First report and genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in a cat (Felis catus) in Colombia

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus of zoonotic origin that can bind to ACE2 receptors on the cells of many wild and domestic mammals. Studies have shown that the virus can circulate among animals mutate, lead to animal-to-human zoonotic jump, and further onward spread between humans. Infection in pets is unusual, and there are few human-to-pet transmission reports worldwide. OBJECTIVE To describe the SARS-CoV-2 infection in a domestic animal in Córdoba, Colombian Caribbean region. METHODS A cross-sectional molecular surveillance study was carried out, oral and rectal swabs were taken from cats and dogs living with people diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was found in a cat living with a person with COVID-19. Genome sequencing showed that the B.1.111 lineage caused the infection in the cat. The owner's sample could not be sequenced. The lineage is predominant in Colombia, and this variant is characterised by the presence of the D614D and Q57H mutation. CONCLUSION The present work is the first report of an infected cat with SARS-CoV-2 with whole-genome sequencing in Colombia. It highlights the importance of detecting SARS-CoV-2 mutations that could promote the transmissibility of this new coronavirus. There is still a significant information gap on human-to-cat-to-human infection; we encourage self-isolation measures between COVID-19 patients and companion animals. The findings of this study give a preliminary view of the current panorama of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals in Colombia.

Systematic review on the biology, ecology, genetic diversity and parasite transmission potential of Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille 1811) in Latin America

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) is the triatomine with the largest geographic distribution in Latin America. It has been reported in 18 countries from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, including the Caribbean islands. Although most reports indicate that P. geniculatus has wild habitats, this species has intrusive habits regarding human dwellings mainly located in intermediate deforested areas. It is attracted by artificial light from urban and rural buildings, raising the risk of transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the wide body of published information on P. geniculatus, many knowledge gaps exist about its biology and epidemiological potential. For this reason, we analysed the literature for P. geniculatus in Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar and the BibTriv3.0 databases to update existing knowledge and provide better information on its geographic distribution, life cycle, genetic diversity, evidence of intrusion and domiciliation, vector-related circulating discrete taxonomic units, possible role in oral T. cruzi transmission, and the effect of climate change on its biology and epidemiology.

Preocupaciones y cambio social durante la pandemia de coronavirus en Colombia / Preocupações e mudanças sociais durante a pandemia de coronavírus na Colômbia / Concerns and social change during the coronavirus pandemic in Colombia

Objetivo describir las preocupaciones y los cambios sociales de las personas durante la pandemia por coronavirus en Colombia. Método estudio cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo-exploratorio, realizado con 352 personas en Colombia, por medio de un formulario estructurado de Google Forms en marzo de 2020. El análisis de datos se realizó por medio de estadística descriptiva. Resultados el aislamiento social o físico ha generado un impacto en el estilo de vida de las personas en Colombia, lo que los ha llevado a tener preocupaciones que conducen a pensamientos rumiantes, asociados con factores generadores de estrés, relacionados con los problemas económicos, laborales y de salud de sus familiares. Conclusión la pandemia de coronavirus ha causado preocupaciones, alteraciones y cambios consecuentes al estilo de vida de las personas en Colombia, situación que debe ser manejada interprofesional y holísticamente por profesionales de Enfermería.

Objetivo descrever as preocupações e as mudanças sociais das pessoas durante a pandemia do coronavírus na Colômbia. Método estudo quantitativo descritivo-explicativo, realizado com 352 pessoas na Colômbia, utilizando um formulário estruturado do Google Forms em março de 2020. A análise dos dados foi feita por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados o isolamento social ou físico gerou um impacto no estilo de vida das pessoas na Colômbia, o que as levou a ter preocupações que geram pensamentos ruminantes, associados a fatores de estresse relacionados a problemas econômicos, trabalhistas e de saúde de seus familiares. Conclusão a pandemia de coronavírus causou preocupações, alterações e consequentes mudanças no estilo de vida das pessoas na Colômbia, uma situação que deve ser gerenciada interprofissional e holisticamente por profissionais de Enfermagem.

Objective to describe the concerns and social changes of people during the coronavirus pandemic in Colombia. Method quantitative descriptive-exploratory study, carried out with 352 people in Colombia, using a structured form on Google Forms in March 2020. The data analysis was done by descriptive statistics. Results social or physical isolation has generated an impact on the lifestyle of people in Colombia, which has led them to have concerns that lead to ruminant thoughts, associated with stress generators, related to economic, labor and health problems of their families. Conclusion the coronavirus pandemic has caused concerns, alterations and consequent changes to the lifestyle of people in Colombia, a situation that must be managed interprofessionally and holistically by nursing professionals.

