Perioperative Modified FOLFIRINOX for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignant tumor, and durable disease control is rare with the current standard of care, even for patients who undergo surgical resection. Objective: To assess whether neoadjuvant modified 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (mFOLFIRINOX) leads to early control of micrometastasis and improves survival. Design, Setting, and Participants: This open-label, single-arm, phase 2 nonrandomized controlled trial for resectable PDAC was conducted at the Yale Smilow Cancer Hospital from April 3, 2014, to August 16, 2021. Pancreatic protocol computed tomography was performed at diagnosis to assess surgical candidacy. Data were analyzed from January to July 2023. Interventions: Patients received 6 cycles of neoadjuvant mFOLFIRINOX before surgery and 6 cycles of adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX. Whole blood was collected and processed to stored plasma for analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels. Tumors were evaluated for treatment response and keratin 17 (K17) expression. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. Additional end points included overall survival (OS), ctDNA level, tumor molecular features, and K17 tumor levels. Survival curves were summarized using Kaplan-Meier estimator. Results: Of 46 patients who received mFOLFIRINOX, 31 (67%) were male, and the median (range) age was 65 (46-80) years. A total of 37 (80%) completed 6 preoperative cycles and 33 (72%) underwent surgery. A total of 27 patients (59%) underwent resection per protocol (25 with R0 disease and 2 with R1 disease); metastatic or unresectable disease was identified in 6 patients during exploration. Ten patients underwent surgery off protocol. The 12-month PFS was 67% (90% CI, 56.9-100); the median PFS and OS were 16.6 months (95% CI, 13.3-40.6) and 37.2 months (95% CI, 17.5-not reached), respectively. Baseline ctDNA levels were detected in 16 of 22 patients (73%) and in 3 of 17 (18%) after 6 cycles of mFOLFIRINOX. Those with detectable ctDNA levels 4 weeks postresection had worse PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 34.0; 95% CI, 2.6-4758.6; P = .006) and OS (HR, 11.7; 95% CI, 1.5-129.9; P = .02) compared with those with undetectable levels. Patients with high K17 expression had nonsignificantly worse PFS (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 0.7-10.9; P = .09) and OS (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 0.8-13.6; P = .07). Conclusions and Relevance: This nonrandomized controlled trial met its primary end point, and perioperative mFOLFIRINOX warrants further evaluation in randomized clinical trials. Postoperative ctDNA positivity was strongly associated with recurrence. K17 and ctDNA are promising biomarkers that require additional validation in future prospective studies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02047474.

A closed, autologous bioprocess optimized for TCR-T cell therapies.

Autologous cell therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for hematological malignancies. Cell therapies for solid tumors are on the horizon, however the high cost and complexity of manufacturing these therapies remain a challenge. Routinely used open steps to transfer cells and reagents through unit operations further burden the workflow reducing efficiency and increasing the chance for human error. Here we describe a fully closed, autologous bioprocess generating engineered TCR-T cells. This bioprocess yielded 5-12 × 10e9 TCR-expressing T cells, transduced at low multiplicity of infections, within 7-10 days, and cells exhibited an enriched memory T-cell phenotype and enhanced metabolic fitness. It was demonstrated that activating, transducing, and expanding leukapheresed cells in a bioreactor without any T-cell or peripheral blood mononuclear cell enrichment steps had a high level of T-cell purity (~97%). Several critical process parameters of the bioreactor, including culturing at a high cell density (7e6 cells/mL), adjusting rocking agitations during phases of scale-up, lowering glycolysis through the addition of 2-deoxy- d-glucose, and modulating interleukin-2 levels, were investigated on their roles in regulating transduction efficiency, cell growth, and T-cell fitness such as T-cell memory phenotype and resistance to activation-induced cell death. The bioprocess described herein supports scale-out feasibility by enabling the processing of multiple patients' batches in parallel within a Grade C cleanroom.

