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Background: Peru had the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Latin America. After the first wave, Peru registered more than 900,000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 36,000 confirmed deaths from the disease. Tumbes, a border area with poor sanitation and not enough water, had the fifth highest death rate. The cross-sectional analytic study aimed: a) to assess seroprevalence of COVID-19 after the first wave; b) to assess sociodemographic determinants and symptoms associated with a positive COVID-19 antibody lateral flow test. Methodology/principal findings: We performed this study between November 11th and November 30th, 2020, in an informal settlement in Tumbes. Individuals older than two years were invited to participate in a systematic random sample from one in every four households. Finger-prick blood samples were collected, and a census and symptom survey were applied. Within the chosen house, one adult over 18 years of age was chosen for a PCR-RT molecular test. Overall seroprevalence was 25.59%, adjusted seroprevalence was 24.82% (95%CI 22.49–27.25). Women had higher adjusted seroprevalence (28.03% vs 21.11%; 95% CI 24.83–31.41, p = 0.002). Symptoms as fever (PR 1.89: 95% CI 1.44–2.48, p<0.001), general discomfort (PR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23–2.26, p = 0.001), cough (PR 2.0; 95% CI 1.60–2.50, p<0.001), nasal congestion (PR 1.46; 95% CI 1.03–2.09, p = 0.036), respiratory distress (PR 1.64; 95% CI 1.04–2.56, p = 0.031), headache (PR 1.54; 95% CI 1.09–2.17, p = 0.014), anosmia (PR 1.78; 95% CI 1.01–3.14, p = 0.046) and ageusia (PR 2.31; 95% CI 1.48–3.61, p<0.001) were associated with a positive covid-19 antibody lateral flow test. Conclusions/significance: The COVID-19 transmission and distribution were highlighted by this cross-sectional study. The data will help the Ministry of Health improve its monitoring, surveillance, and monitoring of respiratory community sequelae in the future. Author summary: During the first wave, COVID-19 had devastating effects on developing countries like Peru, which reported more than 900,000 cases of the disease and more than 36,000 confirmed deaths from it. The informal settlements are counted in COVID-19 regional statistics, but they are very different from the rest of the region in terms of sanitation, access to water and sewage, housing conditions, and others. To make good decisions about public health, it is important to understand how the disease is spread in informal settlements. We did an observational, cross-sectional study in Puerto Pizarro, a remote port village in Tumbes, from November 11, 2020, to November 30, 2020, to assess the seroprevalence of COVID-19 after the first wave, as well as the sociodemographic factors and symptoms linked to a positive COVID-19 antibody lateral flow test. 1391 people older than 2 years old were given census and symptom questionnaires. They were also tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) in their blood. This study shows an adjusted seroprevalence of 24.82 percent (95% CI 22.49–27.25) posterior to the first wave of COVID-19 in Tumbes. Women had higher adjusted seroprevalence (28.03% vs. 21.11% [95% CI 24.83–31.41], p = 0.002). Extrapolating our adjusted prevalence of 24.82 per 100 persons to Tumbes (N = 251,541), 62,432 people were infected during the first wave, which is too high for adequate primary care in health institutions. Puerto Pizarro's cause-specific mortality rate was 198.49 per 100,000 inhabitants (deaths documented between May and December 2020), which was higher than Tumbes' up to December 2020 (137.6 per 100,000 inhabitants). The presence of mostly symptomatic patients at health care facilities, the limited use of social networks, the scarce availability of eHealth technologies in government institutions, unused emergency telephone numbers, and the fear of dying if referred to the hospital may have led to underreporting cases. Participation of the community in epidemiological surveillance strategies is critical to assisting the Ministry of Health in the future success of the establishment of an eHealth surveillance monitoring program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19, the deregulation of oxidative stress is present. Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (NRF2) is regulated by KEAP1, and NRF2 regulates the expression of genes such as NFE2L2-KEAP1, which are involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress. In this study, we analyzed the participation of the polymorphisms of NFE2L2 and KEAP1 genes in the mechanisms of damage in lung disease patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with COVID-19 and a control group were included. Organ dysfunction was evaluated using SOFA. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed and classified as moderate or severe by ventilatory status and by the Berlin criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome. SNPs in the gene locus for NFE2L2, rs2364723C>G, and KEAP1, rs9676881A>G, and rs34197572C>T were determined by qPCR. We analyzed 110 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection: 51 with severe evolution and 59 with moderate evolution. We also analyzed 111 controls. Significant differences were found for rs2364723 allele G in severe cases vs. controls (p = 0.02); for the rs9676881 allele G in moderate cases vs. controls (p = 0.04); for the rs34197572 allele T in severe cases vs. controls (p = 0.001); and in severe vs. moderate cases (p = 0.004). Our results showed that NFE2L2 rs2364723C>G allele G had a protective effect against severe COVID-19, while KEAP1 rs9676881A>G allele G and rs34197572C>T minor allele T were associated with more aggressive stages of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal control strategies for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis have not been determined. We conducted a 2-year cluster randomized trial in Peru by assigning 23 villages to 1 of 3 geographically targeted intervention approaches. For ring screening (RS), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis were screened for taeniasis; identified cases were treated with niclosamide. In ring treatment (RT), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis received presumptive treatment with niclosamide. In mass treatment (MT), participants received niclosamide treatment every 6 months regardless of location. In each approach, half the villages received targeted or mass oxfendazole for pigs (6 total study arms). We noted significant reductions in seroincidence among pigs in all approaches (67.1% decrease in RS, 69.3% in RT, 64.7% in MT; p<0.001), despite a smaller proportion of population treated by targeted approaches (RS 1.4%, RT 19.3%, MT 88.5%). Our findings suggest multiple approaches can achieve rapid control of T. solium transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of neurological impairment in the South American Andean region. However, the epidemiology of stroke in the region has been poorly characterized. Methods: We conducted a staged three-phase population-based study applying a validated eight-question neurological survey in 80 rural villages in Tumbes, northern Peru, then confirmed presence or absence of stroke through a neurologist's examination to estimate the prevalence of stroke. Results: Our survey covered 90% of the population (22,278/24,854 individuals, mean age 30±21.28, 48.45% females), and prevalence of stroke was 7.05/1,000 inhabitants. After direct standardization to WHO's world standard population, adjusted prevalence of stroke was 6.94/1,000 inhabitants. Participants aged ≥85 years had higher stroke prevalence (>50/1000 inhabitants) compared to other stratified ages, and some unusual cases of stroke were found among individuals aged 25–34 years. The lowest age reported for a first stroke event was 16.8 years. High blood pressure (aPR 4.2 [2.7–6.4], p>0.001), and sedentary lifestyle (aPR 1.6 [1.0–2.6], p = 0.045) were more prevalent in people with stroke. Conclusions: The age-standardized prevalence of stroke in this rural coastal Peruvian population was slightly higher than previously reported in studies from surrounding rural South American settings, but lower than in rural African and Asian regions. The death rate from stroke was much higher than in industrialized and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Taenia solium (cysticercosis) is a parasitic cestode that is endemic in rural populations where open defecation is common and free-roaming pigs have access to human feces. The purpose of this study was to examine the roaming patterns of free-range pigs, and identify areas where T. solium transmission could occur via contact with human feces. We did this by using GPS trackers to log the movement of 108 pigs in three villages of northern Peru. Pigs were tracked for approximately six days each and tracking was repeated in the rainy and dry seasons. Maps of pig ranges were analyzed for size, distance from home, land type and contact with human defecation sites, which were assessed in a community-wide defecation survey. Results: Consistent with prior GPS studies and spatial analyses, we found that the majority of pigs remained close to home during the tracking period and had contact with human feces in their home areas: pigs spent a median of 79% (IQR: 61–90%) of their active roaming time within 50 m of their homes and a median of 60% of their contact with open defecation within 100 m of home. Extended away-from-home roaming was predominately observed during the rainy season; overall, home range areas were 61% larger during the rainy season compared to the dry season (95% CI: 41–73%). Both home range size and contact with open defecation sites showed substantial variation between villages, and contact with open defecation sites was more frequent among pigs with larger home ranges and pigs living in higher density areas of their village. Conclusions: Our study builds upon prior work showing that pigs predominately roam and have contact with human feces within 50–100 m of the home, and that T. solium transmission is most likely to occur in these concentrated areas of contact. This finding, therefore, supports control strategies that target treatment resources to these areas of increased transmission. Our finding of a seasonal trend in roaming ranges may be useful for control programs relying on pig interventions, and in the field of transmission modeling, which require precise estimates of pig behavior and risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) represents a rare autoimmune disease (AD) characterized by systemic vasculitis that primarily affects large arteries, especially the aorta and the aortic arch and its main branches. Genetic components in TA are largely unknown. PTPN22 is a susceptibility loci for different ADs; however, the role of different PTPN22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the susceptibility to TA is not clear. Methods: We evaluated the PTPN22 R620W (C1858T), R263Q (G788A), and − 123G/C SNPs in a group of patients with TA and in healthy individuals from Mexico. Our study included 111 patients with TA and 314 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed with the 5′ exonuclease (TaqMan®) assay.Results: Our data showed that the PTPN22 R620W polymorphism is a risk factor for TA (CC vs. CT: OR 4.3, p = 0.002, and C vs. T: OR 4.1, p = 0.003); however, the PTPN22 R263Q and − 1123G/C polymorphisms are not associated with this AD. In addition, the PTPN22 CGT haplotype, which carries the minor allele of the PTPN22 C1858T variant, was also associated with TA susceptibility.Conclusion: This is the first report documenting an association between PTPN22 R620W and TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Deltopectoral insertion of port-a-cath for improved aesthetic aspect in women undergoing chemotherapy. The article discusses that describe a technique for the improvement of aesthetical aspect of the port-a-cath implant incision, in women undergoing neoplasia treatment; and dissection in the subcutaneous tissue is performed using electric scalpel and blunt dissection, creating a pocket with medial and superior trajectory toward the middle third of the clavicle.

