Título del artículo:

Serological and molecular markers for Hepatitis B virus in university students

Introduction: Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections varies by geographical region and risk group. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infections, as well as the vaccination status, among university students from Bucaramanga. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted in 2010 which included 1298 students from five universities. Serological markers for HBV infection were detected using ELISA. Viral genomes were detected with nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Active infections were established in 0.15% of the study population, and this finding was confirmed by PCR. Resolved infections were identified in 0.60% of the population. Isolated anti-HBc antibodies were found, 30.2% of vaccinated individuals. 67.9% of the study population was susceptible. No occult HBV was detected. Conclusions: The low prevalence of HBV infections reported in this study contrasts with the intermediate epidemiological pattern described in the region. We found poor vaccination coverage and absence of occult hepatitis B among these university students. © 2012 Asociaciones Colombianas de Gastroenterología, Endoscopia digestiva, Coloproctología y Hepatología.

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Revista Colombiana de Gastroenterologia

Título del artículo:

Environmental Profile of a Community\'s Health (EPOCH): An Ecometric Assessment of Measures of the Community Environment Based on Individual Perception

Background: Public health research has turned towards examining upstream, community-level determinants of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Objective measures of the environment, such as those derived from direct observation, and perception-based measures by residents have both been associated with health behaviours. However, current methods are generally limited to objective measures, often derived from administrative data, and few instruments have been evaluated for use in rural areas or in low-income countries. We evaluate the reliability of a quantitative tool designed to capture perceptions of community tobacco, nutrition, and social environments obtained from interviews with residents in communities in 5 countries. Methodology/ Principal Findings: Thirteen measures of the community environment were developed from responses to questionnaire items from 2,360 individuals residing in 84 urban and rural communities in 5 countries (China, India, Brazil, Colombia, and Canada) in the Environmental Profile of a Community\'s Health (EPOCH) study. Reliability and other properties of the community-level measures were assessed using multilevel models. High reliability (>0.80) was demonstrated for all community-level measures at the mean number of survey respondents per community (n = 28 respondents). Questionnaire items included in each scale were found to represent a common latent factor at the community level in multilevel factor analysis models. Conclusions/ Significance: Reliable measures which represent aspects of communities potentially related to cardiovascular disease (CVD)/risk factors can be obtained using feasible sample sizes. The EPOCH instrument is suitable for use in different settings to explore upstream determinants of CVD/risk factors. © 2012 Corsi et al.

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PLoS ONE

Título del artículo:

Risk factors for preeclampsia in women from Colombia: A case-control study

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-causal disease characterized by the development of hypertension and proteinuria in the second half of pregnancy. Multiple risk factors have been associated with the development of PE. Moreover, it is known that these risk factors vary between populations from developed and developing countries. The aim of this study is to identify which risk factors are associated with the development of preeclampsia (PE) among Colombian women. Methods: A multi-centre case-control study was conducted between September 2006 and July 2009 in six Colombian cities. Cases included women with PE (n = 201); controls were aged-matched pregnant women (n = 201) without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases for a case-control ratio of 1:1. A complete medical chart, physical examination and biochemical analysis were completed before delivery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of potential risk factors associated with PE. Results: The presence of factors present in the metabolic syndrome cluster such as body mass index >31 Kg/m2 (OR = 2.18; 1.14-4.14 95% CI), high-density lipoprotein <1.24 mmol/L (OR = 2.42; 1.53-3.84 95% CI), triglycerides >3.24 mmol/L (OR = 1.60; 1.04-2.48 95% CI) and glycemia >4.9 mmol/L (OR = 2.66; 1.47-4.81 95%CI) as well as being primigravidae (OR = 1.71; 1.07-2.73 95% CI) were associated with the development of PE, after adjusting for other variables. Conclusion: Factors present in the cluster of metabolic syndrome and primigravidity were associated with a greater risk of PE among Colombian women. Understanding the role of this cluster of risk factors in the development of PE is of crucial importance to prevent PE and remains to be determined. © 2012 Reyes et al.

