Acute Retinal Necrosis: Experience in a Reference Center in Santander - Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a severe eye disease demanding swift treatment to prevent blindness. Early action involving antiviral medications and corticosteroids is crucial for optimal visual outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We present an ARN case series showcasing treatment experience and results. METHODOLOGY: Patients diagnosed with ARN based on SUN Working Group 2021 criteria were included; all underwent comprehensive eye exams, PCR analysis, and imaging. RESULTS: Eight patients were studied; PCR confirmed ARN in six. Induction treatment, either oral valacyclovir (5/8) or intravenous acyclovir (3/8), lasted 10-14 days. Maintenance included oral valacyclovir (6/8), oral valganciclovir (2/8) for six months, along with intravitreal ganciclovir. Visual outcomes were similar for oral and intravenous therapies; poor baseline acuity and macular involvement tend to result in a worse final acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Swift treatment is vital to ARN management. Our findings emphasize effective treatment strategies' role in visual prognosis. ABBREVIATIONS: ACV: Acyclovir; BCVA: Best Corrected Visual Acuity; CMV: Cytomegalovirus; EBV: Epstein Barr Virus; FTA-ABS: Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test; HSV 1-2: Herpes simplex virus 1-2; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; IV-ACV: Intravenous- Acyclovir; PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction;Tg: Toxoplasma gondii; VZV: Varicella Zoster Virus; VCV: Valacyclovir; VDRL: Venereal disease research laboratory test.

Risk factors for ophthalmologic involvement and ocular findings in patients diagnosed with fungemia in a high-complexity hospital in the city of Medellín, Colombia.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographic clinical characteristics and to identify the risk factors of patients diagnosed with fungemia and secondary intraocular involvement. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 97 patients diagnosed with fungemia and with or without involvement of the posterior segment. Demographic, clinical and ophthalmological variables were identified to establish the risk of retinal seeding. RESULTS: An incidence of ocular involvement of 22.68% was obtained and no clear risk factor was found for subsequent showings in patients with fungemia. A risk trend was only found in patients with diabetes with an OR: 2.85; CI 95%: (0.80-10.12) and history of HIV with an OR: 2.29 CI95%: (0.85-6.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this first cohort carried out in Colombia according to our search, findings were obtained that agree with those of other authors worldwide, where there is no evidence of a decrease in incidence compared with older studies and the absence of risk factors for the compromise of the posterior pole in patients with fungemia.KEY MESSAGESSystematic fundus evaluation by an ophthalmologist in patients with candidaemia is a recommended practice based on low-quality evidence.The identification of real risk factors for retinal compromise in fungemia would allow us to be more selective with the population to be evaluated.Fungemia generally occurs in critically ill patients, where access and availability of ophthalmology evaluation are a resource that is not always available.

Food security in indigenous and peasant populations: a systematic review. / Seguridad alimentaria en poblaciones indígenas y campesinas: una revisión sistemática.

Food security and the vulnerability among indigenous and peasant populations has become a topic of interest to public health all around the world, leading to the investigation about measurement, classification and factors that determine it. This systematic review aims to describe the situation of food security in indigenous and peasant communities, and the methods used for evaluation. The literature search was performed on the Pub Med (5), ScienceDirect (221) and Scopus (377) databases searching for publications between 2004 and 2015, a total of 603 items were located with the search engines. At the end of the screening process and after adding the items found in the gray literature, 25 papers were obtained to write the review. In the 11 years evaluated between 2004 and 2015, scientific activity around the theme was poor with just 4.54% of the publications on this subject, but for 2011 the percentage increased to 13 publications, 63%. Various factors that influence the development of food insecurity are climate change, the diversity of agriculture, globalization and market westernization.

Seguridad alimentaria en poblaciones indígenas y campesinas: una revisión sistemática / Food security in indigenous and peasant populations: a systematic review

Resumen La seguridad alimentaria y su vulnerabilidad en poblaciones indígenas y campesinas, se ha convertido en un tema de interés para la salud pública alrededor de todo el mundo, en asuntos como medición, clasificación y factores que la determinan. Esta revisión sistemática tiene como propósito describir la situación de la seguridad alimentaria en comunidades indígenas y campesinas, y los métodos empleados para su evaluación. La búsqueda de la literatura se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed (5), ScienceDirect (221) y Scopus (377), buscando publicaciones entre los años 2004 y 2015, con un total de 603 artículos arrojados por las rutas de búsqueda. Al final del proceso de tamización y sumados los artículos encontrados en la literatura gris se obtuvieron 25 artículos para escribir la revisión. En los 11 años evaluados, entre el 2004 y el 2015, la actividad científica alrededor del tema fue escasa con apenas un 4,54% de las publicaciones en este tema, pero para el año 2011 el porcentaje de publicaciones aumentó hasta un 13,63%. Se encontraron diversos factores que tienen influencia en el desarrollo de la inseguridad alimentaria, entre ellos está el cambio climático, la diversidad de la agricultura y la globalización y occidentalización del mercado.

