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Influenza A viruses (IAV) impose significant respiratory disease burdens in both swine and humans worldwide, with frequent human-to-swine transmission driving viral evolution in pigs and highlighting the risk at the animal-human interface. Therefore, a comprehensive One Health approach (interconnection among human, animal, and environmental health) is needed for IAV prevention, control, and response. Animal influenza genomic surveillance remains limited in many Latin American countries, including Colombia. To address this gap, we genetically characterized 170 swine specimens from Colombia (2011–2017). Whole genome sequencing revealed a predominance of pandemic-like H1N1 lineage, with a minority belonging to H3N2 and H1N2 human seasonal-like lineage and H1N1 early classical swine lineages. Significantly, we have identified reassortant and recombinant viruses (H3N2, H1N1) not previously reported in Colombia. This suggests a broad genotypic viral diversity, likely resulting from reassortment between classical endemic viruses and new introductions established in Colombia's swine population (e.g. the 2009 H1N1 pandemic). Our study highlights the importance of a One Health approach in disease control, particularly in an ecosystem where humans are a main source of IAV to swine populations, and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and enhanced biosecurity measures. The co-circulation of multiple subtypes in regions with high swine density facilitates viral exchange, underscoring the importance of monitoring viral evolution to inform vaccine selection and public health policies locally and globally.

Abstract Biosecurity protocols (BP) and good management practices are key to reduce the risk of introduction and transmission of infectious diseases into the pig farms. In this observational cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from 176 pig farms with inventories over 100 sows in Colombia. We analyzed a complex survey dataset to explore the structure and identify clustering patterns using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of swine farms in Colombia, and estimated its association with Influenza A virus detection. Two principal dimensions contributed to 27.6% of the dataset variation. Farms with highest contribution to dimension 1 were larger farrow-to-finish farms, using self-replacement of gilts and implementing most of the measures evaluated. In contrast, farms with highest contribution to dimension 2 were medium to large farrow-to-finish farms, but implemented biosecurity in a lower degree. Additionally, two farm clusters were identified by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and the odds of influenza A virus detection was statistically different between clusters (OR 7.29, CI: 1.7,66, p =

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease that affects the pork industry and is a public health threat. It is caused by type A influenza virus (FLUAV), which continuously undergoes genetic and antigenic variations. A large amount of information regarding FLUAV in pigs is available worldwide, but it is limited in Latin America. The HA sequences of H1 subtype FLUAV-positive samples obtained from pigs in Colombia between 2008–2021 were analyzed using sequence-based antigenic cartography and N-Glycosylation analyses. Of the 12 predicted global antigenic groups, Colombia contained five: four corresponding to pandemic strains and one to the classical swine H1N1 clade. Circulation of these clusters was observed in some regions during specific years. Ca2 was the immunodominant epitope among Colombian viruses. The counts of N-Glycosylation motifs were associated with the antigenic cluster ranging from three to five. The results show for the first time the existence of antigenic diversity of FLUAV in Colombia and highlight the impact of spatial and temporal factors on this diversity. This study provides information about FLUAV variability in pigs under natural conditions in the absence of vaccination and emphasizes the need for surveillance of its phylogenetic and antigenic characteristics.

Background: The use of pancreatic prostheses in children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has evolved. The main established indication is the treatment of persistent abdominal pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pancreatic stenting for refractory abdominal pain in pediatric patients with ARP and CP. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series study. We included patients under 16 years of age diagnosed with ARP and CP in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with the insertion of one and later two pancreatic stents. We evaluated abdominal symptoms before and after treatment, number of changes, duration of treatment, and complications with follow-up at 24 months and after withdrawal. Results: Nine patients with ARP and CP were included in the study: six with undetermined etiology and three with pancreas divisum. The mean age was 12.4 years. Prosthesis placement relieved abdominal pain in 100% of cases, with 3.2 replacement sessions every 6.2 months for 27.4 months, and mild complications (15.7%). One patient experienced pain on removal of the prosthesis and required bypass surgery. Conclusion: Pancreatic stent placement in patients with refractory abdominal pain with ARP and CP proved to be effective and safe, providing medium-term symptom relief and minimal complications.

The human skin is a crucial organ that protects the organism from the outer environment. Skin integrity and health depend on both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors such as aging and genetic background contribute to weakened skin and disease susceptibility. Meanwhile, extrinsic factors including UV radiation, pollution, smoking, humidity, and poor diet also affect skin health and disease. On the other hand, healthy dietary patterns such as plant-based diets have gained popularity as a complementary therapy for skin health. A plant-based diet is defined as all diets based on plant foods, including an abundance of vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, fungi, and whole grains, with limited or no animal products or processed foods. However, some authors also exclude or limit processed foods in the definition. Recent research has shown that these diets have beneficial effects on inflammatory skin diseases. This review explored the beneficial effects of plant-based diets on inflammatory skin diseases and plant-based functional foods on healthy skin. In conclusion, plant-based diets and plant-based functional foods may have beneficial effects on skin health through the gut microbiome.