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PLoS ONE

Título del artículo:

Angiogenic imbalance and plasma lipid alterations in women with preeclampsia from a developing country

Background: An imbalance between anti-angiogenic factors (e.g. soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (s-FLT1) and soluble endoglin (s-Eng)) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g. placental growth factor (PlGF)) as well as increased oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) concentrations have been associated with preeclampsia (PE). Risk factors associated with the development of PE, however, are known to be different between developed and developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of s-FLT1, s-Eng, PIGF, and ox-LDL in women with PE from a developing country. Methods: A multi-center casecontrol study was conducted. One hundred and forty three women with PE were matched by age and parity with 143 healthy pregnant women without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases. Before delivery, blood samples were taken and serum was stored until analysis. Results: Women with PE had lower concentrations of PIGF (p < 0.0001) and higher concentrations of s-Eng (p = 0.001) than healthy pregnant women. There were no differences between the groups regarding ox-LDL or s-FLT1. Women with early onset PE had higher s-FLT1 concentrations (p = 0.0004) and lower PIGF concentrations (p < 0.0001) than their healthy pregnant controls. Women with late onset PE had higher concentrations of s-Eng (p = 0.005). Women with severe PE had higher concentrations of s-Eng (p = 0.0008) and ox-LDL (p = 0.01), and lower concentrations of PIGF (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Women with PE from a developing country demonstrated an angiogenic imbalance and an increased rate of LDL oxidation. Findings from this study support the theory that PE is a multifactorial disease, and understanding differences in these subpopulations may provide a better target to approach future therapies. © 2012 Informa UK, Ltd.

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Growth Factors

Título del artículo:

Optimizing hydrogen production and efficiency in biomass gasification through advanced CFD modeling

Gasification is a thermochemical process that converts biomass into biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. This study applies Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to predict Cold Gas Efficiency (CGE) and hydrogen yield (yH2), integrating a pyrolysis submodel and an average intrinsic reactivity approach for solid–gas reactions to assess the influence of temperature on gas composition and reaction kinetics. A two-dimensional downdraft gasifier model was developed to simulate species transport and reaction mechanisms under four experimental treatments: gasification with air (B), with CaCO3 as a catalyst (BC), with steam addition (BS), and with both steam and CaCO3 (BCS). Model validation demonstrated that CFD accurately captured the effects observed experimentally, predicting syngas composition with a global error of 7.71 %. The highest CGE achieved was 61.6 %, and the maximum yH2 reached 308 ml H2/g biomass under the BCS condition, where the combination of steam and CaCO3 enhanced hydrogen production by promoting tar reforming and CO2 capture. The results confirm that steam and CaCO3 improve cold gas efficiency and hydrogen yield, aligning with experimental observations. This study highlights CFD as a reliable tool for predicting biomass gasification performance, particularly for hydrogen-rich syngas production.

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Applied Thermal Engineering

Título del artículo:

Strigolactones and control of parasitic weeds

Parasitic weeds such as Striga and Orobanche species pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity by attaching to the roots of host plants, depriving them of essential water, nutrients, and energy derived from photosynthesis. The seeds of these parasites require specific chemical signals, known as germination stimulants, released by host plant roots to initiate their germination process. These stimulants mainly consist of isoprenoids categorized as strigolactones (SLs), a class of plant hormones crucial for regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. The structural diversity of SLs is attributed to their biosynthetic pathway originating from carotenoids. SLs mediate interactions between plants and other organisms, particularly parasitic plants. They serve a dual role in these interactions: while facilitating the germination of parasitic weed seeds, they also influence root development, shoot branching, and plant responses to environmental cues. Leveraging this understanding, researchers aim to develop potent SL agonists and small-molecule SL agonists that induce suicidal germination of parasitic weeds at low concentrations. Such strategies could effectively control these harmful pests, enhancing crop yields sustainably. In summary, insights into the function of SLs in plant-parasitic weed relationships provide a foundation for developing innovative approaches to manage these agricultural threats and improve overall crop productivity.

