Biological Role and Aberrant Overexpression of Syntenin-1 in Cancer: Potential Role as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target.

Syntenin-1 is a 298 amino acid protein codified by the melanoma differentiation-associated gene-9 (MDA-9). Structurally, it is composed of four domains: N-terminal, PDZ1, PDZ2, and C-terminal. The PDZ domains of syntenin-1 are involved in the stability and interaction with other molecules such as proteins, glycoproteins, and lipids. Domains are also associated with several biological functions such as the activation of signaling pathways related to cell-to-cell adhesion, signaling translation, and the traffic of intracellular lipids, among others. The overexpression of syntenin-1 has been reported in glioblastoma, colorectal, melanoma, lung, prostate, and breast cancer, which promotes tumorigenesis by regulating cell migration, invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and immune response evasion, and metastasis. The overexpression of syntenin-1 in samples has been associated with worst prognostic and recurrence, whereas the use of inhibitors such as shRNA, siRNA, and PDZli showed a diminution of the tumor size and reduction in metastasis and invasion. Syntenin-1 has been suggested as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer for developing more effective diagnostic/prognostic tests or passive/active immunotherapies.

Pintomyia evansi (Diptera: Psychodidae) larvae susceptibility to hydrated lime under laboratory conditions.

This study evaluated the effect of Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 Mg(OH)2) on third stages Pi. evansi larvae mortality under experimental laboratory conditions. Three treatments containing a mixture of phlebotomine natural breeding soil (substrate) and Calcium hydroxide at different concentrations were used: Treatment 1 (T1), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 56.2 g of lime; Treatment 2 (T2), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 62.5 g of lime; and Treatment 3 (T3), 1 kg of substrate mixed with 70 g of lime. in addition, a sample of substrate without lime was used as a control for each treatment. The mortality in T1 was 1% at 24 h and 12% at 48 h, reaching a maximum of 56% at 72 h of exposure. For T2, mortality was progressive, starting with 12% at 12 h, 36% at 24 h, 52% at 48 h, and 100% at 72 h; while T3 showed mortality percentages of 94% and 100% between 12 and 24 h of exposure. Therefore, T3 was the most effective to according to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. This study showed that treatments over 62 g of Calcium hydroxide per 1 kg of substrate offer a starting point for immature stage control under laboratory conditions. With these results, we propose to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of the application, of the latter concentration, under field conditions in urban environments for its application in vector control programs.

Frecuencia, actitud y conocimiento sobre el cigarrillo electrónico en estudiantes de medicina / Frequency, attitudeand knowledge about electronic cigarrete in medical students

RESUMEN Introducción. La prevalencia de uso del cigarrillo electrónico (CE) a nivel mundial ha ido en aumento en los últimos años, especialmente en la población joven. Objetivo. Conocer la frecuencia, percepción y el conocimiento sobre el cigarrillo electrónico en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad privada. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal en el que los datos se recolectaron por medio de una encuesta en formulario de Google. Los estudiantes recibieron vía aplicación de mensajería instantánea un link para responder el cuestionario. Las variables fueron: edad, sexo, uso del cigarrillo electrónico, hábito tabáquico, seguridad, eficacia como método para dejar de fumar, conocimiento sobre la composición del cigarrillo electrónico. Resultados. Respondieron la encuesta 506 estudiantes, de ellos 219 (43,3%) afirmaron utilizar CE. El 54,8% de los usuarios de CE era del sexo masculino y 41,6% tenía entre 22 - 26 años. El 41,0% considera que los CE son seguros, que es un método eficaz para dejar de fumar (57,1%), lo utilizaría para dejar de fumar (68,5%) y que se debería permitir su uso en lugares públicos (57,1%). Un porcentaje importante «desconoce» o considera que «no tienen» en su composición, dietilenglicol/propilenglicol (57,1%), glicerina (57,5%) o nicotina (16%), entre otros compuestos que podrían contener. Conclusión. La frecuencia de uso de CE en estudiantes de medicina de esta universidad es alta, la mayoría apoya su uso y desconoce su composición. Es necesario poner en práctica estrategias de prevención efectivas e informar sobre los riesgos para la salud relacionados con su uso.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The prevalence of electronic cigarette (EC) use worldwide has been increasing in recent years, especially in the young population. Objective. To know the frequency, perception and knowledge about the electronic cigarette in medical students of a private university. Methodology. Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study in which the data was collected through a Google form survey. Students received via instant messaging application a link to answer the questionnaire. The variables were: age, sex, use of the electronic cigarette, smoking habit, safety, efficacy as a method to quit smoking, knowledge about the composition of the electronic cigarette. Results. The survey was answered by 506 students, which 219 (43.3%) stated that they used CE. 54.8% of EC users were male and 41.6% were between 22-26 years old. 41.0% consider that EC is safe, that it is an effective method to quit smoking (57.1%), they would use it to quit smoking (68.5%) and that its use should be allowed in public places (57.1%). A significant percentage «does not know» or considers that they «do not have» in their composition, diethylene glycol/propylene glycol (57.1%), glycerin (57.5%) or nicotine (16%), among other compounds that they could contain. Conclusion. The frequency of EC use in medical students at this university is high, most of them support its use and are unaware of its composition. It is necessary to implement effective prevention strategies and inform about the health risks related to their use.

