First European Erwinia amylovora Lytic Bacteriophage Cocktails Effective in the Host: Characterization and Prospects for Fire Blight Biocontrol.

Fire blight, caused by the plant-pathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a highly contagious and difficult-to-control disease due to its efficient dissemination and survival and the scarcity of effective control methods. Copper and antibiotics are the most used treatments but pose environmental and human health risks. Bacteriophages (phages) constitute an ecological, safe, and sustainable fire blight control alternative. The goal of this study was to search for specific E. amylovora phages from plant material, soil, and water samples in Mediterranean environments. A collection of phages able to specifically infect and lyse E. amylovora strains was generated from former fire blight-affected orchards in Eastern Spain. Following in vitro characterization, assays in immature fruit revealed that preventively applying some of the phages or their combinations delayed the onset of fire blight symptoms and reduced the disease's severity, suggesting their biocontrol potential in Spain and other countries. The morphological and molecular characterization of the selected E. amylovora phages classified them as members of the class Caudoviricetes (former Myoviridae family) and genus Kolesnikvirus. This study reveals Mediterranean settings as plausible sources of E. amylovora-specific bacteriophages and provides the first effective European phage cocktails in plant material for the development of sustainable fire blight management measures.

Fundamento y generalidades de la construcción de modelos estadísticos multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación en salud

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una mirada global de la aplicabilidad de los modelos de análisis multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación sanitaria. Ofrece información sobre los fundamentos teóricos, metodológicos y estadísticos y, además, menciona los pasos básicos para la construcción de estos modelos, y da ejemplos de su uso, según la estructura jerárquica de los datos. Cabe resaltar que, antes de utilizar estos modelos, se requiere contar con un soporte teórico sobre la necesidad de uso y una valoración estadística que dé cuenta del porcentaje de varianza explicada por el efecto de agrupación de las observaciones. Los requisitos para llevar a cabo este tipo de análisis dependen de condiciones especiales como el tipo de variables, la cantidad de unidades por nivel o el tipo de estructura jerárquica. Se concluye que los modelos de análisis multinivel son una herramienta útil para lograr la integración de información, dadas la complejidad de las relaciones y las interacciones que determinan la mayoría de las condiciones de salud, incluida la pérdida de independencia entre las unidades de observación.

This topic review aims to present a global vision of multilevel analysis models' applicability to health research, explaining its theoretical, methodological, and statistical foundations. We describe the basic steps to build these models and examples of their application according to the data hierarchical structure. It ir worth noticing that before using these models, researchers must have a rationale for needing them, and a statistical evaluation accounting for the variance percentage explained by the observations grouping effect. The requirements to conduct this type of analysis depends on special conditions such as the type of variables, the number of units per level, or the type of hierarchical structure. We conclude that multilevel analysis models are a useful tool to integrate information, considering the complexity of the relationships and interactions involved in most health conditions, including the loss of independence between observation units.

Construction of multilevel statistical models in health research: Foundations and generalities / Fundamento y generalidades de la construcción de modelos estadísticos multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación en salud

This topic review aims to present a global vision of multilevel analysis models' applicability to health research, explaining its theoretical, methodological, and statistical foundations. We describe the basic steps to build these models and examples of their application according to the data hierarchical structure. It ir worth noticing that before using these models, researchers must have a rationale for needing them, and a statistical evaluation accounting for the variance percentage explained by the observations grouping effect. The requirements to conduct this type of analysis depends on special conditions such as the type of variables, the number of units per level, or the type of hierarchical structure. We conclude that multilevel analysis models are a useful tool to integrate information, considering the complexity of the relationships and interactions involved in most health conditions, including the loss of independence between observation units.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una mirada global de la aplicabilidad de los modelos de análisis multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación sanitaria. Ofrece información sobre los fundamentos teóricos, metodológicos y estadísticos y, además, menciona los pasos básicos para la construcción de estos modelos, y da ejemplos de su uso, según la estructura jerárquica de los datos. Cabe resaltar que, antes de utilizar estos modelos, se requiere contar con un soporte teórico sobre la necesidad de uso y una valoración estadística que dé cuenta del porcentaje de varianza explicada por el efecto de agrupación de las observaciones. Los requisitos para llevar a cabo este tipo de análisis dependen de condiciones especiales como el tipo de variables, la cantidad de unidades por nivel o el tipo de estructura jerárquica. Se concluye que los modelos de análisis multinivel son una herramienta útil para lograr la integración de información, dadas la complejidad de las relaciones y las interacciones que determinan la mayoría de las condiciones de salud, incluida la pérdida de independencia entre las unidades de observación.

