Binocular vision parameters and visual performance in bilateral keratoconus corrected with spectacles versus rigid gas-permeable contact lenses / Parámetros de visión binocular y rendimiento visual en queratocono bilateral corregido con gafas versus lentes de contacto rígidos permeables al gas

Purpose: To analyze binocular vision of individuals aged 18 to 35 years diagnosed with keratoconus, utilizing spectacles and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Research was led by the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, México and Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina Pereira, Colombia. Methods: A single center, prospective non-randomized, comparative, interventional, open-label study, in which the differences in binocular vision performance with both spectacles and RGP contact lenses was carried out from December 2018 to December 2019. Sampling was performed according to consecutive cases with keratoconus that met the inclusion criteria until the proposed sample size was reached. Results: Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses notably enhanced distance and near visual acuity in keratoconus patients compared to spectacles. Visual alignment analysis shows exophoria at both distances and is slightly higher with RGP contact lenses. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), with 82.5 % presenting compensated phoria with spectacles and pnly 42.50% with RGP contact lenses. Stereoscopic vision improved while wearing RGP contact lenses (42.59 %), although accommodation and accommodative flexibility remained within normal ranges. Conclusions: Patients with keratoconus fitted with RGP contact lenses have improved binocular vision skills such as visual acuity, stereopsis, and accommodative flexibility. However, even when the vergence and motor system is decompensated with respect to normal ranges, the range between break and recovery points for both fusional reserves and the near point of convergence (NPC) improves with the use of RGP contact lenses, giving indications of an adaptive condition of the motor system from the medium to the long term.(AU)

Exploring the potential of omics technologies in medicinal plant research: a review in Colombia / Explorando el potencial de las tecnologías ómicas en la investigación de plantas medicinales: una revisión en Colombia

This review presents advances in the implementation of high - throughput se quencing and its application to the knowledge of medicinal plants. We conducted a bibliographic search of papers published in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and analyzed the obtained data using VOSviewer (versi on 1.6.19). Given that medicinal plants are a source of specialized metabolites with immense therapeutic values and important pharmacological properties, plant researchers around the world have turned their attention toward them and have begun to examine t hem widely. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have reduced cost and time demands and accelerated medicinal plant research. Such research leverages full genome sequencing, as well as RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing and the analysis of the transcr iptome, to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes that control key biological traits, as well as to understand the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. As such, the omics ( e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, among others) have been widely applied within the study of medicinal plants, although their usage in Colombia is still few and, in some areas, scarce. (185)

El extracto de cloroformo (CE) y las fracciones obtenidas de las raíces de Aldama arenaria se evaluaron para determinar su actividad antiproliferativa in vitro contra 10 líneas ce lulares tumorales humanas [leucemia (K - 562), mama (MCF - 7), ovario que expresa un fenotipo resistente a múltiples fármacos (NCI/ADR - RES), melanoma (UACC - 62), pulmón (NCI - H460), próstata (PC - 3), colon (HT29), ovario (OVCAR - 3), glioma (U251) y riñón (786 - 0)]. CE presentó actividad antiproliferativa débil a moderada (log GI 50 medio 1.07), mientras que las fracciones 3 y 4, enriquecidas con diterpenos de tipo pimarane [ent - pimara - 8 (14), ácido 15 - dien - 19 - oico y ent - 8(14),15 - pimaradien - 3 ß - ol], presentaron activid ad moderada a potente para la mayoría de las líneas celulares, con un log GI 50 medio de 0.62 y 0.59, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron una acción antiproliferativa in vitro prometedora de las muestras obtenidas de A. arenaria , con los mejores resul tados para NCI/ADR - RES, HT29 y OVCAR - 3, y valores de TGI que van desde 5.95 a 28.71 µg.mL - 1, demostrando que los compuestos de esta clase pueden ser prototipos potenciales para el descubrimiento de nuevos agentes terapéuticos

Medicinal plants and their importance for the conservation of biocultural knowledge in primary school students of the Paniquita Indigenous Community (Rivera, Huila, Colombia) / Plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del conocimiento biocultural en estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita (Rivera, Huila, Colombia)

Ethnobotany approached through ethnoeducation allows for the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. In this way, the ethnobotanical knowledge of primary school students from the Paniquita Indigenous Community was recognized, regarding the cultural knowledge of medicinal plants and their significance in the conservation of the biocultural heritage. This research had a qualitative, ethnographic approach. The sample consisted of ten students who were part of a focus group, ethnobotanical walks, and participatory workshops with drawings since they stimulate students' creative and dynamic thinking and strengthen interculturality. Twenty-one plants were reported, which are used to relieve sore throats, headaches, and stomach aches, as well as to treat diarrhea and fever, to prevent flu, and as a purgative. All the medicinal plants mentioned grow in the community and are either cultivated or wild, which also shows the students' knowledge of the ir territory. These findings reflect the importance of ethno-education and ethnobotany at school and how historical reconstruction processes are generated from these settings, where indigenous ancestral knowledge is made visible.

