Inhibition of Multifunctional Protein p32/C1QBP Promotes Cytostatic Effects in Colon Cancer Cells by Altering Mitogenic Signaling Pathways and Promoting Mitochondrial Damage.

The protein p32 (C1QBP) is a multifunctional and multicompartmental homotrimer that is overexpressed in many cancer types, including colon cancer. High expression levels of C1QBP are negatively correlated with the survival of patients. Previously, we demonstrated that C1QBP is an essential promoter of migration, chemoresistance, clonogenic, and tumorigenic capacity in colon cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying these functions and the effects of specific C1QBP protein inhibitors remain unexplored. Here, we show that the specific pharmacological inhibition of C1QBP with the small molecule M36 significantly decreased the viability rate, clonogenic capacity, and proliferation rate of different colon cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of the inhibitor of C1QBP were cytostatic and non-cytotoxic, inducing a decreased activation rate of critical pro-malignant and mitogenic cellular pathways such as Akt-mTOR and MAPK in RKO colon cancer cells. Additionally, treatment with M36 significantly affected the mitochondrial integrity and dynamics of malignant cells, indicating that p32/C1QBP plays an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Altogether, our results reinforce that C1QBP is an important oncogene target and that M36 may be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of colon cancer.

Rasch analysis of the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) in patients with mild to moderate-severe psoriasis.

Background The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a valuable tool for assessing the quality of life in adult patients with psoriasis. Aims To analyse the reliability and validity of the DLQI to measure the quality of life in patients with mild to moderate-severe psoriasis. Methods This was a secondary validation study nested in a follow-up study. The Rasch-Andrich model was utilised to perform response function, item and person fit, differential item functioning, dimensionality, and reliability analyses. Results A total of 1439 patients were analysed, 52.1% male, mean age of 48.7 years (SD 16.1). Psoriasis vulgaris was the phenotype in 43.1% of patients, and 86% had a mild Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Adequate adjustment of the response function and the items was observed in the best-fit sample, except for item 7 (work and study). The measure explained 60.9% of the variance and presented a reliability of 0.86. Differential item functioning was identified by age, with a relevant bias in the estimation for older adults. Item-person maps are provided. Limitations This study was performed at a single centre, with most patients presenting a mild PASI score, limiting generalisation of the findings. Conclusion The validity evidence favours the use of the DLQI in moderate-severe psoriasis. However, the instrument biases the estimate of older adults. This population group should consider a specific version of the instrument.

Functional Roles of CD133: More than Stemness Associated Factor Regulated by the Microenvironment.

CD133 protein has been one of the most used surface markers to select and identify cancer cells with stem-like features. However, its expression is not restricted to tumoral cells; it is also expressed in differentiated cells and stem/progenitor cells in various normal tissues. CD133 participates in several cellular processes, in part orchestrating signal transduction of essential pathways that frequently are dysregulated in cancer, such as PI3K/Akt signaling and the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. CD133 expression correlates with enhanced cell self-renewal, migration, invasion, and survival under stress conditions in cancer. Aside from the intrinsic cell mechanisms that regulate CD133 expression in each cellular type, extrinsic factors from the surrounding niche can also impact CD33 levels. The enhanced CD133 expression in cells can confer adaptive advantages by amplifying the activation of a specific signaling pathway in a context-dependent manner. In this review, we do not only describe the CD133 physiological functions known so far, but importantly, we analyze how the microenvironment changes impact the regulation of CD133 functions emphasizing its value as a marker of cell adaptability beyond a cancer-stem cell marker.

Epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization in atopic dermatitis in Colombia: A retrospective analysis of data from the National Health Registry from 2015 to 2020 / Epidemiología y uso de recursos de salud en dermatitis atópica en Colombia: análisis retrospectivo de datos del Registro Nacional de Salud de 2015 a 2020