The subjective perception of the happiness of older adult residents in Colombia.

Introduction: Happiness is understood as the perception of subjective well-being, it can be a quality, a result, or a state characterized by well-being or satisfaction that every person wants to achieve. In older adults, this satisfaction is a sum of lifelong achievements and triumphs; However, some factors influence this ideal. Objective: Analyze demographic, family, social, personal, and health factors associated with the subjective perception of happiness in older adults, using data from a study conducted in five cities in Colombia, in order to make a theoretical contribution in the search for improvement of their physical, mental and social health. Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out, using primary source information, obtained with 2,506 surveys from voluntary participants aged 60 and over, who had no cognitive impairment, and who reside in urban areas but not in long-term centers. The variable happiness (classified as high or moderate/low) was used for: (1) A univariate explorative characterization of older adult, (2) a bivariate estimation of the relationships with the factors studied, and (3) a multivariate construction of profiles through multiple correspondences. Results: 67.2% reported high happiness levels, with differences by city: Bucaramanga (81.6%), Pereira (74.7%), Santa Marta (67.4), Medellín (64%), and Pereira (48.7%). Happiness was explained by the absence of risk of depression and little hopelessness, strengthened psychological well-being, a perception of high quality of life, and living in a functional family. Conclusion: This study provided an overview of possible factors that can be enhanced and strengthened with public policies (structural determinant), community empowerment, family strengthening (intermediate determinant), and educational programs (proximal determinant). These aspects are included in the essential functions of public health, in favor of mental and social health in older adults.

Development of TaqMan Real-Time PCR Protocols for Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of the Bacterial Pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and Their Specific Lytic Bacteriophages.

Ralstonia solanacearum is the causal agent of bacterial wilt, one of the most destructive diseases of solanaceous plants, affecting staple crops worldwide. The bacterium survives in water, soil, and other reservoirs, and is difficult to control. In this sense, the use of three specific lytic R. solanacearum bacteriophages was recently patented for bacterial wilt biocontrol in environmental water and in plants. To optimize their applications, the phages and the bacterium need to be accurately monitored and quantified, which is laborious and time-consuming with biological methods. In this work, primers and TaqMan probes were designed, and duplex and multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocols were developed and optimized for the simultaneous quantification of R. solanacearum and their phages. The quantification range was established from 108 to 10 PFU/mL for the phages and from 108 to 102 CFU/mL for R. solanacearum. Additionally, the multiplex qPCR protocol was validated for the detection and quantification of the phages with a limit ranging from 102 targets/mL in water and plant extracts to 103 targets/g in soil, and the target bacterium with a limit ranging from 103 targets/mL in water and plant extracts to 104 targets/g in soil, using direct methods of sample preparation.

Factors associated with virologic failure in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with virologic failure n HIV  patients on antiretroviral treatment treated in a Colombian health institution. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional observational retrospective analytical study of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment between 2007­2020. Sociodemographic, pharmacological and clinical variables were collected, including viral load, adherence, and the medication  possession ratio. For statistical analysis, crude and adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals were obtained. RESULTS: In a population of 5,406 patients, the proportion of virologic failure  was 16.7%. Moreover, in the adjusted model, an association was found  between virologic failure and time on treatment greater than one year,  medication possession ratio under 80%, failure to claim medications from the  pharmacy due to dose omission or discontinuation, adherence under 85%, CD4  count under 500, total cholesterol levels above 201 mg/dL, high density  lipoproteins under 39 mg/dL and presence of mycosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of HIV patients, short treatment periods, CD4 counts under 200, a low medication possession ratio, failure to timely claim medications from the pharmacy due to omission or  discontinuation, and a lower degree of adherence were factors related to  virologic failure.

