Some trematodes including three new species from freshwater fishes of Venezuela.

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of trematodes found in 13 species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela collected in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 15 trematode species were recorded: Adults: Genarchella venezuelaensis sp. n., Thometrema dissimilis sp. n., Megacoelium spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, Doradamphistoma bacuense Thatcher, 1999, Crassicutis cichlasomae Manter, 1936, Parspina carapo Ostrowski de Núñez, Arredonto et Gil de Pertierra, 2011, Phyllodistomoides hoplerythrini sp. n. Larvae (metacercariae): Clinostomatopsis sorbens (Braun, 1899), Clinostomum marginatum (Rudolphi, 1819), C. detruncatum Braun, 1899, Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum (Diesing, 1850), Odhneriotrema microcephala (Travassos, 1922), Tylodelphys sp., Posthodiplostomum sp., Sphincterodiplostomum sp. All these parasites are reported from Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species G. venezuelaensis sp. n., T. dissimilis sp. n. and P. hoplerythrini sp. n. were collected from the accessory respiratory organ of Loricariichthys brunneus (Hancock) (Loricariidae), from the stomach of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix et Agassiz) (Erythrinidae) and from the intestine of H. unitaeniatus, respectively. All parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed. Megacoelium spinispecum Thatcher et Varella, 1981 is considered a junior synonym of M. spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, and Crassicutis opisthoseminis Bravo-Hollis et Arroyo, 1962 as a junior synonym of C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936.

Migration process of Venezuelan women to Brazil: living conditions and use of health services in Manaus and Boa Vista, 2018-2021.

BACKGROUND: The last decade saw the emergence of a new significant migration corridor due to the mass migration of Venezuelans to neighboring countries in South America. Since 2018, Brazil became the third host country of Venezuelan displaced populations. Little is known about how migratory processes affect needs, access to social programs, and public health services of migrant women. The goal of this study is to shed light on the socio-economic profile, living conditions, and use of health services of Venezuelan migrant women in two main reception cities in Brazil. METHODS: A survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), and Manaus (Amazonas). The study included 2012 Venezuelan migrant women aged between 15 and 49 years old who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil between 2018 and 2021. Relative prevalence was calculated, and the χ2 test was used to analyse the homogeneity of proportions. All analyses considered the complex sampling. RESULTS: The main reasons for migrating relate to difficulties obtaining food (54%) and accessing health services (37.8%) in their country of origin. They were young and mixed race (65.7%) and had high school education (69.9%). In Manaus, 3.7% of the interviewees declared that they had no family income in the last month, while in Boa Vista, it was higher (66.2%) (p-value < 0.001). Almost one-third of them sought health care in the last 15 days, and 95% of them received care. The residents of Boa Vista arrived more recently and family income and access to paid work improved with time of residence in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing flow of Venezuelan migrants crossing to Brazil, a reception system was established for the provision of food, shelter, access to health services, and income transfer programs to migrants. This was the case despite high unemployment and poverty levels and income inequality, particularly in the city of Boa Vista. However, the majority had legal migrant status and had access to the public and universal healthcare system in Brazil (SUS). The use of the SUS was similar in both cities, acting as a buffer for the differences in opportunities offered.

A proposal to evaluate the management of tuberculosis programs: a qualitative, evaluability assessment in the border region of Brazil and Venezuela.

This study aims to analyze the feasibility of building an evaluative model for the management of the Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program in the State of Roraima, located on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. This is an evaluability assessment, a type of study used as a pre-evaluation of the development and implementation stages of a program, as well as throughout its execution. The study was developed in stages comprising the: (i) definition of the intervention to be analyzed and its objectives and goals; (ii) construction of the intervention logical model; (iii) screening of parties interested in the evaluation; (iv) definition of the evaluative questions; and (v) design of the evaluation matrix. Four priority components were defined for the evaluation: management of the organization and implementation of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control policy; epidemiological surveillance management; care network management; and management of expected/achieved results. In this model, and based on theoretical references, we defined the necessary resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and the expected impact for each of the policy management components. The management of the TB control program is feasible for evaluation based on the design of its components, the definition of structure and process indicators, and relevant results for the analysis of the management of TB prevention and control actions, as well as its influence on compliance with the agreed indicators and targets aiming at eradicating the disease by 2035.

