Biomedica[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Update of the spatiotemporal distribution of Aedes albopictus in Ecuador.
Mora P, Quinatoa P, Morales D
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865111 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Aedes albopictus has spread to 85 countries due to its ability to adapt to new climatic conditions. In Ecuador, it was first identified in Guayaquil in 2017 and since then it has expanded into new geographi...
INTRODUCTION: Aedes albopictus has spread to 85 countries due to its ability to adapt to new climatic conditions. In Ecuador, it was first identified in Guayaquil in 2017 and since then it has expanded into new geographical areas. Its importance for public health has been linked to its vector capacity to transmit arboviruses. OBJECTIVE: To characterize Ae. albopictus breeding sites that have contributed to its dispersal into geographical regions of Ecuador without prior records. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Entomological sampling was conducted in 18 provinces between 2018 and 2024. We collected larvae from various types of water-holding containers. We generated spatiotemporal distribution maps of Ae. albopictus and performed statistical analyses to identify significant differences in the number of mosquitoes between different breeding sites. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2024, the presence of Ae. albopictus was recorded in 311 localities in the provinces of Manabí, Guayas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Orellana, Imbabura, and Sucumbíos. Cans, tires, and plastic tanks were identified as effective breeding sites, while natural containers, such as bamboo internodes, puddles, and bromelia axils, were less frequent. Spearman’s correlation showed a significant positive relationship (p value < 5.0 × 10-4) between the frequency of breeding sites and the number of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Entomological surveillance activities contributed to establish Ae. albopictus distribution in urban areas of six provinces in Ecuador. A positive correlation was identified between the number of mosquitoes and the frequency of breeding sites, such as tires, tanks, and other water-holding plastic containers.
A meta-analysis about the relationship of serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Reyes-Lucía E, Ramírez-Guerrero A, González-Villaseñor C … +1 more , Macías-Gómez N
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865110 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Nesfatin-1, a peptide coded by the NUCB2 gene, has recently been implicated in the regulation of insulin synthesis and glucose homeostasis. These findings suggest a potential role for nesfatin-1 in the etio...
INTRODUCTION: Nesfatin-1, a peptide coded by the NUCB2 gene, has recently been implicated in the regulation of insulin synthesis and glucose homeostasis. These findings suggest a potential role for nesfatin-1 in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between circulating levels of nesfatin-1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ platforms to search published articles from 2012 to 2024. The keywords used were “diabetes mellitus”, “diabetes”, “type 2 diabetes”, “nesfatin-1”, “NUCB2”, “ELISA”, “plasma”, and “serum”. We included all case-control and cross-sectional studies conducted in humans, with full-text availability, and written in English or Spanish. RESULTS: We included eight studies comprising 305 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 205 controls. The results showed a significant relationship between nesfatina-1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus with a high heterogeneity index (t2 = 3.91; χ2 = 349.63, p < 0.00001; I2 = 98%). CONCLUSIONS: The results show a significant relationship between nesfatin-1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, supporting its potential use as a biomarker for this disease
Prevalence and characterization of human immunodeficiency virus coinfection in patients hospitalized with tuberculosis in a reference hospital in Bogotá.
Puentes-Ariza GC, Meléndez-Rhenals S, Nocua-Báez LC … +1 more , Páez-Ardila H
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865109 · Full text
Introducción. La tuberculosis es la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. La coinfección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y HIV es muy frecuente. Objetivo. Est...
