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BackgroundHealthcare workers are at increased risk of infection due to occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers in Colombia.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study focused on estimating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers from 65 hospitals in 10 cities in Colombia during the second semester of 2020. The seroprevalence was determined using an automated immunoassay (Abbott SARS-CoV-2 CLIA IgG). The study included a survey to establish the sociodemographic variables and the risk of infection. A multivariate model was used to evaluate the association between the results of seroprevalence and risk factors.ResultsThe global seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 35% (95% Bayesian CI 33% to 37%). All the personnel reported the use of protective equipment. General services personnel and nurses presented the highest ratios of seroprevalence among the healthcare workers. Low socioeconomic strata have shown a strong association with seropositivity.ConclusionThis study estimates the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. Even though all the personnel reported the use of protective equipment, the seroprevalence in the general services personnel and nurses was high. Also, a significant difference by cities was observed.

Sexual violence is a type of gender-based violence (GBV), as it is one of the different types of violence that is exerted against women. Sexual violence infringes fundamental human rights, and denies women’s dignity and self-determination, personal development, and well-being. Despite international treaties and a regulatory framework that legally protects Colombian women against sexual violence, it is necessary to know the effectiveness of this regulatory framework in Colombia. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to examine criminal legislation on crimes of sexual violence in Colombia with a dual purpose: first, to analyze procedural guarantees for women victims of sexual violence, second, to determine obstacles for victims of sexual violence in accordance with the legal framework. We used a legal interpretation method to perform an analysis and interpret the law. The results found that, although sexual violence is considered a type of crime, procedural guarantees are not effective as victims encounter serious obstacles with negative consequences, such as the violation of fundamental human rights.

Airport workers are a high-risk population for infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In a cohort of workers at the International Airport in Colombia, the accumulated incidence of SARS-CoV-2 and seroprevalence were 23.58% and 16.03%, respectively. A seroconversion rate of 60% was found among workers with COVID-19.

Child and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) is an international public health problem. Despite the importance of CSA, there is no consensus definition, and the lack of consensus is related to difficulties in conducting prevalence studies as well as research in other areas. To establish a consensual definition, legal aspects such as the age of sexual consent and the difference in age or power between victim and aggressor as well as aspects related to sexual freedom and sexual indemnity must be considered. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to analyze the age of sexual consent in the legal systems of Spanish-speaking countries and to examine whether the Romeo and Juliet clause is established. To achieve the proposed aims, we employed the legal interpretation method, and we analyzed the current Criminal Codes of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. From the results, it is found that the age of sexual consent varies between countries, establishing valid sexual consent between 13 and 18 years. In addition, only six countries have the Romeo and Juliet clause that protects sexual freedom in adolescents. Finally, we discussed the lack of consensus on the age of sexual consent and the limitations presented by the Romeo and Juliet clause.

Objetivo. Evaluar la capacidad operativa de nueve pruebas serológicas rápidas para detectar la respuesta de anticuerpos IgM/IgG en el suero de pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 en diferentes etapas clínicas. Métodos. Se diseñó un estudio transversal de las pruebas serológicas rápidas para comparar su rendimiento respecto del diagnóstico del SARS-CoV-2. Se utilizaron en total 293 muestras, inclusive muestras de suero de pacientes negativos, asintomáticos y sintomáticos. Resultados. La sensibilidad de las pruebas evaluadas fue baja y moderada en las muestras de suero del grupo de pacientes asintomáticos y en el grupo de pacientes con menos de 11 días desde el inicio de los síntomas. La especificidad de las pruebas de anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 varió entre 86,5%-99% para la IgM y 86,5%-99,5% para la IgG. La sensibilidad y la razón de verosimilitud (likelihood ratio) fueron diferentes según los grupos de estudio. La utilidad de estas pruebas se limita a los pacientes sintomáticos y su sensibilidad es superior al 85% después de 11 días de la aparición de los síntomas. Conclusiones. Las pruebas serológicas no son una estrategia adecuada para la identificación de los pacientes asintomáticos y presintomáticos. Las pruebas serológicas rápidas para la detección de anticuerpos específicos anti-SARS-CoV-2 pueden ser utilizadas como ayuda diagnóstica, pero el diagnóstico debe ser confirmado por RT-PCR. Las pruebas rápidas deben reservarse para los pacientes con síntomas que duren más de 11 días. Objective. To evaluate the operative capacity of nine serological rapid tests to detect the IgM/IgG antibodies response in serum from patients with SARS-CoV-2 in different clinical stages. Methods. A cross-sectional study of serological rapid tests was designed to compare the performance of the evaluated immunochromatographic tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 293 samples was used, including negatives, asymptomatic, and symptomatic serum samples. Results. The sensitivity of the evaluated tests was low and moderate in the groups of asymptomatic serum samples and the group of serums coming from patients with less than 11 days since the onset of the symptoms. The specificity for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies tests ranged between 86.5%-99% for IgM and 86.5%-99.5% for IgG. The sensitivity and the likelihood ratio were different according to the study groups. The usefulness of these tests is restricted to symptomatic patients and their sensitivity is greater than 85% after 11 days from the appearance of symptoms. Conclusions. Serological tests are not an adequate strategy for the identification of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients. Serological rapid tests for the detection of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be used as a diagnostic aid, but diagnosis must be confirmed by RT-PCR. Rapid tests should be reserved for patients with symptoms lasting more than 11 days.

Acute leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer, representing one-third of all cancers that occurs in under 15 year olds, with a varied incidence worldwide. Although a number of advances have increased the knowledge of leukemia pathophysiology, its etiology remains less well understood. The role of infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites, in the pathogenesis of leukemia has been discussed. To date, several cellular mechanisms involving infectious agents have been proposed to cause leukemia following infections. However, although leukemia can be triggered by contact with such agents, they can also be beneficial in developing immune stimulation and protection despite the risk of leukemic clones. In this review, we analyze the proposed hypotheses concerning how infectious agents may play a role in the origin and development of leukemia, as well as in a possible mechanism of protection following infections. We review reported clinical observations associated with vaccination or breastfeeding, that support hypotheses such as early life exposure and the resulting early immune stimulation that lead to protection.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens has been associated mainly with excessive use of antibiotics. Most studies of resistance have focused on clinical pathogens; however, microorganisms are exposed to numerous anthropogenic substances. Few studies have sought to determine the effects of chemical substances on microorganisms. Exposure to these substances may contribute to increased rates of AMR. Understanding microorganism communities in natural environments and AMR mechanisms under the effects of anthropogenic substances, such as pesticides, is important to addressing the current crisis of antimicrobial resistance. This report draws attention to molecules, rather than antibiotics, that are commonly used in agrochemicals and may be involved in developing AMR in non-clinical environments, such as soil. This report examines pesticides as mediators for the appearance of AMR, and as a route for antibiotic resistance genes and antimicrobial resistant bacteria to the anthropic environment. Available evidence suggests that the natural environment may be a key dissemination route for antibiotic-resistant genes. Understanding the interrelationship of soil, water, and pesticides is fundamental to raising awareness of the need for environmental monitoring programs and overcoming the current crisis of AMR.La resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) en los agentes patógenos ha sido relacionada principalmente con el uso excesivo de los antibióticos. La mayoría de los estudios sobre la resistencia se han centrado en los agentes patógenos de importancia clínica; sin embargo, los microorganismos están expuestos a numerosas sustancias antropogénicas. Son muy pocos los estudios dedicados a determinar los efectos que producen las sustancias químicas en los microorganismos. La exposición a estas sustancias puede contribuir a los niveles mayores de la RAM. Comprender las comunidades de microorganismos en el medioambiente natural y los mecanismos de la RAM por los efectos de las sustancias antropogénicas, como los plaguicidas, resulta importante para abordar la actual crisis de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos. En este informe se hace énfasis en las moléculas, en lugar de los antibióticos, que se usan generalmente en los productos agroquímicos y que podrían contribuir a que se desarrolle la RAM en entornos no clínicos, como el suelo. Asimismo, se analiza el papel de los plaguicidas como mediadores en la aparición de la RAM, así como la manera en la que los genes y los microorganismos resistentes a los antibióticos se trasladan hacia el entorno antrópico. La evidencia indica que el entorno natural podría ser una vía clave de propagación para los genes resistentes a los antibióticos. Comprender la interrelación entre el suelo, el agua y los plaguicidas es fundamental para crear consciencia en cuanto a la necesidad de establecer programas de seguimiento ambiental y así poder superar la crisis actual de la RAM.A resistência antimicrobiana dos patógenos está principalmente associada ao uso excessivo de antibióticos. Os estudos sobre resistência se concentram, na sua maioria, nos patógenos de importância clínica. Porém, os microrganismos são expostos a inúmeras substâncias antropogênicas e existem poucos estudos sobre os efeitos que os compostos químicos causam nos microrganismos. A exposição a estes compostos pode contribuir para o aumento da resistência antimicrobiana. Entender as comunidades de microrganismos em ambiente natural e os mecanismos de resistência antimicrobiana por ação das substâncias antropogênicas, como os pesticidas, é essencial no combate à atual crise de resistência antimicrobiana. Este informe destaca os compostos ativos (exceto antibióticos) normalmente usados nos produtos agroquímicos que podem contribuir para o surgimento de resistência antimicrobiana em ambientes não clínicos, como o solo. Examina-se o papel dos pesticidas como mediadores da resistência antimicrobiana e as vias pelas quais os genes que conferem resistência e as bactérias resistentes aos antimicrobianos alcançam o ambiente antrópico. As evidências indicam que o ambiente natural pode ser uma das principais vias de disseminação dos genes que conferem resistência aos antibióticos. Entender a inter-relação entre solo, água e pesticidas é fundamental para conscientizar sobre a necessidade de programas de monitoramento ambiental e combater a atual crise de resistência antimicrobiana.

The skin in the human is the largest organ, his integrity represents protection against various chemical, biological and mechanical agents. The injuries in this tissue are solved by forming a scar, however, different molecular alterations may overstimulate this process, leading to the formation of aberrant scars (hypertrophic or keloid). The most recommended treatment for such injuries is the intralesional application of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and on the other hand, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a pro-hormone that has a wide variety of biological effects such as regulation of the synthesis of collagen fibers, cell protection, anti-tumor properties, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. In this paper, the combination of AT-DHEA on proliferation and cell death in fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1 was studied. The results showed that the AT 100 and 1000 M DHEA to inhibit proliferation by 50 and 40% respectively. The combination of AT-DHEA (10000-10 M) inhibits cell proliferation and induce programmed cell death, so this combination could be used in hypertrophic or keloid scars for disposal.

ResumenAntecedentesLa diabetes mellitus tipo2 se ha convertido en un problema a nivel mundial. Se estima que del 15 al 25% de los pacientes desarrollarán una úlcera crónica a lo largo de su vida, y cerca del 33% de los costos directos de atención a diabetes mellitus tipo2 se gasta en la atención de estas úlceras. Las células troncales mesenquimales han surgido como una fuente celular prometedora para el tratamiento de este tipo de úlceras.Caso clínicoMasculino de 67años con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo2, infarto agudo de miocardio y úlcera crónica en miembro inferior derecho que involucra la cara interna del pie y parte de la pierna derecha; se le trató con células troncales mesenquimales, resultando una adecuada integración del injerto de piel y la cobertura total de la lesión.ConclusiónLa implementación de células troncales mesenquimales para el tratamiento de la úlcera crónica es factible. El impacto en la población sería importante, al mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes y disminuir los costos de atención.AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus 2 has become a global problem. It is estimated that 15% to 25% of patients could develop a chronic ulcer in their life, and nearly 33% of direct care costs of the diabetes mellitus 2 is spent on treating these ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a promising cell source for the treatment of these ulcers.Clinical caseThe case is presented of a 67 year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction, and food ulcer chronic involving right foot and part of his leg. He was treated with mesenchymal stem cell management, resulting in skin graft integration and full coverage of the lesion.ConclusionThe implementation of mesenchymal stem cell techniques for treatment of chronic ulcer is feasible. The impact on the population would lead to a significant improvement in their quality of life and reduce healthcare spending.

Background Diabetes mellitus 2 has become a global problem. It is estimated that 15–25% of patients could develop a chronic ulcer in their life, and nearly 33% of direct care costs of the diabetes mellitus 2 is spent on treating these ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a promising cell source for the treatment of these ulcers. Clinical case The case is presented of a 67 year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction, and chronic ulcer involving right foot and part of his leg. He was treated with mesenchymal stem cell management, resulting in skin graft integration and full coverage of the lesion. Conclusion The implementation of mesenchymal stem cell techniques for treatment of chronic ulcer is feasible. The impact on the population would lead to a significant improvement in their quality of life and reduce healthcare spending.