OBJETIVO: Determinar los factores asociados al fracaso virológico en pacientes  con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamiento antirretroviral  atendidos en una institución de salud colombiana.Método: Estudio transversal, observacional, retrospectivo y analítico en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamiento antirretroviral entre 2007-2020. Se recogieron variables  Sociodemográficas, farmacológicas y clínicas, incluyendo la carga viral, el  grado de adherencia y la tasa de reclamación de medicamentos. Para el  análisis estadístico se obtuvieron las odds ratio crudas y ajustadas y los  intervalos de confianza. RESULTADOS: De una población de 5.406 pacientes, la proporción de fracaso  virológico fue de 16,7% y en el modelo ajustado se encontró asociación entre  el fracaso virológico con el tiempo en el tratamiento mayor a un año, la tasa de posesión de la reclamación inferior al 80%, la no reclamación oportuna por  omisión o suspensión, la adherencia inferior al 85%, el recuento de CD4  inferior a 500, niveles de colesterol total mayores de 201 mg/dl, lipoproteína  de alta densidad menor de 39 mg/dl y presencia de micosis. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra cohorte de pacientes con el virus de la  Inmunodeficiencia humana, un menor tiempo en tratamiento, un recuento de CD4 menor de 200, una baja tasa de reclamación de los medicamentos, así  como la no reclamación oportuna por omisión y suspensión y un menor grado  de adherencia son factores que se relacionan con el fracaso virológico.

Aplicabilidad de modelos predictivos de falla renal en enfermedad renal crónica: una revisión de alcance / Usability of predictive models of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease: a scoping review

Resumen Introducción: la identificación de los pacientes con mayor riesgo de progresar a falla renal es fundamental para la planeación del tratamiento en la enfermedad renal crónica, pero no ha podido llevarse a cabo consistentemente. Los modelos de predicción podrían ser una herramienta útil, sin embargo, su usabilidad en la Enfermedad Renal Crónica es limitada hasta ahora y no se comprenden muy bien las barreras y limitaciones. Métodos: se desarrolló una revisión de alcance de la literatura disponible sobre modelos predictivos de falla renal o reglas de pronóstico en pacientes con Enfermedad Renal Crónica. Las búsquedas se realizaron sistemáticamente en Cochrane, Pubmed y Embase. Se realizó una revisión ciega e independiente por dos evaluadores para identificar estudios que informaran sobre el desarrollo, la validación o la evaluación del impacto de un modelo construido para predecir la progresión al estadio avanzado de la enfermedad renal crónica. Se realizó una evaluación crítica de la calidad de la evidencia proporcionada con el sistema GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Resultados: de 1279 artículos encontrados, fueron incluidos 19 estudios para la síntesis cualitativa final. La mayoría de los estudios eran primarios, con diseños observacionales retrospectivos y unos pocos correspondieron a revisiones sistemáticas. No se encontraron guías de práctica clínica. La síntesis cualitativa evidenció gran heterogeneidad en el desarrollo de los modelos, así como en el reporte de las medidas de desempeño global, la validez interna y la falta de validez externa en la mayoría de los estudios. La calificación de la evidencia arrojó una calidad global baja, con inconsistencia entre los estudios e importantes limitaciones metodológicas. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los modelos predictivos disponibles, no han sido adecuadamente validados y, por tanto, se consideran de uso limitado para evaluar el pronóstico individual del paciente con enfermedad renal crónica. Por lo tanto, se requieren esfuerzos adicionales para centrar el desarrollo e implementación de modelos predictivos en la validez externa y la usabilidad y disminuir la brecha entre la generación, la síntesis de evidencia y la toma de decisiones en el ámbito del cuidado del paciente.

Abstract Background: the identification of patients at higher risk of progressing to kidney failure is essential for treatment planning in chronic kidney disease, but it has not been possible to do this consistently. Predictive models could be a useful tool, however, their usability in chronic kidney disease is limited and the barriers and limitations are not well understood. Methods: a scoping review of the available literature on ESRD predictive models or prognostic rules in chronic kidney disease patients was developed. Searches were systematically executed on Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Embase. a blind and independent review was carried out by two evaluators to identify studies that reported on the development, validation, or impact assessment of a model constructed to predict the progression to an advanced stage of chronic kidney disease. A critical evaluation of the quality of the evidence provided with the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was made. Findings: of 1279 articles found, 19 studies were included for the final qualitative synthesis. Most of the studies were primary, with retrospective observational designs and a few corresponded to systematic reviews. No clinical practice guidelines were found. The qualitative synthesis showed high heterogeneity in the development of the models, as well as in the reporting of global performance measures, internal validity, and the lack of external validity in most of the studies. The evidence rating was of low overall quality, with inconsistency between studies and important methodological limitations. Conclusions: most of the available predictive models have not been adequately validated and, therefore, are of limited use to assess the individual prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, additional efforts are required to focus the development and implementation of predictive models on external validity and usability and bridge the gap between generation, synthesis of evidence, and decision-making in the field of patient care.

