University Of Antioquia Research Articles

Natalia Acosta-Baena: The genetic gap between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration

Dr. Natalia Acosta-Baena embodies the rare confluence of clinical and basic science expertise that modern neuroscience demands. As a physician-scientist at the University of Antioquia's Neurosciences Group, she combines her medical training with a master's in clinical epidemiology and doctoral studies in basic biomedical sciences, specializing in Genetics. Her groundbreaking work began with contributing to characterize the world's largest population affected by autosomal dominant genetic Alzheimer's disease (mutation E280A in PSEN1), establishing a foundation for numerous studies on biomarkers, clinical trial design, and genetic modifiers in this pivotal cohort. In a landmark discovery, Dr. Acosta-Baena's research revealed a novel syndrome linked to a SPAG9 variant, demonstrating how a single gene involved in neuronal retrograde transport can drive neurodevelopmental problems and neurodegeneration in affected patients. This finding challenges the traditional separation between these processes and suggests shared biological pathways. Through her continued work with families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, she has uncovered genetic networks that reshape our understanding of rare brain diseases. Her current translational medicine and genetic epidemiology research focuses on further exploring these unexpected connections between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. In a Genomic Press Interview, Dr. Acosta-Baena shared her life beyond the laboratory – from her early fascination with the human brain to finding joy in Colombia's mountain sunsets with her husband and son and drawing inspiration from Latin American writers like Cortázar and García Márquez. Her dedication to scientific rigor and human connection is reflected in her philosophy that each failure teaches something essential as she works toward translating genetic discoveries into meaningful healthcare policies and personalized medicine approaches.

A Step-by-Step Methodology for Obtaining the Reliability of Building Microgrids Using Fault TreeAnalysis

This paper introduces an improved methodology designed to address a practical deficit of existing methodologies by incorporating circuit-level analysis in the assessment of building microgrid reliability. The scientific problem at hand involves devising a systematic approach that integrates circuit modeling, Probability Density Function (PDF) selection, formulation of reliability functions, and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) tailored specifically for the distinctive features of building microgrids. This method entails analyzing inter-component relationships to gain comprehensive insights into system behavior. By harnessing the circuit models and theoretical framework proposed herein, precise estimations of microgrid failure rates can be attained. To complement this approach, we propose a thorough investigation utilizing reliability curves and importance measures, providing valuable insights into individual device failure probabilities over time. Such time-based analysis plays a crucial role in proactively identifying potential failures and facilitating efficient maintenance planning for microgrid devices. We demonstrate the application of this methodology to the University of Antioquia (UdeA) Microgrid, a low-voltage system comprising critical components such as solar panels, microinverters, inverters/chargers, batteries, and charge controllers.

Crónica sobre la cirugía en Antioquia. Tercera entrega.

Based on personal interviews, records from the Study Group on the History of Surgery in Antioquia, original documents, and a correspondence exchange between doctors Bernardo Ochoa Arizmendi and Jorge Emilio Restrepo Gaviria, a historical account is provided on the founding of the Department of Surgery at the University of Antioquia and the San Vicente de Paúl University Hospital in Medellin, Colombia, during the 1950s and 1960s.

Efficacy and Safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil In De Novo Renal Transplantation in a Retrospective Cohort of Transplant Recipients in Colombia—Esmitren Study

To describe and establish the efficacy and safety of Mycophenolate Mofetil (Micoflavin) in patients with de novo renal transplantation during one-year post-transplant follow-up. As secondary objectives, the behavior of mycophenolic acid (MPA) C0 levels in this population, the relationship between MPA levels and renal function of the grafts, the incidence of acute rejection, and the incidence of adverse effects were evaluated. A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients who received a first kidney transplant from a deceased donor between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, at the Alma Mater of Antioquia Hospital of the Antioquia's University, in Medellín, Colombia. MPA C0 levels were taken from the patients on days 15, 30, 90, 180, and 360 after the kidney transplantation. Patients presented MPA therapeutic levels in the study. The average of the MPA levels in the population was 2.5 µg/mL, with an IQR of 2.13 to 3.32. There were 5 acute rejections (27%), but none of the patients with acute rejection presented subtherapeutic levels of mycophenolate. No significant relationship was observed between mycophenolic acid levels and rejection (P = .255). The patients who completed the study had no gastrointestinal intolerance to mycophenolate, cytomegalovirus infections, or significant hematological complications. MMF (Micoflavin) maintained mycophenolic acid levels C0 within the therapeutic range, was well tolerated and without the presence of significant adverse events, and maintained stable renal function throughout the follow-up period in the population studied.

