Título del artículo:

Types of Coercive Practices, Disability and Days in Crisis in People With Suicide Attempts in Latin American

The present study aimed to identify the types of coercive practices in healthcare services and to analyze their relationship with psychosocial disability and days in crisis among individuals with suicide attempts in Colombia. A mixed-methods design was adopted. The quantitative component consisted of an analytical cross-sectional study with a stratified sample of 622 individuals, using validated instruments to assess depressive symptoms, resilience, subjective well-being, loneliness, continuity of care and psychosocial disability. The qualitative component involved 30 semi-structured interviews, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Multivariate analysis explained 45.1% of the variance in days in crisis. Coercive practices were significantly associated with higher levels of psychosocial disability, more severe depressive symptoms, and lower scores in resilience and subjective well-being (p <.001). Qualitative findings revealed perceptions of dehumanizing treatment, normalization of coercion by health personnel and disruption of the therapeutic relationship. Coercive practices represent a risk factor for psychosocial recovery.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Community Mental Health Journal

Título del artículo:

Visual and bibliometric analysis of interventions based on Equine-Assisted Therapy

Background: Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) stands out for its benefits for people with various health conditions, not only disabilities but also general health issues, contributing to the development of specific competencies. Objective: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the literature on equine therapy, evaluating the scientific landscape, emerging trends, and collaboration networks to guide future research and practices in this field. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, which includes more than 16000 scientific journals. Results: The search, conducted between 2000 and 2024, identified 332 articles on equine therapy in rehabilitation, of which 233 met the selection criteria. Most studies were conducted in the United States, followed by Brazil and Korea. The average age of the articles is 7.21 years, and the average number of citations per document is 26.87. The most prominent journals were Pediatric Physical Therapy and Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, while authors such as Kwon Jeong-Yi and Lee Ji Young stood out for their collaborations. Conclusion: EAT is gaining recognition as an effective intervention, especially in physical and neurological rehabilitation. The growing international collaboration and the quality of the research highlight the global interest in this area, with a significant contribution from researchers across various regions to the knowledge of the field.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Salud Uninorte

Título del artículo:

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY PRODUCTION IN VENEZUELA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Geothermal energy is a useful source for the generation of electricity, heat, cooling, mineral extraction, oxygen, and hydrogen. For several decades, Venezuela has focused its energy model on its immense hydrocarbon reserves. Nevertheless, the need to diversify energy sources for the transition to net-zero carbon emissions entails considering the potential of renewable geothermal resources that have been largely exploited for recreational purposes until now (i.e., thermal waters), as well as exploring the geothermal characteristics of potential hydrocarbon deposits. The objective of this article is to perform a state-of-the-art investigation of the geothermal resources available in Venezuela (i.e., hydrothermal reservoirs, hot dry rocks, hydrocarbon reservoirs with high water cut production and at high temperature, among others), along with existing exploitation techniques for the generation of geothermal energy in the country. This article reviews the prevailing physics of geothermal reservoirs (fluid flow in porous media, heat transfer, the thermodynamics of fluids, chemical reactions, etc.), and international geothermal techniques such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems, Closed-Loop Geothermal systems, the integration of the organic Rankine cycle and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to produce electricity and hydrogen, mineral extraction, geothermal CO2 plume for CO2 emission management, among others. Based on available technical reports, each method will be discussed in terms of its underlying technique, as well as its environmental impact. The results of this review indicate that within the scenarios that could be predicted in Venezuela for geothermal power generation are the following: the production of electricity and hydrogen from hydrothermal and/or aquifer systems, the conversion of depleted/abandoned oil and gas wells or high-water cut reservoirs to geothermal, combination of geothermal and CO2 storage/management, or other potential energy sources like hydrogen, together with mineral extraction from the produced water. Results based on international experiences indicate the importance of considering physicochemical and geochemical reactions, as well as an adequate heat transfer from reservoir to surface equipment, which can have an impact on the efficiency and cost of the processes. This article will provide one of the strategic tools to help in the exploitation of renewable geothermal resources in Venezuela and the transition to decarbonization. It opens up opportunities for the development of geothermal resources in the country where up to now these resources have remained underexploited. It also brings in international experiences on geothermal technologies to promote field applications and practical implementation of this technology in Venezuela.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Proceedings of the International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering OMAE

