Universidad del Norte

We report a case of acute/subacute form of paracoccidioidomycosis in a Venezuelan migrant confirmed by the detection of the typical "pilot wheel / mariner's wheel" or "Mickey Mouse" appearance of the budding yeast form of Paracoccidioides in biopsies of a cervical lymph node and a skin lesion.

Why do organised criminal groups (OCGs) resort to dismemberment – a costly and resource-intensive practice – rather than simpler targeted killings? This article challenges the notion that such brutal violence is solely a byproduct of inter-criminal rivalries or efforts to conceal violence. Instead, we argue that dismemberments serve to entrench criminal governance regimes. By publicising these acts and/or the reasons behind them, criminal groups are demarcating the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and reinforcing their system of norms and punishments. Dismemberments serve as communicative violence targeting three audiences: rivals, group members and civilians. We demonstrate the logic of this argument through an original qualitative dataset of dismemberment cases in Barranquilla, Colombia, and multiple interviews gathered during over five years of fieldwork. This article contributes to understanding the mechanisms of extra-lethal violence that sustain criminal governance in Latin American cities.

Past research has linked sociosexuality and flirting skills to different types of singlehood. Individuals with unrestricted sociosexuality are less likely to enter long-term relationships or experience involuntary singlehood, whereas shyness and low self-confidence are common reasons for involuntary singlehood. However, existing studies tend to focus solely on direct associations between sociosexuality, courtship behaviors, and singlehood status, overlooking potential interaction effects among these factors. In this cross-sectional study of 816 Colombian young adults (487 women and 329 men), we examined whether flirting self-efficacy beliefs mediate the relationship between sociosexuality and singlehood status. Multinomial logistic regression models indicated that higher levels of unrestricted sociosexuality and greater perceived flirting self-efficacy were associated with a decreased likelihood of reporting singlehood due to difficulty finding a partner. Moreover, structural equation models demonstrated that flirting self-efficacy mediates the relationship between sociosexuality and singlehood status. These findings underscore the importance of flirting self-efficacy in the mating process and illuminate pathways through which sociosexuality influences singlehood status in the Latin American context.

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a significant public health concern in several tropical and subtropical regions, where early and rapid detection is crucial for effective patient management and controlling the spread of the disease. Particularly in resource-limited, rural healthcare settings where dengue is endemic, there exists a need for diagnostic methods that are both easy to perform and highly sensitive. Objective: This study focuses on the development and validation of a single-tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification termed TURN-RT-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of DENV. Methodology: The TURN-RT-LAMP assay designed in this study combines two sets of primers targeting the 5′- and 3′-UTR of DENV, with the aim to increase the sensitivity of detection. Results: Clinical validation of the TURN-RT-LAMP assay using samples collected from febrile individuals with a serological or antigenic diagnosis revealed a sensitivity of >96%. The performance of this assay was statistically compared with that of the standard diagnostic method, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Conclusions: The results support the potential of RT-LAMP as a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for the diagnosis and surveillance of dengue, particularly suitable for field use in low-resource settings.

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) are among the most threatened ecosystems in Colombia and globally. Characterized by distinct dry and wet seasons, TDFs support a rich diversity of flora and fauna and offer crucial ecosystem services, despite facing significant threats such as deforestation, urbanization and climate change. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of insect diversity within an urban TDF area in Puerto Colombia, Atlántico and in the Colombian Caribbean, by comparing three traditional sampling methods: Malaise traps, pitfall traps, and canopy fogging. In total, 3,135 insects were collected, representing 413 morphospecies across various trophic guilds. Our findings indicate that Malaise traps were the most effective in capturing a diverse range of species, followed by pitfall traps, while canopy fogging yielded the lowest species richness. Each method captured unique species, demonstrating that these methods are complementary in capturing the full spectrum of insect diversity in TDFs. Additionally, our study contributes valuable data on the taxonomic and functional diversity of insects in this continuously threatened ecosystem, underscoring the need for conservation efforts in urban and peri-urban TDFs.

Purpose The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument (AGREE II) was developed to enhance the methodological rigor of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), aiming to generate trustworthy recommendations for various clinical scenarios. Despite its importance, there exists a gap in the quality of CPGs pertaining to Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS-TEN). The aim of the study was to evaluate SJS-TEN CPGs to shed light on areas for enhancing SJS-TEN guidelines’ quality. Materials and methods A systematic review was conducted to identify SJS-TEN CPGs from January 2011 to December 2023 across bibliographic and guideline databases, as well as dermatology association websites. Four reviewers employed the AGREE II instrument to appraise the quality of eligible CPGs. Subsequently, AGREE II domain scores were calculated and their recommendations mapped. Results and Conclusions Seven eligible SJS-TEN CPGs reviewed, originating from Europe, North America, Asia, and an authorship Group. The highest AGREE II domain scores were observed in scope and purpose (mean: 63%, standard deviation [SD]: 23.195%) and clarity of presentation (mean: 70%, SD: 14.5%). Conversely, the lowest score was noted in the applicability domain (mean: 28%, SD: 17.44%). Only two guidelines by the British Association of Dermatologists (28.6%) met the ‘recommend’ level. Recommendations from all CPGs were compared in tabular form.