Equine anatomy with body painting: a model for the learning of topographic anatomy

The teaching of anatomy faces new challenges due to the decrease in the number of hours dedicated to this course in the current curricula worldwide, and because today's students demand new methodologies and strategies that make learning more didactic, effective, and applicable to real professional needs. The body painting technique is a method that has been used for several years in human anatomy teaching, which has recently begun to be used in veterinary anatomy teaching. This article describes the elaboration of a horse’s live anatomical model by students of the veterinary anatomy course using body painting, within the “Exhibition and Contest of Anatomical Models, a six-monthly event held at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences of the University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia). The model was made to show the academic community an alternative way of approaching topographic and surface anatomy with an applied focus through a more didactic and understandable methodology for the student. This article also shows the surface anatomy of various horses’ body systems through the body painting technique. This learning methodology has great acceptance among students and is currently used within the practices of the new curriculum of the Veterinary Anatomy course at the University of Antioquia.

Effect of pressure and supply configuration on mixing efficiency through Venturi effect for co2/h2- ch4/h2 mixtures in Power-To-Gas process: CFD analysis

Introduction: The present article is one of the outcomes of the project “Desarrollo de un sistema “power to gas” (PTG) en el contexto de las fuentes de energía renovables y convencionales disponible en la Guajira” This project was carried out by the University of Antioquia and the University of La Guajira during the period 2019-2023. Problem: Efficiency and uniformity in gas mixing for Power-to-Gas applications are influenced by pressure varia- tions and supply configurations. Objective: To assess the impact of pressure variations and supply configurations on the efficiency of the Venturi mixing process, utilizing indicators such as the Z-factor and the coefficient of variation (CoV). Methodology: Numerical simulations were conducted for four mixer configurations. For CO2/H2 mixtures, pressures of 1 bar (case i) and 4 bars (case ii) were considered; for CH4/H2 mixtures, pressures of 3 bars (case i) and 35 bars (case ii) were studied. Results: As the inlet gas pressure increases, uniformity decreases for both mixtures. Horizontal H2 feeding improves CO2/H2 uniformity, while vertical feeding benefits CH4/H2 mixing. The mixer reduces CoV by an average of 80% for CO2/H2. For CH4/H2 mixtures at 3 bars, there is a 60% reduction, but at 35 bars, coefficients increase by 56%. Conclusion: Pressure and supply configuration significantly influence the mixing process, underscoring the impor- tance of considering these factors in Power-to-Gas applications. Originality: The study explores the Venturi mixing process in specific gas mixtures for Power-to-Gas applications. Limitations: The studied conditions and configurations may not encompass all possible scenarios in Power-to-Gas applications.

