Valle Del Cauca Research Articles

Nutritional differences in eggs, chicken, and plantain from agroecological, conventional, and commercial systems: a case study in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT This case study examines the nutritional differences between agroecological, conventional, and commercial products in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a participatory methodology with local farmers, eggs, chicken, and plantain were selected for analysis. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were compared across the three production systems. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and MANOVA. Results indicate that agroecological products from the studied farms tended to have lower moisture content. Agroecological eggs showed higher fat content (11.09 g/100 g vs 9.32 g/100 g conventional and 8.45 g/100 g commercial). Agroecological chicken presented higher protein content (22.37 g/100 g vs 20.73 g/100 g conventional and 18.1 g/100 g commercial) and potassium (281 mg/100 g vs 298 mg/100 g conventional and 213 mg/100 g commercial). Agroecological plantain had higher ash content (0.85 g/100 g vs 0.77 g/100 g conventional and 0.79 g/100 g commercial) and calcium (8 mg/100 g vs 5 mg/100 g conventional and 6 mg/100 g commercial). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). While these findings suggest potential nutritional benefits of agroecological production in this region, further studies with a larger number of replicates are needed to confirm these trends on a broader scale.

First records and extension of the geographic distribution of Cynomops kuizha (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract The insectivorous bat genus Cynomops belongs to the Neotropical fraction of the family Molossidae, which includes Free-tailed Bats or Mastiff Bats. Currently, nine species are recognized within Cynomops. In this study, we present the first records of Cynomops kuizha for the Colombian Caribbean Region. The two female specimens were recovered in the campus of the Puerta Roja of the University of Sucre, Sucre and represent a significant extension in the geographical and ecological distribution of the species. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Identification of both specimens was carried out through morphological comparisons and analysis of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome-b (Cyt-b). Molecular analyses revealed that the Cyt-b sequences from the Sucre specimens are &gt;99 % similar to those documented for C. kuizha in southwestern Colombia. With these new records, the known distribution of this species is extended approximately 520 km northeast of the nearest previous record in the department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Additionally, we discuss some morphological peculiarities observed in our Sucre specimens and their relationship with closely related species present in the area: Cynomops abrasus, Cynomops greenhalli, and Cynomops mastivus.

Resolving the Drymoniakillipii (Gesneriaceae) complex results in a new species from the northwestern Andes of South America.

A new species, Drymoniaquadrangulata Clavijo & J.L.Clark, sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae, Columneinae), is described from the western Andean slopes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. The new species has been historically confused with D.killipii, an endemic species to Colombia, restricted to the lowlands of the Chocó biogeographic region in the departments of Cauca, Chocó, and Valle del Cauca. These two species have large foliaceous calyx lobes that cover at least half of the corolla tube, and tubular-infundibuliform corollas. The new species differs by strigose quadrangulate and sometimes winged stems, leaves reticulate abaxially with obtuse to subcordate bases, midveins green, corolla lobes white to yellow with margins incised to short laciniate, and indehiscent berry fruits. Digital photographs, detailed morphological comparisons with the similar species, and an IUCN preliminary risk extinction assessment are provided for the new species.

Effects of climate variability on the spatio-temporal distribution of Dengue in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, from 2001 to 2019.

Dengue is a vector-borne disease that has increased over the past two decades, becoming a global public health emergency. The transmission of dengue is contingent upon various factors, among which climate variability plays a significant role. However, there remains substantial uncertainty regarding the underlying mechanisms. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of dengue risk and to quantify the associated risk factors in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, from 2001 to 2019. To achieve this, a spatio-temporal Bayesian hierarchical model was developed, integrating delayed and non-linear effects of climate variables, socio-economic factors, along with spatio-temporal random effects to account for unexplained variability. The results indicate that average temperature is positively associated with dengue risk 0-2 months later, showing a 35% increase in the risk. Similarly, high precipitation levels lead to increased risk approximately 2-3 months later, while relative humidity showed a constant risk within a 6 months-lag. These findings could be valuable for local health authorities interested in developing early warning systems to predict future risks in advance.