La etnobotánica abordada desde la etnoeducación permite mantener el legado cultural de los pueblos originarios. De esta manera, se reconoció el conocimiento etnobotáni co de los estudiantes de primaria de la Comunidad Indígena Paniquita, sobre el conocimiento cultural de las plantas medicinales y su importancia para la conservación del patrimonio biocultural. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo y etnográfico. La muestra estuvo conformada por diez estudiantes que formaron parte de un grupo focal, caminatas etnobotánicas y talleres participativos con dibujos, ya que estimulan el pensamiento creativo y dinámico de los estudiantes y fortalecen la interculturalidad. Se reportaron 21 plantas que se utilizan para aliviar dolores de garganta, cabeza y estómago, así como para tratar la diarrea y la fiebre, para prevenir la gripe y como purgante. Todas las plantas medicinales mencionadas crecen en la comunidad y son cultivadas o silvestres, lo que también demuestra el conocimiento que los estudiantes tienen de su territorio. Estos hallazgos reflejan la importancia de la etnoeducación y la etnobotánica en la escuela y cómo se generan procesos de reconstrucción histórica desde estos escenarios, donde se visibiliza el conocimiento ancestral indígena.

Actividad repelente e insecticida de cuatro aceites esenciales de plantas recolectadas en Chocó-Colombia contra Tribolium castaneum / Repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils from plants recolleted in Chocó-Colombia against Tribolium castaneum

This study aimed to determine the repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils (EOs) from plants collected in the Chocó rain forest, Colombia, against T. castaneum . Conventional hydrodistillation was used to obtain the EOs. The repellent and insecticidal activities were evaluated by the preference area and gas dispersion methods, espectively. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were determined by applying a student's t-test. EOs of Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum, and Nectandra acutifolia showed excellent repellent properties as the main findings, highlighting S. conicaEO with 84% repellency (1-hµL/cm2), while P. marginatum showed to be bioactive to the dose of 500 µL/mL (72 h), inducing mortality of 100% of the exposed population. In conclusion, the results evidenced the repellent properties of the EOs evaluated against T. castaneum , which allows us to conclude that these plant species are potential natural sources producing bio-repellents that contribute to the integrated control of T. castaneum.

Se evaluaron cuatro aceites esenciales (AEs) de plantas recolectadas en la selva pluvial del Chocó, Colombia, para determinar su actividad repelente e insecticida contra T. castaneum. Los AEs fueron obtenidos por hidrodestilación convencional. Las actividades repelentes e insecticidas se evaluaron por los métodos de área de preferencia y dispersión de gas, respectivamente. Las diferencias significativas (p<0,05) fueron determinadas aplicando una prueba t de student. Los AEs de Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum y Nectandra acutifolia mostraron excelentes propiedades repelentes, destacando el AE de S. conicacon un 84% de repelencia (1µL/cm2), mientras que el AE de P. marginatummostró ser bioactivo a la dosis de 500 µL/mL (72 h) al inducir la mortalidad del 100% de la población expuesta. Se concluye que estas especies de plantas son fuentes naturales potencialmente viables para la producción de biorepelentes que contribuyan en el control integrado de T. castaneum.

Re: Epidemiology of giant cell arteritis in Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand.

The interest in epidemiological data on giant cell arteritis (GCA) increased both in New Zealand and in Latin America, resulting in updated articles like those here commented. Of more relevance are two very recent contributions by van Dantzig et al. with novel conclusive findings from their evaluations on GCA performed in the region of Waikato. The authors emphasised that the diagnosis of GCA remained stable in this region from 2014 to 2022, being uncommon among Maori, Pacific peoples and Asian ethnic groups. Short comments on some literature data from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Mexico about the systemic arteritis are here addressed to show the Latin American view. The authors strongly believe that this kind of report may enhance the general interest on diagnostic and management issues related to this very important systemic vasculitis.

Persistent Food Insecurity and Material Hardships: A Latent Class Analysis of Experiences among Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants in Urban Colombia.

