Medical Research Trends in Undergraduate Psychological Theses: A report from a South American country

Introduction: Psychological research can be developed by researchers and also by undergraduate or postgraduate students. In an undergraduate level, psychological research is specially challenging due to the limited ability of students to develop coherent and logical research problems and methodological approaches. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the main research trends in undergraduate psychological theses from Peruvian universities. As a specific objective, quantitative and qualitative research design trends were distinguished. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective systematic review of psychological research thesis of Peruvian undergraduate students was conducted, starting the data extraction process starting with RENATI database for an initial screening phase. Data analysis was conducted in two phases. Results: First, data was organized in relation to its frequency of the categories of authors' sex, the universities were catalogued as universities 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 according to their ranking, the categories of years of publication, number of authors, designs, type of methodology, and area of publication were obtained. Descriptive frequency statistics were established based on these categories. In the next phase, lexicometric and statistical textual analysis were used to identify research trending topics. Discussion: The main results show that different topics are predominantly framed within the clinical and health psychology line of research, mainly those related to coping styles, psychological stress and wellbeing.

Introducción: La investigación psicológica puede ser desarrollada por investigadores y también por estudiantes de pregrado o posgrado. En un nivel de pregrado, la investigación psicológica es especialmente desafiante debido a la capacidad limitada de los estudiantes para desarrollar problemas de investigación y enfoques metodológicos coherentes y lógicos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las principales tendencias de investigación en las tesis de grado en psicología de las universidades peruanas. Como objetivo específico, se distinguieron las tendencias de diseño de investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática descriptiva y retrospectiva de tesis de investigación en psicología de estudiantes universitarios peruanos, iniciando el proceso de extracción de datos a partir de la base de datos RENATI para una fase inicial de selección. El análisis de datos se realizó en dos fases. Resultados: Primero se organizaron los datos en relación a su frecuencia de las categorías de sexo de los autores, las universidades se catalogaron como universidades 1, 2, 3, 4 y 5 según su ranking, las categorías de años de publicación, número de autores Se obtuvieron diseños, tipo de metodología y área de publicación. A partir de estas categorías se establecieron estadísticos descriptivos de frecuencia. En la siguiente fase, se utilizaron análisis textuales lexicométricos y estadísticos para identificar los temas de tendencia de investigación. Discusión: Los principales resultados muestran que diferentes temas se enmarcan predominantemente dentro de la línea de investigación de la psicología clínica y de la salud, principalmente los relacionados con los estilos de afrontamiento, el estrés psicológico y el bienestar.

Reasons for the use of masks in open areas after the Peruvian government announced that it will no longer be mandatory in the context of COVID-19 in 2022

Introduction: In Peru, a high proportion of fully immunized people against COVID-19 has been achieved, which has mitigated the severity of the disease. Thus, under the recommendation of experts, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree 118-2022-PCM, which indicated that the use of masks is optional in open and ventilated enclosed spaces as of October 1, 2022. Objective: The aim of the present study was to find out the reasons why people continued to wear masks even though it was not mandatory in outdoor environments. Methods: A total of 335 people participated, with an average age of 26.11 years (73.1% women). A data collection form was prepared where sociodemographic and health information was requested; in addition, the question "Why do you continue to wear mask despite it being optional in open and closed ventilated spaces?" was included. The data obtained from the last open question of the instrument was analyzed by means of a discursive textual analysis (DTA) and an exploratory analysis through IRAMUTEQ. Results: Results indicate that people continue to wear masks, despite the lifting of the restrictions, to avoid contagion of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. In addition, the prevention of possible infection and transmission of the virus also focused on the family and vulnerable people. Discussion: It is concluded that the practice of wearing masks may be influenced by individual perceptions of risk and interpretations of responsibility and solidarity towards others.

Introducción: En el Perú, se logró una alta proporción de personas completamente inmunizados contra COVID-19 que ha mitigado la severidad de la enfermedad. Es así que, bajo la recomendación de expertos el gobierno peruano emitió el Decreto Supremo 118-2022-PCM, donde se indicó que el uso de la mascarilla es opcional en espacios abiertos y espacios cerrados ventilados a partir del 1 de octubre del 2022. Objetivo: El presente estudio fue conocer las razones por las cuales las personas continuaron usando mascarilla a pesar de que no era obligatorio en ambientes exteriores. Metodología: Participaron un total de 335 personas con un promedio de edad de 26.11 años (73.1% mujeres). Se elaboró una ficha de recolección de datos donde se solicitó información sociodemográfica y de salud; además, se incluyó la pregunta "¿por qué sigue utilizando la mascarilla a pesar de que es opcional en espacios abiertos y cerrados ventilados?" Los datos obtenidos de la última pregunta abierta del instrumento se analizaron mediante un análisis textual discursivo (ATD) y un análisis exploratorio a través de IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que, las personas seguían utilizando mascarillas, a pesar de estar levantadas las restricciones, para evitar contagios de la COVID-19 y de otras enfermedades respiratorias. Además, esta prevención de una posible infección y transmisión del virus es enfocada también a la propia familia y personas vulnerables. Discusión: Se concluye que, la práctica de usar mascarillas puede estar influenciada por las percepciones individuales del riesgo y las interpretaciones de responsabilidad y solidaridad frente a los demás.

