Discordant Humoral and T-Cell Response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and the Risk of Breakthrough Infections in Women with Breast Cancer, Receiving Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 and 6 Inhibitors.

Few data are available about the immune response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with breast cancer receiving cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i). We conducted a prospective, single-center study of patients with breast cancer treated with CDK4/6i who received mRNA-1273 vaccination, as well as a comparative group of healthcare workers. The primary endpoint was to compare the rate and magnitude of humoral and T-cell response after full vaccination. A better neutralizing antibody and anti-S IgG level was observed after vaccination in the subgroup of women receiving CDK4/6i, but a trend toward a reduced CD4 and CD8 T-cell response in the CDK4/6i group was not statistically significant. There were no differences in the rate of COVID-19 after vaccination (19% vs. 12%), but breakthrough infections were observed in those with lower levels of anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibodies after the first dose. A lower rate of CD4 T-cell response was also found in those individuals with breakthrough infections, although a non-significant and similar level of CD8 T-cell response was also observed, regardless of breakthrough infections. The rate of adverse events was higher in patients treated with CDK4/6i, without serious adverse events. In conclusion, there was a robust humoral response, but a blunted T-cell response to mRNA vaccine in women receiving CDK4/6i, suggesting a reduced trend of the adaptative immune response.

Socioepidemiological macro-determinants associated with the cumulative incidence of bacterial meningitis: A focus on the African Meningitis Belt.

Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a public health challenge as it is associated with high lethality and neurological sequelae. Worldwide, most cases are registered in the African Meningitis Belt (AMB). The role of particular socioepidemiological features is essential for understanding disease dynamics and optimizing policy-making. Objective: To identify socioepidemiological macro-determinants that contribute to explaining the differences in BM incidence between AMB and the rest of Africa. Methods: Country-level ecologic study based on the cumulative incidence estimates of the Global Burden of Disease study and reports of the MenAfriNet Consortium. Data about relevant socioepidemiological features were extracted from international sources. Multivariate regression models were implemented to define variables associated with the classification of African countries within the AMB and the incidence of BM worldwide. Results: Cumulative incidences at the AMB sub-regions were 111.93 (west), 87.23 (central), 65.10 (east), and 42.47 (north) per 100,000 population. A pattern of common origin with continuous exposition and seasonality of cases was observed. Socio-epidemiological determinants contributing to differentiating the AMB from the rest of Africa were household occupancy (OR 3.17 CI 95% 1.09-9.22, p = 0.034) and malaria incidence (OR 1.01 CI 95% 1.00-1.02, p = 0.016). BM cumulative incidence worldwide was additionally associated with temperature and gross national income per capita. Conclusion: Socioeconomic and climate conditions are macro-determinants associated with BM cumulative incidence. Multilevel designs are required to confirm these findings.

Effectiveness and Safety of Tecneplase vs. Alteplase in the Acute Treatment of Ischemic Stroke.

Not all hospitals have interventional radiology services. This fact implies that in centers where this resource is not available, the treatment of stroke in the acute phase must be adapted and individualized. The aim of the study is to determine and compare the combined effect of thrombolysis and thrombectomy effectiveness and safety of tenecteplase versus alteplase in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke in patients who are candidates for endovascular therapy according to clinical practice guidelines. This paper details a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with ischemic stroke admitted in three hospitals between 2018 and 2020. The main outcome variables were the degree of recanalization and the functional outcome at 3 months; safety variables were mortality and the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). In total, 100 patients were included, 20 of which were treated with tenecteplase (TNK) and 80 with alteplase (rtPA). Of those treated with TNK, 75% obtained a successful recanalization compared to 83.8% in those treated with rtPA (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.18-1.88; p = 0.56). No differences were found in obtaining an excellent functional result at 3 months (35% TNK vs. 58.8% rtPA; p = 0.38). Tenecteplase showed worse neurological results after 24 h (unfavorable result of 70% with TNK vs. 45% with rtPA; OR = 5.4; 95% CI 1.57-18.6). No significant differences were identified in mortality; 17.5% with rtPA and 20% with TNK (p = 0.79), nor in the appearance of intracranial hemorrhage ICH (15.2% with rtPA vs. 30% with TNK (p = 0.12). In our series, there were not significant differences shown regarding effectiveness and safety between tenecteplase and alteplase.

