Experiencias extensionistas del Programa de Educación en Ciencia y Tecnología

This article aims at offering opportunities for reflection on the experiences developed in the area of university outreach through the description of three of the projects carried out in the framework of the Science and Technology Education Program, related to the use of technological tools and the social connection with the production and use of renewable energies. Considering the social commitment on the part of university students as the point of departure, and counting on the participation of different sectors of society, the objective was to establish links between university members and the community, taking advantage of science and technology as intermediaries. In this way we wish to awaken curiosity in children, adolescents, and eventually, adults as well. Together it would be possible to propose and implement innovative solutions to daily social problems.El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo reflexionar sobre las experiencias desarrolladas en el área de extensión universitaria con respecto a tres de los proyectos llevados adelante desde el Programa de Educación en Ciencia y Tecnología (PECyT), en cuanto al uso de distintas herramientas tecnológicas, y a su vinculación social con la producción y el uso de energías renovables. Partimos del compromiso social por parte de los estudiantes universitarios, y apostamos a la participación fundamental de diferentes sectores de la sociedad, para lograr el objetivo de vincular a la universidad y sus integrantes con la comunidad utilizando a la ciencia y la tecnología como intermediarios. De ésta manera, se busca despertar la curiosidad tecnológica en niños, niñas y adolescentes, para luego gradualmente ir sumando a los adultos, y así entre todos, proponer y llevar adelante soluciones innovadoras frente a las problemáticas sociales cotidianas

CD44: A New Prognostic Marker in Colorectal Cancer?

Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is a non-kinase cell surface glycoprotein. It is overexpressed in several cell types, including cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cells overexpressing CD44 exhibit several CSC traits, such as self-renewal, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) capability, and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. The role of CD44 in maintaining stemness and the CSC function in tumor progression is accomplished by binding to its main ligand, hyaluronan (HA). The HA-CD44 complex activates several signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion. The CD44 gene regularly undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in the standard (CD44s) and variant (CD44v) isoforms. The different functional roles of CD44s and specific CD44v isoforms still need to be fully understood. The clinicopathological impact of CD44 and its isoforms in promoting tumorigenesis suggests that CD44 could be a molecular target for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the recent association observed between CD44 and KRAS-dependent carcinomas and the potential correlations between CD44 and tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) open new research scenarios for developing new strategies in cancer treatment. This review summarises current research regarding the different CD44 isoform structures, their roles, and functions in supporting tumorigenesis and discusses its therapeutic implications

Patients' adherence to oral anticoagulants therapy: Comparison between vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants

Background: Patient's adherence to oral anticoagulant therapy is essential to prevent and treat thrombotic events. Methods: To assess the patients' adherence Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8-items was used. The target population included 785 consecutive outpatients, of whom 384 were on Vitamin K Antagonists and 401 on Direct Oral Anticoagulants. Moreover, we evaluate which variable among age, gender, having experienced a thrombotic episode, time in the therapeutic range for patients on Vitamin K Antagonists, being naive and once versus twice daily drug assumption for patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants, could affect adherence to therapy. Results: Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8-items score was 8 in both groups. The intentional non-adherence obtained the lowest score while the unintentional non-adherence is the most frequent problem in patients treated with either Vitamin K Antagonists or Direct Oral Anticoagulants. Age > 75 years, male gender, having experienced a thrombotic episode, being naive and assuming Direct Oral Anticoagulants twice a day were significantly associated with a higher risk to forget assuming the oral anticoagulant, to have more difficulty in remembering to take it or to bring it in case of travel or leaving home. A low percentage of time in therapeutic range was associated with a not regularly assumption of the anticoagulants. Conclusion: Patients treated with Vitamin K Antagonists or Direct Oral Anticoagulants show a good adherence and persistence to their oral anticoagulant therapy. Several factors have been identified to affect patients' adherence and deserve a careful attention by the doctors at the Anticoagulation Clinic