Título del artículo:

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF PRODUCED WATER IN VENEZUELA’S MAJOR HYDROCARBON BASINS (EASTERN VENEZUELA AND MARACAIBO BASINS): EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION, GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AND MINERAL EXTRACTION

Sustainable water management in hydrocarbon production poses a significant challenge for Venezuela\'s oil and gas industry, particularly in the Eastern Venezuela and Maracaibo basins. Traditionally, the water lifecycle in the hydrocarbon industry has focused on phase separation (e.g., hydrocarbons and solids), treatment (e.g., emulsions), transport, disposal, storage, and utilization. However, water valorization techniques for renewable energy production have yet to be fully explored. This article introduces a workflow for hydrogen production, geothermal energy generation, and valuable mineral extraction from produced water in Venezuela, aiming to enhance water resource utilization and diversify energy sources with a low environmental impact. A comprehensive review is conducted on available information, including published technical reports and scientific publications, production profiles, and physicochemical water analyses. The conversion of existing wells in high-water zones and/or aquifers is emphasized, along with the techniques for hydrogen production through water electrolysis. The review also explores potential formations containing valuable metals and minerals, together with the techniques—both research-focused and industrial—used for the extraction and production of electrolytic hydrogen and minerals like lithium. Key factors influencing these processes are also identified. The results of this study suggest that several potential scenarios for managing produced water in Venezuela include hydrogen production, the use of geothermal energy through existing wells (with possible reconditioning), mineral extraction from produced brines, the application of alternative enhanced/improved oil recovery (EOR/IOR) processes, water use for agricultural purposes, among others. Current findings highlight the importance of considering physicochemical and geochemical reactions—such as precipitation of solids, scaling, mineralization, acid gas generation, and corrosion—along with the selection of suitable materials, management and storage of acidic gases, electrolyzer efficiency, and an effective underground-surface heat transfer system. These factors are crucial as they directly affect the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the processes.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Proceedings of the International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering OMAE

Título del artículo:

Causal inference unveils how forest coverage mitigates excess snakebite cases during rainfall seasons in Colombia

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that affects mainly rural populations, where antivenom is scarce. Understanding environmental drivers of snakebite incidence is critical for public health preparedness. This study employs causal inference to assess the impact of rainfall on snakebite surges in Colombia, with broader implications for tropical regions. Using a spatiotemporal database of monthly snakebite case data (2007–2021), we applied machine learning models to estimate the causal effect of rainfall, considering nine atmospheric and oceanic indices, forest coverage, and rural GDP. High rainfall significantly causes excess snakebite cases (i.e., increasing the likelihood that the number of cases exceeds what is expected based on the standardized incidence ratio): a one-standard-deviation increase in rainfall (134.65 mm) led to a 2.1% rise in excess snakebite cases (95% CI 1.3–2.9). Forest coverage exhibited an inverse relationship with the impact of rainfall on excess cases, which is positive in regions with < 50% forest cover. These findings highlight the need for climate-adaptive public health strategies. Deforested regions face heightened snakebite risk during heavy rainfall, emphasizing the role of deforestation in shaping disease dynamics. As climate change alters precipitation patterns, integrating ecological and epidemiological data is crucial for forecasting and mitigating snakebite burden globally.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Scientific Reports

Título del artículo:

Techno-economic analysis of integrated biomass gasification and alkaline electrolysis for 5th generation district energy networks in Quebec, Canada