"My Body, My Rhythm, My Voice": a community dance pilot intervention engaging breast cancer survivors in physical activity in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to promote physical activity among women breast cancer survivors (BCS) in low- to middle-income countries are limited. We assessed the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a theory-driven, group-based dance intervention for BCS delivered in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study employing a mixed-methods approach to assess the 8-week, 3 times/week group dance intervention. The effect of the intervention on participants' physical activity levels (measured by accelerometry), motivation to engage in physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated using generalized estimating equation analysis. The qualitative method included semi-structured interviews thematically analyzed to evaluate program acceptability. RESULTS: Sixty-four BCS were allocated to the intervention (n = 31) or the control groups (n = 33). In the intervention arm, 84% attended ≥ 60% of sessions. We found increases on average minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day (intervention: +8.99 vs control: -3.7 min), and in ratings of motivation (intervention change score = 0.45, vs. control change score= -0.05). BCS reported improvements in perceived behavioral capabilities to be active, captured through the interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The high attendance, behavioral changes, and successful delivery indicate the potential effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of the intervention for BCS in Colombia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05252780, registered on Dec 7th, 2021-retrospectively registered unique protocol ID: P20CA217199-9492018.

Innovative participatory evaluation methodologies to assess and sustain multilevel impacts of two community-based physical activity programs for women in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Community-based physical activity (PA) programs are appealing to women in Latin America and show potential for improving women's health. This study aimed to engage healthy middle-aged women, breast cancer survivors and local stakeholders participating in two publicly funded community-based PA programs in Bogotá, Colombia (Recreovía and My Body) to assess and visually map the perceived barriers, facilitators, and outcomes to promote programs' improvement, scaling and sustainability. METHODS: We used two participatory action research methods, the 1) Our Voice citizen science method to capture data and drive local change in built and social environmental facilitators and barriers that influence women's engagement in community-based PA; and 2) Ripple Effects Mapping to visually map the intended and unintended outcomes of PA programs. We used thematic analysis to classify the results at the individual, social, and community levels. RESULTS: The stakeholders engaged in the participatory evaluation included cross-sector actors from the programs (N = 6) and program users (total N = 34) from the two programs (Recreovía N = 16; My Body N = 18). Program users were women with a mean age of 55.7 years (SD = 8.03), 65% lived in low-income neighborhoods. They identified infrastructure as the main feature affecting PA, having both positive (e.g., appropriate facilities) and negative (e.g., poorly built areas for PA) effects. Regarding program improvements, stakeholders advocated for parks' cleaning, safety, and appropriate use. The most highlighted outcomes were the expansion and strengthening of social bonds and the engagement in collective wellbeing, which leveraged some participants' leadership skills for PA promotion strategies in their community. The facilitated dialogue among program users and stakeholders fostered the sustainability and expansion of the community-based PA programs, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of both participatory methodologies provided a multidimensional understanding of the programs' impacts and multisectoral dialogues that fostered efforts to sustain the community-based PA programs.

Hepatitis B en indígenas de América Latina: una revisión de la literatura / Hepatitis B in indigenous people in Latin America: a literature review / Hepatite B em indígenas na América Latina: revisão da literatura

RESUMEN Objetivo. Identificar publicaciones realizadas entre los años 2000 y 2020 sobre hepatitis B en indígenas de América Latina, con el fin de conocer avances y vacíos en el tema durante los últimos 20 años. Métodos. Revisión exploratoria y síntesis rápida de la evidencia. El proceso de organización documental se realizó con los programas Excel® y Rayyan®. Resultados. Se seleccionaron 30 de 107 artículos encontrados, 17 corresponden a estudios epidemiológicos, 10 a revisiones documentales, dos estudios clínicos y una carta al editor. Brasil fue el país con más publicaciones (50%), la mayoría con enfoque epidemiológico. La temática más abordada fue la medición de prevalencia de la infección por hepatitis B con 22 publicaciones, le siguieron 11 estudios que informan resultados de estudios moleculares del virus, siete estudios sobre vacunación, cinco estudios sobre factores de riesgo y cuatro publicaciones con temas como la transmisión vertical y estudios sociales. Conclusión. En comparación con revisiones previas realizadas por otros autores, se observa una mayor diversidad en los temas y métodos de investigación utilizados; sin embargo, aún prevalecen los enfoques epidemiológicos convencionales centrados en la medición de la prevalencia de marcadores serológicos. Esto hace necesario encarar otro tipo de investigaciones centradas en los determinantes socioculturales.