Understanding the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: Despite nearly a quarter of Venezuelans remaining unvaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the country have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15th to 30th, 2022, using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The study analyzed data from 1,930 participants from all 24 states of Venezuela. The majority (93.4%) were vaccinated. The mean age was 40 years, predominantly female (67.3%), and held a university degree (70.6%). The mean KAP score was significantly higher among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones (7.79 vs. 3.94 points for knowledge, 40 vs. 24 points for attitudes, and 16 vs. 10 points for practices, all p < 0.001). Increases in the scores for KAP were associated with increased odds of being vaccinated (84.6%, 25.6%, and 33% respectively for each one-point increase, all p < 0.001). Certain demographic factors such as marital status, occupation, religious beliefs, monthly income, and location influence COVID-19 vaccine knowledge. Higher income and certain occupations decrease the odds of low knowledge, while residing in specific states increases it. Attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are influenced by age, health status, vaccination status, and location. Higher income and absence of certain health conditions decrease the odds of negative attitudes. Lastly, age, occupation, monthly income, and location affect vaccine practices. Advanced age and higher income decrease the odds of inappropriate practices, while residing in La Guaira state increases them. CONCLUSION: Factors such as age, education level, occupation, monthly income, and location were found to be associated with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine among the surveyed Venezuelans.

Leveraging limited data from wildlife monitoring in a conflict affected region in Venezuela.

Efficient monitoring of biodiversity-rich areas in conflict-affected areas with poor rule of law requires a combination of different analytical approaches to account for data biases and incompleteness. In the upland Amazon region of Venezuela, in Canaima National Park, we initiated biodiversity monitoring in 2015, but it was interrupted by the establishment of a large-scale mining development plan in 2016, compromising the temporal and geographical extent of monitoring and the security of researchers. We used a resource selection function model framework that considers imperfect detectability and supplemented detections from camera trap surveys with opportunistic off-camera records (including animal tracks and direct sighting) to (1) gain insight into the value of additional occurrence records to accurately predict wildlife resource use in the perturbated area (deforestation, fire, swidden agriculture, and human settlements vicinity), (2) when faced with security and budget constraints. Our approach maximized the use of available data and accounted for biases and data gaps. Adding data from poorly sampled areas had mixed results on estimates of resource use for restricted species, but improved predictions for widespread species. If budget or resources are limited, we recommend focusing on one location with both on-camera and off-camera records over two with cameras. Combining camera trap records with other field observations (28 mammals and 16 birds) allowed us to understand responses of 17 species to deforestation, 15 to fire, and 13 to swidden agriculture. Our study encourages the use of combinations of methods to support conservation in high-biodiversity sites, where access is restricted, researchers are vulnerable, and unequal sampling efforts exist.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Caracas, Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS: A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31-55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. CONCLUSION: This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.

Echinorhinus brucus (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Caribbean Sea: A recurrent visitor, or are the artisanal fisheries exploiting deeper waters?

Documentation of Echinorhinus brucus, (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the western Atlantic primarily relies on chance observations. Georeferenced records in this area remain notably scarce. This study contributes the second Venezuelan and seventh Caribbean Sea specimens, increasing the western Atlantic count to 15 individuals. All specimens gathered here were sexually mature, with a slight dominance of females. Our bramble shark record appears to be driven more by the interplay of its biology and environmental factors than being a deliberate deep-sea fishery activity, which likely occurs in the Southern Caribbean area.

Detection and diversity of gastrointestinal viruses in wastewater from Caracas, Venezuela, 2021-2022.