This research examines how role models and entrepreneurial support distinctly affect the entrepreneurial intention of female vs male students in five universities located in South and Central America. Moreover, it examines how gender is related to variables such as entrepreneurial exposure, capability, intention, and subjective norms. We surveyed 1,213 undergraduate students in business-related fields using a correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional design. We conducted an univariate and bivariate descriptive statistical analysis, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess various correlations and causal relationships. Our findings indicate that factors influencing entrepreneurial intention may differ between female and male students. Specifically, exposure to support services and role models may affect the entrepreneurial intention of female students differently than male students. Additionally, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms may not be positively correlated with entrepreneurial intention for either gender. This study provides insights into how entrepreneurial knowledge, capabilities, subjective norms, and intentions vary by gender in Latin American countries, contributing to the existing literature. It also offers gender-sensitive managerial recommendations to promote entrepreneurship in the region.

This paper studies the ceramics recovered during archaeological missions carried out between 2000 and 2004 at the Santo Domingo convent in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. We explore the morphotypological and chronological characteristics of the ceramics used during the Early Modern era, shedding light on their typological evolution over time. We analyzed the city's supply patterns within the context of the intensive interactions between Europe and the Americas. Finally, we examine the socio economic and cultural dynamics of the city, focusing on the relationship between the Native American population, European settlers, and enslaved Africans.

The rise in multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights the critical need for novel antibiotics. This study explores clovibactin-like compounds as potential therapeutic agents targeting lipid II, a crucial component in bacterial cell wall synthesis, using in silico techniques. A total of 2624 clovibactin analogs were sourced from the PubChem database and screened using ProTox 3.0 software based on their ADME-Tox properties, prioritizing candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and minimal toxicity. Molecular docking protocols were then employed to assess the binding interactions of the selected compounds with lipid II. Our analysis identified Compound 22 as a particularly promising candidate, exhibiting strong binding affinity, stable complex formation, and high selectivity for the target. Binding energy analysis, conducted via molecular dynamics simulations, revealed a highly negative value of −25.50 kcal/mol for Compound 22, surpassing that of clovibactin and underscoring its potential efficacy. In addition, Compound 22 was prioritized due to its exceptional binding affinity to lipid II and its favorable ADME-Tox properties, suggesting a lower likelihood of adverse effects. These characteristics position Compound 22 as a promising candidate for further pharmacological development. While our computational results are encouraging, experimental validation is essential to confirm the efficacy and safety of these compounds. This study not only advances our understanding of clovibactin analogs but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance through innovative antibiotic development.

Purpose Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a rare malignant myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. Ocular manifestations in CML are infrequent but can be the initial indicators of the disease. We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient with suspected hyperviscosity syndrome secondary to CML, based on fundus findings and supported by multimodal imaging. Methods Multimodal imaging was performed to assess the ocular manifestations, before and after treatment. Results The patient presented with posterior segment findings consistent with hyperviscosity syndrome, including retinal hemorrhages, vascular dilation, and tortuosity as demonstrated by multimodal imaging techniques. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis of CML, and treatment with hydroxyurea, allopurinol, and imatinib led to a significant improvement in visual acuity and resolution of posterior segment findings. Conclusion Ocular manifestations in CML vary widely and include both anterior and posterior segment involvement. Regular ophthalmic examinations are essential for the early detection of relapses or complications. This case underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and hematologists for the timely diagnosis and management of ocular manifestations in CML.

In contrast to the common final rising pattern of Mainstream English yes/no questions, these questions may be produced with a final rising then falling intonation in parts of Central and Western Pennsylvania (PA). Researchers have suggested that this pattern is pragmatically conditioned, used either when a particular response is expected, or when the speaker wishes to communicate the answer is not-at-issue. While previous work on this regional final rise-fall pattern has been limited to observations of spontaneous speech, this paper presents the results of a pair of production and perception experiments aimed at obtaining a more detailed characterization of its acoustic correlates and testing hypotheses regarding its pragmatic conditioning. The results replicate and extend previous findings, illustrating highly variable fluctuations in fundamental frequency across yes/no question tokens that share a final rise-fall pattern, and a tendency toward using this pattern to imply that the speaker already has some idea of what the answer to the question will be. Comparison of the perceptions of speakers from Central PA with speakers from outside the Midland Dialect region suggests that pragmatic knowledge of this intonational variant may be region-specific. The results are discussed in the context of recent work in which intonation is shown to be a marker of social group or region, providing an example where regional intonational variation appears to be shaped at least in part by pragmatic meaning.