Introducción. La tuberculosis es la principal causa de muerte en los pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. La coinfección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y HIV es muy frecuente. Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de la infección por HIV en pacientes hospitalizados con tuberculosis, y determinar sus características y desenlaces. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal, en pacientes con tuberculosis -pulmonar o extrapulmonar- y coinfección por HIV, hospitalizados en una institución de referencia de Bogotá entre el 2019 y el 2021. Resultados. En el grupo de los 102 pacientes con tuberculosis, la prevalencia de infección por HIV fue del 52,3% (54). Entre estos 54, 24 pacientes (44,4%) tuvieron confirmación microbiológica o histopatológica de la tuberculosis y, 19 (35,2 %), infección por VIH de novo. En los 54 coinfectados, la mediana de la edad fue de 38 años (RIC: 29-42). El 79,6 % (43/54) fueron hombres. La mediana del número de linfocitos T CD4+ fue de 59 células/μl (RIC: 32-120), y el 72,2 % (39/54) tenía menos de 200 células/μl. El 31,4 % (17/54) de los pacientes con antecedente de infección por HIV recibía terapia antirretroviral. En cuanto a la forma clínica, la tuberculosis fue pulmonar en el 51,9 % (28/54) y extrapulmonar en el 48,1 % (26/54) de los pacientes. La tuberculosis extrapulmonar fue meníngea (29,6 %), miliar (12,9 %), pleural (3,7 %) y peritoneal (3,7 %). Hubo 33,3 % de mortalidad intrahospitalaria, asociada con el número de linfocitos T CD4+ (p < 0,05), el diagnóstico de novo de HIV (p < 0,04) y la presencia de tuberculosis meníngea (p < 0,03). Conclusión. La coinfección de Mycobacterium tuberculosis y HIV es frecuente y se relaciona con una inmunosupresión avanzada, por lo que debe hacerse una búsqueda activa de la infección con HIV en estos casos. La tuberculosis meníngea fue la forma extrapulmonar más frecuente y se asoció con mortalidad.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices taeniasis/cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium among students and professionals of Bioanalysis in Maracay, Venezuela, 2020.
Rojas GC, Aouad M, Barrios Y … +1 more , Cortez MM
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865108 · Full text
Introduction. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are diseases caused by Taenia solium prevalent in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and associated with serious economic and health problems. To date, few studies have evaluated t...
Introduction. Taeniasis and cysticercosis are diseases caused by Taenia solium prevalent in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and associated with serious economic and health problems. To date, few studies have evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to these parasitoses among health professionals. Objective. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with T. solium among students and professionals in the field of bioanalysis, residing in an urban, nonendemic area for T. solium in Maracay, Aragua, central region of Venezuela. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a survey to collect data from students (n = 41) and professionals (n = 41) of bioanalysis regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to taeniasis and cysticercosis in Maracay, Venezuela. Results. Among all participants, 67.1% recognized T. solium as a public health problem prevalent in rural areas, while 30.5% correctly identified the causative agent. Limited knowledge was observed regarding the transmission of taeniasis (6.1%), human cysticercosis (11.0%), and porcine cysticercosis (17.1%), as well as the signs and symptoms of taeniasis (4.9%) and the characteristics of pork meat infected with T. solium cysticerci (3.7%). Professionals had greater knowledge of taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, severe disease caused by T. solium, and neurocysticercosis (p < 0.05). Students knew better the causative agent and the preferred diagnostic method for taeniasis (p < 0.05). Most participants exhibited positive attitudes and practices. Professionals outperformed students in providing information regarding T. solium and dealing with patients infected with Taenia spp. (p < 0.05). Conclusion. This study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding T. solium among professionals and students of bioanalysis in Venezuela showed deficiencies in clinical epidemiological and diagnostic aspects. We recommend updating knowledge on taeniasis and cysticercosis and developing further studies with larger sample sizes and the inclusión of other disciplines.
Botulinum toxin treatment in a resource-limited setting: Experiences from a public institution in a developing country.
Panesso GA, Martínez JD, Velasco A … +5 more , Forero S, Perdomo D, Villamil Á, González ER, Jiménez CA
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865107 · Full text
Introduction. Botulinum toxins have at least 30 therapeutic indications across different medical specialties. Some Latin American studies have described the experience of applying botulinum toxin in isolated clinical con...
Introduction. Botulinum toxins have at least 30 therapeutic indications across different medical specialties. Some Latin American studies have described the experience of applying botulinum toxin in isolated clinical contexts. However, researchers have yet to provide comprehensive analysis about its use across diverse clinical indications. Objective. To classify the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in a public health center in Bogotá, identifying the risks of pharmacological interactions and possible barriers related to its use. This knowledge will promote a better understanding of the indications, practices, and regulations regarding the use of the botulinum toxin in the Colombian context. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the use of botulinum toxin in a public institution in Bogotá, Colombia, applying the prescriptionindication methodology. Sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacoepidemiologic data were extracted from medical records and the electronic prescription database Mi prescripción. A bivariate statistical analysis was performed using JAMOVI software, version 2.2.5. Results. A total of 197 patients received a prescription for botulinum toxin. Although the main indication was temporomandibular joint disorder, 70.6% of the prescriptions were classified under neurological conditions. In pediatric patients, the main indication was spastic cerebral palsy (90%). Most described clinical uses (92.4%) were aligned with the indications approved by the Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos de Colombia. Risks of drug interactions were identified in 30.9% of the cases and were significantly associated with an anticholinergic load (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Botulinum toxin is used for multiple indications in multiple medical specialties. There is consistency between prescription and indication of the medication recommended by regulatory entities. Reviewing patient’s pharmacological history is essential before prescribing botulinum toxin to reduce the risk of drug interactions.