La enseñanza de la bioética para el fortalecimiento de la práctica biomédica y la investigación en las escuelas de ciencias de la salud / The Teaching of Bioethics for the Strengthening of Biomedical Practice and Research in Healthcare Sciences Schools / O ensino da bioética para o fortalecimento da prática biomédica e de pesquisa nas escolas de ciências da saúde

Introducción. La UNESCO define la bioética como el estudio sistemático, pluralista e interdisciplinario, para resolver los problemas éticos planteados por la medicina, las ciencias sociales y de la vida, comprendiendo lo relativo a los adelantos científicos aplicados a seres humanos y su relación con la biósfera. La UNESCO, asistida por un comité internacional de expertos, presentó en el 2016 el plan de estudios básico de bioética "The Bioethics Core Curriculum", orientado a fortalecer su enseñanza en ambientes universitarios. El objetivoprincipal de este manuscrito fue identificar los referentes conceptuales y los esfuerzos multilaterales para la inclusión de la bioética en los currículos, señalando su pertinencia para el mejoramiento continuo, el fortalecimiento de la enseñanza y la investigación en las ciencias biomédicas. Temas de reflexión. Referentes conceptuales vigentes, esfuerzos multilaterales en la enseñanza de la bioética, política nacional de ética de la investigación, bioética e integridad científica. Conclusiones. La bioética, como ciencia de la supervivencia, es un pilar fundamental para la práctica de las ciencias biomédicas. Es evidente la necesidad de formar y preparar de manera adecuada a los futuros profesionales, líderes de opinión, académicos, investigadores, políticos y tomadores de decisiones en aspectos bioéticos, con el propósito de mejorar y fortalecer la formulación de referentes bioéticos en la práctica biomédica y la investigación en ciencias de la salud.

Introduction. UNESCO defines bioethics as the systematic, pluralist, and interdisciplinary study to resolve the ethical problems posed by medicine, social sciences, and life, understanding matters related to scientific progress applied to human beings and their relationship with the biosphere. In 2016, UNESCO, aided by an international committee of experts, presented "The Bioethics Core Curriculum", aimed at strengthening its teaching in universities environment. The main objective of this manuscript was to identify the conceptual references and multilateral efforts for the inclusion of bioethics in curricula, indicating their relevance for continuous improvement, strengthening of teaching, and research in biomedical sciences. Topics of reflection. Current conceptual references, multilateral efforts in bioethics teaching, national research ethics, bioethics, and scientific integrity policy. Conclusions. Bioethics, as a survival science, is a fundamental pillar for the practice of biomedical sciences. The need to educate and adequately prepare future professionals, opinion leaders, academics, researchers, politicians, and decision makers in aspects of bioethics is obvious, in order to improve and strengthen the formulation of bioethical references in biomedical practice and research in healthcare sciences

Introdução. A UNESCO define bioética como o estudo sistemático, pluralista e interdisciplinar para resolver os problemas éticos colocados pela medicina, ciências sociais e da vida, incluindo questões relacionadas aos avanços científicos aplicados ao ser humano e sua relação com a biosfera. A UNESCO, auxiliada por um comitê internacional de especialistas, apresentou em 2016 o currículo básico de bioética "The Bioethics Core Curriculum", visando fortalecer seu ensino em ambientes universitários. O objetivo principal deste manuscrito foi identificar as referências conceituais e os esforços multilaterais para a inclusão da bioética nos currículos, apontando sua relevância para a melhoria contínua, fortalecimento do ensino e da pesquisa em ciências biomédicas. Tópicos de reflexão. Referências conceituais atuais, esforços multilaterais no ensino de bioética, política nacional de ética em pesquisa, bioética e integridade científica. Conclusões. A bioética, como ciência da sobrevivência, é um pilar fundamental para a prática das ciências biomédicas. Fica evidente a necessidade de formar e preparar adequadamente futuros profissionais, formadores de opinião, acadêmicos, pesquisadores, políticos e tomadores de decisão em aspectos bioéticos, com o objetivo de melhorar e fortalecer a formulação de referências bioéticas na prática biomédica e na pesquisa em ciências da saúde.

