University Of Antioquia Research Articles

Capabilities for epistemic liberation: the case of hermeneutical insurrection of the Network of Community Researchers in Medellin, Colombia

ABSTRACT Community leaders in Colombia have historically suffered processes of microaggressions and intimidation that threaten the free exercise of their voice in the processes of production of knowledge and in the participation of the planning of their territories. In this article, we explore the case study of the Network of Community Researchers (NCR), also known in Spanish as Red de Investigadores Comunitarios, promoted by the University of Antioquia, Colombia. The NCR is a commitment to the co-production of knowledge about human security from below between community researchers and academics. This article analyses the contribution of the NCR to the human security of Medellin and a specific collection of capabilities for epistemic liberation of community researchers: the capability to be recognised as a producer of valid knowledge, to do through communicative openness, to learn from collective knowledge and to transform through collective action. The expansion of these four capabilities evidence processes of resistance and hermeneutic insurrection of some community leaders and activists who participate in the NCR. The analysis shows the contribution of the NCR to facilitate and generate a safe space in which community researchers communicate knowledge and practices and share experiences, risks, struggles, fears and collective dreams of transformation.

Descripción de un Programa de Telesalud Mental en el Marco de la Pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia

BackgroundA telehealth mental health programme was designed at the LivingLab of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad de Antioquia [University of Antioquia]. ObjectivesTo describe the development and operation of the programme and evaluate the satisfaction of the patients treated during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. MethodsDescriptive study that details the development of the programme. Data were extracted from medical records to describe the patients who were treated. A satisfaction scale was applied to a random sample and the data were summarised with descriptive statistics. ResultsIn March 2020 and August 2021, 10,229 patients were treated, with 20,276 treated by telepsychology and 4,164 by psychiatry, 1,808 by telepsychiatry and 2,356 by tele-expertise, with a total of 6,312 visits. The most frequent diagnoses were depressive (36.8%), anxiety (12.0%), and psychotic (10.7%) disorders. Respondents were satisfied to the point that more than 93% would recommend it to another person. ConclusionsThe LivingLab telehealth mental health programme allowed for the care of patients with mental health problems and disorders in Antioquia during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there was a high degree of satisfaction among the beneficiaries. Therefore it could be adopted in mental health care.

Substance Use-Related Cognitive Decline in Families with Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease: A Cohort Study.

Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the association between neurodegeneration and other substances has not been fully determined. It is of vital importance to evaluate this relationship in populations at high risk of dementia. Since substance use possibly modifies the progression rate of cognitive decline, we studied this association in a unique and well-phenotyped cohort from the University of Antioquia: carriers of the PSEN1-E280A genetic variant. To determine the association between substance use and cognitive decline in carriers of the PSEN1-E280A genetic variant. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 94 carriers and 69 noncarriers recruited between January 2019 and April 2020. A psychiatrist interviewed the participants using the Consumption of Alcohol, Cigarettes and other Substances questionnaire. The participants were also submitted to cognitive evaluation. The relationship between cognitive decline and substance use was explored through a mixed effects regression model. There was an association between cigarettes and better performance on tasks related to perceptual organization, verbal fluency, and memory in carriers. Alcohol had a positive or negative effect on memory according to the type of alcoholic beverage. Results on marijuana use were no conclusive. Coffee was associated with progressive improvements in executive function and verbal fluency. Cigarette and alcohol were associated with an improvement of some cognitive assessments, possibly by a survival bias. In addition, coffee was related to improvements in executive function and language; therefore, its short-term neuroprotective potential should be studied.

Contribution to a reference library of DNA barcodes of Colombian freshwater fishes.

