to ENSO. Refutation tests indicated the presence of remaining bias for the scenarios Neutral vs. El Niño and El Niño vs. La Niña. These findings highlight the complex interplay between climate and leptospirosis, underscoring the need for region-specific public health strategies to mitigate climate-driven disease risks in Colombia.

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Plos Global Public Health

Título del artículo:

Validation of a simulation model in TRNSYS for an institutional photovoltaic system: Case study at the University of Santander - UDES

The objective of this study is to develop and validate an energy simulation model in TRNSYS to evaluate the performance of the grid-connected photovoltaic system installed in the Guane building of the University of Santander (UDES), located in Bucaramanga, Colombia. A technical characterization of the system was performed, followed by the design of a model in TRNSYS using real configuration, operational, and meteorological data. Subsequently, an experimental validation was carried out based on the comparison between simulated values and measured data during the year 2024, using statistical metrics such as absolute error, relative error, and accuracy. The model achieved an average relative error of 3.3%, with an average absolute difference of 146.47 W, demonstrating an overall agreement of more than 96% between simulated and experimental results. These results show that the model reproduces, with high fidelity, the behavior of the photovoltaic system under real conditions. The validated model represents a useful tool for energy management, maintenance planning, and operational optimization of institutional solar systems, and it is replicable in similar tropical contexts. In addition, it enables the exploration of expansion scenarios and sustainable energy transitions from both academic and technical perspectives.

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Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences

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Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (ARCAPA): Clinical spectrum in the pediatric population based on a case report and scoping review

The anomaly of the right coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is an exceptionally rare congenital cardiovascular malformation, with an incidence of 0.002 % among congenital heart diseases. We present the case of a 4-month-old male infant with diaphoresis during crying, diagnosed by echocardiography and confirmed by coronary angiography. The patient underwent successful surgical reimplantation of the right coronary artery to the ascending aorta. Additionally, we conducted a scoping review of 86 pediatric cases reported in the literature, identifying clinical presentation patterns according to age groups. This report highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and early surgical management in this coronary anomaly.

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Progress in Pediatric Cardiology

Título del artículo:

Biological Mechanisms Involved in Muscle Dysfunction in COPD: An Integrative Damage–Regeneration–Remodeling Framework

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a major systemic manifestation of COPD that shapes symptoms, exercise tolerance and mortality. Current evidence can be integrated within a Damage–Regeneration–Remodeling framework linking mechanics and biology to clinical phenotypes. Pulmonary hyperinflation and chest wall geometry chronically load the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles in COPD, whereas inactivity and exacerbation-related disuse underload locomotor muscles. Across muscle compartments, oxidative/nitrosative stress, activation of proteolytic pathways, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, microvascular limitations, neuromuscular junction instability, and myosteatosis degrade muscle quality. The diaphragm adapts with a fast-to-slow fiber shift, greater oxidative capacity, and sarcomere foreshortening, improving endurance, whereas limb muscles show atrophy, a glycolytic shift, reduced oxidative enzymes, extracellular matrix accrual, and fat infiltration. Translational levers that address these mechanisms include: (I) Reduce damage: bronchodilation, lung-volume reduction, oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, early mobilization, pulmonary rehabilitation, neuromuscular stimulation, and corticosteroid stewardship; (II) Enable regeneration: progressive resistance plus high-intensity/heavy-load endurance training; adequate protein and vitamin-D intake, and endocrine correction; and (III) Steer remodeling: increase physical activity (with/without coaching/telecoaching), functional assessment and CT or MRI monitoring, inspiratory-muscle training, and phenotype-guided adjuncts in selected cases. This framework clarifies why lung deflation strategies benefit inspiratory mechanics, whereas limb recovery requires behavioral and metabolic interventions layered onto systemic optimization.