Abstract: Organophosphate pesticides are widely used in agricultural purposes. Recently, a few studies have demonstrated the ability of these chemicals to alter the function of the thyroid gland in human. Moreover, the paraoxonase-1 enzyme (PON1) plays an important role in the toxicity of some organophosphate pesticides, with low PON1 activity being associated with higher pesticide sensitivity. This study evaluates the interaction between exposure to organophosphate compounds and PON1 enzyme activity on serum levels of TSH and thyroid hormones in a population of workers occupationally exposed to pesticides. A longitudinal study was conducted on a population of floriculture workers from Mexico, during two periods of high and low-intensity levels of pesticide application. A structured questionnaire was completed by workers containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics and other variables of interest. Urine and blood samples were taken, and biomarkers of exposure (dialkylphosphates), susceptibility (PON1 polymorphisms and activity) and effect (thyroid hormone levels) were determined. Interaction between dialkylphosphates and PON1 polymorphisms or PON1 activity on hormone levels was evaluated by generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. A significant interaction was found between serum diazoxonase activity and total dialkylphosphates (ΣDAP) on TSH levels. Thus, when PON1 activity was increased we observed a decrease in the percentage of variation of TSH level for each increment in one logarithmic unit of the ΣDAP levels. This interaction was also observed with the PON1192RR genotype. These results suggest a stronger association between organophosphate pesticides and thyroid function in individuals with lower PON1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability of organophosphate pesticides to disturb thyroid gland function has been demonstrated by experimental studies on animal, but evidence of such effects on human remains scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the association between exposure to organophosphate compounds and serum levels of thyroid hormones in floriculture workers. A longitudinal study was conducted on 136 male subjects from the State of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico, occupationally exposed to organophosphate pesticides, during agricultural periods of high (rainy season) and low (dry season) levels of pesticide application. Using a structured questionnaire, a survey was carried out on sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, clinical history, alcohol and tobacco consumption, residential chemical exposure, and occupational history. Urine and blood samples were taken the day after pesticide application to determine urine dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels, serum levels of TSH, total T3, total T4, serum PON1 activity, and serum p,p′-DEE levels. The analysis of the association between DAP levels and thyroid hormonal profile was carried out using multivariate generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. Our results showed an increase in both TSH and T4 hormones in serum associated with a increase in total dimethylphosphate levels (ΣDMP) in urine (p-trend<0.001) and a decrease in total T3 serum levels with an increase of ΣDMP levels in the urine (p-trend=0.053). These results suggest that exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be responsible of increasing TSH and T4 serum hormone levels and decreasing T3 serum hormone levels, therefore supporting the hypothesis that organophosphate pesticides act as endocrine disruptors in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Rosiglitazone is an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma that may modify HDL metabolism in humans, but this effect has not been completely elucidated. Therefore, we determined the effect of rosiglitazone on apo AI turnover, HDL structure, and PON1 plasma activity. Methods: Kinetic studies of HDL-apo AI radiolabeled with 125I were performed in 7 chow-fed, male, New Zealand white rabbits after 6 weeks of 0.32 mg/kg/d rosiglitazone-treatment vs. vehicle-treated rabbits (n =11). HDL size distribution was determined by polyacrylamide gradient electrophoresis and paraoxonase-1 (PON1); plasma activity was assessed spectrophotometrically using phenylacetate as substrate. Results: Fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of HDL apo AI was higher in the rosiglitazone-treated group than in the control group (0.031±0.004 vs. 0.025±0.006 pools/h, respectively, p <0.05). The mean apo AI production rate (PR) was 62% higher in the rosiglitazone group as compared to controls (0.918±0.238 vs. 0.564±0.160 mg/kg/h, p <0.01). Accordingly, apo AI plasma levels in rosiglitazone-treated animals were about 37% higher than in the control group. Rosiglitazone-induced changes in apo AI turnover appeared concomitantly with a significant increase of phospholipids and a decrease in colesteryl esters content of the HDL. Compositional changes resulted in a relative increase of the HDL3b and HDL3c subfractions and a significant enhancement of the plasma PON1 activity (488.5±138.2 vs. 595.2±179.4 µmol/min/ml, p <0.05). Conclusions: Rosiglitazone increased apo AI plasma concentrations, resulting from an enhancement of apo AI synthesis, and induced the synthesis of smaller HDL particles with a concomitant increase of plasma PON1 activity. These modifications may contribute to the anti-atherogenic potential of rosiglitazone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T are risk factors to Takayasu's arteritis. • BLK , BANK , TNFSF4 , and STAT4 variants are not risk factors to Takayasu's arteritis. • Our results provide new information on the genetic bases of Takayasu's arteritis. Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is considered a rare disease characterized by nonspecific inflammation of the large arteries, especially the aorta and its major branches. Because TAK is an autoimmune disease (AD), it could share susceptibility loci with other pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), among others. Widely explored polymorphisms in non- HLA genes, including TNFAIP3, STAT4, TNFSF4, BANK1, and BLK have been consistently associated with both SLE and RA, but they have not been evaluated in TAK. The aim of our study was to investigate whether TNFAIP3, STAT4, BANK1, BLK , and TNFSF4 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to TAK. The TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T, STAT4 rs7574865G/T, BANK1 10516487G/A, BLK rs2736340T/C, rs13277113A/G, and TNFS4 rs2205960G/T polymorphisms were genotyped in 101 cases and 276 controls by using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. An association analysis was performed. The TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium and turned out to be risk factors for TAK (OR = 4.88, p = 0.0001). The STAT4 , BANK1 , BLK , and TNFSF4 polymorphisms were not associated with the disease. This is the first study documenting an association of TNFAIP3 rs2230926T/G and rs5029924C/T with TAK. Our results provide new information on the genetic bases of TAK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 70% of pregnant adolescents in developing countries experience inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG)., Objective: To determine the association of the number of antenatal care visits (ANC) with GWG, birth weight, and their differences between two countries., Methods: A prospective study was conducted in two cohorts of adolescents, one from Mexico and one from Colombia. The study calculated pregestational body mass index (BMI), obtained GWG and birth weight, and collected socioeconomic characteristics. Birth weight was categorized according to gestational age. A total of 690 mother-child pairs were included, of which 42.6% were Colombian and 57.4% Mexican., Results: The study found no association between socioeconomic characteristics and GWG or birth weight. Colombian adolescents were more likely to experience insufficient GWG (68%), compared with 36% of Mexican adolescents. Colombian adolescents who attended fewer than eight ANC visits were at increased risk of insufficient GWG, whereas Mexican adolescents were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Mexican adolescents who began their pregnancies overweight or obese were at increased risk of excessive GWG. Fewer than eight ANC visits were associated with small for gestational age (SGA) in the Mexican cohort., Conclusions: Inadequate numbers of ANC visits were associated with excessive and insufficient GWG, and SGA. Promoting ANC in adolescent pregnancy is essential to prevent suboptimal GWG and SGA. This study highlights the need for interventions targeting pregnant adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds, prioritizing early initiation of prenatal care (first trimester) and a drastic reduction in the high rates of cesarean sections in this group.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) are the most common malformations from birth. The severity of the different forms of CHD varies extensively from superficial mild lesions with follow-up for decades without any treatment to complex cyanotic malformations requiring urgent surgical intervention. microRNAs have been found to be crucial in cardiac development, giving rise to possible phenotypes in CHD., Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the expression of miRNAs in 86 children with CHD and divided into cyanotic and non-cyanotic heart defects and 110 controls., Methods: The miRNAs expression of miR-21-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. In addition, the expressions of the miRNAs studied were correlated with the clinical characteristics of both the children and the mothers., Results: The expression levels of miR-21-5-5p, miR-15-5p5, miR-221-3p, and miR-26-5p significantly differed between CHD and control subjects. Moreover, miR-21-5p levels were higher in patients with cyanotic versus non-cyanotic CHD patients., Conclusion: The expression levels of miRNAs of pediatric patients with CHD could participating in the development of cardiac malformations. Additionally, the high expression of miR-21-5p in cyanotic CHD children may be related to greater severity of illness relative to non-cyanotic CHD., Impact: This study adds to knowledge of the association between microRNAs and congenital heart disease in children. The expression levels of miR-21-5-5p, miR-15-5p5, miR-221-3p, and miR-26-5p of pediatric patients with CHD could be involved in the development and phenotype present in pediatric patients. miR-21-5p may help to discriminate between cyanotic and non-cyanotic CHD. In the future, the miRNAs studied could have applications as clinical biomarkers., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Background: Mass drug administration (MDA) with niclosamide (NSM) can be used to control taeniasis, the cause of neurocysticercosis. NSM is 84.3% effective against taeniasis and is considered safe as it is not absorbed from the intestinal tract. However, information on its safety and effectiveness during MDA is limited. We evaluated the effectiveness of NSM and reported adverse events (AEs) during a cysticercosis elimination program in Tumbes, Peru., Methods: Three rounds of NSM at 4-month intervals were offered to 77,397 eligible residents. We revisited all participants in their homes 72 h after each round to collect information regarding AEs. We also collected post-treatment stool samples to diagnose taeniasis after the first round, followed by a second sample at 30 days from those infected to evaluate NSM's effectiveness., Findings: During implementation, 68,751 individuals were administered at least one dose of NSM (mean age 29 years, SD 20; 52% male), and 65,551 (95.3%) were visited post-treatment. 988 (1.5%) reported experiencing at least one AE. Almost all AEs (99.2%) were of mild intensity, with no severe AEs recorded. Of 211 participants diagnosed with taeniasis, 188 provided a follow-up stool sample 30-days after treatment and 141 were cured (treatment effectiveness 75.0%). Older age and higher coproantigen levels were significantly associated with treatment failure., Interpretation: MDA with NSM is safe in Taenia solium endemic settings. However, the effectiveness following one dose is lower than expected, which suggests additional treatment may be necessary to enhance the infection control efforts., Funding: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation., Competing Interests: RG, PV, CM, and LMM were partially supported by the US National Institutes of Health, the Fogarty International Center (TW001140), AGL was supported by Emerge, the Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Research Training of the US National Institutes of Health, the Fogarty International Center (D43 TW007393), and MTW was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the US National Institutes of Health under award number (TL1TR00237). HG was supported by a Wellcome Trust International Senior Research Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. All authors declare no conflicts of interests., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are crucial in lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential for cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dysregulation of miRs targeting ABCA1 can affect cholesterol homeostasis and contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRs targeting ABCA1 in human monocytes, their role in cholesterol efflux, and their relationship with CAD. We included 50 control and 50 CAD patients. RT-qPCR examined the expression of miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p in monocytes. Logistic regression analysis explored the association between these miRs and CAD. HDL's cholesterol acceptance was analyzed using the J774A.1 cell line. Results showed that miR-26a-5p ( p = 0.027) and ABCA1 ( p = 0.003) expression levels were higher in CAD patients, while miR-33a-5p ( p < 0.001) levels were lower. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p and upregulation of ABCA1 were linked to a lower CAD risk. Atorvastatin upregulated ABCA1 mRNA, and metformin downregulated miR-26a-5p in CAD patients. Decreased cholesterol efflux correlated with higher CAD risk and inversely with miRs in controls. Reduced miR-33a-5p expression and increased ABCA1 expression are associated with decreased CAD risk. miR deregulation in monocytes may influence atherosclerotic plaque formation by regulating cholesterol efflux. Atorvastatin and metformin could offer protective effects by modulating miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and ABCA1 , suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CAD prognosis and treatment.