Factores asociados al fracaso virológico en pacientes VIH con tratamiento antirretroviral / Factors associated with virologic failure in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy

Objetivo: Determinar los factores asociados al fracaso virológico enpacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamientoantirretroviral atendidos en una institución de salud colombiana.Método: Estudio transversal, observacional, retrospectivo y analítico enpacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana con tratamientoantirretroviral entre 2007-2020. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas,farmacológicas y clínicas, incluyendo la carga viral, el grado de adherenciay la tasa de reclamación de medicamentos. Para el análisis estadístico seobtuvieron las odds ratio crudas y ajustadas y los intervalos de confianza.Resultados: De una población de 5.406 pacientes, la proporción defracaso virológico fue de 16,7% y en el modelo ajustado se encontró asociación entre el fracaso virológico con el tiempo en el tratamiento mayora un año, la tasa de posesión de la reclamación inferior al 80%, la noreclamación oportuna por omisión o suspensión, la adherencia inferior al85%, el recuento de CD4 inferior a 500, niveles de colesterol total mayores de 201 mg/dl, lipoproteína de alta densidad menor de 39 mg/dl ypresencia de micosis.Conclusiones: En nuestra cohorte de pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, un menor tiempo en tratamiento, un recuento deCD4 menor de 200, una baja tasa de reclamación de los medicamentos,así como la no reclamación oportuna por omisión y suspensión y un menorgrado de adherencia son factores que se relacionan con el fracaso virológico. (AU)

Objective: To determine the factors associated with virologic failurein HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment treated in a Colombian healthinstitution.Method: This was a cross-sectional observational retrospective analytical study of HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment between2007-2020. Sociodemographic, pharmacological and clinical variableswere collected, including viral load, adherence, and the medication possession ratio. For statistical analysis, crude and adjusted odds ratios andconfidence intervals were obtained.Results: In a population of 5,406 patients, the proportion of virologicfailure was 16.7%. Moreover, in the adjusted model, an association wasfound between virologic failure and time on treatment greater than oneyear, medication possession ratio under 80%, failure to claim medications from the pharmacy due to dose omission or discontinuation, adherence under 85%, CD4 count under 500, total cholesterol levels above201 mg/dL, high density lipoproteins under 39 mg/dL and presence ofmycosis.Conclusions: In our cohort of HIV patients, short treatment periods, CD4counts under 200, a low medication possession ratio, failure to timelyclaim medications from the pharmacy due to omission or discontinuation,and a lower degree of adherence were factors related to virologic failure. (AU)

Therapeutic failure in moderate and severe psoriasis patients in a health institution - a transversal study of prevalence and demographic determinants.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that seriously impacts quality of life. There are known genetic and environmental factors that influence its onset and progression. Even though there is no cure for it, there are a variety of treatments available today to control its symptoms, although many of them fail to do so substantially. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association of multiple sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors with therapeutic failure. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study of therapeutic failure in patients with moderate or severe psoriasis between 2020 and 2021 was performed. RESULTS: In total 1051 patients with moderate or severe psoriasis were evaluated. Gender (ORa: 0.579 CI 95%: 0.382-0.878), type of therapy (biologic or non-biologic; ORa: 1.939 CI 95%: 1.242-3.027), age (ORa: 1.018 CI 95%: 1.003-1.034), days of treatment (ORa: 1 CI 95%: 0.999-1) and DLQI (ORa: 1.212 CI 95%: 1.172-1.253) are significantly associated with therapeutic failure. CONCLUSION: Being male and receiving biologic therapy are associated with a higher incidence of therapeutic failure in the treatment of moderate or severe psoriasis. The increase in DLQI increase in the probability of failure, and mayor age or days of treatment decrease in the probability of failure.

Plant-associated microbiota as a source of antagonistic bacteria against the phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora.