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Cells

Título del artículo:

Determining factors of business failure in Latin America

Given the negative impact of business failure on job creation, socioeconomic growth, and quality of life, this article analyzes the most determining factors of this phenomenon in Latin America, based on data reported by 33,289 entrepreneurs in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report. Through a descriptive study with multivariate correlational statistical analysis and a multinomial logistic regression probabilistic model, the main causes of business failure in Latin America were identified as “the business does not generate profits” and “family problems.” It was concluded that variables such as “country,” “age,” and “gender” are not relevant; while “social status” and “education level” do influence the survival of companies and new businesses.

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Revista De Ciencias Sociales

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Adverse childhood experiences and their impact on primary headache patients: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including abuse and household dysfunction, can have lasting effects on development and health, increasing risks for chronic diseases and mental health issues. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of ACEs in this population and to determine the factors associated with these experiences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Colombian high-complexity institution, including adults with primary headaches according to ICHD-3 criteria. Statistical analysis involved bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression, with goodness-of-fit assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test. All analyses were performed using Stata 16. Results: 138 patients with primary headaches were included, 77.54% reported experiencing some form of ACEs, with 34.06% having scores of 4 or higher. Physical abuse was the most common ACE (9.13%). Women had a higher probability of reporting ACEs (OR: 8.613, 95% CI: 1.006-73.776, p = 0.049). Those with severe disability (MIDAS score) were less likely to report severe ACEs (OR: 0.293, 95% CI: 0.096-0.899, p = 0.032). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong relationship between adverse childhood experiences and primary headaches, highlighting the need to incorporate childhood trauma assessment into neurological practice.

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Frontiers in Psychiatry

Título del artículo:

Spatiotemporal analysis of leptospirosis in Colombia from 2007 to 2021. An environmental health metrics approach

Leptospirosis is a global zoonosis and environmental health problem because of its strong association with environmental factors. Although spatiotemporal statistics can estimate area-specific risk indicators, very few spatiotemporal analyses are done at the municipality level for extensive periods in tropical and subtropical regions, including Colombia. This study aims to assess the spatiotemporal distribution of leptospirosis in Colombia to identify significant environmental factors and produce municipality-level risk indicators. A Bayesian hierarchical model was used to estimate the association of rainfall, temperature, and overflooding with monthly leptospirosis incidence rates in all Colombian municipalities between 2007 and 2021, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders. The posterior mean was used to map the municipality-specific risk, probability of excess risk, and the municipality-specific emerging risk trend. Rainfall was associated with a higher risk of leptospirosis (rr = 1.023 [1.006–1.04]). Municipalities in the south, east, central, and west regions had the highest risk of leptospirosis, with low-risk municipalities in the central, east, north, and west regions. The overall risk decreased across the study period with only two periods of minimal variations. Multiple municipalities in the central region had a significant increasing risk. Spatiotemporal analyses provide a rich set of indicators to identify specific at-risk communities and support the development of environmental health indicators.

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Critical Public Health

Título del artículo:

Factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in santander, colombia: baseline findings from the RE-HOPE study

In Latin America, hypertension prevalence varies widely, and control rates remain low, particularly in low-income communities, despite the proven efficacy of recommended interventions. We aimed to describe baseline characteristics and identify individual factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in participants of the RE-HOPE study in Santander, Colombia. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted including participants ≥18 years old with hypertension, defined by self-reported history, antihypertensive use, or systolic BP ≥ 140 and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics. Mixed-effects logistic regression models stratified by sex were applied to identify factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension, adjusting for age, diabetes, obesity, medication intake, physical activity, and smoking. A total of 3 481 participants were included, with a mean age of 60.2 years (SD 13.7); 62% were female. Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 144 ± 16 mmHg and 86 ± 10 mmHg, respectively. Despite high levels of awareness (81%) and medication use (76%), only 26% of participants had controlled hypertension ( < 140/90 mmHg), and 9.6% met the target below 130/80 mmHg. Control rates were higher in the capital city compared to peripheral and rural provinces. Being female was inversely associated with uncontrolled hypertension (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.52–0.75). In contrast, age ≥ 60 years (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.84–2.61) and current smoking (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.54–4.00) were positively associated with poor control. This study highlights significant challenges in hypertension management, particularly early diagnosis and the identification of priority groups, and emphasizes the need for targeted public health initiatives and policy actions to enhance hypertension control.