BackgroundThe Barcode of Life initiative was originally motivated by the large number of species, taxonomic difficulties and the limited number of expert taxonomists. Colombia has 1,610 freshwater fish species and comprises the second largest diversity of this group in the world. As genetic information continues to be limited, we constructed a reference collection of DNA sequences of Colombian freshwater fishes deposited in the Ichthyology Collection of the University of Antioquia (CIUA), thus joining the multiple efforts that have been made in the country to contribute to the knowledge of genetic diversity in order to strengthen the inventories of biological collections and facilitate the solution of taxonomic issues in the future.New informationThis study contributes to the knowledge on the DNA barcodes and occurrence records of 96 species of Colombian freshwater fishes. Fifty-seven of the species represented in this dataset were already available in the Barcode Of Life Data System (BOLD System), while 39 correspond to new species to the BOLD System. Forty-nine specimens were collected in the Atrato River Basin and 708 in the Magdalena-Cauca asin during the period 2010-2020. Two species (Loricariichthysbrunneus (Hancock, 1828) and Poeciliasphenops Valenciennes, 1846) are considered exotic to the Atrato, Cauca and Magdalena Basins and four species (Oncorhynchusmykiss (Walbaum, 1792), Oreochromisniloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), Parachromisfriedrichsthalii (Heckel, 1840) and Xiphophorushelleri Heckel, 1848) are exotic to the Colombian hydrogeographic regions. All specimens are deposited in CIUA and have their DNA barcodes made publicly available in the BOLD online database. The geographical distribution dataset can be freely accessed through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

Deletion of the SPAG9 gene cause autosomal‐recessive intellectual disability

AbstractBackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is the limitation of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior before 18 years of age. In a consanguineous family of 149 members, this disease is expressed in 9 individuals. Here, we report one branch of a family tree with three siblings, presenting severe ID, delayed speech development, cataracts, strabismus, gait disturbance, cerebellar syndrome, seizures in one of them, and eyelid ptosis in two. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with hippocampal malrotation, brain atrophy and white matter hyperintensities in all cases. Thinning of the corpus callosum in two of them.MethodWe conducted whole exome sequencing analysis in nine subjects from one multigenerational family of Colombian origin. The study was carried out at the University of Antioquia,Colombia with the approval of the ethics committee. A medical, neurological, neuropsychological examination and brain MRI were performed in all cases.ResultWe identified a single nucleotide deletion in the SPAG9 gene, which codes for the JIP4 protein. The frameshift generates a premature stop codon (p.Tyr914Ter). The deletion is classified as pathogenic, according to the ACMG / AMP guidelines. The variant co‐segregated in the respective family as an autosomal recessive trait.ConclusionJIP 4 has two functions: As scaffold protein that potentiates the p38 MAPK signaling cascade under stress conditions and as dynein‐dynactin motor adapter for lysosomal retrograde flow, regulating the constitutive transport of lysosomes. Both functions could be associated in the disease mechanism. The absence of JIP 4 may be responsible for the disease in the family, altering neuronal homeostasis.

Clinical characterization of Colombian families with frontotemporal dementia due to the MAPT P397S mutation

AbstractBackgroundMutations in the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene located in chromosome 17 have been associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The novel mutation Pro397Ser, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern has been recently reported in Spain (Borrego‐Écija et al., 2019). The Group of Neuroscience of the University of Antioquia in Colombia has identified several families with mutations leading to FTD. Here we present the initial clinical characterization of individuals carrying the MAPT P397S mutation.MethodA total of 30 family members were included (15 carriers and 15 non‐carriers, 18 – 76 years old). All participants underwent a comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological evaluation. They also completed self‐reported measures of depression and behavioral symptoms. Mann‐Whitney tests were used to test between‐group differences in cognitive measures. Spearman correlations were used to examine associations among outcome measures and age.ResultMean age was 48.7 years (SD 16.4), and mean education was 10.7 years (SD=4.56). Six carriers were classified as cognitively impaired (MCI= 3, moderate/severe dementia= 3). Mean age of clinical was 50 years. Initial symptomatology was predominantly behavioral (disinhibition, aggressiveness, loss of empathy, compulsiveness, dietary changes) followed by loss of executive function, memory, language skills and decline in ADLs in affected individuals. Structural MRIs showed frontotemporal lobar degeneration in all impaired carriers, and additional bilateral hippocampal atrophy with left predominance in two of them. The cognitive profile of carriers was characterized by lower scores in measures of executive function, semantic processing and short‐term memory loss. Cognitively unimpaired carriers had statistically significant worse performance on the INECO Battery, a measure of executive function, compared to non‐carriers, several years prior to their clinical onset.ConclusionInitial findings showed that the clinical profile of Colombian families with the MAPT‐P397S novel mutation is characterized by executive dysfunction, behavioral changes, semantic language alterations and memory loss. Findings suggest that the INECO Battery may be a sensitive tool to detect subtle changes in executive function in cognitively unimpaired carriers of this mutation. Longitudinal follow‐up of these individuals will be important to better characterize the disease progression from preclinical to clinical stages. Future studies should consider adding neuroimaging and other biomarker measures.

