A Versatile Microfluidic Platform for Extravasation Studies Based on DNA Origami-Cell Interactions.

The adhesion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the endothelial lumen and their extravasation to surrounding tissues are crucial in the seeding of metastases and remain the most complex events of the metastatic cascade to study. Integrins expressed on CTCs are major regulators of the extravasation process. This knowledge is primarily derived from animal models and biomimetic systems based on artificial endothelial layers, but these methods have ethical or technical limitations. We present a versatile microfluidic device to study cancer cell extravasation that mimics the endothelial barrier by using a porous membrane functionalized with DNA origami nanostructures (DONs) that display nanoscale patterns of adhesion peptides to circulating cancer cells. The device simulates physiological flow conditions and allows direct visualization of cell transmigration through microchannel pores using 3D confocal imaging. Using this system, we studied integrin-specific adhesion in the absence of other adhesive events. Specifically, we show that the transmigration ability of the metastatic cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 is influenced by the type, distance, and density of adhesion peptides present on the DONs. Furthermore, studies with mixed ligand systems indicate that integrins binding to RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) and IDS (isoleucine-aspartic acid-serine) did not synergistically enhance the extravasation process of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Evaluación de la consistencia interna y dimensionalidad de la Escala de Capital Social Cognitivo en adultos colombianos

Introducción: durante las últimas dos décadas, el concepto de capital social se ha utilizado con creciente frecuencia en las ciencias de la salud debido a las relaciones directas e indirectas entre el capital social y la salud física y mental de las poblaciones. Por tanto, es necesario construir un instrumento para cuantificar este concepto con seguridad y confiabilidad. Objetivo: analizar la consistencia interna y dimensionalidad de una escala de siete ítems para medir el capital social en adultos de la población general de Colombia. Metodología: se realizó un estudio de validación en línea, que incluyó una muestra de 700 adultos de entre 18 y 76 años, el 68 % eran mujeres. Los participantes completaron una escala de siete ítems llamada Escala de Capital Social Cognitivo (ECSC). El alfa de Cronbach y el omega de McDonald se calcularon para probar la consistencia interna. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios para explorar la dimensionalidad de la ECSC. Resultados: la ECSC presentó una consistencia interna baja (alfa de Cronbach de 0,56 y omega de McDonald de 0,59) y pobre dimensionalidad. Seguidamente, se probó una versión de cinco ítems (ECSC-5). La ECSC-5 mostró una alta consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach de 0,79 y omega de McDonald de 0,80) y una estructura unidimensional con indicadores de bondad de ajuste aceptables. Discusión: la ECSC-5 presenta alta consistencia interna y una estructura unidimensional para medir el capital cognitivo social en adultos colombianos. Se recomienda la ECSC-5 para la medición del capital social en la población general colombiana. Futuras investigaciones deben corroborar estos hallazgos en aplicaciones de lápiz y papel y explorar otros indicadores de confiabilidad y validez.

Introduction: During the last two decades, the concept of social capital has been used increasingly frequently in health sciences due to the direct and indirect relationships between social capital and populations' physical and mental health. Therefore, it is necessary to build an instrument to quantify this concept confidently and reliably. Objective: The study aimed to internal consistency and dimensionality of a seven-item scale to measure social capital in Colombia's general population of adults. Methods: An online validation study included a sample of 700 adults aged between 18 and 76 years; 68% were females. Participants completed a seven-item scale called the Cognitive Social Capital Scale (CSCS). Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were computed to test internal consistency. The authors explore the internal consistency and dimensionality of the CSCS. Results: The CSCS presented a low internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.56 and McDonald's omega of 0.59) and poor dimensionality. Then, the researchers tested a five-item version (CSCS-5). The CSCS-5 showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.79 and McDonald's omega of 0.80) and a one-dimension structure with acceptable goodness-of-fit indicators. Discussion: The CSCS-5 presents high internal consistency and a one-dimensional structure to measure cognitive capital social in the Colombian sample. Authors can recommend measuring social capital in the general Colombian population. Further research should corroborate this pencil and paper application findings and explore other reliability and validity indicators.

Relationship Between Sexual Abuse and Substance Use Among Students from Caribbean Colombian.

Sexual abuse is a public health problem due to its negative impact on physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the association between sexual abuse and the use of psychoactive substances among high-school adolescents in Colombia. A cross-sectional analytical study was designed in which tenth and eleventh-grade students were included. Overall, a history of sexual abuse was explored with the Trauma Symptom Checklist, and lifetime substance use was assessed with the United States Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Questionnaire. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 17.4%, lifetime alcohol use was 77.4%, cigarette 22.4%, cannabis 11.6%, cocaine 2.7%, and other substances 5.1%. History of sexual abuse was associated with alcohol use (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.10-2.30), cigarette (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.51-2.85), cannabis (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.66-3.56), cocaine (OR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.25-5.04) and use of other substances (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.31-4.13). The history of sexual abuse is related to the use of substances in high school adolescents in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. More studies are needed to identify the impact of sexual abuse on short-term and lifelong mental health.

