Department Of Antioquia Research Articles

Bovine leukosis virus, bovine viral diarrhea, and bovine neosporosis seroprevalence in specialized dairy herds in Antioquia-Colombia

Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bovine leukosis virus (BLV), a Deltaretrovirus. Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is an infectious disease caused by a pestivirus. Bovine neosporosis is caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Neospora caninum (Nc). These pathogens can have horizontal (postnatal) or vertical (transplacental) transmissions and affect the productive and reproductive performance of infected bovines. This work aimed to detect BLV, BVD, and Nc seroprevalence in specialized dairy cattle from the north, east, and Aburrá Valley regions of the Department of Antioquia, the highest in milk production regions in Antioquia. A total of 599 blood samples, obtained from 53 specialized dairy cattle herds, were evaluated by the ELISA test. The results revealed a seroprevalence of 41.13% for BLV (242/599), 28.48% (163/599) for Nc, and 22.7% (132/599) for BVD. Regarding the regional seroprevalence evaluation, BLV was found in 47.02% of the samples from the east, 36.87% from the north, and 46.02% from the Aburrá Valley. Nc was found in 31.03% of the samples from the east, 24.26% from the north, and 36.63% from Aburrá Valley. BVD was found in 21.62% of the samples from the east, 25.03% from the north region, and 10.39% of the samples from the Aburrá Valley. It is highlighted by these results that the north region, with the highest milk production in Antioquia, had the lowest BLV and Nc seroprevalences but the highest seroprevalence of BVD. BLV has increased in Antioquia in recent years, and as an immunosuppressive infection, opportunities for other pathogens are created by it. A significant statistical difference was found in the average prevalence of the pathogens according to the municipality, cattle breed, and region of origin of the sample. The seroprevalence of these pathogens in specialized dairy herds in Antioquia can be classified as medium-low. However, it is recommended that biosecurity practices should be maximized to avoid the spread of these pathogens due to the variability detected in the region, municipality, breed group, and herd age. The rapid and efficient diagnosis of these three pathogens through reliable methodologies will allow for the control of dissemination in dairy herds.

Immune thrombocytopenia in adults: Epidemiology, clinical course, prognostic factors in two third level institutions of Antioquia, 2012–2018: Cohort follow-up study

IntroductionPrimary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) is a hematological disorder characterized by the destruction of platelets by an immunological phenomenon. The main therapeutic objective is the rapid and sustained increase in platelet count to reduce the risk of bleeding. There are discrepancies between the prognostic factors in children and adult patients. ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic factors (clinical, laboratory, sociodemographic) for the development of chronic and persistent pITP in adults in two institutions of the Department of Antioquia 2012–2018. Materials and methodsObservational, analytical study, longitudinal design based on information obtained from a cohort of patients. Bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques (logistic regression) are used to study predictors and model development. ResultsChronic persistent pITP corresponds to 65% of patients, predominantly women (82%). There is an association with chronicity between the variables of symptom times greater than 15 days (OR: 5.45; 95% CI: 2.3–12.5), dexamethasone treatment (OR: 0.074; 95% CI: 0.023–0.23), prednisolone treatment (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.125–1.034). A predictive model was developed, including variables: time of symptoms and treatment (sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 52.94%, PPV 78%, NPV 69%), and 3 risk groups were estimated. ConclusionsThere are clinical and paraclinical factors that can predict the risk of chronicity for pITP in the adult population; these findings must be confirmed by prospective studies and external validation of the multivariate model proposed in the present investigation.

Lipid profile and oxidative stability of beef cuts from Urabá (Antioquia, Colombia): A step towards global commercialization

The commercialization of beef is an activity of great relevance for the department of Antioquia (Colombia), particularly in the Urabá region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the fat content, lipid composition, and some indicators of lipid oxidation and protein in beef from the Urabá region. 72 samples of beef cuts (loin and neck) of categories 3, 4 and 5 stars were analyzed. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the fat content of cuts from the neck (11.64 ± 7.25 %) and loin (10.49 ± 5.60 %), or in the amount of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fat. There was no difference between the samples evaluated for lipid oxidation (TBARS). The lowest protein oxidation (4.48 ± 0.21 nmol carbonyl compounds/mg protein) and peroxide values (2.71 ± 0.12 mEq oxygen/kg sample) coincided with the samples with the lowest total fat content. The results provide tools for establishing quality standards for meat from this region that will allow it to enter new markets in the future.