Purpose: This paper proposes model-based standard times estimates, using multiple linear regression, nonlinear optimization, and fuzzy systems in four real cases assembly lines. The work includes a description of the models and a comparison of their performance with values obtained using the conventional chronometer method. These models allow estimating standard times without reconducting field studies. Design/methodology/approach: For the development of the time study, the methodology applied by the International Labour Organization (ILO) was used as a baseline. This methodology is structured in three phases: selection of the case study, registration of the process by direct observation, and calculation/estimation of the standard time. The selected case studies belong to real assembly lines of motorcycles, television sets, printed circuit boards, and bicycles. Findings: In the motorcycle’s assembly case, the study allowed constructing seven linear regression models to estimate standard times for assembling the front parts, and seven linear regression models to predict standard times for the rear parts of the different motorcycle types. Compared to the classical chronometer method, the results obtained never exceeded 10%. Regarding the case studies of assembling TV sets and PCBs, the study considered the construction of nonlinear optimization models that allow making appropriate predictions of the standard times in their assembly lines. Finally, for the bicycle assembly line, a fuzzy logic model to represent the standard time was constructed and validated. Research limitations/implications: For reasons of confidentiality of information, this work omitted the names of companies, services, and models of manufactured products. Originality/value: The literature consulted does not refer to the representation of standard time on assembly lines using mathematical models. The construction of these models with empirical data from actual assembly lines was a valuable aid to the companies involved in supporting activity planning.

The key problem of contemporary environmental laws is their lack of effectiveness. Clear challenges exist to achieve the goals and objectives of environmental law, its implementation and sustained and recurring compliance. As a result, this paper aims to clarify the root causes of ineffectiveness of environmental law by analyzing its effects and consequences and exploring possible solutions to enable environmental law to reach full effectiveness and efficiency, and thereby satisfy the main goal of conservation and rational, sustainable and equitable use of environmental goods and services.

Abstract Background Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes substantial economic losses and has a strong impact on public health. The main objective of this paper is to determine the risk factors for new infections of Brucella abortus on Colombian cattle farms previously certified as being free of brucellosis. A case-control study was conducted by comparing 98 cases (farms certified as brucellosis-free for three or more years but became infected) with 93 controls (farms that remained brucellosis-free during at least the previous three years). The farms were matched by herd size and geographical location (municipality). Information was obtained via a questionnaire completed by veterinary officers through a personal interview with the herd owners. Results Two-thirds of the herds (67%) were dairy herds, 16% were beef herds, and 17% were dual-purpose (beef and milk) herds. After exploratory univariate analysis, all explanatory variables with a p-value of ≤0.20 were included in a logistic regression model using the forward stepwise method to select the model with the best goodness of fit. The significant risk factors were the replacement of animals from farms not certified as brucellosis-free compared to replacement from certified brucellosis-free farms (OR = 4.84, p-value

Esophageal atresia (EA) is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the esophagus. According to Gross Classification, type-C esophageal atresia is the most common type. The Atlas of Esophageal Atresia by Kluth describes multiple variations of defects in EA. We present a female baby of 36 weeks’ gestation, with IIIb13 esophageal atresia, an extremely rare subtype of type-C EA. During pre-surgical bronchoscopy, we observed the presence of a double fistula, which was confirmed in the surgery. The first fistula between trachea and esophagus, and the second fistula between right main bronchus and esophagus, both in the distal esophagus. We made an esophageal anastomosis preserving the total length of the distal esophagus. This is the first report in over 20 years, and the third in the literature. The patient had a satisfactory evolution. After five months of follow-up the patient eats by suction only, with adequate weight gain, without suggestion of stenosis or gastroesophageal reflux.

Rainfall forecasting is essential to manage water resources and make timely decisions to mitigate adverse effects related to unexpected events. Considering that rainfall drivers can change throughout the year, one approach to implementing forecasting models is to generate a model for each period in which the mechanisms are nearly constant, e.g., each season. The chosen predictors can be more robust, and the resulting models perform better. However, it has not been assessed whether the approach mentioned above offers better performance in forecasting models from a practical perspective in the tropical Andean region. This study evaluated quarterly, semiannual and annual models for forecasting monthly rainfall anomalies in an Andean basin to show if models implemented for fewer months outperform accuracy; all the models forecast rainfall on a monthly scale. Lagged rainfall and climate indices were used as predictors. Support vector regression (SVR) was used to select the most relevant predictors and train the models. The results showed a better performance of the annual models mainly due to the greater amount of data that SVR can take advantage of in training. If the training of the annual models had less data, the quarterly models would be the best. In conclusion, the annual models show greater accuracy in the rainfall forecast.