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Strigolactones: Emerging Plant Hormones

Título del artículo:

Broad-spectrum antiviral ferruginol analog affects the viral proteins translation and actin remodeling during dengue virus infection

Dengue virus infection is the most important arbovirosis around the world. To date, no antiviral drugs have been approved for its treatment. Host-targeted antivirals (HTA) have emerged as a promising strategy, because of their high barrier to resistance. Using plaque-forming unit assays, molecular docking, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and molecular/cellular assays, it was found that 18-(phthalimide-2-yl)-ferruginol, a semi-synthetic analog of the bioactive diterpenoid ferruginol, couples with high affinity to RhoA GTPase. In addition, this molecule dramatically reduced actin filament formation and induced cellular morphological changes, when added to cell cultures before or after infection, without effect on microtubules or intermediate filaments. RhoA activation in infected cells was affected when the compound was added after 6 h.p.i. Furthermore, this compound decreased dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) E protein, NS3 protein, and dsRNA as measured by fluorescence microscopy, and changes in the distribution pattern of these viral components. 18-(phthalimide-2-yl)-ferruginol treatment at 6 and 12 h.p.i. reduces the virus yield. Western blot and RT-qPCR assays reveal that this analog decreased viral protein translation. Flow cytometry and wound-healing experiments also hint that cellular effects prompted for this compound do not relate to early apoptotic events and they could be reversible. Overall, our findings strongly suggest that 18-(phthalimide-2-yl)-ferruginol has an HTA mechanism, possibly disrupting the polyprotein translation of DENV-2 via alteration of RhoA-mediated actin remodeling and other related cellular and viral processes.

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Antiviral Research

Título del artículo:

Unravelling the past of cervid populations on the Pearl Island Archipelago (Panama) through a two dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of the lower third molar

This study investigates the evolutionary and morphological divergence of Neotropical cervids across mainland and island populations, integrating size, shape, and ecological data. Three extant cervid species were analyzed: Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus, and Passalites nemorivagus, San José Island cervids, alongside extinct archaeological samples from Playa don Bernardo (PdB) on Pedro Gonzalez Island from Pearl Island Archipelago (Central Pacific, Panama). Morphometric analyses of lower third molars (m3) revealed distinct evolutionary trajectories shaped by geographic and ecological isolation. Centroid size analyses reveal significant interspecies differences, with O. virginianus being generally larger than other groups, while PdB cervids exhibit reduced sizes potentially linked to insular dwarfism. Shape analyses, including PCA and Procrustes ANOVA, demonstrate distinct morphological patterns among species, with P. nemorivagus showing unique traits, while PdB cervids cluster closely with O. virginianus and San José Island cervids. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) and phenotypic trees corroborate these relationships, highlighting evolutionary divergence influenced by ecological pressures. Statistical tests reveal significant species-level effects on size and shape, with minimal contributions from sex or species-sex interactions. Procrustes distance comparisons emphasize substantial morphological divergence between P. nemorivagus and other groups, while PdB cervids share closer morphological affinities with San José Island cervids and O. virginianus. These findings suggest a complex evolutionary history shaped by environmental constraints and isolation, underscoring the role of insular environments in driving morphological diversity among Neotropical cervids.

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Journal of Archaeological Science

Título del artículo:

Optimization and modelling of bioethanol production by the fermentation of CCN-51 cocoa mucilage using the sequential simplex method and the modified Gompertz model

This work deals with the optimization of bioethanol production through a fermentation process of CCN-51 cocoa mucilage, based on increased concentrations of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Cocoa mucilage, considered biomass waste, was selected for its high productivity and the large volumes generated in the cocoa industrial chain in Ecuador. The optimization of the fermentation process was performed using the sequential simplex method with two variables, and the results were experimentally confirmed by quantifying bioethanol through the microdiffusion method. The best operational conditions corresponded to a temperature of 35°C and a pH of 4. Regarding the concentration of yeast, it was found that the optimal value was 8 g/L, since lower concentrations led to low productivities, while higher concentrations resulted in inadequate functioning of the bioreactor. The best results reached a productivity of 1.35 ± 0.04 g/L · h and a maximum bioethanol concentration of 28.3 ± 0.8 g/L for a processing time of 21 h. The production of bioethanol was modelled using the modified Gompertz equation and simulated in MATLAB®, yielding a bioethanol production rate of 2.42 g/L · h with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.95. These results contribute to the knowledge of bioethanol production using cocoa mucilage and seek to add a positive value to this residue, whose management and final disposition have both undesirable environmental and economic effects.