A case for agonistic peacebuilding in Colombia

The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept of agonistic peacebuilding in the light of the ongoing peace process in Colombia. We subscribe to an approach to agonistic peacebuilding that acknowledges conflict as an inevitable but also possibly productive dynamic. We think that the work by the Colombian research programme La paz es una obra de arte (Peace Is a Work of Art) is an inspiring case to analyse from this perspective. This programme, based at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, helps us understand in depth how agonistic peacebuilding strategies work through the arts, using clown interventions to foster life story narratives in order to transform former enemies into adversaries and engage all actors in the creation of peace.

Sex Differences in Cognitive Abilities Among Children With the Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease Presenilin 1 E280A Variant From a Colombian Cohort

We previously reported that children with the autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease (ADAD) presenilin 1 (PSEN1) E280A variant had early life plasma biomarker findings consistent with amyloid β overproduction. However, the cognitive functioning of children with this variant has not been characterized vs those without the variant. To test whether cognitive functioning of children with and without the PSEN1 E280A variant in the same ADAD cohort differed by genetic status (ie, PSEN1 variant) and sex. This cohort study was conducted among 1354 children (including 265 children with the variant) aged 6 to 16 years recruited from the Alzheimer Prevention Initiative Colombia Registry. Participants from the city of Medellín and surrounding suburban areas traveled to the University of Antioquia to undergo all procedures. Participants were administered a Spanish version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) to measure general cognitive functioning. Data were analyzed from July through November 2020. Univariate general linear models were used to characterize differences on WISC-IV cognitive performance by genetic status, sex, and the interaction of genetic status with sex. Urbanity, socioeconomic status, and education were entered as covariates. Among 1354 children with ADAD (695 [51.3%] girls; mean [SD] age, 11.64 [2.64] years), there were 265 children with the variant (19.6%) and 1089 children without the variant (80.4%). Children with and without the variant did not differ by demographic variables or performance on WISC-IV indices. Irrespective of genetic status, boys had statistically significantly decreased mean scores on indices for working memory (90.27 [95% CI, 89.21-91.34] vs 92.99 [95% CI, 91.98-93.99]; mean difference = -2.72; P < .001), perceptual reasoning (91.56 [95% CI, 90.47-92.65] vs. 93.27 [95% CI, 91.23-94.30]; mean difference = -1.71; P = .03), and verbal comprehension (88.69 [95% CI, 87.54-89.84] vs. 90.81 [95% CI, 89.73-91.90]; mean difference = -2.12; P = .009) compared with girls. In the interaction between sex and genetic status, boys with the variant had worse mean working memory index performance (88.78 [95% CI, 86.86-90.70]) than girls with the variant (93.75 [95% CI, 91.95-95.55]; mean difference = -4.97; P = .001), as well as boys (91.77 [95% CI, 90.85-92.70]; mean difference = -2.99; P = .04) and girls (92.22 [95% CI, 91.32-93.13]; mean difference = -3.44; P = .009) without the variant. This study found that boys with the PSEN1 variant had decreased working memory abilities compared with girls with the variant and boys and girls without the variant, suggesting a sex-specific genetic risk in early life cognitive performance among individuals with the PSEN1 variant. This increased risk of future cognitive difficulties among boys with the variant may have important downstream implications for learning and academic achievement and could be associated with sex differences seen in adulthood on episodic memory measures.