The causes and conditions of displacement often increase the vulnerability of migrant and refugee populations to food insecurity, alongside other material hardships. We aimed to examine the multidimensional aspects and patterns of food insecurity and other material hardships in a cross-sectional sample of 6221 Venezuelan refugees and migrants in urban Colombia using a latent class analysis. Using multinomial and logistic regression models, we investigated the demographic and migratory experiences associated with identified classes and how class membership is associated with multiple health outcomes among Venezuelan refugees and migrants, respectively. Approximately two thirds of the sample was comprised cisgender women, and the participants had a median age of 32 years (IQR: 26-41). Four heterogeneous classes of food insecurity and material hardships emerged: Class 1-low food insecurity and material hardship; Class 2-high food insecurity and material hardship; Class 3-high income hardship with insufficient food intake; and Class 4-income hardship with food affordability challenges. Class 2 reflected the most severe food insecurity and material hardships and had the highest class membership; Venezuelans with an irregular migration status were almost 1.5 times more likely to belong to this class. Food insecurity and material hardship class membership was independently associated with self-rated health, mental health symptoms, and recent violence victimization and marginally associated with infectious disease outcomes (laboratory-confirmed HIV and/or syphilis infection). Social safety nets, social protection, and other interventions that reduce and prevent material hardships and food insecurity among refugees and migrants, alongside the host community, may improve public health, support development, and reduce healthcare costs. In the long term, regularization and social policies for migrants aimed at enhancing refugees' and migrants' social and economic inclusion may contribute to improving food security in this population.

Next-generation sequencing of host genetics risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID in Colombian population.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was considered a major public health burden worldwide. Multiple studies have shown that susceptibility to severe infections and the development of long-term symptoms is significantly influenced by viral and host factors. These findings have highlighted the potential of host genetic markers to identify high-risk individuals and develop target interventions to reduce morbimortality. Despite its importance, genetic host factors remain largely understudied in Latin-American populations. Using a case-control design and a custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel encompassing 81 genetic variants and 74 genes previously associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID, we analyzed 56 individuals with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and 56 severe and critical cases. In agreement with previous studies, our results support the association between several clinical variables, including male sex, obesity and common symptoms like cough and dyspnea, and severe COVID-19. Remarkably, thirteen genetic variants showed an association with COVID-19 severity. Among these variants, rs11385942 (p < 0.01; OR = 10.88; 95% CI = 1.36-86.51) located in the LZTFL1 gene, and rs35775079 (p = 0.02; OR = 8.53; 95% CI = 1.05-69.45) located in CCR3 showed the strongest associations. Various respiratory and systemic symptoms, along with the rs8178521 variant (p < 0.01; OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.27-4.94) in the IL10RB gene, were significantly associated with the presence of long-COVID. The results of the predictive model comparison showed that the mixed model, which incorporates genetic and non-genetic variables, outperforms clinical and genetic models. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Colombia and Latin-America proposing a predictive model for COVID-19 severity and long-COVID based on genomic analysis. Our study highlights the usefulness of genomic approaches to studying host genetic risk factors in specific populations. The methodology used allowed us to validate several genetic variants previously associated with COVID-19 severity and long-COVID. Finally, the integrated model illustrates the importance of considering genetic factors in precision medicine of infectious diseases.

Psychosocial risk profiles to address future health emergencies: a country study during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Colombia.

Introduction: The different strategies used worldwide to curb the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021 had a negative psychosocial impact, which was disproportionately higher for socially and economically vulnerable groups. This article seeks to identify the psychosocial impact of the confinement period during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Colombian population by identifying profiles that predict the levels of different mental health indicators (feelings of fear, positive emotions or feelings during free time, and work impact) and based on them, characterize the risk factors and protection that allows us to propose guidelines for prevention or recovery from future health emergencies. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective ex post facto study. Multistage cluster probabilistic sampling and binary logistic regression analysis were used to predict extreme levels of various mental health indicators based on psychosocial indicators of the COVID-19 confinement period and to identify risk and protection factors. Results: A relationship was established between the combination of some of the different psychosocial factors evaluated (this combination being the predictive profile identified) with each of the three main variables: feeling of fear (n = 8,247; R = 0.32; p = 0.00; Poverall = 62.4%; 𝜔overall = 0.25; 1-𝛽overall = 1.00), positive emotions or feelings during free time (n = 6,853; R = 0.25; p = 0.00; Poverall = 59.1%; 𝜔overall = 0.18; 1-𝛽overall = 1.00) and labour impact (n = 4,573; R = 0.47; p = 0.63; Poverall = 70.4%; 𝜔overall = 0.41; 1-𝛽overall = 1.00), with social vulnerability determined by sociodemographic factors that were common in all profiles (sex, age, ethnicity and socioeconomic level) and conditions associated with job insecurity (unemployed, loss of health insurance and significant changes to job's requirements) and place of residence (city). Conclusion: For future health emergencies, it is necessary to (i) mitigate the socio-employment impact from emergency containment measures in a scaled and differentiated manner at the local level, (ii) propose prevention and recovery actions through psychosocial and mental health care accessible to the entire population, especially vulnerable groups, (iii) Design and implement work, educational and recreational adaptation programs that can be integrated into confinement processes.