Surface-Patterned DNA Origami Rulers Reveal Nanoscale Distance Dependency of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation.

The nanoscale arrangement of ligands can have a major effect on the activation of membrane receptor proteins and thus cellular communication mechanisms. Here we report on the technological development and use of tailored DNA origami-based molecular rulers to fabricate "Multiscale Origami Structures As Interface for Cells" (MOSAIC), to enable the systematic investigation of the effect of the nanoscale spacing of epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands on the activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR). MOSAIC-based analyses revealed that EGF distances of about 30-40 nm led to the highest response in EGFR activation of adherent MCF7 and Hela cells. Our study emphasizes the significance of DNA-based platforms for the detailed investigation of the molecular mechanisms of cellular signaling cascades.

Exposición a la violencia e ideación suicida en estudiantes universitarios de Santa Marta, Colombia

Introducción: La exposición a la violencia afecta la salud mental. Sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre este fenómeno en estudiantes universitarios. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre la exposición a la violencia e ideación suicida en universitarios de Santa Marta, Colombia. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, analítico y transversal. Participaron 1647 estudiantes entre 16 y 24 años (M=20,58, DT=1,715), quienes completaron la Escala de Exposición a la Violencia (α = 0,87) y la Escala de Ideación Suicida de Roberts (α =0,74). Resultados: El modelo de regresión logística ajustado indicó que la exposición directa a la violencia en el colegio (OR=2,02; IC95 %=1,28-3,16) y casa (OR=1,53; IC95 %=1,02-2,29), e indirecta en colegio (OR=1,34; IC95 %= 11,06-1,70) y casa (OR=1,91; IC95 %=1,27-2,88), incrementan la ideación suicida. Conclusiones: La exposición a la violencia en el colegio y en la casa, de forma directa e indirecta, son factores de riesgo para la ideación suicida en estudiantes universitarios.

Introduction: Exposure to violence affects mental health; however, there are few studies on this phenomenon in university students. Objective: To establish the association between exposure to violence and suicidal ideation in university students from Santa Marta, Colombia. Methodology: A quantitative, analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out involving 1,647 students between 16 and 24 years old (M=20.58, SD=1.715), who completed the violence exposure Scale (α =0.87) and the Roberts suicidal ideation scale (α =0.74). Results: The adjusted logistic regression model indicated that direct exposure to violence at school (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.28-3.16) and home (OR=1.53; 95% CI=1.02 -2.29), and indirect exposure at school (OR=1.34; CI95%= 1.06-1.70) and home (OR=1.91; CI95%=1.27-2.88), increased suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Direct and indirect exposure to violence at school and at home are risk factors for suicidal ideation in university students.

Charge controlled interactions between DNA-modified silica nanoparticles and fluorosurfactants in microfluidic water-in-oil droplets.

Microfluidic droplets are an important tool for studying and mimicking biological systems, e.g., to examine with high throughput the interaction of biomolecular components and the functionality of natural cells, or to develop basic principles for the engineering of artificial cells. Of particular importance is the approach to generate a biomimetic membrane by supramolecular self-assembly of nanoparticle components dissolved in the aqueous phase of the droplets at the inner water/oil interface, which can serve both to mechanically reinforce the droplets and as an interaction surface for cells and other components. While this interfacial assembly driven by electrostatic interaction of surfactants is quite well developed for water/mineral oil (W/MO) systems, no approaches have yet been described to exploit this principle for water/fluorocarbon oil (W/FO) emulsion droplets. Since W/FO systems exhibit not only better compartmentalization but also gas solubility properties, which is particularly crucial for live cell encapsulation and cultivation, we report here the investigation of charged fluorosurfactants for the self-assembly of DNA-modified silica nanoparticles (SiNP-DNA) at the interface of microfluidic W/FO emulsions. To this end, an efficient multicomponent Ugi reaction was used to synthesize the novel fluorosurfactant M4SURF to study the segregation and accumulation of negatively charged SiNP-DNA at the inner interface of microfluidic droplets. Comparative measurements were performed with the negatively charged fluorosurfactant KRYTOX, which can also induce SiNP-DNA segregation in the presence of cations. The segregation dynamics is characterized and preliminary results of cell encapsulation in the SiNP-DNA functionalized droplets are shown.

Pirin is a prognostic marker of human melanoma that dampens the proliferation of malignant cells by downregulating JARID1B/KDM5B expression.