ORAL MUCOSAL LESIONS IN PATIENTS FROM CLINICS OF THE SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF ANTIOQUIA, MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA

<h3>Background</h3> To our knowledge, there are no studies in Colombia that describe the frequency of oral mucosal lesions. Only the ENSAB IV evaluated potentially malignant lesions and lesions associated with a removable prosthesis. <h3>Objective</h3> The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of oral mucosal lesions and their risk indicators in patients attending clinics of the School of Dentistry, University of Antioquia. <h3>Methods</h3> Structured interviews, clinical examination, and a biopsy, if deemed necessary, were conducted in a nonprobabilistic sample of 539 patients. <h3>Results</h3> Eight hundred forty mucosal lesions were found in 409 patients (75.9%). The average age was 35.26 years (SD = 23.4); 69.7% of patients were female. The most frequent lesions were exfoliative cheilitis (17.4%), frictional keratosis (15.4%), and vascular lesions (11.5%). In exploring the relationship between the number of lesions and sociodemographic characteristics and habits, a correlation was found with age (<i>P</i> = .001), use of removable appliances (<i>P</i> = .042), type of appliance (<i>P</i> = .001), and the variable "you have seen or felt something in your mouth" (<i>P</i> = .004). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The most frequent lesions in this study were exfoliative cheilitis. There was a low percentage of potentially malignant disorders, and no malignant lesions were found. In the teaching programs of dentistry and even to establish the diagnosis of presumption, it is necessary to know the frequency of lesions of the oral mucosa in the region.

IgE Autoantibodies Against Eosinophil Proteins in Children and Adults with Asthma. Possible Role as Biomarkers

Background: Autoimmune response has been described in the pathogenesis of asthma. Considering that high levels of serum eosinophils and immunoglobulin E are frequent in asthmatic patients, the possibility of an IgE autoantibody response to eosinophil proteins arises. Objective: To explore the presence of IgE autoantibodies against Eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) and Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Methods: Three steps were followed: 1) The frequency of IgE and IgG autoantibodies against EPX and ECP was investigated among asthma patients and healthy subjects. 2) The ability of IgE autoantibodies to induce an inflammatory response (Basophil activation) was analyzed. 3) The capacity of autoantibodies to identify patients with severe asthma was evaluated. Results: Patients with asthma especially severe had a higher frequency and higher levels of IgE and IgG autoantibodies to EPX and ECP than healthy subjects. There was not a correlation of autoantibodies and serum eosinophils. Children with less than 14 years of age had IgE and IgG autoantibodies to EPX and ECP. IgE autoantibodies to EPX and ECP induced basophil activation in asthma patients. Conclusion: In this study we identify for the first time IgE autoantibodies to EPX and ECP in patients with asthma; IgE and autoantibodies against EPX and ECP could serve as a predictive biomarker of the clinical severity. Funding: We thank the IPS Universitaria” Clinic, and the University of Antioquia, for their logical support and for financing this project. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: The Ethics committees of University of Antioquia approved the study (Code CII-07 2016).