Minor temperature shifts do not affect chromosomal ploidy but cause transcriptomic changes in Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes in vitro

BACKGROUND The leishmaniases are complex neglected diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Leishmania braziliensis is the main etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. In recent studies, genomic changes such as chromosome and gene copy number variations (CNVs), as well as transcriptomic changes have been highlighted as mechanisms used by Leishmania species to adapt to stress situations. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term minor temperature shifts in the genomic and transcriptomic responses of L. braziliensis promastigotes in vitro. METHODS Growth curves, genome and transcriptome sequencing of L. braziliensis promastigotes were conducted from cultures exposed to three different temperatures (24ºC, 28ºC and 30ºC) compared with the control temperature (26ºC). FINDINGS Our results showed a decrease in L. braziliensis proliferation at 30ºC, with around 3% of the genes showing CNVs at each temperature, and transcriptomic changes in genes encoding amastin surface-like proteins, heat shock proteins and transport proteins, which may indicate a direct response to temperature stress. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that L. braziliensis promastigotes exhibit a decrease in cell density, and noticeable changes in the transcriptomic profiles. However, there were not perceptible changes at chromosome CNVs and only ~3% of the genes changed their copies in each treatment.

El lenguaje estandarizado enfermero: conocimiento y perspectiva para el cuidado materno-perinatal / Standardized Nursing Language: Knowledge and Perspective about the Maternal-Perinatal Care / A linguagem enfermeira estandardizada: conhecimento e perspectiva para o cuidado materno-perinatal

Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos registrados en la literatura científica sobre el uso del lenguaje estandarizado enfermero como estrategia para fomentar el cuidado a la gestante en los servicios materno-perinatales. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura de artículos científicos publicados en bases de datos entre 1994 y 2017 en español, inglés y portugués. Se seleccionaron 63 artículos. Resultados: Se establecieron tres categorías que aluden al Conocimiento Contemporáneo de Enfermería (CCE), al Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE) y a las perspectivas para la aplicación del lenguaje enfermero estandarizado (LEE) en el cuidado materno-perinatal. Conclusión: Se plantea una propuesta denominada Modelo Educación, Práctica e Investigación (EPI), que pretende fortalecer el saber enfermero acorde con sus competencias.

Objective: To describe the findings recorded in the scientific literature about the use of the standardized nursing language as a strategy to promote the care for pregnant women and in the maternal-perinatal services. Method: This is a comprehensive review of the literature covering scientific articles published in different databases between 1994 and 2017 in Spanish, English and Portuguese; 63 articles were selected. Results: Articles were grouped in three categories regarding the Contemporary Nursing Knowledge (CNK), the Nursing Care Process (NCP), and perspectives for the application of the Standardized Nursing Language (SNL) in the maternal-perinatal care practice. Conclusion: This work provides a proposal named Model of Education, Practice and Research (EPR) intended to strengthen the nursing knowledge based on the competences.

Objetivo: Descrever os achados registrados na literatura científica sobre o uso da linguagem enfermeira estandardizada como estratégia para fomentar o cuidado à gestante nos serviços materno-perinatais. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura de artigos científicos publicados em bases de dados entre 1994 e 2017 em espanhol, inglês e português. 63 artigos foram selecionados. Resultados: Três categorias que aludem ao Conhecimento Contemporâneo de Enfermagem (CCE), o Processo de Atendimento de Enfermagem (PAE) e às perspectivas para a aplicação da linguagem enfermeira estandardizada (LEE) no cuidado materno-perinatal foram estabelecidas. Conclusão: Coloca-se uma proposta nomeada Modelo Educação, Prática e Pesquisa (EPI) que visa fortalecer o saber enfermeiro acorde com suas competências.

First Colombian consensus on congenital Chagas and clinical approach for women of child-bearing age diagnosed with Chagas / Primer consenso colombiano sobre Chagas congénito y orientación clínica a mujeres en edad fértil con diagnóstico de Chagas

Congenital transmission of Chagas disease has not been extensively studied in Colombia, and there are no standardized processes in the health system regarding the specific diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this disease. To generate recommendations on congenital Chagas disease and Chagas in women of childbearing age in Colombia, a consensus of experts was developed. An extensive literature search through the Medline database was carried out using the MeSH terms: «Chagas disease/congenital¼, «prevention and control¼, «diagnosis¼, «therapeutics¼ and «pregnancy¼. Appropriate abstracts were selected and the full texts were analyzed. The relevant information was synthesized, classified, and organized into tables and figures and was presented to a panel of experts, which was composed of 30 professionals from various fields. Based on the Delphi methodology, three rounds of consultation were conducted. The first and second rounds were based on electronic questionnaires that measured the level of consensus of each question among the participants. The third round was based on a face-to-face discussion focusing on those questions without consensus in the previous consultations. The evidence was adapted to national circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and the content the final document was approved. These recommendations are proposed for use in routine medical practice by health professionals in Colombia.

La transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas ha sido poco estudiada en Colombia y existen pocos procedimientos rutinarios en el sistema de salud para el manejo de esta enfermedad. Por ello se desarrolló un consenso de expertos dirigido a generar recomendaciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento de Chagas con- génito y orientación a mujeres en edad fértil. Con ese propósito se realizó una búsqueda extensiva de la literatura, empleando una combinación de términos Mes (Chagas, Chagas congénito, prevención, control, diagnóstico, tratamiento y embarazo) para reflejar el estado del arte en cada tema de interés. Después de ello, se leyeron los resúmenes y aquellos seleccionados para análisis del texto completo. La literatura relevante se sintetizo, clasifico y organizo en tablas y se presentó al panel de expertos, el cual estaba constituido por 30 profesionales en diferentes áreas. Mediante la metodología Delphi se realizaron 2 rondas de cuestionarios virtuales y una reunión presencial en los cuales se evaluaron los niveles de acuerdo entre los participantes. Los puntos con falta de consenso durante las 2 rondas virtuales se expusieron durante las mesas de discusión en la ronda presencial. La evidencia utilizada se adaptó a las particularidades nacionales según el caso y se aprobó el contenido del documento final. Se propone que estas recomendaciones sean usadas por profesionales de la salud en Colombia.

Hemosiderosis pulmonar idiopática en paciente adulto / Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in an adult patient

Resumen Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 46 años de edad con cinco años de evolución de episodios intermitentes de hemoptisis cuyo diagnóstico final fue hemosiderosis pulmonar idiopática. Su presentación y características clínicas son comparadas con los otros casos reportados en la literatura.

Abstract The case of a 46-year-old patient with five years of evolution of intermittent episodes of hemoptysis whose final diagnosis was idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is reported. Its presentation and clinical characteristics are compared with the other cases reported in the literature.

Linfoma primario del corazón: causa poco común de síndrome de falla cardiaca / Primary cardiac lymphoma: an uncommon cause of heart failure

Resumen Objetivo: Describir una causa poco común de síndrome de falla cardiaca aguda como lo es el linfoma primario del corazón. Métodos: Presentación de un caso con antecedentes y cuadro clínico de ingreso, manejo instaurado y desenlace. Resultados y conclusiones: Los tumores cardiacos malignos son bastante infrecuentes, más aún el linfoma cardiaco, por lo que no se considera en el diagnóstico diferencial del médico. Se presenta un nuevo caso en la literatura del linfoma cardiaco manifestado como síndrome de falla cardiaca aguda

Abstract Motivation: To describe an uncommon cause of acute cardiac failure such as primary cardiac lymphoma. Methods: Presentation of a case with medical history and clinical records of admission, established management and outcomes. Results and conclusions: Malignant cardiac tumours are quite infrequent, even more so with cardiac lymphoma, which is why they usually are not taken into consideration by physicians when making a differential diagnosis. A new case of cardiac lymphoma manifesting as acute cardiac failure syndrome is presented in the literature.

Elevación transitoria del ST, angina variante de Prinzmetal / Transitory ST elevation, Prinzmetal angina

La angina variante de Prinzmetal es una enfermedad poco frecuente en Colombia, pero con alto riesgo de complicaciones sino se diagnostica e inicia su manejo precozmente. Así mismo, es una de las causas de elevación del segmento ST en el electrocardiograma en pacientes con dolor torácico. Se expone el caso de una paciente con enfermedad vasoespástica y cuya presentación clínica simuló una infarto agudo de miocardio y luego de realizar los estudios diagnósticos se pudo descartar éste y dar el tratamiento adecuado.

Prinzmetal variant angina is an uncommon disease in Colombia, it have high risk of complications if is not diagnosed early and a rapid treatment starter. Also, it is one of the causes of ST segment elevation on the electrocardiogram in patients with chest pain in the emergency department. We describe the case of a patient with vasospastic disease whose clinical presentation simulates a heart attack and after diagnostic studies that allowed dismiss this and, the proper treatment was given.