Sentinel node in breast cancer as an indicator of quality in medical care: Evaluation of statistics in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer is considered the standard of staging in cases of clinically negative lymph nodes. Its omission in favor of axillary dissection generates significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the total number of sentinel node biopsy procedures in breast cancer in Colombia from 2017 through 2020, model and analyze them as if they were performed only in stage I breast cancer patients, and integrate their results into the concepts of quality of medical care. METHODS: Search in a database of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia with sentinel lymph node biopsy codes, and filters of breast cancer and year. Their results are contrasted with the number of cases in stage I of breast cancer. RESULTS: Breast cancer TNM staging was reported in 22154 cases, 3648 stage I. In the same time frame, the number of sentinel lymph node biopsies for breast cancer in Colombia was 1045, 28.64% of the total cases reported in stage I. CONCLUSIONS: Colombia is far from complying with the standard indicator of sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is recommended to concentrate breast cancer cases in hospitals that provide the conditions for its performance.

The Impact of Health Inequities on Population-Based Breast Cancer Survival in a Colombian Population, 2008-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain breast cancer survival estimates in Manizales, Colombia, considering socioeconomic level, health insurance regime and residential area, while adjusting for age, histology and stage at diagnosis. METHODS: Analytical cohort study based on breast cancer incident cases recorded by the Population-based Manizales Cancer Registry between 2008-2015. Patients were followed-up for 60 months. Cause-specific survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method for variables of interest, with the Wilcoxon-Breslow-Gehan test for differences. Cox multivariate regression models were fitted. RESULTS: 856 breast cancer cases were included. The 5-year cause-specific survival for the entire cohort was 78.2%. It was higher in women with special/exception health insurance, high socioeconomic level, <50 years old, ductal carcinoma, and stages I and II. Residential area did not impact survival. In Cox models, the subsidized health insurance regime (HR: 4.87 vs contributory) and low socioeconomic level (HR: 2.45 vs high) were predictors of the hazard of death in women with breast cancer, adjusted for age, histology, stage and interactions age-stage and insurance-stage. A positive interaction (synergistic effect modification) between health insurance regime and stage regarding to survival was observed. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic factors significantly contribute to the inequities in breast cancer survival, independent of the stage at diagnosis. This suggests the need for comprehensive interventions to remove barriers to accessing the health system. This research provides evidence of survival gaps mediated by certain social determinants of health and generates data on the overall performance of the Colombian health system.

Possible association between subclinical hypothyroidism and age at menopause in Colombian women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between subclinical hypothyroidism with early menopause, premature menopause, and last menstrual bleeding before the natural age of menopause. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 643 postmenopausal women aged 40-69 years. Groups were formed according to last menstrual episode: ≥45 [Natural age at menopause], 40-44 and [Early menopause], <40 [Premature menopause], and <45 [last menstrual episode before the natural age of menopause]. The Zulewski scale was applied to identify manifestations related to hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, diagnosed with a serum TSH > 4.5 µIU/mL plus T4-free between 0.7 and 1.9 ng/dL. RESULTS: It was found that 24.4% had the last menstrual episode before the natural age of menopause, 18.6% had early menopause, and 5.7% had premature menopause. Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 4.5% of patients. Among women with subclinical hypothyroidism, there was a higher frequency of early menopause, premature menopause, and last menstrual episode before the natural age of menopause, than in women without subclinical hypothyroidism (p < 0.05). Paresthesia (50%) and dry skin (40.7%) were the most reported hypothyroidism-related manifestations. Early menopause, premature menopause, and last menstrual episode before the natural age of menopause were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism, OR: 3.37 [95% CI: 1.40-8.10], OR: 4.31 [95% CI: 1.24-14.97], and OR: 3.57 [95% CI: 1.57-8.10], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The last menstrual episode before the natural age of menopause, early menopause, and premature menopause were significantly associated with a higher chance of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Unveiling the truth: is COVID-19 reimbursement in Colombia a flawed design? A cost-of-illness analysis for moderate, severe and critical infections.