Gut fungal imbalances, particularly increased Candida spp., are linked to obesity. This study explored the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cell-free extracts (postbiotics) to modulate the growth of Candida albicans and Candida kefyr, key members of the gut mycobiota. A minimal synthetic gut model was employed to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics on fungal growth in mono- and mixed cultures. Microreactors were employed for culturing, fungal growth was quantified using CFU counting, and regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of postbiotics on fungal growth. Postbiotics at a concentration of 12.5% significantly reduced the growth of both Candida species. At 24 h, both C. albicans and C. kefyr in monocultures exhibited a decrease in growth of 0.11 log CFU/mL. In contrast, mixed cultures showed a more pronounced antifungal effect, with C. albicans and C. kefyr reductions of 0.62 log CFU/mL and 0.64 log CFU/mL, respectively. Regression analysis using the Gompertz model supported the antifungal activity of postbiotics and revealed species-specific differences in growth parameters. These findings suggest that L. plantarum postbiotics have the potential to modulate the gut mycobiota by reducing Candida growth, potentially offering a therapeutic approach for combating fungal overgrowth associated with obesity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with various complications, including diabetic foot, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Non-healing foot ulcers in diabetic patients are a major risk factor for infections and amputations. Despite conventional treatments, which have limited efficacy, there is a need for more effective therapies. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a role in gene expression and have been implicated in diabetic wound healing. miR expression was analyzed through RT-qPCR in 41 diabetic foot Mexican patients and 50 controls. Diabetic foot patients showed significant increases in plasma levels of miR-17-5p ( p = 0.001), miR-191-5p ( p = 0.001), let-7e-5p ( p = 0.001), and miR-33a-5p ( p = 0.005) when compared to controls. Elevated levels of miR-17, miR-191, and miR-121 correlated with higher glucose levels in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (r = 0.30, p = 0.004; r = 0.25, p = 0.01; and r = 0.21, p = 0.05, respectively). Levels of miR-17 showed the highest diagnostic potential (AUC 0.903, p = 0.0001). These findings underscore the possible role of these miRs in developing diabetes complications. Our study suggests that high miR-17, miR-191, and miR-121 expression is strongly associated with higher glucose levels and the development of diabetic foot ulcers.

