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The dimeric peptide 26[F]: (RRWQWRFKKLG)2-K-Ahx has exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines, with position 26 (F) being the most relevant for anti-cancer activity. In this investigation, six analogues of the 26[F] peptide were synthesized in which the 26th position was replaced by non-natural hydrophobic amino acids, finding that some modifications increased the resistance to proteolytic degradation exerted by trypsin or pepsin. Additionally, these modifications increased the cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells and generated cell death mediated by apoptosis pathways, activating caspases 8 and 9, and did not compromise the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane. Finally, it was found that the modified peptides have a broad spectrum of action, since they also have a cytotoxic effect against the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line. Peptide 26[F] was inoculated in mice by ip administration and the lethal dose 50 (LD50) was between 70 and 140 mg kg-1. While for the 26[1-Nal]: (RRWQWR-1-Nal-KKLG)2-K-Ahx peptide, a dose-response test was performed, and the survival rate was 100%. These results suggested that these peptides are safe in this animal model and could be considered as promissory to develop a treatment against breast cancer.

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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder mainly characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, altered lipid profile, oxidative stress, and vascular compromise. Physalis peruviana is a plant used in traditional Colombian medicine for its known activities of glucose regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the butanol fraction from an extract of Physalis peruviana calyces in two doses (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) in induced type 2 diabetic mice. Blood glucose levels were evaluated once a week, demonstrating that a dose of 100 mg/kg resulted in greater regulation of blood glucose levels in mice throughout the experiment. The same overall result was found for the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA- IR). The lipid profile exhibited improvement compared to the non-treated group, a dose of 100 mg/kg having greater protection against oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels). Histopathological findings in several tissues showed structure preservation in most of the animals treated. The butanol fraction from Physalis peruviana at 100 mg/kg showed beneficial results in improving hyperglycemia, lipidemia, and oxidative stress status, and can therefore be considered a beneficial coadjuvant in the therapy of diabetes mellitus.

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The use of cannabis and cannabinoid products for the treatment of neuropathic pain is a growing area of research. This type of pain has a high prevalence, limited response to available therapies and high social and economic costs. Systemic cannabinoid-based therapies have shown some unwanted side effects. Alternative routes of administration in the treatment of neuropathic pain may provide better acceptance for the treatment of multiple pathologies associated with neuropathic pain. To examine the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of cannabinoids (individualized formulations, phytocannabinoids, and synthetics) administered by routes other than oral or inhalation compared to placebo and/or conventional medications in the management of neuropathic pain. This systematic review of the literature reveals a lack of clinical research investigating cannabis by routes other than oral and inhalation as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain and highlights the need for further investigation with well-designed clinical trials. There is a significant lack of evidence indicating that cannabinoids administered by routes other than oral or inhaled may be an effective alternative, with better tolerance and safety in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Higher quality, long-term, randomized controlled trials are needed to examine whether cannabinoids administered by routes other than inhalation and oral routes may have a role in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

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INTRODUCTION: Venous ulcers are the terminal phase of chronic venous insufficiency, the result of induced skin disorders and maintained by persistent venous hypertension. Affecting a large part of the adult population, they drain economic resources and greatly impact patient quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this descriptive, retrospective case series was to determine the efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) plus compression therapy vs standard of care in 48 patients with active ulcers resulting from chronic venous insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive, retrospective case series, 24 patients (mean age, 62.4 years) received rhEGF by intralesional and perilesional infiltration with compression therapy, and 24 patients (mean age, 69.4 years) received treatment with topical hydrocolloid gels and compression therapy. In 62.5% of patients, the ulcers were located in the internal malleoli. Ulcer progression time, ulcer size, Wollina score index, number of conventional cures, rhEGF vials used, and time to epithelialization were documented. RESULTS: Epithelialization of the active ulcer was reached in 100% of intervened patients. In the 24 patients receiving rhEGF, 71% achieved wound closure in 8 weeks or less, and the remaining percentage achieved closure within 9 and 12 weeks. In the conventional therapy group, patients achieved closure in an average of 29.5 weeks, with a minimum of 13 weeks and a maximum of 46 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Although conventional therapy with the use of hydrocolloids and compression achieved adequate epithelialization of venous ulcers, the use of rhEGF significantly decreased healing time and could be a beneficial therapy to these patients who have few therapeutic options.

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Tuberculosis is a topic of relevance worldwide because of the social and biological factors that triggered the disease and the economic burden on the health-care systems that imply its therapeutic treatment. Challenges to handle these issues include, among others, research on technological breakthroughs modifying the drug regimens to facilitate therapy adherence, avoid mycobacterium drug resistance, and minimize toxic side-effects. Lipid nanoparticles arise as a promising strategy in this respect as deduced from the reported scientific data. They are prepared from biodegradable and biocompatible starting materials and compared to the use of the free drugs, the entrapment of active molecules into the carriers might lead to both dose reduction and controlled delivery. Moreover, the target to the lung, the organ mainly affected by the disease, could be possible if the particle surface is modified. Although conclusive statements cannot be made considering the limited number of available research works, looking into what has been achieved up to now definitively encourages to continue investigations in this regard.