Aplicación de sistemas fuzzy para la toma de decisiones del Plan Paso a Paso: análisis de los indicadores para la comuna de Valdivia / Artificial intelligence fuzzy system for the design of confinements during quarantines

BACKGROUND: Different modalities of quarantines were one of the main measures implemented worldwide to avoid the spread of SARS-CoV2 virus. AIM: To analyze and compare retrospectively the implementation of the Step- to-Step plan devised by the Chilean Ministry of Health during the pandemic. To propose a decision-making path based on an artificial intelligence fuzzy system to determine confinements in specific territories. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Step-to-Step Plan threshold values such hospital network capacity, epidemic spreading, testing and contact tracing capability were modeled using fuzzy numbers and fuzzy rule-based systems. RESULTS: Ministry of Health's decision-making opportuneness were unrelated with the Step-to-Step Plan indicators for deconfinement. Such disagreements undermined epidemiological indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Using an artificial intelligence system could improve decision-making transparency, emergency governance, and risk communication to the population.

Cross-cultural invariance of the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Assessment Scorecard to measure the perception of government actions against COVID-19 in Latin America

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID--19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. Methods A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. Results The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. Conclusion The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured.

Efecto de la dibucaína sobre la SERCA del músculo pterigoideo interno / Drug action of dibucaine on the SERCA from medial pterygoid muscle

Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del anestésico local di-bucaína sobre las principales isoformas de la SERCA (calcio ATPasa de retículo sarco-endoplásmico) pre-sentes en músculo pterigoideo interno. Métodos: Se aislaron por centrifugación diferencial membranas de retículo sarcoplásmico de pterigoideo interno de conejo neozelandés macho (n=5). Se separaron las isoformas SERCA1a, 2a y 2b por cromatografía de afinidad. Se determinó in vitro la actividad enzimá-tica en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de dibucaína (0-90 mM) por el método de Fiske y Subba-row, realizando 5 experimentos por duplicado y en paralelo para cada isoforma. Se calculó la media y ES de la CI50 (mM) del anestésico para cada isofor-ma y éstas se compararon por ANOVA de una vía (p<0,05), y prueba Student-Newman-Keuls de com-paraciones múltiples. Resultados: Dibucaína inhibió la actividad enzimática en función de su concentra-ción en las tres isoformas en estudio. Las CI50 fueron: SERCA1a 20,02 ± 0,64 mM, SERCA2a 15,03 ± 0,52 mM y SERCA2b 16,00 ± 0,51 mM y resultaron signi-ficativamente diferentes (F2,27 = 11,08, p<0,001). La prueba post hoc identificó diferencias significativas entre SERCA1a y 2a, 1a y 2b. El efecto inhibitorio re-sultó significativamente mayor sobre las isoformas 2a y 2b, cuya presencia es sustancialmente mayor en músculos masticadores. Conclusión: La dibucaína inhibe a la SERCA de pterigoideo interno a concen-traciones menores que las usadas en clínica médica (29 mM). Es un anestésico local con potencial efecto miotóxico derivado de la inhibición de la SERCA (AU)

Aim: To test the effect of the local anesthetic dibu-caine on the main isoforms of the SERCA (sarco-endosplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase) in medial pterygoid muscle. Methods: Sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from male New Zealand rabbits (n=5) were isolated from medial pterygoid muscle by ul-tracentrifugation. The isoforms SERCA1a, 2a and 2b were separated using high affinity chromatography. In vitro enzymatic activity determinations were per-formed in the presence of different dibucaine con-centrations (0-90 mM) using the colorimetric method described by Fiske & Subbarow. Five assays in dupli-cate and run in parallel were performed for each of the isoforms. Mean and SEM of the IC50 (mM) for the effect of the anesthetic on each isoform were calcu-lated and compared by one-way ANOVA (p<0.05), and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons test. Results: Dibucaine inhibited the enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent manner for the three studied isoforms. The IC50 values were: SERCA1a 20.02 ± 0.64 mM, SERCA2a 15.03 ± 0.52 mM and SER-CA2b 16.00 ± 0.51 mM. The values were significantly different (F2.27 = 11.08, p<0.001). The post hoc test revealed significant differences between SERCA1a and 2a, 1a and 2b. The inhibitory effect was signifi-cantly higher on 2a and 2b isoforms, whose presence is substantially higher in masticatory muscles. Con-clusion: Dibucaine inhibits SERCA in medial pterygoid muscle at concentrations lower than those used in clinical medicine (29 mM). It is a potentially myotoxic local anesthetic whose toxic effect may derive from SERCA inhibition (AU)