Background: Gestational weight gain below or above the Institute of Medicine recommendations has been associated with adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Very few studies have evaluated the association between serum and red blood cell folate concentrations and gestational weight gain in adolescents. Additionally, zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with impaired immunity, prolonged labor, preterm and post-term birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and pregnancy-induced hypertension., Objective: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of zinc, serum folate, and red blood cell folate, with the increase in gestational weight and the weight and length of the newborn in a group of adolescent mothers from Mexico City., Results: In our study, 406 adolescent-neonate dyads participated. The adolescents' median age was 15.8 years old. The predominant socioeconomic level was middle-low (57.8%), single (57%), 89.9% were engaged in home activities, and 41.3% completed secondary education. Excessive gestational weight gain was observed in 36.7% of cases, while insufficient gestational weight gain was noted in 38.4%. Small for gestational age infants were observed in 20.9% of the sample. Low serum folate (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.3), decreased red blood cell folate (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6), and reduced serum zinc concentrations (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.1-5.2) were associated with insufficient gestational weight gain. Decreased serum zinc levels (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.4) were linked to an increased probability of delivering a baby who is small for their gestational age., Conclusions: Low serum folate, red blood cell folate, and serum zinc concentrations were associated with gestational weight gain and having a small gestational age baby. Both excessive and insufficient gestational weight gain, as well as having a small gestational age baby, are frequent among adolescent mothers.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystem genetic disorder with over 3000 mutations described in the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene. Like MFS, other connective tissue disorders also require a deeper understanding of the phenotype-genotype relationship due to the complexity of the clinical presentation, where diagnostic criteria often overlap. Our objective was to identify mutations in patients with connective tissue disorders using a genetic multipanel and to analyze the genotype-phenotype associations in a cohort of Mexican patients. We recruited 136 patients with MFS and related syndromes from the National Institute of Cardiology. Mutations were identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS). To examine the correlation between mutation severity and severe cardiovascular conditions, we focused on patients who had undergone Bentall-de Bono surgery or aortic valve repair. The genetic data obtained allowed us to reclassify the initial clinical diagnosis across various types of connective tissue disorders. The transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) rs79375991 mutation was found in 10 out of 16 (63%) Loeys-Dietz patients. We observed a high prevalence (65%) of more severe mutations, such as frameshift indels and stop codons, among patients requiring invasive treatments like aortic valve-sparing surgery, Bentall and de Bono procedures, or aortic valve replacement due to severe cardiovascular injury. Although our study did not achieve precise phenotype-genotype correlations, it underscores the importance of a multigenetic panel evaluation. This could pave the way for a more comprehensive diagnostic approach and inform medical and surgical treatment decision-making.