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of pruritus accompanied by itching. In Colombia, epidemiological and healthcare resource utilization information regarding this pathology is limited. Objective: To describe atopic dermatitis epidemiological characteristics and healthcare resource utilization patterns in Colombia. Material and methods: A retrospective database study using real-world data obtained from the national claims database SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) for the 2015-2020 period was carried out. Sociodemographic (age, and health services delivery), epidemiological (incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities), and healthcare resource utilization data were extracted from the SISPRO database. Results: The epidemiological results showed increased incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Colombia in the 2018-2019 period compared to 2015-2017. Accordingly, the number of medical consultations (particularly with specialists), the number of procedures, and the number of hospitalizations of patients with atopic dermatitis increased. Topic and systemic corticoids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Conclusions: Diagnoses of atopic dermatitis in Colombia increased with a concomitant increase in healthcare resource utilization during 2015-2020, which was possibly slowed down by the arrival of the Covid-19. This study may help physicians gaining a better understanding of the disease, improving atopic dermatitis patient management.

Introducción. La dermatitis atópica, también conocida como eczema o eczema atópico, es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico de la piel caracterizado por la presencia de prurito acompañado de picor. En Colombia, la información epidemiológica y de utilización de recursos sanitarios sobre esta enfermedad es limitada. Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas y los patrones de utilización de recursos sanitarios para la dermatitis atópica en Colombia. Material y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo en el cual se utilizan datos de la práctica clínica real obtenidos del registro nacional SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) en el período 2015-2020. Se extrajeron datos sociodemográficos (incluida la edad y la prestación de servicios de salud), epidemiológicos (incluidos la incidencia, la prevalencia y las comorbilidades) y los correspondientes a la utilización de los recursos sanitarios. Resultados. Los resultados epidemiológicos han demostrado un aumento de la incidencia y prevalencia de la dermatitis atópica en Colombia en el periodo 2018-2019, en comparación con el periodo 2015-2017. Aumentó el número de consultas médicas (particularmente, con especialistas) de pacientes con dermatitis atópica, el de procedimientos y el de hospitalizaciones. Los corticoides tópicos y sistémicos fueron los medicamentos más prescritos. Conclusiones. Los diagnósticos de dermatitis atópica en Colombia aumentaron con un incremento concomitante en la utilización de recursos sanitarios durante 2015-2020, que posiblemente se vio atenuado por la llegada del Covid-19. Este estudio puede ayudar a los médicos a tener un mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad y, por lo tanto, mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con dermatitis atópica.

Canonical Wnt Pathway Is Involved in Chemoresistance and Cell Cycle Arrest Induction in Colon Cancer Cell Line Spheroids.

The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been associated with the induction of drug resistance and disease recurrence after therapy. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is widely used as the first-line treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its effectiveness may be limited by the induction of drug resistance in tumor cells. The Wnt pathway plays a key role in the development and CRC progression, but it is not clearly established how it is involved in CSCs resistance to treatment. This work aimed to investigate the role played by the canonical Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in CSCs resistance to 5FU treatment. Using tumor spheroids as a model of CSCs enrichment of CRC cell lines with different Wnt/ß-catenin contexts, we found that 5FU induces in all CRC spheroids tested cell death, DNA damage, and quiescence, but in different proportions for each one: RKO spheroids were very sensitive to 5FU, while SW480 were less susceptible, and the SW620 spheroids, the metastatic derivative of SW480 cells, displayed the highest resistance to death, high clonogenic capacity, and the highest ability for regrowth after 5FU treatment. Activating the canonical Wnt pathway with Wnt3a in RKO spheroids decreased the 5FU-induced cell death. But the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway inhibition with Adavivint alone or in combination with 5FU in spheroids with aberrant activation of this pathway produced a severe cytostatic effect compromising their clonogenic capacity and diminishing the stem cell markers expression. Remarkably, this combined treatment also induced the survival of a small cell subpopulation that could exit the arrest, recover SOX2 levels, and re-grow after treatment.

Non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling is essential to promote self-renewal and proliferation in colon cancer stem cells.