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography guided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cancer / Rendimiento diagnóstico de la aspiración con aguja fina guiada por tomografía computarizada para el cáncer de páncreas

Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the histological diagnosis of occupying lesions in the pancreas as opposed to tru-cut needle biopsy to obtain tissue for analysis has been associated with a lower incidence of post-procedure complications, with almost immediate recovery and no need for hospital stay. Nev ertheless, the question of the diagnostic effectiveness of percutaneous computed axial tomography (CT)-guided FNA in solid pancreatic lesions has been raised. The aim of this study was to confirm the diagnostic effectivity of percutaneous CT-guided FNA in pancreatic space-occupying lesions and to assess short-term complications. All percutaneous CT-guided FNA with real-time monitoring, performed between April 2010 and December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases 21-gauge needles were used. All FNA were performed in the pres ence of a pathologist who immediately stained and reported as adequate for analysis in all cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Of 54 FNA performed, final histopathological evaluation revealed neoplastic cells compatible with adenocarcinoma in 52 patients (96%) and was negative for neoplastic cells in two patients (4%). The sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity 100%. Post-FNA morbidity was observed in four patients, consisting of epigastric pain in two and abdominal wall hematoma in two other patients. Percutaneous CT-guided FNA of pancreatic space-occupying lesions was found to be a good, minimally invasive and safe method with low morbidity. The presence of the pathologist in the procedure allowed for immediate cytological diagnosis.

Resumen El uso de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) en el diagnóstico histológico de lesiones ocupantes de páncreas es una alternativa frente al uso de agujas tru-cut en la obtención de tejido para su análisis, con una incidencia más baja de complicaciones y una recuperación casi inmediata sin necesidad de internación. El objetivo fue valorar la efectividad diagnóstica de las PAAF de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por tomografía axial computada (TAC) por vía percutánea, y su tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo. Se analizaron de forma retrospectiva todas las PAAF realizadas mediante guía tomográfica por vía percutánea con control en tiempo real, entre abril 2010 y diciembre 2015. Todas las PAAF se realizaron en presencia de un patólogo que inmediatamente tiñó e informó como adecuado para el análisis. La confirmación diagnóstica se hizo con el análisis anatomopatológico diferido. De las 54 PAAF realizadas, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico informó positivo para células neoplásicas compatible con adenocarcinoma en 52 pacientes (96%) y en otros dos (4%) como negativo para células neoplásicas. La sensibilidad del método fue 94% y la especificidad del 100%. Se registraron 4 casos de morbilidad post punción (2 dolores epigástricos y 2 hematomas de pared abdominal). Las punciones percutáneas de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por TC pueden considerarse un buen método diagnóstico mini invasivo, seguro, con una morbilidad post punción baja. La presencia del patólogo en el procedimiento permitió el diagnóstico citológico inmediato.

¿Supuración crónica o pseudoquiste infectado? Una complicación de la eventroplastia con malla / Chronic suppuration or infected pseudocyst? A complication of incisional hernia repair with mesh

RESUMEN Las infecciones crónicas posteriores a reparaciones de la pared abdominal pueden presentarse como colecciones que involucran a la malla y suelen obligar a su extracción, mientras que los pseudoquistes son colecciones estériles con una gruesa pared fibrótica que debe ser extirpada para lograr la curación. Presentamos una paciente de 75 años con antecedente de eventroplastia, que consultó por un tumor abdominal de 6 meses de evolución, con características imagenológicas de pseudoquiste parietal. Durante la operación se encontró una malla preperitoneal no integrada a los tejidos y rodeada de "biofilm" y líquido turbio. La prótesis se retiró fácilmente y la aponeurosis, muy engrosada, se cerró borde a borde. El posoperatorio transcurrió sin incidentes y el cultivo desarrolló estafilococo aureus sensible a trimetoprima-sufametoxazol. Seis meses después, la evolución fue favorable y sin signos de recidiva.

ABSTRACT Chronic infections after abdominal wall repairs may present as collections involving the mesh which usually require removing the mesh, while pseudocysts are sterile collections with a thick fibrotic wall that must be removed to achieve healing. We report the case of a 75-year-old female patient with a history incisional hernia repair who sought medical advice due to an abdominal tumor which appeared 6 months before consultation with imaging tests suggestive of an abdominal wall pseudocyst. Surgery revealed a preperitoneal mesh without tissue integration surrounded by biofilm and cloudy fluid. The mesh was easily removed and the edges of the thick aponeurosis were sutured. The postoperative period evolved uneventful and the fluid culture was positive for staphylococcus aureus sensitive to trimethoprim-sufamethoxazole. Six months later the patient evolved with favorable outcome without recurrence.