ABSTRACT Objective. Identify publications from 2000 to 2020 on hepatitis B in indigenous people in Latin America, to learn about advances and gaps in this field in the last 20 years. Methods. Exploratory review and systematic evidence review. Documents were organized using Excel and Rayyan® software. Results. We selected 30 of 107 articles found: 17 epidemiological studies, 10 document reviews, 2 clinical studies, and 1 letter to the editor. Brazil was the country with the most publications (50%), most of them with an epidemiological approach. The topic most often addressed was hepatitis B prevalence with 22 publications, followed by 11 studies reporting results of molecular studies of the virus, 7 studies on vaccination, 5 studies on risk factors, and 4 publications with topics such as vertical transmission and studies of social issues. Conclusion. Compared to previous reviews by other authors, we saw greater diversity in topics and research methods; however, conventional epidemiological approaches that focus on measuring prevalence of serological markers still predominate. Thus, there is a need for other types of research focused on sociocultural determinants.

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2020 sobre hepatite B em indígenas da América Latina, visando a conhecer as conquistas obtidas nos últimos 20 anos e as lacunas existentes com relação a esta doença. Métodos. Foi realizada uma revisão exploratória da literatura com síntese das evidências. O material obtido foi organizado com o uso de Excel® e Rayyan®. Resultados. De 107 artigos encontrados, 30 foram selecionados - 17 estudos epidemiológicos, 10 revisões documentais, 2 estudos clínicos e 1 carta ao editor. O Brasil foi o país com o maior percentual de artigos publicados (50%), na sua maioria estudos com enfoque epidemiológico. As áreas temáticas abordadas foram a prevalência de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (22 artigos), estudos moleculares do vírus da hepatite (11 estudos), vacinação (7), fatores de risco (5), e temas como transmissão materno-fetal e aspectos sociais (4). Conclusões. Comparado aos estudos de revisão anteriores conduzidos por outros autores, o presente estudo demonstra uma maior variedade de áreas temáticas e metodologias empregadas. No entanto, ainda predominam enfoques epidemiológicos convencionais com foco na avaliação da prevalência de marcadores sorológicos. São necessárias outras linhas de pesquisas enfocando os determinantes socioculturais.

Seborrheic dermatitis and its relationship with Malassezia spp / Dermatitis seborreica y su relación con Malassezia spp

Abstract Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that that is difficult to manage and with a high impact on the individual's quality of life. Besides, it is a multifactorial entity that typically occurs as an inflammatory response to Malassezia species, along with specific triggers that contribute to its pathophysiology. Sin ce the primary underlying pathogenic mechanisms include Malassezia proliferation and skin inflammation, the most common treatment includes topical antifungal keratolytics and anti-inflammatory agents. However, the consequences of eliminating the yeast population from the skin, the resistance profiles of Malassezia spp. and the effectivity among different groups of medications are unknown. Thus, in this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the disease´s pathophysio logy and the role of Malassezia sp. on it, as well as, the different antifungal treatment alternatives, including topical and oral treatment in the management of SD.

Resumen La dermatitis seborreica (DS) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica, con un elevado impacto en la calidad de vida del individuo. Además, DS es una entidad multifactorial que ocurre como respuesta inflamatoria a las levaduras del género Malassezia spp., junto con factores desencadenantes que contribuyen a la fisio patología de la enfermedad. Dado que el mecanismo patogénico principal involucra la proliferación e inflamación generada por Malassezia spp., el tratamiento más usado son los agentes tópicos antifúngicos y antiinflamatorios. Sin embargo, se desconocen las consecuencias de eliminar la población de levaduras de la piel, los perfiles de resistencia de Malassezia spp. y la efectividad entre grupos diferentes de medicamentos. Por tanto, en esta revisión de la literatura, resumimos el conocimiento actual sobre la fisiopatología de la enfermedad y el papel de Malassezia sp., así como de las diferentes alternativas de tratamiento antifúngico tanto tópico como oral en el manejo de la DS.

La nueva realidad: Manejo endovascular del trauma de carótida / The new era: Endovascular approach for carotid artery trauma