Infections by Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. In Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar, Venezuela.
Cermeño JR, Martínez OF, Tong PW … +2 more , Penna SJ, Natera TY
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865106 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of tick-borne infections remains unknown in most Latin American countries, including Venezuela. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of tick-borne infections in humans and dogs in Puerto Ord...
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of tick-borne infections remains unknown in most Latin American countries, including Venezuela. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of tick-borne infections in humans and dogs in Puerto Ordaz, Bolívar state, Venezuela. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exploratory, descriptive, and prospective study was conducted involving 181 individuals –who voluntarily agreed to participate and provided their written informed consent– and 10 dogs brought in by their owners. A clinical-epidemiological survey was conducted, and venous and capillary blood samples were collected. Buffy coat and blood smear tests were prepared and stained using Giemsa. RESULTS: Tick-borne infections were detected in 85.1% (n = 154) of the participants. The most frequent infection was caused by Ehrlichia spp. (n = 153; 84.5%), followed by Babesia spp. (n = 39; 21.5%), and Anaplasma spp. (n = 39; 21.5%). Women were the most affected (n = 117; 64.6%), with ages ranging from 5 to 97 years. Among infected individuals, 29.3% (n = 53) were co-infected with Ehrlichia spp. and Babesia spp., while 6.4% (n = 12) presented co-infection with all three pathogens under study. All the dogs (n = 10) presented tick-borne infections: 10 with Ehrlichia spp., 5 with Anaplasma spp., and 5 with Babesia spp. A statistically significant association was found between the presence of peridomestic ticks –favored by not walking the dog and having sick or elderly individuals– and tick-borne infections (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of tick-borne diseases is evidenced, both in the studied humans and dogs.
Is meningococcal B vaccination needed in the post-COVID-19 world?
Izeli Portilho A, De Gaspari E
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865105 · Full text
Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis worldwide and is transmitted through respiratory secretions. Meningitis is a serious public health problema because of its high morbidity and mortality rat...
Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis worldwide and is transmitted through respiratory secretions. Meningitis is a serious public health problema because of its high morbidity and mortality rates and the risk of causing epidemics. Although vaccines are available to prevent meningococcal disease, serogroup B infections are still challenging, given that many countries do not include meningococcal B vaccines in their national immunization programs. In addition, recent data suggests somewhat sustained N. meningitidis B infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing levels of meningococcal disease after its control. These findings agree with previous observations indicating that respiratory viruses facilitate respiratory bacterial infections. This essay intends to present epidemiological data on meningococcal disease and discusses studies exploring why the prevention of bacterial and viral infections is an intricate subject.
Bothropic snakebite in preterm pregnancy: Antivenom and clinical outcome in mother and newborn in Cúcuta, Colombia.
Pava DM, Galindo M, Bedoya JF … +5 more , Osorio G, Olivera MJ, Ayerbe S, Gómez JL, Rubiano HG
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865104 · Full text
Snakebite envenomation remains a neglected public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. It mainly affects rural populations and has a higher incidence in men. Most cases have been reported in Africa,...
Snakebite envenomation remains a neglected public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. It mainly affects rural populations and has a higher incidence in men. Most cases have been reported in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. More than 300 species of snakes have been identified in Colombia, of which around 18% are of medical importance. This fact places the country as the third with the highest number of cases in the region, with 6,231 reported by 2023. Snakebite envenomation in pregnant women is a rare event, and it implies a higher risk of fetal and neonatal death. We report the case of a newborn with neonatal hypoxia and fetal distress, resulting from a cesarean section of a 22-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks of gestation after an ophidian accident involving a bite in the dorsum of her left hand. The newborn was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition and with progressive clinical deterioration. However, following the timely administration of antivenom and mechanical ventilation, the infant showed a remarkable recovery and was discharged after only 12 days of hospitalization. We underline the need to improve the availability of antivenoms and to strengthen pharmacovigilance systems to ensure their effectiveness and safety. In conclusion, this clinical case highlights the importance of an early consultation, the availability and prompt administration of the antivenom, and the expertise of healthcare workers in managing this event in pregnant women and neonates.