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Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering

Título del artículo:

The use of ultrasound imaging in aesthetic injectables: A modified Delphi consensus

A four-round modified Delphi consensus was held concerning the question, ‘What are the prerequisites for using ultrasound imaging in cosmetic filler injections’? Fifteen international experts in the field from seven different relevant medical specialties and 11 countries were included. An extensive list of topics was discussed in rounds 1 and 2. Statements were drawn up for voting in rounds 3 and 4. Experts had a consensus (>70% agreement) on most of the statements. With regard to equipment, a minimum linear 15 MHz transducer (probe) is recommended for both learning and regular diagnostics. Hand-held devices can be used in both circumstances. B-mode, Color-Doppler, Spectral Doppler, and picture/video archiving are mandatory, Power-Doppler is recommended. Experts find ultrasound imaging prior to injection mandatory in certain areas with high risk for vascular adverse events, as well as for the management of complications. It is recommended to identify prior fillers before injecting. An ultrasound-guided injection is recommended in many parts of the face for fillers, toxin and injection lipolysis. A sterile probe cover and sterile gel are necessary in these cases. Ultrasound-guidance is necessary for precise intralesional injections, needed in filler complication treatment. An extensive list of training and practice topics is given that should be learned before one can start using ultrasound imaging in cosmetic filler injection practice. Ultrasound imaging for minimal invasive aesthetic procedures has met a significant surge in attention, both in publication numbers and in prominence at major conferences. For physicians and institutions exploring this field, many critical decisions must be made, particularly concerning the prerequisites for using ultrasound imaging in cosmetic filler injections. Guidelines from international experts addressing these topics would provide valuable insights and facilitate the adoption of ultrasound technology in this field.

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Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

Título del artículo:

Obesity-related osteopontin protein and methylation blood levels are differentially modulated by a very low-calorie ketogenic diet or bariatric surgery

Background & aim: Osteopontin (OPN) was proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity and related disease, such as cancer. The aims were to evaluate the expression of OPN after caloric restriction-induced weight loss in adipose tissue (AT) from an animal model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and to reflect these results on circulating OPN levels in patients with obesity (PWO); and to explore the effect of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) on the circulating protein and DNA methylation levels of OPN, compared with a balanced hypocaloric diet (LCD) or bariatric surgery (BS) in PWO. Methods: OPN/SPP1 expression was evaluated in subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) AT derived from diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice and after a 4-week weight-loss protocol of calorie restriction (CR). Plasmatic OPN was also evaluated in 32 normal-weight volunteers (20 women) and 79 PWO (59 women) and after a 4–6 months follow up of a VLCKD (n = 20), BS (n = 39) or LCD (n = 20). DNA methylation levels of OPN were extracted from our Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChips data sets. Results: OPN levels were higher in VAT of DIO mice and plasma of PWO than in normal-weight individuals and changed after weight loss. Particularly, circulating OPN increased 2 months after BS while it decreased at maximum ketosis-induced by VLCKD. A statistically significant decrease was also observed in methylation levels at cg11226901 after VLCKD. Conclusions: OPN levels were reduced after VLCKD and severely increased after BS. Therefore, it could be a biomarker of the obesity-related metabolic stress and could be epigenetically regulated.

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Clinical Nutrition

Título del artículo:

A Competitive Model for Rural Agricultural Development: Insights from Family Farming in Lebrija, Santander, Colombia

Family farming is essential for rural development and food security, yet it faces persistent structural barriers. This study aimed to develop a competitive model for Peasant, Family, and Community Agriculture (PFCA) in Lebrija, Colombia, by analyzing key factors affecting productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating surveys, participatory workshops, and field visits across 79 family agricultural units (FAUs). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) identified the impact of financial exclusion, low mechanization, and dependence on intermediaries, alongside strengths such as traditional knowledge transfer, family labor, and agroecological practices. The findings reveal a paradox: while PFCA resilience supports agricultural sustainability, it may also hinder modernization. To address this, a strategic action plan was developed with six axes: governance, commercialization, financing, technology, training, and climate mitigation. This framework provides policy recommendations for financial inclusion, direct market access, and technological innovation. The study offers a replicable model for policymakers, rural development agencies, and agricultural cooperatives, supporting sustainable and competitive family farming in Colombia and similar rural economies.