Introducción. La mayoría de las lesiones de carótida cervical en nuestra institución se manejan por vía endovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los desenlaces del manejo de las lesiones de carótida cervical en un hospital de cuarto nivel en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Métodos. Estudio de series de casos, retrospectivo, descriptivo, en pacientes con trauma de carótida (penetrante y cerrado), admitidos en un centro de alta complejidad de la ciudad de Cali, en el periodo comprendido desde enero de 2018 hasta enero de 2020. Resultados. Se evaluaron 20 pacientes con lesión de carótida, de los cuales 90 % tenía trauma penetrante, en su mayoría por proyectil de arma de fuego. La zona más frecuentemente afectada fue la carótida interna (65 %) y el 40 % de los pacientes presentaban síntomas neurológicos al ingreso. Se realizó manejo endovascular en 13 pacientes, con un 75 % de éxito en el manejo endovascular al ingreso. La mortalidad general fue del 20 %, que en su mayoría estuvo relacionada con traumatismo en otros órganos. El 69 % de los pacientes quedaron sin secuelas neurológicas al alta y el 25 % con secuelas mínimas. Discusión. Se muestra una serie de casos con lesión de carótida donde, teniendo en cuenta las variables de mal pronóstico para hacer una selección adecuada de los pacientes candidatos a este tipo de terapia, el resultado del manejo endovascular fue exitoso

Introduction. Most cervical carotid injuries in our institution are managed by endovascular approach. The objective of this study was to describe the outcomes of the endovascular management of cervical carotid lesions in at a I Level Trauma Center in Cali, Colombia. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive case series study in patients with both penetrating and blunt carotid trauma who were admitted to a I Level Trauma Center between January 2018 and January 2020. Results. Twenty patients with carotid injury were evaluated, of which 90% had penetrating trauma, mostly from a firearm projectile. The most frequently affected area was the internal carotid (65%) and 40% of the patients had neurological symptoms on admission. Endovascular management was performed in 13 patients, with a 75% success rate in endovascular management on admission. Overall mortality was 20%, most of which was related to trauma to other organs; 69% of the patients were left without neurological sequelae at discharge and 25% with minimal sequelae.Discussion. We describe a case series of patients with cervical carotid injury, taking into account the variables of poor prognosis to make an adequate selection of patients for endovascular management, the result of endovascular management was successful

A nanoparticle vaccine that targets neoantigen peptides to lymphoid tissues elicits robust antitumor T cell responses.

Cancer vaccines using synthetic long peptides (SLP) targeting tumor antigens have been tested in the clinic but the outcomes have been unimpressive, perhaps because these peptides elicit predominantly CD4+ T cell responses. We hypothesized that enhanced delivery of peptide antigens to, and uptake in, secondary lymphoid tissues should elicit more robust CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses and improved anti-tumor responses. Here, we have designed SLP-containing cationic lipoplexes (SLP-Lpx) that improve delivery of peptides to myeloid cells in the spleen and lymphatics. Using the G12D KRAS mutations as neoantigens, we found that vaccination of mice with naked synthetic peptides harboring the G12D mutation with CpG adjuvant stimulated mainly CD4+ T cell responses with limited tumor growth inhibition. On the other hand, immunization with SLP-Lpx stimulated both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and suppressed tumor growth in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner. Combination of the SLP-Lpx vaccines with a checkpoint inhibitor led to profound growth suppression of established tumors. These studies suggest that preferential targeting of peptides derived from neoantigens to the spleen via lipoplexes elicits potent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses that inhibit tumor growth.

Sociocultural descriptions of febrile syndromes in rural areas of Urabá, Colombia: An exploration of "tick fever" / Descrição sociocultural de síndromes febris em áreas rurais de Antioquia Urabá: um olhar sobre a "febre do carrapato"

Abstract Introduction: In 2006 and 2008 there were two lethal outbreaks of rickettsioses in the rural areas of Urabá, characterized by the lack of immediate diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. Objective: Describe sociocultural aspects about knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to febrile syndromes and "tick fever" in rural areas of Urabá. Materials and methods: We conducted an exploratory study using knowledge, attitudes, and practices questionnaires and semi-structured interviews about febrile syndromes and "tick fever". We surveyed 246 heads of households and interviewed nine individuals. Results: We observed that people tended to identify febrile syndromes with signs and clinical symptoms of dengue, malaria, leptospirosis and rickettsioses. A considerable proportion of individuals (32.93%) knew very little about "tick fever", thinking that is was transmitted by mosquitos. They mentioned intestinal parasitoids, malaria, dengue, and "evil eye" among the causes of febrile syndromes. "Tick fever" is linked by its name to the bite of the tick. Furthermore, the treatments for febrile syndromes mentioned by interviewees are associated to those commonly used in western medicine and medicinal plants. Conclusions: There is a need for educational programs in rural areas, to raise awareness about these potential lethal conditions that can be effectively treated.