Dengue Outbreak Caused by Multiple Virus Serotypes and Lineages, Colombia, 2023-2024.

Dengue cases rose to record levels during 2023-2024. We investigated dengue in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, to determine if specific virus serotypes or lineages caused its large outbreak. We detected all 4 serotypes and multiple lineages, suggesting that factors such as climatic conditions were likely responsible for increased dengue in Colombia.

Representaciones de Cali en el cine documental de los años veinte

The film production that began to be carried out in the city of Cali during the twenties was registered, very well, with the modernizing spirit that the elites wanted to implement in the city because, they saw in the cinema, an opportunity to project an image of a modern and cosmopolitan city.This article seeks to analyze two documentaries that were produced the first in 1926, "El Valle del Cauca y su progreso" and the second: "Las Olimpiadas de Cali" in 1928. Both share a view of the city in which industries, residential neighborhoods and sites considered emblematic such as churches, squares, monuments, etc. are privileged.In addition to the aspects of urban infrastructure, there is an idea of progress that goes through body hygiene, especially in the second documentary, where the importance of sport and physical education as a fundamental instrument for the development of the race is emphasized.

Two new species of the genus Quindina Roewer, 1914 (Opiliones: Nomoclastidae) from Colombia: phylogenetic relationships and notes on their nest architecture

ABSTRACT Quindina Roewer, 1914 is a nomoclastid genus with 11 described species behaviourally characterised by its remarkable nest-building behaviour. In this paper we describe two new Colombian species of the genus from the western range of the Northern Andes, based on genital morphology and external characters. In addition, we explore their phylogenetic relationships using a phenotypic matrix with 96 characters, three newly proposed, and 55 terminals including all described species of Quindina and a wide outgroup sample across the suborder Laniatores. Quindina sanantonio sp. n. (type locality: Valle del Cauca, Santiago de Cali, San Antonio Forest) can be diagnosed by having two olive-green patches behind the ocularium and on the lateral portion of areas II and III, connected on the posterior margin of area III. Quindina horologium sp. n. (type locality: Risaralda, Santuario, Planes de San Rafael) can be diagnosed by having an hourglass-shaped dorsal pattern, beginning as two emerald-green patches next to the ocularium and continuing to the posterior margin of area III. Both species build nests without walls on the underside of leaves (ie flattened nest type), a previously unknown nest architecture for the genus. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Quindina. The two new species, herein described, were recovered as basally branching within the genus. The inferred ancestral state for the nest architecture was the flattened nest type. We provide an updated key for the Colombian species of the genus Quindina and an updated distribution map. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4C811186-3FAC-4F65-81BD-A5720513551E.

Measuring Food Insecurity in Children under 5 Years of Age with Acute Undernutrition in Valle Del Cauca-Colombia.

Our objective was to assess food insecurity among children under 5 years old with moderate, and severe malnutrition from Valle del Cauca, a state located in the southwestern region of Colombia. A descriptive observational study was conducted, including children whose weight-for-height (W/H) indicator was below 2 SD, as recorded on the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts, or who exhibited severe malnutrition phenotypes such as marasmus or Kwashiorkor. Family and child food security were evaluated using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). 58.6% of households with acutely malnourished children experienced food insecurity. A statistically significant relationship was found between food insecurity and children of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous descent. According to caregivers' perceptions, 30.2% of child malnutrition cases were related to poor feeding and caregiving practices. Not all children with acute malnutrition suffer from food insecurity. Therefore, the findings of this research suggest that governmental efforts should focus not only on ensuring food availability, but also on educating caregivers about the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to the specific characteristics of each region and promoting appropriate caregiving practices.

How Many Autistic Children are there in Colombia? A Nationwide Examination of Autism Through Health System Data.