Originally considered to act as a transcriptional co-factor, Pirin has recently been reported to play a role in tumorigenesis and the malignant progression of many tumors. Here, we have analyzed the diagnostic and prognostic value of Pirin expression in the early stages of melanoma, and its role in the biology of melanocytic cells. Pirin expression was analyzed in a total of 314 melanoma biopsies, correlating this feature with the patient's clinical course. Moreover, PIR downregulated primary melanocytes were analyzed by RNA sequencing, and the data obtained were validated in human melanoma cell lines overexpressing PIR by functional assays. The immunohistochemistry multivariate analysis revealed that early melanomas with stronger Pirin expression were more than twice as likely to develop metastases during the follow-up. Transcriptome analysis of PIR downregulated melanocytes showed a dampening of genes involved in the G1/S transition, cell proliferation, and cell migration. In addition, an in silico approach predicted that JARID1B as a potential transcriptional regulator that lies between PIR and its downstream modulated genes, which was corroborated by co-transfection experiments and functional analysis. Together, the data obtained indicated that Pirin could be a useful marker for the metastatic progression of melanoma and that it participates in the proliferation of melanoma cells by regulating the slow-cycling JARID1B gene.

Hapten-Decorated DNA Nanostructures Decipher the Antigen-Mediated Spatial Organization of Antibodies Involved in Mast Cell Activation.

The immunological response of mast cells is controlled by the multivalent binding of antigens to immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies bound to the high-affinity receptor FcεRI on the cell membrane surface. However, the spatial organization of antigen-antibody-receptor complexes at the nanometer scale and the structural constraints involved in the initial events at the cell surface are not yet fully understood. For example, it is unclear what influence the affinity and nanoscale distance between the binding partners involved have on the activation of mast cells to degranulate inflammatory mediators from storage granules. We report the use of DNA origami nanostructures (DON) functionalized with different arrangements of the haptenic 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) ligand to generate multivalent artificial antigens with full control over valency and nanoscale ligand architecture. To investigate the spatial requirements for mast cell activation, the DNP-DON complexes were initially used in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis to study the binding kinetics of isolated IgE under physiological conditions. The most stable binding was observed in a narrow window of approximately 16 nm spacing between haptens. In contrast, affinity studies with FcεRI-linked IgE antibodies on the surface of rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) indicated virtually no distance-dependent variations in the binding of the differently structured DNP-DON complexes but suggested a supramolecular oligovalent nature of the interaction. Finally, the use of DNP-DON complexes for mast cell activation revealed that antigen-directed tight assembly of antibody-receptor complexes is the critical factor for triggering degranulation, even more critical than ligand valence. Our study emphasizes the significance of DNA nanostructures for the study of fundamental biological processes.

Morbilidad y mortalidad de pacientes operados de cáncer de esófago / Morbidity and Mortality of Patients Operated on for Esophageal Cancer

Introducción: El tratamiento principal del cáncer esofágico es la esofagectomía. Objetivo: Determinar la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes operados de cáncer esofágico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en 87 pacientes operados de cáncer esofágico en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba durante el período comprendido de 2014 a 2018. Resultados: Dos pacientes en estadio II (100,0 por ciento) recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico curativo y 12 en estadio III (17,9 por ciento). Recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico paliativo 55 (82,1 por ciento) enfermos en estadio III y 18 (100,0 por ciento) en estadio IV. Predominó la técnica transhiatal de Denk-Sloan-Orringer aplicada en 10 (71,4 por ciento) pacientes. La gastrostomía predominó como proceder paliativo para alimentación en 53 (76,2 por ciento) pacientes. Se reportaron 45 complicaciones; el 53,3 por ciento de tipo médica, en las que prevalecieron las respiratorias: bronconeumonía (13,3 por ciento) y distrés respiratorio (11,1 por ciento). En cambio, el 46,7 por ciento de las complicaciones fueron de tipo quirúrgicas: infección del sitio operatorio (20,0 por ciento), seguida de la fuga anastomótica (15,6 por ciento). Fallecieron 16 (18,4 por ciento) pacientes del total de la serie. Las causas de muerte predominantes fueron el distrés respiratorio (31,3 por ciento) y la disfunción múltiple de órganos (25,0 por ciento). Conclusiones: La esofagectomía abierta o mínimamente invasiva se erige como el tratamiento quirúrgico de elección para el tratamiento del cáncer esofágico con intención curativa, proceder con elevada morbilidad y mortalidad a escala mundial. Los resultados de esta investigación coinciden con los reportados en la literatura médica nacional y extranjera(AU)