Gastrointestinal viruses (GIV) are an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Their epidemiological impact in Venezuela during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. GIV can also be detected in domestic sewage. Ninety-one wastewater samples from urban areas of Caracas collected over 12 months and concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation, were analyzed by multiplex reverse-transcription-PCR for rotavirus/calicivirus/astrovirus and enterovirus/klassevirus/cosavirus, and monoplex-PCR for adenovirus and Aichi virus. The overall frequency of virus detection was 46.2%, fluctuating over months, and peaking in the rainy season. Adenoviruses circulated throughout the year, especially type F41, and predominated (52.7%) over caliciviruses (29.1%) that peaked in the rainy months, rotaviruses (9.1%), cosaviruses (5.5%), astroviruses and enteroviruses (1.8%). Aichi-virus and klassevirus were absent. Rotavirus G9/G12, and P[4]/P[8]/P[14] predominated. The occurrence of GIV in wastewater reflects transmission within the population of Caracas and the persistence of a potential public health risk that needs to be adequately monitored.

Integración en Salud Andina

Información y recursos relevantes según líneas estratégicas en salud andina (componentes) y producción científica prioritariamente de los 06 países andinos (Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Perú, Venezuela), cuya colección es integrada por documentos bibliográficos, informes técnicos, memorias, material multimedia, entre otros.

Parasitological and molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi of triatomines and mammals from endemic areas for Chagas disease in Venezuela.

It is estimated that 6-7 million people worldwide are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In Venezuela, Chagas disease remains a public health problem. In this work, T. cruzi isolates from six species of triatomines and mammals of the orders Didelphimorphia and Xenarthra, captured in rural communities of Monagas, underwent parasitological and molecular characterization. A total of 471 triatomines and 17 mammals were captured, with a natural infection rate of 41.4% and 70.6%, respectively. In the male NMRI mouse model used for parasitological characterization (prepatent period, parasitemia curve, mouse mortality, and tissular parasitism), T. cruzi isolates exhibited high lethality due to their pronounced virulence, irrespective of the parasite load in each mouse, resulting in a mortality rate of 75%. Among the vector isolates, in the mouse model, only 2 out of 6 remained alive, while the rest perished during the evaluation. Conversely, the isolates from mammals proved fatal for all the inoculated mice. All isolates were identified as belonging to DTU TcI, based on the molecular markers such as the intergenic region of the miniexon, D7 divergent domain of the 24Sα rDNA, size-variable domain of the 18S rDNA, and hsp60-PCR-RFLP-EcoRV. This study demonstrates the presence of vectors and mammalian reservoirs naturally infected with T. cruzi in communities of Monagas, the 9th largest and 9th most populous state in Venezuela. This situation represents a neglected epidemiological problem demanding urgent attention and imperative health care intervention.

Microplásticos en la sardina Sardinella aurita (Teleostei: Clupeidae) en Sucre, Venezuela / Microplastics in the sardine Sardinella aurita (Teleostei: Clupeidae) in Sucre, Venezuela

Resumen Introducción: La creciente presencia de plásticos en los ecosistemas acuáticos ha sido considerada como un problema ambiental emergente global. Existen estudios que han demostrado que los microplásticos pueden ser ingeridos por una variedad de organismos acuáticos. La variabilidad natural e importancia del recurso sardina, son razones suficientes para evaluar la presencia de estas partículas en el contenido estomacal, y así generar información acerca de las implicaciones de ingestión de estos contaminantes emergentes. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de microplásticos en el contenido estomacal de la sardina y su correlación con la condición fisiológica y reproductiva de los peces estudiados. Metodología: Se evaluaron un total de 800 sardinas, entre abril y mayo del 2022. Se midieron las variables morfométricas longitud total y peso, se determinó el factor de condición y el índice gonadosomático. Se extrajo el tracto digestivo y se determinó el peso del estómago lleno y vacío, además del peso del contenido estomacal para determinar el índice de repleción y vacuidad. Las variables determinadas se correlacionaron con la abundancia de microplásticos. El contenido estomacal fue procesado para extraer los microplásticos y caracterizarlos de forma física. Resultados: El índice de repleción presentó diferencias mensuales; su promedio fue de 0.311. El índice de vacuidad promedio fue de 0.276. La abundancia de microplásticos promedio fue 3 066 ítems, con diferencias mensuales e interacción con respecto al sexo y una frecuencia de aparición de 70.125 %, con un total de 2 402 fibras y 57 fragmentos. Las fibras negras fueron las más abundantes (947 ítems). Encontramos correlaciones bajas y positivas entre la abundancia de microplásticos, el índice gonadosomático y el peso de los organismos. Conclusiones: Estos resultados no pueden ser concluyente con respecto a las consecuencias causadas por este contaminante emergente. Mas estudios son necesarios, incluyendo ensayos de laboratorios con metodologías estandarizadas.