Genomic epidemiology can provide a unique, real-time understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns. Yet the potential for genomic analyses to guide local policy and community-based behavioral decisions is limited because they are often oriented towards specially trained scientists and conducted on a national or global scale. Here, we propose a new paradigm: Phylogenetic analyses performed on a local level (municipal, county, or state), with results communicated in a clear, timely, and actionable manner to strengthen public health responses. We believe that presenting results rapidly, and tailored to a non-expert audience, can serve as a template for effective public health response to COVID-19 and other emerging viral diseases.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an infectious viral disease caused by an RNA virus belonging to the Pestivirus genus. A total of 134 outbreaks of CSF have occurred in the last seven years in the North of Colombia. The objective of this study was the characterization of the herds affected by CSF from 2013 to 2018. Most of the outbreaks (95%) occured in backyard piggeries. The principal causes of transmission of CSF were the introduction of infected pigs (38%), movements of people (37%) and unknown origin (13%). The epidemiological relationships with 15 affected farms explained 31 outbreaks. The overall attack and mortality rates were 39% and 32%, respectively. The main clinical signs were high fever (67%), incoordination of movements (54%), and prostration (52%). Seventy-three percent of the herds had not been vaccinated against CSF and 17% had been only partially vaccinated. A spatio-temporal analysis, using a Poisson regression model, revealed two clusters with high risk; the first and largest one from 2014 to 2016 had a relative risk (RR) of 13.4 and included part of the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, La Guajira, Norte de Santander, Magdalena and Sucre; and the second cluster (RR = 9.6 in 2016) included municipalities in the north of the department of Cordoba.

Precipitation is the most relevant element in the hydrological cycle and vital for the biosphere. However, when extreme precipitation events occur, the consequences could be devastating for humans (droughts or floods). An accurate prediction of precipitation helps decision-makers to develop adequate mitigation plans. In this study, linear and nonlinear models with lagged predictors and the implementation of a nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous variables (NARX) network were used to predict monthly rainfall in Labrado and Chirimachay meteorological stations. To define a suitable model, ridge regression, lasso, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and NARX network were used. Although the results were “unsatisfactory” with the linear models, the specific direct influences of variables such as Niño 1 + 2, Sahel rainfall, hurricane activity, North Pacific Oscillation, and the same delayed rainfall signal were identified. RF and SVM also demonstrated poor performance. However, RF had a better fit than linear models, and SVM has a better fit than RF models. Instead, the NARX model was trained using several architectures to identify an optimal one for the best prediction twelve months ahead. As an overall evaluation, the NARX model showed “good” results for Labrado and “satisfactory” results for Chirimachay. The predictions yielded by NARX models, for the first six months ahead, were entirely accurate. This study highlighted the strengths of NARX networks in the prediction of chaotic and nonlinear signals such as rainfall in regions that obey complex processes. The results would serve to make short-term plans and give support to decision-makers in the management of water resources.

Desde sus comienzos en la década de los noventa, la Sala Constitucional de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, a través de su jurisprudencia, ha ponderado la aplicación del derecho al ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado en relación con otros derechos de índole constitucional y convencional, tales como el derecho a la salud, propiedad privada, vivienda, libre empresa, trabajo, agua potable y saneamiento, vivienda digna, alimentación y seguridad alimentaria, tomando en consideración aquellos grupos especialmente vulnerables a las afectaciones ambientales.

In this paper, we propose a low-cost contact-free measurement system for both 3-D data acquisition and fast surface parameter registration by digitized points. Despite the fact that during the last decade several approaches for both contact-free measurement techniques aimed at carrying out object surface recognition and 3-D object recognition have been proposed, they often still require complex and expensive equipment. Therefore, alternative low cost solutions are in great demand. Here, two low-cost solutions to the above-mentioned problem are presented. These are two examples of practical applications of the novel passive optical scanning system presented in this paper.

We studied the clinical behavior of with rheumatoid arthritis of 2000 patientes between 1966 and 1995 and 92 patients in 1996. We made an effort to focus on extra-articular signs and the cause of death. We found clinical signs in most systems particularly in the group of 2000 patients, and this observation is ascribed to treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were the most frequent in our service during 1996.

