OBJECTIVES: Medical students experience worse psychological well-being than the general population. Social determinants of health (SDOH) relate to conditions in which people live, work, and age and significantly influence mental health. This study examines the association between depressive symptoms and SDOH in medical students from four countries: Czechia, Iran, Kenya, and Venezuela. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in the spring of 2022. The questionnaire focused on depressive symptoms (using a validated psychiatric scale DASS-21 to assess mental health) and various SDOHs. RESULTS: A total of 2,033 medical students participated in the survey, with a median age of 23.0 years; 64.8% were females; 60.8% of respondents had some degree of depressive symptoms (mild-to-moderate 32.5%, severe-to-extremely severe 28.3%). Several SDOHs, such as low engagement in social life, low personal funds, and low social class, were strongly associated with severe-to-extremely severe depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), and the associations differed among countries. The prevalence of severe-to-extremely severe depressive symptoms varied significantly across the four countries, with Iran having the highest prevalence (OR = 2.1 compared to Czechia), followed by Czechia (OR = 1, reference value), Kenya (OR = 0.9), and Venezuela (OR = 0.6). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the high prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students from four global regions and the significant association with specific SDOH. Notably, the variation in prevalence across countries and differential relationships with SDOH underscore the importance of considering transcultural factors in research and management to improve mental health among medical students.

• MeSH
• Depression * epidemiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Social Determinants of Health * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Students, Medical * psychology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Iran MeSH
• Kenya MeSH
• Venezuela MeSH

BACKGROUND: Preventing type 2 diabetes during humanitarian crises is under-researched. In Venezuela, a third of adults have prediabetes amid a prolonged crisis. AIM: This study assessed the effectiveness of an intensive weight reduction strategy aimed at achieving a 7% weight loss in Venezuelan individuals with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A six-month pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at a Community Health Center. Participants were assigned to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) or a low-calorie liquid diet followed by DPP (LD-DPP). The LD-DPP group underwent a two-month liquid diet, followed by food reintroduction and DPP content. The DPP group received a transculturally adapted Group Lifestyle Balance curriculum through 16 group sessions. Both Intention to Treat and Per-Protocol analyses with Inverse Probability Weighting were conducted. RESULTS: Of 127 adults (64 LD-DPP, 63 DPP), 70 (55.1%) completed the intervention. In the ITT analysis, 32.9% achieved the 7% weight loss goal, significantly higher in the LD-DPP arm (54.8%) compared to DPP (15.4%). CONCLUSION: Initiating the DPP with intensive low-calorie restriction led to greater weight loss and improved chances of meeting weight loss goals during a humanitarian crisis.

• MeSH
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 * prevention & control   diet therapy   epidemiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Weight Loss * physiology   MeSH
• Caloric Restriction * methods   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Obesity prevention & control   diet therapy   MeSH
• Pilot Projects MeSH
• Prediabetic State diet therapy   therapy   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Pragmatic Clinical Trial MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Geographicals
• Venezuela MeSH

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of helminths (trematodes, an acanthocephalan and nematodes) found in nine species of freshwater fishes in Ecuador collected in March 1999 and those (a trematode and acanthocephalans) collected from an amphibian and two species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 17 helminth species were recorded: Trematoda: Prosthenhystera ornamentosa sp. n., P. obesa (Diesing, 1850), Crassicutis intermedius (Szidat, 1954), C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936 and Glypthelmins eleutherodactyli sp. n. Acanthocephala: Quadrigyrus torquatus Van Cleave, 1920, Gracilisentis variabilis (Diesing, 1851) and Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) ecuadoris sp. n. Nematoda: Cosmoxynema vianai Travassos, 1949, Travnema travnema Pereira, 1938, Touzeta ecuadoris Petter, 1987, Sprentascaris hypostomi Petter et Cassone, 1984, Sprentascaris sp., Contracaecum sp. Type 1 larvae, Contracaecum sp. Type 2 larvae, Procamallanus (Procamallanus) peraccuratus Pinto, Noronha et Rolas, 1976 and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) sp. juv. Nearly all of these parasites are reported from Ecuador or Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species P. ornamentosa sp. n. was collected from the gall-bladder of an unidentified anostomid (Anostomidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador, G. eleutherodactyli sp. n. from the digestive tract of the frog Eleutherodactylus sp. (Eleutherodactylidae, Anura) in Venezuela and N. (N.) ecuadoris sp. n. from the intestine of Lebiasina sp. (Lebiasinidae, Characiformes) in Ecuador. Most parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed.