Acrometástasis de miembros inferiores / Acrometastasis of the lower limbs

Las metástasis óseas distales a codo y rodilla (acrometástasis), son de baja ocurrencia, se asocian a malignidad avanzada y son indicadores de pobre pronóstico; sólo en 10% de los casos son la primera expresión clínica de la neoplasia. Su reconocimiento es importante ya que se asemejan a enfermedades benignas frecuentes, retardando el diagnóstico y disminuyendo la expectativa de vida de los pacientes. Se presentan dos casos de pacientes con acrometástasis en miembros inferiores; el primero como la manifestación inicial de recidiva de un carcinoma de células renales; y el segundo como parte del extenso compromiso metastásico de un carcinoma de pulmón en su debut. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 349-352).

Distal bone metastasis to elbow and knee, acrometastasis, are of low frequency and are associ-Bone metastases distal to the elbow and knee (acrometastasis) are of low occurrence, are associated with advanced malignancy and are indicators of poor prognosis; only in 10% of cases are the first clinical expression of neoplasia. Its recognition is important because they resemble common benign diseases delaying diagnosis and reducing the life expectancy of patients. Two cases of patients with lower limb acrometastasis are presented; the first as the initial manifestation of recurrence of renal cell carcinoma, and the second as part of the extensive metastatic involvement of lung carcinoma on his debut. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 349-352).

Retrospective distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi I genotypes in Colombia

Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, which affects approximately eight million people in the Americas. This parasite exhibits genetic variability, with at least six discrete typing units broadly distributed in the American continent. T. cruzi I (TcI) shows remarkable genetic diversity; a genotype linked to human infections and a domestic cycle of transmission have recently been identified, hence, this strain was named TcIDom. The aim of this work was to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of TcI subpopulations across humans, insect vectors and mammalian reservoirs in Colombia by means of molecular typing targeting the spliced leader intergenic region of mini-exon gene. We analysed 101 TcI isolates and observed a distribution of sylvatic TcI in 70% and TcIDom in 30%. In humans, the ratio was sylvatic TcI in 60% and TcIDom in 40%. In mammal reservoirs, the distribution corresponded to sylvatic TcI in 96% and TcIDom in 4%. Among insect vectors, sylvatic TcI was observed in 48% and TcIDom in 52%. In conclusion, the circulation of TcIDom is emerging in Colombia and this genotype is still adapting to the domestic cycle of transmission. The epidemiological and clinical implications of these findings are discussed herein.

Historia de la anatomía comparada de los elementos fonatorios y articulatorios / History of comparative anatomy of the phonatory and articulatory elements

El objetivo del presente estudio fue ordenar a lo largo del tiempo, desde épocas remotas hasta nuestro tiempo, las ideas imperantes sobre los órganos fonatorios y articulatorios con base en la anatomía funcional y comparada. Se revisaron variadas fuentes bibliográficas sobre los órganos fonatorios y articulatorios y se ordenaron en el tiempo en relación a los conceptos sobre la constitución y funcionalidad de tales órganos, comparando dichas ideas y conceptos. Históricamente se muestra que con el avance de la investigación y con el desarrollo de nuevas ideas y comprobaciones empíricas se llegó a una mejor comprensión de los elementos fonatorios y articulatorios.

The objective of this study was to order over time from ancient times to our time, the prevailing ideas on phonatory and articulatory organs based on functional and comparative anatomy. We reviewed various literature sources on phonatory and articulatory organs and ordered in time, in relation to concepts on the formation and function of these organs comparing those ideas and concepts. Historically it is shown that with the advancement of research and development of new ideas and empirical findings, came to a better understanding of phonatory and articulatory elements.

Primer consenso colombiano sobre Chagas congénito y orientación clínica a mujeres en edad fértil con diagnóstico de Chagas / First Colombian consensus on congenital Chagas and clinical approach to women of fertile age diagnosed with Chagas

La transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas ha sido poco estudiada en Colombia y existen pocos procedimientos rutinarios en el sistema de salud para el manejo de esta enfermedad. Por ello se desarrolló un consenso de expertos dirigido a generar recomendaciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento de Chagas congénito y orientación a mujeres en edad fértil. Con ese propósito se realizó una búsqueda extensiva de la literatura, empleando una combinación de términos MeSH (Chagas, Chagas congénito, prevención, control, diagnóstico, tratamiento y embarazo) para reflejar el estado del arte en cada tema de interés. Después de ello, se leyeron los resúmenes y aquellos seleccionados para análisis del texto completo. La literatura relevante se sintetizó, clasificó y organizó en tablas y se presentó al panel de expertos, el cual estaba constituido por 30 profesionales en diferentes áreas. Mediante la metodología Delphi se realizaron 2 rondas de cuestionarios virtuales y una reunión presencial en los cuales se evaluaron los niveles de acuerdo entre los participantes. Los puntos con falta de consenso durante las 2 rondas virtuales se expusieron durante las mesas de discusión en la ronda presencial. La evidencia utilizada se adaptó a las particularidades nacionales según el caso y se aprobó el contenido del documento final. Se propone que estas recomendaciones sean usadas por profesionales de la salud en Colombia.