Relationship between physical activity, academic achievement, gender, and learning styles in students of a Latin American Dental School: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND:Little is known about the inference that physical activity (PA) may have on academic performance and learning styles of Latin American dental students.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this cross-sectional study, an administrative dataset and a voluntary university characterization provided information about PA and academic performance. Moreover, 218 dental students of the University of Antioquia in Colombia completed a structured questionnaire to identify their learning styles. To analyze the information obtained a Pearson correlation, and logistic and linear regression models were implemented.RESULTS:A total of 131 (60%) students informed being physically active (PA group), and 87 (40%) did not report PA (non-PA group). The results showed a high-grade point average (GPA) in the PA group (P = 0.01). The PA group showed a preference for the theorist and pragmatist learning styles with statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). It was also observed a statistically significant Pearson positive correlation between the theorist style and higher GPA (r = 0.15; P = 0.04). The multivariate regression model showed that PA protects against lower means of GPA (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.7, P = 0.01). Furthermore, the adjusted linear regression models also showed that PA protects against lower means of the theorist (β= −0.15; 95% CI: −0.02 to − 0.002, P = 0.002) and pragmatist styles (β= −0.18; 95% CI: −0.03 to − 0.006, P = 0.0006). Interestingly, men were statistically significant in all multivariable models.DISCUSSION:This study suggests that PA is associated with higher academic performance and the theorist and pragmatist styles. Male students were also more physically active; therefore, it is relevant to establish strategies to stimulate physical activities in dental students, especially in women, including extracurricular activities.

Interdisciplinariedad, autonomía e identidad de la ciencia política en Colombia

Este artículo de reflexión expone el papel de la interdisciplinariedad en la ciencia política en Colombia. Se aborda el pregrado en Ciencia Política de la Universidad de Antioquia como un referente ilustrativo del tema. En primer lugar, se desarrolla la historia de la disciplina en Colombia, profundizando en las discusiones en torno a la hibridación y la interdisciplinariedad. Se concluye que la primera es problemática en términos de autonomía e identidad disciplinar, mientras que la segunda posibilita una apertura al diálogo con las demás ciencias sociales y delimita a su vez unas fronteras disciplinares que permiten tener claridad sobre su campo de especialización. Por otro lado, se identifican las fortalezas y retos de la consolidación de la disciplina en la Universidad de Antioquia. Se enfatiza en la necesidad de apertura y sostenimiento de espacios de discusión disciplinares, donde puedan definirse unos mínimos procedimentales para ese diálogo interdisciplinar.

Trajectory of Unawareness of Memory Decline in Individuals With Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer Disease

Recent studies have suggested that unawareness, or anosognosia, of memory decline is present in predementia stages of Alzheimer disease (AD) and may serve as an early symptomatic indicator of AD. To investigate the evolution of anosognosia of memory decline in individuals who carry the PSEN1 E280A variant for autosomal dominant AD compared with family members who do not carry the variant. This cohort study investigated a total of 2379 members of a Colombian kindred with autosomal dominant AD who were part of the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Registry. Assessments were completed at the University of Antioquia, Colombia, with data collected between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2019. Awareness of memory function was operationalized using the discrepancy between self-report and study partner report on a memory complaint scale. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess memory self-awareness over age separately in variant carriers and noncarriers. This study included 396 variant carriers (mean [SD] age, 32.7 [11.9] years; 200 [50.5%] female), of whom 59 (14.9%) were cognitively impaired, and 1983 cognitively unimpaired noncarriers (mean [SD] age, 33.5 [12.5] years; 1129 [56.9%] female). The variant carriers demonstrated increased awareness until the mean (SD) age of 35.0 (2.0) years and had anosognosia at approximately 43 years of age, approximately 6 years before their estimated median age of dementia onset (49 years; 95% CI, 49-51 years). Cognitively unimpaired noncarriers reported more complaints than their study partners aged 20 and 60 years (10.1 points, P < .001). On the awareness index, a decrease with age (mean [SE] estimate, -0.04 [0.02] discrepant-points per years; t = -2.2; P = .03) in the noncarriers and in the variant carriers (mean [SE] estimate, -0.21 [0.04] discrepant-points per years; t = -5.1; P < .001) was observed. In this cohort study, increased participant complaints were observed in both groups, suggesting that increased awareness of memory function was common and nonspecific to AD in this cohort. In variant carriers, awareness of memory function decreased in the predementia stages, reaching anosognosia close to the age of mild cognitive impairment onset, providing support for the usefulness of awareness of memory decline.