PURPOSE: This study examines the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Colombian Health System, focusing on the adequacy of reimbursement rates for inpatient stays. The study, based on a cost of illness analysis, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the reimbursement scheme and identify potential economic losses within the health system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study protocol outlines the inclusion criteria for patients >18 years with confirmed COVID-19 infection and moderate to critical disease. Patients hospitalised between June 2020 and June 2021 for at least 24 hours were included. Exclusion criteria involved pregnant patients and those initially hospitalised for non-COVID-19. RESULTS: The study included 781 patients contributing to 790 hospitalisations. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analysed, with critical illness being the most prevalent category (61%). The overall mortality rate was 20.3%, primarily observed in critically ill patients. In the general ward for moderate cases, the reimbursement rate saw a substantial increase from US$3237 in 2020 to US$6760 in 2021, surpassing median resource utilisation. However, for severe cases in the intermediate care unit, reimbursement rates decreased, indicating potential insufficiency in covering costs. In the intensive care unit for critical cases, despite improved reimbursement rates, median resource utilisation still exceeds the 2021 rate, suggesting financial insufficiency in reimbursement rates. CONCLUSION: Our study underscores the inadequacies of the previous reimbursement system in addressing the varying resource utilisation and costs associated with COVID-19 inpatient care. Our analysis reveals substantial discrepancies between estimated costs and actual resource utilisation, particularly for severe and critical cases. We advocate for government flexibility in revising reimbursement baskets, supported by pilot studies to assess effectiveness. The use of real-world evidence forms a crucial basis for informed adjustments to reimbursement levels in preparation for future pandemics. This proactive approach ensures alignment between reimbursement policies and the actual costs associated.

Understanding antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices: a cross-sectional study in physicians from a Colombian region, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a global health threat. Knowledge, attitudes, and inappropriate prescription practices of antibiotics by physicians play a crucial role in this problem. In Colombia, research addressing this issue is scarce. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 258 physicians was conducted. A scale with questions on sociodemographic aspects, level of education, satisfaction with antibiotic education received, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices was administered. The scale was designed for each item to be analyzed individually or as a total score ranging from 0 to 100 (0 being the lowest and 100 the highest). RESULTS: 31.5% of physicians rated the education received on antibiotics as fair to poor. The knowledge score was 80.1 (IQR 70.5-87.5); however, 25.2% agreed to some extent that amoxicillin is useful in treating most respiratory infections, and 15% agreed that antibiotics are effective in treating upper respiratory infections. Attitudes scored 80.2 (IQR 75.0-86.5), with 99% stating that bacterial resistance is a public health problem in Colombia, but only 56.9% considering it a problem affecting their daily practice. Practices scored 75.5 (IQR 68.8-81.2), and 71.7% affirmed that if they refuse to prescribe antibiotics to a patient who does not need them, the patient can easily obtain them from another physician. General practitioners were found to have lower scores in all three indices evaluated. CONCLUSION: The study reveals enduring misconceptions and concerning practices in antibiotic prescription, particularly among general practitioners. Enhancing knowledge necessitates the implementation of continuous medical education programs that focus on updated antibiotic guidelines, and resistance patterns. Fostering positive attitudes requires a culture of trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Practical enhancements can be realized through the establishment of evidence-based prescribing guidelines and the integration of regular feedback mechanisms. Moreover, advocating for the inclusion of antimicrobial stewardship principles in medical curricula is crucial, emphasizing the significance of responsible antibiotic use early in medical education.

Condición física, clínica y fragilidad de adultos mayores en Cali, Colombia / Physical and clinical condition and fragility of older adults in Cali, Colombia

Introducción: A nivel mundial el envejecimiento de la población ha sido un tema de interés a investigar, debido a la carga de morbimortalidad y los costos en salud que ocasiona. Así, resulta relevante indagar sobre aquellos aspectos que hacen más vulnerables a los adultos mayores. Objetivo: Comparar la condición física y clínica según la fragilidad en adultos mayores de Cali, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en adultos mayores de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. El estudio tuvo aval ético institucional y todos los adultos mayores aceptaron participar firmando el consentimiento informado. Se usó la batería corta de desempeño físico (SPPB), y se compararon variables sociodemográficas, físicas y clínicas. y por nivel de fragilidad en vigoroso, prefrágil y frágil. Resultados: Se vincularon 470 adultos mayores con una edad promedio de 71,15±7,50 años, y en su mayoría del género femenino. Se presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con un valor de p≤0,05 en la edad, estado socioeconómico, comuna, enfermedad, índice de masa corporal, actividad física, desempeño físico y riesgo de caídas; presentando mayor compromiso el grupo de fragilidad. Conclusión: El grupo de adultos mayores clasificados como frágiles presentaban menor condición física y clínica comparado con los grupos pre-frágiles y vigorosos. (AU)

Introduction: Worldwide, the aging of the population has been a topic of interest to investigate, due to the burden of morbidity and mortality and the health costs it causes. Thus, it is relevant to investigate those aspects that make older adults more vulnerable. Objective: To compare the physical and clinical condition according to frailty in older adults from Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study in older adults from the city of Cali, Colombia. The study had institutional ethical endorsement and all the older adults agreed to participate by signing the informed consent. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used, and sociodemographic, physical and clinical variables and by level of frailty were compared in vigorous, pre-frail and frail. Results: Four hundred and seventy older adults with an average age of 71.15±7.50 years and mostly female were enrolled. There were statistically significant differences, P≤0.05 in age, socioeconomic status, commune, disease, body mass index, physical activity, physical performance, and risk of falls. The fragility group presented greater compromise. Conclusion: The group of older adults classified as frail had a lower physical and clinical condition compared to the pre-frail and vigorous groups. (AU)

