Military University Nueva Granada

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) can be found in waterbodies and may affect aquatic populations, resulting in physiological and behavioral impairments. In Colombia, white cachama (Piaractus orinoquensis) are frequently found in areas subjected to glyphosate aerial fumigation. This study aims to investigate changes in c-Fos protein expression in P. orinoquensis telencephalic hemispheres after exposure to 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/L glyphosate for 30, 60, and 90 min. For this purpose, 5 µm paraffin sections were obtained and used for c-Fos immunodetection. To define the effect of xenobiotics on c-Fos expression, nuclei were taken from the dorsal dorsal (Dd), dorsomedial (Dm), dorsal posterior (Dp), dorsolateral (Dl), ventral (Vv), dorsoventral (Vd), and ventrolateral (Vl) regions of P. orinoquensis telencephalic hemispheres. Except for Dd nuclei, other nuclei showed an initial increase in c-Fos+ cells, followed by a progressive decrease toward values similar to those observed in unexposed individuals. In Dd nuclei, the initial tendency was toward a reduced number of c-Fos-expressing cells, followed by an increase in unexposed values. As changes in the number of cells containing c-Fos can be related to changes in neuronal activity, GBH exposure may potentially affect the fish’s behavioral and sensorial performance, resulting in a reduced survival probability in its natural environment.

Background Globally, research and policy groups often lack the expertise to develop models to analyze invasive and native species of agroecological and veterinary/human health importance; models to inform management and policy under extant and climate change scenarios at various geographic scales. Species distribution models (SDMs) correlate weather and other variables to species presence records and are currently the mainstay for predicting the geographic distribution of species, but SDMs do not predict the underpinning dynamics required to develop policy and management strategies. Weather-driven physiologically based demographic models (PBDMs) of single and multi-trophic dynamics based on sound biological data can bridge much of this gap. The development of web platform software is proposed to assist non-experts in formulating PBDMs to help solve agroecological and veterinary/human health pest problems. Results PBDMs are time-varying life tables (TVLTs) that capture the weather-driven biology of per capita resource acquisition and allocation to growth and reproduction in age-mass structured trophic settings independent of time and place. Two approaches are used to parameterize PBDMs: (1) mass/energy acquisition and allocation, and (2) biodemographic functions fitted to vital rates estimated from age-specific life table studies conducted under a range of abiotic conditions; vital rates that result from resource acquisition and allocation under experimental conditions. To outline the development and demonstrate the utility of this approach as web platform software for nonexperts, PBDMs for thirteen species of agroecological and medical/veterinary importance to Africa are developed and used to predict prospectively their geographic distribution, relative abundance, and dynamics across the continent. Where possible, PBDM predictions are compared to published studies and references are made to their use in management and policy development. Conclusions The development and utility of web platform software based on the PBDM paradigm is outlined, which aims to guide non-experts in formulating realistic models and gathering the biological data to parameterize them while providing links to relevant weather data for running the models and tools for GIS mapping and statistical analysis of model output for policy and management development. Numerous published heritage PBDMs that the web platform software would make available are summarized in the Supplementary Information.

The development of advanced materials for biomedical implants has made significant progress in the search for biomaterials with functional surfaces which enhance compatibility, prevent implant corrosion, and reduce the growth of microorganisms in the form of biofilms. This article reviews various materials used in implants, among which yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) stand out due to their unique properties which favor osseointegration. Additionally, strategies for doping with additional elements, notably the addition of silver for its antimicrobial properties, are highlighted. Different methods of coating implant surfaces with these materials are evaluated. Finally, it is concluded that multilayer coating systems [YSZ/HAp-Ag]n significantly improve corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and the ability to inhibit bacterial proliferation in implants. Implementing these implant coatings could increase their durability and effectiveness in biomedical applications, contributing to better integration into bone tissue and reducing postoperative infections.

Organizational cynicism, characterized by negative attitudes and distrust toward the organization, represents a growing challenge for human talent management. This study examines the impact of organizational cynicism on job satisfaction and performance in small and medium-sized enterprises within the service sector in Colombia, a key sector for the country’s economic development. Through a mixed methodological approach that combines structural equation modeling and fuzzy comparative qualitative analysis, both causal relationships and complex configurations of the factors involved are explored. The results reveal that organizational cynicism deteriorates employee well-being and productivity, while job satisfaction acts as a key mechanism to counteract these negative effects. Furthermore, specific patterns of cynical attitudes have been identified, allowing for a deeper understanding of their impact on job performance. This work contributes to the understanding of an underexplored phenomenon in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises in Latin America, offering practical recommendations for designing organizational strategies that promote a more just, motivating, and resilient work environment.