Control of bacterial plant diseases is a major concern, as they affect economically important species and spread easily, such as the case of fire blight of rosaceous caused by Erwinia amylovora. In the search for alternatives to the use of agrochemicals and antibiotics, this work presents a screening of natural bacterial antagonists of this relevant and devastating phytopathogen. We recovered bacterial isolates from different plant tissues and geographical origins and then selected those with the strongest ability to reduce fire blight symptoms ex vivo and remarkable in vitro antagonistic activity against E. amylovora. None of them elicited a hypersensitivity reaction in tobacco leaves, most produced several hydrolytic enzymes and presented other biocontrol and/or plant growth-promoting activities, such as siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. These isolates, considered as biocontrol candidates, were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Enterobacter cancerogenus, Pseudomonas azotoformans, Rosenbergiella epipactidis and Serratia plymuthica. This is the first time that the last five bacterial species are reported to have biocontrol potential against E. amylovora.

Viability, Stability and Biocontrol Activity in Planta of Specific Ralstonia solanacearum Bacteriophages after Their Conservation Prior to Commercialization and Use.

Ralstonia solanacearum is a pathogen that causes bacterial wilt producing severe damage in staple solanaceous crops. Traditional control has low efficacy and/or environmental impact. Recently, the bases of a new biotechnological method by lytic bacteriophages vRsoP-WF2, vRsoP-WM2 and vRsoP-WR2 with specific activity against R. solanacearum were established. However, some aspects remain unknown, such as the survival and maintenance of the lytic activity after submission to a preservation method as the lyophilization. To this end, viability and stability of lyophilized vRsoP-WF2, vRsoP-WM2 and vRsoP-WR2 and their capacity for bacterial wilt biocontrol have been determined against one pathogenic Spanish reference strain of R. solanacearum in susceptible tomato plants in different conditions and making use of various cryoprotectants. The assays carried out have shown satisfactory results with respect to the viability and stability of the bacteriophages after the lyophilization process, maintaining high titers throughout the experimental period, and with respect to the capacity of the bacteriophages for the biological control of bacterial wilt, controlling this disease in more than 50% of the plants. The results offer good prospects for the use of lyophilization as a conservation method for the lytic bacteriophages of R. solanacearum in view of their commercialization as biocontrol agents.

Genomic Analysis of the First European Bacteriophages with Depolymerase Activity and Biocontrol Efficacy against the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum.

Ralstonia solanacearum is the causative agent of bacterial wilt, one of the most destructive plant diseases. While chemical control has an environmental impact, biological control strategies can allow sustainable agrosystems. Three lytic bacteriophages (phages) of R. solanacearum with biocontrol capacity in environmental water and plants were isolated from river water in Europe but not fully analysed, their genomic characterization being fundamental to understand their biology. In this work, the phage genomes were sequenced and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The morphology was also observed by electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with a selection of phages able to infect R. solanacearum and the closely related phytopathogenic species R. pseudosolanacearum. The results indicated that the genomes of vRsoP-WF2, vRsoP-WM2 and vRsoP-WR2 range from 40,688 to 41,158 bp with almost 59% GC-contents, 52 ORFs in vRsoP-WF2 and vRsoP-WM2, and 53 in vRsoP-WR2 but, with only 22 or 23 predicted proteins with functional homologs in databases. Among them, two lysins and one exopolysaccharide (EPS) depolymerase, this type of depolymerase being identified in R. solanacearum phages for the first time. These three European phages belong to the same novel species within the Gyeongsanvirus, Autographiviridae family (formerly Podoviridae). These genomic data will contribute to a better understanding of the abilities of these phages to damage host cells and, consequently, to an improvement in the biological control of R. solanacearum.

Implementation of Antibiotic Discovery by Student Crowdsourcing in the Valencian Community Through a Service Learning Strategy.

Antibiotic misuse is a public health problem due to the appearance of resistant strains in almost all human pathogens, making infectious diseases more difficult to treat. The search for solutions requires the development of new antimicrobials as well as novel strategies, including increasing social awareness of the problem. The Small World Initiative (SWI) and the Tiny Earth (TE) network are citizen science programs pursuing the discovery of new antibiotics from soil samples and the promotion of scientific culture. Both programs aim to bring scientific culture and microbiological research closer to pre-university students through a crowdsourcing strategy and a Service Learning (SL) educational approach, with a 2-fold objective: to encourage students to pursue careers in science and to involve them in the discovery of soil microorganisms producing new antimicrobials. SWI and TE projects were put into practice in Spain under the common name MicroMundo. MicroMundo@Valencia was implemented at the Universitat de València (UV) during the academic years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. It trained 140 university students to disseminate this initiative into 23 high/secondary schools, and one primary school, involving about 900 people (teachers and students) as researchers. A total of 7,002 bacterial isolates were obtained from 366 soil samples and tested for antibiosis at UV and high/secondary school centers. About 1 or 7% of them produced inhibition halos for the Escherichia coli or Bacillus cereus target strains, respectively. Geolocation of sampling sites by an application developed ad hoc and Kriging analysis also allowed detection of soil foci of antibiotic-producing bacteria. Evaluation of the project by university, high/secondary, and primary school students revealed their strong positive perception and their increased interest in science, as a consequence of acquiring new scientific and pedagogical concepts and skills that they were able to pass on to other classmates, younger students, or relatives. To further expand the dissemination of the project in the Valencian Community, diverse extramural activities deemed to include a gender perspective and aimed at different age groups, were also carried out, obtaining very satisfactory results, increasing sensitivity and awareness to the global antibiotic crisis.