A Combined Strategy of Additive Manufacturing to Support Multidisciplinary Education in Arts, Biology, and Engineering.

This research presents results for the design and creation of supporting teaching materials using additive manufacturing. The materials are inspired by selected artwork of four animal species, which belong to a collection from the museum of the University of Antioquia. The topic selected was fauna in Colombia, and the animals in question were chosen based on important roles they have in areas like health, the environment, and food. These animals will complement science education given to several age groups visiting the museum. In addition to the 3D-manufactured objects, a study was conducted using several age groups that are very relevant to the museum: children, teenagers, and first year undergraduate students. A video showing technical information cards about the manufacturing process was also developed. This project was multidisciplinary, involving collaboration between the engineering school, the museum, and a local high school. The results showed that young visitors want complete information on the animals and to have interaction with the animal models, which is not always possible. This project serves as a local strategy not only for taking arts and knowledge out of the museum but also for planning first year courses in the university and thus reducing problems like school dropout, low motivation, and poor performance in national exams.

Telepsychiatry: a successful experience in Antioquia, Colombia

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of physicians and patients in the Telepsychiatry programme at the University of Antioquia's Faculty of Medicine in the first 12 months after its implementation in eight towns across Antioquia. MethodologyA descriptive study involving the evaluation of 111 patients during the programme's first year. An instrument was designed to evaluate patients' satisfaction and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to evaluate the health professionals' satisfaction. Results111 patients were seen on 340 occasions. 70 out of the 111 patients (63.1%) were seen by Telepsychiatry at least twice in the first year of implementation. A sample of 38 patients (34%) was used to evaluate their experience, of which 94.7% said their problem had been solved and 100% were highly satisfied. Nine health professionals took part in the programme, who agreed that the technology was useful and easy to use. They also stated that they wanted to continue using it. ConclusionHealth systems across the globe have failed to provide an adequate response to the mental health burden. Therefore, strategies such as telepsychiatry are considered an ideal treatment modality to give patients living in remote locations the specialised attention that they need.

Plasma neurofilament light chain in the presenilin 1 E280A autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease kindred: a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study.

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a promising biomarker of active axonal injury and neuronal degeneration. We aimed to characterise cross-sectional and longitudinal plasma NfL measurements and determine the age at which NfL concentrations begin to differentiate between carriers of the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) E280A (Glu280Ala) mutation and age-matched non-carriers from the Colombian autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease kindred. In this cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study, members of the familial Alzheimer's disease Colombian kindred aged 8-75 years with no other neurological or health conditions were recruited from the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Registry at the University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia) between Aug 1, 1995, and Dec 15, 2018. We used a single molecule array immunoassay and log-transformed data to examine the relationship between plasma NfL concentrations and age, and establish the earliest age at which NfL concentrations begin to diverge between mutation carriers and non-carriers. We enrolled a cohort of 1070 PSEN1 E280A mutation carriers and 1074 non-carriers with baseline assessments; of these participants, longitudinal measures (with a mean follow-up of 6 years) were available for 242 mutation carriers and 262 non-carriers. Plasma NfL measurements increased with age in both groups (p<0·0001), and began to differentiate carriers from non-carriers when aged 22 years (22 years before the estimated median age at mild cognitive impairment onset of 44 years), although the ability of plasma NfL to discriminate between carriers and non-carriers only reached high sensitivity close to the age of clinical onset. Our findings further support the promise of plasma NfL as a biomarker of active neurodegeneration in the detection and tracking of Alzheimer's disease and the evaluation of disease-modifying therapies. National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Banner Alzheimer's Foundation, COLCIENCIAS, the Torsten Söderberg Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Alzheimer Foundation, the Swedish Brain Foundation, and the Swedish state under the ALF-agreement.