Introduction: The main treatment for esophageal cancer is esophagectomy. Objective: To determine the morbidity and mortality of patients operated on for esophageal cancer. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 87 patients operated on for esophageal cancer in the general surgery service of Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora, of Santiago de Cuba, during the period from 2014 to 2018. Results: Curative surgical treatment was received by 2 patients (100.0 percent) in stage II and 12 patients (17.9 percent) in stage III. Palliative surgical treatment was received by 55 ill patients (82.1 percent) in stage III and 18 ill patients (100.0 percent) in stage IV. There was a predominance of the Denk-Sloan-Orringer transhiatal technique, applied in 10 (71.4 percent) patients. Gastrostomy predominated in 53 (76.2 percent) patients as a palliative procedure for feeding. Forty-five complications were reported, 53.3 percent of which were medical, with respiratory complications prevailing: bronchopneumonia (13.3 percent) and respiratory distress (11.1 percent). On the other hand, 46.7 percent of the complications were surgical: surgical site infection (20.0 percent), followed by anastomotic leak (15.6 percent). Out of the total series, 16 (18.4 percent) patients died. The predominant causes of death were respiratory distress (31.3 percent) and multiple organ dysfunction (25.0 percent). Conclusions: Open or minimally invasive esophagectomy stands out as the surgical treatment of choice for esophageal cancer with curative purposes, being a procedure with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The results of this research coincide with those reported in the national and foreign medical literature(AU)

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica, diagnóstica e histopatológica de pacientes tratados con esofagectomía por cáncer de esófago / Clinical epidemiological, diagnostic, histological and pathological characterization of patients treated with esophagectomy due to esophagus cancer

Introducción: El cáncer de esófago se manifiesta clínicamente en etapas avanzadas y presenta gran letalidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes operados de cáncer de esófago según variables epidemiológicas, clínicas, diagnósticas e histopatológicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 87 pacientes con cáncer de esófago, operados en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo 2014-2018. Resultados: Dicha afección predominó en pacientes del sexo masculino (94,2 %) entre los 65 y 74 años de edad (37,9 %); el tipo histológico más frecuente fue el carcinoma epidermoide (89,6 %) y la localización en el tercio medio (49,4 %). Los hábitos tóxicos que primaron fueron el tabaquismo (87,4 %) y el consumo de alcohol (75,8 %). La disfagia y la pérdida de peso se manifestaron en 73,5 y 66,6 % de la serie, respectivamente. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante imágenes, tales como esofagograma, tomografía contrastada de tórax, abdomen y pelvis; así como por medio de endoscopia y biopsia. Conclusiones: Se demostró que los hombres son los más afectados y es más frecuente el diagnóstico en mayores de 60 años de edad. Se observó el vínculo con el hábito de fumar y el consumo de alcohol. La disfagia es el síntoma más común y tardío de la enfermedad. El estudio de las características clínico-histológicas de los pacientes con cáncer de esófago permite un adecuado enfoque diagnóstico de esta afección, así como el desarrollo de acciones de salud preventivas sobre los principales factores de riesgo identificados.

Introduction: The esophagus cancer is clinically manifested in advanced stages and presents great lethality. Objective: To characterize the patients operated on esophagus cancer according to epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, histological and pathological variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 87 patients with esophagus cancer was carried out; they were operated in the General Surgery Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, in the period 2014-2018. Results: This affection prevailed in patients from the male sex (94.2 %) between the 65 and 74 years (37.9 %); the most frequent histhologic type was the squamous cell carcinoma (89.6 %) and the localization in the mean third (49.4 %). The toxic habits that prevailed were nicotine addiction (87.4 %) and consumption of alcohol (75.8 %). The dysphagia and loss of weight showed in 73.5 and 66.6 % of the series, respectively. The diagnosis was carried out by means of images, such as esophagogram, chest, abdomen and pelvis contrast tomography, as well as by means of endoscopy and biopsy. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that men are the most affected and it is more frequent the diagnosis in those over 60 years. The link with the habit of smoking and consumption of alcohol was observed. The dysphagia is the most common and late symptom of the disease. The study of clinical, histological and pathological characteristics of patients with esophagus cancer allows an appropriate diagnostic approach of this affection, as well as the development of preventive health actions about the main identified risk factors.

Consideraciones en torno a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias

Introducción: La tasa de complicaciones infecciosas posoperatorias se eleva en el paciente quirúrgico, entre otras razones, debido a que con elevada frecuencia, resulta insuficiente el conocimiento sobre la génesis de los factores que las provocan. Se realizó una revisión documental sobre el tema durante 2020 y 2021. Fueron consultadas las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo así como el motor de búsqueda Google académico. Se seleccionaron 32 artículos en idiomas inglés y español. Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos fundamentales concernientes a la génesis de las infecciones posoperatorias. Desarrollo: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico constituyen el 25 % de las asociadas a la atención de salud. A pesar de todas las medidas para su prevención, no se ha logrado su desaparición, lo que conlleva una elevada morbilidad, aumento de los costos de hospitalización, de la estadía hospitalaria y uso de antibióticos de última generación. Esto puede explicarse por la aparición de microorganismos resistentes a los antibióticos y el aumento de pacientes quirúrgicos de edad avanzada e inmunodeprimidos por enfermedades asociadas, con inclusión de los trasplantados, con injertos o prótesis. Conclusiones: Los microorganismos que provocan las infecciones posquirúrgicas, pertenecen predominantemente a la microbiota presente en el lugar de la incisión. Los factores del enfermo, de la técnica quirúrgica y los relacionados con la hospitalización, juegan roles importantes en su aparición.

