F1000Research最新文献

{"title":"Chronological approach to the characteristics of Ecuador's debt with the IMF and the WB.","authors":"Martha Lucía Romero Flores, Marcelo Sánchez-Oro Sánchez, Patricia Alexandra Chiriboga Zamora, Ligia Ximena Tapia Hermida","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.154378.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.154378.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Where did Ecuador's foreign debt originate and grow to alarming levels? The purpose of this article is to describe, from an analytical perspective based on the contributions of various authors, the origin of Ecuador's external debt with international institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as the support that these organizations provide for the development of the countries of the South, case Ecuador. To achieve this purpose, a documentary methodology was implemented that included an exhaustive review of studies focused on the specific variables subject to analysis, the PRISMA tool and Atlas.ti 23 were used. The results show that the creation of these financing agencies in their attempt to support the financial stability of developing countries has not been sufficiently effective in improving the welfare conditions of a good percentage of the population and has generated an imbalance in the sustained development of the poorest countries. It is concluded that the capitalist system gives predominant priority to the economic growth of nations, thus relegating in its model the consideration of human development. This orientation does not contribute effectively to the improvement of crucial aspects such: education, health and the standard of living of the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"957"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11791397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143188455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial Intelligence and Finance: A bibliometric review on the Trends, Influences, and Research Directions.","authors":"Prasenjit Roy, Biswajit Ghose, Premendra Kumar Singh, Pankaj Kumar Tyagi, Asokan Vasudevan","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.160959.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.160959.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This bibliometric study examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and finance, providing a comprehensive analysis of its evolution, central themes, and avenues for further exploration. The study aims to uncover the theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical implications of AI in financial contexts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The research employs bibliometric techniques, using 607 Web of Science (WoS) indexed papers. The Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) framework guides the analysis, focusing on thematic mapping to explore key topics. Core areas such as risk management, market efficiency, and innovation are analyzed, alongside emerging themes like ethical AI, finance applications, and factors influencing AI-driven financial decision-making.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal critical gaps in interdisciplinary methods, ethical considerations, and methodological advancements necessary to develop robust and transparent AI systems. Thematic mapping highlights the increasing importance of ethical AI practices and the influence of AI on financial decision-making processes. Emerging research areas emphasize the need for innovative frameworks and solutions to address current challenges.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides valuable insights for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers to harness transformative potential of AI in finance. This research offers a foundation for future studies and practical applications by addressing key gaps and promoting interdisciplinary and ethical approaches in a rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11795023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143255118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Social Constructionist Influenced Scoping Review of Addictions, Deviance and Crime: Biopsychosocial Perspectives for the Emerging Forensic Mental Health Nursing and Healthcare Services of the Middle East.","authors":"Richard Mottershead, Muhammad Arsyad Subu, Mustafa Habeb, Nafi Alonaizi, Wegdan Bani-Issa, Jacqueline Maria Dias, Fatma Refaat Ahmed, Mini Sara Abraham, Sadeq Al-Fayyadh, Ruwaya Khalfan Saif Almesafri, Ali Alhaiti, Khalid Awad Al-Kubaisi, Conrad Murendo, Mohammed Al-Jabri, John Hall, Ghada Shahrour, Chloe Harrison","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.160802.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.160802.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nurses and healthcare professionals employed in correctional and forensic mental health settings encounter unique challenges in the care of their patients due to custodial and restrictive environments.Regions within the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have recently experienced exponential economic and healthcare infrastructure development. Mental health has been prioritized for development by recent legislation and practice that incorporate the development of specialist forensic psychiatry services that mediate the need for specialized nurses and allied healthcare staff. Traditionally, forensic care has been provided by general services. The need to progress specialist forensic services with a focus on multidisciplinary staff that seeks to develop safer communities, enhance care, and support the criminal justice system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review article aims to provide a foundation for the nuances of forensic staff through social constructionism. We adopted the framework of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). The use of a scoping review provides a better understanding of the compatibility, content, and outcomes to position the reader to the theoretical construct that society can be seen as existing in both objective and subjective reality.