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RESUMEN Se evaluó el aporte calórico, el contenido de grasa saturada y la aceptación sensorial de helados de vainilla formulados con inulina, como sustituto parcial de grasa saturada. Se formularon por triplicado cuatro mezclas para helados, en las cuales, se reemplazó parte de la grasa de palma (2, 3 y 4%) por inulina comercial. La grasa del tratamiento control, se formuló con 7% de grasa vegetal saturada. Para el reemplazo, se utilizó una relación 1:0,25 (grasa saturada:inulina). El aporte calórico, se calculó mediante la medición de energía bruta. El análisis sensorial, se realizó con 23 jueces consumidores habituales de helado. Se concluyó que en la formulación de helados de vainilla es posible reemplazar el 57,14% de grasa vegetal saturada por inulina sin que se afecten las propiedades sensoriales en el producto, logrando reducir en un 16%, el contenido calórico y, en 48,6%, el contenido de grasa saturada. Por lo tanto, la sustitución de grasa vegetal por inulina es una alternativa, que permite ofrecer en el mercado helados funcionales, con bajo contenido calórico, sin perder la palatabilidad, que hace a los helados un producto placentero para la gran mayoría de la población mundial.

ABSTRACT The caloric intake, saturated fat content and sensory acceptance of vanilla ice cream formulated with inulin as a partial substitute for saturated fat was evaluated. Ice cream mixtures by triplicate were formulated, and part of the palm fat (2, 3 and 4%) was replaced by commercial inulin. The fat of the control treatment was formulated with 7% vegetable fat. For the replacement of fat, a ratio of 1: 0.25 (fat: inulin) was used. The caloric intake was calculated by measuring gross energy. The sensory analysis was carried out with 23 habitual consumers judges of ice cream. It was concluded that in the formulation of vanilla ice cream is possible to replace 57.14% vegetable fat for inulin without affecting the sensory properties in the product, with this is possible to obtain 16% reduction in the caloric content and 48.6% in the content of saturated fat. Therefore, the replacement of vegetable fat by inulin is an alternative that allows offering functional ice cream with low caloric content, without losing the palatability that makes ice cream pleasant for most of the world population.

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RESUMEN Objetivo: Colombia está enfrentado una epidemia emergente del consumo endovenoso de heroína. Un conocimiento de los programas existentes que ofrecen tratamiento asistido con metadona en el país es necesario para que se puedan proponer estrategias de mejoría. Métodos: Se encuestaron 13 programas de regiones prioritarias. Se evaluaron las caracte rísticas demográficas y clínicas de los usuarios, así como los servicios ofrecidos por estos programas, sus protocolos de tratamiento con metadona y las diferencias en las barreras al tratamiento y las causas de abandono del tratamiento. Resultados: Se analizaron 12/13 cuestionarios, con un total de 538 pacientes activos. La mayo ría de los pacientes eran varones (85,5%) de 18 a 34 arios (70%). El 40% eran usuarios de drogas intravenosas y el 25% admitió compartir agujas. Entre las comorbilidades asociadas con el consumo de heroína se encontró la enfermedad mental (48%), la hepatitis C (8,7%) y la infección por el VIH (2%). La comorbilidad psiquiátrica se asocia más con los pacientes que acuden al sector privado (el 69,8 frente al 29,7%; p < 0,03). La media de la dosis inicial de metadona es 25,3 ± 8,9mg/día y las dosis de mantenimiento van de 41 a 80 mg/día. La falta de articulación con atención primaria fue una barrera más sentida que los problemas con la cobertura del seguro médico y los prejuicios del tratamiento con metadona (p < 0,05). También, los problemas administrativos y de la aseguradora (p < 0,003), la falta de sumi nistro de metadona (p < 0,018) y la recaída en el consumo (p < 0,014) son las razones más significativas de abandono del tratamiento. Conclusiones: Estos programas tienen diferentes niveles de desarrollo e implementación en los protocolos de tratamiento. Algunas de las barreras de acceso y de las causas de abandono del tratamiento pueden mitigarse mejorando la administración de salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: Colombia is facing a rising epidemic of intravenous heroin use. Knowledge of the methadone-assisted treatment programs in the country is crucial in order to propose improvement strategies. Methods: 13 programmes from priority regions were surveyed. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients attending the programs, a description of the services offered, their methadone treatment protocols, the various barriers to treatment and the causes of treatment abandonment were reviewed. Results: 12/13 questionnaires were analysed with a total of 538 active patients. Most of the patients attending these programs were men (85.5%) between 18 and 34 years-old (70%). Forty percent (40%) were intravenous drug users and 25% admitted sharing needles. The comorbidities associated with heroin use were mental illness (48%), hepatitis C (8.7%) and HIV (2%). Psychiatric comorbidity was more likely in patients attending the private sec tor (69.8% vs 29.7%; p < 0.03). The initial average dose of methadone administered was 25.3 ± 8.9mg/day, with a maintenance dose ranging from 41 to 80mg/day. Lack of align ment with primary care was perceived to be the most serious barrier to access, ahead of problems with insurance and prejudice towards treatment with methadone (p < 0.05). Health Administration and insurance problems (p < 0.003), together with the lack of availa bility of methadone (p < 0.018) and relapse (p < 0.014) were the most important reasons for abandonment of treatment. Conclusions: The treatment protocols of these programmes offer different levels of develop ment and implementation. Some of the barriers to access and reasons for abandonment of treatment with methadone can be mitigated with better health administration.