Scenarios to promote territorial innovation systems in agri-food value chains: case of cocoa in Colombia

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of the research was to propose probable scenarios for the year 2030 for the cocoa value chain in the department of Antioquia (Colombia), based on functional approach to analysing territorial innovation systems (TIS). Methodology TIS in the cocoa value chain was analysed by comparing two rural municipalities as case studies, where different actors respectively participated. Prospective analysis approach, Delphi method, MICMAC program and morphological analysis were combined for the construction of scenarios. Findings Case study comparison indicates that analysis at the territorial level is an appropriate perspective to identify key aspects of the TIS functions that lead to different scenarios for promoting local innovation in agri-food value chains. The results provide specific scenarios including short-, medium- and long-term strategies for the promotion of territorial innovation systems. Practical implications This approach has the potential for multiple heterogeneous TIS actors to explore different innovation pathways and prospective scenarios that contribute to action planning to reduce uncertainty and promote innovation in TIS. Theoretical implications This study contributes with a new way of approaching the functions of TIS, where dynamics that occur in the local geography are highlighted. Also based on the prospective analysis, scenarios are configured that arise from a set of aspects analysed by local and external actors of the territories. Originality/value The study generates important knowledge about TIS and the functional approach regarding the design of prospective scenarios to promote innovation in agri-food value chains.

New records of Basilia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1903 (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea: Nycteribiidae) from Colombia

The Nycteribiidae is a group of ectoparasitic and hematophagous flies associated with bats and barely known in Colombia. The revision of previously collected material and additional fieldwork through various regions in Colombia let us to identify various fly species and their associated bats. Particularly, this is the first record of the species Basilia tiptoni Guimarães, 1966, for Colombia, collected on the bat Gardnerycteris keenani (Handley, 1960) (Mammalia: Chiroptera), from the Antioquia and Sucre departments. Additionally, and as a new geographic and host record, the species Basilia ferrisi Schuurmans Stekhoven, Jr., 1931 was found on the bat Eptesicus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) from the Sucre department.

A Brief History Of Ophthalmology In Antioquia Department at the University of Antioquia (1960-2020)

This is a brief summary of the beginnings of Ophthalmology in Antioquia Department. I will cover from the last twenty years of XIX century until the last current years. Several outstanding medical professionals that were educated in Europe return to the city of Medellin capital of the Antioquia Department. These medical professionals have significant contributions to the field of Ophthalmology. Around 1960 Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology became independent services and academic programs within the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Antioquia. The new independent academic program of Ophthalmology became one of the best programs at the University of Antioquia. A profile of the most outstanding Ophthalmologist of the last 60 years is presented, as well as the outstanding figures since the end of the 19th century. The Ophthalmologists that were and have been part of the faculty are remember for the knowledge that instilled to the present and future generations of Ophthalmologists.

An updated catalogue of the Collembola (Hexapoda) from Colombia and a perspective for unexplored richness.

An updated catalog of Collembola nominal species recorded in Colombia is herein provided, including two new records for the country: Entomobrya linda Soto-Adames, 2002 and Folsomides centralis (Denis, 1931), both found in Reserva Natural Mesenia - Paramillo (Antioquia Department). The data were obtained from the original descriptions, as well as secondary records surveyed until December 2022. I considered localities whose studies contained identification at generic level, but disregarded those who only contained records at family level. For each species, its type locality and general distribution were provided, in addition to the site of record in Colombia, which were plotted on a map. I also present the cumulative number of nominal species recorded and described from Colombia from 1929 to 2022. Colombia has now 38 nominal species (20 endemic) in 21 genera (one endemic, plus 19 without nominal species) and 16 families of Collembola distributed in 22 sites of the 11 departments and five regions. Of this total of families, Bourletiellidae, Collophoridae, Hypogastruridae and Sminthuridae only has generic records, no nominal species. Based on these data, an estimate of the species richness was made suggesting that at the current rate of species records, to recognize 231 to 250 more species (6-7 species every 10 years), it will take about 300 years, and even so this time will not be sufficient to unveil the real fauna of Collembola of the country. For that reason, these results suggest that the Collembola fauna from Colombia is still underestimated in relation to other countries from South America.