Introduction: Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) are responsible for maintaining tumor growth, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Therefore, understanding their characteristics is critical to progress in cancer therapy. While the contribution of the canonical Wnt/b-catenin signaling in both normal and CSCs had been well established, the function of non-canonical Wnt signaling cascades in stem cells is unclear. Recently, we reported that Wnt ligands trigger complex signaling in which the canonical and non-canonical responses can be simultaneously activated by one ligand in colon cancer cells, suggesting, therefore, that noncanonical Wnt pathways may also be important in CSCs. Methods: The present work aimed to know the role of the Wnt/Ca2+ pathway in colon CSCs. We used tumorspheres as a model of CSCs enrichment of CRC cell lines with different Wnt/b-catenin contexts. Results: Using Wnt3a and Wnt5a as prototype ligands to activate the canonical or the non-canonical pathways, respectively, we found that both Wnt3a and Wnt5a promote sphere-formation capacity and proliferation without stimulating b-catenin-dependent transcription. Upregulation of sphere formation by Wnt5a or Wnt3a requires the downstream activation of Phospholipase C and transcriptional factor NFAT. Moreover, the single specific inhibition of PLC or NFAT, using U73122 and 11R-VIVIT, respectively, leads to impaired sphere formation. Discussion: Our results indicate that both types of ligands activate the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling axis to induce/maintain the self-renewal efficiency of CSCs, demonstrating to be essential for the functions of CSC in colon cancer.

Epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization in atopic dermatitis in Colombia: A retrospective analysis of data from the National Health Registry from 2015 to 2020 / Epidemiología y uso de recursos de salud en dermatitis atópica en Colombia: análisis retrospectivo de datos del Registro Nacional de Salud de 2015 a 2020

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of pruritus accompanied by itching. In Colombia, epidemiological and healthcare resource utilization information regarding this pathology is limited. Objective: To describe atopic dermatitis epidemiological characteristics and healthcare resource utilization patterns in Colombia. Materials and methods: A retrospective database study using real-world data obtained from the national claims database SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) for the 2015-2020 period was carried out. Sociodemographic (age, and health services delivery), epidemiological (incidence, prevalence, and comorbidities), and healthcare resource utilization data were extracted from the SISPRO database. Results: The epidemiological results showed increased incidence and prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Colombia in the 2018-2019 period compared to 2015-2017. Accordingly, the number of medical consultations (particularly with specialists), the number of procedures, and the number of hospitalizations of patients with atopic dermatitis increased. Topic and systemic corticoids were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Conclusions: Diagnoses of atopic dermatitis in Colombia increased with a concomitant increase in healthcare resource utilization during 2015-2020, which was possibly slowed down by the arrival of the Covid-19. This study may help physicians gaining a better understanding of the disease, improving atopic dermatitis patient management.

Introducción. La dermatitis atópica, también conocida como eczema o eczema atópico, es un trastorno inflamatorio crónico de la piel caracterizado por la presencia de prurito acompañado de picor. En Colombia, la información epidemiológica y de utilización de recursos sanitarios sobre esta enfermedad es limitada. Objetivo. Describir las características epidemiológicas y los patrones de utilización de recursos sanitarios para la dermatitis atópica en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo en el cual se utilizan datos de la práctica clínica real obtenidos del registro nacional SISPRO (Sistema de Información para la Protección Social) en el período 2015-2020. Se extrajeron datos sociodemográficos (incluida la edad y la prestación de servicios de salud), epidemiológicos (incluidos la incidencia, la prevalencia y las comorbilidades) y los correspondientes a la utilización de los recursos sanitarios. Resultados. Los resultados epidemiológicos han demostrado un aumento de la incidencia y prevalencia de la dermatitis atópica en Colombia en el periodo 20182019, en comparación con el periodo 2015-2017. Aumentó el número de consultas médicas (particularmente, con especialistas) de pacientes con dermatitis atópica, el de procedimientos y el de hospitalizaciones. Los corticoides tópicos y sistémicos fueron los medicamentos más prescritos. Conclusiones. Los diagnósticos de dermatitis atópica en Colombia aumentaron con un incremento concomitante en la utilización de recursos sanitarios durante 2015-2020, que posiblemente se vio atenuado por la llegada del Covid-19. Este estudio puede ayudar a los médicos a tener un mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad y, por lo tanto, mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con dermatitis atópica.