• MeSH
• Helminths * classification   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Helminthiasis, Animal * epidemiology   parasitology   MeSH
• Fish Diseases * parasitology   epidemiology   MeSH
• Amphibians * parasitology   MeSH
• Fishes * parasitology   MeSH
• Fresh Water * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Ecuador MeSH
• Venezuela MeSH

The present paper comprises a systematic survey of trematodes found in 13 species of freshwater fishes in Venezuela collected in 1992, 1996 and 2001. The following 15 trematode species were recorded: Adults: Genarchella venezuelaensis sp. n., Thometrema dissimilis sp. n., Megacoelium spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, Doradamphistoma bacuense Thatcher, 1999, Crassicutis cichlasomae Manter, 1936, Parspina carapo Ostrowski de Núñez, Arredonto et Gil de Pertierra, 2011, Phyllodistomoides hoplerythrini sp. n. Larvae (metacercariae): Clinostomatopsis sorbens (Braun, 1899), Clinostomum marginatum (Rudolphi, 1819), C. detruncatum Braun, 1899, Ithyoclinostomum dimorphum (Diesing, 1850), Odhneriotrema microcephala (Travassos, 1922), Tylodelphys sp., Posthodiplostomum sp., Sphincterodiplostomum sp. All these parasites are reported from Venezuela for the first time and many of these findings represent new host records. The new species G. venezuelaensis sp. n., T. dissimilis sp. n. and P. hoplerythrini sp. n. were collected from the accessory respiratory organ of Loricariichthys brunneus (Hancock) (Loricariidae), from the stomach of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix et Agassiz) (Erythrinidae) and from the intestine of H. unitaeniatus, respectively. All parasites are briefly described and illustrated and problems concerning their morphology, taxonomy, hosts and geographical distribution are discussed. Megacoelium spinispecum Thatcher et Varella, 1981 is considered a junior synonym of M. spinicavum Thatcher et Varella, 1981, and Crassicutis opisthoseminis Bravo-Hollis et Arroyo, 1962 as a junior synonym of C. cichlasomae Manter, 1936.

• MeSH
• Characiformes * MeSH
• Trematode Infections * epidemiology   veterinary   parasitology   MeSH
• Fish Diseases * epidemiology   parasitology   MeSH
• Parasites * MeSH
• Fishes parasitology   MeSH
• Fresh Water MeSH
• Catfishes * MeSH
• Trematoda * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Venezuela MeSH

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the relationships of social determinants with cardiometabolic risk in different socioeconomic contexts: sociopolitically unstable Venezuela (VE) and stable Czechia (CZ). DESIGN: cross-sectional analysis involving two population-based studies. SETTING: Brno, Czechia and 23 cities of Venezuela. PARTICIPANTS: 25-64 years old subjects from CZ (2013-2014, n=1579, 56% females) and VE (2014-2017, n=1652, 70% females). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The composite cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS) (scaled 0-8) was calculated using eight biomarkers (body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides). Social characteristics included education in both countries, income in CZ and a composite measure of social position (SP) in VE. Sex stratified ordinal regression examined the social gradient in having less favourable CMRS. RESULTS: In CZ, men and women with low education and women with low income had higher odds of higher CMRS compared with those with high education and income with OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.21), 2.29 (95% CI 1.62 to 3.24) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.23 to 2.35). In VE, women with low education and low SP had higher odds to have higher CMRS OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.97) and 1.51 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.97), while men with low education and low SP had lower odds to have higher CMRS OR 0.64 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.00) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.97), compared with those with high education and high SP. Independently of age, sex and socioeconomic characteristics, Venezuelans had higher odds to have higher CMRS than Czechs (OR 2.70; 95% CI 2.37 to 3.08). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the associations of socioeconomic status indices and cardiometabolic risk differed between CZ and VE, likely reflecting differences in the social environment among countries. Further research is needed to confirm and quantify these differences.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Cardiovascular Diseases * epidemiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Social Class MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Venezuela MeSH

BACKGROUND: The complex humanitarian crisis (CHC) in Venezuela is characterized by food insecurity, hyperinflation, insufficient basic services, and the collapse of the healthcare system. The evolution of the epidemiology of cardiometabolic risk factors in this context is unknown. AIM: To compile the last 20 years evidence on the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in adults of Venezuela in the context of the CHC. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of population-based studies of adults in Venezuela from 2000 to 2020. RESULTS: Seven studies (National EVESCAM 2014-2017, 3 regions VEMSOLS 2006-2010, Maracaibo city 2007-2010, Merida city 2015, Mucuchies city 2009, Barquisimeto city CARMELA 2003-2005, and Zulia state 1999-2001) with samples sizes ranging from 109 to 3414 subjects were included. Over time, apparent decrease was observed in smoking from 21.8% (2003-2005) to 11.7% (2014-2017) and for obesity from 33.3% (2007-2010) to 24.6% (2014-2017). In contrast, there was an apparent increase in diabetes from 6% (2003-2005) to 12.3% (2014-2017), prediabetes 14.6% (2006-2010) to 34.9% (2014-2017), and hypertension 24.7% (2003-2005) to 34.1% (2014-2017). The most prevalent dyslipidemia - a low HDL-cholesterol - remained between 65.3% (1999-2001) and 63.2% (2014-2017). From 2006-2010 to 2014-2017, the high total cholesterol (22.2% vs 19.8%, respectively) and high LDL-cholesterol (23.3% vs 20.5%, respectively) remained similar, but high triglycerides decreased (39.7% vs 22.7%, respectively). Using the same definition across all the studies, metabolic syndrome prevalence increased from 35.6% (2006-2010) to 47.6% (2014-2017). Insufficient physical activity remained steady from 2007-2010 (34.3%) to 2014-2017 (35.2%). CONCLUSION: Changes in the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela are heterogeneous and can be affected by various social determinants of health. Though the Venezuelan healthcare system has not successfully adapted, the dynamics and repercussions of the CHC on population-based cardiometabolic care can be instructive for other at-risk populations.