APOE3 Christchurch heterozygosity delays clinical onset in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported a case of a homozygous woman with the APOE3 Christchurch (R136S, APOE3Ch) variant who demonstrated extreme resistance to autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD) caused by the PSEN1 E280A variant. In this study, we examined the potential protective effects of APOE3Ch against ADAD by characterizing the clinical profile of individuals who were heterozygous for the APOE3Ch variant from the Colombian kindred with the PSEN1 E280A variant.MethodsA total of 421 carriers of the PSEN1 E280A variant were included. Of the 421 carriers, 12 were heterozygous for APOE3Ch (including the previously reported homozygous for APOE3Ch). Clinical and neuropsychological assessments were performed in Spanish at the University of Antioquia in Colombia. Four of the APOE3Ch carriers also donated their brains for postmortem studies. A PSEN1 E280A who is heterozygous for the APOE3Ch variant also underwent structural MRI and amyloid and tau PET imaging.ResultsOur findings showed that PSEN1 E280A carriers who are heterozygous carriers of the APOE3Ch variant had a significantly delayed onset for mild cognitive impairment (MCI, median age of 51 vs. 45 years; p = 0.0048) and dementia (52.5 vs. 48 years; p = 0.016), compared to PSEN1 E280A carriers without the APOE3Ch variant. Specifically, APOE3Ch carriers had seven‐time higher odds of developing MCI and three‐time higher odds of developing dementia at a later age than 75% of all the PSEN1 E280A carriers (odds ratio [OR] = 7.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9, 29.2, p<0.05); dementia OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.01, 9.33). Initial characterization of brain imaging of a PSEN1 E280A carrier who is heterozygous for the APOE3Ch variant showed levels of medial temporal lobe tau pathology and hippocampal atrophy that were lower than expected for a typical carrier of their age, and similar to our observations in the previously reported APOE3Ch homozygote case.ConclusionsThese clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging data provide evidence that APOE3Ch heterozygosity delays the onset of cognitive decline and may have a protective, dose‐dependent effect against tau pathology and neurodegeneration. These results provide support for the potential of the APOE3Ch variant as a target for the development of new treatments for AD.

Antioquia, no more blind due to Diabetes. 25 years in blindness prevention

25 years ago, we started in Antioquia the campaign “No more blind from diabetes”. This campaign was possible due to the collaboration of the Hospital San Vicente Fundación, Antioquia University, the Ophthalmology programs of Pontificia Bolivariana University and CES University. This campaign is held annually around November 14. In 2022 we commemorated version No. 25. Results: We have evaluated approximately 15,000 patients to the present time, an average of 600 per year. Among all these patients 50% attend for the first time each year, 70% are females and 80% are type 2 diabetics. We found a prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) of 15.5% and 64% of these patients are females. These patients have been diagnosed with diabetes for about 12 years and they have shown poor metabolic control of their diabetes with an average glycosylated Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) of 11.2% (normal range below 5.7%). The stage of the retinopathy showed that 70% of the patients had the non-proliferative form. We found that 1 out of 3 patients presented with severe visual loss due to severe non-proliferative retinopathy and macular edema. The main etiology of chronic vision loss in diabetic patients is diabetic macular edema found in 22% of the patients and the majority were females with type 2 diabetes over 60 years of age with an average HbA1C of 10%. Conclusions: This is the largest screening and ongoing test for DR done in Colombia, South America. This study focuses on the most vulnerable population and the results provide relevant information about the epidemiology of this disease. The results generate awareness about early diagnosis, medical care of its complications, education of the population, and the proper guidance for their treatment and rehabilitation.

Frequency of symptoms and the associated factors of eating disorders in a group of dental students in Medellín, Colombia.

Eating disorders (EDs) are considered a public health problem. Scientific research has focused on teenagers due to their higher prevalence in this population. However, other groups, such as university students, may be exposed to suffering from EDs due to their academic, social and personal characteristics. Identifying the magnitude of EDs and the associated characteristics may impact the generation of prevention strategies. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of the risk of EDs (anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN)) and the associated factors in dental students at the University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 278 students (76 males, 202 females) with the use of a Google-Forms survey. The validated Spanish version of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) questionnaire were used. Other recorded variables included sociodemographic data, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related factors, health, and social support (the Duke-11 profile). The bivariate analysis of the risk of EDs was conducted according to different variables (95% confidence interval (CI)), followed by the logistic regression models adjusting for different variables (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% CI). According to EAT-26, the risk of EDs was 27.6% (18.8-38.6) for males and 28.7% (22.9-35.3) for females. However, differences between males and females were higher when the SCOFF questionnaire was applied (males: 6.6% (2.8-14.5); females: 22.3% (17.1-28.5); p < 0.01). According to the SCOFF instrument, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, women were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.57). Women receiving information from social networks were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.19-2.88). Multivariate models showed that women reporting poor self-rated health and some symptoms during the mandatory confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs. A higher risk of EDs was found in dental students. Healthcare, psychological and/or psychiatric interviews, and educational/early prevention strategies are required.