Describimos el caso de un paciente de 30 años de edad que desarrolla una encefalitis fatal par Herpes simple, en cuyos hallazgos de necropsia se destaca un compromiso vascular cerebral secundario. Se discute In posibilidad de que en la encefalitis herpética pueden presentarse dos tipos de compromiso vascular: uno reconocido desde hace tres décadas, la vasculomielinopatía diseminada, y otro, una forma de vasculitis séptica.

En la presente revisión se analizan los diferentes cambios fisiológicos que se presentan durante la estimulación de los linfocitos T, partiendo de la presentación antigénica. Además se indica la importancia de la coestimulación en la que participa el complejo B7:CD28 y como defectos en su expresión, pueden tener importancia patogénica en el LES.

We estudied 12.683 post-morten reports from Hospital San Juan de Dios permorfed between 1954 and 1990. We wanted to know mortality rates from connective tissue primary and secondary vasculitis, 16 ofwhich were systemic lupus erythematosus, one case of rheumatoid arthritis and one case of scleroderma. Skin, kidney and myocardial muscle were, The most affected organs only seventeen patients died directly from vasculitis. More studies have to be performed.

Nabumetona was evaluated in 41 patients with confirmed clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee (38 patients) and thigh (3) osteoarthritis. A dose of Ig/day was administered for three months. The following parameteres were established once a month: joint pain, morning stiffness, 15m walking time; edema, temperature, flexibility and perimeter in knee as well as intercondillar distance in thigh. Pain, morning stiffness, walking time, edema and temperature were significantly reduced (p

La calcificación y osificación extraesqueléticas son patologías que observamos frecuentemente en la práctica clínica. Sin embargo, existen pocos informes en la literatura médica y el conocimiento acerca de estas entidades es aun muy precario.

La osteoartritis (OA) se define como el deterioro progresivo de una articulación, con pérdida y abrasión del cartílago articular acompañada de cambios histológicos, bioquímicos, estructurales y fisiológicos. Este proceso usualmente esta acompañado de alteraciones articulares consistentes en esclerosis subcondral, seudoquistes, neoformación ósea, engrosamiento sinovial y capsular y episodios de inflamación leve a moderada (I). Aunque se han utilizado diversos términos como enfermedad articular degenerativa y osteoartrosis para designar la enfermedad, el consenso actual es que el de osteoartritis es el mas adecuado.

El síndrome de fatiga crónica (SFC) se caracteriza por una fatiga que ocasiona gran debilidad y síntomas generales como cefalea, odinofagia, fiebre, cansancio fácil, adenomegalias, mialgias, artralgias, déficit de memoria y dificultad para concentrarse, entre otras. Puede simular algunas enfermedades virales como el resfriado común, el dengue, enfermedades autoinmunes, artritis reactivas (enfermedad de Lyme), neoplasias y fibromialgia, entre otras.

Se analizan los datos relacionados con 565 pacientes que presentaban lumbalgia crónica como motivo de consulta. El criterio para la inclusión de los pacientes en el trabajo fue la presencia de dolor lumbar crónico. Se presentan los diagnósticos definitivos en el grupo de pacientes estudiados y se analiza en forma exhaustiva un grupo de 81 pacientes con "Mega-apófisis transversa de L5".

Los anticuerpos anti-Ro y anti-La se vienen estudiando desde hace 25 años, pero su estructura molecular, asociación clínica y relación genética adquieren relevancia en los últimos siete (7) años. Estos anticuerpos tienen especial lugar en la nosología del LES y del síndrome Sjögren. En el lupus neonatal los anticuerpos tienen un papel patológico directo, mientras que en otras condiciones (vasculitis, nefritis ), el daño tisular puede resultar por depósito de complejos inmunes en las estructuras vasculares.

El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune, de etiología desconocida, que puede afectar cualquier órgano incluyendo el tracto gastrointestinal. Se ha documentado, aunque raramente, la asociación con pancreatitis aguda y, recientemente, en dos casos, con pancreatitis crónica. Este sería, de acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, el tercer caso descrito en la literatura médica que informa la asociación entre pancreatitis crónica y LES.

30 cases of avascular aseptic bone necrosis are presented. The clinical findings, the laboratory methods used for diagnosis, the factors that may play a role in the pathogenesis and the different schedules of treatment used are analyzed.

A study based on the behaviour of hydroxyproline in 64 cases, 16 normal individuals, 10 with rheumatoid arthritis, 5 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 30 with osteoporois, 2 with vitamin D resistant rickets and 1 with osteomalacia, is presented, hydroxyproline is an amino acid derived from proline and is actually considered of great value in the study of collagen metabolism. The results obtained in each group of disease are presented and compared with those obtained in the normal individuals. We think that these late are very useful to establish in our medium, the average of normal free serum hydroxyproline and of total and free urine hydroxyproline, since we did not find related data in the consulted ational literature.