Genes and Pathways Involved in the Progression of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Meta-analysis of Genome-Wide Expression Studies.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the lungs and is mainly associated with long latency from asbestos exposure. This tumor has no effective therapeutic opportunities nowadays and has a very low five-year survival rate. In this sense, identifying molecular events that trigger the development and progression of this tumor is highly important to establish new and potentially effective treatments.

[An approach to research in the political agendas of the health sector in Colombia between 1990 and 2010].

Objective: To understand health research in Colombia in the context of governmental and legislative agendas related to the health sector between 1990 and 2010.

Methods: Official sources were used such as development plans, bills and institutional documents.

Results: The National Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSPS by its acronym in Spanish) and the Colombian Congress have focused their attention on health research as a public concern at certain presidential periods due to their interest in reducing the gap between research and health needs.

[Experiences in construction, dissemination and use of the health situation analysis in Colombia 2016].

Objetive: The Health Situation Analysis (ASIS in Spanish) is a methodology that has been implemented recently in Colombia. This study aims at understanding the experience of building, disseminating and using ASIS for decision-making in some territorial entities.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were applied to officials of the departmental health entities.

[On health research as public policy in Colombia: assessment and perspectives].

This essay presents some elements of analysis for thinking about health research in Colombia as a public policy, something which was formed starting in 1990 with the establishment of Science and Technology regulations. A set of institutional adjustments was carried out which led to the creation of the National Program of Health Science and Technology and the National Council of Health Science and Technology. In addition, it led to the institutionalization of calls for research proposals as a mechanism for selecting research projects and assigning resources in accordance with the needs and priorities of the National System of Science and Technology.

[Methodological guidelines to evaluate public health policies, and assessment of food and nutritional security policies].

Objective: To evaluate the Food and Nutrition Security Policy of Colombia (PSAN by its acronym in Spanish).

Methodology: A qualitative formative evaluation was applied, based on an academic focus, to validate the methodology established by the "Methodological guidelines for the assessment and analysis of public health policies." This evaluation inquired about the following aspects: Does the design of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy comply with the coherence between the problem, the proposed solutions and the proposed measures? What is the progress in objective compliance during the implementation?

Results: The Nutritional Food Security Policy (PSNP in Spanish) is pertinent and consistent with the diagnosis.

[Evaluating how health is prioritised in Colombia from the point of view of Bogotá-based research groups].

Objective: Assessing how priorities are established in Colombia in line with international methodologies and from the perspective of Bogotá-based Category A health research groups.

Methods: This study used a qualitative approach; 14 leaders from groups selected via a propositive sample were given semi-structured interviews to obtain a comprehensive interpretation of priority-setting in Colombia. ATLAS Ti software was used for organising information and producing categories from transcripts.