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Agriculture (Switzerland)

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Prediction of cardiovascular risk: validation of a non-laboratory and a laboratory-based score in a Brazilian community-based cohort of the PURE study

Background: Risk scores are essential tools for implementing cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Validating risk scores considering regional diversities and disparities is critical for reducing the burden of CVD on global morbidity and mortality. We aimed to validate two cardiovascular risk scores (laboratory and non-laboratory-based) to predict major adverse cardiovascular events in the Brazilian cohort of the PURE study. Methods: We validated two risk scores derived from the INTERHEART study, the non-laboratory INTERHEART risk score (NL-IHRS) and the laboratory fasting cholesterol INTERHEART risk score (FC-IHRS) using data from 4623 (urban areas) and 1415 (rural areas) participants without CVD in the Brazilian cohort of the PURE study enrolled in 2004 and 2005 and followed up to September 2021. The endpoint was major cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or death from cardiovascular causes. We evaluated the model performance of IHRS through c-statistic and calibration methods. Findings: After a mean follow-up of 8.8 years (range, 0.28–15.1 years), there were 312 cardiovascular events, corresponding to an incidence rate of 0.58% per year (0.56% per year in urban versus 0.64% per year in rural areas). For the NL-IHRS, the c-statistic was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.66–0.72) in the overall cohort, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64–0.72) in the urban cohort, and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.78) in the rural cohort. C-statistic values for the recalibrated FC-IHRS were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67–0.74), 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67–0.75), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.64–0.76) in the overall, urban, and rural cohorts, respectively. Interpretation: In this Brazilian community-based prospective cohort, both NL-IHRS and FC-IHRS-based models performed with reasonable discriminative accuracy on the risk estimation of long-term risk of major CVD. A non-laboratory-based CVD risk score may be instrumental in Brazilian communities with limited access to medical resources. Funding: Population Health Research Institute, Novartis Biociências S.A.

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The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

Título del artículo:

Advanced graphene oxide synthesis for arsenic removal from groundwater in Mexico and Colombia

This study presents the optimization of graphene oxide (GO) synthesis for arsenic (As) removal from contaminated groundwater in Mexico and Colombia, using the modified Hummers method. By applying response surface methodology (RSM), the concentrations of NaNO₃ and KMnO₄ were adjusted to maximize the density of oxygenated functional groups, significantly enhancing the adsorption capacity for As(V). Characterization results revealed a reduction in macroporosity and an increase in mesoporosity and microporosity, contributing to the superior adsorption performance. The optimized GO achieved an adsorption capacity of 99.13 mg g⁻¹ at 308 K under competitive conditions with other ions such as F⁻, CrO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, CO₃²⁻, and SO₄²⁻. Additionally, the synthesis process reduced toxic by-products, demonstrating sustainability for industrial-scale applications. These findings represent a significant advancement in the development of efficient and sustainable materials for groundwater remediation.

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Results in Engineering

Título del artículo:

Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology

Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts. This study evaluated the presence and diversity of Rickettsiales species in fleas and ticks collected from the Santander department in Colombia. For the methodology a 16S gene amplification approach through Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis was used. Our findings revealed the presence of multiple pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms, particularly from the Rickettsia and Wolbachia groups. We observed a clear association between Rickettsia species and ticks, while Wolbachia was predominantly found in fleas. Additionally, other important microorganisms were identified, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia conorii, and different strains of Wolbachia that serve as endosymbionts in various arthropods. These results underscore the importance of fleas and ticks in the transmission of both pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms. The distinct patterns of association between specific pathogens and vectors provide insight into their transmission dynamics. Identifying pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia conorii further highlights the need for continued research into vector-borne diseases in Colombia. Understanding the interactions between endosymbionts and pathogenic microorganisms in these vectors could lead to the development of more effective strategies for controlling diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.

