RESUMEN: Como respuesta a cambios rápidos y constantes en el mercado, las organizaciones se ven cada vez más en la necesidad de generar productos o servicios innovadores y con valor agregado. Frente a este escenario, para que las organizaciones puedan generar resultados innovadores, estas deben contar con competencias y capacidades de innovación (CI) que posibiliten la consolidación de habilidades y conocimientos orientados a la investigación y el desarrollo y les permitan además ser competitivas. En la ciudad de Medellín se concentra un gran porcentaje de las empresas del sector de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en Colombia, para las cuales desarrollar ci es estratégico y de vital importancia para el fortalecimiento de su competitividad, dadas las transformaciones que involucran a esta industria y el aporte económico que el sector Tic representa para la ciudad y el país, que se ve reflejado en el PIB nacional. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las variables que conducen a la identificación e incorporación de ci en las empresas del sector Tic, para lo cual se acudió a una revisión sistemática de literatura (RSL) en las 6 bases de datos bibliográficas más relevantes para la academia. Los resultados obtenidos fueron utilizados para analizar el sector Tic de Medellín, permitiendo concluir que la identificación e incorporación de las ci dentro de las estructuras organizativas hacen posible mejorar la toma de decisiones, generando con ello estrategias que contribuyen al fortalecimiento de la innovación y las ventajas competitivas.

RÉSUMÉ : En réponse aux évolutions rapides et constantes du marché, les organisations ont de plus en plus besoin de générer des produits ou services innovants leur permettant d'apporter une valeur ajoutée. Pour générer des résultats innovants, les organisations doivent disposer de compétences et de capacités d'innovation (CI) qui leur permettent de développer des compétences et des connaissances orientées vers la recherche et le développement, tout en étant compétitives. Un grand pourcentage d'organisations du secteur des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC) en Colombie sont concentrées dans la ville de Medellín, pour lesquelles le développement de ci se considère comme stratégique et d'une importance vitale pour renforcer leur compétitivité, compte tenu des transformations qui impliquent cette industrie et de la contribution économique que le secteur des Tic représente pour la ville et le pays, qui se reflète dans le PIB national. Par conséquent, l'objectif de cet article est d'analyser les variables qui conduisent à l'identification et à l'incorporation de l'IC dans les entreprises du secteur des tic, pour lesquelles on a mené une revue systématique de la littérature (RSL) dans les six bases de données bibliographiques les plus pertinentes de l'académie. On a utilisé les résultats obtenus pour analyser le secteur des Tic à Medellin. On a pu conclure que l'identification et l'incorporation des ci dans les structures organisationnelles rend possible d'améliorer la prise de décision, en générant ainsi des stratégies qui contribuent au renforcement de l'innovation et des avantages concurrentiels.

ABSTRACT: Due to the rapid and constant changes in the market, organizations are increasingly forced to develop innovative products or services with added value. In Colombia, a large percentage of information and communications technology (ICT) firms concentrate in the city of Medellin. For these organizations, developing and implementing innovation capabilities (ICS) is considered strategic and essential to strengthen their competitiveness and the economic contribution of the ICT sector to the city and the country, which is reflected in the national GDP. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the variables that lead to the identification and incorporation of ICS by firms in the ICT sector through a systematic literature review (sur) in the 6 most relevant bibliographic databases. The results obtained were used for the analysis of the ICT sector in Medellin. According to our findings, firms must possess the necessary innovation capabilities and competencies to develop skills and knowledge oriented to research and development and to be competitive in the market, considering the transformations of the industry. In addition, identifying and incorporating ICS into their organizational structures allow them to improve decision-making and create strategies that contribute to strengthening their innovation activity and competitive advantage.