Introduction: The rate of postoperative infectious complications rises in the surgical patient, among other reasons, frequently due to insufficient knowledge about the genesis of the factors that cause them. A documentary review on the subject was carried out during 2020-2021. The Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, SciElo databases were consulted, as well as the academic Google search engine. There were selected 32 articles in English and Spanish. Objective: To analyse the fundamental aspects concerning the genesis of postoperative infections. Development: Surgical site infections constitute 25 % of those associated with health care. Despite all the measures for its prevention, its disappearance has not been achieved, which entails high morbidity, increased costs of hospitalization, hospital stay and use of the latest generation of antibiotics. This can be explained by the appearance of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics and the increase in surgical patients of advanced age and immunosuppressed by associated diseases, including those transplanted, with grafts or prostheses. Conclusions: The microorganisms that cause postoperative infections predominantly belong to the microbiota present at the incision site. The factors of the patient, the surgical technique and those related to hospitalization play important roles in its appearance.

Caracterización de las infecciones posoperatorias en un servicio de cirugía general / Characterization of Postoperative Infections in a General Surgery Service

Introducción: Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico u operatorio constituyen un grave problema sanitario por lo que su prevención y tratamiento representan un reto para las instituciones hospitalarias. Objetivo: Describir las características de las infecciones posoperatorias según las principales causas relacionadas con su aparición. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y observacional con 207 pacientes ingresados y operados de cirugías mayores que presentaron infecciones posoperatorias en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, durante 2018-2020. Resultados: La tasa global de infecciones posquirúrgicas fue de 4,18 pr ciento. Las infecciones incisionales superficiales, seguidas de las profundas fueron las más frecuentes. El número de pacientes infectados se triplicó en los operados con urgencia respecto a los electivos, con predominio de los apendicectomizados. El tiempo quirúrgico y la estadía hospitalaria promedio se elevaron en los pacientes infectados. Fallecieron 12 integrantes de la casuística, atribuible a la infección generalizada y el choque séptico. Conclusiones: La aparición de las infecciones posquirúrgicas se relacionan con factores dependientes del enfermo; de la propia cirugía como es la calificación del cirujano actuante, así como la presencia de factores de riesgos preoperatorios y durante la intervención. La infección incisional superficial es la más frecuente, en tanto que la mayoría de los pacientes que fallecen corresponden a aquellos con infección de órganos y espacios(AU)

Introduction: Surgical (or operative) site infections are a serious health problem, a reason why their prevention and treatment represent a challenge for hospital institutions. Objective: To describe the characteristics of postoperative infections according to the main causes related to their occurrence. Methods: A descriptive and observational study was carried out with 207 patients admitted and operated on in major surgeries who presented postoperative infections in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, during 2018-2020. Results: The overall rate of postoperative infections was 4.18 percent. Superficial incisional infections, followed by deep incisional infections, were the most frequent. The number of infected patients was tripled in those operated on urgently compared to electively, with a predominance of appendectomized patients. Surgical time and average hospital stay were higher in infected patients. 12 members of the casuistics have passed, attributable to generalized infection and septic shock. Conclusions: The occurrence of postoperative infections is related to factors depending on the patient; on the surgery itself, such as the qualification of the surgeon; as well as on the presence of preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. Superficial incisional infection is the most frequent, while most of the patients who die correspond to those with infection of organs and spaces(AU)

Asociación entre abuso sexual y distrés psicológico en adolescentes escolarizados de Santa Marta, Colombia / Association between sexual abuse and psychological distress in high-school adolescents in Santa Marta, Colombia

Resumen. El abuso sexual es un estresor que incrementa el riesgo de distrés psicológico. El objetivo de la investigación fue cuantificar la asociación entre abuso sexual y distrés psicológico (estrés postraumático, depresión y riesgo suicida) en estudiantes adolescentes en Santa Marta, Colombia. Se diseñó un estudio transversal. Participaron 1.462 estudiantes entre 13 y 17 años (M = 15,98; DE = 0,83). El abuso sexual se indagó mediante un ítem único del Cuestionario de Victimización Juvenil y el distrés con la Escala Breve de Davidson para estrés postraumático, la escala de ideación suicida del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos y el Índice de Bienestar General (WHO-5). La prevalencia de abuso sexual fue 17,37%; riesgo de estrés postraumático, 19,36%; riesgo de depresión, 7,05%; y alto riesgo suicida, 13,27%. La historia de abuso sexual se asoció a estrés postraumático (Ajustado OR = 2,41; IC 95% 1,77 -3,28), depresión (AOR = 2,48; IC 95% 1,59-3,88), y riesgo suicida (AOR = 2,51; IC 95% 1,77 -3,56). Se concluye que el abuso sexual es un estresor que incrementa significativamente el riesgo de distrés psicológicos en estudiantes adolescentes en Santa Marta, Colombia. Se necesitan estudios de cohorte para controlar posibles variables de confusión para estas asociaciones.