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OBJECTIVE: Colombia is facing a rising epidemic of intravenous heroin use. Knowledge of the methadone-assisted treatment programs in the country is crucial in order to propose improvement strategies. METHODS: 13 programmes from priority regions were surveyed. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients attending the programs, a description of the services offered, their methadone treatment protocols, the various barriers to treatment and the causes of treatment abandonment were reviewed. RESULTS: 12/13 questionnaires were analysed with a total of 538 active patients. Most of the patients attending these programs were men (85.5%) between 18 and 34 years-old (70%). Forty percent (40%) were intravenous drug users and 25% admitted sharing needles. The comorbidities associated with heroin use were mental illness (48%), hepatitis C (8.7%) and HIV (2%). Psychiatric comorbidity was more likely in patients attending the private sector (69.8% vs 29.7%; p<0.03). The initial average dose of methadone administered was 25.3±8.9mg/day, with a maintenance dose ranging from 41 to 80mg/day. Lack of alignment with primary care was perceived to be the most serious barrier to access, ahead of problems with insurance and prejudice towards treatment with methadone (p<0.05). Health Administration and insurance problems (p<0.003), together with the lack of availability of methadone (p<0.018) and relapse (p<0.014) were the most important reasons for abandonment of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment protocols of these programmes offer different levels of development and implementation. Some of the barriers to access and reasons for abandonment of treatment with methadone can be mitigated with better health administration.

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Resumen Desde la perspectiva aristotélica, se establecen las diferencias que existen entre un amigo y un adulador, describiéndose los elementos esenciales que hacen parte de una relación de amistad verdadera donde confluyen elementos de ética y de autoconocimiento. Se establece es este sentido, y de acuerdo con el Estagirita, que se puede tener una relación amistosa si se dan estas condiciones:1) hacer el bien o lo que parece el bien a otros; 2) querer que su amigo exista y viva por el amor de su propio amigo; 3) pasar el tiempo con el amigo y elegir las mismas cosas que este; 4) compartir las alegrías y penas del amigo. En sentido contrario, no hay amistad si no existen condiciones de igualdad, semejanza de virtud y reciprocidad entre los amigos; donde cada uno desea el bien para el otro, tanto como para sí mismo.

Abstract From the aristotelean perspective, the differences between a friend and a flatterer are established, describing the essential elements which constitute a true friendship relationship, where elements of ethics as an essential virtue and self-knowledge come together. In this sense, it is established, following the Stagirite, that one have a friendship relationship without these conditions: 1) doing good, or what seems to be good, to others; 2) wishing that your friend exists and loves for the love of their own friend; 3) spending time with and choosing the same things as your friend; 4) sharing your friend's happiness and sorrows. Conversely, there can be no friendship if there are no conditions of equality, similar virtue and reciprocity between friends; where one wishes good for the other as much as for oneself.

Resumo Desde a perspectiva Aristotélica, se estabelecem as diferenças que existem entre um amigo e um adulador, descrevendo-se os elementos essenciais que fazem parte de uma relação de amizade verdadeira onde confluem elementos de ética como virtude essencial e de autoconhecimento. Se estabelece é este sentido, e de acordo com o Estagirita, que se pode ter uma relação amistosa se dão estas condições:1)fazer o bem ou o que parece o bem aos outros; 2) querer que seu amigo exista e viva pelo amor do seu próprio amigo; 3) passar o tempo com o amigo e eleger as mesmas coisas que este; 4) compartilhar as alegrias e angústias do amigo. No sentido contrário, não há amizade se não existem condições de igualdade, semelhança de virtude e reciprocidade entre os amigos; onde cada um deseja o bem para o outro, tanto como para si mesmo.