Wuchereria bancrofti Lymphatic Filariasis, Barrancabermeja, Colombia, 2023.

We describe a recent case of lymphatic filariasis in Colombia caused by Wuchereria bancrofti nematodes. Our study combines clinical-epidemiologic findings with phylogenetic data. Resurgence of lymphatic filariasis may be linked to increasing urbanization trends and migration from previously endemic regions. Fieldwork can be a beneficial tool for screening and containing transmission.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Pregnancy. A Non-systematic Review of Clinical Presentation, Potential Effects of Physiological Adaptations in Pregnancy, and Placental Vascular Alterations.

In December 2019, the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread to become a pandemic. To date, increasing evidence has described the potential negative impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women. Although the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not entirely understood, there is emerging evidence that it causes a severe systemic inflammatory response associated with vascular alterations that could be of special interest considering some physiological changes in pregnancy. Additionally, these alterations may affect the physiology of the placenta and are associated with pregnancy complications and abnormal histologic findings. On the other hand, data about the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 are limited, but the risks of administering COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy appear to be minimal. This review summarizes the current literature on SARSCoV2 virus infection, the development of COVID-19 and its relationship with physiological changes, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) function during pregnancy. We have particularly emphasized evidence coming from Latin American countries.

Cultural Influences on the Regulation of Energy Intake and Obesity: A Qualitative Study Comparing Food Customs and Attitudes to Eating in Adults from France and the United States.

(1) Background: The influence of food culture on eating behavior and obesity risk is poorly understood. (2) Methods: In this qualitative study, 25 adults in France with or without overweight/obesity participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 10) or focus groups (n = 15) to examine attitudes to food consumption and external pressures that influence eating behavior and weight management. Results were compared to an equivalent study conducted in the United States, thereby contrasting two countries with markedly different rates of obesity. Emerging key themes in the French data were identified through coding using a reflexive approach. (3) Results: The main themes identified were: (1) influence of commensality, social interactions, and pleasure from eating on eating behavior, (2) having a balanced and holistic approach to nutrition, (3) the role of environmental concerns in food consumption, (4) relationship with "natural" products (idealized) and food processing (demonized), (5) perceptions of weight status and management. Stress and difficulties in hunger cue discernment were viewed as important obstacles to weight management in both countries. External pressures were described as a major factor that explicitly influences food consumption in the U.S., while there was an implicit influence of external pressures through eating-related social interactions in France. In France, products considered "natural" where idealized and juxtaposed against processed and "industrial" products, whereas this was not a salient aspect in the U.S. (4) Conclusions: This first comparative qualitative study assessing aspects of food culture and eating behaviors across countries identifies both common and divergent attitudes to food and eating behavior. Further studies are needed to inform the development of effective behavioral interventions to address obesity in different populations.

Alteraciones de la pared abdominal: onfalocele / Abdominal wall defects: omphalocele

Introducción: los defectos de la pared son malformaciones congénitas con herniación de algunos órganos de la cavidad abdominal, como es el onfalocele. La prevalencia calculada es 1/10.000 nacimientos en países occidentales, en Colombia se desconoce. El diagnóstico es pre o posnatal requiriendo una serie de exámenes clínicos sistémicos, evaluación diagnóstica secundaria y búsqueda de anomalías asociadas; el tratamiento ha mejorado las tasas de supervivencia entre 70 y 95%. Objetivo: dar a conocer la patología y correlacionar los hallazgos genéticos, ambientales, clínicos y exámenes complementarios para el diagnóstico oportuno, derivando así al paciente a un tratamiento óptimo con disminución de la mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: revisión actualizada de la literatura utilizando buscadores Pubmed, UpToDate y ClinicalKey con énfasis en revisiones sistemáticas, casos clínicos y principales guías clínicas internacionales. Después se envió al jefe del departamento de cirugía pediátrica y a la división de publicaciones para su conocimiento, revisión y aprobación. Resultados: se analizaron 17 artículos publicados en los últimos 5 años, seleccionando los más relevantes y con evidencia clínica actual. Discusión y conclusiones: los estudios recientes han evidenciado nuevos hallazgos que han mejorado la supervivencia y reducido la mortalidad en los últimos 50 años.

Introduction: abdominal wall defects are congenital malformations associated with herniated abdominal organs, such as omphalocele. Its estimated prevalence is 1 per 10.000 live births in western countries. In Colombia the prevalence of omphalocele remains unknown. Omphalocele may be pre or postnatally diagnosed. A series of systemic clinical exams, secondary diagnostic evaluation and assessment for accompanying anomalies, are necessary. Treatment has improved survival rate to 70 and 95%. Objective: to increase awareness of this anomaly and correlate genetic, environmental and clinical findings and complementary exams to enable the early diagnosis and referral of these patients to receive optimal treatment which will reduce mortality. Materials and methods: updated literature review using Pubmed, UpToDate and ClinicalKey search engines, focused on systematic reviews, clinical cases and main international clinical practice guidelines. Found data was submitted to the head of the pediatric surgery department and to the publications division for their information, review and approval Results: 17 articles published in the last 5 years including the most relevant which contained current clinical evidence, were selected. Discussion and conclusions: recent studies have evidenced new findings that have improved survival and reduced mortality in the last 50 years.