Resumo Introdução: Nos anos de 2006 e 2008, dois surtos letais de riquetsiose foram relatados em áreas rurais de Urabá, caracterizados pela falta de atenção imediata para o diagnóstico e tratamento com antibióticos. Objetivo: Descrever aspectos socioculturais do conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de síndromes febris e "febre do carrapato" em áreas rurais de Antioquia, Urabá. Materiais e métodos: Realizou-se estudo exploratório, através de inquéritos sobre CAP (conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas) e entrevistas semiestruturadas sobre síndromes febris e "febre do carrapato", um nome que se refere às doenças das riquetsioses na área. Foram aplicados 246 inquéritos sobre a CAP foram realizadas aos chefes de agregados familiares e nove pessoas foram entrevistadas. Resultados: Observou-se que as pessoas tendem a identificar os sinais e sintomas clínicos característicos da dengue, malária, leptospirose e até riquetsiose. Um grande número de pessoas demonstra baixo conhecimento sobre "febre do carrapato" e indicou que ela é transmitida por mosquitos (32,93%). Os entrevistados indicaram que as causas das diferentes síndromes febris se devem a parasitas intestinais, malária, dengue ou, como crença cultural, ao "mau olhado". A "febre do carrapato" o associa, pelo nome, com a mordida do carrapato. Além disso, o tratamento das síndromes febris referidas pelos entrevistados está intimamente relacionado ao uso comum da medicina ocidental e ao uso de "plantas medicinais". Conclusões. É necessário ter programas de educação nessas áreas rurais para que essas entidades potencialmente letais tenham um tratamento efetivo e acessível.

Guías bilingües: una estrategia para disminuir las barreras culturales en el acceso y la atención en salud de las comunidades wayuu de Maicao, Colombia / Bilingual guides: a strategy to decrease cultural barriers to health care access in the Wayuu communities of Maicao, Colombia

RESUMEN Este artículo estudia la función del guía bilingüe como actor en la disminución de la brecha en el acceso y la atención en salud de las comunidades indígenas wayuu de Colombia. En el marco de un proyecto de VIH llevado a cabo entre los años 2012 y 2014, se realizaron 24 entrevistas a actores claves del área administrativa y de salud, incluyendo guías bilingües wayuu. A partir del análisis cualitativo se identificaron tres barreras culturales respecto al acceso a la atención en salud: a) idioma; b) cosmovisión wayuu sobre el cuerpo, la salud y la enfermedad; c) información sobre salud sexual y reproductiva y VIH culturalmente no adaptada. El estudio identifica al guía bilingüe como actor clave en la disminución de estas barreras y finaliza con una discusión sobre el rol de los guías, las tensiones inherentes a su labor, y la complejidad de su aporte como mediadores culturales.

ABSTRACT The article examines the use of bilingual guides to decrease cultural barriers to health care access in the Wayuu indigenous communities of Colombia. Within a larger project on HIV carried out between 2012 and 2014, 24 interviews were conducted with key actors in the administrative and health areas, including Wayuu bilingual guides. As a result of the qualitative analysis, the study identified three cultural barriers to health care access: a) language; b) the Wayuu worldview regarding the body, health, and illness; and c) information about sexual and reproductive health and HIV not adapted to the Wayuu culture. The study identifies the bilingual guides as key actors in reducing these barriers and concludes with a discussion of the role of the guides, the tensions inherent to their work, and the complexity of their contributions as cultural mediators.

Evaluación de estructuras cerebrales por resonancia magnética en personas infectadas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y adherentes al tratamiento antirretroviral / Evaluation by MRI of brain structures of HIV subjects with adherence to antiretroviral therapy