Abstract Introduction: The increasing presence of plastics in aquatic ecosystems has been considered as an emerging global environmental problem. Studies have shown that microplastics can be ingested by a variety of aquatic organisms. The natural variability and importance of the sardine resource are sufficient reasons to evaluate the presence of these particles in stomach contents, and thus generate information about the ingestion implications of these emerging contaminants. Objective: To evaluate the presenc e of microplastics in the stomach contents of sardines and their correlation with the physiological and reproductive condition of the fish studied. Methodology: We evaluated a total of 800 sardines between April and May 2022. We measured total length and weight, and determined the condition factor and the gonadosomatic index. We removed the digestive tract and weighed the stomach both empty and full, as well as the stomach contents to determine the repletion and emptiness index. We correlated the determined variables with the abundance of microplastics. We extracted microplastics and characterized them physically. Results: The filling index presented monthly differences with an average of 0.311. The average vacancy index was 0.276. The average abundance of microplastics was 3 066 items, with monthly differences and interaction with respect to sex and a frequency of appearance of 70.125 %, with a total of 2 402 fibers and 57 fragments. Black fibers were the most abundant (947 items). Low and positive correlations were found between the abundance of microplastics, the gonadosomatic index and the weight of the organisms. Conclusions: These results cannot be conclusive as to the consequences caused by this emerging pollutant. Further study is necessary, including laboratory tests with standardized methodologies.

Congenital syphilis in Roraima and Venezuelan migration: analysis of cases at the state maternity hospital in the 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 biennia / Sífilis congênita em Roraima e a migração venezuelana: análise de casos na maternidade estadual nos biênios 2017/2018 e 2020/2021 / Sífilis congénita en Roraima y migración venezolana: análisis de casos en la maternidad estatal en los bienios 2017/2018 y 2020/2021