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Journal of Human Hypertension

Título del artículo:

Raman Thermometry for Thermal Characterization of Deposits Formed on Steel AISI SAE 316L in H2S–O2–N2 Atmosphere

Austenitic stainless steels are widely used in high-temperature refining operations because of their corrosion resistance and mechanical stability, which arise from thermodynamically stable surface oxides. This work analyzes the thermal properties of surface layers formed on AISI 316L under simulated N2H2SO2 atmospheres at 300–400 °C. Steel coupons are exposed for 12–36 h; morphology and composition are characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and thermal conductivity (K) and interfacial thermal conductance (G) are quantified by noncontact micro-Raman thermometry. Spinel chromite (FeCr2O4), Cr2O3, Fe3O4, Fe2O3, and iron sulfides are identified, with stratification depending on atmosphere and exposure time. A relationship is established between O2 content and both K and G of the formed layers using noncontact micro-Raman thermometry. Compared with oxidation-only conditions, oxide/sulfidation layers exhibit systematically lower K and G, indicating improved thermal insulation and potential benefits for controlling parasitic heat transfer in refinery units handling sulfurous heavy crudes. The results link crystallinity and defect density (e.g., oxygen vacancies) with heat transport, supporting micro-Raman thermometry as a sensitive probe of thin-layer thermal behavior in complex multiphase scales.

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Steel Research International

Título del artículo:

Hybrid management of ruptured left iliac femoral contained pseudoaneurysm

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Angiologia

Título del artículo:

Height and health in Cartagena de Indias: Skeletal evidence from the 16th to the 19th century

This chapter aims to examine the variation in height within a bioarchaeological population from the colonial period excavated at the Convent of San Francisco in Cartagena de Indias (1550-1900). The study aims to explore its correlation with various skeletal stress indicators. We aim to identify possible relationships with environmental adaptation processes by comparing information. We conducted systematic and standardised macroscopic analyses on 160 individuals. The adult individuals’ stature was estimated based on the lengths of the bones in the upper and lower limbs. Additionally, the frequency and prevalence of bone lesions associated with infectious diseases and metabolic and nutritional diseases were evaluated to determine whether significant differences exist in relation to stature. The results indicate relatively tall statures for both male and female individuals, with males being taller, possibly associated with the favourable socioeconomic conditions of the population buried in the church. Additionally, it was identified that the prevalence of these lesions tends to increase with age. Considering that many of these lesions form during childhood, this suggests that individuals presenting such lesions were the most resilient to the environmental, biocultural, and nutritional stressors that caused them. Their living conditions improved once they surpassed this critical stage, enabling them to achieve greater stature during adolescence.

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Health Nutrition and Inequality in Latin America an Anthropometric History

Título del artículo:

USE OF APREMILAST FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY CUTANEOUS DERMATOMYOSITIS: HOW USEFUL IS IT?

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Revista De La Facultad De Medicina Humana

Título del artículo:

Bioprospection of Biocontrol Agents for Mitigating Plant Diseases Related to Climate Change

This chapter explores bioprospecting as a key strategy for identifying biocontrol agents that can help mitigate plant diseases caused by climate change. This phenomenon, intensified by human activities, has created conditions conducive to the proliferation of phytopathogens, thereby posing a serious threat to global food security. Factors, such as increased atmospheric carbon levels, extreme temperature fluctuations, water stress, and the spread of weeds and insect vectors, further intensify this challenge. Bioprospecting is crucial for discovering microorganisms that can serve as natural biocontrol agents and play a vital role in protecting plants through mechanisms such as the production of antagonistic compounds, predation, and the induction of resistance. These microbial interactions not only control pathogens but also support plant growth and health in increasingly challenging environments. This chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced omics techniques to enhance our understanding of microorganism-plant interactions, which would allow for the development of more effective and targeted bioinoculants. It also highlights the need to transfer these technologies to agricultural systems with precision and at scale, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and promote more sustainable farming practices. In this context, bioprospecting for phytopathogen control has emerged as a promising solution, poised to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future in the face of climate change while also aligning with the principles of organic farming.