RESUMO: Como resposta a mudanças rápidas e constantes no mercado, as organizações se veem cada vez mais na necessidade de gerar produtos ou serviços inovadores que lhes permitam outorgar valor agregado. Para gerar resultados inovadores, as organizações devem contar com competências e capacidades de inovação (CI) que lhes possibilitem desenvolver habilidades e conhecimentos orientados para a pesquisa e o desenvolvimento, e além de serem competitivas. Na cidade de Medellín, Colômbia, concentra-se grande porcentagem das organizações do setor das tecnologias da informação e da comunicação (Tic) do país para as quais desenvolver ci é considerado estratégico e de vital importância para fortalecer sua competitividade, tendo em vista as transformações que envolvem essa indústria e a contribuição económica que o setor de Tic representa para a cidade e o país, o que se vê refletido no piB nacional. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar as variáveis que conduzem à identificação e à incorporação de ci nas empresas do setor das Tic; para isso, recorreu-se a uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas seis bases de dados bibliográficas mais relevantes na academia. Os resultados foram utilizados para analisar o setor das Tic em Medellín. Pode-se concluir que a identificação e a incorporação das ci dentro das estruturas organizacionais tornam possível que elas possam melhorar a tomada de decisões, gerando, com isso, estratégias que contribuam para o fortalecimento da inovação e das vantagens competitivas.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 62-year-old male with cough and abdominal pain for two weeks, associated with pulmonary tomographic findings compatible with probable infection by SARS-CoV-2, and who received high doses of early corticotherapy as an outpatient. The patient showed clinical deterioration, was hospitalized and died in the immediate postoperative period due to acute surgical abdomen. The anatomopathological study showed parasitic structures with characteristics compatible with amebae, which was pointed to as the cause of a complicated acute fulminant colitis, with multiple perforations and acute peritonitis. Acute fulminant colitis due to intestinal amebiasis in the context of a patient with probable COVID-19 had not been previously reported in Peru. It is important to highlight the fulminant presentation with fatal outcome of this prevalent parasitic infection, in the context of corticosteroids use in a probable SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection.

RESUMEN Se reporta el caso de un varón de 62 años quien presentó tos y dolor abdominal por dos semanas, con hallazgos tomográficos pulmonares compatibles con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2, que recibió tempranamente corticoterapia a dosis altas y de manera ambulatoria. El paciente presentó evolución tórpida, fue hospitalizado y falleció en el posoperatorio inmediato por un cuadro de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró estructuras parasitarias con características compatibles con amebas, como causa de una colitis aguda fulminante complicada, con perforación múltiple y peritonitis aguda. La colitis aguda fulminante por amebiasis intestinal en el contexto de un paciente con probable COVID-19 no había sido reportada en el Perú. Resulta importante resaltar la presentación fulminante con desenlace fatal de esta infección parasitaria prevalente en nuestro medio, en el contexto del uso de corticoides ante una probable infección pulmonar por COVID-19.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 62-year-old male with cough and abdominal pain for two weeks, associated with pulmonary tomographic findings compatible with probable infection by SARS-CoV-2, and who received high doses of early corticotherapy as an outpatient. The patient showed clinical deterioration, was hospitalized and died in the immediate postoperative period due to acute surgical abdomen. The anatomopathological study showed parasitic structures with characteristics compatible with amebae, which was pointed to as the cause of a complicated acute fulminant colitis, with multiple perforations and acute peritonitis. Acute fulminant colitis due to intestinal amebiasis in the context of a patient with probable COVID-19 had not been previously reported in Peru. It is important to highlight the fulminant presentation with fatal outcome of this prevalent parasitic infection, in the context of corticosteroids use in a probable SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection.