Congenital transmission of Chagas disease has not been extensively studied in Colombia, and there are no standardized processes in the health system regarding the specific diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this disease. In order to generate recommendations on congenital Chagas disease and Chagas in women of childbearing age in Colombia, a consensus of experts was developed. An extensive literature search through the Medline database was carried out using the MeSH terms: " Chagas disease/congenital " , " prevention and control " , " diagnosis " , " therapeutics " and " pregnancy " . Appropriate abstracts were selected and the full texts were analyzed. The relevant information was synthesized, classified, and organized into tables and figures and was presented to a panel of experts, which was composed of 30 professionals from various fields. Based on the Delphi methodology, three rounds of consultation were conducted. The first and second rounds were based on electronic questionnaires that measured the level of consensus of each question among the participants. The third round was based on a face-toface discussion focusing on those questions without consensus in the previous consultations. The evidence was adapted to national circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and the content the final document was approved. These recommendations are proposed for use in routine medical practice by health professionals in Colombia.

Síndrome de anemia cardiorrenal Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte / Cardiorenal anemia syndrome Cohort nested case-control study

Introducción: la anemia y la disfunción renal son marcadores de severidad en falla cardiaca. Estas tres entidades configuran el síndrome de anemia cardiorrenal. A pesar de la importancia pronóstica de este síndrome los estudios en nuestro medio son escasos y es importante conocer nuestra epidemiología. Objetivo: evaluar las características epidemiológicas de pacientes con síndrome de falla cardiaca y la prevalencia de anemia cardiorrenal. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo que caracterizó 215 pacientes con falla cardiaca y fracción de expulsión menor de 40% y su relación con la presencia de anemia y depuración de creatinina calculada <60 ml/min. Resultados: se incluyeron 215 pacientes, con edad promedio de 66,9 años (± 11.8), el 63.25% eran hombres, la fracción de expulsión promedio fue 23.36 (± 9.2%). El promedio de hemoglobina fue de 13.34 g/dL (± 2.09) y la depuración de creatinina 55.9 ml/min. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue la hipertensión arterial en un 78,1% de los pacientes seguida por la diabetes mellitus que fue del 33%. La prevalencia del síndrome de anemia cardiorrenal fue del 23.25%. Hubo diferencias de significado estadístico con respecto a la edad, la diabetes y la etiología isquémica de la falla cardiaca. No así para la fracción de expulsión, la clase funcional, el consumo de IECAS, ni de ARA II. Conclusion: la prevalencia de anemia cardiorrenal en nuestra población fue del 23.25% similar a lo reportado en la literatura. El síndrome de anemia cardiorrenal es un nuevo blanco terapéutico que debe tenerse en cuenta en el tratamiento de los pacientes. (Acta Med Colomb 2013; 38: 7-11).

Introduction: Anemia and renal dysfunction are markers of severity in heart failure. These three entities form the cardio-renal anemia syndrome. Despite the prognostic importance of this syndrome, studies in our environment are scarce and it is important to know our epidemiology. Objective: evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of patients with heart failure syndrome and prevalence of cardio-renal anemia. Methodology: retrospective study that characterized 215 patients with heart failure and ejection fraction of less than 40% and its relationship to the presence of anemia and calculated creatinine clearance <60ml/min. Results: we included 215 patients with a mean age of 66.9 years (± 11.8). 63.25% were men; mean ejection fraction was 23.36 (± 9.2%). The mean hemoglobin was 13.34 g / dL (± 2.09) and creatinine clearance 55.9 ml / min. The most common comorbidity was arterial hypertension in 78.1% of patients followed by diabetes mellitus in 33%. The prevalence of cardio-renal anemia was 23.25%. There were statistically significant differences with respect to age, diabetes and ischemic etiology of heart failure, but not so for the ejection fraction, functional class, use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Conclusion: the prevalence of cardio-renal anemia in our population was 23.25% similar to that reported in the literature. Cardio-renal anemia syndrome is a novel therapeutic target to consider in the treatment of patients. (Acta Med Colomb 2013; 38: 7-11).

Descripción de la Criminalidad Femenina en Colombia: factores de riesgo y motivación criminal / Descrição da criminalidade feminina na Colômbia: fatores de risco e motivação criminal / Description of female criminality in Colombia: risk factors and criminal motivation

En Colombia, al igual que a nivel mundial, en los últimos años se ha identificado un aumento de la participación de la mujer en comportamientos criminales. En tal sentido, el grupo de investigación OBSER DIJIN conformó un equipo interdisciplinar que aportó elementos de juicio basados en evidencia, a partir de la aplicación de técnicas de investigación, cuyo principal resultado fue una aproximación a la dimensión y características del fenómeno, que aportó elementos para la formulación de una política criminal en Colombia. El estudio tuvo herramientas cuantitativas y cualitativas para la recolección de información y posterior análisis. Se utilizaron las bases de datos de la Policía Nacional sobre mujeres capturadas en Colombia, y los datos de mujeres condenadas y recluidas en los centros penitenciarios y carcelarios, suministrados por el INPEC. Para indagar en algunas variables de interés, como las características sociodemográficas o las motivaciones delictuales, entre otras, se tomó una muestra representativa. A la mencionada muestra se le aplicó un cuestionario, estructurado con tres categorías: caracterización sociodemográfica, del delito y las motivaciones para cometerlo. Se hicieron grupos de discusión con categorías de análisis determinadas, como los entornos familiares, las carreras delictivas, el análisis costo-beneficio para decidir cometer un delito, la posibilidad de reincidencia y la percepción de las mujeres que participaron sobre los entornos de privación de la libertad. Adicionalmente, se diseñaron y aplicaron entrevistas, ahondando en el discurso de las mujeres que incurren en diversas actividades delictivas, para conocer factores asociados a su decisión y las motivaciones personales que incidieron.

Na Colômbia, bem como a nível mundial, nos últimos anos identificou-se um aumento da participação das mulheres em comportamentos criminosos. A este respeito, o grupo de pesquisa OBSER DIJIN formou uma equipe interdisciplinar que trouxe elementos de julgamento com base em evidência, a partir da aplicação de técnicas de investigação, cujo principal resultado foi uma aproximação da dimensão e características do fenômeno, fornecendo elementos para a formulação de uma política criminal na Colômbia. O estudo teve ferramentas qualitativas e quantitativas para a recolha de informações e análises subsequentes. Utilizaram-se bancos de dados da Polícia Nacional sobre mulheres capturadas na Colômbia e os dados das mulheres condenadas e encarcerado nos centros penitenciários, fornecidos pelo INPEC. Para indagar algumas variáveis de interesse, tais como características sociodemográficas e motivações para cometer crimes, entre outras, pegou-se uma amostra representativa, à qual foi aplicada um questionário estruturado com três categorias: caracterização sócio-demográfica e do crime e as motivações para cometê-lo. Formaram-se grupos de discussão com certas categorias de análise, como os ambientes familiares, carreiras criminais, analise custo-benefício para decidir a cometer um crime, a possibilidade de reincidência e a percepção das mulheres que participaram em ambientes de privação de liberdade. Além disso, entrevistas foram projetadas e implementada, aprofundando no discurso das mulheres que incorrem em várias atividades criminosas, para conhecer sobre fatores associados com a sua decisão e motivações pessoais que incidiram.

In Colombia, like anywhere worldwide, an increasing involvement of women in criminal behaviors has been witnessed. In this sense, an interdisciplinary team organized by the OBSER DIJIN investigative group has furnished useful facts based on evidences obtained from the application of investigation techniques, the main result of which was an approach to both the dimension and the features of this phenomenon where elements for the formulation of a criminal policy in Colombia were contributed. The study included quantitative and qualitative tools for the gathering of information and further analysis. National Police databases were used to obtain records on women captured in Colombia, as well as information provided by the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (INPEC) with respect to convicted and imprisoned females. For the purpose of inquiring into some variables of interest, a representative sample was taken to which a three-category structure questionnaire was applied as to obtain, among others: socio-demographic features, crime characterization, and motivations for the perpetration of crimes. Discussion groups were organized for the relevant analysis of these categories in the areas of family environment, criminal careers, cost-benefit considerations for the commission of some kind of crimes, likelihood of recidivism, and the perception of women involved in several criminal activities, in order to delve into factors associated with their decisions and personal motivations having influenced them.

Evaluación de la variabilidad genética e aislamientos colombianos de Trypanosoma cruzi mediante marcadores microsatélites / Genetic variability evaluation of Trypanosoma cruzi Colombian isolates based on microsatellite DNA markers

Introducción. La enfermedad de Chagas, cuyo agente causal es Trypanosoma cruzi, constituye una antropozoonosis ampliamente distribuida en América Latina. Los estudios moleculares y los perfiles genéticos han demostrado que el parásito presenta una gran variabilidad y han permitido la clasificación de T. cruzi en seis unidades discretas de tipificación (I-VI), de las cuales, TcII a TcVI han sido ampliamente caracterizadas por distintos marcadores moleculares. Objetivo. Evaluar la variabilidad genética de TcI, mediante el uso de marcadores de microsatélites. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron siete microsatélites en quince aislamientos colombianos obtenidos mediante PCR a partir de reservorios, vectores y humanos, y se analizaron en un gel para desnaturalizar de poliacrilamida de un secuenciador láser fluorescente automático (ALF). Los datos se analizaron en un software para análisis de genética de poblaciones (Arlequin® 3.1 y Microsat®). Resultados. Los resultados demostraron variabilidad dentro de TcI al obtener 24 alelos, de los cuales, 12 se reportan por primera vez. Aunque se encontraron genotipos asociados a la infección humana y al ciclo selvático de transmisión, ningún locus permitió comprobar la presencia de los genotipos previamente reportados. Los parámetros de heterocigocidad observada y esperada, permitieron determinar la presencia de dos poblaciones (aislamientos domésticos y selváticos); asimismo, el desequilibrio de ligamento facilitó la creación de dos mapas físicos para los loci analizados. Conclusiones. Se corrobora la gran variabilidad genética presente en TcI, lo que sugiere un patrón de variación intraespecífica en Colombia.

Introduction: Chagas disease which is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a major public health problem in Latin American countries with a different distribution of the parasite across the continent in which nearly 15 million people are infected and 28 million are at risk. Genetic profiling of T. cruzi has shown great diversity and variability of the parasite allowing its classification into six discrete typing units (DTUs I-VI) in which TcII to TcVI are well characterized by different molecular markers. However, the presence of four subgroups according to the transmission cycle has only been reported in DTU T. cruzi I. Objective: To evaluate the genetic variability evidenced within TCI by the use of microsatellite markers. Materials and methods: Seven microsatellite loci were tested in fifteen Colombian isolates from vectors, reservoirs, and humans by means of PCR and automatic laser fluorescent sequencer (ALF). Data were analyzed using a population genetic data analysis software (Arlequin® 3.1 and Microsat®). Results: Variability among the isolates was demonstrated with 24 alleles, from which twelve had never been reported before. However, none of the microsatellite loci were able to support the idea of genotypes within TcI strains. The parameters of expected and observed heterozygocity allowed us to determine presence of two populations (domestic and sylvatic isolates); likewise, the linkage disequilibrium helped with the construction of two physical maps for the loci analyzed. Conclusions: We corroborated the high genetic variability displayed by TcI populations suggesting a pattern of intraspecific variation in Colombia.

Caracterización de los pacientes con sospecha de aspergilosis invasiva estudiados con prueba Platelia Aspergillus® / Characterization of patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis studied by Platelia test

Objetivo: describir las características de los pacientes en los que se realizó prueba Platelia Aspergillus® por sospecha de AI, y los resultados de la prueba según las categorías diagnósticas. Metodología: se revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de pacientes con sospecha de AI atendidos en instituciones de salud de Medellín a quienes se les realizó la prueba Platelia Aspergillus®. Se colectaron y analizaron de manera descriptiva los datos clínicos, imaginológicos, microbiológicos y los resultados de la prueba Platelia Aspergillus®. Resultados: se incluyeron 78 pacientes atendidos entre 2006- 2008. Se diagnosticó AI en 21 (26.9%) pacientes, colonización en ocho (10.3%) pacientes. La forma pulmonar invasiva aguda se encontró en 17 (81.0%), forma diseminada en tres (14.3%). La fiebre y la disnea fueron la principal manifestación. En la tomografía de pulmón se observaron más frecuentemente nódulos pulmonares. La prueba fue positiva en 31 (39.7%) pacientes, en 50% de los pacientes colonizados. En 17 (47.2%) de los 36 pacientes recibieron antibióticos betalactámicos, la prueba fue positivo. Conclusiones: la AI puede encontrarse hasta en la tercera parte de pacientes con sospecha clínica; sin embargo, el diagnóstico es difícil debido al cuadro clínico inespecífico, además de las dificultades para obtener muestras clínicas y al pobre rendimientode las pruebas diagnósticas.

Objective: to describe the characteristics of patients with suspected IA, who were studied with the platelia test as well as theresults according to different diagnostic categories. Methods: the medical records of patients with suspected IA treated at health facilities in Medellin who were tested with platelia were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, imaging, microbiology and the platelia test results were collected and descriptively analyzed. Results: we included 78 patients treated from 2006 to 2008. IA was diagnosed in 21 (26.9%) patients and colonization was found in 8 (10.3%) patients. The acute invasive pulmonary form was found in 17 (81.0%), disseminated form in three (14.3%). Fever and dyspnea were the principal manifestation. Nodules were found more frequently in lung tomography. The tests were positive in 31 (39.7%) patients and in 50% of colonized patients. In 17 (47.2%) of 36 patients who received beta-lactamantibiotics, the test showed a positive result. Conclusions: IA can be found in up to one third of patients with clinical suspicion, but diagnosis remains difficult because of the nonspecific clinical picture, coupled with the difficulty for obtaining clinical samples and the poor performance of diagnostic tests.

Mecanismos intrccelulares involucrados en el aprendizaje y la memoria del miedo / Intracellular mechanisms involved in the learning and memory of fear

La neurobiología del miedo consiste en una amplia configuración celular que implica la actividad en conjunto de un gran número de neuronas. Tales conexiones sufren cambios a lo largo de la vida en un proceso dependiente de la actividad celular. Esto hace variar la efectividad de la comunicación sináptica, facilitando el desencadenamiento del miedo. Por eso, esta revisión tiene como fin describir los procesos fisiológicos causantes de ese cambio celular en el miedo, los cuales inician con la activación de receptores iónicos y metabotrópicos, para finalizar con la estimulación genómica y la síntesis de proteínas. Así mismo, exponer la relación del miedo mientras se establecen memorias asociadas con él, como un factor que contribuye a una alta frecuencia de descarga y despolarización celular que favorece los cambios a largo plazo debido a la intensa excitación neuronal. Se concluye que, neurobiológicamente, el miedo puede fortalecerse luego de estimulaciones aversivas, mediante la formación de asociaciones entre estímulos y, a su vez, de éstos con el contexto, lo que le propicia al organismo una reactividad más eficiente frente a un encuentro posterior con la misma amenaza o circunstancia.

The neurobiology of fear is a large cellular configuration that implies the group activity of a large number of neurons. These connections suffer changes along the life cycle in a cellular activity-dependant process. This changes the effectiveness of the synaptic communication, facilitating the unchaining process of fear. Hence, the objective of this review is to describe the physiological process that cause those changes in fear, which begin with the activation of ionics and metabotropics receptors, and ending with the genomic stimulation and protein synthesis. Additionally, this paper explains the relation of fear while memories associated with it are established, as a factor that contributes to a higher frequency of discharging and cellular depolarization that favors long term changes due to intense neural excitation. In conclusion, fear can be neurobiologically strengthened after aversive stimulations, by the formation of associations between stimuli, as well as between them and the context, encouraging the organism to have a more efficient reactivity regarding a later meeting with the same threat or circumstance.

Aspectos neurobiológicos implicados en el miedo animal / Neurobiological aspects involved in animal fear

El miedo es una emoción que sirve para la expresión de comportamientos defensivos en situaciones de peligro. Posee un sustrato biológico, con base en el funcionamiento coordinado de los diferentes sistemas orgánicos. Particularmente, el sistema nervioso en su actividad intrínseca genera la vivencia y la acción motriz derivada. En efecto, se ha hallado la intervención de varias estructuras neuroanatómicas como la amígdala e hipotálamo, así como un gran conjunto de moléculas distintas como neurotransmisores y sus receptores. La interacción anatomofuncional causa la emoción. Al igual que se cuenta con la capacidad de producir el miedo, también se puede regular su generación. Para este mecanismo se encuentran determinadas estructuras neuroanatómicas como la corteza prefrontal y orbitofrontal, y sustancias como el GABA y los opiáceos, que inhiben o reducen la actividad en las zonas activas que actúan en el miedo. El equilibrio entre la activación y la inhibición posibilita la ocurrencia del miedo en las circunstancias requeridas y no de una manera descontextualizada o generalizada. En esta revisión se presenta una descripción de diferentes aspectos relevantes en la generación y regulación de la emoción.

Fear is an emotion that is useful for expressing defensive behaviors in dangerous situations. It has a biological support based on the coordinating functionality of different organic systems. Particularity, the nervous system in its intrinsic activity generates the experience and the derived motor action. In fact, researchers have discovered the participation of several neuroanatomical structures such as the amygdala and hypothalamus, as well as a wide range of molecules such as neurotransmitters and their receptors. The anatomical and physiological interactions cause emotion. Since the ability to produce fear exists, the nervous system may regulate it, too. Certain anatomical structures are found for this mechanism such as the prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex and molecules like GABA and opiates, which inhibited or reduced the activity in the active zones that act upon fear. The balance between activation and inhibition enables the event of fear in the circumstances required and not in an out-of-context or generalized manner. This review presents a description of different relevant aspects in thegeneration and regulation of the emotion.