Abstract. Sexual abuse is a stressor that increases the risk of psychological distress. The research objective was to quantify the association between sexual abuse and psychological distress (post-traumatic stress, depression, and suicide risk) in adolescent students in Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional, correlational study was designed. One thousand four hundred sixty-two students between the ages of 13 and 17 participated (M = 15.98, SD = 0.83). Sexual abuse was investigated using a single item of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Psychological distress was evaluated with the SPAN (post-traumatic symptoms, suicidal ideation scale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies and Well-being Index (WHO-5). The prevalence of sexual abuse was 17.37%; post-traumatic stress, 19.36%; depression, 7.05%; and suicide risk, 13.27%. The sexual abuse history was associated with post-traumatic stress (Adjusted OR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.77 - 3.28), depression (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.59 - 3.88), and suicide risk (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.77 - 3.56). It is concluded that sexual abuse is a stressor that significantly increases the risk of psychological distress in adolescent students in Santa Marta, Colombia. Cohort studies are needed to control for possible confounding variables for these associations.

Función familiar, salud percibida y logro académico en escolares adolescentes / Family Function, Perceived Health and Academic Achievement in School Adolescents

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar la relación entre función familiar, salud percibida y logro académico en adolescentes escolarizados en Santa Marta, Colombia. Se diseñó un estudio transversal en el que se incluyeron estudiantes de décimo y undécimo grado. Participaron 1462 adolescentes escolares entre 13 y 17 años (M = 15.98; SD = 0.83), 60.32 % eran de género femenino, 76.06 % informó baja función familiar, 24.69 % mala/regular salud percibida y 30.78 % bajo/regular logro académico. La baja función familiar se asoció a salud percibida mala/regular (OR = 2.35; IC95 % 1.66-3.35) y bajo/regular logro académico (OR = 1.50; IC95 % 1.12-2.01). Se concluye que la baja función familiar es un factor de riesgo para la salud percibida y el logro académico. Se necesita más investigación de estas asociaciones.

Abstract This study's objective was to explore the relationship between family function, perceived health, and academic achievement in adolescents enrolled in Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was designed in which tenth and eleventh-grade students were included. The sample consisted of 1,462 school adolescents between 13 and 17 years old (M = 15.98, SD = 0.83), 60.32% were females, 76.06% reported family dysfunction, 24.69% were poor/fair perceived health and 30.78% low/fair academic achievement. Family function poor was associated with poor/fair perceived health (OR = 2.35, 95%CI 1.66 - 3.35) and low/fair academic achievement (OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.12 - 2.01). It is concluded that family function poor is associated with poor perceived health and low academic achievement. More research is needed on these associations.

Gold Glyconanoparticles Combined with 91-99 Peptide of the Bacterial Toxin, Listeriolysin O, Are Efficient Immunotherapies in Experimental Bladder Tumors.

This study presents proof of concept assays to validate gold nanoparticles loaded with the bacterial peptide 91-99 of the listeriolysin O toxin (GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines) as immunotherapy for bladder tumors. GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines showed adjuvant abilities as they induce maturation and activation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) to functional antigen-presenting cells in healthy donors and patients with melanoma or bladder cancer (BC), promoting a Th1 cytokine pattern. GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines were also efficient dendritic cell inducers of immunogenic tumor death using different bladder and melanoma tumor cell lines. The establishment of a pre-clinical mice model of subcutaneous BC confirmed that a single dose of GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines reduced tumor burden 4.7-fold and stimulated systemic Th1-type immune responses. Proof of concept assays validated GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines as immunotherapy by comparison to anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 antibodies. In fact, GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines increased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and functional antigen-presenting DCs in tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes, while they reduced the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and suppressor T cells (Treg). We conclude that GNP-LLO91-99 nanovaccines can work as monotherapies or combinatory immunotherapies with anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 antibodies for solid tumors with high T cell infiltration, such as bladder cancer or melanoma.