Studies on the phylogeographic structure of species (strains) have yielded insights into their geographic distribution but tell less about strain's capacity to invade novel environments. Extensive age‐specific life table data on two strains of the invasive Palearctic alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (i.e., Ebro Valley, Spain ( S ) and Hamadan, Iran ( I ) strains) having disparate vital rates, are used to develop weather‐driven physiologically based demographic models (PBDMs) of their biology. The PBDMs are used to explore prospectively their invasive potential across much of the Holarctic. Using N.E. Gilbert's theory that fecundity is selected to the level appropriate for the population in its environment, we explore the interacting effects of multiples of observed fecundity, temperature‐dependent mortality and density‐dependent population growth constraints on stabilizing adaptation in strains S and I to weather in their native area. Aestivating adults () bridge the critical winter period, and their annual production is used as a metric of adaptation. Maximization of in the native environments supports Gilbert's supposition. The S and I strains have wide invasive potential, and we posit stabilizing selection for maximizing would occur after successful invasion of novel environments. We propose that the evolving adaptation of an invasive strain to extant and climate change weather can be examined by periodic updates of the biodemographic biology in the weather‐driven PBDMs.

Objective: Create three-dimensional anatomical and augmented reality models for the study of neuroanatomy, from cadaveric models using photogrammetry for three-dimensional reconstruction, comparing two software, one fully automated and the other semi-automated with classic books for the study of neuroanatomy. Method: Three-dimensional anatomical models were created through the photogrammetry technique and by means of two software. The objects were evaluated by the neurosurgery residents. Results: Three three-dimensional anatomical models were created from photogrammetry for each program and evaluated with a survey applied to 23 neurosurgery residents. Conclusions: There is no significant difference between the 3DF Zephyr© 2021 3Dflow tool for creating anatomical three-dimensional objects in a semi-automated way compared to Autodesk ReCap Photo 22.1 Automated Software© 2021 Autodesk, Inc. The residents consider that the models made in this work are useful in learning neuroanatomy.

Labeling errors in datasets are a persistent challenge in machine learning because they introduce noise and bias and reduce the model’s generalization. This study proposes a novel methodology for detecting and correcting mislabeled samples in image datasets by using the Cumulative Spectral Gradient (CSG) metric to assess the intrinsic complexity of the data. This methodology is applied to the noisy CIFAR-10/100 and CIFAR-10n/100n datasets, where mislabeled samples in CIFAR-10n/100n are identified and relabeled using CIFAR-10/100 as a reference. The DenseNet and Xception models pre-trained on ImageNet are fine-tuned to evaluate the impact of label correction on the model performance. Evaluation metrics based on the confusion matrix are used to compare the model performance on the original and noisy datasets and on the label-corrected datasets. The results show that correcting the mislabeled samples significantly improves the accuracy and robustness of the model, highlighting the importance of dataset quality in machine learning.

Background Pierre Roussouly et al. classified four distinct types of sagittal profiles in normal individuals based on their sacral slope (SS). It was modified by Laouissat et al., (theoretical) including a fifth type. Study Design The study design was a cross-sectional study. Objective The objective of this study was to identify and classify the types of sagittal alignment present in an asymptomatic Indian population using the parameters established by Roussouly et al. and modified by Laouissat et al. Methods The inclusion criteria were asymptomatic adults between 18 and 50 years old, without history of spinal surgery or significant musculoskeletal disorders. The sagittal profile was classified according to the Roussouly modified (theoretical) classification. The spinopelvic parameters were measured using Surgimap and the correlation analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results A total of 104 participants (62 females and 42 males) were recruited and it was observed 26 (25%) participants with Type 1, 12 (11.5%) with the Type 2, 26 (25%) with Type 3, 30 (28.8%) Type 3AP, and 10 (9.6%) participants with the Type 4. Furthermore, the study showed that the Type 3 anteverted pelvic (AP) had similar characteristics compared with the Laouissat’s study. The pelvic incidence shows a correlation with SS (r = 0.602, P = 0.001) and pelvic tilt (r = 0.613, P = 0.001). SS is also correlated with lumbar lordosis (r = 0.734, P = 0.001). Conclusion The analysis of the study showed that the Type 3 AP is the sagittal profile more frequency according to the theoretical Roussouly classification in the asymptomatic Indian population.