RESUMEN Se reporta el caso de un varón de 62 años quien presentó tos y dolor abdominal por dos semanas, con hallazgos tomográficos pulmonares compatibles con probable infección por SARS-CoV-2, que recibió tempranamente corticoterapia a dosis altas y de manera ambulatoria. El paciente presentó evolución tórpida, fue hospitalizado y falleció en el posoperatorio inmediato por un cuadro de abdomen agudo quirúrgico. El estudio anatomopatológico mostró estructuras parasitarias con características compatibles con amebas, como causa de una colitis aguda fulminante complicada, con perforación múltiple y peritonitis aguda. La colitis aguda fulminante por amebiasis intestinal en el contexto de un paciente con probable COVID-19 no había sido reportada en el Perú. Resulta importante resaltar la presentación fulminante con desenlace fatal de esta infección parasitaria prevalente en nuestro medio, en el contexto del uso de corticoides ante una probable infección pulmonar por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND The genetic heterogeneity of Leishmania parasites is a major factor responsible for the wide variety of Leishmania-associated manifestations. Consequently, understanding the genetic make-up of Leishmania species using suitable molecular markers is an important component of realising local and regional scale disease risk. The cytochrome b (cytb) is frequently used to type New World Leishmania species. However, its potential to discriminate Leishmania species and variants requires further evaluation. OBJECTIVES To explore the capacity of cytb gene to identify New World Leishmania species and variants and to develop an approach able to type local Leishmania species and variants. METHODS We retrieved 360 partial and complete Leishmania cytb gene sequences publicly available in GenBank database to study all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the cytb gene that differentiate New World Leishmania species. This information was used to develop an approach based upon the polymorphisms found in a DNA segment of 948bp. We also compared the typing results found with this technique with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) profiling obtained using HSP70 gene as target. One hundred Panamanian isolates were used to both typed Leishmania species and assess local genetic variability. FINDINGS We found complete agreement between our cytb approach and the PCR-RFLP profiling method based on HSP70 for Leishmania species identification. Ninety-two isolates were identified as L. panamensis, although other Viannia species were found circulating at a lower frequency. Three L. panamensis haplotypes were identified in Panamanian provinces. We also provide an initial report of L. guyanensis haplotypes circulating in Panama. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Cytb gene sequence encompasses key main SNPs that aid to identify Leishmania species. The cytb approach developed with this information was able to identify and assess genetic variability of local Leishmania species found in this study.

La histoplasmosis es una enfermedad granulomatosa, producida por Histoplasma capsulatum. Causa un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas, la más frecuente es la pulmonar. En algunos casos se presentan formas diseminadas, con afectación de uno o múltiples órganos, con características atípicas, difíciles de reconocer. Reporte del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 70 años de edad, procedente de Barinas, quien trabajó en una granja de gallinas, con diagnóstico de histoplasmosis y anemia hemolítica, las cuales se resolvieron con tratamiento antifúngico. Conclusiones: En Venezuela, zona endémica para esta micosis, el médico está obligado a tener un alto índice de sospecha acerca de la misma, teniendo en cuenta factores como la edad y la epidemiología. A la luz de nuestros conocimientos, es el tercer caso reportado.

Histoplasmosis is a granulomatous disease, produced by Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus causes a wide range of clinical manifestations; the most common is the pulmonary form. In some cases, atypical presentations are described. Case report: a 70 year old male patient, from Barinas, Venezuela, who worked in a chicken farm, with diagnosis of histoplasmosis and hemolytic anemia is described. The patient improved with antifungal treatment. Conclusions: in Venezuela, an endemic area for this mycosis, clinicians must have a high suspicion index for this disease, taking into account risk factors, such as age and epidemiology. To our knowledge, this is the third case report in the literature.

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzi vector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruzi serological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruziseropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog’s household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescens with an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog’s peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.

Introducción. La implementación de los programas de vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad de Chagas requiere una aproximación integral. La sostenibilidad de los programas depende de la participación comunitaria amparada en un conocimiento básico del problema. Objetivo. Evaluar los conocimientos de los entrevistados que facilitan o limitan la vigilancia, prevención y control de la enfermedad de Chagas en dos comunidades endémicas de Panamá donde Rhodnius pallescens es el vector principal. Materiales y métodos. Mediante un cuestionario se evaluaron los conocimientos y los factores de riesgo relacionados con la enfermedad de Chagas en 201 personas mayores de 10 años de las comunidades endémicas de Las Pavas y Lagartera Grande, ubicadas en la ribera oeste del Canal de Panamá. Con ayuda de los moradores también se evaluó la presencia de chinches triatominos en 93 viviendas a lo largo de un año. Resultados. De las personas entrevistadas, 69,2 % (139/201) tenía pocos o muy pocos conocimientos sobre la enfermedad de Chagas y 93 % (187/201) estaba expuesto a factores de riesgo moderados o altos. Se capturaron chinches triatominos en 20,4 % (19/93) de las viviendas evaluadas, de los cuales, el 86,8 % (66/76) era R. pallescens. Se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de chinches dentro de las viviendas y las viviendas catalogadas como precarias (p<0,01). Conclusión. A pesar de que en estas dos comunidades se han desarrollado programas de educación sanitaria, es necesario reforzar los conocimientos básicos sobre la enfermedad de Chagas antes de establecer medidas de prevención y vigilancia que involucren la participación activa de sus habitantes.