Accurate healthcare data is indispensable for monitoring the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and improving the quality of care for individuals on the spectrum. In Colombia, the Ministry of Health has developed the social protection information system (SISPRO) as a comprehensive registry, drawing data from the healthcare system with close to universal coverage (approximately 95%). This study utilizes data gathered by SISPRO to estimate the prevalence and specific characteristics of autistic children registered between January 2020 and December 2022. A descriptive epidemiological approach was employed, using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases as search terms for ASD within the SISPRO dataset. The study revealed a prevalence of 13.788 cases per 10,000 children in 2022 among aged 4 to 14. Regarding healthcare coverage types in 2022, the majority of autistic children served were under the contributory regime (68.28%), followed by the subsidized regime (25.36%). Geographic analysis indicated a non-uniform distribution of ASD prevalence in Colombia. The regions with the highest GDP, such as Antioquia, Atlántico, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, and Valle del Cauca, exhibited the highest prevalence (M = 17.90; SD = 14.3). In contrast, areas with the lowest GDP, including Amazonas, Guainía, Vaupés, Vichada, and Guaviare, showed the lowest prevalence among children (M = 2.6; SD = 2.5). The estimation of ASD prevalence in Colombia represents an ongoing initiative to inform public policy actions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in the number of autistic children served by the healthcare sector; however, the prevalence of ASD changed to higher levels in 2022. These findings contribute to strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and mitigating the economic burden on their families.

Treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: A comparative analysis of programmatic outcome indicators between Buenaventura and other municipalities of Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Introduction. Proper management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a prioritized strategy for tuberculosis control worldwide. Objective. To evaluate differences concerning demographic and clinical characteristics and programmatic indicators of Buenaventura patient cohort with confirmed diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, compared to those of the other municipalities from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, 2013-2016. Materials and methods. We conducted an analytical cohort study to compare records of patients older than 15 years with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis included in the Programa de Tuberculosis de Buenaventura (with para-aminosalicylic acid) versus the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca (without para-aminosalicylic). Results. Ninety-nine cases were recorded with a median age of 40 years (IQR = 26 - 53); in Buenaventura, 56% of the patients were women, while in the other municipalities, men predominated with 67%; 95% had health insurance. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (14%). Adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications in Buenaventura were 1.3 times more frequent than in the other municipalities (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 0.993 - 5.568; p = 0.04). In Buenaventura, the mortality rate was 5% compared to the 15% reported in the other municipalities. Treatment failures were not reported in Buenaventura, but 35% did not continue with the follow-up. Treatment success was higher in Buenaventura (56 %). Conclusion. A strengthened program in Buenaventura presented better programmatic results than those from the other municipalities of Valle del Cauca. Access to molecular tests, availability of shortened treatments, and continuous monitoring to identify adverse reactions to antituberculosis medications are routes for all other control programs.

Factors influencing environmental sustainability performance: A study applied to coffee crops in Colombia

The Environmental Sustainability Performance (ESP) in Agricultural Activity (AA) is a topic of great interest due to its essential role in the future of society. Efficient resource management and capacity building among people engaged in AA are essential for reducing environmental impact and achieving long-term sustainability. In this regard, a model was developed based on AA and its relationship with ESP by reviewing the relevant scientific literature. The model was then empirically validated by surveying coffee crops in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the causal relationships between the theoretical constructs, measured using a 28-item survey instrument grouped into five blocks. The survey was administered to 692 administrators, managers, and owners of coffee Agricultural Producing Units (APUs), and the data were validated and analyzed using the partial least squares technique (PLS-SEM) and SmartPLS Version 4.0 software. The results indicate that Business Associativity (BA), Agricultural Management (AM), Citizen Participation (CP), and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have a direct and positive relationship with ESP. Moreover, this study found that the relationships between AM and BA, ICT and AM, and ICT and CP generate significant indirect effects associated with ESP. Finally, the study discusses the impact of agricultural management on ESP and its effects on other variables.

Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamic and CFD Modeling of a Tidal Barrage Power Plant without Sluicing in Buenaventura, Colombia

Recent research revealed the potential of tidal energy in the central coastal region of the Colombian Pacific. Buenaventura City, located in the Valle del Cauca department in Colombia, has an important opportunity to develop tidal power technologies near its marine coastal areas. This research implemented a 3D hydrodynamic model for simulating the hydrodynamics of the Buenaventura Bay to provide data as input for evaluating the hydraulics of a tidal barrage without sluicing through CFD modeling. According to the results, the velocities across the gates during Syzygy (April 2021) showed impressive velocities between 9 and 11 m/s, which suggest a high possibility of producing electricity through tidal turbines. The mean behavior of velocities in the gates pointed to values of 3 and 5 m/s in most of the cases. The results during the Stoa condition were interesting because flow velocities higher than 1 m/s were not expected. This is promising because the plant might produce electricity even during the Stoa condition. For the first time, the results of this research suggest that there exists a high possibility of implementing tidal barrage plants in Buenaventura City, Colombia.

Colombian ocular diseases epidemiology study (CODES): glaucoma incidence and sociodemographic characterisation 2015–2020

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. Understanding the incidence and demographic distribution is vital for public health planning and patient care. Background Previous small-scale studies in Colombia have reported the prevalence of glaucoma in individuals over 40 years between 1.1% and 5.29%. These data may not fully capture the true extent of the disease. Furthermore, with the ageing population, the incidence of glaucoma is likely to increase, highlighting the need for up-to-date incidence data to guide healthcare planning. Methods Data were obtained from the Social Protection Information System, the primary health record repository of Colombia, using the International Classification of Disease 10 for glaucoma. Crude incidence rates were calculated and adjusted for sex, age, and gender. The 2020 incidence was compared with estimated rates from previous years to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown. A standardised morbidity map was created to show regional variations. Results The average incidence of glaucoma in Colombia was 17.36 per 1,000 inhabitants, increasing from 12.29 in 2015 to 24.22 in 2019. Of the 212,700 reported cases, 60.75% were females. Primary open-angle glaucoma was the most prevalent type, with significant incidence in the elderly over 70 years of age, irrespective of sex. Bogotá, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca had the highest numbers of new cases. Conclusion The increasing incidence of glaucoma and its demographic and geographical variations necessitate the awareness of ophthalmologists and optometrists. This study emphasises the need for continuous monitoring, effective interventions, and developing healthcare strategies to address the escalating challenge of glaucoma in Colombia.

2023-24 dengue outbreak in Valle del Cauca, Colombia caused by multiple virus serotypes and lineages.

Global dengue cases rapidly rose to record levels in 2023-24. We investigated this trend in Valle del Cauca, Colombia to determine if specific dengue virus serotypes or lineages were responsible for the large outbreak. We detected all four serotypes and multiple lineages, suggesting that other factors, such as climatic conditions, are likely responsible.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND IN VITRO DRY MATTER DEGRADABILITY IN MEXICAN SUNFLOWER: Tithonia diversifolia Helms (Gray)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;em&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; Helms (Gray), is a robust shrubby forage plant with high integral biomass yield (stem and leaves); susceptible to heliophany and conditioning of bromatological characteristics, nutritional value, and modification of the rumen environment is due to genetic variability between genotypes. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the macromolar quality of the biomass of introductions &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; Helms (Gray) established in two locations, and the nutritional value, gas production and &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; rumen environment promoted by the whole plant biomass established in Ecuador. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; The chemical composition of the full plant (PITD) was considered based on Dry Matter (DM), Organic Matter (OM), Mineral composition (MC), Crude Protein (CP), neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). I&lt;em&gt;n vitro&lt;/em&gt; gas production was evaluated according to Ankom Technology, considering Tiffon 85 there (&lt;em&gt;Cynodon dactylon&lt;/em&gt;) at control, quantified or ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement with three repetitions for the variable chemical composition, and the &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; digestibility of the date processed through a random complete block design with six repetitions, in the ruminal ambient and production SCFA was analyzed through a completely randomized block design with three repetitions. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There were variable responses in the DM content for the effect of interaction P &amp;lt;0.01, and higher mineral content in El Carmen, Ecuador for introduction 13.5, with respect to the rest of the cultivars in both locations. NDF was significantly expressed (p&amp;lt;0.001) in variety 1.2 that grew in Candelaria, Ecuador. For the rest of the variables, no differences were recorded (P&amp;gt;0.05). The gas production of the introductions, except for 1.2, was similar to that produced by the control (Tifton 85), however, in the degradability of the OM, net gas production (Net GP) of DM and OM, stood out. introduction 1.2 compared to the control (P&amp;lt;0.01) and the rest of the introductions. The net GP of NDF exceeded 1.2 (p&amp;lt;0.02) than the control, also quantitatively to produce Acetic and Propionic Fatty Acid. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; The introductions of &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; Helms Gray based on the results obtained preserve macromolar characteristics, gas production and SCVFA production (short chain volatile fatty acids) in contrasting ecosystems such as Valle del Cauca, Colombia and Manabi in Ecuador. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The introductions of &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt; Helms Gray, maintain a good protein composition, produce low methane contents, have high performance in the fermentation of organic matter and the cell wall, which suggests its future use as a complement to the ration in conditions in conditions Edaphoclimatic of the province of Manabi.&lt;/p&gt;