Héctor Abad-Gómez (1921-1987): médico, educador y defensor de los derechos humanos

Héctor Abad-Gómez, Colombian physician, university professor, journalist and human rights defender, was murdered in Medellín in 1987. He was a pioneer public health activist engaged in various fields. While being student his restless and dissatisfied mind, led him to fight for a better and safer water and food. He specialized in the University of Minnesota (USA), at his return to the country he led the establishment of the Rural Medical Service. Forced to exile for several years he was WHO consultant to several countries in the Americas and Asia. In 1956 he founded the Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department of the University of Antioquia. He carried out the first recorded mass community vaccination against polio in the world. He initiated a community health agents program known as “Rural health promoters” that later would be implemented nationally. In 1962 he first proposed the application of epidemiological methods to study violence; he was visiting professor at the University of California; he coined the term “polyiatry” for a specialty dedicated to the health populations; he was director of the Colombian National School of Public Health that currently bears his name. Héctor Abad-Gómez ventured into political life, in accordance with Virchow dictum that “politics is medicine on a large scale”. The lives of both have interesting similarities except for the tragic and premature death of the former that still receives rejection today in social, political and academic levels, both in Colombia and abroad.

La inmunología en Antioquia: una historia con futuro. II. La consolidación de una disciplina

La inmunología es una de las ciencias biomédicas con mayor desarrollo en la segunda parte del siglo XX y principios del presente en el mundo, también, ha tenido un desarrollo muy importante en Antioquia a partir de los años sesenta del siglo pasado. En la segunda parte de este recuento histórico, el autor relata los desarrollos ocurridos a finales de los años setenta, en la década de 1980 y la primera mitad de la década de 1990 que llevaron a la creación de los laboratorios, grupos de investigación y programas de posgrado en inmunología que permitieron que esta sea una de las disciplinas biomédicas más sobresalientes en la Universidad de Antioquia.

Rutas contra el silencio: análisis de los mecanismos para el manejo y prevención del acoso sexual al interior de la Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia)

En un momento histórico para el feminismo en el que la conversación sobre el acoso sexual toma fuerza, este trabajo decide indagar sobre el papel de las universidades como instituciones que deben garantizar la seguridad, integridad y salud de sus estudiantes; específicamente la Universidad de Antioquia. El texto se pregunta por la existencia de un protocolo que apoye a los estudiantes víctimas de acoso sexual en la universidad y utiliza una metodología que está dividida en tres etapas: la primera etapa hace una exploración de conceptos académicos y jurídicos que provean una guía acerca de los protocolos que deberían encontrarse; en la segunda etapa se analizan los hallazgos de la primera etapa de una forma crítica, en la tercera etapa se realiza la construcción y sugerencia de un protocolo que se ajuste al contexto de la universidad de Antioquia. Finalmente, se presentan una serie de conclusiones en torno a dichos protocolos y la importancia de una política formal institucional que prevenga, sancione y sensibilice en el tema.

Las competencias y el desempeño laboral del contador público de la Universidad de Antioquia

La Contaduría Pública como programa de formación profesional se ha consolidado como un área de conocimiento altamente exigente para quienes la estudian y la ejercen. El mercado y las organizaciones se valen de los saberes contables para dar solución a diversos problemas que surgen en ellas día a día. En este sentido, esta investigación buscó identificar las competencias profesionales que desarrollan los egresados de Contaduría Pública de la Universidad de Antioquia bajo el modelo curricular basado en la solución de problemas, a través del análisis de los propósitos de formación y la posición de treinta egresados a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta de caracterización. Como resultado, se llega a la conclusión de que si bien, los egresados del programa manifiestan ser personas bien capacitadas y aptas para desempeñarse en el mundo laboral de manera inmediata a la terminación de sus estudios, aún existen algunos aspectos por mejorar, principalmente en lo que se refiere a la autonomía en el proceso formativo posterior a la culminación de su paso por la Universidad.