This study presents a technical, thermo-economic, and environmental analysis of a biomass-based polygeneration system. This system is for fifth-generation district heating and cooling (5GDH) networks. The system integrates a biomass gasifier with an electrolyzer. The electrolyzer provides an on-site oxygen source for gasification, eliminating the need for energy-intensive Air Separation Units (ASUs). The generated syngas fuels a turbine to produce electricity. The waste heat from this process is then recovered for District Heating and Cooling networks. Additionally, the electrolyzer produces hydrogen (H2), which is injected into the syngas stream. This addition significantly boosts its heating value, resulting in an inert, nitrogen-free blend suitable for urban hydrogen, power, heating, and cooling applications. The produced electricity can also power commercial heat pumps, enabling efficient low-temperature DHC. The research examined three scenarios using an Engineering Equation Solver (EES) mathematical model. This model was validated, showing less than a 10 % deviation from experimental data. Scenarios one and two explored combined air and steam gasification for heat, power, and cooling production. The third scenario integrated the gasifier and electrolyzer, where an external power source operates the electrolyzer to generate oxygen (O2) for gasification and hydrogen (H2) for syngas enrichment. The system was analyzed at 2.2 MWe and 5.5 MWe capacities in a case study located in Quebec, Canada. Results highlight the strategic benefit of using electrolyzer-derived oxygen. The system was designed to meet peak demands (0.6 MW heating, 0.5 MW cooling, 1.1–4.9 MW electricity) and achieved high efficiency. Oxygen gasification, utilizing 16.14 MJ/kg LHV biomass, required 33–37 % less biomass than air gasification. It reached 78 % plant efficiency and 61 % exergy efficiency. The thermo-economic analysis confirmed its environmental and economic performance. It recorded a primary energy consumption of 4 GWh/year and direct CO2 emissions of 9 tCO2eq/year. This represents a 91 % Primary Energy Saving compared to reference systems. Operating costs dropped to 2511 k$/year (from 5603 k$/year for 5.5 MW reference). The 5.5 MWe system demonstrated a 12-year Simple Payback Period and a 40M Net Present Value. These findings strongly support this polygeneration system as a highly sustainable and economically advantageous model for energy-independent urban districts.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Energy

Título del artículo:

From guidelines to practice: LDL-C achievement in very high cardiovascular risk patients - analysis of the EDHIPO MARCA registry

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with dyslipidemia playing a key role in its progression. Despite advances in lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), LDL-C (Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) goal achievement remains suboptimal. This study evaluated LDL-C goal attainment in Colombian patients with very high cardiovascular risk (CVR) due to coronary artery disease (CAD) following ESC/EAS guidelines updates. METHODS: EDHIPO MARCA (Evaluación De adherencia a la terapia HIPOlipemiante en pacientes de Muy Alto Riesgo CArdiovascular) is a retrospective, multicenter study assessing LDL-C goal achievement in patients with CAD. Data were collected from previous coronary angiogram reports and medical records across 11 Colombian healthcare institutions with certified interventional cardiology services. Patients with CAD who had at least one follow-up LDL-C measurement and an LLT prescription within 12 months post-angiogram were included. LDL-C goal attainment was assessed across three periods-2011-2012, 2016-2017, and 2021-2022-corresponding to the updates of ESC/EAS guidelines (2011, 2016, and 2019, respectively). The LDL-C goals were <70 mg/dL for the first two periods and <55 mg/dL for the most recent one. LDL-C was measured or estimated using the Friedewald equation. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,788 patients were included, with a median age of 66 years (IQR: 59-74), and 70.7% were male. Hypertension (67.5%) and overweight (40.8%) were the most common comorbidities. At discharge, statins were prescribed in 84.1% (95% CI: 82.4-85.8%) of patients, increasing to 99.1% (95% CI: 98.6-99.5%) at the end of follow-up (median 6.8 months); PCSK9 inhibitors were prescribed in 1.5%, exclusively in 2019. At the end of follow-up, 36.6% (95% CI: 34.3%, 38.8%) achieved LDL-C goals. By guideline period, goal attainment was 12.1% (95% CI: 5.4%, 18.8%) in 2011, 42.3% (95% CI: 37.9%, 46.8%) in 2016, and 36.2% (95% CI: 33.5%, 38.9%) in 2019. By number of follow-ups, LDL-C goal achievement increased from 32.9% (1 follow-up) to 44.0% (4 follow-ups). CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread LLT use, LDL-C target achievement remains suboptimal. Frequent follow-up and greater use of combination therapy beyond statins may be essential to improve lipid control in very high CVR patients.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Lipids in Health and Disease

Título del artículo:

Global trends in sustainable cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production: A bibliometric analysis (2019–2025)