Background and objectives: in 2017 and 2018, Roraima experienced the most significant increase in congenital syphilis incidence rates among all federal units. This phenomenon occurred in parallel with the significant Venezuelan migration to the region. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the increase in cases of congenital syphilis registered at the Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth and the Venezuelan migratory crisis. Methods: this is a document-based, descriptive research, covering the 2017/2018 and 2020/2021 periods, developed from data collected in copies of congenital syphilis report/investigation forms from the hospital. Results: in the 2017/2018 biennium, the peak of Venezuelan migration in Roraima, fewer cases of syphilis occurred than when the migratory flow declined. In the 2020/2021 biennium, there was a decrease in the migratory flow due to the closing of the border and the acceleration of the interiorization process. Although it is the period with the highest number of reports of congenital syphilis among Venezuelan mothers, the percentage is considerably lower than that recorded among Brazilian women. The incidence rate was higher among the group of Brazilian mothers (7.5/1,000 live births, in the 2017/2018 period, and 11.5/1,000 live births, in the 2020/2021 period). Conclusion: Venezuelan migration, although it may have eventually exerted some influence on the total number of cases of congenital syphilis, cannot be considered the determining factor for the increase in cases of the disease in the hospital in the defined period, and other factors deserve to be assessed as decisive in this case.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: em 2017 e 2018, Roraima apresentou o aumento mais significativo nas taxas de incidência de sífilis congênita entre todas as unidades federativas. Este fenômeno ocorreu paralelamente à significativa migração venezuelana para a região. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre o aumento de casos de sífilis congênita registrados no Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth e a crise migratória venezuelana. Métodos: trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, descritiva, abrangendo os períodos 2017/2018 e 2020/2021, desenvolvida a partir de dados coletados em cópias de fichas de notificação/investigação de sífilis congênita do hospital. Resultados: no biênio 2017/2018, pico da migração venezuelana em Roraima, ocorreram menos casos de sífilis do que quando o fluxo migratório diminuiu. No biénio 2020/2021, registou-se uma diminuição do fluxo migratório devido ao encerramento da fronteira e à aceleração do processo de interiorização. Embora seja o período com maior número de notificações de sífilis congênita entre mães venezuelanas, o percentual é consideravelmente inferior ao registrado entre as brasileiras. A taxa de incidência foi maior entre o grupo de mães brasileiras (7,5/1.000 nascidos vivos, no período 2017/2018, e 11,5/1.000 nascidos vivos, no período 2020/2021). Conclusão: A migração venezuelana, embora possa eventualmente ter exercido alguma influência no total de casos de sífilis congênita, não pode ser considerada o fator determinante para o aumento de casos da doença no hospital no período definido, e outros fatores merecem ser destacados. ser considerada decisiva neste caso.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: en 2017 y 2018, Roraima experimentó el aumento más significativo en las tasas de incidencia de sífilis congénita entre todas las unidades federales. Este fenómeno se produjo en paralelo con la importante migración venezolana a la región. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre el aumento de casos de sífilis congénita registrados en el Hospital Materno Infantil Nossa Senhora de Nazareth y la crisis migratoria venezolana. Métodos: se trata de una investigación descriptiva, documental, que abarca los períodos 2017/2018 y 2020/2021, desarrollada a partir de datos recolectados en copias de formularios de informe/investigación de sífilis congénita del hospital. Resultados: en el bienio 2017/2018, pico de migración venezolana en Roraima, ocurrieron menos casos de sífilis que cuando el flujo migratorio disminuyó. En el bienio 2020/2021 se produjo una disminución del flujo migratorio debido al cierre de fronteras y la aceleración del proceso de interiorización. Si bien es el período con mayor número de reportes de sífilis congénita entre madres venezolanas, el porcentaje es considerablemente menor que el registrado entre las mujeres brasileñas. La tasa de incidencia fue mayor entre el grupo de madres brasileñas (7,5/1.000 nacidos vivos, en el período 2017/2018, y 11,5/1.000 nacidos vivos, en el período 2020/2021). Conclusión: La migración venezolana, si bien eventualmente pudo haber ejercido alguna influencia en el número total de casos de sífilis congénita, no puede considerarse el factor determinante del aumento de casos de la enfermedad en el hospital en el período definido, y otros factores merecen ser considerados. considerarse decisivo en este caso.(AU)

Examining healthcare needs and decisions to seek health services among Venezuelan migrants living in Trinidad and Tobago using Andersen's Behavioral Model.

Introduction: Beginning in 2016, Trinidad and Tobago experienced increasing flows of migrants and refugees from Venezuela. Through a Government Registration Exercise in 2019, followed by a Re-registration Exercise in 2020, migrants and refugees benefitted from access to publicly available primary care and emergency medical services. By applying Andersen's Behavioral Model for Health Service Use, our study examined the non-communicable disease care needs of migrants, and factors influencing their decision to seek public and private health services. Method: Between September and December 2020, a health questionnaire was administered via telephone to n = 250 migrants from Venezuela. Descriptive statistics summarized the constructs of Andersen's Behavioral Model. The model comprised of predisposing factors including migrants' social characteristics; enabling factors namely monthly earnings, education level and most trusted source of information on medical needs; need for care factors such as migrants self-reported health status, presence of non-communicable health conditions and having visited a doctor in the past 12 months; and the outcome variables which were migrants' decisions to seek public and private health services. Pearson χ2 tests, odds ratios and multivariable logistic regression with backward elimination examined the factors influencing a migrant's decision to seek health services. Results: Overall, 66.8% of migrants reported they would seek public health services, while 22.4% indicated they would seek private health services. Predisposing factors namely length of time residing in Trinidad and Tobago (p = 0.031) and living with family/friends (p = 0.049); the enabling factor of receiving information from publicly available sources (p = 0.037); and the need for care factor of visiting a doctor for a physical health problem (p = 0.010) were significant correlates of their decision to seek care in the public sector. Predisposing factors namely living with family/friends (p = 0.020) and the enabling factor of having difficulty accessing healthcare services (p = 0.045) were significant correlates of their decision to seek care from private providers. Discussion: Our findings demonstrated the positive association between social networks and a migrant's decision to use public and private health services, thus underscoring the importance of family and friends in facilitating health service use, promoting proper health practices and preventing diseases. Overall, the use of Andersen's Behavioral Model aided in identifying the factors associated with the use of health services by Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago. However, further studies are needed to better understand their need for ongoing care, to inform policy, and to plan targeted health interventions for addressing the gaps in health service access, barriers and use.