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Bio Control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture Diversity Mechanisms and Applications

Título del artículo:

Bio-control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture: Diversity, Mechanisms and Applications

This book covers all aspects of the diversity and core microbiome of the bio-control agents. Their bioprospecting and application at the field level is also discussed. The application of bio-control agents is unique in plant production due to various reasons, including its environment-friendly nature, management of plant resistance and incentivizing the rhizosphere to phyllosphere signaling. The chapters provide information on major plant-associated diversity of beneficial microorganisms, various pathogen management strategies, and improving plant immunity by the application of bio-control agents. Additionally, the exploitation, development, and quality control of bio-control agent-based formulations for farming systems and industrial-level production is discussed. This approach provides a novel framework for fostering sustainable development in crop production and protection. The book targets researchers, microbiology students, the biofertilizers industry, and those in agricultural and environmental fields.

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Bio Control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture Diversity Mechanisms and Applications

Título del artículo:

Correction to: Bio-control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture (Bio-control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture, 10.1007/978-981-96-3232-9)

Correction to: Chapters 11 and 20 in: D. Mitra et al. (eds.), Bio-control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-3232-9 The original version of the book was inadvertently published before incorporation of the final corrections. The book has been updated with the following important changes: In Chapter 11: In Chapter 11 (p. 261 and 263), the title has been corrected as follows: Elucidating the Mechanisms of Plant Endophytes as Biocontrol Agents and Resistant Inducers Against Biotic Stress In Chapter 20 (p. 479), the name has been corrected as follows: Mudagadde G. Deeksha, Mahesh M. Jadhav, Niraj Guleria, M. N. Harish, Chaithra M, and Mritunjoy Barman

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Bio Control Agents for Sustainable Agriculture Diversity Mechanisms and Applications

Título del artículo:

Advanced electrochemical biosensing of pathogens: Harnessing the antimicrobial properties of Ib-M peptides for highly sensitive bacterial detection

This study describes the development of electrochemical biosensors with high sensitivity to detect pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, in aqueous environments. The biosensors employ the antimicrobial peptides Ib-M1 and Ib-M6 as biorecognition elements, immobilized on gold nanoparticle-modified screen-printed electrodes via a self-assembled monolayer. Detection was achieved through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, achieving remarkably low limits of detection of 1.4 CFU/mL for E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus, and 0.8 CFU/mL for P. aeruginosa. The biosensors exhibited linear detection ranges of 0–100 CFU/mL for E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus, and 0–75 CFU/mL for P. aeruginosa. Notably, the incorporation of carbon nanotubes significantly improved analytical sensitivity of the biosensors, particularly for E. coli O157:H7 and S. aureus. These results highlight the potential of the proposed biosensors for rapid, on-site monitoring of microbial contamination in drinking water, food processing environments, and clinical settings.

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Plos One

Título del artículo:

Advances in Bioprocess Monitoring and Control Systems

The bioprocess monitoring market, valued at $12.3 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% to reach $20.5 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by biosensors, machine learning, and Industry 4.0. Innovations like Raman spectroscopy and NMR have improved metabolite profiling accuracy, leading to enhanced process control. Artificial intelligence-driven models have reduced batch variability by 20%, while digital twin technologies have reduced process development time by 25%. Automated fed-batch strategies have increased recombinant protein yields by 15-25%, while microfluidic bioreactors enable high-throughput screening with a 5-fold reduction in reagent costs. Soft-sensor technologies have adjusted metabolic flux projections by 35%, reducing process variation. IoT-enabled bioprocessing has reduced manual interventions by 40%, improving operational effectiveness.