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This paper argues for the preparedness of thought understood through social constructionism and demonstrates that it is envisaged that any frequently repeated action becomes cast into a pattern that can be reproduced without much effort. The interconnectedness between the themes of addiction, deviance, and crime allows for a holistic overview and improved understanding for care providers and this was achieved through bio-psychosocial model.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Through the emergence of these complex forms of knowledge, deviance within the lives of patients can be better understood by the emerging professions employed in the emerging forensic healthcare services within the Middle East. These individuals are carefully and dutifully navigating the cultural complexities of mental illness, addictions, and associated deviant behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11836559/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143457326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on friction and surface roughness of orthodontic stainless steel wires: an in-vitro comparative study.","authors":"Shivani Apte, Divya S, Arun S Urala","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.158974.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.158974.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Good oral hygiene measures are important for successful orthodontic treatment. They involve various types of mouthwashes which have been reported to cause alteration of mechanical properties of archwires. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new kind of chlorine-dioxide-containing mouthwash on the mechanical properties and surface morphology of stainless steel orthodontic archwires against the already prevalent chlorhexidine mouthwash in the market.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Group A - Chlorhexidine mouthwash 0.2% (study), Group B - Chlorine Dioxide mouthwash (study), and Group C - Artificial Saliva (control). 42 specimens of 5 cm long 19x25 inch SS archwires were immersed in each group equally. Post immersion, the frictional force was analyzed in the universal testing machine for each group using custom-made acrylic jigs for 10 specimens. The remaining 4 specimens from each group were sent for surface morphology evaluation using an atomic force microscope.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Friction resistance evaluation for the archwires revealed a mean friction of 0.011 ± 0.0056 in Group A, 0.015 ± 0.0052 in Group B, and 0.010 ± 0.0067 in Group C. Results suggested that the static friction of Group C (control group) was found to be the least when compared with the experimental groups, although not producing statistically significant values. Surface roughness of archwires compared at a 10μm range revealed a mean roughness of 19.38 ± 0.82 in Group A, 25.39 ± 7.01 in Group B, and 16.65 ± 3.07 in Group C which shows there wasn't any statistically significant difference in the mean roughness midst the three sets.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Chlorine dioxide and Chlorhexidine mouthwashes caused an increase in the frictional resistance of the archwires when compared to the control group. When measured at a range of 10μm the mean surface roughness did not differ across the control and the experimental groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"1442"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11754953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143028610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A humanised thrombus-on-a-chip model utilising tissue-engineered arterial constructs: A method to reduce and replace mice used in thrombosis and haemostasis research.","authors":"Jacob Ranjbar, Jonathan M Gibbins, Jordan Roe, Paul Roach, Ying Yang, Alan G S Harper","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.158910.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.158910.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study of <i>in vivo</i> thrombus formation has principally been performed using intravital microscopy in mice and other species. These have allowed us to visualise the molecular and cellular processes that regulate thrombus formation inside the body. However current <i>in vivo</i> arterial thrombosis models are difficult to standardise between labs and frequently produce results that do not reliably translate successfully in human clinical trials. Here we provide a step-by-step description with accompanying video tutorials to demonstrate how to produce a 3D humanised thrombus-on-a-chip model, which uses perfusion of fluorescently-labelled human blood over a mechanically-injured human tissue engineered arterial construct (TEAC) within a 3D printed microfluidic flow chamber to replicate thrombus formation within a healthy artery. We also provide a written methodology on how to use 3D printing to produce a mechanical injury press that can reproducibly damage the TEAC as a stimulus for thrombus formation as part of a mechanical injury model. Perfusion of the uninjured TEAC with whole human blood containing DiOC6-labelled platelets without initiating notable thrombus formation. The mechanical injury press was shown to induce a reproducible puncture wound in the TEAC. Fluorescence microscopy was used to demonstrate that thrombus formation could be observed reproducibly around sites of injury. This humanised thrombosis-on-a-chip model can replace the use of animals in <i>in vivo</i> thrombosis models for preclinical assessment of anti-thrombotic therapies. This method also offers multiple scientific advantages: allowing new drugs to be directly tested on human blood from a diverse array of donors, facilitating use of a realistic and reproducible injury modality as well as removing the potential confounding effects of general anaesthetics in animal studies. The use of human thrombus-on-a-chip models combining TEACs offers a new methodology to reduce animal use whilst improving the predictive capabilities of preclinical trials of anti-thrombotic therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11971621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143795071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting stunting status among under-5 children in Rwanda using neural network model: Evidence from 2020 Rwanda demographic and health survey.","authors":"Similien Ndagijimana, Ignace Kabano, Emmanuel Masabo, Jean Marie Ntaganda","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.141458.