Principales características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes con hipertensión arterial en un área de salud comunitaria venezolana / Main clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with hypertension in a community health area from Venezuela i: en

La hipertensión arterial constituye un problema de salud a escala mundial debido al aumento progresivo de su prevalencia e incidencia. Objetivo: Describir las principales características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes con hipertensión arterial. Métodos: Se realizó estudio descriptivo, transversal y ambispectivo, desde abril de 2020 hasta igual mes de 2021, de 50 pacientes con hipertensión arterial asistidos en el Ambulatorio de La Morita del Área de Salud Integral Comunitaria Progreso, estado de Portuguesa, en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. En el proceso estadístico de la información se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 80 y más años (26,0 %), el sexo femenino (54,0 %), el tratamiento combinado (70,0 %), el consumo de café (96,0 %) y tabaco (78,0 %) como hábitos tóxicos y el infarto agudo de miocardio como principal complicación. Conclusione s: El cumplimiento del plan terapéutico indicado, el conocimiento sobre la enfermedad, la alimentación sana, la práctica frecuente de ejercicios físicos y el estilo de vida adecuado son fundamentales para mantener controlada la presión arterial y evitar la aparición de complicaciones.

Hypertension constitutes a health problem worldwide, due to the progressive increase of its prevalence and incidence. Objective: To describe the main clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with hypertension. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and ambispective study was carried out from April, 2020 to the same month in 2021 of 50 patients with hypertension assisted in La Morita Doctor's Office of Progreso Community Integral Health Area, Portuguese state, in the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela. In the statistical process of the information the percentage as summary measure was used. Results: In the series there was prevalence of the 80 years and over age group (26.0%), female sex (54.0%), the combined treatment (70.0%), and the consumption of coffee (96.0%) and tobacco (78.0%) as toxic habits and acute heart attack as main complication. Conclusions: The achievement of the suitable therapeutic plan, knowledge on the disease, healthy feeding, the frequent practice of physical exercises and the appropriate lifestyle are fundamental to maintain the blood pressure controlled and avoid the emergence of complications.

Molecular characterization of human adenovirus causing infantile acute gastroenteritis in Venezuela before and after rotavirus vaccine implementation.

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) of species F are commonly involved in pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). The real impact on Venezuelan health is unknown. To investigate the prevalence and molecular diversity of HAdV in Venezuela, 630 fecal samples collected from children with AGE in 3 cities, from 2001 to 2013, were tested by PCR. Species F and types F40/41 were identified by REA. HAdV was detected in 123 cases (19.5%), most from outpatient females under 24 months old. A progressive and substantial increase in the detection rate was observed over time, significantly higher in rotavirus vaccinated than unvaccinated children (28.4% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.00019). Phylogenetic analysis of 28 randomly selected genomes showed high similarity among HAdV-F40/41 and those worldwide. HAdV-F of type 41 prevailed (79.8%) and clustered into 2 intratypic major clades. The significant involvement of HAdV-F41 in AGE suggests the importance of actively monitoring viral agents other than rotavirus, especially after vaccine introduction.