• MeSH
• Cholesterol MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Hyperlipidemias * MeSH
• Cardiometabolic Risk Factors MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Metabolic Syndrome * epidemiology   MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Geographicals
• Venezuela MeSH

Effective preventive care programs are urgently needed during humanitarian crises, as has been especially obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pragmatic trial was designed: hybridized intervention (Diabetes Prevention Program [DPP] + medical nutrition therapy + liquid diet [LD]; LD group) vs. DPP only (DPP group). The participants were adults who were overweight/obese and at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The LD consisted of a "homemade" milk- and fruit-juice-based beverage. Pandemic restrictions delayed the program by nine months, tripled the amount of time required for screening, and reduced the total sample to 60%. Eventually, 127 participants were randomized, and 94/127 participants (74.0%) completed the first phase. Participant dropout was influenced by migration, COVID-19 symptoms, education level, and socioeconomic status. In two months, the LD group lost 2.9 kg (p < 0.001) and the DPP group, 2.2 kg (p < 0.001) (between-group p = 0.170), with improvements in their cardiometabolic risk factors. At this stage, the DPP was shown to be feasible and effective, demonstrating weight loss with the improvement of cardiometabolic risk factors in a primary setting in Venezuela, a middle-income country with a chronic humanitarian crisis, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 * epidemiology   etiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pandemics prevention & control   MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• Feasibility Studies MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Geographicals
• Venezuela MeSH

BACKGROUND: No previous study in Venezuela and few in the Region of the Americas have reported national cardiometabolic health data. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and distribution of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in adults of Venezuela. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional, and randomized cluster sampling national study was designed to recruit 4454 adults with 20 years or older from the eight regions of the country from July 2014 to January 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical, physical activity, nutritional, and psychological questionnaires; anthropometrics, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements were obtained. The results were weighted by gender, age, and regions. RESULTS: Data from 3414 participants (77% of recruited), 52.2% female, mean age of 41.2 ± 15.8 years, were analyzed. CMRF adjusted-prevalence were: diabetes (12.3%), prediabetes (34.9%), hypertension (34.1%), obesity (24.6%), overweight (34.4%), abdominal obesity (47.6%), underweight (4.4%), hypercholesterolemia (19.8%), hypertriglyceridemia (22.7%), low HDL-cholesterol (63.2%), high LDL-c (20.5%), daily consumption of fruits (20.9%) and vegetables (30.0%), insufficient physical activity (35.2%), anxiety (14.6%) and depression (3.2%) symptoms, current smoker (11.7%), and high (≥ 20%) 10-year fatal cardiovascular risk (14.0%). CMRF prevalence varied according to gender, age and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiometabolic risk factors are highly prevalent in Venezuelan adults. This situation can be affected by the severe socio-economic crisis in the country. The joint action of different stakeholders to implement public health strategies for the prevention and treatment of these risk factors in Venezuela is urgently needed.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Cardiometabolic Risk Factors * MeSH
• Cardiovascular Diseases * diagnosis   epidemiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Obesity diagnosis   epidemiology   MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Venezuela MeSH

Tharina gen. nov. along with T. antennalis (as type species), T. ecuadoriensis, T. micra, and T. peckorum spp. nov. (Coleoptera: Endomychidae: Endomychinae) from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia are described, diagnosed, and illustrated. Mouthpart structures, in this genus, which are unique within the family Endomychidae, are discussed in terms of their function. Notes on the unusual female genitalia in one species are provided.

• MeSH
• Coleoptera anatomy & histology   classification   MeSH
• Genitalia, Female anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Bolivia MeSH
• Ecuador MeSH
• Venezuela MeSH

Numerous new material of the genus Motonerus Hansen, 1989 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae) was examined over the past decade, resulting in the discovery of several undescribed species as well as new distributional records for most of the previously described species. Three species are here described as new: Motonerus explanatus sp. nov. (Panama), M. inca sp. nov. (Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) and M. sofiae sp. nov. (Peru). New country records are provided for M. depressus Fikáček & Short (new for Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia), M. hanseni Fikáček & Short (new for Panama) and M. problematicus Fikáček & Short (new for Panama). An updated identification key and distributional maps are provided for all species, along with complete occurrence data in a DarwinCore formatted file. Potential distribution of the genus is modeled using the maximum entropy approach. Wing morphology is examined in detail, which revealed most species are macropterous, with M. andersoni Fikáček & Short being brachypterous, and M. apterus Fikáček & Short, M. oosternoides Fikáček & Short, and M. explanatus sp. nov. micropterous. The third instar of the putative larva of M. obscurus Hansen is briefly described based on larvae collected in association with adults.

• MeSH
• Coleoptera classification   MeSH
• Wings, Animal anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Larva anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Bolivia MeSH
• Ecuador MeSH
• Panama MeSH
• Peru MeSH
• Venezuela MeSH