Currently, there is global concern about rising temperatures, which, together with the food risk, is causing climate change. In addition, cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production is questioned because of its production method, which generates deforestation and high energy and water consumption in the process. These environmental problems cause a bad image in the sector, and uncertainty in the overall production of the cocoa industry, which has been striving to implement sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, solutions to this environmental issue have received little attention from the scientific community, and the need has arisen to investigate sustainable solutions for the cocoa industry. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify global sustainable trends that have been researched in the cocoa industry. For this purpose, a search strategy was designed and applied in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, to collect information, filtering the results, in the categories of articles related to the agriculture and business groups in the 2019-2025 period, published in journals cataloged in quartiles one and two. Using the R programming language for information processing, 56 documents were found. Eleven sustainable practices were identified in the industry to improve social, economic, and environmental performance, through waste valorization, soil improvement, reduction of water and energy consumption, and the adoption of green certifications. Finally, a framework is proposed for integrating the links in the supply chain with the practices for making them most sustainable.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista Facultad Nacional De Agronomia Medellin

Título del artículo:

The role of non-licensed professionals in Colombian higher education: Identity and pedagogical training

This study explores the relationship between teacher identity and pedagogical training among Non-licensed professionals (NLPs) in Colombian higher education. A content analysis (CA) is employed to analyze academic sources, including doctoral theses and indexed articles, focusing on identity formation and pedagogical development using qualitative research design. The findings reveal that NLPs demonstrate deep expertise in their respective fields while many lack formal pedagogical training which is essential for developing effective teaching practices. This gap not only affects the quality of education but also delays the development of a coherent and transformative teacher identity. This study underscores the importance of continuous pedagogical training that emphasizes both personal and professional growth, moving beyond knowledge acquisition to address individual and collective dimensions of development. It concludes that higher education institutions must implement structured training programs that align technical expertise with pedagogical practices enabling NLPs to create enriched learning environments and contribute more effectively to educational transformation. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for policies supporting NLPs\' development as teachers and professionals, inviting further exploration of the challenges and opportunities they face. Such initiatives are crucial to ensure quality education and promote meaningful contributions to the academic community.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Journal of Education and Practice

Título del artículo:

Factors Associated with HPV Infection in Women in the Cúcuta Metropolitan Area

Introduction. Cervical cancer (CC) is caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Several factors such as gynecological and behavioral history have been associated with this infection. Objective. To evaluate sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with HR-HPV infection in women living in Cúcuta and its metropolitan area. Methods. Cross-sectional study. HPV genotyping was performed on cytocervical specimens using PCR-HPV Direct Flow CHIP, sociodemographic data were collected using a structured survey. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated. Results. 72 women were included. The prevalence of HR-HPV infection was 13.89% (95%CI 7.72-23.71). Eight HR-HPV genotypes were detected, with HPV-73 being the most frequent. Factors independently associated with HR-HPV infection were being over 30 years of age (aPR 0.49; 95%CI 0.27-0.89), age at menarche (aPR 0.47; 95%CI 0.27-0.82), not having health insurance (aPR 4.23; 95%CI 1.69-10.60), and having had an abnormal Pap smear in the last three years (aPR 2.35; 95%CI 1.29-4.28). Conclusions. This is the first study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HR-HPV infection in women living in this region. The factors independently associated with a higher prevalence of HR-HPV infection were lack of health insurance and having had an abnormal Pap smear in the last three years; the former is a modifiable factor and the latter represents a factor that allows for comprehensive assessment and follow-up. The findings of this study highlight the importance of strengthening HPV surveillance, reinforcing vaccination campaigns, and expanding screening programs in Colombia’s border region.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista De Investigacion E Innovacion En Ciencias De La Salud

Título del artículo:

Effects of Physical Exercise on Cardiovascular Autonomic Modulation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit cardiovascular autonomic imbalance, an important predictor of mortality. Physical exercise is an intervention known to enhance cardiovascular autonomic modulation in various populations. However, it remains unclear whether these benefits extend to women with PCOS, given that specific pathophysiological characteristics may influence autonomic adaptations. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesize the available evidence to improve understanding of this topic. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted, followed by a snowball search to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant randomized and non-randomized clinical trials. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to quantitatively summarize the effects of exercise interventions on autonomic cardiovascular regulation in this population. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool. Results: Five studies were selected, including 316 women with PCOS (214 in the exercise group and 102 in the control group). The meta-analysis indicated that aerobic exercise reduces the percentage of sequences with three consecutive cardiac cycles without significant variations (mean difference [MD = −6.13; 95% CI = −8.56 to −3.71, p < 0.001; I² = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence) and increase the percentage of sequences with three consecutive cardiac cycles with two different variations (MD = 7.16; 95% CI = 4.61 to 9.72; p < 0.001; I² = 8%; moderate-certainty evidence) and the root mean square of successive differences (MD = 12.84; 95% CI = 2.66 to 23.03; p = 0.01; I² = 52%; low-certainty evidence). Conclusion: The benefits of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular autonomic modulation appear to extend to women with PCOS, increasing vagal modulation and reducing sympathetic modulation. However, further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence and clarify the effects of other exercise modalities.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Clinical Endocrinology