Mucocutaneous manifestations and their relationship with CD4 T-lymphocyte count in hospitalized patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Medellín, Colombia / Manifestaciones mucocutáneas y su relación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4 en pacientes infectados con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana hospitalizados en Medellín, Colombia

Introduction: About 80-95% of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) develop skin manifestations, which are markers of the patients' immune status. Objective: To describe the dermatologic manifestations and the clinical and sociodemographic factors of hospitalized patients diagnosed with HIV and their correlation with CD4 T-lymphocyte count. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the medical records of 227 adult patients with HIV diagnosis evaluated by dermatology in a hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Results: We included 227 patient records with 433 dermatologic manifestations, 64.4% of them infectious. The most frequent manifestations were oral candidiasis, condylomata acuminata, and drug reactions. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between disseminated herpes zoster virus and secondary syphilis with a CD4 count between 200-499 cells/mm3 (p=0.04 and 0.028, respectively). There was also a statistically significant relationship between oral candidiasis and a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/mm3 (p=0.008). Conclusions: The relationship between disseminated herpes zoster with CD4 between 200-499 cells/mm3 suggests that, despite having high CD4 counts, severe forms of the disease may occur due to possible T-cell dysfunction and depletion of the immune system. Additionally, the relationship between oral candidiasis and CD4 less than 100 cells/mm3 indicates the potential role of oral candidiasis as an essential marker of weakened immune status in HIV patients.

Introducción. Entre el 80 y el 95 % de los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) desarrollan manifestaciones en la piel que sirven como marcadores de su estado inmunológico. Objetivos. Describir las manifestaciones dermatológicas y los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos de los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de HIV y su correlación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de corte transversal y retrospectivo a partir del registro de las historias clínicas de 227 pacientes mayores de edad con diagnóstico de HIV, evaluados por dermatología en un hospital de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados. Los 227 registros daban cuenta de 433 manifestaciones dermatológicas, el 64,4 % de ellas infecciosas. Las tres manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron candidiasis oral, condilomas acuminados y reacciones a medicamentos. Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el virus del herpes zóster (HZ) diseminado y la sífilis secundaria, con un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 (p=0,04 y 0,028, respectivamente), y entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/mm3 (p=0,008). Conclusiones. La relación entre el herpes zóster diseminado y un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 sugiere que, a pesar de los recuentos altos, se pueden presentar formas graves de la enfermedad debido a una posible disfunción de las células T y el agotamiento del sistema inmunológico. La relación entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/mm3 plantea la posibilidad de considerar esta infección micótica como un marcador importante de debilitamiento inmunológico de los pacientes con HIV.

Manifestaciones mucocutáneas y su relación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4 en pacientes infectados con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana hospitalizados en Medellín, Colombia / Mucocutaneous manifestations and their relationship with CD4 T-lymphocyte count in hospitalized patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. Entre el 80 y el 95 % de los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) desarrollan manifestaciones en la piel que sirven como marcadores de su estado inmunológico. Objetivos. Describir las manifestaciones dermatológicas y los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos de los pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de HIV y su correlación con el recuento de linfocitos T CD4. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de corte transversal y retrospectivo a partir del registro de las historias clínicas de 227 pacientes mayores de edad con diagnóstico de HIV, evaluados por dermatología en un hospital de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados. Los 227 registros daban cuenta de 433 manifestaciones dermatológicas, el 64,4 % de ellas infecciosas. Las tres manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron candidiasis oral, condilomas acuminados y reacciones a medicamentos. Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el virus del herpes zóster (HZ) diseminado y la sífilis secundaria, con un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 (p=0,04 y 0,028, respectivamente), y entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/ mm3 (p=0,008). Conclusiones. La relación entre el herpes zóster diseminado y un recuento de CD4 entre 200 y 499 células/mm3 sugiere que, a pesar de los recuentos altos, se pueden presentar formas graves de la enfermedad debido a una posible disfunción de las células T y el agotamiento del sistema inmunológico. La relación entre la candidiasis oral y un recuento de CD4 menor de 100 células/mm3 plantea la posibilidad de considerar esta infección micótica como un marcador importante de debilitamiento inmunológico de los pacientes con HIV.