Range extensions for <i>Alopoglossus vallensis</i> (Squamata: Alopoglossidae) in the Central Andes of Colombia

The lizard Alopoglossus vallensis (family Alopoglossidae) has been historically recorded in the Cauca River Valley and the western Andes (departments of Cauca and Valle del Cauca) of Colombia. Based on a review of specimens in biological collections, we report northern and southern range extensions for the species, including the first records from the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda in the Central Andes of Colombia. These new records also expand the known elevational range and climatic tolerances of A. vallensis.

Molecular prevalence of Bovine Leukemia Virus in specialized dairies in the department of Antioquia, Colombia

Dairy production systems are a sensitive sector of the primary economy frequently affected by pathogens that negatively impact production parameters, the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) one of these. In this study, the molecular prevalence of BLV was determined in the specialized dairy sector of Antioquia using the viral marker of the envelope gene (env). Blood samples were taken from 575 bovines from specialized dairies in Antioquia distributed in 53 herds and located in the three specialized milk production areas of Antioquia (north, east, and Valle de Aburrá). DNA extraction was performed by salting out, and a nested PCR was performed to detect the env gene. The products were visualized on a 2% agarose gel with GelRed as an intercalator. A molecular prevalence of BLV of 17.0% in animals and 71.7% in herds were found, being Valle de Aburrá the area where the highest rate of positive animals was obtained (21.1%), unlike the northern area with the lowest rate (15.6%). The molecular prevalence of BLV in this study is lower than that of previous studies in the department, which ranged between 47 and 73%, and this may be associated with factors of breed resistance, the age of the animals, or management practices in the herds. These results can contribute to creating BLV control strategies and optimizing milk production in the department of Antioquia, being relevant to paying attention to the behavior of this pathogen under different production system conditions.

Schnella madeleinae (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae), a new species with entire leaves from the Magdalena River Valley of Colombia

Schnella madeleinae, a new species of liana with entire leaves from the Magdalena River Valley of Colombia, is described, illustrated, and aspects related to its distribution, conservation status, and relationships with morphologically similar species are discussed. Schnella madeleinae is characterized by the presence of heteromorphic petals in which the three superior petals are wider (4.5–5.0 × 2.5–3.0 mm) with respect to the two inferiors (5–6 × 2.0–2.5 mm) and oblong laterally compressed legumes of 5.0–6.5 × 1–2 cm. This new species is only known from five localities in the departments of Antioquia and Bolivar. Additionally, a key to the species of the entire leaves of the Schnella sect. Schnella is presented.

Post-Digital Learning for Rural Development: A Case Study of Open Biotec MOOCs in Colombia

This research presents an experience of post-digital learning of biotechnology in rural areas in Colombia by implementing a massive open online course (MOOC) for biotechnology education called Open Biotec. The objective was to improve Colombian rural development by creating learning communities around five topics: waste management, environmental biotechnology, bioprocesses, alternative energies, and bio-entrepreneurship. The study utilized various methods, including a socioeconomic diagnosis of a subregion of the department of Antioquia, Colombia, and the creation of MOOCs using the Action Research methodology. The pilot test of the training route in biotechnology involved the progressive development of the MOOC courses that comprise it. Around 918 students from rural areas were trained, and statistical analysis showed that the average grade of the students increased significantly from 6.13 to 7.53 and the median from 6.15 to 8.00. The study results demonstrate how the learning experience designed in the Open Biotec MOOC increases the degree of knowledge of students in this field of biotechnology, offering an opportunity to establish sustainable learning communities with participation and collaborative action mediated by virtual tools. The study concludes that rural education in Colombia could be strengthened with a training strategy for rural communities supported by MOOCs focused on the responsible use of local biodiversity from a biotechnological perspective.