Título del artículo:

Osteopenia treatment: A comprehensive approach and the role of biphosphonates in fracture prevention

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Gaceta Medica De Caracas

Título del artículo:

Discontinuation of GLP-1 agonists in obesity management: When and how to do it using clinical judgment?

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Gaceta Medica De Caracas

Título del artículo:

May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Colombia

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Colombia in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited opportunistically at healthcare and public facilities in 11 departments. Three seated BP readings were taken for each participant, along with completion of a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as being on antihypertensive medication with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. Multiple imputation was used to estimate any missing BP readings. In total, 38 924 were screened, with a mean age of 46.3 years and 52.9% of whom were female. Of all participants, 10 738 (27.6%) had hypertension, of whom 7058 (65.7%) were aware, and 6925 (64.5%) were on antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 4600 (66.4%) had controlled BP, and of all participants with hypertension, 42.8% had controlled BP. However, those under 50 years had lower hypertension control (<30%). Women had a higher BP control than men (49.5% vs. 36.3%). High education was associated with lower systolic BP (−2.37 mmHg). The MMM campaign in Colombia identified significant numbers of participants with either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension. MMM22 results point to the need to continue improving awareness and seek a broader implementation of strategies with proven efficacy in controlling hypertension.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

European Heart Journal Supplement

Título del artículo:

Suicidal Risk in Penitentiary Facilities in Bucaramanga (Colombia): A Logit Model for Early Detection

Introduction. People deprived of liberty are exposed to multiple risk factors that lead to physical and emotional deterioration, thereby increasing their vulnerability to suicide. It is imperative to identify reliable warning signs to prevent this issue and to guide the implementation of life-preserving interventions. Objectives. To analyze sociodemographic, penitentiary, and psychological factors associated with suicidal risk among individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities in Bucaramanga. Materials and Methods. The SCL-90 Symptom Inventory and the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale were administered to a non-random sample of 73 incarcerated individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate. In addition to descriptive analyses and tests comparing means and proportions across groups defined by suicide risk status, a logit model was estimated to identify variables influencing the probability of suicidal risk. Results and Discussion. The prevalence of suicidal risk in the sample was 70%. The presence of suicidal ideation (AME = 18.96 pp, p = 0.042), together with certain psychosomatic dimensions—such as obsessive-compulsive behavior (AME = 24.46 pp, p = 0.029) and sensitivity (AME = 21.82 pp, p= 0.004)—emerged as relevant indicators for early detection of suicidal risk. Conclusions. The findings are consistent with prior studies reporting a high incidence of suicidal risk in this population, significantly influenced by psychosomatic factors and suicidal ideation. Life preservation programs (AME = –21.91 pp, p= 0.061) may contribute to mitigating this issue.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Innovaciencia

Título del artículo:

Factors Related to Suicidal Ideation in Higher Education Institution Students

Introduction: Suicidal ideation is a topic of great relevance in the health field, due to the serious affectations it entails, especially in young adults. Early identification of this phenomenon is crucial to implement preventive measures that can avoid serious outcomes. Objective: To analyze the risk of suicidal ideation in undergraduate health and psychology students of a private university of higher education during the year 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with stratified and equi-probabilistic sampling by academic program, using a sociodemographic questionnaire, PANSI scale and family apgar. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to calculate odds ratio (OR) in logistic regression. Results: 693 students participated. A 2.31% (16 students) were identified with high risk of suicidal ideation, while 38.82% (269 students) presented medium risk. Among the relevant factors, severe family dysfunction was found to have an OR of 7.73 (95% CI: 4.09; 14.61, p-value < 0.001). In addition, students with a history of self-harm showed an OR of 6.63 (95% CI: 3.80; 11.53, p-value < 0.001), and those who reported receiving specialized treatment by psychiatry presented an OR of 2.87 (95% CI: 1.68; 4.9, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: 41.13% of the students presented a high and medium risk of suicidal ideation. Family dysfunction, history of self-harm and the presence of psychiatric pathology were statistically significantly related to the risk of suicidal ideation.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Investigacion En Educacion Medica