Efecto de la UV-C en la calidad postcosecha de cítricos de la región nororiente del Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Ultraviolet short wave (UV-C) irradiation is an emerging technology employed in postharvest fruits treatment. This method facilitates a reduction in microbial load, triggers an elicitor effect, and prolongs the shelf life of fruits. In this study, UV-C was applied to rangpur red lime, Tahitian lime, and sweet orange cv. 'Sweety,' which are the primary citrus varieties cultivated in the northeastern region of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The citrus fruits were exposed to UV-C irradiation for 5 min using a lamp positioned 11 cm above the work area. Subsequently, the fruits were stored in plastic baskets for 21 days at 26 °C with a relative humidity of 70%. Positive and negative control treatments were also implemented. The positive treatment involved samples treated with a 150 mg/L sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 min, while the negative treatment comprised samples without any postharvest treatment. The results revealed that UV-C application effectively delayed maturation, prevented granulation, and maintained the physicochemical parameters, morphology, and surface color of citrus fruits. In conclusion, UV-C shows promise as a technology for treating citrus fruits during the postharvest stage, offering a means to mitigate losses, and assuring food availability.

Prevalencia e infección mixta de virus en cultivos de maracuyá amarillo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Yellow passion fruit crop is affected by multiple phytosanitary problems. Among the main ones are viruses of the genera Potyvirus (soybean mosaic virus, SMV), Cucumovirus (cucumber mosaic virus, CMV), Tymovirus (tymovirus passiflorae, PYMV) and Begomovirus (passionfruit leaf distortion virus, PLDV). Information about the prevalence and interaction between these viruses is scarce. The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence and identify the types of mixed viral infections of potyvirus, cucumovirus, tymovirus, and begomovirus in passion fruit crops in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Passion fruit leaf samples with symptoms were collected and their nucleic acids were purified. Virus identification was performed by PCR using universal primers by viral genus, and specific primers for the SMV, CMV, PFYMV and PLDV viruses. The incidence of each virus by municipality was analyzed and the severity of the symptoms was compared with the diagnosis made. In total, 66 samples were collected in the municipalities of Toro, Dagua, Roldanillo, Bolívar, La Unión and El Cerrito. It was established that the most prevalent viruses are PLDV followed by SMV and CMV. The presence of PYMV was not detected in the samples analyzed. The presence of double and triple infections among potyvirus, cucumovirus and begomovirus were identified for the first time, finding greater severity of symptoms with a greater number of viruses identified per sample. This research provides key results for the design of control strategies for viral diseases in passion fruit.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Green Harvesting Residues (GHRs) from Sugar Cane: Effect of Temperature and Water/GHR Ratio on Mass and Energy Yield.