Ultra-Low Power Optical Sensor for Xylophagous Insect Detection in Wood.

The early detection of pests is key for the maintenance of high-value masterpieces and historical buildings made of wood. In this work, we the present detailed design of an ultra-low power sensor device that permits the continuous monitoring of the presence of termites and other xylophagous insects. The operating principle of the sensor is based on the variations of reflected light induced by the presence of termites, and specific processing algorithms that deal with the behavior of the electronics and the natural ageing of components. With a typical CR2032 lithium battery, the device lasts more than nine years, and is ideal for incorporation in more complex monitoring systems where maintenance tasks should be minimized.

Risk-Adapted Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Concomitant Fluoropyrimidine-Radiotherapy Neoadjuvant Treatment for Patients With Resectable CT3-4 or N+ Rectal Cancer: Five-Year Disease-Free Survival Results of a Single-Center Series.

BACKGROUND: Providing adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is currently a matter of debate. Recommendations from clinical guidelines range from offering no treatment to oxaliplatin-based combinations. We present a risk-adapted approach based on the response to initial chemoradiation as the strongest prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred one patients were treated at a single institution with preoperative long-course radiotherapy plus concurrent fluoropyrimidines. Patients with disease downstaged to pT0-2N0 received adjuvant fluoropyrimidines alone, while the remaining received an oxaliplatin-based combination. The primary study end point was 5-year DFS. RESULTS: Overall, the disease of 54 patients was downstaged to pT0-2N0 (53.5%), while that of 47 patients was staged as pT3-4 or N+ (46.5%) after surgery. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 5-year DFS for patients in the good-prognosis group (downstaging to pT0-2 N0) and for those with poor prognosis (pT3-4 or N+) were 79.4% and 66.3%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.489; P = .043). Downstaging and pN+ were independent prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: A risk-adapted adjuvant therapy strategy based on pathologic stage after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is feasible and achieves high rates of 5-year DFS. Patients with good prognostic factors can be treated with adjuvant fluoropyrimidines alone, thus permitting the avoidance of oxaliplatin-derived toxicities.

Comportamiento del dengue no grave en los últimos cuatro a±os en Santander, Colombia / O comportamento da dengue não é grave nos últimos quatro anos, em Santander, Colômbia / Behavior of Simple Dengue During the Last Four Years in Santander, Colombia

Introducciَn: La transmisiَn e incidencia del virus del dengue ha aumentado de manera importante en las tres ْltimas décadas, por lo cual se considera actualmente la enfermedad infecciosa re-emergente que genera mayor morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Objetivo: Observar el comportamiento del dengue no complicado en los ْltimos cuatro a±os en Santander, Colombia. Metodologيa: Se realizَ un estudio analيtico con datos secundarios de dengue no complicado en Santander, entre el a±o 2007 y el 2015. Se calculَ la incidencia por semana epidemiolَgica y se construyeron canales endémicos de los a±os 2012 al 2015 mediante logaritmo en base 10, con media geométrica e intervalos de confianza del 95%. La investigaciَn se clasificَ como sin riesgo segْn la Ley 8430 de 1993 de la Repْblica de Colombia. Resultados: El Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pْblica (SIVIGILA) reportَ 26,849 casos de dengue no grave en Santander entre el a±o 2007 y el 2015. Los puntos de corte (éxito, seguridad, riesgo y epidemia) varيan para las diferentes zonas, con diferencias estadيsticamente significativas con picos de incidencia de 4.2 (en el 2007), 2.9 (en el a±o 2010), 8.1 (entre el 2013 y 2014) por cada 100,000 habitantes. Conclusiones: Los canales endémicos de dengue se deben tener en cuenta junto con el impacto de la incidencia calculada para monitoreo de la enfermedad. Segْn la tendencia secular cada 3 a 4 a±os se presenta un pico de incidencia, por lo que es probable que en el 2016 se presente un nuevo pico de dengue incluso mayor a los registrados hasta el momento en Santander. Se requieren estrategias medidas e inmediatas para el control de la enfermedad...