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.

Características clínicas y electroencefalográficas de los pacientes con Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut en el programa de epilepsia de la U. Antioquia. Medellín 2007 - 2012.

Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y electroencefalográficas en una muestra de pacientes con síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut diagnosticados en el programa de epilepsia de la Universidad de Antioquia en Medellín entre 2007 y 2012.&#x0D; Materiales y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. La población de estudio estuvo conformada por todos los registros de pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut incluidos en la base de datos del programa de epilepsia de la Universidad de Antioquia y que fueron evaluados por videomonitoreo electroencefalográfico. Las variables clínicas y electroencefalográficas fueron examinadas. Para el análisis se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS.&#x0D; Resultados: se revisaron 18 videotelemetrías. El promedio de edad fue 19,89 años, con igualdad de género en un 50%. La mitad de los pacientes presentaba antecedentes perinatales de riesgo. La edad promedio de la primera crisis fue de 4,67 años y el número promedio de crisis por semana fue de 31,17. Las crisis más frecuentes fueron las ausencias atípicas en 17 pacientes (94,4%). El medicamento más utilizado fue el ácido valproico. En todos los pacientes se encontró retardo mental y los hallazgos electroencefalográficos característicos del síndrome, tanto en vigilia como en sueño. En el sueño superficial se observó la mayoría de anormalidades.&#x0D; Conclusiones: el síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut es una de las encefalopatías epilépticas más severas de inicio en la niñez, conlleva grandes costos sociales y económicos y tiene un pobre pronóstico debido a sus condiciones mórbidas asociadas.

Telemedicine for Inborn Errors of Immunity in Colombian patients: Pilot Study

IntroductionInborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) are genetic diseases that affect the immune system. Telehealth is revolutionized clinical services around the world allowing remote access with technology that delivers care at a distance The University of Antioquia in Medellin (Colombia) initiated Telehealth in 2013 (Livinglab) and is currently one of the most advanced digital hospitals in Latin America. ObjectiveTo implement a tele-health service in immunology for Colombian patients with suspected IEI using the platform of Livinglab. MethodsA cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was designed for patients with suspected IEI referred by different medical specialties. Synchronous telehealth consultations were carried out by remote videolink, by two immunologists and a general practitioner. A standardized patient approach was used to evaluate patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics, IEI diagnostic and treatments prescribed were collected. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative analysis of all variables. ResultsSeventy-two patients were attended between May and November of 2022. Forty-four (61%) were female. Patients were from rural (65%) or urban (35%) areas. The medical specialties that most frequently referred patients were pediatrics, pneumology and infectious diseases. Main reasons for referral included: infections (79%), autoimmunity (7%), and allergies (4%).Main clinical findings in patients were infections (97%), followed by allergies (32%), and autoimmune manifestations (3%). The diagnosis of IEI was established in 24% of patients while in 27%, the diagnosis of an IEI was discarded; 50% remain under suspicion and are being followed up actively. The most frequent diagnosis was predominantly antibody deficiency 16 (94%) and only 10% have molecular and genetic characterization. Nineteen percent of patients are under immunoglobulin therapy. No major technical difficulties were encountered during the study. ConclusionThe use of telehealth in immunology was effective as a tool to identify Colombian patients with IEI. Our results show that this tool can be implemented for this specialty in Colombia and other countries with physical barriers that limit access to health care in remote as well as urban areas.

Multidrug-resistant Salmonella spp. in fecal samples of pigs with suspected salmonellosis in Antioquia, Colombia, 2019-2021.