A study on the impact of simulation-based training, on retention of knowledge and skills of medical interns, for patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the highly transmissible novel coronavirus can easily affect medical interns who are a part of frontline health-care providers. They are required to have adequate knowledge and skills, to protect themselves from getting infected with COVID-19 and also care for patients, effectively. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on retention of knowledge and skills of medical interns, for patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 122 medical interns, aged between 21 and 25 years, of which 47.5% (58) were male and 52.5% (64) female, were included as study participants. A simulation-based training was conducted, based on knowledge and skills required in providing patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic such as donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, triage of COVID-19 patients, and airway management. A pre-tested pre-test questionnaire was used before training and simulation-based practical test along with post-test was conducted 6 months after the training. Results: The pre-test and post-test theory and simulation-based practical scores were analyzed and compared using paired t-test and P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. There was a significant difference between total scores, both theory and practical pre-test and post-test scores, using paired t test with t = 28.441 (P = 0.001). Conclusion: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, simulation-based training has a significant impact on retention of knowledge and skills of the medical interns in patient care, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modelo lineal vs. vectorial: estimación del movimiento mandibular y trabajo mecánico / Linear vs. vector model: estimation of mandible motion and mechanical work

Objetivo: Determinar los momentos de fuerza del haz superficial del masetero (SMH) obtenidos por modelos lineal y vectorial. Métodos: Investigación comparati-va in silico. Se obtuvo la fuerza del SMH con dinamó-metro en 12 pacientes varones adultos jóvenes para calcular el momento de la fuerza y trabajo mecánico a través de simulaciones en JAVA+ con NetBeans8.2. La descomposición de la fuerza fue F.cos α(x,y) y F.cos α(x,y,z) en el modelo lineal y vectorial respectivamen-te. Los momentos de fuerza fueron comparados por ANOVA (p<0,05). Resultados: La fuerza del SMH unila-teral obtenida con dinamómetro (2,5±0,1N) no difirió significativamente del modelo lineal (2,6±0,05N), pero difirió (p<0,001) del vectorial: 1,7, 2,2, 4,2N en x,y,z (general 2,7±0,02N). El momento medio de la fuerza en el modelo vectorial fue -17,9, -15,5, +14,3N.m-2, apuntando a la inclinación mandibular en el eje lateral en dirección caudal anterior, movimiento de inclina-ción en el eje lateral en la dirección cráneo-medial, e inclinación en el eje craneal en la dirección lateral-an-terior. El modelo lineal mostró momento de fuerza de 13,5N.m-2 apuntando un movimiento traslacional en dirección caudal-craneal en el eje anterior-posterior y menor trabajo mecánico del SMH (p=0,012). Con-clusión: Los modelos vectoriales son más eficientes proporcionando datos detallados para estimar los momentos de fuerza y el trabajo mecánico del SMH, y deben incluirse en los algoritmos de cálculo utilizados por dinamómetros (AU)

Objective: to determine the moments of force exerted by the superficial masseter head (SMH) obtained through linear models and vector ones. Methods: comparative in silico research. Data of SMH force obtained with dynamometer in 12 young adult male patients was used to calculate the moment of the force and mechanical work through simulations in JAVA+ performed with NetBeans8.2. Force decomposition was F.cos α(x,y) and F.cos α(x,y,z) in the linear and vector model respectively. The moments of force were compared by ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: Dynamometrical unilateral SMH force (2.5±0.1N) did not differ significantly from the linear model (2.6±0.05N), but differed (p<0.001) from the vector model: 1.7, 2.2, 4.2N on x,y,z (overall 2.7±0.02N). The mean moment of the force in the vector model was -17.9, -15.5, +14.3N.m-2, pointing to mandible's inclination on the lateral axis in anterior-caudal direction, inclination movement on the lateral axis in the cranio-medial direction and inclination on the cranial axis in the lateral-anterior direction. The linear model showed a moment of force of 13.5N.m-2 pointing to translational motion on caudal-cranial direction on the anterior-posterior axis and lower SMH mechanical work (p=0,012). Conclusion: Vector models are more efficient to provide detailed data to estimate the moments of force and mechanical work of SMH and should be included in the calculation algorithms used by dynamometers (AU)

The lived experiences of stay-in nurses and nursing aides in a private hospital in Quezon City during the coronavirus pandemic / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#The COVID-19 pandemic caused traumatic events among health care workers. They are the ones who are exposed to the virus as frontliners. The study aimed to explore the experiences and impact of the pandemic on the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of both nurses and nursing aides.@*METHODS@#This was a qualitative interpretative phenomenological study, focused on describing the individual nurse’s and nursing aide’s lived experiences as stay-in personnel in a private hospital in Quezon City catering to COVID-19 patients. Participants were selected by purposive sampling. They were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire on how the pandemic affected their physical, psychological and emotional well-being. The qualitative data collected was coded and categorized according to themes that described their lived experiences.@*RESULTS@#The three themes derived were: impact of a pandemic, strategies and coping, and psychological outcome for the three interview questions. Impact of a pandemic included isolation from the family (loneliness/sadness and lack of family interaction) and adequate preparation for a pandemic (preparation for COVID-19, pandemic restrictions, health protocol compliance). Strategies and coping included comfort and convenience (living conditions, independent living), adapting to new normal (coping mechanisms, strategies; exploration), and family safety. Psychological outcome included the emotional impact (fear, anxiety).@*CONCLUSION@#The nurses and nursing aides had both negative and positive experiences, with different outcomes depending on the participant. Most of the experiences were positive, thus the investigators concluded that a change in the participants’ current lives has led to a voluntary decision to be separated from their loved ones while still being happy and content because of the assurance that their families were safe at home.