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Research in Veterinary Science

Título del artículo:

Pioneering zero-waste technologies utilization and its framework on sustainable management: international, national and state level

Advancing decentralized waste valorization systems for circular economy integration and enhanced resource recovery. Transforming organic waste into high value bio products through scalable, innovative bioprocessing technologies. Integrating zero-waste solutions into urban planning to build resilient, climate-positive circular cities.

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Discover Applied Sciences

Título del artículo:

Secondary Prevention Medications in 17 Countries Grouped by Income Level (PURE): A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: It is unclear whether global use of medications for secondary cardiovascular (CVD) prevention is improving over time. Objectives: This study across 17 high-, middle- and low-income countries described variations in secondary CVD prevention medication use over a median follow-up of 12 years. Methods: In the multinational PURE (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology) cohort study, we conducted a repeated cross-sectional analysis to examine temporal variations in the use of secondary prevention medications in participants with CVD. In participants with coronary artery disease, we focused on antiplatelet agents, statins, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, and β-blockers. In participants with stroke, we focused on antiplatelet agents, statins, RAS inhibitors, and other blood pressure–lowering drugs. Medications were collected at baseline and on 4 subsequent follow-up visits. Results: The analysis included 7,409 participants with a diagnosis of CVD at the baseline visit, 8,792 at the second visit, 9,236 at the third visit, 11,082 at the fourth visit, and 11,677 at the last visit. The median age at baseline was 58.0 years, and 52.9% of the participants were female. The median follow-up was 12 years, with the median year of the baseline visit in 2007 and the fifth visit in 2019. Over this period, use of 1 or more classes of medications for secondary CVD prevention was 41.3% (95% CI: 40.2%-42.4%) at baseline, peaked at 43.1% (95% CI: 42.0%-44.1%), and then decreased to 31.3% (95% CI: 30.4%-32.1%) by the last study visit. In high-income countries, this use decreased from 88.8% (95% CI: 86.6%-91.0%) to 77.3% (95% CI: 74.9%-79.6%). In upper-middle-income countries, this use increased from 55.0% (95% CI: 52.8%-57.3%) to 61.1% (95% CI: 59.1%-63.1%). In lower-middle-income countries, use of at least 1 class of medications was 29.5% (95% CI: 28.1%-30.9%) at baseline, peaked at 31.7% (95% CI: 30.4%-33.1%), and then decreased to 13.4% (95% CI: 12.5%-14.2%) by the last visit. In low-income countries, use of at least 1 class of medications was 20.8% (95% CI: 18.1%-23.5%) at baseline, peaked at 47.3% (95% CI: 44.8%-49.9%), and then decreased to 27.5% (95% CI: 25.2%-29.9%) by the last study visit. Conclusions: Globally and in most country income-level groups, the use of medications for secondary CVD prevention has been low, with little improvement over time.

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Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Título del artículo:

Evaluation of dengue virus seroprevalence in four boroughs of Mexico City among persons aged 5-35 years in 2022

Introduction: Dengue is currently the most widespread vector-borne disease, and its transmission has been intensively studied in endemic/hyperendemic localities. However, to obtain a complete picture of dengue transmission, it is necessary to study nonendemic localities. Imported dengue cases have been reported in Mexico City, and the presence of eggs of the vector Aedes aegypti has been detected. Methodology: In the present study, we determined the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Dengue virus in four city boroughs via random cluster sampling in individuals aged 5-35 years. Results: The weighted seroprevalence rate was 1.90% (95% CI 0.75-4.75) at Xochimilco, 1.81% (95% CI 0.64-5.00) at Venustiano Carranza, 1.81% (95% CI 0.54-5.83) at Tlahuac, and 5.48% (95% CI 1.96-14.43) at Gustavo A Madero; seropositivity was concentrated in the adult group, many of whom lived in dengue-endemic localities. The distribution of seroprevalence in the four boroughs is very homogeneous and unrelated to the number of vector eggs in the borough. Conclusions: These data suggest that there is still no autochthonous transmission of dengue in Mexico City. However, it is important to note that the structural conditions of the dwellings in these boroughs, which offer minimal barriers to vector infestation, could facilitate the establishment of local transmission under favorable conditions.