To determine the proportion of Salmonella enterica in fecal samples of live pigs with suspected salmonellosis analyzed at the diagnostic unit of the University of Antioquia, Colombia between 2019 and 2021, and examine the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study of routine data on fecal samples received from pig farms in all nine subregions of Antioquia state, Colombia. Salmonella spp. detection at the university is done using enrichment, selective culture, and polymerase chain reaction. Serotypes were identified using the Kauffmann-White scheme and isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution. Of 653 samples tested, 149 (23%) were positive for S. enterica. Nine serotypes were identified. The most common were Salmonella Typhimurium (56%) and its monophasic variant (35%). Resistance to ampicillin (70%) was most frequently observed, followed by ciprofloxacin (55%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (52%). No isolates were resistant to amikacin and gentamicin. Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics) was observed in 61 (44%) isolates. Multidrug resistance was highest in S. Typhimurium (57%) compared with the other serotypes. Serotype was associated with multidrug resistance (p = 0.01), but age of the pig and sub-region were not. The proportion of Salmonella spp. and the associated high levels of multidrug resistance are of concern and may indicate irrational use of antimicrobials and poor management practices in pig production systems in the region. Strengthened surveillance is needed to monitor and improve farm management practices and the use of antimicrobials in farms in Colombia.

IImpact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nursing students education in a public university in Colombia.

To explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing student education in one public university in Medellin, Colombia. This descriptive qualitative study used content analysis to address the following questions: (1) How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted nursing education at the University of Antioquia? (2) What were the most important challenges experienced by nursing students? (3) What was most supportive for the students during the pandemic? and (4) What were the potential opportunities and lessons learned related to nursing education? Data were collected virtually through individual online interviews with 14 undergraduate nursing students and analysed using qualitative content analysis with constant comparisons. Four main categories of findings related to the experience of undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) transitioning to online learning, (2) managing the digital world, (3) impacts on clinical training, and (4) work-related stressors. Key challenges included home environments that were not conducive to learning, reduced social interactions with peers and faculty, accessing technology required for online education and insufficient preparation for clinical practice. Family members and university-provided resources were important sources of student support. Whereas the pandemic limited opportunities for hands-on clinical training, the shift to online learning allowed for the development of skills related to informational technologies and telehealth. Undergraduate students at the University of Antioquia identified significant barriers to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and transition to online learning, as well as new opportunities for the development of digital skills among both students and faculty.

Uso de estrategias apoyadas en TIC y virtualidad: una oportunidad para explorar las posibilidades del entorno digital

During the second semester of 2021, the Laboratory of Educational Technology and Digital Culture of the Faculty of Communications and Philology of the University of Antioquia undertook the diagnosis of the use of strategies supported by ICT virtuality during the years 2020 and 2021, in undergraduate, during the time that the remote emergency education generated by COVID - 19 lasted. The study was carried out from an interpretive constructivist paradigm, with a qualitative approach and from design-based research. The results show that both students and teachers transferred in most cases their traditional practices from face-to-face to digital environments. Some found in this situation an opportunity to creatively explore the new contexts offered by cyberspace and rethink the new training dynamics for the post-pandemic future. The findings of this research aim to contribute to reflection in the field and to the formulation of the Educational Project of the Faculty of Communications and Philology that is under construction.

Multimodal, scalable and affordable neurocognitive biomarkers

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers targeting Aβ, Tau, and Neurodegeneration are creating unprecedented opportunities for its early detection. Adhering to the A/T/N biomarker framework though comes with several challenges, mainly due to high costs. The Joint Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases (JPND) suggested that efforts should also be directed to harmonise promising cognitive tests. The group recommended the Short‐Term Memory Binding (STMB) and Selective Reminding Tests (SRT). To that aim, we need to explore if such memory markers hold differential sensitivity to the AD continuum (Aim1). Whether such deficits are observable in preclinical and prodromal stages of AD regardless of the disease variants (sporadic and familial) is also unclear (Aim2). Moreover, whether combining these cognitive makers with EEG and Eye‐Tracking (ET) would yield neurocognitive biomarkers for AD (Aim3) needs further research.MethodsMemory tests recommended by the JPND and standard neuropsychological assessments entered harmonised research protocols supporting three large international collaborations. Aim1: Project 1 (UK based) involved 150 participants (HC=70, MCI=80) and Project 2, ran in collaboration with GERO, Chile, involved 264 participants (HC=37, SCC=117, MCI=79, ADD=31). Aim2: Project 3: ran in collaboration with the Neuroscience Group, University of Antioquia, Colombia involved 334 participants (HC=210, AC=124). Aim3: The STMBT combined with EEG was recorded from 20 participants and combined with Eye‐tracking from 71 participants all from Project 3.ResultsAim1: STMB deficits are detectable from the very early stages of AD (HC&gt;SCC&gt;(MCI=ADD)) before associative memory deficits (SRT) become apparent ((HC=SCC)&gt;MCI&gt;ADD). Aim2: Such deficits are also prominent in AC when their associative memory abilities remain intact. Aim3: When combined with EEG, STMB differentiated AC from HC with 89% accuracy while with ET classification accuracy reached 98%.ConclusionThe collaborative efforts here presented suggest that AD can be detected with appropriate, affordable, culture‐free and scalable neurocognitive biomarkers recently recommended by the JPND before clinical manifestations of the disease become apparent.GlossaryAC = Asymptomatic Carriers of the mutation E280A‐PSEN1; ADD = Alzheimer’s disease Dementia; GERO = The Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism; HC = Healthy Controls; MCI = Mild Cognitive Impairment; SCC = Subjective Cognitive Complaint; STMBT: Short‐Term Memory Binding Test.

