TGF-ß/SMAD canonical pathway induces the expression of transcriptional cofactor TAZ in liver cancer cells.

The TGF-ß and Hippo pathways are critical for liver size control, regeneration, and cancer progression. The transcriptional cofactor TAZ, also named WWTR1, is a downstream effector of Hippo pathway and plays a key role in the maintenance of liver physiological functions. However, the up-regulation of TAZ expression has been associated with liver cancer progression. Recent evidence shows crosstalk of TGF-ß and Hippo pathways, since TGF-ß modulates TAZ expression through different mechanisms in a cellular context-dependent manner but supposedly independent of SMADs. Here, we evaluate the molecular interplay between TGF-ß pathway and TAZ expression and observe that TGF-ß induces TAZ expression through SMAD canonical pathway in liver cancer HepG2 cells. Therefore, TAZ cofactor is a primary target of TGF-ß/SMAD-signaling, one of the pathways altered in liver cancer.

New detection method of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies toward a point-of-care biosensor.

The outbreak of COVID-19, a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is regarded as the most severe of the documented coronavirus pandemics. The measurement and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels by serological tests are relevant for a better epidemiological and clinical understanding of COVID-19. The aim of this work was to design a method called the SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection method (SARS-CoV-2 AbDM) for fluorescence immunodetection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM on both plate and microfluidic chip. For this purpose, a system with magnetic beads that immobilize the antigen (S protein and RBD) on its surface was used to determine the presence and quantity of antibodies in a sample in a single reaction. The SARS-CoV-2 AbDM led to several advantages in the performance of the tests, such as reduced cost, possibility of performing isolated or multiple samples, potential of multiplex detection, and capacity to detect whole blood samples without losing resolution. In addition, due to the microfluidic chip in conjunction with the motorized actuated platform, the time, sample quantity, and operator intervention during the process were reduced. All these advantages suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 AbDM has the potential to be developed as a PoC that can be used as a tool for seroprevalence monitoring, allowing a better understanding of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and contributing to more effective and ethical decision-making in strategies to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In vitro" evaluation of bacterial biofilm formation on different cerclage systems.

Cerclage wiring may be used for fracture fixation or osteotomy stabilization in revision arthroplasty. There is a lack of evidence regarding the potential risk of bacterial colonization for the different types of cerclages. The objective of our research is to study the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa on two different cerclage cable models, comparing a polymer cable and a stainless steel metal cable. A two-cm cerclage piece of each material was submerged in 2 mL of tryptic soy broth (TSB) inoculated with 10 µL of a 0.5 McFarland bacterial culture, and incubated at 37°C during 2 h for adhesion and 48 h for biofilm formation. The cerclages were washed with 1xPBS and sonicated in a new culture medium. Aliquots of several dilutions of each sonicated culture were spread in TSB agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The number of colonies was counted. The colony-forming units per ml (CFU/mL) and the percentage of reduction were calculated. Experiments were triplicated. For P. aeruginosa, a statistically significant reduction in biofilm formation was found on the polymer cerclage cable, compared to the metal cerclage cable. Reductions of 59% and 88%, after 2 h and 48 h, respectively, were observed. For S. epidermis and S. aureus, there was a trend towards lower bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation for the polymer cerclage cable. In summary, these results demonstrate that the braided polymer cerclage cable may be less prone to bacterial adherence and biofilm formation compared to the braided metal cerclage cable.

Cysticidal effect of a pure naphthoquinone on Taenia crassiceps cysticerci.

Cysticercosis is a disease caused by the metacestode of the parasite Taenia solium (T. solium). In humans, the most severe complication of the disease is neurocysticercosis. The drug of choice to treat this disease is albendazole; however, the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug are variable. Therefore, new molecules with therapeutic effects against this and other parasitic infections caused by helminths must be developed. Naphthoquinones are naphthalene-derived compounds that possess antibacterial, antifungal, antitumoral, and antiparasitic properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro anti-helminthic effect of 2-[(3-chlorophenylamino)phenylmethyl]-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, isolated from a natural source and then synthesized (naphthoquinone 4a), using an experimental model of murine cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps (T. crassiceps). This compound causes paralysis in the cysticerci membrane from day 3 of the in vitro treatment. Additionally, it induces changes in the shape, size, and appearance of the cysticerci and a decrease in the reproduction rate. In conclusion, naphthoquinone 4a has in vitro cysticidal activity on T. crassiceps cysticerci depending on the duration of the treatment and the concentration of the compound. Therefore, it is a promising drug candidate to be used in T. crassiceps and possibly T. solium infections.