Background Cervical sagittal alignment maintains horizontal gaze, supports the axial load of the skull, and has a reciprocal relationship to the cervicothoracic sagittal alignment. Studies are being conducted on different ethnicities, but little literature exists about cervical sagittal alignment and correlation chains in the Indian population. Therefore, we decided to study the impact of cervical and cervicothoracic alignment on horizontal gaze. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study where an asymptomatic adult population from India was enrolled between 18 and 50 years old. The following parameters were measured on lateral cervical x-ray: McGregor slope (McGS), C0–C2 angle, C1–C2 angle, C2 slope, Cervical Lordosis (CL) C2–C7, C7 slope, sagittal vertical axis C2–C7, thoracic inlet angle, neck tilt and T1 slope (T1S). The results were stratified in upper and lower cervical alignment, cervicothoracic alignment, and horizontal gaze parameters (McGS) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results One hundred and four individuals were included. C7 Slope strongly correlated with T1S (r = 0.675, P = 0.000) and a chain of correlation was found between T1S with CL: C2–C7 (r = −−0.602), then C0–C2 angle (r = −−0.483) and C1–C2 angle (r = −−0.592), finally, the McGS (Horizontal Gaze) (r = −0.709), all with P ≤≤ 0.000. The highest correlation was between the C2 Slope and T1S – CL mismatch (r = −0.946, P = 0.000). Conclusion In the Indian population, a statistically significant correlation chain was found between the upper and lower cervical alignment parameters, cervicothoracic alignment parameters, and horizontal gaze parameters. T1S and C7 Slope are the foundation for starting this correlation chain between the cervical sagittal alignment and the horizontal gaze. In addition, a very important role of the C2 Slope in the cervical sagittal alignment was observed.

Introduction Spinal trauma (STx), with or without spinal cord injury (SCI), represents a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Existing guidelines often rely on tools and resources that are not always universally available, especially in less resourced settings, contributing to disparities in care and outcomes. A pragmatic, resource-adapted approach may help optimize management in these contexts. Research question This study aimed to develop resource-adapted protocols for pre-hospital and emergency room management of STx and SCI, addressing challenges specific to LMICs while supported by clinical evidence and expert based practices. Material and methods A multidisciplinary Delphi consensus combined international evidence-based guidelines with expert opinions. Iterative discussions and voting by healthcare providers from LMICs and high-income countries (HICs) ensured the development of context-sensitive protocols. These were tailored to varying levels of training, resource availability, and healthcare infrastructure. Results The resulting protocols address key areas of pre-hospital and emergency management, including initial resuscitation, immobilization, clinical interventions, and timely referral. These protocols emphasize adaptability, providing structured plus flexible guidance for optimizing care according to specific contexts from low to high resourced clinical settings. Discussion and Conclusion The proposed protocols are not intended as gold-standard guidelines but as adaptable frameworks to guide management of STx/SCI in contexts with different availability of resources. By addressing disparities in resource availability and clinical competencies, they can serve as a foundation for local adaptations and improvements in care. Future research should evaluate their implementation and impact on outcomes.

BACKGROUND Acromegaly is caused by a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) with excessive production of growth hormone (GH), leading to multisystem complications. Previous studies have identified predictors of disease persistence following surgery and poor response to medical treatment, including tumor size, vertical and horizontal extensions of the adenoma, hyperintensity in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, granulation density, and pre- and postoperative GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. AIM To evaluate PitNET volume as a complementary prognostic factor in patients with acromegaly. METHODS This is a retrospective descriptive study with an analytical component evaluating the correlation between the volumetric analysis of GH-producing PitNETs, IGF-1 levels before and after surgery, disease control during follow-up, and the line of therapy required for disease control in a cohort of patients treated at two centers: Endocrinology Department of the Central Military Hospital and Centros Médicos Colsanitas, Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS A total of 77 patients with acromegaly (42 men, 35 women) were included in this study. The mean age at diagnosis was 42 years (standard deviation [SD]: 12), with a mean disease duration of 9.9 years (SD: 7.2). The mean pituitary tumor volume was 4358 mm³ (SD: 6291, interquartile range [IQR]: 13602). Patients with controlled acromegaly had a mean PitNET volume of 3202 mm³ (SD: 4845, 95%CI: 621-5784) compared to 5513 mm³ (SD: 7447, 95%CI: 1545-9482) in the uncontrolled group (P = 0.15). A PitNET volume exceeding 3697 mm³ was associated with a higher likelihood of requiring third or fourth-line therapy (50% vs 36%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION PitNET volume was associated with the need for higher-line therapy to manage acromegaly but did not correlate with long-term disease control or with pre- or postsurgical IGF-1 levels. Nevertheless, a trend towards an inverse relationship between tumor volume and future disease control was observed. While macroadenoma classification remains crucial, among patients with macroadenomas, those with a volume exceeding 3697 mm³ could have worse prognosis.

Correlations between fiber characteristics and the compressive, flexural-tensile, and shear strengths of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) are proposed in the literature to facilitate the code-compliant design. In this study, the correlation between flexural-tensile and direct shear stresses on plain concrete (PC) and SFRC beams and columns is evaluated. The database included 1767 data from direct shear tests of beam and column, and from four-point bending tests (4PBT) of PC and SFRC beams. Data comprised measured results from this study and from the results of other research programs published in the literature. The main characteristics of the database were fiber aspect ratios ( l f / d f between 65 and 80), fiber volume fraction ( V f between 0.25% and 2%), and compressive strength of concrete ( f′ c between 28 and 78 MPa). From the trends observed in the experimental results, an empirical equation is proposed to estimate the direct shear and flexural-tensile performance of SFRC. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the equation is a suitable tool to estimate the maximum direct shear and flexural-tensile strengths of SFRC. The correlation between shear and flexural-tensile strengths would facilitate SFRC code-compliant design.