"Border closure only increased precariousness": a qualitative analysis of the effects of restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on Venezuelan's health and human rights in South America.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, a political and social crisis pushed thousands of Venezuelans out of their country; today, seven million Venezuelans live abroad. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, border closure increased and affected specific vulnerable migration flows, such as Venezuelans trying to migrate to Chile through the Northern borders. In this context, there is little evidence of migrants' health status and needs, their access to health services, and other basic needs (e.g., housing) from a human rights perspective. Therefore, we qualitatively explored the effects of border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Venezuelan migrants' health and human rights, focusing on access to healthcare in the Northern Chilean border that adjoins Peru and Bolivia. METHODS: Following a case-study qualitative design, we conducted an ethnography that included participatory observation of relevant sites (e.g., hospitals, main squares, migrant shelters) in Antofagasta, Iquique, and Arica and 30 in-depth interviews with actors in the health sector (n = 7), experts from the non-governmental sector (n = 16), and governmental actors (n = 7) in three large cities close to the Northern border. RESULTS: We found four main dimensions: (i) border and migration processes, (ii) specific groups and intersectionality, (iii) barriers to healthcare services, and (iv) regional and local responses to the crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs characterized by the presence of healthcare providers in the field were essential to attend to migrants' health needs at borders. CONCLUSIONS: Coordination between actors is crucial to implement regional protocols that respond to current migration phenomena and migrants' health needs. Health policies using a human rights approach are urgently required to respond to migrants' healthcare needs at borders in South America.

Perfil de carga de enfermedad por diabetes 2023: República Bolivariana de Venezuela

El propósito fundamental de esta serie de perfiles nacionales de la carga de enfermedad por diabetes y de enfermedad renal crónica debida a diabetes es apoyar a los países de la Región de las Américas en el seguimiento de las estrategias puestas en marcha para enfrentar la diabetes. Esta primera versión de los perfiles, que abarca el período comprendido entre el 2000 y el 2019, muestra la tendencia de la mortalidad, los años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura, los años vividos con discapacidad y los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad de ambas enfermedad. Se han elaborado con los últimos datos disponibles de las estimaciones mundiales de salud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y tiene como objetivo convertirse en una herramienta útil para llevar a cabo el monitoreo de las estrategias conexas.

Estrés y cognición: propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Estrés Percibido y asociaciones con el funcionamiento cognitivo, síntomas prefrontales y quejas cognitivas / Stress and cognition: psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale and associations with cognitive functioning, prefrontal symptoms, and cognitive complaints

Introducción: La escala de estrés percibido de Cohen (EEP) es el instrumento más utilizado a nivel mundial para medir estrés percibido, sin embargo, no existen análisis psicométricos en población general venezolana. Además, la teoría sugiere que el estrés podría tener efectos en el funcionamiento cognitivo a través de la sintomatología prefrontal y las quejas cognitivas. Objetivos. Analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EEP y determinar la relación del estrés percibido y el funcionamiento cognitivo mediante los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas. Sujetos y métodos. Se aplicaron las pruebas EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30 y MoCA a una muestra de 223 participantes (Medad = 33, D.E. = 12.82; 64% mujeres). Se ejecutaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios para determinar el ajuste de las versiones de la EEP y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales para analizar las relaciones entre variables. Resultados. La estructura de la EEP con mejor ajuste se compone de diez ítems y dos factores denominados incontrolabilidad percibida y eficacia percibida. Asimismo, el modelo estructural obtuvo un excelente ajuste a los datos y pone de manifiesto que el efecto del estrés sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurre a través de los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discusión. La EEP-10 es una herramienta breve, valida y confiable para ser utilizada en contexto venezolano. Los efectos del estrés percibido sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurren a través de una mediación serial que involucra la percepción de los individuos respecto a su funcionamiento ejecutivo y fallos cognitivos cotidianos.(AU)

Introduction: The Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most widely used instrument worldwide to measure perceived stress; however, there are no psychometric analyses in the Venezuelan general population. Moreover, theory suggests that stress could have effects on cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptomatology and cognitive complaints. Aims. To analyze the psychometric properties of the EEP and to determine the relationship of perceived stress and cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints. Subjects and methods. The EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30, and MoCA tests were administered to a sample of 223 participants (Mage = 33, SD = 12.82; 64% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were run to determine the fit of the EEP versions, and structural equation models were performed to analyze the relationships between variables. Results. The structure of the EEP with the best fit was composed of ten items and two factors called perceived uncontrollability and perceived efficacy. Also, the structural model obtained an excellent fit to the data and highlights that the effect of stress on cognitive functioning occurs through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discussion. The EEP-10 is a brief, valid and reliable tool to be used in a Venezuelan context. The effects of perceived stress on cognitive functioning occur through a serial mediation involving individuals’ perception of their executive functioning and everyday cognitive failures.(AU)