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.141458.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stunting is a serious public health concern in Rwanda, affecting around 33.3% of children under five in 2020. The researchers have employed machine learning algorithms to predict stunting in Rwanda; however, few studies used ANNs, despite their strong capacity to predict stunting. The purpose of this study was to predict stunting in Rwanda using ANNs and the most recent DHS data from 2020.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>DHS 2020 dataset was used to train and test an ANN model for predicting stunting in children. The dataset, which included various child, parental, and socio-demographic characteristics, was split into 80% training data and 20% testing and validation data. The model utilised a multilayer perceptron (MLP). Model performance was assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, and AUC-ROC. Feature importances were determined and highlighted the most critical predictors of stunting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An overall accuracy of 72.0% on the test set was observed, with an AUC-ROC of 0.84, indicating the model's good performance. Factors appear to contribute to stunting among the negative value aspects. First and foremost, the mother's height is important, as a lower height suggests an increased risk of stunting in children. Positive value characteristics, on the other hand, emphasise elements that reduce the likelihood of stunting. The timing of the initiation of breastfeeding stands out as a crucial factor, showing that early breastfeeding initiation has been linked with a decreased risk of stunting.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that ANNs can be a useful tool for predicting stunting in Rwanda and identifying the most important associated factors for stunting. These insights can inform targeted interventions to reduce the burden of stunting in Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries. Potential targeted interventions include nutritional support programs for pregnant and lactating mothers, and providing educational programs for parents on nutrition and hygiene.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"128"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11840296/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143467536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa: a causal loop diagram approach .","authors":"Tlotlo Ramasu, Grace Kanakana-Katumba","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.152478.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.152478.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This research investigated the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa, analysing the interplay of socioeconomic, political, and institutional factors to elucidate the complexities surrounding its implementation and impact. Using a causal loop diagram approach (CLD), the study aims to identify key factors to effective implementation, how they interact to shape the outcome of the policy, and actionable strategies to address the challenges hindering the policy sustainability.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A participatory approach was used to developing the CLD, integrating insights from an extensive literature review and stakeholder opinion. The initial CLD was constructed based on evidence from prior research contextualizing fee-free higher education within South Africa's unique socio-political sector. Discussions with stakeholders and experts provided critical feedback to refine the model, ensuring its relevance and accuracy. The CLD methodology was selected for its ability to illustrate complex interdependencies and systemic challenges.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key findings highlight the impact of funding constraints, which create reinforcing feedback loops limiting access and infrastructure improvements. Also, administrative inefficiencies within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) result in delays and inconsistencies, reducing policy inclusivity, and decentralized implementation across institutions perpetuates disparities in quality and access.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concludes the urgent need for systemic reforms, including digitising financial aid processes, centralising NSFAS operations, and improving resource allocation to under-resourced institutions. Furthermore, the study aligns with global goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as well as the African Agenda 2063's focus on human capital development. While the findings offer valuable recommendations for policymakers, further research is needed to explore longitudinal impacts of these reforms and expand comparative analyses with other nations implementing similar policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"780"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11775444/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143064748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Q-fuzzy structure on JU-algebra.","authors":"Selamawit Hunie Gelaw, Birhanu Assaye Alaba, Mihret Alamneh Taye","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.160333.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.160333.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>JU-algebras, an important class in abstract algebra, are extended here by incorporating fuzzy set theory to handle uncertainty in algebraic structures. In this study, we apply the concept of Q-fuzzy sets to JU-subalgebras and JU-ideals in JU-algebra.