PPARα/γ, adiponectin, and GLUT4 overexpression induced by moronic acid methyl ester influenced glucose and triglyceride levels of experimental diabetic mice.

The current study aimed to determine the antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activities of moronic acid methyl ester (1) (compound 1) by in vivo, in vitro, in silico, and molecular biology studies. Compound 1 was evaluated to establish its dose-dependent antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic (50 mg/kg) activities, in diabetic and normoglycemic male CD1 mice, respectively. Also, compound 1 was subjected to a subacute study (50 mg/kg per day for 8 days) to determine blood biochemical profiles and the expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B), glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), PPAR-γ, adiponectin, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in adipose tissue of animals after treatment. Different doses in acute administration of compound 1 decreased glycemia (p < 0.05) compared with vehicle, showing greater effectiveness in the range 50-160 mg/kg. Also, the oral glucose tolerance test showed that compound 1 induced a significant antihyperglycemic action by opposing the hyperglycemic peak (p < 0.05). Moreover, compound 1 subacute administration decreased glucose and triglyceride levels after treatment (p < 0.05); while the expression of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ, adiponectin, and GLUT4 displayed an increase (p < 0.05) compared with the diabetic control group. In conclusion, compound 1 showed antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and antidyslipidemic effects in normal and diabetic mice, probably due to insulin sensitization through increased mRNA expression of GLUT4, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and adiponectin genes.

Development of Lutzomyia evansi immature stages in peridomiciliary environment in a leishmaniasis urban focus in the Colombian Caribbean.

In the Caribbean region of Colombia, Lutzomyia evansi is recognized as the vector for Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis. Identifying breeding sites and surveying abundance of immature phlebotomine sand flies in urban foci of leishmaniasis are useful tool to design new vector control strategies. The objective of this study was to describe the natural breeding sites of Lu. evansi in peridomiciliary vegetation in a peri-urban area of the Colombian Caribbean region. Between 2013 and 2015, 466 microhabitats were sampled, collecting 621 kg of soil samples. The explored microhabitats were bases and tree holes, fallen trees, animal caves, leaf litter, domestic animal shelters, and the inside of dwellings. The immature phlebotomines were recovered by direct search under the stereoscope and incubation of soil samples. In total, 103 microhabitats, associated with 17 arboreal species, were identified as natural breeding sites. Of 422 immature sandflies detected, 98.6% were found in soils at the base of the trees. Eight species of the genus Lutzomyia were identified, of which Lu. evansi (52.6%) was the most abundant, followed by Lu. rangeliana, Lu. cayennensis cayennensis, Lu. atroclavata, Lu. micropyga, Lu. trinidadensis, Lu. dubitans and Lu. gomezi. The arboreal species Cordia alba was the most used by phlebotomines for the development of their immature stages. From 63 natural breeding sites identified 268 immatures were recovered including 176 Lu. evansi. The accumulated precipitation showed correlation (R2 = 0.643, p = 0.013) with the abundance of developmental stages, which increased in September and October. The natural breeding sites of Lu. evansi exhibited a local pattern of occurrence dependent on rainfall. The physicochemical analysis of the soil samples showed that the natural sites for C. alba were categorized as fertile loam soils. This is the first systematic study that estimates the temporal variation of immature sand flies in peridomiciliary vegetation in a peri-urban focus of leishmaniasis in Colombia.