Severe immunosuppression is related to poorer immunogenicity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 available vaccines among people living with HIV (PLWH) after a complete vaccination scheme, and determine predictors of seroconversion. METHODS: This multicentre prospective cohort study included 420 PLWH who had received a standard immunization, either with mRNA or adenoviral-vectored COVID-19 vaccines. Antibody response was evaluated within 1 to 2 months after the last dose of the vaccine with a quantitative determination of antitrimeric spike protein-specific IgG antibodies and IgG neutralizing antibodies. RESULTS: Overall, 384 of 420 PLWH (91%) showed antibody response to vaccination. Seroconversion was observed in 308 of 326 individuals with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts ≥350 cells/mm3 (95%), 55 of 61 PLWH with 200 to 349 cells/mm3 (90%), and 21 of 33 PLWH with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3 (64%; p < 0.001). The median log10 IgG neutralization levels were 2.4 IU/mL (Q1-Q3, 1.0-3.1) among PLWH with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3, 3.1 IU/mL (Q1-Q3, 2.8-3.4) for the 200 to 349 cells/mm3 group, and 3.1 IU/mL (Q1-Q3, 2.7-3.4) for PLWH with CD4 counts ≥350 cells/mm3 (p = 0.016). In the multivariate analysis, CD4 counts ≥350 cells/mm3 (OR: 7.10; 95% CI, 1.91-26.46; p = 0.004) and receiving mRNA-vectored COVID-19 vaccines (OR: 8.19; 95% CI, 3.24-20.70; p ≤ 0.001) were independently associated with a higher probability of response to vaccination. DISCUSSION: HIV-related immunosuppression impairs the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Specific vaccination schemes should be urgently tailored in this setting, particularly in patients with CD4 cell counts <200 cells/µL. Adenoviral-vectored vaccines should be avoided in PLWH whenever possible.

Factors Associated with Cyberbullying Victimisation among Colombian High-School Adolescents.

The study's purpose was to examine the prevalence and explore some factors associated with cyberbullying in high-school adolescents at ​​Santa Marta, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was designed, which participated in students between 13 and 17 years. Participants completed the item for being a victim of cyberbullying of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for high school students designed by the Center for Disease Control of the United States. A total of 1462 students answered the questionnaire (M = 14.4 years, SD = 0.8). 19.6% (n = 287) reported lifetime cyberbullying victimisation. Cyberbullying victimisation was associated with post-traumatic stress disorder risk (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.51-2.79), lifetime cigarette smoking (OR = 1.91, 95%CI 1.42-2.57), female gender (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.25-2.26), family dysfunction (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.18-2.41), and poor-fair health condition (OR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.08-1.95). Being a victim of cyberbullying is frequent among Colombian high-school adolescents. It is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder risk, cigarette smoking, female gender, family dysfunction, and poor-fair general health condition. Longitudinal investigations are needed to measure better the dynamics of cyberbullying and the nature of such associations.

Evaluación de las revistas científicas colombianas del área de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud por medio del Índice de Osk / Evaluation of Colombian medical and health sciences journals using the Osk Index

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la evaluación de las revistas científicas colombianas del área de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud a través del sistema de medición integral de revistas científicas colombianas que se sustenta en el Índice de Osk. Se analizaron las 33 revistas científicas colombianas de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud indexadas en el Índice Bibliográfico Nacional Publindex en la convocatoria 768 del año 2016, de las cuales solo se tuvieron en cuenta las ediciones y las citas comprendidas entre el periodo del 01 de enero al 31 de diciembre del año 2017. La revista que mayor valor presentó fue Biomédica, con un índice para el año 2017 de 314,30, seguida de la Revista Colombiana de Cardiología con 206,81, y en tercer lugar la Revista de Salud Pública con 201,15, las cuales se agrupan en el nivel O1. En el otro extremo y agrupándose de mayor a menor en el nivel O4 se encuentran la revista Duazary (41,78), la Revista Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Antioquia (38,19) y Vitae (35,12). A modo de conclusión, se hace preciso revisar el modelo actual de clasificación de las revistas en Colombia Publindex, teniendo en cuenta las particularidades encontradas durante la revisión. Es por eso que se recomienda la implementación de un modelo o sistema de medición integral, como es en este caso el Índice de Osk(AU)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate Colombian medical and health sciences journals using a comprehensive measurement system for Colombian scientific journals based on the Osk Index. An analysis was conducted of 33 Colombian medical and health sciences journals indexed in the National Bibliographic Index Publindex as of call for papers number 768 of 2016, from which only editions and citations from 1 January to 31 December 2017 were considered. The publication with the highest score was Biomédica, with an index of 314.30 for the year 2017, followed by Revista Colombiana de Cardiología with 206.81 and Revista de Salud Pública with 201.15, all three of them in level O1. On the opposite end, and grouped from highest to lowest in level O4 are the journals Duazary (41.78), Revista Facultad de Odontología Universidad de Antioquia (38.19) and Vitae (35.12). Conclusions point to the need to review the classification model currently applied to Colombian journals, Publindex, bearing in mind the particular features revealed by the study. It is therefore recommended to implement a comprehensive measurement model or system, as is the case with the Osk Index(AU)

Análisis factorial confirmatorio del cuestionario de APGAR familiar / Confirmatory factor analysis of the family APGAR questionnaire