Introduction. About 80-95% of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) develop skin manifestations, which are markers of the patients' immune status. Objective. To describe the dermatologic manifestations and the clinical and sociodemographic factors of hospitalized patients diagnosed with HIV and their correlation with CD4 T-lymphocyte count. Materials and methods. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the medical records of 227 adult patients with HIV diagnosis evaluated by dermatology in a hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Results. We included 227 patient records with 433 dermatologic manifestations, 64.4% of them infectious. The most frequent manifestations were oral candidiasis, condylomata acuminata, and drug reactions. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between disseminated herpes zoster virus and secondary syphilis with a CD4 count between 200-499 cells/mm3 (p=0.04 and 0.028, respectively). There was also a statistically significant relationship between oral candidiasis and a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/ mm3 (p=0.008). Conclusions. The relationship between disseminated herpes zoster with CD4 between 200-499 cells/mm3 suggests that, despite having high CD4 counts, severe forms of the disease may occur due to possible T-cell dysfunction and depletion of the immune system. Additionally, the relationship between oral candidiasis and CD4 less than 100 cells/mm3 indicates the potential role of oral candidiasis as an essential marker of weakened immune status in HIV patients.

Therapeutic failure in moderate and severe psoriasis patients in a health institution - a transversal study of prevalence and demographic determinants.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that seriously impacts quality of life. There are known genetic and environmental factors that influence its onset and progression. Even though there is no cure for it, there are a variety of treatments available today to control its symptoms, although many of them fail to do so substantially. OBJECTIVE: To identify the association of multiple sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors with therapeutic failure. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study of therapeutic failure in patients with moderate or severe psoriasis between 2020 and 2021 was performed. RESULTS: In total 1051 patients with moderate or severe psoriasis were evaluated. Gender (ORa: 0.579 CI 95%: 0.382-0.878), type of therapy (biologic or non-biologic; ORa: 1.939 CI 95%: 1.242-3.027), age (ORa: 1.018 CI 95%: 1.003-1.034), days of treatment (ORa: 1 CI 95%: 0.999-1) and DLQI (ORa: 1.212 CI 95%: 1.172-1.253) are significantly associated with therapeutic failure. CONCLUSION: Being male and receiving biologic therapy are associated with a higher incidence of therapeutic failure in the treatment of moderate or severe psoriasis. The increase in DLQI increase in the probability of failure, and mayor age or days of treatment decrease in the probability of failure.

Clinical, sociodemographic, pharmacological and quality of life characterization of patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe psoriasis treated in a specialized psoriasis clinic / Caracterización clínica, sociodemográfica, farmacológica y calidad de vida de pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis moderada a severa atendidos en una clínica especializada en psoriasis

Abstract Introduction: psoriasis is a systemic, inflammatory, and chronic disease with a global prevalence between 0.6-6.5 %. It is related to multiple comorbidities and generates a significant decrease in quality of life. Objective: to characterize sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life variables in a population of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis. Methods: descriptive observational study the patients with a diagnosis of severe-moderate psoriasis treated in the Clínica Integral de Psoriasis-CLIPSO between May 2018 - June 2020. A collection format was designed for defined variables and a univariate analysis was performed. Results: 948 patients were identified with a median age of 50 years (IQR: 38-60) of which 51.0 % were women. 23.6 % were incidents with a median treatment time of 114 days (IQR: 98-127) and 73.9 % were prevalent with a median treatment time of 228 days (IQR: 160-371). The type of therapy used was mainly non-biological systemic and 90.9 % of the patients were adherent to the treatment. The clinical variables were similar for both groups and the most common phenotype was psoriasis vulgaris (57.1 %). The health-related quality of life in both groups was greater than 60 points and the affected dimensions were physical and psychological health. 27.3 % of the patients had comorbidities associated with cardiovascular risk and 44.7 % were overweight. Conclusion: knowing the sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, and quality of life characteristics of patients with moderate-severe psoriasis allows the identification of risk factors and comprehensive management of the disease.