A pseudo-multicomponent one-pot protocol for the synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted imidazolidin-2-one is described, employing trans-(R,R)-diaminocyclohexane for the in situ formation of the Schiff base, followed by reduction to produce the respective diamine and cyclization with carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). This approach utilizes statistical analysis to optimize the reaction conditions, allowing a pseudo-multicomponent protocol to be proposed. The developed method demonstrates sustainability, efficiency, and potential applications in green chemistry, achieving yields ranging from 55% to 81%. This represents a significant advance in synthesizing heterocyclic compounds with biological and pharmacological applications.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer. According to medical and biological studies, it has a high genetic complexity, thus, to differentiate the mechanisms of appearance and evolution of this disease is a difficult task. In this paper, we use three simplest and well known mathematical models to describe the behavior of several cell lines of osteosarcoma. First, we use a potential law to describe the tumor growth in immunosuppressed mice; with it we show that the variation of tumor growth has a sublinear behavior without the blow-up phenomenon. Second, the logistic model is used to obtain a good aproximation to the rates of proliferation in cell confluency in in vitro experiments. Third, we use a linear reaction-diffusion model; with it, we describe the diffusion behavior for some cell lines. These three models allow us to give a classification of cell lines according to the rates of tumor growth and proliferation and to the diffusion coefficient. A relationship is found between the rates of the tumor growth, the diffusion coefficient and tumorigenicity. Experimental data are extracted from Lauvrak et al. (British Journal of Cancer 109(8):2228–2236, 2013).

Headaches in cancer patients can indicate serious conditions such as intracranial metastases, intracranial hypertension, meningeal carcinomatosis, or treatment side effects. Clinically, these headaches often present progressively and are accompanied by neurological symptoms such as focal deficits, seizures, or altered mental status. They may worsen with maneuvers that increase intracranial pressure and often have a nocturnal predominance, showing limited response to conventional analgesics. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis using imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium, alongside a multidisciplinary approach that includes neurosurgical interventions, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, along with effective symptomatic control to enhance patients’ quality of life. In this context, we present the case of a 21-year-old patient with stage IV nonseminomatous metastatic testicular cancer involving the central nervous system. Despite receiving oncological treatment, including chemotherapy and resection of a brain lesion, the patient developed severe headaches that were refractory to standard analgesic therapy. A diagnostic block of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) was performed using transnasal bupivacaine, followed by chemical neurolysis of the right SPG with bupivacaine and 100% alcohol under fluoroscopic guidance. This intervention resulted in significant and sustained pain relief, greatly improving the patient’s quality of life. This case highlights the need for further investigation into interventional strategies for managing secondary headaches in cancer patients.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an uncommon tumor but is the most frequent soft-tissue sarcoma in children. It is classified into four histological subtypes: embryonal, alveolar, pleomorphic, and spindle cell. The alveolar subtype, common in adolescents, has the worst prognosis. Treatment of craniofacial pain in children with cancer may benefit from blocking the trigeminal and sphenopalatine ganglia, which have shown efficacy in adults and potential in children. We present the case of a 14-year-old pediatric patient with metastatic sinonasal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and severe refractory hemifacial somatic and neuropathic pain despite initial multimodal analgesia. The patient underwent neurolysis of the gasserian and sphenopalatine ganglia guided by fluoroscopy, resulting in a significant reduction in pain from 7/10 to 2/10 on the Numeric Rating Scale for pain, with sustained favorable outcomes. These types of neurolytic blocks represent promising therapeutic options for managing oncological pain in children, although further research is needed to establish standardized protocols and assess long-term outcomes.

Project management often overlooks the consideration of long-term effects that may impact sustainability transition and innovation. This paper addresses this gap by presenting an analysis that extends the traditional project life cycle model through the incorporation of a new phase, labelled “system impact”, which integrates innovation and sustainability into project management using a system dynamics methodology. To explore this extension, a simulation model is developed to analyse a solar photovoltaic (PV) power project, providing valuable insights into the systemic and dynamic impacts required for successful project outcomes, including effective benefits management and value creation. The results provide a sustainability-focused assessment of project success. Process innovation efficiency reaches its peak at 140 completed tasks, shortening the project duration from 18 to 13.25 months. This study highlights CO2 emission avoidance over 25 years compared to fossil fuel generators. Economically, despite an initial cost three times higher, the solar PV alternative proves more cost-effective in the long run, amounting to only 19% of the total cost of the fossil fuel option.