Diagnósticos frecuentes de consulta externa de medicina general de la Universidad Santo Tomás (USTA), Bucaramanga, 2015-2017 / Frequent diagnosis in primary care physician services of the Santo Tomás University (USTA), Bucaramanga, 2015-2017

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar los diagnósticos más frecuentes de los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de consulta externa de medicina general de la Universidad Santo Tomás (USTA), seccional Bucaramanga, entre 2015 y 2017. Método Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los registros diarios de pacientes atendidos en el servicio médico con un N=13 892 pacientes -estudiantes, administrativos, docentes, egresados y División de Educación Abierta y a Distancia (DUAD)-. Se excluyeron 5 907 registros para un n=7 985 datos de exploración, correspondientes a pacientes que hicieron uso exclusivamente del servicio de consulta médica. Resultados 5 808 (73%) de las consultas fueron realizadas por mujeres y 2 177 (27%) hombres; jóvenes entre 19 y 26 años (60,9%), estudiantes de pregrado (71,8%), de odontología (29,6%) y derecho (26,5%), atendidos por enfermedades del aparato respiratorio (16,4%), con afectaciones más frecuentes a adolescentes (15,4%) y jóvenes (17,2%). La rinofaringitis aguda fue el principal diagnóstico CIE-10. Los jóvenes consultaron por diarrea y gastroenteritis de presunto origen infeccioso (6,7%); los adultos (5,7%) y docentes (6,1%), por cervicalgia, y el personal administrativo, por infección viral no especificada (5,7%). Conclusiones La población atendida en consulta médica de la USTA entre 2015 y 2017 fueron principalmente mujeres y jóvenes entre 19 a 26 años. Las enfermedades transmisibles como las enfermedades del aparato respiratorio fueron más frecuentes que las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, principalmente la rinofaringitis aguda, enfermedad de alta transmisibilidad en comunidad. Las mujeres, adolescentes y estudiantes de pregrado, fueron atendidos en consulta por consejo y asesoramiento sobre la anticoncepción, lo que coincide con la Encuesta Nacional De Demografía y Salud.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the most frequent diagnoses of the patients treated in primary medical care services of the Santo Tomás University (USTA, by its initials in Spanish), Bucaramanga section, between 2015 and 2017. Method A retrospective descriptive study of the daily records of patients treated in primary medical care services with an N=13 892 patients -students, administrative workers, professors, graduates, and Open and at Distance Education Division (DUAD, by its initials in Spanish)-. 5 907 records were excluded for a n=7 985 scan data corresponding to patients who used the medical consultation service exclusively. Results 5 808 (73%) of the consultations were conducted by women and 2 177 (27%) by men; young people between 19 and 26 years (60.9%), undergraduate students (71.8%), in dentistry (29.6%) and law (26.5%), people treated for respiratory diseases (16.4%), affected adolescents (15.4%) and young people (17.2%) more frequently. Acute rhinopharyngitis was the main diagnosis ICD-10. Young people consulted for diarrhea and gastroenteritis of suspected infectious origin (6.7%); adults (5.7%) and professors (6.1%), for neck pain, and administrative workers, for unspecified viral infection (5.7%). Conclusions The population who attended medical consultation of the Santo Tomás University in Bucaramanga throughout 2015-2017 were mainly women and young people between 19 and 26 years. Communicable diseases such as respiratory diseases were more frequent than chronic noncommunicable diseases, mainly acute rhinopharyngitis, a disease of high transmissibility in the community. Women, adolescents, and undergraduate students were treated in consultation for contraceptive counseling, which coincides with the National Demography and Health Survey.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 and Asymptomatic Carriage in Healthcare Workers of a COVID-19 Hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Risk factors for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) asymptomatic carriage (AC) in healthcare workers (HCWs) have been scarcely characterized. Objective: The objective of the study was to study factors associated with COVID-19 and AC in HCWs of a COVID-19 academic medical center. Methods: This is a case-control study. Cases were either symptomatic or asymptomatic HCWs with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result between March 16 and May 21 of 2020. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated by means of multivariable logistic regression. In addition, each subject was followed for 14 days to inform outcomes. Results: One hundred thirty of 249 (52.2%) symptomatic HCWs had COVID-19; 10 were hospitalized but none died. Of 987 asymptomatic HCWs, 37 (3.7%) were AC; 6 of the remaining 950 asymptomatic HCWs with a negative PCR test result were found to be presymptomatic COVID-19 cases the following 14 days. Nurses were more frequently present in the COVID-19 group (51.5% vs. 37.0%), but multivariable analysis rendered non-significant results. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and working place, factors found to be associated with AC were: working in wards as a nurse (aOR = 9.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-80.22, p = 0.045), kitchen personnel (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.55-10.83, p = 0.005), and being a physician (aOR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03-0.54, p = 0.006). Conclusions: HCW category was the predominant factor associated with AC of SARS-CoV-2 in this study.