Resumen Introducción: la psoriasis es una enfermedad sistémica, inflamatoria y crónica con una prevalencia global entre 0,6-6,5 %. Está relacionada con múltiples comorbilidades y genera una disminución significativa en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: caracterización sociodemográfica, clínica, farmacológica y calidad de vida de un grupo de pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis moderada-severa atendidos en la Clínica Integral de Psoriasis (CLIPSO) entre mayo 2018 y junio 2020. Se diseñó un formato para la recolección de las variables definidas y se realizó un análisis univariado. Resultados: se identificaron 948 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 50 años (RIC:38-60) de los cuales el 51 % eran mujeres. El 23,6 % eran incidentes, con una mediana en tiempo de tratamiento de 114 días (RIC:98-127) y 73,9 % eran prevalentes, con una mediana de tiempo de tratamiento de 228 días (RIC:160-371). El tipo de terapia utilizada fue principalmente sistémica no biológica y el 90,9 % de los pacientes eran adherentes al tratamiento. Las variables clínicas fueron similares en los incidentes y los prevalentes y el fenotipo más común fue psoriasis vulgar (57,1 %). La calidad de vida en ambos grupos fue mayor a 60 puntos y las dimensiones más afectadas en la calidad de vida fueron la salud física y la psicológica. El 27,3 % presentaban comorbilidades asociadas a riesgo cardiovascular y 44,7 % presentaban sobrepeso. Conclusión: conocer las características sociodemográficas, clínicas, farmacológicas y calidad de vida de los pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa permite la identificación de factores de riesgo y un manejo integral de la enfermedad.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the hydrological response to land cover changes in the sub-basin of the Chicú river, Colombia.

During the last years, in the sub-basin of the Chicú river, the agricultural and cattle exploitation has intensified and has depleted the water resources, thereby causing a deficit that has limited the continuity of such agricultural activity. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify land use and land cover changes contribute to the hydrological response to achieve sustainable management of the water resources in the sub-basin. In this sense, an integrated approach was used, which includes the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) hydrological model and the different LUCC (Land use and cover change) maps obtained through tele-detection by using Landsat images to decide the hydrological response in the basin with the changes in land cover and uses in 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016. As a result of the SWAT modeling, it can be noticed that the surface run-off varies according to the type of cover and extension, increasing or decreasing the water flow according to the characteristics of each cover, as in the case of bare lands (AGRL). While in 2006 it represented an area of 7.32% with a run-off of 39.25 mm, in 2001 its area decreased to 5.66% with a run-off of 44.9 mm. Moreover, in 1997 a flow of 4.45 m 3 / s can be observed, whereas in 2001 it decreases by 15% in the main current, which can be justified by a decrease of 8.8% in dense (FRSD) and fragmented (FRDT) forests. For 2006 and 2011 scenarios, the flow increases 13% and 50%, respectively, which corresponds to an increase of 36% and 48% concerning 2001 in clean grasses (PAST); despite the increase in clean grasses (PAST), the surface run-off was maintained almost constant above 9 mm, and it is thus considered a more stable vegetation cover.

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report / [Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso].

Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Overexpression of Multifunctional Protein p32 Promotes a Malignant Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

p32 is a multifunctional and multicompartmental protein that has been found upregulated in numerous adenocarcinomas, including colorectal malignancy. High levels of p32 expression have been correlated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. However, the functions performed by p32 in colorectal cancer have not been characterized. Here we show that p32 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cell lines compared to non-malignant colon cells. Colon cancer cells also display higher nuclear levels of p32 than nuclear levels found in non-malignant cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that p32 regulates the expression levels of genes tightly related to malignant phenotypes such as HAS-2 and PDCD4. Remarkably, we demonstrate that knockdown of p32 negatively affects Akt/mTOR signaling activation, inhibits the migration ability of colon malignant cells, and sensitizes them to cell death induced by oxidative stress and chemotherapeutic agents, but not to cell death induced by nutritional stress. In addition, knockdown of p32 significantly decreased clonogenic capacity and in vivo tumorigenesis in a xenograft mice model. Altogether, our results demonstrate that p32 is an important promoter of malignant phenotype in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that it could be used as a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer treatment.

Pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata: aspectos dermatológicos y toxicológicos, a propósito de un caso / Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate: Dermatological and toxicological aspects, case report

Resumen | La pigmentación exógena por nitrato de plata es una enfermedad poco frecuente, cuyas manifestaciones clínicas pueden aparecer años después del contacto, lo que en ocasiones dificulta su diagnóstico. Se caracteriza por la presencia de máculas o placas azul-grisáceas en la piel o las mucosas de la zona de contacto que, en ocasiones, son muy similares a las lesiones melanocíticas y al melanoma, sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de Medellín, Colombia, con antecedentes familiares de melanoma y presencia de estas lesiones en todo el cuerpo.

Abstract | Exogenous pigmentation by silver nitrate is a rare disease whose clinical manifestations appear even years after the contact, making its diagnosis difficult on occasions. It is characterized by the presence of blue-gray macules or plaques on the skin or mucosa in the contact area, sometimes very similar to melanocytic lesions and melanoma, which constitute the main differential diagnosis. We report the case of a male patient from Medellín, Colombia, with a family history of melanoma and the presence of these lesions throughout his body.

Signaling Pathways Involved in Nutrient Sensing Control in Cancer Stem Cells: An Overview.

Cancer cells characteristically have a high proliferation rate. Because tumor growth depends on energy-consuming anabolic processes, including biosynthesis of protein, lipid, and nucleotides, many tumor-associated conditions, including intermittent oxygen deficiency due to insufficient vascularization, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation, results from fast growth. To cope with these environmental stressors, cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, must adapt their metabolism to maintain cellular homeostasis. It is well- known that cancer stem cells (CSC) reprogram their metabolism to adapt to live in hypoxic niches. They usually change from oxidative phosphorylation to increased aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. However, as opposed to most differentiated cancer cells relying on glycolysis, CSCs can be highly glycolytic or oxidative phosphorylation-dependent, displaying high metabolic plasticity. Although the influence of the metabolic and nutrient-sensing pathways on the maintenance of stemness has been recognized, the molecular mechanisms that link these pathways to stemness are not well known. Here in this review, we describe the most relevant signaling pathways involved in nutrient sensing and cancer cell survival. Among them, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, mTOR pathway, and Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway (HBP) are critical sensors of cellular energy and nutrient status in cancer cells and interact in complex and dynamic ways.

Ocular Toxocariasis in Parasitology Consultation in Quindío, Colombia: Description of Cases and Contact Studies.

We report diagnosis, treatment and evolution of cases of ocular toxocariasis in specialized consultation in Quindío, Colombia. No cases were seen during the 2000-17 period, but five cases were confirmed from November 2017 to March 2019; two children resulted with definitive loss of vision on the affected eye. Studies in contacts found that 12 of 19 (63%) family members and 15 of 25 (60%) children <15 years of age living on the same street were positive for IgG Toxocara antibodies. Epidemiological studies are necessaries to establish the reasons for the increase in cases at this region.

Breaking paradigms in the treatment of psoriasis: Use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Some studies have demonstrated that neurotransmitters are involved in the pathogenesis of numerous skin conditions, including psoriasis, addressing the close correlation between the skin and the central nervous system. There are reports showing psoriasis improvement after peripheral nervous system injury. In addition, botulinum toxin has been reported as a treatment for several diseases, including psoriasis. This is a proof-of-concept study of botulinum toxin and psoriasis, involving eight patients with stable and recalcitrant plaques of psoriasis vulgaris. The lesions were 5 cm2 at the maximum. Botulinum toxin Dysport (Ipsen Biopharm, Wrexham, UK), 5 units per cm2 , was administered in one subcutaneous application. Patients were then evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Our results indicated a substantial improvement in all patients, 4 weeks after treatment, with no significant side effects. Our preliminary conclusion is that botulinum toxin represents a novel mechanism for interfering with the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis and improving the quality of life of our patients.

Determination of organochlorine and organophosphorus residues in surface waters from the coffee zone in Quindío, Colombia.