This study examined the interplay between bacterial and fungal communities in the human gut microbiota, impacting on nutritional status and body weight. Cohorts of 10 participants of healthy weight, 10 overweight, and 10 obese individuals, underwent comprehensive analysis, including dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical evaluations. Microbial composition was studied via gene sequencing of 16S and ITS rDNA regions, revealing bacterial (bacteriota) and fungal (mycobiota) profiles. Bacterial diversity exceeded fungal diversity. Statistically significant differences in bacterial communities were found within healthy-weight, overweight, and obese groups. The Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (previously known as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio) correlated positively with body mass index. The predominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with the genera Nakaseomyces, Kazachstania, Kluyveromyces, and Hanseniaspora, inversely correlating with weight gain; while Saccharomyces, Debaryomyces, and Pichia correlated positively with body mass index. Overweight and obese individuals who harbored a higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, demonstrated a favorable lipid and glucose profiles in contrast to those with lower abundance. The overweight group had elevated Candida, positively linked to simple carbohydrate consumption. The study underscores the role of microbial taxa in body mass index and metabolic health. An imbalanced gut bacteriota/mycobiota may contribute to obesity/metabolic disorders, highlighting the significance of investigating both communities., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Probiotic-enriched beers have emerged as an innovative solution for delivering beneficial microorganisms, particularly appealing to consumers seeking non-dairy options. However, navigating the complex beer environment presents challenges in effectively cultivating specific probiotic strains. This review aims to promote innovation and distinctiveness within the brewing industry by providing insights into current research on the integration of probiotic microorganisms into beer production, thereby creating a functional beverage. The review explores the effects of probiotic incorporation on the functional, technological, and sensory attributes of beer, distinguishing contributions from bacterial and yeast, as well as potential health benefits. Probiotic microorganisms encounter hurdles during beer production, including ethanol, hops, CO 2 levels, pH, oxygen, and nutrients. Ethanol tolerance mechanisms vary among bacteria and yeasts, with specific lactic acid bacteria showing resistance to hop compounds. Hops, crucial for beer categorization, exert a timing-dependent impact on probiotics-early isomerization impedes growth, while late additions yield non-isomerized antibacterial properties. Effective probiotic integration necessitates precise post-fermentation addition stages to ensure viability and flavor. The sensory impact and consumer reception of probiotic-enriched beers require further exploration. Probiotics must endure storage conditions to qualify as functional beer, while limited research investigates health advantages, urging enhanced production techniques, sensory optimization, and clinical validation., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between adipose tissue and coronary artery disease (CAD). The ABCA1 transporter regulates cellular cholesterol content and reverses cholesterol transport. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) R230C, C-17G, and C-69T and their expression in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue in Mexican patients with CAD., Subjects and Methods: The study included 71 patients with CAD and a control group consisting of 64 patients who underwent heart valve replacement. SNPs were determined using TaqMan probes. mRNA was extracted using TriPure Isolation from epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue. Quantification and expression analyses were done using RT-qPCR., Results: R230C showed a higher frequency of the GG genotype in the CAD group (70.4%) than the control group (57.8%) [OR 0.34, 95% CI (0.14-0.82) p = 0.014]. Similarly, C-17G (rs2740483) showed a statistically significant difference in the CC genotype in the CAD group (63.3%) in comparison to the controls (28.1%) [OR 4.42, 95% CI (2.13-9.16), p = 0.001]. mRNA expression in SNP R230C showed statistically significant overexpression in the AA genotype compared to the GG genotype in CAD patients [11.01 (4.31-15.24) vs. 3.86 (2.47-12.50), p = 0.015]., Conclusion: The results suggest that the GG genotype of R230C and CC genotype of C-17G are strongly associated with the development of CAD in Mexican patients. In addition, under-expression of mRNA in the GG genotype in R230C is associated with patients undergoing revascularization.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder. As the spinal growth depends on delicate balance of forces, conditions that affect musculoskeletal matrix often lead to spinal deformities. A large cross-sectional study revealed a 63% prevalence of scoliosis among patients with MFS. Multi-ethnic genome-wide association studies and analyses of human genetic mutations showed that variations and mutations of G protein-coupled receptor 126 (GPR126)locus are associated with multiple skeletal defects, including shorter stature and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study included 54 patients with MFS and 196 control patients. The DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using the saline expulsion method and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) determination was carried out using TaqMan probes. Allelic discrimination was performed by RT-qPCR. Significant differences in genotype frequencies were found for SNP rs6570507 in relation to MFS and sex (recessive model, OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.03 -5.87; P = 0.03) and rs7755109 (overdominant model, OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.91; P = 0.03). The most significant association was found in SNP rs7755109, where the frequency of genotype AG was significantly different between MFS patients with scoliosis and those without (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.09-29.48; P=0.04). This study, for the first time, examined the genetic association of SNP GPR126 with the risk of scoliosis in patients with connective tissue diseases. The study revealed that SNP rs7755109 is associated with the presence of scoliosis in Mexican patients with MFS.

Coproantigen detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (coAg ELISA) is a vital tool for detecting and treating cases of Taenia solium taeniasis. However, the assay's procedures require costly materials and sophisticated equipment, which are typically inaccessible in rural settings where the disease is endemic. To overcome these barriers, we developed and evaluated a field-applicable coAg ELISA. The field coAg ELISA was developed and evaluated across four phases using known positive and negative stool samples collected from northern Peru. Phase I focused on field assay development, phase II on a small-scale performance evaluation, phase III on a large-scale evaluation, and phase IV on the use and reliability of a colorimetric scale card. All samples were processed using the field and standard assay procedures and compared using signal-to-noise ratios, correlation tests, performance characteristics, and agreement statistics where appropriate. The field coAg ELISA using reagents stored at -20°C and commercially available water and milk powder, and relying on spontaneous separation of the supernatant, had performance comparable to the standard assay. The field coAg ELISA was strongly correlated with the standard in both the small- and large-scale laboratory evaluation ( r  = 0.99 and r  = 0.98, respectively). Finally, the field assay had an almost perfect agreement between independent readers (kappa = 0.975) and between each reader and the spectrophotometer. The field coAg ELISA demonstrated performance comparable to the standard, providing a low-cost alternative to the standard assay for identifying cases of intestinal taeniasis in a low-resource setting., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Gut metagenome in pediatric subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been poorly studied, despite an alarming worldwide increase in the prevalence and incidence of obesity and MetS within this population. The objective of this study was to characterize the gut microbiome taxonomic composition of Mexican pediatric subjects with MetS and T2DM using shotgun metagenomics and analyze the potential relationship with metabolic changes and proinflammatory effects. Paired-end reads of fecal DNA samples were obtained through the Illumina HiSeq X Platform. Statistical analyses and correlational studies were conducted using gut microbiome data and metadata from all individuals. Gut microbial dysbiosis was observed in MetS and T2DM children compared to healthy subjects, which was characterized by an increase in facultative anaerobes (i.e., enteric and lactic acid bacteria) and a decrease in strict anaerobes (i.e., Erysipelatoclostridium , Shaalia , and Actinomyces genera). This may cause a loss of gut hypoxic environment, increased gut microbial nitrogen metabolism, and higher production of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These metabolic changes may trigger the activation of proinflammatory activity and impair the host's intermediate metabolism, leading to a possible progression of the characteristic risk factors of MetS and T2DM, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and an increased abdominal circumference. Furthermore, specific viruses ( Jiaodavirus genus and Inoviridae family) showed positive correlations with proinflammatory cytokines involved in these metabolic diseases. This study provides novel evidence for the characterization of MetS and T2DM pediatric subjects in which the whole gut microbial composition has been characterized. Additionally, it describes specific gut microorganisms with functional changes that may influence the onset of relevant health risk factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Carrizales-Sánchez, Tamez-Rivera, García-Gamboa, García-Cayuela, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez, Elizondo-Montemayor, García-Rivas, Pacheco, Hernández-Brenes, and Senés-Guerrero.)