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Industrial Applications for Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing

Título del artículo:

Human Right to Food in Rural Communities: Challenges and Strategies for Its Materialization among Agroecological Farmers in Santander (Colombia)

The human right to food has necessitated coordinated actions to ensure adequate, continuous, and sustainable access to nutritious and safe food for all. This study examined the challenges of realizing this right through approaches rooted in peasant community economies, food sovereignty, and the consideration of environmental and health conditions. The methodology was a content analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with agroecological producers from rural families in the Department of Santander (Colombia). The results highlighted challenges like dependency on welfare programs and agricultural production obstacles, underscoring the need to counteract traditional market practices. Furthermore, the study addressed issues related to investment and state support, agricultural training, and community participation as key factors for achieving food sustainability and self-sufficiency. It also critically evaluated how market policies have perpetuated inequalities and undermined this fundamental right.

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Territorios

Título del artículo:

Voices and stories from the trapiche. Oral tradition made history in a digital museography exercise

The Museo Viaje al corazón de la panela arises from interdisciplinary research in Anthropology, History, Semiotics and Design, aimed at rescuing the oral memory of the panela agroindustry in Piedecuesta (Santander, Colombia). Through a biographical-narrative approach and fieldwork in local trapiches, stories were collected about the sugarcane boom, union organization and the impact of de-ruralization. The analysis with ATLAS.ti made it possible to visualize semantic networks and base a museo-graphic proposal that connects past and present, highlighting the heritage, identity and cultural value of panela production in the municipality.

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Santander Estudios De Patrimonio

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Motivation for Scientific Publication at the University Level: Analyses in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia

Motivation to publish is a key competence in university research training, although it is still little explored from a comparative approach in Latin America. This study analyzed the motivation to publish in university students from Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, considering three dimensions: commitment, behavior, and intention. The Motivation to Publish Scientific Articles Scale (EMP-AC) was applied to 268 participants, complemented with a sociodemographic form. The data were processed in the software jamovi v.2.6.44, and the results show that intention is the dominant dimension in the three countries, followed by behavior and commitment. In addition, contextual differences were identified: in Ecuador, intention predominated, while in Colombia, concreteness in publications stood out. These findings provide comparative evidence and guide universities to design programs that integrate technical training with motivational strategies that strengthen the research identity.

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Education Sciences

Título del artículo:

Climatic, socioeconomic, and migratory factors on the epidemiological dynamics of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia, 2007–2021

The World Health Organization considers cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to be one of the most important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The application of geostatistical models, in conjunction with sociodemographic and environmental factors, enables the understanding of disease epidemiology and facilitates the implementation of targeted measures and effective case management. This research aimed to evaluate the association between climatic, sociodemographic, and socioeconomic factors with the monthly CL incidence rate at the municipality level in Colombia from 2007 to 2021. An ecological study was conducted, including laboratory-confirmed notifications of CL reported in municipalities located below 1,700 meters above sea level through the National Public Health Surveillance System. Climate data were sourced from NASA, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables were obtained from the National Planning Department. Hierarchical spatio-temporal regression models within a Bayesian framework were used to analyze the monthly CL. A total of 121,828 cases of CL were analyzed, with an annual median of 7,605 cases. Standardized incidence rates (SIR) ranged from 0 to 16,072 per 100,000 population (median: 105.7; IQR: 46.7-419). Eight of the 11 studied factors were associated with the monthly cases of CL: rainfall, urban dimension, and Venezuelan migration were associated with a decrease in CL cases, while qualitative housing deficit, internal migration, the multidimensional poverty index, the index of unmet basic needs, and forest coverage were associated with an increase in CL cases. CL incidence in Colombia fluctuated during the study period, with high spatial heterogeneity linked to climatic, sociodemographic. and socioeconomic factors. These findings highlight the necessity for customized territorial approaches to the prevention and control of CL, emphasizing the importance of considering municipal characteristics and aligning strategies with the Colombian Strategic Plan for CL.