Introduction: The implementation of surveillance, control and prevention measures for Chagas´ disease requires an integrated approach. The sustainability of programs depends on community participation supported on a basic understanding of the problem. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of people interviewed which facilitates or limits the surveillance, prevention and control of Chagas´ disease in two endemic Panamanian communities where Rhodnius pallescens is the main vector. Materials and methods: A questionnaire assessed the knowledge and risk factors related to Chagas´ disease in 201 people over 10 years of age from the endemic communities of Las Pavas and Lagartera Grande located on the western shore of Panama Canal. Additionally, with the help of the residents, the presence of triatomine bugs in 93 dwellings was evaluated during a year. Results: Of those interviewed, 69.2% (139/201) had poor or very poor knowledge about Chagas´ disease. Nearly 93% (187/201) was exposed to moderate or high risk factors. Triatomine bugs were collected in 20.4% (19/93) of the evaluated homes; 80% (66/76) of them were R. pallescens . Significant association was found between the presence of triatomines inside the houses and precarious housing (p<0.01). Conclusion: Despite having been exposed to health education-related programs, it is necessary to strengthen the basic knowledge about Chagas´ disease in the two communities before establishing prevention and surveillance measures which involve active participation of its inhabitants.

O triatomíneo silvestre Rhodnius pallescens é considerado o mais importante vetor do Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma rangeli no Panamá. Entretanto, seu comportamento e características biológicas são pouco estudados. Para controlar a doença de Chagas no Panamá é necessário melhorar a compreensão dos aspectos eco-biológicos do R. pallescens. Neste estudo, investigaram-se as fontes de alimentação de R. pallescens usando dot-blot e o índice de infecção por Trypanosoma por metodologia molecular, em área endêmica da doença de Chagas na região central do Panamá. Foi observado que 20,3% dos barbeiros coletados em palmeiras peridomésticas se alimentavam de gambás (Didelphis marsupialis). Contudo, barbeiros coletados dentro das residências apresentaram antropofagia aumentada (25,4%). Considerando o ambiente doméstico e peridoméstico juntos, o percentual de R. pallescens infectados com Trypanosoma foi de 87,4 %. Nos ambientes doméstico e peridoméstico, a infecção por T. cruzi foi de 80,4% e 90%; a infecção por T. rangeli foi de 47% e 51%, respectivamente. Observou-se infecção mista em 43% dos triatomíneos coletados em ambiente doméstico e em 51% dos triatomíneos peridomésticos. Estes achados fornecem embasamento para a implementação de um controle adequado e um programa de vigilância para a doença de Chagas em regiões onde o R. pallescens é endêmico.

The sylvatic triatomine Rhodnius pallescens is considered to be the most important and widespread vector of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli in Panama. However, its behavior and biological characteristics have only been partially investigated. Thus, to achieve sustainable and efficient control over Chagas disease in Panama, a better understanding of the ecology and biology of R. pallescens is essential. In this study we evaluated R. pallescens host feeding sources using a dot-blot assay, and the trypanosome infection index by PCR analysis in a Chagas disease endemic area of central Panama. It was found that in peridomestic palm trees, 20.3% of the examined bugs had fed on opossums (Didelphis marsupialis). However, we observed an increased anthropophagy (25.4%) for those bugs collected inside houses. Considering the domestic and peridomestic habitats as a whole, the proportion of collected R. pallescens infected with trypanosomes was 87.4%. In the two habitats the predominant infection was with T. cruzi (80-90%). Between 47-51% of the analyzed triatomines were infected with T. rangeli. Mixed infections (40-51%) were also detected. These findings provide a better basis for the implementation of a rational control and surveillance program for Chagas disease in regions where R. pallescens is endemic.