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and are found to be present in monocytes. This study aimed to investigate miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p, their expression in monocytes, and their role in coronary arterial disease (CAD). The study population comprised 110 subjects, and RT-qPCR was used to examine the miR-221-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-155-5p expressions in monocytes. Results: the miR-21-5p ( p = 0.001) and miR-221-5p ( p < 0.001) expression levels were significantly higher in the CAD group, and the miR-155-5p ( p = 0.021) expression levels were significantly lower in the CAD group; only miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p upregulation was found to be associated with an increased CAD risk. The results show significant increases in miR-21-5p in the unmedicated CAD group with the metformin patients vs. the healthy control group ( p = 0.001) and vs. the medicated CAD group with metformin ( p = 0.022). The same was true for miR-221-5p in the CAD patients unmedicated with metformin vs. the healthy control group ( p < 0.001). Our results from Mexican CAD patients show that the overexpression in monocytes of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p increases the risk of the development of CAD. In addition, in the CAD group, the metformin downregulated the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-221-5p. Also, the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) decreased significantly in our patients with CAD, regardless of whether they were medicated. Therefore, our findings allow for the proposal of new therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and prognosis of CAD and the evaluation of treatment efficacy.

The widespread dispersion of pigs infected with cysticercosis across endemic villages, low cyst burden among infected pigs, and low prevalence of taeniasis all suggest that pig ingestion of human feces is not the only mode of transmission for Taenia solium . Our objective was to evaluate the risk of porcine cysticercosis associated with exposure to human feces, dung beetles, and flies in an endemic community setting. We used a cluster-randomized cohort design to compare the risk of developing antibodies and infection among 120 piglets raised in either free-roaming (FR), standard corral (SC), or netted corral environments (NC). We collected monthly blood samples to detect serum antibodies and necropsied all pigs after 10 months to identify cysts. A total of 66 piglets developed antibodies with the relative risk of seropositivity in FR vs. all corralled pigs increasing significantly after 18 weeks. Of 108 necropsied pigs, 15 had T. solium cysts, all belonging to the FR group. Corrals were protective against infection but less so against seropositivity. NC, which did not completely exclude insects, did not provide added protection against seropositivity as compared to SC. The results of this study suggest that dung beetles and flies do not play an important role in infection.

Objetive: To present a risk-ajusted score of complications during cardias catheterization in congenital heart disease., Design: observational, analitic, ambispective of 3.504 cases. The data analyzed included age, heart disease, type of procedure, major and minor complications., Methods: 3.504 procedures performed between october 1987 and may 2019. The variables were age, heart disease, procedere and clinical stege. Each patients was categorized as low risk 5 to 7 points, moderate risk 8 to 11 points and higt risk 12 to 22 points. The score was validated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the ROC curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic)., Results: complications 177 (5%) 66 major (1.9%) and 111 minor (3.1%). Mortality was 0.4% (15 patients). The low-risk group (n = 825) had 1.5% complications; moderate risk (n = 2,221) 4.9%; high risk (n: 458) 12% (p < 0.001). The analysis of the retrospective data (n = 2953) was validated with prospective (n = 551) using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, showed that the predicted values are similar to those observed., Conclusions: Complications continue to occur despite the evolution of the technique. The score was useful for stratifying patients and knowing the probability of complication before the procedere.

About 56% to 84% of pregnant adolescents have inappropriate (insufficient or excessive) gestational weight gain (GWG); however, the factors associated with GWG in this age group have not been systematically identified. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the available scientific evidence on the association of individual, family, and social factors with inappropriate gestational weight gain in pregnant adolescents. To carry out this review, the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles from recent years. The evidence was organized according to individual, family, and social factors. The analyzed studies included 1571 adolescents from six retrospective cohorts, 568 from three prospective cohorts, 165 from a case-control study, 395 from a cross-sectional study, and 78,001 from two national representative samples in the USA. At the individual level, in approximately half of the studies, the pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI) was positively associated with the GWG recommended by the Institute of Medicine of the USA (IOM). The evidence was insufficient for the other factors (maternal age, number of deliveries, and family support) to determine an association. According to the review, we concluded that pBMI was positively associated with the GWG. More quality studies are needed to assess the association between GWG and individual, family, and social factors.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of UCP1 , UCP2 , and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissues in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)., Subjects and Methods: We studied 60 patients with CAD and 106 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (controls). Expression levels of UCP1 , UCP2 , and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively., Results: : We found increased UCP1 , UCP2 , and UCP3 mRNA levels in the epicardial adipose tissue in the CAD versus the control group, and higher UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA expression in the epicardial compared with the mediastinal tissue in the CAD group. There was also increased expression of UCP1 protein in the epicardial tissue and UCP2 protein in the mediastinum tissue in patients with CAD. Finally, UCP1 expression was associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, and UCP3 expression was associated with levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the epicardial tissue., Conclusion: Our study supports the hypothesis that higher mRNA expression by UCP genes in the epicardial adipose tissue could be a protective mechanism against the production of reactive oxygen species and may guard the myocardium against damage. Thus, UCP levels are essential to maintain the adaptive phase of cardiac injury in the presence of metabolic disorders.