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Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases

Título del artículo:

The economic impact of endo- and ectoparasites in dairy cattle

Background: Dairy products provide invaluable sustenance for human populations and any factor that impairs dairy production is a threat to our future food supply. Dairy cattle parasitism is a critical and often unrecognized danger that harms cows; threatens producer livelihoods; can reduce food safety, and hurts farm profitability. Specifically, parasites cause illness and death, reduce milk production, slow weight gain, and harm carcass quality. They may cause abortions, transmit serious bacterial diseases, and harm human health. Cattle movement restrictions to prevent parasite spread add to production costs. Two general parasite types are those found internally (endoparasites) or externally to the animal (ectoparasites) and common parasite classes include: nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, protozoans, arachnids, and insects. Conclusions: This paper reviews global economic and health impacts of dairy cattle parasitism including discussions of testing methods, treatment strategies, and resistance avoidance.

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Parasites and Vectors

Título del artículo:

Social Support, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life in Older Adults in Wellness centers

Introduction: comprehensive management of the elderly is necessary to ensure quality of life in ageing. Objective: Determine relationship between social support, functional capacity, and quality of life in older adults attending welfare centers in Cartagena, Colombia. Materials and Method: descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 417 older adults. The Lawton and Brody functionality scale, the Multicultural Quality of Life Index, and the Social Support Scale were applied. The analysis used central tendency measures and statistical tests: Student’s t, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H. Ethical guidelines: Resolution 008430 and the Helsinki Principles. Results: Women represented 61.72% of the participants, with a median age of 68 to 80 years. Economically, 50.96% depended on a state subsidy and 38.76% on family support. Bivariate analysis showed statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) with age (p < 0.001), economic resources (p = 0.045), medication use (p < 0.001), physical activity (p < 0.001), and productive activity (p = 0.004). Correlation analysis revealed that quality of life and social support scores were moderately correlated (r = 0.41). Age was significantly associated with functionality (p < 0.001). A negative correlation between age and Lawton and Brody scores (r = -0.21; p < 0.001) indicates increased dependence with advancing age, impacting health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Older adults in welfare centers rely mainly on family or government financial support. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening support networks and involving families in care. It recommends interdisciplinary health strategies aimed at maintaining or improving functional capacity to enhance quality of life.

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Enfermeria Global

Título del artículo:

Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for stimulating plant nutrition and soil health

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key components of rhizosphere ecosystems that form mutualistic relationships with terrestrial plants and crops. AMF communities contribute significantly to soil health and plant nutrition under various climatic conditions. AMF have been proven to improve the absorptive capacity of plant roots, enabling plants to access unavailable micro- and macronutrient sources through their extensive hyphal networks and colonization of the plant root. AMF are known to assist plants in the uptake of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, nitrogen, and specific micronutrients, and in their resistance to various abiotic stresses. Owing to this symbiotic relationship, there is an improvement in the host plant’s resilience to environmental stresses such as salinity, drought, heavy metals, and other factors that affect soil health and crop productivity. Furthermore, their symbiosis enhances soil iron uptake and homeostasis in plants, influencing the architecture of the roots and producing root exudates that solubilize iron and other insoluble nutrients. AMF help in modulating translocation, assimilation, and gene regulation and facilitate the activation of direct and indirect defense mechanisms in plants. AMF build protective regulatory mechanisms that enhance plant survival under challenging conditions. Thus, AMF are key determinants of soil health and contribute to the structural engineering and ecological restoration of soil. The primary objective of this chapter is to examine the precise regulation of molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between AMF and plants, as well as the role of AMF in facilitating the transportation of soil nutrients. In doing so, this research aims to contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable AMF application practices in agricultural fields. This is particularly important in mitigating the negative impacts of stress on agriculture and highlights the critical role that AMF play in promoting plant nutrition and soil health.

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Soil Microorganisms for Plant Growth Promotion and Soil Health