Pheohyphomycosis skin nodule in a young woman.
Rojas MC, Arévalo KV, Rodríguez G
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865103 · Full text
We present a 28 year-old woman with a five-year history of an asymptomatic slowly growing 10 mm nodule on her right thigh, with clinical features suggestive of either a dermatofibroma or a keloid. The nodule was excised,...
We present a 28 year-old woman with a five-year history of an asymptomatic slowly growing 10 mm nodule on her right thigh, with clinical features suggestive of either a dermatofibroma or a keloid. The nodule was excised, and histopathological examination revealed prominent dermal granulomas containing numerous giant cells, focal microabscesses, abundant pigmented yeasts with dark walls –some arranged in chains–, and septate hyphae with blackish walls, findings initially suggestive of chromoblastomycosis. The abundance of moniliform hyphae arranged in linear chains allowed us to diagnose cutaneous pheohyphomycosis without hypodermal invasion. We highlight the chronic nature of the condition, its localized presentation, and the prominence of granulomas rich in giant cells –with scarce abscesses– as notable findings. The patient’s clinical course remains unknown, as she did not return for follow-up.
Lionfish envenomation case treated in an emergency unit in Colombia.
Montoya-Giraldo MA, Franco-González S, Zuluaga AF
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865102 · Full text
The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea that can accidentally inject venom into humans through its spines. Here, we report a case of lionfish envenomation, highlighting a potential eme...
The lionfish (Pterois volitans) is an invasive species in the Caribbean Sea that can accidentally inject venom into humans through its spines. Here, we report a case of lionfish envenomation, highlighting a potential emerging threat to public health in Colombia. The case describes a healthy 59-year-old woman who suffered an accidental sting on the fourth finger of her left hand after contact with a lionfish spin while diving in Aruba. On-site treatment included hot compresses, antihistamines, and systemic corticosteroids. However, the patient experienced severe pain, coldness, and paleness in the affected finger. One day later, the patient traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, and developed swelling, loss of sensitivity, and changes in skin coloration. In the emergency unit, the patient received pharmacological treatment with 100 mg of aspirin administered orally and 60 mg of enoxaparin administered subcutaneously; also, a calcium antagonist was prescribed for vasospasm management (30 mg of nifedipine 30 administered orally), and complementary studies were ordered. Paraclinical results were normal, and the Doppler ultrasound of the left upper limb arterial vessels showed no abnormalities. The treatment was successful, and the patient fully recovered. Given the novelty of this affection for our country, the patient’s favorable evolution after latestage pharmacological management, and the limitations of the initial treatment, we present a broad discussion based on the review of related literature.
Hemorraghic skin syndrome associated with contact of Lonomia spp. caterpillar: First report from the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Calvopina M, Guamán-Charco E, Vélez J … +2 more , Vélez B, González C
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865101 · Full text
This is the first report of hemorrhagic cutaneous syndrome induced by contact with venomous caterpillars in a 29-year-old woman living in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Reported cases of hemorrhagic cutaneous syndrome a...
This is the first report of hemorrhagic cutaneous syndrome induced by contact with venomous caterpillars in a 29-year-old woman living in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon. Reported cases of hemorrhagic cutaneous syndrome are rare and are characterized by dermal lesions, systemic bleeding, and coagulation abnormalities. The woman had contact on her right thigh with caterpillars resting on the trunk of a tree which resulted in local irritation and pain, headache, dizziness, and vomiting. After 48 hours, ecchymosis occurred at the contact site, the neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities. She was hospitalized and presented abundant vaginal bleeding and extended coagulation times with a normal platelet count. She was treated with paracetamol and tranexamic acid, achieving resolution of the bleeding and normalization of coagulation parameters. The patient was discharged in good condition; at the six-month follow-up, she remained asymptomatic. Although Lonomia spp. caterpillars are recorded in the Ecuadorian Amazon, this is the first reported case. This report highlights the unavailability of antilonomic serum in the region, underlining the need for implementing strategies to guarantee serum access and promoting medical and community awareness of hemorrhagic cutaneous syndrome by contact with Lonomia spp. in endemic areas.
Significance of communications in health.