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Journal of Infection in Developing Countries

Título del artículo:

Cardiovascular disease in the Americas: optimizing primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease series: cardiovascular disease in the Americas

While, many interventions can prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), and its resulting morbidity or mortality, these are used sub-optimally in most countries. Therefore, health systems need to develop new approaches to ensure that proven CVD therapies are delivered widely. In this review, we describe five impactful implementation strategies which include: (1) Task shifting, (2) Use of mobile-Health (mHealth) support and virtual access to care, (3) simplified diagnostic and management algorithms for the prevention of CVD, (4) improving the use of combinations of medicines (i.e., polypill), and (5) patient engagement and role of patient-nominated peer support (i.e., treatment supporters). Adapting and tailoring these strategies to the local context in different settings in various countries in the Americas and the Caribbean can reduce the morbidity and mortality of CVD substantially.

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The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

Título del artículo:

Cardiovascular disease in the Americas: the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors

This first article of the Series about Cardiovascular Disease in the Americas summarizes the epidemiology of CVD and its risk factors, and population-level strategies in place aimed at CVD prevention. While age-standardized CVD incidence and CV mortality rates have been decreasing across in the Americas since 1990, the annual number of CVD cases and related deaths have increased due to population growth and ageing. The burden of CVD is also slowly transitioning from high-income countries in North America to middle-income countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Trends in CV risk factor levels have been mixed, with declines in smoking and mean cholesterol counterbalanced by higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Population-wide strategies aimed at controlling cardiometabolic risk factors and tobacco use have been implemented with varying degrees of success. There is a need to better implement existing CVD prevention strategies in the region.

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The Lancet Regional Health - Americas

Título del artículo:

Perceptions of Barriers to Inclusion in Students with Disabilities in Higher Education Institutions

This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of students with disabilities regarding the barriers to inclusion in higher education institutions in northeastern Colombia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 28 students with disabilities, focusing on socio-demographic data and their personal university experiences. The findings revealed that physical and visual impairments were the most common (34.6% each) and the primary barriers were insufficient pedagogical strategies. An association between the type of disability and perceived support was identified. In conclusion, this study enabled the development of a comprehensive model for university inclusion in the northeastern region.

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Societies

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Is Early and Recurrent Anemia in a Preterm Infant a Risk Factor for Neonatal Appendicitis?

Background: Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of 0.04% to 0.2%. It is more prevalent in male preterm infants, with a mortality rate of 20% to 25%. It is usually misdiagnosed as neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) owing to its diverse diagnostic challenges. Poor perfusion, hypoxia, anemia, or any other condition that impairs intestinal blood supply is a risk factor for bowel injury, which could explain the physiopathology of NA. Clinical Findings: We describe an interesting case of a preterm infant with recurrent episodes of abdominal distension and persistent anemia who was finally diagnosed with NA. Primary Diagnosis: The patient was treated with exploratory laparotomy and appendicectomy, with further symptom resolution. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination. Interventions: Surgery for acute abdomen secondary to perforated appendicitis. Outcomes: Improved recurrent abdominal distension and persistent anemia and achieved full enteral nutrition. Patients with other diseases such as Hirschsprung\'s disease were ruled out. Practice Recommendations: This case demonstrates that identifying the early signs and symptoms of NA requires a high index of suspicion. Anemia may play a significant role in the etiology of intestinal injury, increasing the risk of NA and NEC. Further studies are needed to explore the association between anemia and intestinal injury and its implications for neurodevelopment.