The Valle del Cauca region in Colombia is a significant producer of sugar cane, resulting in large quantities of agricultural residues (green harvesting residues (GHRs)). To ensure sustainable management of these residues, it is crucial to implement proper treatment and disposal technologies while also reusing waste to produce biogas, bioelectricity, or biofuels. The biomass hydrothermal carbonization process offers a means to convert these residues into useful products that serve as fuels or valuable energy materials. This thermal treatment involves the use of water as a solvent and reagent within the biomass's internal structure. In this study, sugar cane cutting residues were collected with relatively high moisture content of 8.5% wt. These residues were subjected to carbonization temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 °C, along with water/GHR ratios between 5/1 and 10/1. The properties of the resulting hydrocarbons were analyzed by using proximate and ultimate analysis. The objective was to produce hydrochar samples with the highest higher heating value (HHV) and energy density compared with the GHRs. The HHV value of the hydrochar showed a significant increase of 69.6% compared with that of the GHRs, reaching 43.5 MJ/kg. Besides, process parameters were optimized for mass yields, energy yields, and ash content. This exploration led us to investigate a new temperature range between 280 and 320 °C, allowing us to establish an optimal value for the hydrochar's properties.

Chemical constraints and tectonic setting of the Ginebra ophiolite complex

The occurrence and types of ophiolites in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes have not been identified in terms of their tectonic settings and geochemical features. Therefore, the study of the tectonic setting and subduction zones in the ophiolites’ magmatic evolution becomes a significant issue. The Ginebra Ophiolitic Complex (GOC) is located on the western flank of the Central Cordillera in the Valle del Cauca Department, southwest of Colombia, assigned to the Lower Cretaceous period, as indicated by the contact of the GOC with the Buga Batholith. The GOC is formed by three main lithologies: amphibolite, gabbro, and ultramafic rocks (pyroxenite and peridotite), according to Ossa (2007). The rocks in the Puente Piedra section, located in the northeast of Ginebra municipality, are part of the gabbroic cumulates within the ophiolitic sequence. This sequence comprises interspersed layers of gabbroic cumulates, gabbrodiorites, and diorites; interpreted as a result of crystal accumulation and fractional crystallization processes. The mafic rocks of the GOC are sub-alkaline and correspond to the low potassium (K2O wt% 0.03-0.06) tholeiitic series. Geochemically, they have SiO2 wt% ranging from 49 to 61 and an aluminum oxide saturation index of approximately ~0.4 and ~0.8, indicating a metaluminous type. The geochemistry of the studied rocks from Puente Piedra section indicates that the GOC formed through fractional crystallization and accumulation processes from a single magma source. Cluster analysis, used to compare the geochemistry of GOC rocks and the Amaime Complex basalts, suggests a similar magma source, possibly linked to multiple recharge events that underwent fractional crystallization, melt extraction, and accumulation processes. The geochemical parameters are indicative of a suprasubduction zone ophiolite, characterized by a low potassium tholeiitic series affinity, TiO2 values typically &lt;1.2 wt%, Th enrichment typical of subduction zones, high Pb content, and low values of Ti, Y, Yb, Ta, Nb, Zr, and Hf.

Scrutinising delay in leprosy diagnosis in Colombia: perceptions and experiences by leprosy health professionals

ABSTRACT Leprosy is an infectious neglected tropical disease, which can cause irreversible disabilities if not diagnosed in time. Colombia continues to show high rates of leprosy-related disability, mainly due to a delay in diagnosis. Limited knowledge is available that explains this delay, therefore our study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of leprosy health professionals with the delay in leprosy diagnosis in the Cesar and Valle del Cauca departments, Colombia. Nine semi-structured expert interviews with leprosy health professionals were conducted in May-June 2023 in Colombia. Thematic analysis was performed to analyse the interview results. Our analysis highlighted that the main reasons for delay at the health system-level included accessibility issues to obtain a diagnosis, lack of expertise by health staff, and barriers related to the organisation of the care pathway. Individual – and community-level factors included a lack of leprosy awareness among the general population and leprosy-related stigma. Diagnostic delay consists of a fluid interplay of various factors. Structural changes within the health system, such as organising integral leprosy care centres and highlighting leprosy in the medical curriculum, as well as awareness-related interventions among the general population, might help reducing diagnostic delays.