RESUMEN Introducción: En el contexto colombiano, la escala APGAR familiar es de uso frecuente para evaluar la función familiar. Sin embargo, no se cuenta con un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) que corrobore en estudiantes adolescentes colombianos la estructura unidimensional propuesta. Objetivo: Realizar un AFC a la escala APGAR familiar en estudiantes de media vocacional de Santa Marta, Colombia. Método: Un total de 1.462 estudiantes de décimo y undécimo grado de colegios oficiales y privados diligenció la escala APGAR familiar. Se incluyó a los estudiantes de 13 a 17 anos (media, 16,0 ± 0,8); el 60,3% eran mujeres y el 55,3%, estudiantes de décimo grado. En el AFC se estimaron los estadísticos x2, RMSEA, CFI, TLI y SMSR. Se calculó la consistencia interna de la dimensión con los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach y omega de McDonald. Resultados: En el AFC los estadísticos fueron: x2 = 9,11; gl = 5;p = 0,105; RMSEA = 0,024 (IC90%, 0,000-0,048); CFI = 0,998; TLI = 0,996 y SMRS = 0,009. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue 0,819 y el omega de McDonald, 0,820. Conclusiones: Se confirma la estructura unidimensional de la escala APGAR familiar en estudiantes de media vocacional de Santa Marta, Colombia. Este cuestionario es confiable y válido para la medición de función familiar en adolescentes escolarizados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Colombia, the family APGAR questionnaire is often used to evaluate family function. However, there is no confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to corroborate the proposed one-dimensional structure in Colombian adolescent students. Objective: To perform CFA on the APGAR family questionnaire in high-school students of Santa Marta, Colombia. Method: A total of 1462 students of tenth and eleventh grade of official and private schools completed the family APGAR questionnaire. Students between 13 and 17 years old (M=16.0, SD=0.8) were included, of which 60.3% were female, and 55.3% were tenth grade students. The x2, RMSEA, CFI, TLI and SMSR were estimated in the CFA. The internal consistency of the dimension was calculated with Cronbach alpha and McDonald omega coefficients. Results: In the CFA the indexes were x2=9.11, df=5, P=.105; RMSEA=.024 (CI90%, .000-.048), CFI=.998, TLI=.996, and SMSR=.009. Cronbach alpha coefficient was .819 and McDonald omega, .820. Conclusions: The one-dimensional structure of the APGAR family scale is confirmed in high-school students of Santa Marta, Colombia. This questionnaire is reliable and valid for the measurement of family function in school-aged adolescents.

Factores asociados a la supervivencia de pacientes operados de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepáticas sincrónicas / Factors Associated to Survival in Patients Operated on for Colon Cancer with Synchronic Liver Metastases

Introducción: La metástasis hepática del cáncer de colon es una entidad frecuente. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la supervivencia en pacientes intervenidos de cáncer de colon con metástasis hepática sincrónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal a 34 pacientes operados con este diagnóstico, en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2010 hasta 2019. Fue estimada la supervivencia global y por diferentes periodos de tiempo en la cohorte, según el método de Kaplan-Meier. La comparación de las curvas de supervivencia para las covariables seleccionadas se realizó mediante la prueba de igualdad de distribuciones (Log-Rank de Mantel y Cox). Resultados: La supervivencia global a los seis meses y al año del diagnóstico fue de 66,5 por ciento y 66,2 por ciento, respectivamente, con mediana de dos años (IC 95 por ciento: 0,97-3,02). La supervivencia fue superior si el paciente presentó una metástasis versus dos o más, así como la de ambos lóbulos marca la menor probabilidad de supervivencia. Los tumores bien y moderadamente diferenciados mostraron mayor probabilidad de supervivencia al año que los pocos diferenciados, sin diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: La cirugía permite mejorar la sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad, aunque el uso de las distintas opciones terapéuticas para el cáncer colónico con metástasis hepática sincrónica continúa controvertido. La supervivencia de estos enfermos está condicionada por la estadificación, diferenciación histológica del tumor, localización y número de metástasis, entre otros factores(AU)

Introduction: Liver metastasis from colon cancer is a frequent entity. Objective: To identify the factors associated with survival in patients operated on for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastasis. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from 2010 to 2019, with 34 patients with this diagnosis operated on in the general surgery service of Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba. Overall survival was estimated, as well as by different time periods in the cohort, using the Kaplan-Meier method. The comparison of the survival curves for the selected covariates was carried out using the test of equality of distributions (log-rank or Mantel-Cox test). Results: Overall survival six months and one year after diagnosis was 66.5 percent and 66.2 percent, respectively, with a median of two years (95 percent CI: 0.97-3.02). Survival was higher if the patient had one metastasis versus two or more, while metastasis in both lobules represents the lowest probability of survival. Well and moderately differentiated tumors showed higher probability of survival at one year than the little differentiated ones, without significant differences. Conclusions: Surgery improves overall and disease-free survival, although the use of different therapeutic options for colon cancer with synchronic liver metastases remains controversial. The survival of these patients is conditioned by staging, histological differentiation of the tumor, location and number of metastases, among other factors(AU)