Abstract Food security and the vulnerability among indigenous and peasant populations has become a topic of interest to public health all around the world, leading to the investigation about measurement, classification and factors that determine it. This systematic review aims to describe the situation of food security in indigenous and peasant communities, and the methods used for evaluation. The literature search was performed on the Pub Med (5), ScienceDirect (221) and Scopus (377) databases searching for publications between 2004 and 2015, a total of 603 items were located with the search engines. At the end of the screening process and after adding the items found in the gray literature, 25 papers were obtained to write the review. In the 11 years evaluated between 2004 and 2015, scientific activity around the theme was poor with just 4.54% of the publications on this subject, but for 2011 the percentage increased to 13 publications, 63%. Various factors that influence the development of food insecurity are climate change, the diversity of agriculture, globalization and market westernization.

Trastorno depresivo mayor: una mirada genética / Major depressive disorder: a genetic view

Resumen El trastorno depresivo mayor es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por la presencia de diferentes síntomas, que van desde no poder comer o dormir, hasta el no disfrute de las actividades que antes resultaban placenteras, ideas de minusvalía y suicidio. Las investigaciones del campo de las neurociencias y de las enfermedades psiquiátricas en especial, tienden cada vez más a buscar los posibles orígenes genéticos que expliquen su desarrollo y progresión. En esta revisión de la literatura se presenta lo reportado en estudios que no solo describen la enfermedad desde los trastornos neurofisiológicos, sino también desde alteraciones genéticas y epigenéticas, con el fin de brindar un mayor entendimiento de las bases moleculares y fisiopatológicas de esta patología psiquiátrica.

Abstract Major depressive disorder is a disease that is characterized by the presence of different symptoms, ranging from not being able to eat or sleep, to not enjoy activities that were previously pleasurable, ideas of disability and suicide. Research in the field of neurosciences and psychiatric diseases in particular, increasingly tend to seek the possible genetic origins that explain the development and progression of them. In this review of the literature, is presented what has been reported in studies, that not only describe the disease from its neurophysiological disorders, but also from the genetic and epigenetic alterations, in order to provide a better understanding of the molecular and physiopathological bases of this psychiatric pathology.

Prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del grupo B en gestantes / Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women / Prevenção da infecção pelo Streptococcus do grupo B as mulheres grávidas: Revisão do tema

Introducción: La infección neonatal por Streptococcus del Grupo B en mujeres gestantes es un problema creciente a nivel mundial y tiene múltiples consecuencias para el recién nacido, su prevención impacta directamente la morbi-mortalidad neonatal. Objetivo: Brindar al lector información relevante sobre la importancia clínica, nuevos métodos de tamizaje y formas de prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del Grupo B en gestantes, que será de utilidad para evitar complicaciones del binomio materno-fetal. Metodología: En esta revisión de la literatura, se estudiaron 53 artículos, abordando evidencia tanto en el ámbito local e internacional, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect y Google Scholar, dentro los criterios de búsqueda se tuvo en cuenta el año de publicación, incluyendo artículos que fueron publicados a partir del año 2011. Resultados: La comunidad internacional ha desarrollado guías y planes de prevención; en la actualidad, para una profilaxis y prevención adecuada se proponen diversos métodos, partiendo del tamizaje para las maternas, uso de antibióticos durante el embarazo y parto, además del desarrollo de vacunas maternas para prevenir infecciones. Conclusiones: La colonización por Streptococcus del Grupo B en gestantes y el riesgo que conlleva para el recién nacido y su madre, exige una constante actualización en técnicas de tamizaje, prevención y manejo. Numerosos avances en estos campos vienen llevándose a cabo en los últimos años y su fortalecimiento y desarrollo será clave para impactar positivamente la morbi-mortalidad materno-fetal. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS,Gallego-González D,Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del grupo B en gestantes. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Introduction: The neonatal infection by Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women is a growing problem worldwide and has multiple consequences for the newborn, so its prevention directly impacts neonatal morbimortality. Objective: To provide the reader with relevant information about the clinical importance, new screening methods and ways to prevent Group B Streptococcus infection in pregnant women which will be useful to avoid complications in the pairing of maternal-fetal. Methodology: In this review of literature, 53 articles were studied addressing local and international evidence by using PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases; within the search criteria the year of publication was taken into account to do so, thus articles published from 2011 were included. Results: The international community has developed guidelines and prevention plans for this infection. Currently, for an adequate prophylaxis and prevention, various methods are proposed such as the screening for expectant mothers, the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and childbirth, and the development of maternal immunization to prevent infections as well. Conclusions: The colonization by Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women and the risk that this entails to the newborn and his/her mother requires constant updating in techniques for screening, prevention and management of it. Numerous advances in these fields of study have been carried out in recent years, and this strengthening and its development will be the key to impact, in a positive way, the maternal-fetal morbimortality. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS,Gallego-González D, Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Introdução: A infecção neonatal pelo Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas é um problema crescente no mundo inteiro e tem múltiplas conseqüências para o recém-nascido. Sua prevenção afeta diretamente a morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. Objetivo: Oferecer ao leitor a informação relevante sobre a importância clínica, os novos métodos de seleção e as formas de prevenir a infecção por Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas, o que será muito útil para evitar as complicações tanto para a mãe quanto para o feto. Metodologia: Nesta revisão da literatura, foram estudados 53 artigos, ressaltando as evidências tanto no nível local como internacional y se utilizaram os bancos de dados em PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google Scholar. Um dos critérios da pesquisa foi verificar o ano da publicação e incluir somente os artigos publicados a partir de 2011. Resultados: Atualmente, a comunidade internacional desenvolveu diretrizes e planos de prevenção para a profilaxia e a prevenção adequada, propondo diversos métodos como: Atriagem materna, o uso de antibióticos durante a gravidez e o parto, além do desenvolvimento das vacinas maternas para preveniras infecções. Conclusões: A colonização por Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas e o risco que isso implica para o recém-nascido e sua mãe, requer uma atualização constante nas técnicas da triagem, da precaução e do tratamento. São numerosos os avanços realizados, nesta área, nos últimos anos. O seu fortalecimento e desenvolvimento são fundamentais para interferir positivamente na doença e na mortalidade materno-fetal. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS, Gallego-González D, Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevenção da infecção pelo Streptococcus do grupo B nas mulheres grávidas: Revisão do tema. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Impacto clínico de la contaminación aérea / Clinical impact of air pollution