Vulneración a la integridad física de personas mayores: prevalencia del maltrato y factores asociados / Violation of the Physical Integrity of the Elderly: Prevalence of Abuse and Related Factors

Resumen El envejecimiento poblacional que experimenta actualmente América Latina trae consigo retos para la sociedad, como la prevención de la vulneración a los derechos humanos y libertades de las personas mayores y la eliminación de todas las formas de maltrato. La prevalencia de maltrato físico a personas mayores fue de 4,1%. Se presentó principalmente en mujeres, personas sin pareja y con ingreso económico. Además, fue más prevalente en personas mayores con riesgo de depresión, ante cedentes de pensamientos suicidas, insatisfacción con la salud y que convivían con familias disfuncionales. Los hallazgos de esta investigación muestran como las re laciones familiares pueden ser un factor clave a la hora de abordar la problemática del maltrato; además, las graves repercusiones que generan estos hechos sobre la víctima, como afectaciones no solo a la salud física sino también mental.

Abstract The ageing population currently experienced by Latin America brings with it cha llenges for society, such as the prevention of human rights violation and freedoms of the elderly, and the elimination of all forms of abuse. The prevalence of physical abuse for the elderly was 4.1%. It was mainly presented in women, people without a partner, and with financial income. In addition, it was more prevalent in older people at risk of depression, a history of suicidal thoughts, dissatisfaction with health, and living with dysfunctional families. The findings of this research show how family re lationships can be a key factor in addressing the problem of abuse. In addition, the serious impact of these facts on the victim, such as affectations not only to physical health, but also to mental health.

From the roots to the stem: unveiling pear root colonization and infection pathways by Erwinia amylovora.

Fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora affects pome fruit worldwide, generating serious economic losses. Despite the abundant literature on E. amylovora infection mechanisms of aerial plant organs, root infection routes remain virtually unexplored. Assessing these infection pathways is necessary for a full understanding of the pathogen's ecology. Using the pathosystem Pyrus communis-E. amylovora and different experimental approaches including a green fluorescent protein transformant (GFP1) and epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) and laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM), we demonstrated the pathogen's ability to infect, colonize and invade pear roots and cause characteristic fire blight symptoms both in the aerial part and in the root system. Plant infections after soil irrigation with E. amylovora-contaminated water were favored by root damage, which agreed with EFM and LCSM observations. E. amylovora GFP1 cells formed aggregates/biofilms on root surfaces and invaded the cortex through wounds and sites of lateral root emergence. Sugars, sugar-alcohols and amino acids typically secreted by roots, favored the in vitro biofilm development by E. amylovora. Migration of E. amylovora cells to aerial tissues mainly occurred after xylem penetration. Overall, our findings revealed, for the first time, common root infection patterns between E. amylovora and well-known soil borne plant pathogens and endophytes.

HIV infection prevalence and associated risk factors in people who inject drugs in Medellin / Prevalencia de infección por VIH y factores de riesgo asociados, en personas que se inyectan drogas en la ciudad de Medellín

Introduction: the availability of high purity and low-cost drugs has increased the use of intravenous substances, which makes it a public health problem due to its association with HIV infection. Objective: to identify the factors associated with HIV infection in people who inject drugs. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between December 2017 and January 2018 in Medellin, Colombia. We use the sampling conducted by the respondent (RDS). Results: They have recruited 224 subjects, 86.2% were men, 82.0% were single and 67.0% belonged to the subsidized or linked health system. The prevalence of HIV infection was 3.6%. This study found that 38.8% of consumers have shared needles and syringes with up to three people, representing a risk of infection of 5.07 times, compared to those who do not share (RPc = 5.07 95% CI: 1.19-21.55), and if this practice is carried out with a close friend, the probability increases to almost double (10.69) (RPc = 10.69 IC 95%: 2.26-50.61) (p <0.05). Conclusion: Given the low prevalence of HIV, it is vital to develop and implement public policies whose objective is to create prevention programs that ultimately lead to the reduction of infection in this population.

