Most patients with brain tumors suffer cognitive and behavioral alterations that impact their quality of life and that of their family environment. Understanding the complexity of these alterations allows for the establishment of appropriate intervention strategies and therapeutic protocols. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the main neuropsychological alterations observed in patients with brain tumors treated at the Central Hospital of Maracay, Venezuela. A descriptive, crosssectional field study was conducted between June and August 2023. The sample was non-probabilistic, consisting of 31 patients diagnosed with brain tumors who voluntarily agreed to participate and met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done through medical records and a checklist. It was found that the majority of patients were male (61.29%), with a mean age of 57.41 +/- 18.50 years. Among the most common neuropsychological alterations were sudden mood swings (93.5%; CI95%: 78.58-99.20) and short-term memory loss (90.30%). Other findings were disorientation (51.60%), changes in tastes (61.30%), dysarthria (67.70%), long-term memory loss (61.30%), changes in cleaning habits (51.60%), and personality changes (61.30%). It was concluded that the psychological well-being of these patients is compromised, and therefore, clinical work should include psychoeducational aspects involving the patient and their family.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and in Colombia it particularly affects women aged 70 and older. To analyze mortality and risks associated with breast cancer in Colombians, a review of available information for the period 1999-2020 was conducted to propose a broad and comprehensive approach with clinical and preventive recommendations tailored to the population. The findings showed that 15,509 new cases and 4,411 deaths from breast cancer were recorded in Colombia in 2020, with a higher incidence in departments that require strengthening early detection strategies. The mortality rate in older women has varied between 1999 and 2019, with elevated body mass index (+21.95%), elevated fasting glucose (+19.79%), and low physical activity (+2.56%) being critical risk factors. Modifiable factors, such as obesity, excessive consumption of red meat, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyle, play an important role in mortality in this population. Promoting healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet, physical activity, exercise, and reducing unhealthy habits, are essential to reducing the incidence of breast cancer and improving quality of life. The conclusion is that it is important to implement projects and strategies to promote early diagnosis and strengthen public health policies, particularly those aimed at preventing and reducing breast cancer among older Colombian women.
All four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes circulate in the Americas, sometimes simultaneously. The number of cases has grown in recent years, reaching a record high in 2024. DENV serotypes and genotypes play a fundamental role in the increase in cases and the occurrence of severe forms of the disease. Through the genotypic classification of DENV strains circulating in the Americas for 2024, 261 nucleotide sequences of the NS5 gene deposited in the NCBI GenBank of the different DENV serotypes were analyzed. Initially, the DENV genomic sequences were aligned using the CLUSTAL W program, and the phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA11 (c) bioinformatics program. Optimal phylogenetic trees were generated using the Maximum Likelihood method. The results indicated that genotype V (DENV-1), Cosmopolitan and Asian American genotypes (DENV-2), genotype III (DENV-3), and genotype II (DENV-4) circulated in the Americas that year. The majority of the sequences analyzed corresponded to patients who traveled from countries in the region to the United States, where they were classified as travel cases. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening molecular epidemiological surveillance programs, vector control, and early diagnosis, with special attention to travelers and migrants, who can potentially promote the spread of DENV variants in areas where they have likely not circulated previously, with epidemiological implications related to the risk of outbreaks, severe clinical presentations of the disease, and increased morbidity.
Gender inequity in the construction of knowledge persists despite efforts to promote greater accessibility, participation, and leadership in research. Therefore, a critical analysis was carried out on the inequalities present in editorial boards within the health field, examining their consequences for knowledge production and scientific development. Possible solutions are proposed to achieve greater female representation in editorial spaces. In this way, gender inclusion positively impacts the diversity of scientific publications and increases women's representation in knowledge creation. The underrepresentation of women on editorial boards results in delays in scientific production. Recognizing inequalities in publications will lead to actions that enable meaningful transformations in the editorial and research sectors. In conclusion, it is necessary to promote research that more fully acknowledges structural inequalities so that real participation policies can be built, contributing to transformations in the academic sector, the social sphere, and human development.
Child abuse is a serious social problem worldwide, which has spread to Latin America and affects children and adolescents. It is define as abuse and neglect, as well as any action that violates the health development, and dignity of children and adolescents or a situation that jeopardizes their survival including physical, psychological, and sexual violence, neglect and negligence, and commercial exploitation. In Venezuela anyone who witnesses a situation of child abuse has the responsibility to report it to the appropriate agencies, such as the Public Prosecutor`s Office, Child and Adolescent Protection Council and nearby police stations. Child abuse, in all its forms, carries a series of consequences that go beyond the physical effects, influencing the short-medium and long-term psychosocial and emotional development of children and adolescents. It also triggers a series of effects during their growth, placing them at high risk for developing behavioral problems and subsequent psychopathologies, behavioral disorders that fall under the general umbrella of antisocial behavior. Given the socio-health relevance of the topic, this essay was written to promote reflection and encourage dialogue within the Venezuelan society, in particular on the importance of preventing and combating child abuse in all its forms, as a guarantee of the rights of children and adolescents.