Propiedades psicométricas del “Cuestionario de esquemas desadaptativos tempranos de Young - versión breve” (YSQ-S3) en Colombia / Psychometric properties of the “Young's Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire - Short Version” (YSQ-S3) in Colombia

Este artículo presenta dos estudios que evalúan la validez de constructo y la fiabilidad del “Cuestionario de esquemas desadaptativos tempranos de Young – versión breve” (YSQ-S3; Young, 2005). El primer estudio, con 1004 participantes, mostró que el YSQ-S3 tenía una excelente fiabilidad global ( de Cronbach= 0,97;  = 0,97); mientras que los factores mostraron una fiabilidad de aceptable a buena según el rango en que se ubicaron los coeficientes de fiabilidad mínimo y máximo de las 18 escalas ( de 0,67 a 0,89 y  de 0,67 a 0,86). El análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) mostró que el modelo de 18 factores de primer orden correlacionados tenía los mejores índices de ajuste. Además, mediante el AFC con factores de segundo orden, se halló evidencia que respalda la organización jerárquica del instrumento en cinco dominios de segundo orden. El estudio 2, con 806 participantes, replicó exitosamente el mejor modelo del estudio 1 frente a uno alternativo. Se concluye que el YSQ-S3 es un instrumento válido y fiable para la población adulta colombiana.(AU)

This article presents two studies evaluating the construct validity andreliability of the "Young's Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaire - ShortVersion" (YSQ-S3; Young, 2005). The first study, with 1004 participants, showedthat the YSQ-S3 had excellent overall reliability according (Cronbach’s α= .97; ω=.97); while the factors showed acceptable to good reliability according to therange in which the minimum and maximum reliability coefficients of the 18 scaleswere placed (α from .67 to .89 , and ω from .67 to .86) . Confirmatory factoranalysis (CFA) showed that the model with 18 first-order correlated factors had he best fit indices. In addition, using CFA with second-order factors, evidencewas found to support the hierarchical organization of the instrument into fivesecond-order domains. Study 2, with 806 participants, successfully replicated thebest model of study 1 against an alternative one. It is concluded that the YSQ-S3is a valid and reliable instrument for the Colombian adult population.K EY WORDS : factor structure, validity, reliability, early maladaptive schemas.(AU)

Ciber violencia contra la pareja en universitarios de España y Latinoamérica / Cyber violence against the couple in university students in Spain and Latin America

El objetivo de la investigación fue estudiar la presencia de ciber violencia contra la pareja en estudiantes universitarios de España y Latinoamérica, así como como analizar su relación con los mitos románticos y el sexismo ambivalente. La investigación tiene un diseño transversal. La muestra estaba formada por 2.798 estudiantes de siete países hispanohablantes: España, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile, Argentina y México. Los resultados muestran pocas diferencias de medias entre hombres y mujeres; sin embargo, las diferencias entre países son considerables, sobre todo en la perpetración de agresiones directas y control. Las distintas formas de ciber violencia contra la pareja tienden a correlacionar, en una dirección positiva, con las actitudes sexistas y las creencias distorsionadas sobre el amor romántico. En conclusión, los programas de prevención deberían tener en cuenta las nuevas manifestaciones de la violencia que están apareciendo en los espacios virtuales.(AU)

The objective of the research was to study the presence of cyber violenceagainst partners in university students in Spain and Latin America, as well as toanalyze its relationship with romantic myths and ambivalent sexism. The researchhas a cross-sectional design. The sample was made up of 2,798 students fromseven Spanish-speaking countries: Spain, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile,Argentina, and Mexico. The results show few differences in means between menand women; However, the differences between countries are considerable,especially in the perpetration of direct attacks and control. The different forms ofcyber violence against a partner tend to correlate, in a positive direction, with sexistattitudes and distorted beliefs about romantic love. In conclusion, preventionprograms should take into account the new manifestations of violence that areappearing in virtual spaces.(AU)

Comunidad compasiva para la inclusión social y calidad de vida de las personas con esclerosis múltiple y sus cuidadores familiares / Comunidade compasiva pela inclusao social e qualidade de vida de pessoãs com esclerose multipla e seus familiares cuidadores / Compassionate community for the social inclusion and quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis and their family caregivers