Título del artículo:

Correction: Complications and clinical factors associated with pediatric percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in a Colombian cohort (Frontiers in Pediatrics, (2025), 13, (1623355), 10.3389/fped.2025.1623355)

Affiliation 2 Postgraduate Department in Pediatric Critical Care, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia was omitted for author Carlos Augusto Cuadros Mendoza. This affiliation has now been added for author Carlos Augusto Cuadros Mendoza. Affiliation 3 Epidemiology Department, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Piedecuesta, Colombia was omitted for authors Alexandra Hurtado-Ortiz, Maricel Licht-Ardila and Alejandra Mendoza-Monsalve. This affiliation has now been added for authors Alexandra Hurtado-Ortiz, Maricel Licht-Ardila and Alejandra Mendoza-Monsalve. Authors Alexandra Hurtado-Ortiz, Maricel Licht-Ardila and Alejandra Mendoza-Monsalve were erroneously assigned to affiliation 2 Postgraduate Department in Pediatric Critical Care, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia. This affiliation has now been removed for authors Alexandra Hurtado-Ortiz, Maricel Licht-Ardila and Alejandra Mendoza-Monsalve. The original version of this article has been updated.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Frontiers in Pediatrics

Título del artículo:

Computational Thinking: Empowering Elementary School Teachers to Transform the Classroom

The effectiveness of a curricular proposal designed to develop Computational Thinking competencies in primary school teachers in Colombia was evaluated. The main objective was to determine whether the educational intervention was able to improve the level of competence of teachers. A quasi-experimental design was used with a group of 99 teachers in training and in practice, through a series of reflective workshops based on the curricular proposal, their learning process was intervened. A pretest and a posttest were applied to evaluate the level of competence. The results showed a significant increase in the level of competence. Substantial improvements were observed in the understanding of fundamental concepts and in the ability to solve problems using computational tools. It is important to recognize some limitations. The quasi-experimental design and the sample size could limit the generalizability of the findings. In addition, the duration of the intervention might not be sufficient to evaluate the long-term impact. Future studies with more robust designs and large samples are recommended to corroborate these results and explore the impact. Furthermore, it is suggested that quantitative analyses be complemented with qualitative studies to gain a deeper understanding of teachers’ learning processes. Despite these limitations, the results support the effectiveness of the curricular proposal in developing CT skills in primary school teachers and suggest the need to implement similar programs in other educational contexts.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Data and Metadata

Título del artículo:

Mechanical-enzymatic isolation and characterization of primary human gingival epithelial cells for reproducible in vitro oral mucosa models

The establishment of reliable in vitro oral mucosa models is essential for advancing studies in epithelial barrier function, wound healing, and host-microbe interactions. However, the widespread use of immortalized cell lines such as HaCaT or TR146 limits physiological relevance owing to altered differentiation profiles and genetic drift. In this study, we developed a robust mechanical-enzymatic protocol for isolating and expanding primary human gingival keratinocytes from healthy gingival explants without feeder layers. The resulting cells demonstrated high viability, maintained consistent proliferative capacity across passages, and exhibited characteristic cobblestone morphology. Comprehensive phenotypic validation included immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry confirming strong expression of epithelial markers CK18, AE1/AE3, and MUC1, with absence of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Transcriptomic analysis using RT-qPCR corroborated epithelial lineage fidelity, revealing stable MUC1 expression and lack of MUC5AC transcripts, indicative of a nonglandular phenotype. Metabolic competence was supported by WST-1 assays that correlated strongly with manual cell counts, underscoring functional viability. Importantly, AGS and 293T/17 cell lines were processed in parallel as orthogonal controls to confirm assay specificity and lineage discrimination. Under rigorously standardized, within-laboratory conditions, our workflow yielded high interdonor concordance in epithelial identity and growth kinetics across a young-adult cohort (n = 3), supporting its use as a practical primary-cell platform for downstream applications. Generalizable reproducibility-across age strata, operators, and sites-will require formal, preregistered multicenter validation. By mitigating limitations inherent to immortalized lines, this approach enables more accurate investigations of epithelial biology and strengthens the reliability of in vitro experimental systems relevant to oral regenerative medicine and mucosal immunology.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Título del artículo:

Structural and functional analysis of Escherichia coli membrane disruption by Ib-M peptides

Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global public health challenge, leading to increased mortality and morbidity due to the ineffectiveness of current antibiotics against bacterial infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising alternative for treating bacterial infections because of their broad-spectrum activity, biocompatibility, and rapid bactericidal action. Recent studies have demonstrated that Ib-M peptides exhibit bactericidal activity against pathogenic Escherichia coli clinical isolates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms by which Ib-M peptides destabilize and disrupts E. coli membranes. We showed by dilutions assays that Ib-M peptides had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 µM against E. coli. Electron microscopy studies confirmed that Ib-M peptides were directly implicated in E. coli membrane disruption, altered bacterial shape and subsequent disintegration. To understand bacterial membrane interaction with Ib-M peptides at the molecular level, we evaluated structure-function relationships using circular dichroism spectroscopy and in silico simulations. These studies demonstrated the strong amphipathic, hydrophobic and cationic properties of Ib-M peptides. At sublethal concentrations, these peptides interacted with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), leading to outer and inner membrane permeation and cytoplasmic membrane depolarization. This effect was transient at sublethal Ib-M peptides concentrations, as evidenced by the recovery of bacterial growth in lag phase kinetics. At higher concentrations, there was high depolarization of cytoplasmic membrane, disruption of outer membrane and inner membranes and irreversible bacterial lysis. When mammalian cells were exposed Ib-M1 peptide cytotoxic effect was only reached when MIC was increased 10-fold. In conclusion, Ib-M peptides inhibited E. coli growth by disrupting bacterial membranes via interactions with LPS and increased membrane permeation yet, they have low cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. This study highlights the mechanisms of action on Ib-M peptides as antimicrobials and paves the way for further research on the clinical use of these peptides as antimicrobial agents against multidrug resistant bacterial infections.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Plos One

Título del artículo:

Climatic, socioeconomic, and migratory factors on the epidemiological dynamics of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia, 2007-2021

The World Health Organization considers cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to be one of the most important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The application of geostatistical models, in conjunction with sociodemographic and environmental factors, enables the understanding of disease epidemiology and facilitates the implementation of targeted measures and effective case management. This research aimed to evaluate the association between climatic, sociodemographic, and socioeconomic factors with the monthly CL incidence rate at the municipality level in Colombia from 2007 to 2021. An ecological study was conducted, including laboratory-confirmed notifications of CL reported in municipalities located below 1,700 meters above sea level through the National Public Health Surveillance System. Climate data were sourced from NASA, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables were obtained from the National Planning Department. Hierarchical spatio-temporal regression models within a Bayesian framework were used to analyze the monthly CL. A total of 121,828 cases of CL were analyzed, with an annual median of 7,605 cases. Standardized incidence rates (SIR) ranged from 0 to 16,072 per 100,000 population (median: 105.7; IQR: 46.7-419). Eight of the 11 studied factors were associated with the monthly cases of CL: rainfall, urban dimension, and Venezuelan migration were associated with a decrease in CL cases, while qualitative housing deficit, internal migration, the multidimensional poverty index, the index of unmet basic needs, and forest coverage were associated with an increase in CL cases. CL incidence in Colombia fluctuated during the study period, with high spatial heterogeneity linked to climatic, sociodemographic. and socioeconomic factors. These findings highlight the necessity for customized territorial approaches to the prevention and control of CL, emphasizing the importance of considering municipal characteristics and aligning strategies with the Colombian Strategic Plan for CL.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases

Título del artículo:

Assessment of HARMS2-AF for risk stratification: a 10-year follow-up study (2014–2024) in a northwestern Colombian population