Development of a fermented dairy dressing made of chili peppers with the addition of Antioquian “quesito” whey

From the elaboration of “quesito”, a representative product of the department of Antioquia, a residual product, known as whey, is obtained. This by-product contains very important nutritional qualities, but it is largely discarded in soils and rivers, which alters and contaminates ecosystems. In response, the effect of sweet whey on the quality properties in terms of acceptance of a dressing was evaluated. Milk was replaced with 60% and 100% by whey. In the formulation of the two treatments, 50% of the initial seasoning type “suero costeño” and 50% of Antioquia “quesito” were included. The data supplied in the different determinations were statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a significance level of 0.05. No significant differences were found in the acceptance test between the two treatments. The formulation where all the milk was replaced by sweet whey obtained comments of high levels of acceptance in consumers. Throughout this test physicochemical and microbiological characteristic were also evaluated. Finally, it was included in traditional preparations.

Filling gaps in the knowledge of the Colombian Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae): new records, description of unknown males, and taxonomical notes

Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are parasitoids and a natural enemy of a wide range of holometabolous insects and spiders and are considered one of the largest families in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, there are great gaps in the knowledge of this family in Colombia. This study aims to expand the knowledge of Darwin wasps in Colombia, through new records for the country and especially the department of Antioquia. We present the diagnosis and digital images of the recorded species, and we describe for the first time the males of three species of Dolichomitus Smith, 1877: D. mariajosae Araujo & Pádua, 2020; D. menai Araujo & Pádua, 2020; D. orejuelai Araujo & Pádua, 2020.

Envisioning Paths Towards Peacebuilding in Foreign Language Teacher Education

In a country struggling to emerge from the shadows of a relentless armed conflict, where media manipulation puts a stable reconciliation process at risk, foreign language educators are called on to act. This article presents the results of a study conducted with three foreign language students tudying in one of the sites of a public university in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, located in a region affected by cultural, structural, direct, and ecological violence. The study resorted to critical peace education and critical media literacy theories as well as to local contributions from a pedagogy of memory to foster critical consciousness about the armed conflict in Colombia. Data collection methods included a survey, recordings of class discussions, samples of students' work, and individual and group interviews. Data showed that the participants reflected critically on the role of different war agents, increased their capacity to question media messages, recognized the relevance of including the victims’ voices, and created counter-texts to contest dominant narratives about the conflict. Findings confirm the urgent need to prepare future foreign language educators to respond to their learners’ harsh social realities and exert their agency to generate transformations. They also highlight the need to do more interdisciplinary work in ELT and to value the contributions of local knowledge that helps us both understand the dynamics of violence in our contexts and envision possibilities for peacebuilding in Colombia.

Produção e qualidade de fruto de abacateiro cultivado a diferentes densidades de plantio na Colômbia

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the effect of planting densities on the yield and quality of 'Hass' avocado (Persea americana) in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three replicates. The treatments were six plant densities (204, 278, 333, 400, 625, and 816 trees per hectare) with five harvest seasons, and each experimental unit consisted of six nine-year-old trees. The highest fruit yield is obtained at 333 and 400 trees per hectare. The main harvest represents 70% (18 Mg ha-1) of the annual production, whereas the secondary (mitaca) harvest represents 30% (5.25 Mg ha-1). Yield per tree and number of avocado fruits per tree are negatively affected by the increase in planting densities. In addition, fruit quality parameters show better results at intermediate planting densities of 333 and 400 trees per hectare, with the highest ratios of mesocarp and the lowest of seed, both in fresh and dry weight.

Three new species of Stenospermation (Araceae) from Central Andes in Colombia

Three new species of Stenospermation from Central Andes in Colombia are described: Stenospermation albifolium Castaño-Rubiano, S. melidae Castaño-Rubiano & Sierra-Giraldo and S. selvaflorensis Castaño-Rubiano, L. Ibañez & A. Zuluaga. The species are distributed in the eastern zone of Caldas and Antioquia departments, in Natural National Park Selva de Florencia, and in forest near to corregimiento de Berlin (Samaná-Caldas), at elevations between 653 and 1700 m a.s.l., as well as in Carmen del Vivoral (Antioquia) at 1087 m a.s.l. The new species are compared with the morphologically closest taxa and comments are made on their phenology.

High prevalence of Leishmania spp. in dogs from Central West Colombia.