Ardila E, Hernández CA
Biomedica · 2025 Aug · PMID 40865100 · Full text
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Pediatric psoriasis: A descriptive, retrospective and multicenter study in Colombia.
Torres M, Flórez J, Páez MS … +6 more , Londoño ÁM, Cárdenas P, Tavera M, Novoa MP, Cortés C, Casanova R
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493832 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Pediatric psoriasis has a prevalence ranging from 0.5 to 4.1%. It is more common in females, and the predominant type is the vulgar or plaque. It has been associated with comorbidities such as obesity and m...
INTRODUCTION: Pediatric psoriasis has a prevalence ranging from 0.5 to 4.1%. It is more common in females, and the predominant type is the vulgar or plaque. It has been associated with comorbidities such as obesity and metabolic syndrome or even with a family history of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with psoriasis attending pediatric dermatology consultations with dermatologists who are members of the Asociación Colombiana de Dermatología from January 2017 to June 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and multicenter study. We describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, personal and family history, and treatments for patients with pediatric psoriasis. Stata 13™ software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: From 26,870 patients, 146 were diagnosed with psoriasis (0.54%), with a femaleto-male ratio of 1.5:1 and a median age of onset of eight years. The most common variant was vulgar psoriasis (72.6%), followed by guttate psoriasis (6.85%), and the scalp was the most frequently affected location (55.48%). The most common comorbidities were obesity and Crohn’s disease (5.5% each). Family history included 39 cases of psoriasis, 16 diabetes mellitus, and 7 dyslipidemia. Seventy-eight percent of the cases were classified as mild according to the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI); 65% received topical treatment, and 18% received systemic treatment. Sixty-five percent received topical treatment, while systemic treatment and phototherapy was used in 19% and 2.7%, respectively. When using combined treatment (6%) received topical and systemic modalities, 1.3% used topical with phototherapy, and 0.68% received all treatments. CONCLUSION: In the evaluated population, the most frequent variant of pediatric psoriasis was the vulgar type with mild severity. Most patients with this clinical presentation received opical treatment. The association with other systemic diseases implies the need for further studies.
Dental fluorosis in volcanic areas: Analysis of associated factors in a Colombian school population.
Ortega YT, Salcedo AP, Reis da Silva R … +2 more , Gutiérrez B, Moreno JA
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493831 · Full text
Introduction. Dental fluorosis is an endemic problem in southern Colombia, especially due to its proximity to volcanic areas and the composition of their waters. Objective. To identify the prevalence and factors associat...
Introduction. Dental fluorosis is an endemic problem in southern Colombia, especially due to its proximity to volcanic areas and the composition of their waters. Objective. To identify the prevalence and factors associated with the development of dental fluorosis in the school population of the municipality of La Cruz, Nariño. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that included clinical and sociodemographic variables and data about habits, diet, and dental fluorosis knowledge. To collect the information, we used a questionnaire completed by the parents or guardians and a clinical evaluation –previously standardized by the researchers– of schoolchildren between 8 and 12 years from two educational institutions. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed with proportions and measures of central tendency. The multivariate analysis used a negative binomial regression with rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results. We included 116 participants with a mean age of 9.80 (SD = 1.38) years and a mean of the Dean’s index of 2.36 (SD = 0.86). A higher Dean’s index was associated with older age (p < 0.003), brand of salt (p < 0.007), higher consumption of legumes (p < 0.001), cereals (p < 0.038), and fish (p < 0.025), and lower consumption of red meat (p < 0.017). Conclusion. Dental fluorosis is a multifactorial problem that requires different approaches according to the territories and their particularities and public health measures to control its high prevalence.
Systematic critical appraisal of GRADE recommendations for prostate cancer staging.
Sáenz D, Torres AM, Pardo R … +1 more , Donoso W
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493830 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer staging is necessary to determine tumor extent. In recent years, new and more accurate imaging modalities that could provide a better framework for patient management have emerged. They are...
INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer staging is necessary to determine tumor extent. In recent years, new and more accurate imaging modalities that could provide a better framework for patient management have emerged. They are currently incorporated into the prostate cancer guideline recommendations. Clinical practice guidelines are important for implementing clinical research findings and high-quality evidence-based recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate the quality of evidence underpinning the categorization of prostate cancer staging guidelines using the AGREE II tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic searches were performed on the PubMed, BiGG, and Epistemonikos databases. In addition, repositories and clinical practice guidelines websites were hand searched to identify GRADE recommendations for prostate cancer staging published in the last five years. The quality of clinical practice guidelines was assessed using the AGREE II tool. Recommendations and the certainty of evidence were also summarized. RESULTS: Seven guidelines that met the selection criteria were included. A narrative analysis of the staging recommendations and evidence mapping was performed. The AGREE II domain “clarity of presentation” had the highest score (mean = 71.59%), whereas “applicability” had the lowest score (mean = 45.15%). Five guidelines met the proposed AGREE II cutoff scores and provided staging and diagnostic recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Significant heterogeneity was observed in the methodological quality of the guidelines included, along with common deficits regarding applicability and stakeholder involvement. Thus, more rigorous and high-quality guidelines need to be developed to facilitate their implementation by clinicians in daily practice.
Asthma underdiagnosis in children: A school-based screening in a low socioeconomic status population.
Crispin-Cruz D, Casas-Herrera A, Rojas-Báez C … +2 more , Torres-Duque C, González-García M
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493829 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: International asthma management and prevention recommendations emphasize the importance of early and accurate diagnosis and adequate disease control. However, these aspects remain a serious concern, especia...
INTRODUCTION: International asthma management and prevention recommendations emphasize the importance of early and accurate diagnosis and adequate disease control. However, these aspects remain a serious concern, especially in children with low socioeconomic status. OBJECTIVE: To describe asthma prevalence, underdiagnosis, severity, and control among children with low socioeconomic status in Bogotá, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies Questionnaire in children aged 7-11 in two public schools. The children with affirmative answers in the questionnaire were evaluated clinically and functionally at the mobile health care unit. Asthma prevalence, underdiagnosis, control level, severity, and patients' quality of life were assessed with validated instruments. RESULTS: We screened 920 schoolchildren with an age of 9.5 ± 1.1; 186 were evaluated clinically and functionally by spirometry, and 122 of them were diagnosed with asthma (17.2%). Underdiagnosis was 68%. Most patients had moderate and severe asthma, and 90% were cases of not well or very poorly controlled asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Screening children in school settings is a suitable strategy for detecting asthma and reducing underdiagnosis in communities with low socioeconomic status and limited access to health care services. The asthma underdiagnosis and poor disease control were high.
Strong antibody reactivity to HIV-1 synthetic peptides in seropositive indigenous Warao people.
Durango I, Losada S, Bermúdez H … +7 more , Villalba J, Sulbaran Y, Jaspe RC, De Waard JH, Rangel HR, Noya ÓO, Pujol FH
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493828 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have described an epidemic of HIV-1 in the indigenous Warao population living in the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela. The Warao face extraordinary challenges amid of their ongoing HIV-1 epidemic,...
INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have described an epidemic of HIV-1 in the indigenous Warao population living in the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela. The Warao face extraordinary challenges amid of their ongoing HIV-1 epidemic, the highest reported HIV-1 prevalence in indigenous groups (9.6%) in South America. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibody reactivity to HIV-1 synthetic peptides in seropositive individuals, with a particular focus on the indigenous Warao population from Venezuela. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HIV-1 Pol region from infected patients' isolates was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed using phylogenetic tools. Custom-designed synthetic peptides were derived from conserved regions of HIV-1 glycoproteins 41 and 120, based on reference sequences. Multiple antigen blot assays were used to evaluate the presence of antibodies against synthetic peptides. RESULTS: The most frequent HIV-1 subtype was B, the most common in Venezuela, although some individuals were infected with subtype A1. Distinct patterns of reactivity to synthetic peptides were observed between the sera of the general population and the Warao population; the sera of the latter exhibited a high intensity of peptide recognition. CONCLUSIONS: The use of synthetic peptides, coupled with the robust performance of multiple antigen blot assays, enriches our understanding of antibody responses in different HIV-1-infected populations.
Gene variants, oxidative stress and inflammation in Colombian populations.
Banguera DN, Mejía LG, Ramírez-Montano D … +2 more , Perenguez-Verdugo M, Castillo A
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493827 · Full text
Introduction. Oxidative stress and inflammation are biological processes crucial in developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Objective. This study aimed to identify the ancestry components and mitochondrial haplogroups...