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia worldwide and represents a significant public health burden. Several modifiable risk factors (RFs) — such as hypertension, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep apnea, and physical inactivity — contribute to its development. However, their combined effect has not been thoroughly assessed in Latin American populations. Objective: to develop and validate the HARMS2-AF model to predict AF risk based on modifiable RFs, assessing its applicability in primary care settings. Materials and Methods: an observational retrospective cohort study was conducted with 2,482 participants from Northwestern Colombia, followed over 10 years. RFs evaluated included hypertension, obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), smoking, alcohol consumption (≥15 standard drinks/week), sleep apnea, physical inactivity, diabetes mellitus, age, and sex. Cox proportional hazards regression models (univariate and multivariate) were used to generate HARMS2-AF scores based on beta coefficients. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration tests. Results: hypertension was the most prevalent RF (79.1%) and the strongest predictor of AF (HR 4.0; 95% CI: 3.2–4.8). Obesity, high alcohol intake, smoking, and sleep apnea were also significantly associated with AF. Physical inactivity and diabetes mellitus did not reach statistical significance in multivariate analysis. The HARMS2-AF model showed a two-fold increase in AF risk per 1-point increment (HR 2.38; 95% CI: 2.14–2.62), with an AUC of 0.81. Conclusion: the HARMS2-AF model is a simple and effective tool for predicting AF risk based on modifiable RFs. Its implementation in primary care could enhance early identification and targeted prevention strategies in Latin American populations.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Revista De La Federacion Argentina De Cardiologia

Título del artículo:

Burkholderia pseudomallei in Colombia: Laboratory Approaches to Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy

Background: Melioidosis is a challenging disease to diagnose, and diagnostic complications can delay treatment, adversely impacting patient outcomes. Methods: Over a period of 1 year, 68 isolates, initially identified as Burkholderia spp. or oxidase-positive nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli (excluding Pseudomonas aeruginosa), were collected from laboratories in three Colombian cities. Four commercial identification systems were employed. After recovery on blood agar, all strains were cultured on Ashdown’s and CHROMID Colistin R media. Comparative identification using automated systems was performed, and definitive identification was achieved through multiplex PCR. Result: PCR identified three Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates and 59 Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates. The Microscan and Vitek 2 Compact systems successfully identified the B. pseudomallei isolates, whereas the Phoenix and MALDI-TOF Bruker systems did not. Ashdown’s CHROM colistin media supported the growth of B. pseudomallei and various other genera and species. Species-level misidentifications were frequent. Conclusion: Due to limitations of commercial identification systems and the morphological similarities between species, the use of molecular tools or a combination of confirmatory tests is crucial for accurately diagnosing B. pseudomallei in Colombia.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Journal of Microbiology

Título del artículo:

Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Exposure Increases GFAP-Immunoreactivy in Ventral Lateral Hypothalamic and Supraoptic Nuclei of Male Rats

The effects of glyphosate, aminomenthylphosphoric acid (AMPA) and Roundup® Active on the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity area were studied in male rats in the following hypothalamic nuclei: anterior hypothalamic, lateroanterior hypothalamic, ventrolateral hypothalamic (VLH), preoptic area, paraventricular, periventricular, suprachiasmatic and supraoptic (SO). No difference in water intake containing these xenobiotics was observed (p > 0.05). A significant increase in the GFAP immunoreactivity area was only observed in VLH in animals treated with glyphosate or Roundup® Active, whereas in SO, only the exposure to Roundup® Active resulted in a larger GFAP immunoreactivity area. AMPA did not affect the GFAP immunoreactivity areas of the hypothalamic nuclei. Small/ medium size astrocytes containing GFAP, and typical cytoplasmic processes were observed in most cases, but large and overlapping astrocytic processes were visualized in SO. GFAP immunoreactivity increase suggests a neuro-inflammatory reaction due to xenobiotics. These results are compatible with a pronounced effect of adjuvants and surfactants present in glyphosate commercial formulations.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

International Journal of Morphology

Título del artículo:

MIP-based local search for permutation flowshop scheduling with makespan objective

The permutation flowshop scheduling problem with makespan objective, or PFM for short, is a classic NP-hard scheduling problem. At present, the most promising heuristics for the PFM are based on variations of local search. This led us to consider five new neighbourhoods for the PFM. Each neighbourhood is of exponential size, but can be explored quite quickly by solving a small mixed-integer program. We propose a matheuristic framework that incorporates our proposed neighbourhoods to evaluate and compare their effectiveness. Extensive computational experiments show that integrating our best neighbourhood to the proposed matheuristic reduces the makespan by over 60% on average, compared to the variant without it, on both the classical Taillard benchmark instances and the more recent instances proposed by Vallada, Ruiz and Framinan.

Acerca de la revista donde se publicó este artículo:

Computers and Operations Research