Introducción: los cambios estructurales del cerebro se pueden observar en fases tempranas de la infección por VIH y acelerarse en estadios avanzados, aunque queda por profundizar con más estudios clínicos la relación que pueda existir entre la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral y los cambios en los volúmenes de las estructuras cerebrales. Objetivo: identificar los cambios en estructurascerebrales de personas infectadas con VIH por medio de la resonancia magnética y explorar su relación con el tratamiento antirretroviral. Materiales y métodos: se eligieron 2 grupos, cada uno con 16 individuos; el primero conformado por personas infectadas con VIH y tratamiento adherente y el segundo con individuos no infectados (grupo control). Los volúmenes de las estructuras corticales, subcorticales, las regiones superficiales de la sustancia blanca y gris fueron calculados para los dos hemisferios, en los cuales se utilizaron algoritmos automáticos de la plataforma de análisis de imágenesFreeSurfer. Los datos anatómicos de los individuos fueron adquiridos en un equipo de resonancia magnética 3T en el Instituto de Alta Tecnología Médica (IATM), Medellín, Colombia. Resultados: el análisis de las estructuras corticales y subcorticales no arrojó diferencias significativas entre las volumetríasdel grupo control y los individuos infectados con VIH/adherentes al tratamiento. Conclusión: los hallazgos muestran que el cerebro puede estar posiblemente sin alteraciones en sus estructuras corticales y subcorticales en los individuos con VIH adherentes al tratamiento, en primera o segunda línea de tratamiento antirretroviral, y, a la vez, estos resultados pueden aportar nuevas estrategias de neuroprotección ante el autocuidado frente al esquema de tratamento.

Introduction: structural brain changes can be detected in early stages of HIV infection and may be accelerated in advanced stages, however it still important to have more clinic studies for analyze the relationship between the adherence to antiretroviral therapy and changes in the volume of brain structures. Objective: To identify changes in brain structures from HIV subjects by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and to correlate the findings with the antiretroviral treatment. Materials and methods: Two groups with 16 subjects were chosen: a HIV group of subjects with medication adherence and healthy subjects (control group). By using the automatic segmentation software for brain Freesurfer, cortical and subcortical structures volumes as well as grey and white matter surface area were calculated for both brain hemispheres. Data were acquired through 3T MRI scanner in the Instituto de Alta Tecnología Médica (IATM) from Medellin (Colombia). Results: There were not statistically significant differences in cortical and subcortical structures between control group and subjects HIV infected with adherence to treatment. Conclusion: These findings show that subjects infectedwith VIH in first or second line of antiretroviral treatment probably do not have any change on the brain cortical and subcortical structures. In addition, this allows developing new neuroprotection and self-care strategies during the current treatment plans.

[Morbidity and risk behavior regarding street-children in Medellin, Colombia, 2008]. / Morbilidad atendida y conductas de riesgo de la niñez y adolescencia en situación de calle de Medellín, 2008.

OBJECTIVES: Describing the characteristics, morbidity and risk behaviour of street children from Medellin. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive, retrospective study. The medical charts of children aged less than 17 who sought medical attention in five protection institutions in Medellin during 2008 were reviewed. The analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Age was categorised into two groups: boys/girls (0- 12 years) and adolescents (13-17 years). RESULTS: The following characteristicswere found after reviewing 483 medical charts: being male (73.1 %), adolescent (73.1 %) and living in the streets (44.7 %). The most common diagnoses were for infectious and parasite illnesses (21.8 %), factors that affected health status and contact with health services (13.7 %), respiratory diseases (11.8 %). A total of 81.0 % of all children were engaged in psychoactive substance abuse,smoking marijuana being the most common (80.0 %);84.0 % reported engaging in sexual activity. CONCLUSION: Infectious diseases, sexual activity and usingpsychoactive substances placed this population in a high vulnerability category. This situation demands that local health-policy makers guarantee thispopulation's constitutional right to health, through health-promotion programmes and sexual and reproductive health strategies to prevent disease and psychoactive substance abuse.

Morbilidad atendida y conductas de riesgo de la niñez y adolescencia en situación de calle de Medellín, 2008 / Morbidity and risk behavior regarding street-children in Medellin, Colombia, 2008

Objetivos Describir características, morbilidad atendida y conductas de riesgo para la salud de la niñez y adolescencia en situación de calle de Medellín. Metodología Estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se revisaron historias clínicas de niños, niñas y adolescentes que recibieron atención médica en cinco instituciones de protección entre enero y diciembre del 2008. El análisis incluyo análisis uni y bivariado con las variables de interés. La edad fue agrupada en: niños y niñas (0-12 años) y adolescentes (13-17 años). Resultados Se incluyeron 483 historias clínicas. El 73,1 por ciento de los registros del sexo masculino, 73,1 por ciento adolescentes y 44,7 por ciento residían en la calle. Los principales diagnósticos fueron: Ciertas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias (18,3 por ciento), factores que influyen con el estado de salud y contacto con servicios de salud (13,7 por ciento), enfermedades del sistema respiratorio (11,8 por ciento). El 81,0 por ciento consumían sustancias sicoactivas, la más consumida fue la marihuana (80,0 por ciento). El 84,0 por ciento reporta actividad sexual. Conclusión La morbilidad atendida, su actividad sexual y consumo de sicoactivos evidencian una alta vulnerabilidad en salud en este grupo poblacional. Esto exige a instancias de planificación y dirección de políticas públicas en salud la garantía de su derecho constitucional a la salud a través de la ejecución de programas de promoción de la salud y la salud sexual y reproductiva y de estrategias para la prevención de enfermedades y del consumo de sicoactivos.