Introducción: La disponibilidad de drogas con una alta pureza y un bajo costo, ha aumentado el consumo de sustancias por vía intravenosa; llevándolo a ser considerado como un problema de salud pública, por su asociación con la presencia de infección por VIH. Se estima que existen aproximadamente 16 millones de consumidores de drogas intravenosas en el mundo y en Colombia, 15.000. Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados con la infección por VIH en personas que se inyectan drogas. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado (diciembre 2017/ enero 2018) Medellín - Colombia, se utilizó la metodología Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Resultados: Fueron reclutados 224 participantes, un 86,2% fueron hombres, el 82,0% eran solteros, el (67,0%) pertenecía al régimen de salud subsidiado o vinculado. Con relación a la prevalencia de infección por VIH esta fue del 3,6%. Este estudio encontró que el 38,8% de los consumidores había compartido agujas y jeringas con hasta tres personas, lo cual representa una probabilidad de 5,07 veces de contraer la infección comparado con aquellos que no comparten (RPc=5,07 CI95% 1,19-21,55), si esta práctica se hace con un amigo cercano dicha probabilidad aumenta a casi el doble 10,69 (RPc= 10,69 CI95% 2,26-50,61), (p<0,05). Conclusión: Ante la baja prevalencia de VIH, es necesario, el desarrollo e implementación de políticas públicas que tengan como objetivo la creación de programas de prevención que finalmente, lleven a la reducción de la infección en esta población.

Vaccination adherence to influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B virus in adult type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.

AIM: To document adherence to influenza, pneumococcal and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination programme in adult type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational retrospective study using data obtained from computerized clinical records. We contacted all adult T1DM registered in our database from a tertiary diabetes care hospital. Primary efficacy outcome was to describe influenza, pneumococcal and HBV vaccination status. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were analyzed (male 53%). Mean age was 40.0±14.4years and T1DM duration was 19.7±11.8years. Thirty-five percent of the patients had complementary indications for studied vaccines. Adherence to vaccination program for influenza, pneumococcal and HBV was achieved by 55%, 18% and 17% of the patients, respectively. Only 3% of the subjects were vaccinated against the three microorganisms. Predictor of correct vaccination were: age, shorter diabetes duration, insulin pump treatment, better diabetes control and being a health professional. We detected 17 sick leaves, 127 lost working days and 3 hospitalizations due to flue during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of recommended vaccinations against influenza, pneumococcal and HBV in adult T1DM patients was below desirable levels. A special effort is required to all health professionals to implement immunization among adult people with T1DM. Clinical Trials NCT03478254.

Liraglutide vs. lixisenatide in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: What effect should we expect in routine clinical practice?

AIM: Liraglutide and lixisenatide improved glycemic control, weight and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Our objective was to analyze clinical efficacy and safety differences in routine clinical practice. METHODS: A 24-week prospective observational study to compare the effect of liraglutide versus lixisenatide in obese T2DM patients in routine clinical practice. The main objective was to analyze between-group glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) differences at the end of the study. Secondary objectives included differences in body weight, other CVRF, changes in medication, side effects, satisfaction and safety. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (50 liraglutide, 50 lixisenatide) were included. Both groups experienced a decrease in HbA1c values (liraglutide, -1.4%, CI 95% -2, -0.8, P < 0.001 vs. lixisenatide, -0.8%, 95% CI -1.2, -0.5, P < 0.001). No differences were found in final HbA1c values between both groups (liraglutide 7.3 ±â€¯0.9% vs. lixisenatide 7.2 ±â€¯1.5%, P = 0.7). We did not detect between groups differences in anthropometric variables or CVRF at the study end. A lower proportion of patients received treatment with a maximum dose of liraglutide compared with lixisenatide (27% vs. 95%, P < 0.001). In contrast, a greater percentage of patients in the lixisenatide group than in liraglutide group (29% vs. 9%, P = 0.026) intensified treatment by the addition of sodium-glucose transporter type 2 inhibitors. Adverse events were less frequently reported in liraglutide treated patients compared with lixisentatide (80% vs. 96%, P = 0.014). No serious adverse events were detected. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the efficacy and safety of liraglutide and lixisenatide in routine clinical practice. Moreover, a different therapeutic effect between liraglutide and lixisenatide was detected.