Introduction. Oxidative stress and inflammation are biological processes crucial in developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Objective. This study aimed to identify the ancestry components and mitochondrial haplogroups of individuals from various regions of Colombia. We also compared relative frequencies of gen variants potentially associated with oxidative stress response and inflammation. Materials and methods. A structural genomic analysis was conducted on five genomes and 58 exomes from individuals across different regions of Colombia. Genetic ancestry components and mitochondrial haplogroups were evaluated with specific molecular markers. Additionally, we compared the frequencies of gene variants related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Results. Two main ancestry groups were identified: one group exhibited a predominantly African ancestry, having mitochondrial haplogroups L1, L2, L3, B2, and D1; the other group showed predominantly European and East Asian ancestry, having mitochondrial haplogroups H2, U2, B2, A2, C, D1, and D4. Furthermore, non-Afro-Colombian individuals revealed a higher frequency of the variants rs2458236 in the dual oxidase 1 gene (DUOX1), rs2536512 in superoxide dismutase 3 gene (SOD3), rs4073 in interleukin 8 gene (IL-8), and rs1143627 and rs1143634 in interleukin 1 beta gene (IL-1β). Conclusion. This study highlights significant differences in the allele frequencies of gene variants associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. These differences correspond to the primary genetic ancestry components of the individuals studied.
Waist-height index curves of Colombian adults.
Benjumea MV, Santa C, Estrada A
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493826 · Full text
Introduction. Colombia presents a progressive increase in overweight and abdominal obesity in adults, with a higher impact on women. Objective. To design percentile curves of the waist-height index of Colombian adults by...
Introduction. Colombia presents a progressive increase in overweight and abdominal obesity in adults, with a higher impact on women. Objective. To design percentile curves of the waist-height index of Colombian adults by sex and age. Materials and methods. We did a secondary analysis of the data from the Encuesta Nacional de la Situación Nutricional 2015, which contained waist, weight, and height measurements of adults between 20 and 60 years of age. Generalized additive location, scale and shape additive models with box-cox power exponential transformation to construct the curves. An internal validation was performed to ensure the models fit the data. Results. We studied 23,759 multiethnic adults from Colombia, 49.8% of whom were women. The waist-height index curves of men were visualized with slight curvature, while those of women appeared flatter. The median waist-height index increased continuously in both sexes: up to 45 years in women (0.45 to 0.49) and up to 55 years in men (0.44 to 0.49). In men, a value of 0.50 was maintained after 55 years, but not in women, since it remained at 0.50 until 53 years and thereafter increased to 0.51. Conclusion. The curves fitted with the box-cox power exponential distribution explained the increasing behavior of the waist-height index by age and sex and the predictive capacity of the model. The total increase in the median of the waist-height index by age and sex was similar and incremental (women: 0.45-0.51; men: 0.44-0.50).
Economic burden of premature death due to suicide in Colombia between 2005 and 2021.
Pineda-Lozano JC, Díaz-Jiménez DP, Castañeda-Orjuela C
Biomedica · 2025 May · PMID 40493825 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a public health problem with significant social and economic consequences. In Colombia, suicide affects mostly young people. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the years of life potentially lost and the econ...
INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a public health problem with significant social and economic consequences. In Colombia, suicide affects mostly young people. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the years of life potentially lost and the economic burden associated with suicide in Colombia between 2005 and 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to estimate the years of life potentially lost and the economic burden related to suicide from the perspective of society. We modified the human capital method and considered two scenarios. Information on suicide mortality and economic variables was collected from official sources, and indirect costs due to premature mortality were calculated. The costs are expressed in 2021 US dollars, considering the average of the 2021 representative market rate (COP $3,743). RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2021, 40,157 deaths by suicide were recorded in Colombia, mainly in young men between 15 and 29 years old. These deaths represented 2,104,731 years of life potentially lost. The total economic costs associated with suicide ranged from USD $4.21 billions to USD $7.1 billions in the two scenarios considered, with an average annual cost between USD $247.6 and USD $422.2 millions in each case. The most densely populated departments had the highest accumulated costs by population rates. Vaupés, Amazonas, and Quindío had the highest costs per thousand inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to address suicide in Colombia from a comprehensive and multidimensional perspective, investing in mental health programs and preventive approaches to reduce the economic burden and social impact. The results offer valuable information to design suicide prevention policies and strategies and highlight the importance of targeting specific population groups and regions.
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