Objectives Describing the characteristics, morbidity and risk behaviour of street children from Medellin. Methodology This was a descriptive, retrospective study. The medical charts of children aged less than 17 who sought medical attention in five protection institutions in Medellin during 2008 were reviewed. The analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Age was categorised into two groups: boys/girls (0- 12 years) and adolescents (13-17 years). Results The following characteristicswere found after reviewing 483 medical charts: being male (73.1 percent), adolescent (73.1 percent) and living in the streets (44.7 percent). The most common diagnoses were for infectious and parasite illnesses (21.8 percent), factors that affected health status and contact with health services (13.7 percent), respiratory diseases (11.8 percent). A total of 81.0 percent of all children were engaged in psychoactive substance abuse,smoking marijuana being the most common (80.0 percent);84.0 percent reported engaging in sexual activity. Conclusion Infectious diseases, sexual activity and usingpsychoactive substances placed this population in a high vulnerability category. This situation demands that local health-policy makers guarantee thispopulation's constitutional right to health, through health-promotion programmes and sexual and reproductive health strategies to prevent disease and psychoactive substance abuse.

Helicobacter pylori y plaquetas: informe preliminar: [revisión] / Helicobacter pylori and platelets: preliminary report: [review]

De acuerdo con la literatura científica, la infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) es un problema creciente de salud pública en países en vía de desarrollo, como Colombia, con graves repercusiones gastrointestinales y extradigestivas, como son las alteraciones hematológicas, principalmente asociadas con las plaquetas, que pueden aumentar el riesgo cardiovascular, en particular el recuento de plaquetas y el porcentaje de plaquetas inmaduras. Objetivo: determinar la relación entre la infección por H. pylori y la presencia de alteraciones plaquetarias en una población sana de individuos...

Agresividad en los escolares y su relación con las normas familiares / Aggressiveness in School-Aged Children and their Relationship with Family Rules

Introducción: La agresividad crónica de los niños después de que inicia su estancia en la escuela es la condición que más se relaciona con delincuencia en la adolescencia, la juventud y la vida adulta. Los niños persistentemente agresivos después de los 10 años de edad están asociados a condiciones de vida difícil, deserción escolar, precocidad en el inicio de la vida sexual, mayor número de parejas, consumo de alcohol y mayor dificultad para graduarse de la universidad. Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo surge de un estudio experimental donde se seleccionaron escuelas para tres intervenciones e identificó el comportamiento agresivo de los niños y niñas a través del test denominado COPRAG, que evalúa los comportamientos agresivos y prosociales de los niños y es diligenciado por el maestro o maestra. Las relaciones familiares se exploraron con la encuesta ACTIVA, instrumento usado en una investigación realizada por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud en América Latina. Resultados y conclusiones: La encuesta ACTIVA tuvo en este estudio muy poca confi abilidad. El test fue transformado y se lograron establecer asociaciones entre las relaciones familiares y la agresividad de los niños. Se encontró relación entre el comportamiento no agresivo del niño y poseer habilidades personales para resolución de confl ictos por parte del cuidador. También fue relevante la asociación entre el patrón de crianza violento del cuidador y el niño altamente agresivo. Igualmente, se evidencia una asociación límite entre las normas de control policivo del cuidador y el comportamiento agresivo de los niños...