Index of vulnerability of elderly people in Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto

Introduction: Vulnerability can be defined as a lack of material and immaterial resources, which prevents the use of opportunities that may advance one's self-interest. The presence of these welfare resources prevents reductions in the quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to build an index of vulnerability using characteristics of the physical, human, social and functional capital of adults in three cities of Colombia in the year 2016 and to determine the factors that contribute most to vulnerability. Materials and methods: We conducted a transversal study with primary information sources applying 1,514 surveys among people aged 60 years and over in Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto. For the construction of the vulnerability index, we used factor analysis with varimax rotation and the principal component method. Results: The conditions that lead to a person's vulnerability were related mainly to human capital (quality of life, mental health and habits). The other types of capital that contributed to vulnerability were physical capital (occupation), social capital (accompaniment), and functional capital (functional independence). The highest vulnerability was registered among the residents of Pasto. The factors associated with vulnerability were the city of residence, the sex, the educational level and the role of the person in the home. Conclusion: In 58.55% of elderly people vulnerability was explained by the use of time, the functional independence and the subjective well-being. These findings contribute to the improvement of the quality of life, mainly those related to maintaining functional independence as long as possible, being occupied, improving mental health, and avoiding the risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive deterioration and deleterious habits.

Índice de vulnerabilidad de adultos mayores en Medellín, Barranquilla y Pasto / Index of vulnerability of elderly people in Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto

Resumen Introducción. La vulnerabilidad puede entenderse como la carencia de recursos materiales e inmateriales que impide el aprovechamiento de oportunidades en distintos aspectos de la vida. Estos recursos de bienestar evitan el deterioro de la calidad de vida. Objetivo. Construir un índice de vulnerabilidad con las características de los capitales físico, humano, social y funcional de los adultos mayores de tres ciudades de Colombia en el 2016, y determinar los factores asociados con esta condición. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con información primaria mediante 1.514 encuestas a personas de 60 años omásde Medellín, Barranquilla y Pasto. En la construcción del índice se usó el análisis factorial con losmétodos de componentes principales y de rotación ortogonal varimax. Resultados. Las condiciones que generaban vulnerabilidad se relacionaron principalmente con el capital humano (calidad de vida, salud mental y hábitos); los demás capitales aportaron un solo componente, así: capital físico (ocupación), capital social (acompañamiento) y capital funcional (independencia funcional). La vulnerabilidad fue mayor en los residentes de Pasto. Los factores asociados con la vulnerabilidad fueron la ciudad de residencia, el sexo, el nivel educativo y el rol en el hogar. Conclusión. En el 58,55 % de las personas mayores, la vulnerabilidad se explicó por el uso del tiempo, la independencia funcional y el bienestar subjetivo. Estos hallazgos aportan elementos para el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida, principalmente en cuanto a la capacidad funcional para mantener la independencia, estar ocupados y fortalecer la salud mental.

Abstract Introduction: Vulnerability can be defined as a lack of material and immaterial resources, which prevents the use of opportunities that may advance one's self-interest. The presence of these welfare resources prevents reductions in the quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to build an index of vulnerability using characteristics of the physical, human, social and functional capital of adults in three cities of Colombia in the year 2016 and to determine the factors that contribute most to vulnerability. Materials and methods: We conducted a transversal study with primary information sources applying 1,514 surveys among people aged 60 years and over in Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto. For the construction of the vulnerability index, we used factor analysis with varimax rotation and the principal component method. Results: The conditions that lead to a person's vulnerability were related mainly to human capital (quality of life, mental health and habits). The other types of capital that contributed to vulnerability were physical capital (occupation), social capital (accompaniment), and functional capital (functional independence). The highest vulnerability was registered among the residents of Pasto. The factors associated with vulnerability were the city of residence, the sex, the educational level and the role of the person in the home. Conclusion: In 58.55% of elderly people vulnerability was explained by the use of time, the functional independence and the subjective well-being. These findings contribute to the improvement of the quality of life, mainly those related to maintaining functional independence as long as possible, being occupied, improving mental health, and avoiding the risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive deterioration and deleterious habits.