The aim of this study was to identify organochlorine (OC) and organophosphorus (OP) pesticides levels in water samples collected in secondary water bodies in agricultural area planted with coffee and plantain. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A validated method for microwave-assisted extraction and gas chromatography with electron microcapture detector (MAE-GC-µECD) was used to analyze pesticide residues in samples. The determinations were based on certified reference material, Organochlorine Pesticide Mix AB #3, Canadian Drinking Organophosphorus Pesticides Mix, and pentachloronitrobenzene (ISTD) Internal Standard Mix 508.1. Pesticide residues were found in 81.3% of the samples, including OCs: 4.4'-DDT (38%), endosulfan II (19.7%), endosulfan sulfate, and endrin (11.7% and 8.8%), and others identified as 4.4'-DDE, Delta-HCB, parathion, chlorpyrifos, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin ketone, and methoxychlor. Parathion and/or chlorpyrifos were found in 5.8-8% of samples; the water bodies most heavily affected were those in Filandia and Quimbaya in which 100% of samples were contaminated, followed by those in Calarcá, Córdoba, Pijao, and Génova, with contamination found in over 75% of samples. The results indicated that surface waters from Quindío municipalities are contaminated with pesticide residues hazardous to human health, which are still in use despite being either restricted or prohibited.

Comparison of Water Quality Between Two Andean Rivers by Using the BMWP/COL. and ABI. Indices / Comparación de la calidad del agua en dos ríos altoandinos mediante el uso de los índices bmwp/col. y abi

RESUMEN Se comparó la calidad ecológica del río Tota durante agosto 2007 y febrero 2008, y el curso alto del río Bogotá entre los meses de octubre 2013 y enero 2014, aplicando los índices BMWP/Col y ABI. Los puntos de muestreo corresponden a la parte alta, media y baja del gradiente longitudinal. En el río Tota se determinaron 27 familias correspondientes a 11 órdenes, donde las más abundantes fueron Baetidae (25,43 %), Leptohyphidae (16,43 %), Naididae (13,76 %), Chironomidae (11,42 %) y Hyalellidae (10,30 %). En el curso alto del río Bogotá se determinaron 32 familias correspondientes a 13 órdenes, y las más abundantes fueron Chironomidae (28,94 %), Leptoceridae (25,20 %), Naididae (18,34 %) y Simuliidae (8,63 %). En el río Tota, El BMWP/Col. presentó una calidad de agua buena, mientras que el ABI presentó una calidad aceptable. Por otra parte, en la parte alta del Río Bogotá, tanto el BMWP/ Col. como el ABI presentaron variaciones en la calidad del agua entre aceptable y muy crítica. El ACC para el río Tota mostró correlaciones entre la temperatura y conductividad con las familias Hyalellidae y Leptohyphidae mientras que el caudal se relaciona con Sphaeriidae; mientras que el curso alto del río Bogotá se correlacionó el caudal, la conductividad y la temperatura con la familia Veliidae. A manera de conclusión, los resultados obtenidos denotan que el índice ABI, que es un índice creado para sistemas andinos de montaña, es más sensible a los impactos que el índice BMWP/Col.

ABSTRACT The ecological quality of the Tota River was evaluated during August 2007 and February 2008 and compared to the upper part from Bogotá River between October 2013 and January 2014, by applying the BMWP/Col and ABI indexes. The sampling points corresponding to the high, medium and low part of the longitudinal gradient. In the Tota River, 27 families were determined corresponding to 11 orders, where the most abundant were Baetidae (25.43 %), Leptohyphidae (16.43 %), Naididae (13.76 %), Chironomidae (11.42 %) and Hyalellidae (10.30 %). In the upper course of Bogotá River, 32 families were determined to conform 13 orders, where the most abundant were Chironomidae (28.94 %), Leptoceridae (25.20 %), Naididae (18.34 %) and Simuliidae (8.63 %). In the river Tota, The BMWP/Col. The index showed a good status, while the ABI index exhibited an acceptable quality. On the other hand, in the upper part of the Bogotá River, both the BMWP/Col. and ABI showed variations in quality between acceptable and very critical. The CCA for the Tota River exhibited correlations between temperature and conductivity with the families Hyalellidae and Leptohyphidae while the stream flow was linked with the family Sphaeriidae. On the other hand, in the upper part of Bogotá River the stream flow, conductivity and temperature were correlated with the occurrence of the family Veliidae. Our results showed that the ABI index is more sensitive to impacts that the BMWP/Col index is showing its ability to evaluate the Andean mountain systems.