In patients with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19, the deregulation of oxidative stress is present. Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (NRF2) is regulated by KEAP1, and NRF2 regulates the expression of genes such as NFE2L2-KEAP1, which are involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress. In this study, we analyzed the participation of the polymorphisms of NFE2L2 and KEAP1 genes in the mechanisms of damage in lung disease patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with COVID-19 and a control group were included. Organ dysfunction was evaluated using SOFA. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed and classified as moderate or severe by ventilatory status and by the Berlin criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome. SNPs in the gene locus for NFE2L2, rs2364723C>G, and KEAP1, rs9676881A>G, and rs34197572C>T were determined by qPCR. We analyzed 110 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection: 51 with severe evolution and 59 with moderate evolution. We also analyzed 111 controls. Significant differences were found for rs2364723 allele G in severe cases vs. controls (p = 0.02); for the rs9676881 allele G in moderate cases vs. controls (p = 0.04); for the rs34197572 allele T in severe cases vs. controls (p = 0.001); and in severe vs. moderate cases (p = 0.004). Our results showed that NFE2L2 rs2364723C>G allele G had a protective effect against severe COVID-19, while KEAP1 rs9676881A>G allele G and rs34197572C>T minor allele T were associated with more aggressive stages of COVID-19.

Background: Cancer registries are essential for monitoring cancer burden and patterns, and document changes in time for cancer control. Hereby, we present the first results of four years of the Merida population-based cancer registry in Mexico., Methods: The registry collects data on all new cancers diagnosed since 2015 using both active and passive methods including a total of 104 information sources. Definitions and coding follow international standards. Using CanReg5 software, age-standardized incidence rates (ASR/100,000 person years) were computed by direct method using the world standard population., Results: A total of 5684 new cancer cases were registered during 2015-2018, 2321 in males and 3363 in females corresponding to age-adjusted incidence rates (ASR per 100,000) of 128.5, and 153.1, respectively. Most frequent cancers among males were prostate cancer (ASR 29.8), lymphomas (ASR 10.9) and colorectal cancer (ASR 9.7) while among females it was breast cancer (ASR 49.3), cervical cancer (ASR 17.5) and corpus uteri (ASR 11.5). Childhood cancers (0-14 year) represented 2.9% of all cancers, with leukemias accounting for 52% of the new cases. Overall, 87.6% of new cases were microscopically verified., Conclusions: The data reported provide information on the cancer profile in Merida. Prostate and breast cancer are the main incident cancers. Cervical cancers present high rates among women, while lymphomas and liver cancer data merit further exploration. Efforts to support the Merida cancer registry as well as other registries in Mexico need to be pursued in order to have locally recorded data to support cancer control measures., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Pregnant adolescents' diet and eating habits are inadequate; however, their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) is uncertain. We aimed to analyze whether there is an association between dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits with GWG among pregnant adolescents and their offspring's birth weight. A longitudinal study was performed with 530 participants. We assessed GWG and applied several tools, such as a food frequency questionnaire and 24-h recall, to obtain dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits. The birth weight of adolescents' offspring was registered. Later, we performed crude and adjusted Poisson models. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.3 years. Of all food groups, the lowest frequency of adequate intake corresponded to vegetables (7%) and legumes (10.2%). Excessive (36.8%) and insufficient (40.9%) GWG were observed. Pregnant adolescents with inadequate legumes intake increased the probability of excessive GWG: (PR 1.86 95% CI 1.00-3.44). Cereals and grains were positively associated with GWG: (PR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18-2.29). Energy, macronutrient intake, and eating habits were not associated with GWG. Offspring's small gestational age (SGA) increased when pregnant adolescents had inadequate sugar-sweetened beverages intake: PR (1.58, 95% CI 1.01-2.49) and when pregnant adolescent watched television (TV). In our sample of Mexican adolescents, dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits were inadequate. Excessive dietary intake from cereals, grains, and animal-sourced foods along with insufficient legumes were associated with excessive GWG. Watching TV while adolescents ate was associated with the birth weight of the offspring.

Background: There is great interest in the search for new alternatives to antimicrobial drugs, and the use of synbiotics is a promising approach to this problem. This study evaluated the growth inhibition and antibiofilm activity of the short-chain fatty acids produced by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici in combination with inulin-type fructans against Candida albicans ., Methods: The growth inhibition of Candida was evaluated using microdilution analysis in 96-well microtiter plates; different concentrations of cell-free supernatants of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici were exposed to Candida albicans . The antibiofilm assessment was carried out using the crystal violet staining assay. The short-chain fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography., Results: The clinically isolated Candida albicans interacted with supernatants from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici and showed significant growth inhibition and antibiofilm formation versus the controls. Lactate and acetic acid were elevated in the supernatants. The results suggest that the supernatants obtained from the synbiotic combinations of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Pediococcus acidilactici with inulin-type fructans can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation against a clinically isolated Candida albicans strain., Conclusions: These results suggest that synbiotic formulations could be a promising alternative to antifungal drugs in candidiasis therapy.

There is great interest in the search for new alternatives to antimicrobial drugs, and the use of prebiotics and probiotics is a promising approach to this problem. This study aimed to assess the effect of inulin-type fructans, used in synbiotic combinations with Lactobacillus paracasei or Lactobacillus plantarum, on the production of short-chain fatty acids and antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans. The inhibition assay using the L. paracasei and L. plantarum supernatants resulting from the metabolization of inulin-type fructans displayed growth inhibition and antibiofilm formation against C. albicans. Inhibition occurred at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50% of the L. paracasei supernatant and at a concentration of 50% of the L. plantarum supernatant. The analysis of short-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography showed that lactic acid was the dominating produced metabolite. However, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were also detected in supernatants from both probiotics. Therefore, the synbiotic formulation of L. paracasei or L. plantarum in the presence of inulin-type fructans constitutes with anticandidal effect is a possible option to produce antifungal drugs or antimicrobial compounds., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The fungal community of the gastrointestinal tract has recently become of interest, and knowledge of its relationship with the development of obesity is scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the cultivable fungal fraction from the microbiota and to analyze its relationship with obesity., Methods: Samples were taken from 99 participants with normal weight, overweight and obesity (n = 31, 34 and 34, respectively) and were cultivated in selective medium, and the cultivable yeasts were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were also evaluated., Results: Eutrophic, overweight and obese groups presented concentrations of 1.6, 2.16 and 2.19 log 10  colony-forming units g -1 yeast, respectively. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the two identified phyla. At the genus level, Candida spp. showed a relatively high prevalence, and 10 different species were detected: Candida glabrata, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida lambica, Candida kefyr, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida valida, Candida parapsilosis, Candida utilis and Candida humilis (with relative abundances of 71.72%, 5.05%, 21.21%, 6.06%, 29.29%, 27.27%, 8.08%, 16.16%, 1.01% and 2.02%, respectively)., Conclusions: The obese group presented a higher prevalence of Candida albicans. Furthermore, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa showed a high positive correlation with obesity, weight gain and fat mass and showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein and lean mass, parameters related to weight loss., (© 2021 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