Study on natural breeding sites of sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in areas of Leishmania transmission in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The location of the microhabitats where immature phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Lutzomyia develop is one of the least-known aspects of this group of medically important insects. For this reason strategies of source reduction approach for their control have not been possible in contrast to other insect vectors (such as mosquitoes), because their juvenile stages in terrestrial microhabitats is difficult to detect. METHODS: Direct examination of soil samples, incubation of substrates and the use of emergence traps were the methods used to identify juvenile stages in 160 soil samples from urban and forest habitats within the foci of Leishmania transmission in Colombia. Immatures collected were identified subsequent from the rearing and emergence of adults using taxonomic keys or the analysis of the mitochondrial marker cytochrome oxidase I. Plant species associated with the natural breeding sites were identified and physicochemical properties of the soils were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 38 (23.7%) sampling sites were identified as breeding sites, 142 phlebotomine sand flies were identified, belonging to 13 species of the genus Lutzomyia and two of Brumptomyia. The greatest numbers of immature were found within the tabular roots (51 immature sand flies from eight positive sites) and bases of trees (35 immature sand flies from 11 sites). The characterization and presence of the tree species (mainly Ceiba pentadra, Anacardium excelsum, Pseudosamanea guachapale) and the physicochemical properties (relative humidity and carbon/nitrogen ratio) of the soils associated with these breeding sites are significant factors in explaining the diversity and abundance of phlebotomine sand flies. CONCLUSIONS: Immature phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Lutzomyia in Colombia can be found in a wide variety of breeding sites rich in organic matter, high relative humidity and are associated with a typical vegetation of each locality. These results provide new perspectives for the study of the ecology of the genus Lutzomyia in Colombia and the development of vector control strategies.

Prevalencia de Infecciones Bacterianas por Gérmenes Oportunistas o Comunes en PVVS

Background: Introduction: Opportunistic infections occurring in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have numerous etiologies. Initially opportunistic pathogens associated with AIDS were protozoa and fungal organisms, but at present have increased bacterial infections in patients infected with HIV. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, non-probability, in a review of the medical records of PLWHA admitted to the Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMT) from January 2009 to December 2010.Results: In the period January 2010 to March 2011 have been analyzed 478 medical records of PLWHA admitted to the Department of Adult Medical Clinic Institute of Tropical Medicine which accounted for 25% of admissions to the institution for that period. 28 records were discarded for not having enough data for this study, the 450 stories analyzed 173 coursed with bacterial infection. The ratio was 1.8 men for every woman, it is unknown sexual orientation is not relevant to this study, as well as active drug treatment. Of the 450 patients analyzed, 173 (38.5%) patients had acute bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in one case of meningitis (1 / 5, 20%) .52 patients (30%) had concomitant bacterial infections 2 or more simultaneous. Symptoms include fever was found in 75% of patients. The bacterial isolation occurred in 87 patients (50.28%) Conclusion: Bacterial infections are common in aggregate on PLWHA admitted to infectious diseases reference services. Inflammatory diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of hospitalization followed by primary peritonitis. The germs that cause bacterial infections are Gram-negative bacteria

Introducción: Las infecciones oportu-nistas que se presentan en los pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) tienen numerosas etiologías. Los patógenos oportunistas inicialmente asociados con el SIDA fueron protozoos y organismos fúngicos, pero en la actualidad las infecciones bacterianas se han incrementado en los pacientes infectados por el VIH. Materiales y métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, no probabilístico, en el que se revisaran las historias clínicas de los PVVS internados en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical (IMT) desde enero del 2009 a diciembre 2010. Resultados: En el periodo de enero de 2010 a marzo de 2011 se han analizado 478 historias clínicas de PVVS internados en el Servicio de Clínica Médica de Adultos del Instituto de Medicina Tropical que correspondió al 25% de internaciones de la institución para ese periodo. Fueron descartadas 28 historias clínicas por no contar con datos suficientes para este estudio, de las 450 historias analizadas 173 cursaron con infección bacteriana. La relación de varones fue de 1,8 por cada mujer, se desconoce la orientación sexual por no ser relevante para este estudio, así como el tratamiento ARV activo. De los 450 pacientes analizados, 173 (38,5%) pacientes presentaron infecciones bacterianas agudas. Se aisló Pseudomonas aeruginosa en uno de los casos de meningitis (1/5, 20%). 52 pacientes (30%) presentaron concomitancia de 2 o más infecciones bacterianas simultaneas. Entre los síntomas encontrados la fiebre se presentó en el 75% de los pacientes. El aislamiento bacteriano se dio en 87 pacientes (50,28%) Conclusión:Las infecciones bacterianas sobre agregadas son frecuentes en PVVS internados en servicios de infectología de referencia. La diarrea inflamatoria y las neumonías son las principales causas de internación seguidas por la peritonitis primaria. Los gérmenes causantes de las infecciones bacterianas son los Bacilos Gram Negativos