Introduction: Transmission and incidence of dengue virus have greatly increased during the last three decades which is the reason why it is currently considered the most emergent infectious disease that causes morbidity and mortality around the world. Objective: Observe simple dengue behavior in the last four years in Santander, Colombia. Method: An analytical study based on secondary data of simple dengue in Santander was performed between the years 2007 and 2015. The weekly epidemiological incidence was calculated and endemic channels between the years of 2012 and 2015 were built using logarithm base 10 with geometric mean and confidence intervals of 95%. The investigation was classified as non-risky according to Law 8430 of 1993, Republic of Colombia. Results: The National Service of Public Health Surveillance (SIVIGILA) reported 26.849 cases of simple dengue in Santander between the years of 2007 and 2015. The cutoff points (success, security, risk, and epidemic) vary in different zones, with significant statistically differences of 4.2 (in 2007), 2.9 (in 2010), and 8.1 (between 2013 and 2014) for each 100.000 inhabitants. Conclusions: The endemic channels of dengue must be taken into account as well as the impact of calculated incidence for monitoring the disease. According to the secular trend, every 3 to 4 years, there is a peak incidence. It is possible that in 2016 a new and bigger peak incidence of dengue will take place in Santander. It is therefore necessary to consider strategies and immediate measures to control this disease...

Introduçمo: A transmissمo e a incidência do vيrus da dengue tem aumentado significativamente ao longo das ْltimas três décadas, por isso agora é considerada a doença infecciosa re-emergente, que gera aumento da morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. Objetivo: Observar o comportamento da dengue descomplicada nos ْltimos quatro anos, em Santander, Colômbia. Metodologia: Se fez um estudo analيtico com dados secundكrios de dengue nمo complicada em Santander, entre 2007 e 2015. A incidência foi calculada por semana epidemiolَgica y se construiram os canais endémicos entre 2012 a 2015 por meio do log 10, com media e intervalos de confiança geométricos de 95%. A pesquisa foi classificada como segura, de acordo com a Lei 8430 de 1993, da Repْblica da Colômbia. Resultados: O Sistema Nacional de Vigilância em Saْde Pْblica (SIVIGILA) informou 26.849 casos de dengue nمo grave em Santander, entre 2007 e 2015. Os pontos de corte (o sucesso, segurança, risco e epidemia) manifestam diferenças estatisticamente significativas, nas diversas كreas da regiمo, apresentando uma incidência de 4,2 (em 2007), 2,9 (em 2010), 8,1 (entre 2013 e 2014) por 100.000 habitantes. Conclusُes: Os canais endémicas da dengue devem ser tidos em conta, juntamente com o impacto da incidência calculada para a monitorizaçمo da doença. De acordo com a tendência secular cada 3 a 4 anos, ocontece um novo pico de incidência, entمo é provكvel que em 2016 ocorra um novo pico da dengue ainda maior aos jك registrados em Santander. Sمo necessكrias estratégias de açمo imediata para controlar a doença...

A Decentralized Wireless Solution to Monitor and Diagnose PV Solar Module Performance Based on Symmetrized-Shifted Gompertz Functions.

This paper proposes and assesses an integrated solution to monitor and diagnose photovoltaic (PV) solar modules based on a decentralized wireless sensor acquisition system. Both DC electrical variables and environmental data are collected at PV module level using low-cost and high-energy efficiency node sensors. Data is real-time processed locally and compared with expected PV module performances obtained by a PV module model based on symmetrized-shifted Gompertz functions (as previously developed and assessed by the authors). Sensor nodes send data to a centralized sink-computing module using a multi-hop wireless sensor network architecture. Such integration thus provides extensive analysis of PV installations, and avoids off-line tests or post-processing processes. In comparison with previous approaches, this solution is enhanced with a low-cost system and non-critical performance constraints, and it is suitable for extensive deployment in PV power plants. Moreover, it is easily implemented in existing PV installations, since no additional wiring is required. The system has been implemented and assessed in a Spanish PV power plant connected to the grid. Results and estimations of PV module performances are also included in the paper.

Suitability evaluation of multipoint simultaneous CO2 sampling wireless sensors for livestock buildings.