Taponamiento cardiaco en paciente embarazada que inicia con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Reporte de caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Cardiac tamponade on a pregnant patient as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Case Report and literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El lupus eritematoso sistémico es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria y multisistémica. El daño pericárdico es la complicación cardiaca más común y el taponamiento cardiaco es infrecuente, más aún en embarazadas y con lupus eritematoso sistémico. OBJETIVO: Exponer las características clínicas, diagnósticas, tratamiento y evolución del taponamiento cardiaco en una embarazada que inició con lupus eritematoso sistémico y valorar la información de la bibliografía a propósito de otros casos. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 24 años, con 27.5 semanas de embarazo, con anasarca, disnea que evolucionó a ortopnea y dolor torácico punzante de tres semanas de evolución. La radiografía de tórax mostró cardiomegalia grado II, campos pulmonares congestivos y derrame pleural a la altura de los senos cardiofrénicos. En el ecocardiograma se encontró derrame pericárdico de 500 mL, con datos de taponamiento cardiaco. Tuvo deterioro progresivo con afectación de la capacidad pulmonar e insuficiencia renal aguda con aumentos progresivos de creatinina; se encontró hemodinámica inestable, con pulso paradójico e hipotensión. Anticuerpos antinucleares positivos y proteinuria. La biopsia renal reportó patrones histopatológicos correspondientes a nefritis lúpica. Se trató con pulsos esteroideos y ciclofosfamida por vía intravenosa. El derrame pericárdico desapareció por medio de una ventana subxifoidea y la extracción del líquido del pericardio. La evolución posterior fue satisfactoria para la madre y su hijo. CONCLUSIÓN: El taponamiento cardiaco es infrecuente en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico y más raro aún durante el embarazo. Es una urgencia clínica que requiere atención multidisciplinaria porque el embarazo, en una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico, implica mayor riesgo de complicaciones sistémicas, como se señala en la bibliografía.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic disease of unknown etiology, whose clinical manifestations are heterogeneous. Pericardial involvement is the most common cardiac complication; however, the development of cardiac tamponade is rare, and even more so in pregnant patients presenting with SLE. OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and evolution of cardiac tamponade in a pregnant patient that presents with systemic lupus erythematosus. CLINICAL CASE: A 24-year-old patient, who is 27.5 weeks pregnant, presenting with anasarca, dyspnea that evolved to orthopnea and stabbing chest pain for three weeks. Her chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly grade II, congestive lung fields and pleural effusion at the level of cardiophrenic sinuses. The echocardiogram found a 500 mL pericardial effusion with evidence of cardiac tamponade. Progressive deterioration with compromised lung capacity, and the appearance of acute renal failure with progressive increases in creatinine; showing hemodynamic instability characterized by paradoxical pulse and hypotension. With positive Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) and proteinuria, renal biopsy reports histopathological patterns corresponding to lupus nephritis, treated with steroid pulses and intravenous cyclophosphamide in a risk-benefit assessment, with subsequent satisfactory maternal-fetal evolution. CONCLUSION: Cardiac tamponade is not common in patients with SLE, and it is even rarer as the initial manifestation, even more so during pregnancy. It is a clinical emergency and requires multidisciplinary management since pregnancy in a patient with SLE implies an increased risk of systemic complications.

COVID-19: fisiopatología e inmunopatología / Physiopathology and immunopathology of COVID-19: narrative review

La fisiopatología y la inmunopatología del COVID-19 están íntimamente relacionadas entre sí y son dependientes la una de la otra. La complejidad de ambos procesos puede desencadenar daños multiorgánicos, producto de la toxicidad viral directa (la cual es dependiente de la expresión del receptor de enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 o ACE2), del daño de las células endoteliales y tromboinflamación (induciendo endotelitis en múltiples lechos vasculares), y de la desregulación de la respuesta inmune y del sistema reninaangiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA), lo que se traduce en efectos citopáticos virales con daños en órganos diana. La enfermedad se caracteriza por presentar reacciones hiperinflamatorias que pueden desencadenar una liberación exacerbada de citoquinas proinflamatorias, proceso denominado "tormenta de citoquinas". La desregulación de la respuesta inmune produce linfopenia (de los linfocitos T CD4,+ CD8+, y B) así como un aumento de la relación neutrófilos-linfocitos. También se evidencia un claro incremento de marcadores inflamatorios, como los reactantes de fase aguda(AU)