Comparative efficacy of linezolid and vancomycin for endotracheal tube MRSA biofilms from ICU patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of systemic treatment with linezolid (LNZ) versus vancomycin (VAN) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) burden and eradication in endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilm and ETT cuff from orotracheally intubated patients with MRSA respiratory infection. METHODS: Prospective observational clinical study was carried out at four European tertiary hospitals. Plasma and endotracheal aspirate (ETA) levels of LNZ and VAN were determined 72 h after treatment initiation through high-performance liquid chromatography or bioassay. LNZ or VAN concentration in the ETT biofilm and MRSA burden and eradication was determined upon extubation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for LNZ and VAN was assessed by E-test strips (Biomerieux®). Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained, and ETT biofilm thickness was compared between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients, 15 treated with LNZ and 10 with VAN, were included in the study. LNZ presented a significantly higher concentration (µg/mL) than VAN in ETT biofilm (72.8 [1.3-127.1] vs 0.4 [0.4-1.3], p < 0.001), although both drugs achieved therapeutic plasma levels 72 h after treatment initiation. Systemic treatment with LNZ achieved lower ETT cuff MRSA burdens than systemic treatment with VAN. Indeed, LNZ increased the MRSA eradication rate in ETT cuff compared with VAN (LNZ 75%, VAN 20%, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In ICU patients with MRSA respiratory infection intubated for long periods, systemic treatment with LNZ obtains a greater beneficial effect than VAN in limiting MRSA burden in ETT cuff.

Prevalencia de Staphylococcus aureus que coloniza el personal de salud de un hospital de la ciudad de Cali / Prevalence of Staphylococcus Aureus Colonizing the Health Care Personnel of a Hospital in the City of Cali / Prevalência de Staphylococcus aureus que coloniza o pessoal de saúde de um hospital da cidade de Cali

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de las cepas de Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) en los trabajadores de un hospital de la ciudad de Cali. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con muestras de rastreo nasal y frotis de piel a 30 trabajadores de salud. La caracterización se basó en el análisis del antibiograma y la amplificación por PCR de los genes mecA y agr. El origen del aislamiento se estableció con el análisis del gen agr, al identificar los grupos agr. Resultados: 11 (26,7 %) trabajadores estuvieron colonizados por S. aureus. La frecuencia de S. aureus fue mayor en el personal de salud que se encontraban en la sala de cirugía (20%; OR = 2,077; P>0,05). Se identificaron cuatro antibiotipos, esta característica es compatible con los clones comunitarios que han demostrado ser altamente diversos con una gran capacidad de diseminación en la comunidad. El 36,4% de los aislamientos presentaron resistencia a cefotaxima y/o oxacilina, fenotipo sugerente de S. aureus resistente meticilina (SARM), en estos aislados se identificó el gen mecA. El grupo agr i se encontró, principalmente, entre los aislamientos sensibles a meticilina (SASM), compatible con un origen comunitario y en los aislamientos SARM pertenecen al grupo agr ii, siendo de origen hospitalario. Conclusión: Se demostró la prevalencia de S. aureus con resistencia a los antibióticos que colonizan al personal de salud, principalmente los que laboran en la sala de cirugía. Se debe mantener el control regular del personal para impedir la diseminación de patógenos.

Objecitve: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in workers at a hospital in Cali. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted with samples of nasal swabs, skin smears to 30 health care workers. Phenotypic characterization of isolates was based on susceptibility antibiogram testing and PCR amplification of the identified mecA and agr genes. The origin of isolates was established by analysis of agr gene, identifying the AGR groups. Results: Eleven (26.7 %) workers were colonized with S. aureus. The frequency of S. aureus was higher in health care personnel who were in the operating room (20 %; OR = 2.077; P> 0.05). Four antibiotypes were identified, this feature is compatible with community clones that have proven to be highly diverse with a large capacity to spread in the community. 36.4 % of the isolates were resistant to cefotaxime and/or oxacillin, suggestive mrsa phenotype in these isolated the mecA gene was identified. Agr i was found primarily among isolates metillicin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), compatible with community origin, and MRSA isolates belong to AGR ii, with hospital waste. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus resistant to antibiotics that colonize health care personnel was demonstrated, mainly in those working in the operating room. Regular monitoring of personnel should be regularly conducted to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência das cepas de Staphylococcus aureus nos trabalhadores que trabalham em um hospital da cidade de Cali. Materiais e métodos: realizou-se um estudo descritivo, com amostras de rastreamento nasal e esfregaços da pele de 30 trabalhadores de saúde. A caracterização se baseou na análise do antibiograma e da amplificação por PCR dos genes mecA e agr. A origem do isolamento se estabeleceu com a análise do gene agr, identificando os grupos agr. Resultados: 11 (26,7%) trabalhadores estiveram colonizados por S. aureus. A frequência de S. aureus foi maior no pessoal da saúde que se encontrava na sala de cirurgia (20%; OR=2,077; P>0,05). Identificaram-se quatro antibióticos, esta característica é compatível com os clones comunitários que têm demonstrado ser altamente diversos com uma grande capacidade de disseminação na comunidade. O 36,4% dos isolamentos apresentaram resistência a cefotaxima e/ou oxacilina, fenótipo sugestivo de SARM, nestes isolados se identificou o gene mecA. O grupo agr i encontrou-se principalmente entre os isolamentos sensíveis a meticilina (SASM), compatível com uma origem comunitário e nos isolamentos SARM pertencem ao grupo agr ii, sendo de origem hospitalar. Conclusão: demonstrou-se a prevalência de S. aureus com resistência aos antibióticos que colonizam ao pessoal de saúde, principalmente os que trabalham na sala de cirurgia. Deve-se manter o controle regular do pessoal para impedir a disseminação de patógenos.