The environment in livestock buildings must be controlled to ensure the health and welfare of both workers and animals, as well as to restrict the emission of pollutants to the atmosphere. Among the pollutants generated inside these premises, carbon dioxide (CO2) is of great interest in terms of animal welfare and ventilation control. The use of inexpensive sensors means that complete systems can be designed with a number of sensors located around the building. This paper describes a study of the suitability of multipoint simultaneous CO2 sensors operating in a wireless sensor network, which was found to operate satisfactorily under laboratory conditions and was found to be the best alternative for these applications. The sensors showed a highly linear response to CO2 concentrations, ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. However, individual sensor response was found to differ, which made it necessary to calibrate each one separately. Sensor precision ranged between 80 and 110 ppm CO2, and sensor response to register a 95% change in concentration was estimated at around 5 min. These features mean this type of sensor network can be used to monitor animal welfare and also for environmental control in poorly ventilated livestock premises. According to the tests conducted in this study, a temporal drift may occur and therefore a regular calibration of sensors would be needed.

Underwater acoustic wireless sensor networks: advances and future trends in physical, MAC and routing layers.

This survey aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on underwater wireless sensor networks, focusing on the lower layers of the communication stack, and envisions future trends and challenges. It analyzes the current state-of-the-art on the physical, medium access control and routing layers. It summarizes their security threads and surveys the currently proposed studies. Current envisioned niches for further advances in underwater networks research range from efficient, low-power algorithms and modulations to intelligent, energy-aware routing and medium access control protocols.

A proposal for modeling real hardware, weather and marine conditions for underwater sensor networks.

Network simulators are useful for researching protocol performance, appraising new hardware capabilities and evaluating real application scenarios. However, these tasks can only be achieved when using accurate models and real parameters that enable the extraction of trustworthy results and conclusions. This paper presents an underwater wireless sensor network ecosystem for the ns-3 simulator. This ecosystem is composed of a new energy-harvesting model and a low-cost, low-power underwater wake-up modem model that, alongside existing models, enables the performance of accurate simulations by providing real weather and marine conditions from the location where the real application is to be deployed.

An ultra-low power and flexible acoustic modem design to develop energy-efficient underwater sensor networks.

This paper is focused on the description of the physical layer of a new acoustic modem called ITACA. The modem architecture includes as a major novelty an ultra-low power asynchronous wake-up system implementation for underwater acoustic transmission that is based on a low-cost off-the-shelf RFID peripheral integrated circuit. This feature enables a reduced power dissipation of 10 µW in stand-by mode and registers very low power values during reception and transmission. The modem also incorporates clear channel assessment (CCA) to support CSMA-based medium access control (MAC) layer protocols. The design is part of a compact platform for a long-life short/medium range underwater wireless sensor network.

The effects of air pollution on respiratory health in susceptible populations: a multilevel study in Bucaramanga, Colombia.

We conducted a cohort study to investigate the association between exposure to three different levels of outdoor air pollution and incidence of respiratory symptoms in a population with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease. We accompanied 756 participants for a period of six months through the maintenance of a daily record of symptoms and clinic visits. The symptoms with highest incidence rates were sneezing and hacking cough. Multivariate analysis showed that incidence of total symptoms was 60% and 74% lower in areas with medium and low levels of pollution compared to areas with high levels of pollution. These results suggest that negative respiratory effects occur at concentrations of particulate matter PM10 > 60 ug/m(3).

The effects of air pollution on respiratory health in susceptible populations: a multilevel study in Bucaramanga, Colombia / Efectos de la contaminación atmosférica en la salud respiratoria de población susceptible: un estudio multinivel en Bucaramanga, Colombia

We conducted a cohort study to investigate the association between exposure to three different levels of outdoor air pollution and incidence of respiratory symptoms in a population with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory disease. We accompanied 756 participants for a period of six months through the maintenance of a daily record of symptoms and clinic visits. The symptoms with highest incidence rates were sneezing and hacking cough. Multivariate analysis showed that incidence of total symptoms was 60% and 74% lower in areas with medium and low levels of pollution compared to areas with high levels of pollution. These results suggest that negative respiratory effects occur at concentrations of particulate matter PM10 > 60ug/m³.