The physiopathology and immunopathology of COVID-19 are both related and dependent on each other, The complexity of both processes has the potential to unfold multi-organ failure, product of the endothelium inflammation in multiple vascular beds, also viral toxicity (which depends, as well, on the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or ACE2), the damage on endothelial cells and thrombo-inflammation (inducing a dysregulation of the immune response and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), with cytopathic viral effects and damage on target organs. This disease also presents hyperinflammatory reactions that can lead to the exacerbated release of proinflammatory cytokines, a process known as "cytokine storm". The dysregulation of the immune response also generates lymphopenia, and a higher ratio of the neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio. There is a clear increase of the inflammatory markers, including the acute phase reactants. The understanding of the physiopathology and immunopathology is crucial in order to comprehend the bases of COVID-19, its treatment and prevention(AU)

Preclinical models of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI): Moving towards prediction

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI) encompasses the unexpected harms that prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal and dietary supplements can cause to the liver. iDILI remains a major public health problem and a major cause of drug attrition. Given the lack of biomarkers for iDILI prediction, diagnosis and prognosis, searching new models to predict and study mechanisms of iDILI is necessary. One of the major limitations of iDILI preclinical assessment has been the lack of correlation between the markers of hepatotoxicity in animal toxicological studies and clinically significant iDILI. Thus, major advances in the understanding of iDILI susceptibility and pathogenesis have come from the study of well-phenotyped iDILI patients. However, there are many gaps for explaining all the complexity of iDILI susceptibility and mechanisms. Therefore, there is a need to optimize preclinical human

Predicciones de un modelo SEIR para casos de COVID-19 en Cali, Colombia / Predictions of a SEIR model for COVID-19 cases in Cali-Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Predecir el número de casos de COVID-19 en la ciudad de Cali-Colombia mediante el desarrollo de un modelo SEIR. Métodos Se utilizó un modelo determinista compartimental SEIR considerando los estados: susceptibles (S), expuestos (E), infectados (I) y recuperados (R). Los parámetros del modelo fueron seleccionados de acuerdo a la revisión de literatura. En el caso de la tasa de letalidad, se usaron los datos de la Secretaría de Salud Municipal de Cali. Se plantearon varios escenarios teniendo en cuenta variaciones en el número básico de reproducción (R0) y en la tasa de letalidad; además, se comparó la predicción hasta el 9 de abril con los datos observados. Resultados A través del modelo SEIR se encontró que, con el número básico de reproducción más alto (2,6) y utilizando la letalidad calculada para la ciudad de 2,0%, el número máximo de casos se alcanzaría el primero de junio con 195 666 (prevalencia); sin embargo, al comparar los casos observados con los esperados, al inicio la ocurrencia observada estaba por encima de la proyectada; pero luego cambia la tendencia con una disminución marcada de la pendiente. Conclusiones Los modelos epidemiológicos SEIR son métodos muy utilizados para la proyección de casos en enfermedades infecciosas; sin embargo, se debe tener en cuenta que son modelos deterministas que pueden utilizar parámetros supuestos y podrían generar resultados imprecisos.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To predict the number of cases of COVID-19 in the city of Cali-Colombia through the development of a SEIR model. Methods A SEIR compartmental deterministic model was used considering the states: susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I) and recovered (R). The model parameters were selected according to the literature review, in the case of the case fatality rate data from the Municipal Secretary of Health were used. Several scenarios were considered taking into account variations in the basic number of reproduction (R0), and the prediction until april 9 was compared with the observed data. Results Through the SEIR model it was found that with the highest basic number of reproduction [2,6] and using the case fatality rate for the city of 2,0%, the maximum number of cases would be reached on June 1 with 195 666 (prevalence). However, when comparing the observed with the expected cases, at the beginning the observed occurrence was above the projected, but then the trend changes decreasing the slope. Conclusions SEIR epidemiological models are widely used methods for projecting cases in infectious diseases, however it must be taken into account that they are deterministic models that can use assumed parameters and could generate imprecise results.(AU)

Análisis espacio-temporal del SARS-COV-2 en Cali, Colombia / SARS-coV-2 spatio - temporal analysis in Cali, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir la distribución espacio-temporal del COVID-19 en la ciudad de Cali durante el primer mes de epidemia. Métodos Se realizó un análisis exploratorio de datos espaciales, compuesto por un análisis de densidad de Kernel y se verificó la presencia de patrones espaciales por medio de la función K de Ripley. Resultados La distribución espacial de los casos tiende a concentrarse inicialmente en el norte y sur de la ciudad, con una dinámica cambiante hacia el oriente y occidente. Conclusiones El patrón espacial identificado puede estar influenciado por las medidas de aislamiento tomadas a nivel local y nivel nacional, además no se puede descartar el efecto del poco acceso que tiene la población general a las pruebas diagnósticas, los retrasos y represamientos para conocer los resultados de las mismas y aun los posibles sesgos por dificultades en la técnica de toma de la muestra o su conservación.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the spatio-temporal distribution of the COVID-19 in the city of Cali during the first month of the epidemic. Methods An exploratory analysis of spatial data was carried out, consisting of a kernel density analysis and the presence of spatial patterns was verified by the K-Ripley function. Results The spatial distribution of the cases tends to initially concentrate in the north and south of the city, with a changing dynamic towards the east and west. Conclusions The identified spatial pattern may be influenced by the isolation measures taken at the local and national level, but the effect of the low access of the general population to diagnostic tests, delays and restraints to know the results cannot be ruled out and even possible biases due to difficulties in the technique of taking the sample or its conservation.(AU)