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study defines Q-fuzzy JU-subalgebras and Q-fuzzy JU-ideals as subsets of a JU-algebra. It also explores lower and upper level subsets of these fuzzy structures to analyze their properties. Additionally, the concepts of Doubt and Normal Q-fuzzy JU-subalgebras and Q-fuzzy JU-ideals are introduced, offering a way to deal with varying degrees of uncertainty and regularity in these algebraic structures. Supportive concepts relevant to this study are presented, along with illustrative examples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study introduces and defines new types of fuzzy structures in JU-algebras, such as Q-fuzzy JU-subalgebras and Q-fuzzy JU-ideals, enhancing classical JU-algebra theory. It also examines key properties of these structures, including their lower and upper level subsets, and investigates specific cases like Doubt and Normal Q-fuzzy structures, paving the way for further exploration of fuzzy algebra in mathematical and applied contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"14 ","pages":"109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11937783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flexible modular dwelling for rural environments; specific case: Cebadas - Ecuador.","authors":"Karina Elizabeth Cajamarca Dacto, Jean Carlos Montero Riofrio, Erick Fabricio Nieto Páez, Dany Marcelo Tasan Cruz, Maikol Josueé González Espinosa","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.154417.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.154417.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sustainable modular dwelling design for rural areas should focus on creating healthy and economically accessible spaces, sensitive to local needs and integrating environmental, functional, sociological and technological aspects. Flexibility is essential to reduce the initial investment and allow future transformations, optimizing the recovery and reuse of materials. These houses must be adaptable, safe and have basic services, satisfying the needs and stages of families' development. In Ecuador, poverty and energy inefficiency worsen the quality of life in rural areas. This project in the Cebadas parish proposes modular dwelling that applies bioclimatic and sustainable criteria, using local materials to improve habitability and promote the social and economic development of the community.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The research approach is qualitative-quantitative. Qualitative, since it is necessary to identify the qualities of the sector, bibliographic exploration of guidelines and sustainable strategies. Quantitative, to evaluate the degree of affectation through a diagnosis of the study site and to provide efficient solutions that respond to the context and social reality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The spaces presented in the proposal respond to the spatial need for growth and expansion of the users of the sector, through 6 basic guidelines that this type of dwelling should have: Environment, Visual, Form, Function, Bioclimatic and Materials.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The flexible modular dwelling project for rural environments addresses complex housing needs, highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of an expandable module. It includes income generation with a duplex apartment, fosters communal and cultural life with public and commercial spaces, promotes tourism and rural development with landscape design and crops. In addition, it ensures sustainability through bioclimatic strategies and responsible use of resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"845"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11751609/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143022775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotoxic effects in island populations of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia due to environmental exposure to mercury and cadmium.","authors":"Eder Cano-Pérez, Doris Gómez-Camargo, Dacia Malambo-García","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.154617.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.154617.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Contamination of Cartagena Bay, Colombia with heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) presents a major environmental and public health concern, particularly for human communities residing on nearby islands and coastal areas. These populations face enhanced exposure risks owing to their traditional fishing practices and continuous interactions with polluted marine environments. This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of environmental exposure to Hg and Cd in populations from the island zone of the Cartagena district, Bolívar.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ninety-four individuals from the four island communities (study group) and 30 individuals from the urban area of Cartagena (control group) participated in this study. The blood samples were collected to measure total mercury (T-Hg) and Cd concentrations, and a Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was used to evaluate exposure effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cadmiun levels in the blood of the study group were within the normal range and comparable to those of the control group (p > 0.05). However, the study group exhibited significantly higher T-Hg levels (7.34 μg/L) compared to the control group (2.01 μg/L), surpassing the accepted limit. Moreover, the study group showed a higher incidence of DNA damage and cell death biomarkers (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between total blood Hg levels and the frequencies of micronuclei, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results suggest that island populations of Cartagena are exposed to high levels of Hg and exhibit genotoxic damage, indicating a problem that must be addressed.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":"13 ","pages":"946"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11747300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143002841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}