Objetivo: Evaluar cualitativamente la experiencia de pacientescon esclerosis múltiple (PEM) y cuidadores familiares (CFPEM)vinculados al programa de esclerosis múltiple del HospitalUniversitario Nacional de Colombia (PrEM-HUNC), durantela formación y consolidación de una comunidad compasiva(CC), para la inclusión social y promoción de calidad de vida.Materiales y Método: estudio cualitativo interpretativo, conentrevistas a profundidad a nueve colaboradores. Con elmétodo de análisis de espiral de Creswell y Poth, emergieroncuatro categorías y un tema.Resultados: el tema “Un nido comunitario de crecimientoytransformación” señala el proceso de conformación de la CCcomo una experiencia que posibilitó cambios de significadosen torno a la enfermedad, la situación personal y familiar;revela un proceso de descubrimiento y aprendizaje deconformación de diferentes relaciones y roles.Conclusiones: La CC es una opción para construcción deredes de apoyo, fortalecimiento de las capacidades personalesy familiares, una forma para hacer frente a los diferentesimpactos y retos que implica vivir con esclerosis múltiple,se constituye en una alternativa para la promoción de lacalidad de vida y la inclusión social.(AU)

Objective: to qualitatively evaluate the experienceof patients with multiple sclerosis (PEM) and familycaregivers (CFPEM) linked to the multiple sclerosisprogram of the National University Hospital ofColombia (PrEM-HUNC), during the formation andconsolidation of a compassionate community (CC),for social inclusion and promotion of quality of life.Materials and Method: qualitative interpretativestudy, with in-depth interviews to nine collaborators.With Creswell and Poth's spiral analysis method,four categories and one topic emerged. Results: the theme "A Community Nest of Growth andTransformation" points out the process of shaping theCC as an experience that made possible changes in themeanings surrounding the disease and the personaland family situation; reveals a process of discovery andlearning of shaping different relationships and roles.Conclusions: The CC is an option for building supportnetworks, strengthening personal and family capacities,a way to address the different impacts and challengesof living with multiple sclerosis; it is an alternative tothe promotion of quality of life and social inclusion.(AU)

Objetivo: avaliar qualitativamente a experiência depacientes com esclerose múltipla (PEM) e cuidadoresfamiliares (CFPEM) vinculados ao programa de esclerosemúltipla do Hospital Universitário Nacional de Colombia(PrEM-HUNC), durante a formação e consolidação deuma comunidade compassiva (CC), para a inclusãosocial e promoção da qualidade de vida.Materiais e Método: estudo qualitativo interpretativo,com entrevistas em profundidade com nove colaboradores.Com o método em espiral de Creswell e Poth, quatrocategorias e um tema emergiram.Resultados: o tema “Um ninho comunitário de crescimentoe transformação” revela o processo de conformação daCC como uma experiência que possibilitou mudanças designificados em torno da doença, da situação pessoal efamiliar; revela um processo de descoberta e aprendizagemde obter diferentes relacionamentos e papéis.Conclusões: a CC é uma opção para a construção deredes de apoio, fortalecendo as capacidades pessoais efamiliares, uma forma de enfrentar os diversos impactose desafios que o viver com esclerose múltipla implica,sendo uma opção para a promoção da qualidade devida e inclusão social.(AU)

Significados y prácticas de salud como ausencia de enfermedad en universitarios / Significados e práticas de saúde como ausência de adoecimento em universitários / Meanings and practices of health as absenceof disease in university students

Introducción: Los jóvenes universitarios están expuestos acambios y transiciones que marcarán su salud en la adultez.Sus decisiones se traducen en comportamientos que puedenser saludables o no, y dependen del significado de saludque se construye de conocimientos adquiridos, tradicioneso costumbres culturales.Objetivo: Comprender la influencia que tiene la culturauniversitaria en la construcción del significado y prácticasde salud en estudiantes de pregrado de una sede, en unauniversidad privada en Colombia.Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, tipo etnografía. Participaron15 estudiantes, 11 profesores y profesionales de BienestarUniversitario. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructuradavirtual, se procesaron los datos, y se sometieron a auditoría.Resultados: El significado de salud responde a una perspectivaindividual y biopsicosocial; existe una fuerte influencia delentorno cercano y universitario en la significación y lasprácticas de salud. Los hallazgos tienen similitud con otrosestudios del ámbito internacional.Conclusiones: Se logró comprender la alta importanciaque se da a la salud, entendiéndola principalmente comoausencia de enfermedad, reflejada en creencias, valores yprácticas. Se proponen unos retos, necesarios enfrentar, parahacer a las universidades promotoras del concepto amplioy renovado de la salud.(AU)