Needs Assessment Study in Colombia: Recruitment Phase‐Design of Remote Communication Strategies to Encourage participation in dementia research during COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractBackgroundDuring the pandemic, we face multiple challenges during the research. One of them was recruiting participants in the age of social distancing. As a result, we had to use creative approaches that would allow us to access the study population contemplating all the complexities, difficulties or problems that research during a pandemic demands. For dementia, we design a method to encourage the participation of patients, caregivers, professionals and associations in Colombia. Combining different virtual frameworks, tools and techniques. We embraced biosafety provisions from health policy authorities mitigating the exposition of our high‐risk groups, making up the majority of our target population.ObjectiveDesign a methodological communication strategy that allows the dissemination of project knowledge and participation of the target populations (patients with mild dementia, formal and informal caregivers and health care professionals).MethodWe summoned caregivers, people with dementia and health care professionals through multiple channels: Social media, e‐mail, caregiver´s databases, press, radio, physician specialists invitation, Dementia Research Groups (Antioquia University and Colombia National University), and voluntary associations (Alzheimer Colombia Family Action Foundation, Grupo Cuídame). We presented remote conferences about the project, panel discussions about the invisible needs of the population with dementia in Colombia. Also, we sought collaborative efforts with radio and television programs to increase the awareness in the population about the dementia challenges.ResultOver 100 people attended each event. We carried out collaborations with national groups increasing visibility of the project and amplifying citizen participation. Interviews with written, oral, and electronic media contributed to fostering interest in the study population. Remote communication strategies stimulated the involvement of various actors (patient‐family‐caregiver‐professional) from multiple cities and contexts.ConclusionResearching pandemic time has tested our creative ability to address the various challenges we face as researchers. Accessing the participants contemplated by the study has led to a little‐explored space, which has directed us towards non‐face‐to‐face alternatives, prompting us to design a methodological communication strategy that allows the dissemination of the project and participation of the dementia population in Colombia without requiring in‐person attendance.

Anthropogogical Model of Agricultural Extension: sensitivity of the social return on investment

Introduction / objective: the scarcity of resources for social investments requires strategies that increase the availability of information for decision-making. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a tool used for impact measurement and makes it possible to economically assess the effects of an intervention and identify the amount of change generated by each monetary unit invested. This index admits sensitivity analysis to recognize the aspects with the greatest influence on the impact of a project, so the objective of this work was to study the sensitivity of the SROI in the cocoa Territorial Laboratories of the University of Antioquia. Methodology: Through graphs, each of the changes was related to the SROI, identifying the highest levels of sensitivity in those whose values were located in quadrants 1 and 3 and whose trend line had an ascending performance. Results: The most sensitive variables were: the projection of income for 20 years, the increase in cocoa production, production above the break-even point, the satisfaction of basic and social needs, informal agreements for the succession of the production system, the initiation of soil conservation practices, the definition of activities to achieve the dream farm, and the implementation of the anthropogogical model of agricultural extension. Conclusions: Interrelationships were found between most of these variables and it was concluded that integral initiatives are the key to achieve greater social changes.