Introduction: Aggressiveness in children during their school period is a condition related to delinquency during their adolescence and adulthood. Persistently aggressive children up to the age of 10 are associated with difficult life conditions such as: becoming school dropouts, premature sexuality, promiscuity, alcohol consumption and a greater difficulty to graduate from college. Methods: This study identified aggressive behavior in boys and girls using the diagnostic test named COPRAG, a test that evaluates aggressive and pro-social behaviors in children which is later on processed by the teacher. The test measures the teacher’s perception of the child’s behavior, and it allows the educator to identify the level of aggressiveness in each boy and girl. Family relations are explored with the survey ACTIVA, and instrument used in an investigation conducted by the Panamerican Organization of Health in the Americas. Results and Conclusions: The ACTIVA test establishes associations between family relationships and aggressiveness in children. It was observed that there is a relationship between non aggressive behavior and those who possess personal abilities to resolve confl icts. The association between the violent way of raising a child by a caregiver and a highly aggressive child was also observed...

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in physicians in Medellín, Colombia]. / Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en médicos de Medellín, Colombia.

UNLABELLED: Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated complications, such as gastric cancer, constitute a true public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia and Latin America, where it is highly prevalent. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population ofMedellin, Colombia. METHODS: A transversal-cut observational epidemiological study was done, 342 physicians were included. The presence of H. pylori infection, diagnosed with carbon 13-labelled urea breath test, and its association with personal aspects, history of gastric disease and clinical manifestations was evaluated. RESULTS: The general prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%). Discriminating by gender, it represents a prevalence of 78.4% in men and 72.6% in women, without any significant association (chi-square, p = 0.37). Of the total 342 participants, 183 (53.5%) presented at least one suspected episode of gastric disease, and of these, 141 (77%) were positive and 42 (23%) were negative for H. pylori; of the 264 H. pylori positive participants, 141 (53.4%) had history of gastric disease and 123 (46.6%) were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population in Medellin, Colombia, is 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%), in accordance to the epidemiologic profile of the region. Also, 46.6% of individuals infected by H. pylori were asymptomatic and with no history or symptoms suggestive of the presence of the bacteria, which is only possible to determine after appropriate testing of the individuals.

Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en médicos de Medellín, Colombia / Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in physicians in Medellín, Colombia

La infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) y las omplicaciones asociadas, como el cáncer gástrico, representan un verdadero problema de salud pública porque lideran las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad en Colombia y Latinoamérica, en donde es altamente prevalente. Objetivo: caracterizar la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en la población médica de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico bservacional transversal donde se incluyeron 342 médicos. Se evaluó la presencia de la infección por H. pylori mediante la prueba de aliento con urea marcada con carbono 13 y su asociación con aspectos personales, antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y manifestaciones clínicas. Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia general de infección por H. pylori de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), que discriminada por género epresenta una prevalencia de 78.4% en hombres y 72.6% en mujeres, sin asociación significativa (Chi- –cuadrado p= 0.37). Del total de los 342 participantes, 183 (53.5%) presentaron al menos un evento sospechoso de enfermedad gástrica y de éstos, 141 (77%) fueron positivos y 42 (23%) negativos para H. pylori; de los 264 participantes H. pylori positivos, 141 (53.4%) presentaban antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y 123 (46.6%) fueron asintomáticos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en lapoblación médica de Medellín, Colombia, es de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), acorde con el perfil epidemiológico de la región. Además, el 46.6% de los individuos infectados por H. pylori fueron asintomáticos y no hay antecedentes ni síntomas que permitan sospechar la presencia de la bacteria, la cual sólo es posible determinar tras el estudio apropiado de los individuos.

Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated complications, such as gastric cancer, constitute a true public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia and Latin America, where it is highly prevalent. Objective: To characterize the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population of Medellín, Colombia. Methods: A transversal-cut observational epidemiological study was done, 342 physicians were included. The presence of H. pylori infection, diagnosed with carbon 13-labelled urea breath test, and its association with personal aspects, history of gastric disease and clinical manifestations was evaluated. Results: The general prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%). Discriminating by gender, it represents a prevalence of 78.4% in men and 72.6% in women, without any significant association (chisquare, p=0.37). Of the total 342 participants, 183 (53.5%) presented at least one suspected episode of gastric disease, and of these, 141 (77%) were positive and 42 (23%) were negative for H. pylori; of the 264 H. pylori positive participants, 141 (53.4%) had history of gastric disease and 123 (46.6%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population in Medellín, Colombia, is 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%), in accordance to the epidemiologic profile of the region. Also, 46.6% of individuals infected by H. pylori were asymptomatic and with no history or symptoms suggestive of the presence of the bacteria, which is only possible to determine after appropriate testing of the individuals.