Introduction: Young university students are exposedto changes and transitions that will influence theirhealth in adulthood. Their decisions translate intobehaviors that may or may not be healthy and aredependent on their meaning of health that is built uponacquired knowledge, traditions, or cultural customs.The objective of this study is to understand howuniversity cul-ture influences undergraduate studentsin establishing health practices and the meaning ofhealth at a private university in Colombia.Methodology: In this ethnographic, qualitative study, 15students, 11 professors, and UW (University Wellfare)professionals were included. A virtual semi-structuredinterview was used and data were coded and audited.Results: The results show the meaning of health dependson individual and biopsychosocial perspectives; thereis a strong influence of the immediate environment,such as family and university on the meaning andpractices of health. The findings are similar to otherinternational studies.Conclusions: It was possible to understand the highimportance given to health, which is mainly under-stood as the absence of disease, reflected in beliefs,values and practices. Some necessary challenges areproposed to be faced to make universities promotersof the broad and renewed concept of health.(AU)

Introdução: Jovens universitários estão expostos amudanças e transições que influenciarão sua saúdena vida adulta. Suas decisões se traduzem emcomportamentos que podem ou não ser saudáveise dependem de seu significado de saúde construídoa partir de conhecimentos adquiridos, tradições oucostumes culturais.Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é compreender comoa cultura universitária influencia os estudantes degraduação no estabelecimento de práticas de saúde eo significado de saúde em uma universidade privadana Colômbia.Metodologia: Neste estudo etnográfico, qualitativo,foram incluídos 15 alunos, 11 professores e profissionaisda UW (University Wellfare). Foi utilizada umaentrevista virtual semiestruturada e os dados foramcodificados e auditados.Resultados: Os resultados mostram que o significadode saúde depende de perspectivas individuais ebiopsicossociais; há forte influência do ambienteimediato e universitário no significado e nas práticasde saúde. Os resultados são semelhantes a outrosestudos internacionais.Conclusões: Foi possível compreender a elevadaimportância dada à saúde, entendendo-a principalmentecomo ausência de doença, refletida em crenças, valorese práticas. Propõem-se alguns desafios necessáriosa serem enfrentados para tornar as universidadespromotoras do conceito amplo e renovado de saúde.(AU)

Cost-utility analysis of palivizumab for preventing respiratory syncytial virus in preterm neonates and infants in Colombia.

AIM: Palivizumab has proven effective in reducing hospitalizations, preventing severe illness, improving health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs for infants at risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. We aim to assess the value of palivizumab in preventing RSV infection in high-risk infants in Colombia, where RSV poses a significant threat, causing severe respiratory illness and hospitalizations. METHODS: We conducted a decision tree analysis to compare five doses of palivizumab with no palivizumab. The study considered three population groups: preterm neonates (≤ 35 weeks gestational age), infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and infants with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD). We obtained clinical efficacy data from IMpact-RSV and Cardiac Synagis trials, while we derived neonatal hospitalization risks from the SENTINEL-1 study. We based hospitalization and recurrent wheezing management costs on Colombian analyses and validated them by experts. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and performed 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations for probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Palivizumab is a dominant strategy for preventing RSV infection in preterm neonates and infants with BPD and CHD. Its high efficacy (78% in preventing RSV in preterm infants), the substantial risk of illness and hospitalization, and the high costs associated with hospitalization, particularly in neonatal intensive care settings, support this finding. The scatter plots and willingness-to-pay curves align with these results. CONCLUSION: Palivizumab is a cost-saving strategy in Colombia, effectively preventing RSV infection in preterm neonates and infants with BPD and CHD by reducing hospitalizations and lowering healthcare costs.

["If you are a woman, read this, it's good for you": the advertising of medicines targeted at mothers in the Colombian press, 1903-1945]. / "Si usted es mujer lea esto que le conviene": la publicidad de medicamentos de patentes dirigidos a las madres en la prensa colombiana, 1903-1945.

This article analyses the advertising of patent medicine directed at mothers, which circulated in newspapers between 1903 and 1945. It demonstrates that these advertisings played an important role in shaping women as a consumer demographic, promoting a scientific approach to motherhood intertwined with health challenges. The methodology employed included the analysis of advertisements in the newspapers El Tiempo, La Prensa, Rigoletto, El Faro and Evolución. Additionally, it examines the historiography of the subject in Colombia and other latitudes. The conclusion of this study asserts that motherhood was a significant target for pharmaceutical industries, leading to a commercial concept of motherhood.

Este artículo analiza la publicidad de medicamentos de patentes dirigida a las madres en la prensa colombiana entre 1903 y 1945. Muestra cómo estos anuncios jugaron un papel importante al momento de moldear a la mujer como una población objeto de consumo, estableciendo una maternidad científica por medio de la medicalización. La metodología incluyó el análisis de los avisos publicitarios en los periódicos El Tiempo, La Prensa, Rigoletto, El Faro y Evolución. Igualmente, dialogó con la historiografía de la temática producida en Colombia y otras latitudes. Concluyó que la maternidad fue un nicho importante para la venta de medicamentos, provocando la conformación de una idea comercial de lo materno.