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Advances in Neonatal Care

Título del artículo:

Methodological and reporting quality of Latin American randomized controlled trials in surgery from 2012 to 2022: a meta-research study

Background: Latin America is a region where an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery are being conducted. However, there is no evidence regarding the methodological and reporting quality of this studies. Methods: Meta-research study, including RCTs conducted in general surgery and subspecialties, conducted in Latin American centers and published from 2012 to 2022 with inclusion in PubMed and Scopus databases. The CONSORT and Joanna Briggs Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tools were used. Results: 83 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. 67.5% (n = 56) were conducted in Brazil. 74.7% (n = 62) of RCTs demonstrated high methodological quality, while only 31.7% (n = 26) exhibited high reporting quality. Out of the 13 methodological quality items, 3 were not fulfilled in more than 50% of the RCTs. Meanwhile, of the 37 reporting quality items, only 15 were met in more than 75% of the RCTs. Conclusions: While the methodological quality of Latin American RCTs in surgery included in PubMed and Scopus is relatively high, there is a predominance of moderate reporting quality. The common failure to comply with specific items in this sample is a phenomenon of great interest for surgical meta-research that warrants deeper exploration. These shortcomings the falsifiability and reproducibility of Latin American RCTs in surgery, which could be improved through scientific training.

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International Journal of Surgery Open

Título del artículo:

Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, an updated and comprehensive assessment of the global burden attributable to SSBs remains scarce. Here we estimated SSB-attributable T2D and CVD burdens across 184 countries in 1990 and 2020 globally, regionally and nationally, incorporating data from the Global Dietary Database, jointly stratified by age, sex, educational attainment and urbanicity. In 2020, 2.2 million (95% uncertainty interval 2.0–2.3) new T2D cases and 1.2 million (95% uncertainty interval 1.1–1.3) new CVD cases were attributable to SSBs worldwide, representing 9.8% and 3.1%, respectively, of all incident cases. Globally, proportional SSB-attributable burdens were higher among men versus women, younger versus older adults, higher- versus lower-educated adults, and adults in urban versus rural areas. By world region, the highest SSB-attributable percentage burdens were in Latin America and the Caribbean (T2D: 24.4%; CVD: 11.3%) and sub-Saharan Africa (T2D: 21.5%; CVD: 10.5%). From 1990 to 2020, the largest proportional increases in SSB-attributable incident T2D and CVD cases were in sub-Saharan Africa (+8.8% and +4.4%, respectively). Our study highlights the countries and subpopulations most affected by cardiometabolic disease associated with SSB consumption, assisting in shaping effective policies and interventions to reduce these burdens globally.

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Nature Medicine

Título del artículo:

Altered parasympathetic outflow and central sensitization response to continuous pain in cyclic vomiting syndrome: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of brain-gut interaction characterized by recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting interspersed with asymptomatic periods and associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We examined the dysautonomic response to noxious stimuli for patients with CVS using our previously validated approach to integrate peripheral autonomic outflow metrics, temporal summation of pain, and brain functional MRI (fMRI). Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI and ECG were acquired from patients with CVS and healthy adults during both a rest condition and a sustained cuff pressure-pain stimulus at the leg. After the latter scan, participants rated pain for the first, middle, and last 2 min to calculate temporal summation. During sustained pain, patients, relative to healthy controls, exhibited greater reduction in heart rate variability within the high-frequency range (HF-HRV) and reduced anticorrelation between HF-HRV and fMRI signal in the anterior insula, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, and ventrolateral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Compared with healthy adults, patients also exhibited increasing pain intensity over the course of sustained cuff pressure. For healthy adults, seed-based functional connectivity analysis revealed pain sensitization correlated with pain-induced increases in connectivity between primary somatosensory cortex and regions of interest in both left anterior insula/posterior orbitofrontal cortex and right presupplementary motor area. These correlations were not seen in CVS, thus supporting a conclusion of altered central coding of nociceptive stimuli and autonomic responsivity of patients with CVS in key brain regions implicated in autonomic control and interoception.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome exhibit multiple alterations in central function in response to a sustained pressure-pain stimulus, including altered high-frequency heart rate variability and associated changes in BOLD fMRI signal in key areas of the central autonomic and interoceptive networks, as well as abnormal temporal summation of pain associated with altered connectivity patterns between the primary somatosensory cortex and key regions associated with interoception.

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American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology