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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) has increased due to its advantages for academic activities and educational quality. Hence, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have sought to develop strategies to promote curricular and extracurricular activities that favor developing disciplinary and transversal competencies such as complex thinking and its meta-competencies: critical, systemic, scientific, and innovative thinking, oriented to favor problem-solving among students and the academic community. The main objective of this study was to analyze how using OERs in virtual education can promote the development of complex thinking as a transversal competency in higher education. We analyzed the content of 65 educational projects in a webinar aimed at promoting the adoption of OERs in the professional practice of the educational community. Each project had to comply with specific requirements, from the project's identification and description to measuring and evaluating the results and its impact and added value. Once all the projects were reviewed, the responses were classified into defined categories for better presentation; the sub-competency of complex thinking promoted by each project element was identified qualitatively. The results highlight how an OER can, through concrete activities, elicit complex thinking and its sub-competencies in higher education. The present study adds new evidence to the literature regarding boosting OERs as a tool to develop competencies aligned with UNESCO recommendations and contribute to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals in education.

Dwarf caiman species of the genus Paleosuchus (Paleosuchus palpebrosus and Paleosuchus trigonatus) are old, widespread crocodilian lineages with populations affected by habitat modification. For both species, phylogeographical studies revealing crucial information have already been performed, but for important ecoregions, such as the Orinoco, knowledge is lacking. In this study, the phylogenetic identity of individuals of Paleosuchus spp. from the Orinoco basin of Colombia and Venezuela was evaluated. The genetic structure of the two species of Paleosuchus was also determined and their genetic diversity quantified. The results show a marked genetic structuring in both species, also indicating that the populations of P. trigonatus and P. palpebrosus of the Orinoco basin are well differentiated from those of other hydrographic basins. For Colombia, it was possible to infer that there are two independent management units for both species (Orinoco and Amazonas) and that the populations of the Orinoco basin present high genetic and haplotypic diversity. In Venezuela, only one management unit was identified for each species. This finding, together with the results of previous studies, show that, in total, there are at least five management units for P. palpebrosus and six for P. trigonatus , throughout their distribution areas. It is necessary to take this information into account when establishing conservation strategies for these species, although it is stressed that the geographical sampling must be improved in future phylogeographical studies, because information gaps persist at the geographical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. Results: A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31–55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. Conclusion: This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Austral Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The tropical Andes is one of the most biodiverse ecoregions on Earth, exhibiting high levels of species endemism. The tropical Andes is also one of the most vulnerable ecoregions worldwide due to a long history of anthropogenic transformations. One of the major obstacles for generating conservation plans is gaps in knowledge about the status and threats to many groups of Andean biodiversity, especially invertebrates. Focusing on three important beetle groups (i.e., Coleoptera: ground beetles, rove beetles and dung beetles) in the tropical Andes, we performed a systematic review of scientific literature retrieving 50 studies that allowed us to assess the degree of knowledge across the region, disturbance types, and biodiversity metrics used. We found a high representation of studies in Colombia, compared with other Andean countries. We also found a marked bias among taxonomic groups, topics or metrics evaluated, with dung beetles the most represented group, particularly in studies addressing forest conversion using metrics such as species richness or abundance. We reveal large gaps in information on the diversity of ground and rove beetles, and in the use of other diversity metrics. The lack of information across countries makes it difficult to generalize results and points to the need for more research, especially in under‐represented countries such as Bolivia and Venezuela. Including complementary response metrics, such as biomass, functional diversity or ecological functions, will improve the assessment of human impacts on tropical Andean beetle communities and wider ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration processes entail a change in the conditions of the existence of its protagonists as they integrate into a new life, where work is of paramount importance. For this reason, it is interesting to know the working conditions of immigrants when they settle in the new host country, as it is up to the latter to design policies that strengthen their integration, with decent work being relevant, as it has an impact on the well-being of these people, as set out in the great challenge of the Global Compact. Thus, a study was conducted on the working conditions of Venezuelan immigrants settled in the border cities of Cúcuta, Los Patios, and La Parada (Colombia) using a quantitative methodology through a multidimensional analysis of the factors related to their occupation, projecting a perceptual map with similarities and differences that show the characteristics of their current working conditions. These findings made it possible to determine that the current working conditions do not correspond to decent work, which requires the design of proposals by those who manage the governance of migration that favour labour insertion and the achievement of the sustainable development objective of decent work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customer's trust in vendors' reputation is a key factor that facilitates economic transactions in e-commerce platforms. Although the trust-sales relationship is assumed robust and consistent, its empirical evidence remains neglected for Latin American countries. This work aims to provide a data-driven comprehensive framework for extracting valuable knowledge from public data available in the leading Latin American e-commerce platform with commercial operations in 18 countries. Only Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela showed the highest trust indexes among all nations analyzed. The trust-sales relationship was statistically inconsistent across nations but worked as the most important predictor of sales, followed by purchase intention and price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the book "Sospechosos habituales. Diez aproximaciones a los antecedentes históricos del movimiento por los derechos humanos en Venezuela (1936-1999)" written by Rodolfo Montes de Oca. The book analyzes the history of the defense of human rights in Venezuela from 1936 to 1999, focusing on the historical background of this movement in the country. The author, a human rights activist and member of PROVEA, conducts a well-documented research based on his experience in Venezuela. The book consists of ten chapters that address different aspects of human rights in the country, including the systematic violation of human rights during the political conflict and state repression between 1961 and 1969, the role of the Catholic Church and human rights organizations, solidarity with exiles from dictatorships in Latin America, the defense of the right to life against executions carried out by the Venezuelan armed forces and police, the struggle for universal suffrage, women's rights and LGBT rights, the importance of active non-violence in the fight for human rights, and the persecution and murder of human rights activists in the country. [Extracted from the article]

The year 2022 represented a turning point for the regime of Nicolás Maduro, as the economic situation slightly improved domestically, while internationally, it managed to overcome the diplomatic blockade and relax the economic sanctions imposed by the United States. The article presents an analysis of what happened in Venezuela in 2022 through the lens of the regime’s political propaganda, which focused on selling a country that had been fixed when the reality of the Venezuelan population’s life was far from that. To analyze the paradoxes of the official campaign in contrast to the reality of what Venezuelans experienced, changes in quality of life, civil and political rights, migration, and changes in the international scenario were analyzed. It is concluded that the changes produced in the country benefited the regime and its image abroad, while keeping the population in a critical situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jangwa Pana is the property of Revista Jangwa Pana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: We aimed to determinate the frequency of this association and compare the features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with and without associated autoimmune diseases (AD) in a Latin American (LATAM) population in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with NMOSD according to the 2015 diagnostic criteria. Patients from Argentina (n=77), Brazil (n=46), and Venezuela (n=17) were enrolled and classified into two groups as follows: with AD or without AD. Clinical, paraclinical (including aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-ab) status), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and prognosis data were analyzed and compared. Kaplan-Meier (KM) and the Nelson-Aalen estimator analyses were performed to estimate both time and the cumulative hazard risk of disability reaching an EDSS≥4; and time for the first recurrence. Results: Out of 140 patients, 33 (23.5%) patients had associated an AD at presentation. The most frequent associated AD was Hashimoto disease (n=10) followed by lupus (n=7) and Sjogren's syndrome (n=6). However, rituximab use (42.4% vs. 21.5%, p=0.02), female gender (82.2% vs. 100%, p=0.006), corticospinal lesions on MRI (0% vs. 12.5%, p=0.01) at onset, and positivity for antinuclear antibodies (21.2% vs. 48.4%, p=0.03) were significantly associated with NMOSD patients with AD in comparison to NMOSD patients without AD. No differences were found in other clinical and paraclinical aspects between groups. KM and Nelson-Aalen estimator analyses did not show differences between groups. Conclusion: NMOSD patients associated with AD were observed in 23.5%. In addition, NMOSD patients with and without associated AD were similar in most evaluated features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) (Foc TR4) causes vascular wilt in Musaceae plants and is considered the most lethal for these crops. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), it was reported for the first time in Colombia (2019), later in Peru (2021), and recently declared in Venezuela (2023). This work aimed to analyze the evolution of Foc TR4 in Musaceae in LAC between 2018 and 2022. This perspective contains a selection of topics related to Foc TR4 in LAC that address and describe (i) the threat of Foc TR4 in LAC, (ii) a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production of Foc TR4 in LAC, (iii) the current situation of Foc TR4 in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, (iv) medium-term prospects in LAC member countries, and (v) export trade and local food security. In this study, the presence of Foc TR4 in Venezuela and the possible consequences of the production of Musaceae in the long term were reported for the first time. In conclusion, TR4 is a major threat to banana production in Latin America and the world, and it is important to take measures to control the spread of the fungus and minimize its impact on the banana industry. It is important to keep working on the control of Foc TR4, which requires the participation of the local and international industry, researchers, and consumers, among others, to prevent the disappearance of bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of the volatile components of Eucalyptus of two species from Venezuela Objective: this research describes the qualitative-quantitative chemical characterization and antimicrobial evaluation of essential oils (EO) present in the leaves of two species of Eucalyptus, which were collected in the state of Mérida in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Methods: the essential oils were extracted by the hydrodistillation method using the Clevenger trap. The chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar disk diffusion method, against international reference strains Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25922), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 23357), Candida albicans (CDC B-385) and Candida krusei (ATCC 6258). Results: the main compounds for the species Eucalyptus globulus were: 1,8-cineol (43.36%), limonene (15.86%), ß-pinene (14.61%), a-pinene (9.32%) and for Eucalyptus robustus a-pinene (37.61%), p-cymene (11.09%), a-fellandrene (9.92%), ß-pinene (6.96%), 1.8 -cineol (5.79%). The EO of E. globulus inhibited the development of S. aureus an MIC of 0.5 g/mL, E. faecalis 0.25 g/mL, E. coli and K. pneumoniae of 0.125 g/mL, and for C. albicans 100 µL/mL and C. krusei 50 µL/mL. For its part, the species E. robustus presented inhibition with a MIC of 0.125 g/mL against: S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and for C. albicans 50 µL/mL and C. krusei 10 µL/mL. Conclusion: the essential oils of E. globulus and E. robustus showed significant antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, pregnant women and newborns are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in Venezuela, there are no integrated data in a national surveillance system to identify the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and maternal-foetal outcomes of pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among Venezuelan pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19 seen at the "Ruiz y Páez" University Hospital Complex and the San Cristobal Central Hospital between June 2020 and September 2021. Information was obtained from physical and digitised clinical records using a purpose-designed proforma to collect epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, treatment, obstetric and perinatal complications, and maternal-foetal outcomes data.Results: A total of 80 pregnant women with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were seen within the study period, 59 (73.8%) survived and 21 (26.2%) died. The median (interquartile range) age was 29 (23-33) years, the majority being in the third trimester of pregnancy (81.2%; n = 65). Interestingly, four (5%) pregnant women were co-infected with malaria by Plasmodium vivax and three (3.8%) with syphilis. The most frequent symptoms were fever (75%; n = 60), dry cough (68.8%; n = 55), dyspnoea (55%; n = 44), and headache (53.8%; n = 43). The most frequent maternal complications were anaemia (51.5%; n = 66) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (17.5%; n = 14). The most frequent perinatal complications were preterm delivery (39.2%; n = 20/51) and oligohydramnios (31.3%; n = 25). A total of 29 (36.3%) adverse foetal outcomes were documented, 21 stillbirth and eight abortions.Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the clinical-epidemiological behaviour of COVID-19 in hospitalised Venezuelan pregnant women. Anaemia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, oligohydramnios, and low birth weight were the most frequent maternal-foetal complications in this population of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geominas is the property of FUNDA-GEOMINAS. (Fundacion de Egresados d Amigos de la Escuela de Ingenieria Geologica y de Minas) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to explore the perceptions of the Venezuelan immigrant population in Medellín, Colombia, regarding their employment, working and health conditions (physical, mental and psychosocial). A qualitative study was conducted (focused ethnography perspective). Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 31 Venezuelans and 12 key informants from different social organisations that work with the immigrant population. A narrative content analysis was carried out (Atlas.Ti 8.0 software). The migratory process for Venezuelans is caused for political, economical and social aspects in Venezuela and Colombia is offered as the first destination for labour establishing. Access to the labour market is limited to certain occupations, in many cases in the informal economy. Participants referring low salaries, working long hours and reduced social benefits. Occupational risks are evidenced by low experience in the labour market. Some health problems are perceived, and a good part of the interviewed population referred to signs and symptoms related to mental health problems. Barriers to access health and social protection services were found. Finally, future expectations depend on their adaptation to Colombia, the improvement of social conditions in Venezuela or having chances of improving their social and living conditions in another country. A high labour and social vulnerability were found in Venezuelan participants that impact on physical and mental health. Political and strategies from a public health perspective are required and the implementation of systems for monitoring and evaluating the labour and health situation in the working immigrant population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agroalimentaria is the property of Alejandro Antonio Gutierrez Socorro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tradicionalmente, la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) ha sido evaluada utilizando instrumentos que desatienden las características específicas de la enfermedad. Este estudio determina la validez del cuestionario Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL) como instrumento psicométricamente estable para medir la CVRS de los pacientes con LES en Venezuela, y establece los puntos de corte del cuestionario para la población venezolana. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal que incluyó pacientes con LES desde abril hasta julio de 2018. Los pacientes completaron el LupusQoL y la escala Generalitat de Catalunya (GENCAT); se obtuvieron los datos sociodemográficos, índices de actividad (SLEDAI) y daño acumulado (SLICC). Se evaluó la fiabilidad mediante consistencia interna y se determinó la validez convergente del LupusQoL con la escala GENCAT. De los 100 pacientes, el 93% eran mujeres, la media de edad fue de 42 años (DE: 13) y la media de duración de la enfermedad fue de 11 años (DE: 9); la media de SLEDAI y SLICC fue de 3 y 1, respectivamente. El punto de corte que definió una «mejor» o «peor» CVRS para el LupusQoL fue 64,55 puntos. Se encontró una convergencia moderada posterior a la agrupación, según los puntos de corte, del LupusQoL con la escala GENCAT (coeficiente kappa de Cohen = 0,556; p = 0,000). El LupusQoL es válido como instrumento psicométricamente estable para medir la CVRS de los pacientes con LES en Venezuela. Se establecieron los puntos de corte que permiten estratificar la CVRS de los pacientes venezolanos con LES, siendo de utilidad para complementar una evaluación integral. Traditionally, the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been assessed using instruments that neglect the specific characteristics of the disease. This study determines the validity of the Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL) questionnaire as a psychometrically stable instrument to measure the HRQoL of patients with SLE in Venezuela and establishes the cutoff points of the questionnaire for the Venezuelan population. A cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients with SLE from April to July 2018. Patients completed the LupusQoL and the Generalitat de Catalunya (GENCAT) scale; sociodemographic data, activity index (SLEDAI) and accumulated damage (SLICC), were obtained. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency and the convergent validity of the LupusQoL was determined with the GENCAT scale. Of the 100 patients, 93% were women, the mean age was 42 years old (SD: 13) and the mean duration of the disease was 11 years (SD: 9); the mean of SLEDAI and SLICC was 3 and 1, respectively. The cutoff point that defined a "better" or "worse" HRQoL for LupusQoL was 64.55 points. A moderate convergence was found after grouping, according to the cutoff points, of the LupusQoL with the GENCAT scale (Cohen's kappa coefficient =.556; p =.000). The LupusQoL is a valid psychometrically stable instrument to measure the HRQoL of patients with SLE in Venezuela. Cutoff points were established to stratify the HRQoL in the Venezuelan population with LES, being useful to complement a comprehensive evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Dirofilaria immitis nematode infection in a dog imported from Venezuela that had been living for 2 years in Santiago, Chile, where this parasite had not been reported before. Our findings warrant surveillance for all dogs imported to Chile, given that suitable conditions exist for establishing this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Vismia genus belongs to the Hypericaceae family and comprises around 57 species of which 17 have been located in Venezuela. Previous investigations have been carried out in extracts as well as pure isolated compounds, revealing antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-HIV, among other, biological activities. Objective: This investigation aims to determine the cytotoxic activity of essential oils from leaves of Vismia baccifera Triana & Planch (VBJ and VBV) and Vismia macrophylla Kunth (VM) collected in three different locations of the Venezuelan Andean region. Methods: Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and their cytotoxic activity was analyzed following the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Human tumor cell lines from SKBr3, MCF-7 and PANC-1, two breast carcinomas and one pancreatic adenocarcinoma of ductal type, were tested with the oil samples and human dermis fibroblasts were used as non-tumor cells. Results: β-caryophyllene and trans-caryophyllene were present as major components in VBJ and VBV, respectively, while γ-bisabolene was the main component in the VM sample. Anticancer activity was observed on V. baccifera essential oil against SKBr3, MCF-7 and PANC-1. The selectivity index showed that VBV is highly selective against the SKBr3 cell line and has no activity against non-tumor cells. Conclusions: These results are considered a contribution to natural products research and may provide supportive data for future studies on cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venezuela has great reserves of heavy and extra-heavy oils, product of biodegradation, which requires knowledge of the relationship between the viscosity and biodegradation due their important topic for reservoir evaluation and improved oil recovery. In view of its importance, this work studies the relationship between viscosity and biodegradation level in oils from Junín and Ayacucho and Socororo fields from the Eastern Venezuela Basin. Oils from Ayacucho and Socororo present biodegraded oils mixtures, as consequence their API gravities, SARA composition and viscosity is variable. The logarithm of viscosity shows an acceptable correlation with API gravities, and SARA composition. The level of biodegradation determined by the Manco (Modular Analysis and Numerical Classification of Oils) scale does not allow a clear relationship between the biodegradation level and viscosity. However, the MN2 number can be used in the study of crude oil mixtures. The identification of origin and biodegradation level of oils and their relationship with viscosity should be considered for the implementation of adequate production strategies for reservoirs of complex oil composition, to allow the application of suitable methods for the recovery of crude oil, even in nearby wells whose composition and viscosity of the crude oil may be very different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario Turismo y Sociedad is the property of Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Empresas Turísticas y Hoteleras and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agronómica is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Malaria is a febrile and potentially fatal infection. It is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes and less frequently can be contracted through blood transfusions, sharing contaminated needles and syringes, mother‐to‐child transmission, or after solid organ transplantation. Posttransplant malaria has rarely been reported in the literature, even in endemic areas. We report the cases of three solid organ recipients in which Plasmodium vivax infection was documented during postsurgical evaluation 30 days after transplant surgery. The diagnosis of donor‐derived malaria was confirmed in all patients by demonstrating Plasmodium in a peripheral blood smear and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All recipients had symptoms. The liver transplant recipient had myalgia, arthralgia, and thrombocytopenia; the kidney transplant recipient developed acute renal failure; and the heart transplant recipient had fever, cephalalgia, and tonic‐clonic seizures. Pre‐transplant screening of donors and recipients from endemic regions may not be sufficient to safely rule out persistent malaria. In Colombia, according to legislation, no mandatory testing is required for the diagnosis of malaria in organ donors in nonendemic areas. Therefore, donor screening by questionnaire is the only tool for preventing transplant‐borne malaria. The migratory trend from Venezuela to Colombia has increased the number of imported cases of malaria, and the infection may be present in endemic and nonendemic regions. Although donor evaluation is not standardized in current guidelines, we suggest that donors be tested for malaria with a peripheral blood smear, detection of specific IgG antibodies against Plasmodium, and techniques such as PCR, if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Latin American countries are heterogeneous in terms of lung cancer incidence and exposure to potential carcinogens. We evaluated the frequency and clinical characteristics of ALK rearrangements (ALKr) in Latin America. Methods: A total of 5,130 lung cancer patients from 10 Latin American countries were screened for inclusion. ALKr detection was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess method variability. Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed. Results: Among the 5,130 patients screened, 8.4% (n = 433) had nonevaluable FISH tests. Evaluable FISH analyses revealed positive ALKr in 6.8% (320/4,697) of the study population, which included patients from 9 countries. ALKr distribution for each country was: Mexico 7.6% (79/1,034), Colombia 4.1% (10/242), Argentina 6.0% (153/2,534), Costa Rica 9.5% (13/137), Panama 4.4% (5/114), Uruguay 5.4% (2/37), Chile 8.6% (16/185), Venezuela 8.9% (13/146), and Peru 10.8% (29/268). RT-PCR showed high positive (83.6%) and negative (99.7%) predictive values when compared to the gold standard FISH. In contrast, IHC only showed a high negative predictive value (94.6%). Conclusions: Although there is a clear country and continental variability in terms of ALKr frequency, this difference is not significant and the overall incidence of ALKr in Latin America does not differ from the rest of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Alkaloid profile of 5 species from Amaryllidaceae family collected from Venezuela. • Lycorine and related compounds were present in almost all samples analyzed. • Alkaloid extracts showed high to moderate inhibitory effect on AChE and BuChE. • Crinum amabile leaves extract show the strongest activity on AChE at 0.88 μg/mL. • BuChE enzyme was inhibited by crinum amabile leaves extract at 4.46 μg/mL. • Buphanisine theoretical inhibitory activity against cholinesterase enzymes. The Amaryllidaceae family is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical areas but also in temperate zones. In Venezuela, there are 6 genera and 13 species distributed around the country. This family is characterized by its ability to biosynthesize alkaloids with an isoquinoline type structure. In addition, a number of investigations have revealed a variety of biological activities for these alkaloids, such as antimalarial, antitumoral, analgesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, among others. Galanthamine, an alkaloid first obtained from Galanthus woronowii , has been used since 2001 for the palliative therapy of mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, there is great interest on searching for galanthamine sources among the wide range of Amaryllidaceae species distributed around the world. The present investigation, carried out with five species from the Amaryllidaceae family, Crinum amabile, Crinum erubescens, Crinum moorei, Amaryllis belladonna and Zephyranthes carinata , collected from different locations in Mérida State-Venezuela and analyzed by GC–MS, showed the alkaloid profile of leaves and bulbs of these species. Results revealed that lycorine and related compounds, such as 11,12-dehydro-anhydrolycorine and 1- O -acetyllycorine, were present in almost all samples analyzed, with lycorine predominant. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibition capacity of these alkaloid extracts showed a strong to moderate inhibitory effect on both enzymes; C. amabile leaves being the extract with the strongest inhibitory activity against AChE at 0.88 µg/mL as well as BuChE at 4.46 µg/mL, followed by Crinum erubescens leaves with values of 1.75 µg/mL and 8.72 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the values observed for galanthamine used as control. Present investigation constitutes the first in silico report about buphanisine interactions with AChE and BuChE active sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents caused by venomous animals represent a cause of pediatric emergency especially in hospitals in tropical and subtropical countries of the world. In this study, elements of the ecoepidemiological and clinical profile of the events caused by venomous fauna in children treated in a public hospital in the northeastern region of Venezuela are described. For this, an epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study (period 2014-2016) of morbidity and mortality caused by animal in pediatric patients (up to 12 years of age) was carried out at the University Hospital of Cumaná, Sucre state. A total of 108 accidents caused mainly by scorpions (n = 70; 64.8%, p < 0.0005) and snakes (24; 22.4%, p < 0.0005) were verified. Other arthropods (bees, centipedes and spiders) constituted 12.9% of the events. The scope of occurrence was related to the anthropic habitat (91; 84.3%, p < 0.0005) and particularly to areas of occurrence: a) intra-home for scorpions (42; 60.0%, p < 0.0005) and b) peridomiciliary for snakes (13; 54.2%, p < 0,0005) and other arthropods (10; 71.4%, p < 0.002) with their respective related activities: a) sleeping in a room (scorpions: 26; 37.1%, p < 0.05) and b) playing in the garden (snakes: 11; 45.8%, p < 0.002 and other arthropods: 10; 71.4%, p < 0.002). The period of low rainfall recorded a higher frequency of incidents with scorpions (30; 42.9%) and other arthropods (7; 50.0%) and that of high rainfall for snakes (10; 41.7%). Four deaths were found (three by scorpionism and one by snakebite), resulting in a global lethality rate of 3.70% (4/108) and by taxonomic group of 4.29% (3/70) for scorpions and 4.17 % (1/24) for snakes. The findings suggest the significance and magnitude of accidents by venomous animals, particularly by scorpions and snakes, as causes of morbidity and mortality in the Sucre state, northeastern region of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to analyze sustainable entrepreneurship and resonant and innovative leadership as a strategic binomial for sustainable development in Latin American territories, entrepreneurial actions for sustainability must be directed towards innovation, environmental conservation, for the creation of goods and services, improve the quality of life of citizens, it is essential to incorporate resonant and innovative leadership, their optimistic, balanced and comprehensive ability to envision the organization allows timely evaluation of social, political, economic, legal, intercultural or technological aspects, it is important That the leader focuses his attention on the workers since they are the most valuable asset they have, and have capacities and skills that contribute to the achievement of proposed goals, fosters a pleasant work environment, and optimal communication and interaction between workers, this entails gener ar competitive advantages and be highly productive, leading to sustainable development in Latin American territories. Methodologically, it is guided by the quantitative paradigm, with a descriptive scope; non-experimental transactional field, population 25 subjects among managers, supervisors of public service undertakings of the Baralt municipality, Venezuela. 1 instrument containing 39 items was designed following the Likert model with a scale of 5 response alternatives, to analyze the innovative resonant leadership variable, the systematic literature review technique was also used that allowed describing the context of sustainable development in the Latin American territory, through documentary analysis and interpretation, in order to achieve the objective proposed in this study. The results of the study indicate that the main quality of the resonant and innovative leadership referred to that they connect with the feelings of the people, directing them emotionally in a positive way is present in a moderate way, likewise it was evidenced that the leaders are not paying relevant attention to their personal and downplay their capacities and abilities, therefore these are used moderately, which represents serious difficulties for sustainable enterprises, showing that it is highly relevant to consider entrepreneurship and leadership as a strategic binomial for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geominas is the property of FUNDA-GEOMINAS. (Fundacion de Egresados d Amigos de la Escuela de Ingenieria Geologica y de Minas) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

5α‐Reductase type 2 deficiency causes a 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD) characterized by ambiguous external genitalia, rudimentary prostate, and normal internal genitalia. The disease prevalence worldwide is low, but in a small and isolated village of the Venezuelan Andes, a higher incidence has been found. DNA analysis of the SRD5A2 gene was performed in three inbred affected individuals clinically diagnosed with DSD. The entire coding regions, the p.L89V polymorphism (rs523349) and five intragenic SNPs (rs2300702, rs2268797, rs2268796, rs4952220, rs12470196) used to construct haplotypes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. To assess the probable ethnic origin of the mutation in this geographic isolate, a population structure analysis was performed. Homozygosis for the p.N193S mutation was found in all patients, with a mutation carrier frequency of 1:80 chromosomes (0.0125) in the geographic focus, suggesting a founder phenomenon. The results of the population structure analysis suggested a mutation origin closer to the Spanish populations, according to the clusters grouping. The genotype–phenotype correlation in the patients was not absolute, being hypospadias and cryptorchidism the main traits that differentiate affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a project which is being implemented in the field of educational technology in Panama and Venezuela. The project emphasizes inservice training of a cadre of professionals who will direct efforts to identify and resolve significant problems in education. (Author/CHC)

Introduction. Subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) is an endocrine alteration that is related to cardiovascular risk factors, including those categorized as components of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS). However, findings in prior reports regarding an association between these alterations are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between both entities in adult subjects from Maracaibo City, Venezuela. Materials and Methods. The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multistage sampling. In this substudy, 391 individuals of both genders were selected and TSH, free T3, and free T4 tests were performed as well as a complete lipid profile, fasting glycaemia, and insulin blood values. ScH was defined according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) criteria: high TSH (≥4.12mUI/L) and normal free T4 (0.9-1,9 ng/dL) in subjects without personal history of thyroid disease. MS components were defined according to IDF/AHA/NHLBI/WHF/IAS/IASO-2009 criteria. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MS components and ScH diagnosis. Results. Of the evaluated population, 10.5% (n=41) was diagnosed with ScH, with a higher prevalence in women (female: 13.6% versus male: 7.7%; χ2=3.56, p=0.05). Likewise, 56.1% (n=23) of the subjects with ScH were diagnosed with MS (χ2=4.85; p=0.03), being hyperglycemia the main associated criterion (χ2=11.7; p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, it was observed that the relationship was exclusive with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) OR: 3.22 (1.14-9.14); p=0.03. Conclusion. The relationship between ScH and MS in our population is dependent on the presence of hyperglycemia, specifically T2DM diagnosis, findings that vary from those previously reported in Latin American subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena has been described in wild and domestic ruminants, swine and equines. This larval cestode infection has economical importance due to its high pathogenicity in animals bred for human consumption. The socioeconomic impact of this infection is unknown in Venezuela. We report in this note the finding of a cyst structure, typical of the metacestode of T. hydatigena in a rural pig from Yaracuy state of Venezuela. The cyst was approximately 2.5 cm x 1.0 cm, with an interior scolex and a transparent cyst fluid. The serum of this animal was positive for the detection by ELISA of the specific antigen HP10 of Taenia sp. Further studies are needed to determine the endemicity of T. hydatigena in pigs and in other animal species in Venezuela as the high serological cross reaction between T. hydatigena and T solium, could cause confusion in the diagnosis of the considerably more economically important T. solium porcine cysticercosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: As reported in the literature by several authors, there is a great variation between countries in terms of etiology and patterns of mandibular fractures. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of mandibular fractures at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, "Dr. Domingo Luciani" Hospital, Venezuela, during the period January 2010 to March 2013.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess the etiology of trauma, age group, gender, anatomic distribution of injury, and combination patterns by reviewing patients records.Results: There were 334 patients with 522 mandibular fractures averaging 1.56 fractures per patient. Eighty-five percent of the patients were males with an overall male: female ratio of 6.15:1. The highest occurrence of trauma was in the 20-29 years (43.4%) age group. The etiology most frequently observed was motorcycle traffic accidents in 94 patients (28.1%), and the parasymphysis region was the most common location with 144 (27.6%) fractures. Almost half (48.8%) of the injuries were combined mandibular fractures with 29 different combinations, and the most common was a mandibular body fracture + parasymphysis fracture (22.1%).Conclusion: Mandibular fracture is a common facial injury with variable incidence and etiology across gender and age range. The findings of this study are similar to other studies and provide important clinical information that will assist in the treatment planning of these types of injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a product of a wider investigation about Chilean political exile in Venezuela during the seventies. In this text we want to approach the phenomenon through its protagonists, describing the reasons for their departure, the context of expulsion and the context of reception. Our objective is to analyze the political exile as a phenomenon that has specific characteristics and that distinguish it from other migrations, towards Venezuela, which occurred in the same period, but due to economic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sociopolitical dynamics of borders have provided terrorism and drug trafficking-related organized crime spaces that are conducive to their actions, creating serious threats to the security of States. This situation elicits the need to scrutinize the new threats to Colombia's national security and defense, especially events similar to those described by Herman Khan that involve the interests of different actors and destabilize security, sovereignty, and territory. The recurring events at the border with Venezuela affect not only Colombia but also the balance of regional democratic power. Therefore, considering the mechanisms of collective and cooperative security, as well as the instruments of national power and defense is essential to reducing threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Química is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Geominas is the property of FUNDA-GEOMINAS. (Fundacion de Egresados d Amigos de la Escuela de Ingenieria Geologica y de Minas) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new species of whiptail armored catfish belonging to the genus Pseudohemiodon is described. The new species inhabits aquatic systems of the Orinoco River basin, mostly in the Llanos region of Colombia and Venezuela. Previously, it had identified as P. laticeps erroneously. The genus Pseudohemiodon includes seven known species inhabit Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay-Uruguay rivers basins. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the combination of the following characters: abdomen totally covered; area in front of gill opening without plates, ventrally; dorsal body color pattern without transversal dark bands, mostly in the caudal peduncle; head with straight sides; head and caudal peduncle narrower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the predictive power of various anthropometric indices for the identification of dysglycemic states in Maracaibo, Venezuela. A cross-sectional study with randomized, multi-staged sampling was realized in 2230 adult subjects of both genders who had their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-height ratio (WHR) determined. Diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were made following ADA 2015 criteria. ROC curves were used to evaluate the predictive power of each anthropometric parameter. Area under the curve (AUC) values were compared through Delong's test. Of the total 2230 individuals (52.6 % females), 8.4 % were found to have DM2, and 19.5 % had IFG. Anthropometric parameters displayed greater predictive power regarding newly diagnosed diabetics, where WHR was the most important predictor in both females (AUC = 0.808; CI 95 % 0.715-0.900. Sensitivity: 82.8 %; specificity: 76.2 %) and males (AUC = 0.809; CI 95 % 0.736-0.882. Sensitivity: 78.6 %; specificity: 68.1 %), although all three parameters appeared to have comparable predictive power in this subset. In previously diagnosed diabetic subjects, WHR was superior to both WC and BMI in females, and WHR and WC were both superior to BMI in males. Lower predictive values were found for IFG in both genders. Accumulation of various altered anthropometric measurements was associated with increased odds ratios for both newly and previously diagnosed DM2. The predictive power of anthropometric measurements was greater for DM2 than IFG. We suggest assessment of as many available parameters as possible in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]