S10.1d Molecular diagnosis and antifungal susceptibility of Colombian clinical isolates of the Sporothrix spp complex

S10.1 Antifungal dosing in children and adolescents, September 24, 2022, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM ObjectiveTo detect by chitinase PCR and Species-Specific PCR (SS PCR) the DNA of Sporothrix spp in fresh tissue and Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue from patients with sporotrichosis and to evaluate the susceptibility to antifungal of Sporothrix spp isolates obtained from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis in the Medical Mycology group of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Antioquia.Materials & MethodsAt the Medical Mycology group service, 26 patients with suspected sporotrichosis were evaluated between 2018 and 2022. Samples of the skin lesions (fresh tissue) were taken for molecular tests and microbiological culture.Regarding the FFPE tissue, 87 samples stored by different histopathological diagnosis centers from 1976 to 2022 were chosen: 45 samples had a histopathological diagnosis of sporotrichosis, and 42 samples of other diseases with involvement in subcutaneous tissue, were used as controls.DNAs previously extracted from fresh tissue and FFPE tissue were used to perform chitinase nested PCR and SS nested PCR. The chitinase nested PCR amplifies a 209 bp fragment for the genus Sporothrix. For species identification, species-specific primers were used (SS PCR), which amplify a 331 bp sequence for S schenckii s. str. and 243 bp for S. globosa of the calmodulin gen. For the SS PCR in tissues, a nested PCR was implemented using the primers CAL1 and CAL2 for the external sequence and the species-specific primers for the internal sequences.The antifungal susceptibility tests were performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 protocol for yeasts. Six antifungals were used: itraconazole, terbinafine, voriconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B, and fluconazole.ResultsThe culture was positive for Sporothrix spp in 15 (58%) patients and the chitinase nested PCR was positive in 14 of these, with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91%. In 11 patients, both the culture and the chitinase nested PCR were negative.SS nested PCR was applied to the 14 DNAs with positive chitinase PCR, of which seven were positive for S. schenckii s. str. and one for S. globosa. For the other six samples, the results of this PCR were negative. The results of these PCR were confirmed by the identification of species from the isolates recovered in culture: 13 were identified as S. schenckii s. str and 1 as S. globosa.Of the 45 FFPE tissue samples with histopathological diagnosis of sporotrichosis, the chitinase PCR was positive for 25 (55%) of these and all FFPE tissue samples were negative for SS nested PCR.ConclusionsChitinase nested PCR had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 91% with respect to culture, in samples from fresh tissue. This PCR also has a good performance when it is applied to a good-quality DNA obtained from FFPE tissue, hence, PCR positivity decreased in samples stored for ˃15 years. The results of the nested SS PCR are encouraging, however, it is necessary to improve this test, which we believe is affected by the type of sample used for DNA extraction, so further studies are required.

Perceptions of students and teachers about traditional and active didactic strategies in a veterinary anatomy course

Active learning strategies were gradually implemented in the veterinary anatomy course at the University of Antioquia. In the cohort of the second semester of 2018, in the first module (musculoskeletal system), we used the traditional methodology (master classes both in theory and in practice), and active teaching strategies were used in the rest of the course. Faculty perceived some dissatisfaction among the students with this change. The objective of this work was to understand the perceptions of students and teachers about the traditional and active didactic strategies of the course, during this academic period through semi-structured interviews and focus group. The students perceived the combination of traditional learning strategies with active strategies as ideal. The traditional approach seems more comfortable to them, because the teacher provides all the information. However, they saw rote learning and the large amount of information as a disadvantage. They perceived that formative assessment allows for the consolidation of knowledge. The teachers highlighted the importance of using several methods that allow for adapting to the different learning styles of the students. In addition, they considered that their role is to guide students so that, through analysis, interpretation and research processes, they learn to build their knowledge. We conclude that students are highly dependent on traditional learning strategies, so it is necessary to stimulate the use of tools supported by constructivism. Also, more administrative support should be given for faculty to have the training and enough paid time for the preparation and application of active learning strategies.