The ArcAB two-component system includes a histidine kinase sensor (ArcB) and a regulator (ArcA) that respond to changes in cell oxygen availability. The ArcA transcription factor activates genes related to metabolism, membrane permeability, and virulence, and its presence is required for pathogenicity in Salmonella Typhimurium, which can be phosphorylated independently of its cognate sensor, ArcB. In this study, we aimed to characterize the transcriptional response to hypochlorous acid (HOCl) mediated by the presence of the ArcB sensor. HOCl is a powerful microbicide widely used for sanitization in industrial settings. We used wild-type S. Typhimurium and the mutant lacking the arcB gene exposed to NaOCl to describe the global transcriptional response. We also infected murine neutrophils to evaluate the expression levels of relevant genes related to the resistance and infection process while facing ROS-related stress. Our results indicate that the absence of the arcB gene significantly affects the ability of S. Typhimurium to grow under HOCl stress. Overall, 6.6% of Salmonella genes varied their expression in the mutant strains, while 8.6% changed in response to NaOCl. The transcriptional response associated with the presence of ArcB is associated with metabolism and virulence, suggesting a critical role in pathogenicity and fitness, especially under ROS-related stress. Our results show that ArcB influences the expression of genes associated with fatty acid degradation, protein secretion, cysteine and H2S biosynthesis, and translation, both in vitro and under conditions found within neutrophils. We found that protein carbonylation is significantly higher in the mutant strain than in the wild type, suggesting a critical function for ArcB in the response and repair processes. This study contributes to the understanding of the pathogenicity and adaptation mechanisms that Salmonella employs to establish a successful infection in its host.

This study explores the distribution and frequency of explicit performatives within the Old Saxon and Old High German corpora. Focusing on instances with verbs with meanings such as 'request,' 'command,' 'advise,' and 'entreat,' the analysis reveals a partial similarity between the two corpora, particularly in their portrayal of asymmetrical social relationships in religious texts. The findings indicate that higher-ranked addressers, such as God and Jesus, predominantly use verbs of 'commanding' and 'instructing,' while lower-ranked addressers, mainly believers, employ verbs for 're-questing' and 'begging.' A comparison with explicit performatives in Old English show a similar use of explicit performatives in these diachronic varieties, likely reflecting common practices in the use of this type of directives. Additionally, the absence of verbs for 'advising' or 'suggesting' used in explicit performatives aligns with findings in Old English, pointing to a preference for verbs that clearly delineate power dynamics within the texts. This study contributes to our understanding of historical pragmatic variation and the linguistic practices represented in early Germanic texts, offering insights into the portrayal of social hierarchies and power relationships in fictive religious writings.

Sea surface temperature (SST) plays a pivotal role in air–sea interactions, with implications for climate, weather, and marine ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Caribbean Sea, where upwelling and dynamic oceanographic processes significantly influence biodiversity and fisheries. This study evaluates the performance of foundational models, Chronos and Lag-Llama, in forecasting SST using 22 years (2002–2023) of high-resolution satellite-derived and in situ data. The Chronos model, leveraging zero-shot learning and tokenization methods, consistently outperformed Lag-Llama across all forecast horizons, demonstrating lower errors and greater stability, especially in regions of moderate SST variability. The Chronos model’s ability to forecast extreme upwelling events is assessed, and a description of such events is presented for two regions in the southern Caribbean upwelling system. The Chronos forecast resembles SST variability in upwelling regions for forecast horizons of up to 7 days, providing reliable short-term predictions. Beyond this, the model exhibits increased bias and error, particularly in regions with strong SST gradients and high variability associated with coastal upwelling processes. The findings highlight the advantages of foundational models, including reduced computational demands and adaptability across diverse tasks, while also underscoring their limitations in regions with complex physical oceanographic phenomena. This study establishes a benchmark for SST forecasting using foundational models and emphasizes the need for hybrid approaches integrating physical principles to improve accuracy in dynamic and ecologically critical regions.

Background Adjustment disorder (AD) is common among medically ill patients, yet current evaluation methods do not address the specific characteristics in this population. This study aimed to develop a measurement scale for AD in medically ill patients in Colombia and to find evidence of its validity and reliability. Methods This was a scale development and validation study. In the first qualitative phase, items were developed. In the second phase, the content validity of each item was evaluated by patients and clinicians. In the third phase, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and convergent construct validity were assessed. Items were analyzed using a generalized partial credit model within an item response theory framework. Results The Adjustment Disorder Scale for Medically Ill Patients (ETAM, for its acronym in Spanish) was developed, comprising 20 items that address the free description of stressful situations in the last 15 days and mental symptoms attributed to them. Evidence of content validity was found. The scale was administered to 512 medically ill patients, revealing a three-dimensional structure: 1) “AD Symptoms”, 2) “Impact on Self-Care”, and 3) “Impact on Desire to Live”. Internal consistency was adequate, with McDonald’s omega of 0.95 and Cronbach’s alpha between 0.82 and 0.92 for its dimensions. ETAM had high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98). Criterion validity evidence was obtained with an independent psychiatrist’s diagnosis, with an AUROC of 0.99, and convergent validity was consistent with hypotheses of correlation with other instruments with similar constructs. Discrimination and difficulty parameters were calculated for each item. Conclusion The ETAM is a scale with evidence of validity and reliability that can be used for the diagnosis of AD in medically ill patients in Colombia.