Objetivo: Descrever a distribuição espaço-temporal do COVID-19 na cidade de Cali durante o primeiro mês da epidemia. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise exploratória de dados espaciais, consistindo em uma análise de densidade de kernel e a presença de padrões espaciais foi verificada pela função K-Ripley. Resultados: A distribuição espacial dos casos tende a se concentrar inicialmente no norte e no sul da cidade, com uma dinâmica mutante para o leste e oeste. Conclusões: O padrão espacial identificado pode ser influenciado pelas medidas de isolamento tomadas a nível local e nacional, mas não se pode descartar o efeito do baixo acesso da população em geral aos exames diagnósticos, atrasos e limitações para conhecer os resultados e mesmo possíveis vieses devido às dificuldades na técnica de coleta da amostra ou na sua conservação.(AU)

Metales pesados en el ambiente: síndrome de Guillain-Barré / likeHeavy metals in the enviroment: Guillain-Barré like syndrome

El síndrome de Guillain-Barré constituye una entidad de etiología diversa, que se caracteriza por debilidad muscular aguda, simétrica, ascendente y progresiva, y es una de las polineuropatías adquiridas más frecuentes en la infancia. Entre los diagnósticos diferenciales, deben considerarse las neuropatías producidas por metales pesados, mercurio y plomo, y metaloides, como el arsénico, plaguicidas organofosforados y el tetracloruro de carbono.Se presenta a un paciente de 14 años con diagnóstico de síndrome de Guillain-Barré sin respuesta al tratamiento convencional con gammaglobulina. Considerando otras etiologías, se sospechó neuropatía producida por metales pesados, y se confirmó intoxicación por mercurio.El objetivo de esta presentación es concientizar a los pediatras acerca del impacto de los tóxicos ambientales en la salud infantil para realizar un diagnóstico precoz pesquisando datos clave a través de la historia clínica ambiental

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an entity of diverse etiology, characterized by acute, symmetric, ascending and progressive muscle weakness, being one of the most frequent acquired polyneuropathies in childhood. Neuropathies produced by heavy metals, mercury and lead, and metalloids, such as arsenic, organophosphorus pesticides and carbon tetrachloride, should be considered among the differential diagnoses.We present a 14-year-old patient with a presumptive diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome without response to conventional treatment with gamma globulin. Considering other etiologies, heavy metal neuropathy was suspected, and mercury poisoning was confirmed.The aim of this presentation is to make pediatricians aware about the impact of environmental toxic agents on children's health in order to make an early diagnosis by researching key data through the environmental clinical history.

Systemic Th17 response in the presence of periodontal inflammation

Abstract The relationship between periodontitis and the pathogenesis of other inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity has been an important topic of study in recent decades. The Th17 pathway plays a significant role in how local inflammation can influence systemic inflammation in the absence of systemic pathology. Objective: To determine Th17 biased-cells in systemically healthy patients in the presence of generalized chronic periodontitis. Methodology: A total of 28 patients were recruited without systemic inflammatory pathology, which was determined by clinical history, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and rheumatoid factor detection. Of these patients, 13 were diagnosed as healthy/gingivitis (H/G) and 15 as generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP). Th17 (CD4+CD161+) cells and Th17IL23R+ (CD4+CD161+IL-23R+) cells were quantified by flow cytometry, based on the total cells and on the lymphocyte region, termed the "enriched population" (50,000 events for each). Results: The percentages of Th17 cells of the H/G and periodontitis groups were similar on total cells and enriched population (19 vs 21.8; p=4.134 and 19.6 vs 21.8; p=0.55). However, Th17IL23R+ cells differ significantly between periodontally healthy patients and generalized chronic periodontitis patients in both total cell (0.22% vs 0.65%; p=0.0004) and enriched populations (0.2% vs 0.75%; p=0.0266). Conclusions: GCP patients (otherwise systemically healthy) were characterized by increased Th17-proinflammatory cell phenotype positive for the IL-23 receptor in peripheral blood. The proportion of Th17 cells that are negative for the IL-23 receptor in the peripheral blood of systemically healthy patients seemed to be unaffected by the presence or absence of chronic periodontitis.