Leishmaniasis is a widespread disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania. In Colombia, this zoonosis is endemic in rural areas with a high prevalence in the departments of Antioquia, Santander, Meta, Tolima and Nariño. Dogs are the most important domestic reservoirs of the pathogen, given the epidemiological importance of dogs in the control of leishmaniasis is needed to determine the prevalence of Leishmania spp. in canine population of the rural area of Ibagué and to identify potential risk factors related to the presence of this parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 173 dogs from the rural area of Ibagué. Leishmania spp. was detected by amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS-1) and two regions of the hsp70 gene through PCR. Factor associations were calculated through the Chisquare and odds ratio. Prevalence of Leishmania spp. infection in dogs was of 91.33% (158/173), where 36.71% (58/158) of the Leishmania spp. positive dogs showed one or more clinical signs of canine leishmaniasis and 63.29% (100/158) of the dogs were asymptomatic. Factors associated with the presence of the parasite did not show significance. In addition, hsp70D-PCR was proved to be highly efficient for the detection of Leishmania spp.

High genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Staphylococcus aureus strains recovered from bovine intramammary infections in Colombians dairy herds

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitis has become a fundamental tool to understand its complex epidemiology and to evaluate spillover events. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of genotypes of the S. aureus strains isolated from intramammary infections by spa typing technique, and to evaluate the association between genotypes and the ability to form biofilm under in vitro conditions. Sixty-six strains of S. aureus recovered from bovines intramammary infections on 56 dairy herds located in 14 municipalities of the department of Antioquia were characterized. The majority of strains (65/66) were isolated from milk samples collected from dairy cows with subclinical intramammary infections. Nineteen different spa types were found in this study, t521 (19.70%), t267 (15.15%), and t605 (12.12%) being the most frequent. The strains from the t605 spa type showed the highest biofilm production. The high frequency of spa types with zoonotic potential found in this study, identified cattle as an important reservoir of theses clones for people in close proximity, such as milkers and consumers of unpasteurized dairy products.

Identification of Hazard and Socio-Demographic Patterns of Dengue Infections in a Colombian Subtropical Region from 2015 to 2020: Cox Regression Models and Statistical Analysis.

Dengue is a disease of high interest for public health in the affected localities. Dengue virus is transmitted by Aedes species and presents hyperendemic behaviors in tropical and subtropical regions. Colombia is one of the countries most affected by the dengue virus in the Americas. Its central-west region is a hot spot in dengue transmission, especially the Department of Antioquia, which has suffered from multiple dengue outbreaks in recent years (2015-2016 and 2019-2020). In this article, we perform a retrospective analysis of the confirmed dengue cases in Antioquia, discriminating by both subregions and dengue severity from 2015 to 2020. First, we conduct an exploratory analysis of the epidemic data, and then a statistical survival analysis is carried out using a Cox regression model. Our findings allow the identification of the hazard and socio-demographic patterns of dengue infections in the Colombian subtropical region of Antioquia from 2015 to 2020.

Distribution of Pudu mephistophiles (sensu stricto) in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru: A maximum entropy model approach

Pudu mephistophiles (Northern Pudu) inhabits the Andean regions of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Studies on the reports of its occurrence are scarce and tend not to be up to date, making it difficult to analyze or carry out research on its populations and conservation status. In this study, we collected information on the presence of the northern population of P. mephistophiles (sensu stricto) to predict its potential distribution using a maximum entropy model. According to our results, we conclude that P. mephistophiles (sensu stricto) occurs along the Cordillera Central (Central mountain range) in Colombia, south of the Department of Antioquia and mainly in the Departments of Nariño and Cauca, and in apparently small areas of the Cordillera Occidental (Western mountain range); there are no confirmed records in the Cordillera Oriental (Eastern mountain range). In Ecuador, the species occurs in the provinces of Carchi, Loja, and Zamora Chinchipe; it also inhabits the extreme north of Peru, in the Department of Cajamarca. The main variables that determine the areas of distribution of P. mephistophiles were minimum temperature of the coldest month (BIO6), annual mean temperature (BIO1), and precipitation seasonality (BIO15). This information was contrasted with the known distribution of the species, a requirement for obtaining baseline knowledge to promote research and the conservation of this species.