Análisis médico rural de la situación de salud de la parroquia San Camilo Municipio Autónomo Páez del estado Apure período 1999-2001 / Analysis of the situation of health of the parish San Camilo Autonomous Municipality Páez of the state Apure period 1999-2001

Empleando un método cuantitativo en un nivel descriptivo, con un diseño de campo y documental, se realizó es estudio de las condiciones de salud en la comunidad de Nula, Municipio San Camilo del Estado Apure, ubicado en el suroeste de Venezuela en la región fronteriza con Colombia; tiene una población de 24.526 habitantes. Se tomaron para el estudio un período de tres años de 1999 a 2001 y los siguientes indicadores de salud: La natalidad ubicada en un 48,76 por ciento y la tasa de fecundidad; la morbilidad con prevalencia de enfermedades hídricas y la mortalidad; cobertura de inmunización; lo pudiéndose obtener lo pautado en la prevención y control del cáncer cervico-uterino y la situación de desnutrición de los niños menores de 15 años. Así mismo se reveló las condiciones socioeconómicas, como las fuentes de ingresos, actividad económica, condiciones sociosanitarias y los recursos humanos y financieros de la región

Prevalencia de diabetes mellitus en la ciudad de Pasto, Nariño Colombia / Diabetes mellitus prevalence in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia

Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo, transversal, en la población adulta, mayor de 20 años, hombres y mujeres, habitantes de la zona urbana de la ciudad de Pasto, localizada en la zona suroccidental de Colombia, sus características son similares en alimentación y hábitos culturales al mayor porcentaje de los habitantes de Colombia de las zonas montañosas andinas, con una altura sobre el nivel del mar de 2.650 metros y una temperatura promedio de 11 grados centígrados. De una población adulta mayor de 20 años se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria sistemática de 1.430 personas. Aceptaron participar en forma voluntaria, aprovechando la estratificación de salud que tiene este municipio, distribuídos en seis sectores, sin una delimitación clara de clases sociales. Se realizó una encuesta domiciliaria sobre antecedentes familiares de diabetes y obesidad. Además se evaluaron otras variables como peso, talla,índice de masa corporal, escolaridad, para posteriormente citarlos y realizar una prueba de tolerancia a los carbohidratos, con una carga estándar de 75 gramos de glucosa, en 720 personas. Se determinó la glicemia mediante técnica de glucosa oxidasa en un equipo semiautomático cuantificando la pre y postcarga. Se emplearon para la evaluación los criterios de la OMS y National Diabetes Data Group. Al 6,0 por ciento de la población se le detectó diabetes mellitus, distribuidos en el 3,6 por ciento para mujeres y el 2,4 por ciento para los varones, siendo mayor la proporción de diabéticos entre la cuarta y quinta decada. El 54,6 por ciento de los diabéticos tenían un IMC superior a 25, mientras que el 6,8 por ciento tenían problemas de obesidad con IMC superior a 30. Hubo intolerancia a los carbohidratos en el 5,3 por ciento de la población cuando se evaluó este factor aceptando la recomendación mundial de valores de glicemia entre 7,8 mmol y 11,1 mmol de glucosa en sangre venosa. El 22,5 por ciento de los sujetos diabéticos tenía antecedente materno de diabetes y paterno del 9,8 por ciento, siendo estadísticamente significativas estas cifras (p<0.05). En los abuelos, el 11,1 por ciento de las abuelas maternas tenía diabetes mellitus. El antecedente familiar de obesidad más frecuente fue en la madre y en la abuela materna en el 26 por ciento; en el 17 por ciento para el padre e igual para el abuelo materno. El 44,7 por ciento de los diabéticos detectados se conocían diabéticos y el 31,3 por ciento estaba recibiendo medicación para su problema metabólico