ESTRATEGIAS DE ADAPTACIÓN Y MEDIOS DE VIDA DE LAS FAMILIAS INTEGRANTES DE LA FUNDACIÓN CONSEJO VEREDAL -FCV-, MUNICIPIO DE CALARCÁ, QUINDÍO / ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND LIVELIHOOD OF FAMILIES MAKING UP THE VILLAGE FOUNDATION COUNCIL -VFC- MUNICIPALITY OF CALARCÁ, QUINDÍO

Este artículo presenta la estructura de estrategias de vida de la organización campesina Fundación Consejo Veredal ubicada en la vereda Travesías, municipio de Calarcá, en ella se llevó a cabo un estudio con nueve familias beneficiarias del proceso de reforma agraria Ley 160 de 1994 que tuvo como objetivo la identificación de las estrategias de vida de los hogares y las restricciones que impiden el éxito de estas estrategias. El estudio se realizó mediante la caracterización de los sistemas de producción y la identificación de los medios de vida que despliegan las familias para su supervivencia. Se utilizó la metodología de Enfoque de Medios de Vida del DFID -Department for International Development- a través de la cual se valoraron los capitales: Humano, Social, Natural, Físico y Financiero por medio de la medición de 17 indicadores pertenecientes a cinco capitales. Los resultados del estudio permitieron la identificación de los medios de vida utilizados por esta comunidad para adaptarse a las nuevas dinámicas generadas por los efectos de la globalización en el sector rural en economías campesinas y particularmente por la crisis cafetera. Se logró la identificación de estrategias que implementan las familias con el fin de generar ingresos y mejores condiciones de vida, así como las interacciones que se establecen entre estas y fenómenos sociales como: la pobreza, el origen y distribución de los ingresos, las políticas para la diversificación, diversificación vs. agricultura, organización social, educación y acceso a mercados. Los resultados del estudio muestran que los capitales de mayor valoración fueron el Humano con una media de 4,16 y el Físico con una media de 4,04. Los capitales con menor valoración fueron el Social con una media de 3,09 y el Financiero con una media de 3,29. El Capital Natural se ubica en un rango medio con 3,56.

This article presents the structure of living strategies of the rural organization "Village Foundation Council" located in the Travesías village, municipality of Calarcá, where a study with nine families beneficiary of the process of the agrarian reformation Law 160 of 1994 took place which had as objective the identification of living strategies of the homes and the restrictions which inhibit the success of these strategies. The study was carried out through the characterization of the production systems and the identification of livelihood families display for their survival. The DFID -Department for International Development- Livehood Focus methodology was used to value the human, social, natural, physical and financial capitals by means of the measurement of 17 indicators belonging to five capitals. The results of the study allowed the identification of the ways of livelihood used by this community to adapt to the new dynamics generated by the effects of globalization in the rural sector in peasant economy and particularly because of the coffee growers crisis. It was possible to achieve the identification of strategies that the families implement in order to generate income and better living conditions as well as the interactions that exist between these and social phenomena such as poverty, origin and distribution of incomes, policies for diversification, diversification vs. agriculture, social organization, education and access to markets. The results of the study, shows that the capitals with higher evaluation were the social with a 4.16 average and Physical with a 4.04. average The capitals with lower evaluation were the Social with a 3.09 average and the financial with a 3.29 average. The natural capital is located in a middle range with 3.56.