La contaminación del aire se considera actualmente un problema global tanto en países en desarrollo como en los desarrollados. Sustancias que invaden nuestros espacios son componentes de la contaminación aérea que causan un fuerte impacto negativo en la salud para quienes se encuentren expuestos, no solo en los sistemas cardiovascular y respiratorio, sino que están siendo relacionados con la etiología de patologías en todo el organismo, con disminución en la esperanza de vida e incluso, aumento de la mortalidad y alteraciones del material genético. Esta revisión de la literatura tiene como fin recopilar por medio de una búsqueda las implicaciones que tienen los componentes de la contaminación atmosférica en la salud de quienes están expuestos, desde el punto de vista clínico y molecular. Para la búsqueda se utilizaron los descriptores DeCS creado por BIREME: contaminación del aire, sistema cardiovascular, enfermedades respiratorias. Fueron consultadas las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, ScienceDirect y Scopus. Dentro de los criterios de búsqueda se tuvo en cuenta el año de publicación y que el idioma original fuera inglés o español. Se concluyó que el estudio de las diferentes partículas y las consecuencias que conlleva la exposición a estas, es de vital importancia para el desarrollo de mecanismos de control, prevención y tratamiento; ya que estas mismas tiene la capacidad de generar patologías que van desde algo tan tangible como las afecciones pulmonares y la enfermedad cardiaca oclusiva, hasta cambios epigenéticos que afectan la salud...(AU)

Air pollution is now considered a global problem in developing and developed countries.Substances that invade our spaces are components of air pollution that cause a strong negative impact on health for those who are exposed in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and also is related to the etiology or worsening of countless diseases throughout the body, with decrease in life expectancy and even increased mortality and alterations of genetic material. This literature review aims to collect through a literature search the implications of the components of air pollution on the health of those exposed, from the point of clinical and molecular level. For the search where used the MeSH descriptors created by BIREME: air pollution, cardiovascular system, respiratory diseases. They were consulted the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus. Within the search criteria took into account the year of publication and that the original language was English or Spanish. It was concluded that the study of the different particles and the consequences associated with exposure to these, it is vital for the development of control mechanisms, prevention and treatment; since the same has the ability to generate conditions ranging from something as tangible as pulmonary diseases and occlusive heart disease, to epigenetic changes that affect health...(AU)

Streptococcus spp. en el embarazo, patología y avances en su detección temprana / Streptococcus spp. in pregnancy, pathology and advances in early detection

El Streptococcus spp ha adquirido mucha importancia a nivel mundial debido a la gran patogenicidad de sus diferentes especies. Una de ellas es el Streptococcus del Grupo B que comúnmente se encuentra a nivel vaginal en mujeres embarazadas, lo que puede ocasionar una contaminación al recién nacido en el momento del parto. Solo un pequeño porcentaje de estos neonatos desarrollan la infección y pueden llegar a presentar sepsis, meningitis, neumonía neonatal, entre otras complicaciones, así como secuelas neurológicas permanentes, retraso en el crecimiento y muerte. Debido a esto, se han implementado estrategias preventivas, en las que se incluyen pruebas de tamizaje para su detección temprana y evitar el riesgo de infección. En las últimas décadas se ha incrementado el uso de técnicas moleculares para su diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento temprano, de manera de disminuir la morbimortalidad atribuida al Streptococcus del Grupo B.

Streptococcus spp has acquired great importance due to the high pathogenicity of its different species around the world. The Group B Streptococcus is commonly found in the vaginal area of pregnant women, which at delivery may lead to contamination of the newborn. Only some of these infants develop the infection and may present sepsis, meningitis, neonatal pneumonia, among other complications, including permanent neurological sequelae, delayed growth and death. Preventive strategies include screening and early detection to avoid the risk of infection. In recent decades the use of molecular techniques for early diagnosis and treatment has increased that would decrease morbidity and mortality attributed to Group B Streptococcus.