Se realizó un estudio de cohorte para investigar si la exposición a tres niveles diferentes de contaminación atmosférica extra-domiciliaria está asociada a la incidencia de síntomas respiratorios en una población con enfermedad cardiovascular o respiratoria crónica. Se siguieron por un periodo de seis meses a 756 participantes con morbilidad, usando calendario diario de síntomas y visitas personales. Los síntomas que tuvieron mayores tasas de incidencia fueron el estornudo y la tos seca. El análisis multivariado mostró que la zona de mayor contaminación estaba asociada con un 60% y 74% más de síntomas respiratorios, comparada con la zona de contaminación media y baja, respectivamente. Estos resultados sugieren que los efectos negativos a nivel respiratorios son vistos con exposiciones por encima de 60µg/m³ de material particulado PM10 en esta población.

Underwater sensor networks: a new energy efficient and robust architecture.

The specific characteristics of underwater environments introduce new challenges for networking protocols. In this paper, a specialized architecture for underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) is proposed and evaluated. Experiments are conducted in order to analyze the suitability of this protocol for the subaquatic transmission medium. Moreover, different scheduling techniques are applied to the architecture in order to study their performance. In addition, given the harsh conditions of the underwater medium, different retransmission methods are combined with the scheduling techniques. Finally, simulation results illustrate the performance achievements of the proposed protocol in end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio and energy consumption, showing that this protocol can be very suitable for the underwater medium.

Prevalencia de ceguera en el Departamento de Santander - Colombia / Blindness prevalence in Santander, Colombia

Objetivo: Medir la prevalencia de ceguera y déficit visual severo en población mayor de 50 años en el Departamento de Santander; igualmente medir la prevalencia de catarata relacionada con ceguera y déficit visual; la cobertura y resultados de los servicios de cirugía de catarata y las principales barreras que tienen las personas para acceder a dicho servicio. Materiales y métodos: estudio de prevalencia de base poblacional con muestreo aleatorio sistemático por conglomerados, tamaño de la muestra de 4.082 individuos. Se siguió la metodología de evaluación rápida de servicios de cirugía de catarata de la Organización Mundial de la Salud - OMS. Resultados: la prevalencia de ceguera fue de 1,79%, el problema afecta prioritariamente a la población pobre y rural. Las principales causas de ceguera son la catarata (67.61%), alteraciones del segmento posterior (14.08%), otras opacidades cornéales (8.45%), glaucoma (2.82%) y errores refractivos, retinopatía diabética y complicaciones quirúrgicas (cada una con 1.41%). El 82,5% de las personas no se han operado por desconocimiento de la enfermedad o dificultades económicas. Discusión: la ceguera es un problema de salud pública de la región y su distribución es inequitativa, afectando prioritariamente a la población pobre ubicada en zonas rurales. Las principales causas de déficit visual son la catarata y los errores refractivos, causas totalmente corregibles de manera sencilla y económica. Se recomienda a las autoridades de salud, formular e implementar un plan de salud visual que incluya la movilización de actores del sistema de seguridad social en salud del Departamento. [Galvis V, Rey JJ, Rodríguez LA, Serrano C, Tello A. Prevalencia de ceguera en el Departamento de Santander - Colombia. MedUNAB 2009; 12:66-73].

Objective: to measure the prevalence of blindness and severe visual deficit in population greater of 50 years in the Department of Santander, Colombia; also to measure the cataract prevalence related to blindness and visual deficit, the cover and results of the cataract's surgery services, and the main barriers that people have to access to this service. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study with population base and systematic conglomerates random sampling; sample size of 4.082 individuals. The methodology followed was the WHO Fast Evaluation of Cataract's Surgery Services survey. Results: the prevalence of blindness was of 1,79%; this problem affects primarily poor and rural population. The main causes of blindness are the cataract (67.61%) back segment alteration (14.08%), another corneal opacities (8.45%), glaucoma (2.82%) y refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy and surgical complications (each with 1.41%). 82,5% of the people have not been operated by ignorance of their disease or economic difficulties. Discussion: blindness is a public health problem in Santander, and its distribution is inequitable, affecting primarily poor population located in rural zones. The main causes of visual deficit are cataract and refracting errors, totally correctable causes by simple and economic way. It is recommended to the health authorities, to formulate and to implement a plan of visual health that includes mobilization all social security system actors in health in Santander. [Galvis V, Rey JJ, Rodríguez LA, Serrano C, Tello A. Blindness prevalence in Santander, Colombia. MedUNAB 2009; 12:66-73].