Background: Arterial hypertension (HTA) represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is not yet known which specific molecular mechanisms are associated with the development of essential hypertension., Objective: In this study, we analyzed the association between LRP1 monocyte mRNA expression, LRP1 protein expression, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) of patients with essential hypertension., Methods: The LRP1 monocyte mRNA expression and protein levels and cIMT were quantified in 200 Mexican subjects, 91 normotensive (NT) and 109 hypertensive (HT). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05., Results: HT patients group had highly significant greater cIMT as compared to NT patients (p=0.002) and this correlated with an increase in the expression of LRP1 mRNA expression (6.54 vs. 2.87) (p = 0.002) and LRP1 protein expression (17.83 vs. 6.25), respectively (p = 0.001). These differences were maintained even when we divided our study groups, taking into account only those who presented dyslipidemia in both, mRNA (p = 0.041) and proteins expression (p < 0.001). It was also found that Ang II mediated LRP1 induction on monocytes in a dose and time dependent manner with significant difference in NT vs. HT (0.195 ± 0.09 vs. 0.226 ± 0.12, p = 0.046)., Conclusion: An increase in cIMT was found in subjects with hypertension, associated with higher mRNA and LRP1 protein expressions in monocytes, irrespective of the presence of dyslipidemias in HT patients. These results suggest that LRP1 upregulation in monocytes from Mexican hypertensive patients could be involved in the increased cIMT. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):56-65).

Patients with the Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) have mutations in the TGF- β R1, TGF- β R2, and SMAD3 genes. However, little is known about the redox homeostasis in the thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) they develop. Here, we evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant profile in the TAA tissue from LDS patients and compare it with that in nondamaged aortic tissue from control (C) subjects. We evaluate the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms, and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). We also analyze some antioxidants from a nonenzymatic system such as selenium (Se), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation and carbonylation, as well as xanthine oxidase (ORX) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions, were also evaluated. TAA from LDS patients showed a decrease in GSH, Se, TAC, GPx, GST, CAT, and TrxR. The SOD activity and ORX expressions were increased, but the Nrf2 expression was decreased. The results suggest that the redox homeostasis is altered in the TAA from LDS patients, favoring ROS overproduction that contributes to the decrease in GSH and TAC and leads to LPO and carbonylation. The decrease in Se and Nrf2 alters the activity and/or expression of some antioxidant enzymes, thus favoring a positive feedback oxidative background that contributes to the TAA formation., Competing Interests: All the authors declare that there are no competing interests regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Maria Elena Soto et al.)

ATP-binding cassette membrane transporters (ABC), functions as an outflow facilitator of phospholipids and cellular cholesterol, playing an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. ABC's transporters could post-transcriptionally regulated by miRs. Evaluate the association in the transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 with the expression of miR-33a and miR-144 and the carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in patients with essential arterial hypertension. The miR-33a-5p, miR-144-3p and mRNA ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression in monocytes from Mexican hypertensive patients were examined by RT-PCR. The miR-33a and miR-144 expression in monocytes and mRNA ABCA1 and ABCG1 from Mexican hypertensive patients were examined by RT-PCR. This study involved 84 subjects (42 normotensive subjects and 42 patients with essential hypertension). Our study revealed that miR-33a expression (p = 0.001) and miR-144 (p = 0.985) were up-regulated, meanwhile, ABCA1 and ABCG1 transporters were down-regulated (p = 0.007 and p = 0.550 respectively) in hypertensive patients compared with the control group. The trend remains for miR33a/ABCA1 in presence of cIMT. Moreover, an inverse correlation was found with the expression levels of ABCA1 and ABCG1 as well as in HDL-C with miR-33a and miR-144. Our results showed an increase in the expression of miR-33a and miR-144 and an inverse correlation in their target ABCA1 and ABCG1; it may be associated with essential arterial hypertension in patients with cIMT and as consequence for atheromatous plaque.

Aim : To investigate the relation between polymorphisms in the interleukin 10 ( IL )- 10 , tumor necrosis factor ( TNF) -α, transforming growth factor ( TGF)- β and interferon ( IFN)-γ genes and Takayasu's arteritis in the Mexican population. Methods : A case-control study was performed to investigate the associations of IL-10 , TNF-α , TGF-β and IFN-γ polymorphisms in a sample of 52 Takayasu's arteritis patients, diagnosed according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and EULAR PRINTO criteria when the patients were under 18 years of age; 60 clinically healthy unrelated Mexican individuals by the 5' exonuclease TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. Polymorphic haplotypes were constructed after linkage disequilibrium analysis. Results: Significant differences were not found in the distribution for genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms studied between healthy controls and Takayasu´s arteritis patients. Likewise, significant associations were not detected in the haplotype analysis with the different genes studied. Conclusions : These findings suggest that the polymorphisms in IL-10 , TNF-α , TGF-β and IFN-γ might not contribute to the susceptibility of Takayasu´s arteritis in the Mexican population.

Background: Adequate maternal thyroxine (T4) concentrations during the first half of pregnancy are fundamental to the embryo's or fetus' neural development. Organophosphate pesticides (OP) can act as thyroid disruptors and genetic polymorphisms for paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an enzyme that detoxifies OP, could be involved in individual's susceptibility to them. We assessed the association between para-occupational exposure to pesticides, including OP, during pregnancy and maternal hypothyroxinemia, as well as the potential genetic susceptibility conferred by PON1 polymorphisms., Methods: We analyzed information from 381 healthy pregnant women (< 17 gestational weeks), who lived in a floricultural region of Mexico where pesticides, including OP, are routinely used. Women who were para-occupationally exposed to pesticides were those whose partner had an occupation involving contact with these products. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and free T4 concentrations were determined using ELISA, and hypothyroxinemia was defined as free T4 concentrations <0.76 ng/dL. PON1192QR, PON155LM and PON1-108CT polymorphisms were determined through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The association between para-occupational exposure and genetic polymorphisms and hypothyroxinemia was estimated using logistic regression models., Results: One hundred and sixty two women (42.52%) were classified as para-occupationally exposed to pesticides. Hypothyroxinemia prevalence was 54%, and it was not significantly associated with pesticide para-occupational exposure (OR: 1.21 95% CI 0.75-1.94). Independently of para-occupational exposure, the likelihood of hypothyroxinemia was higher among women who were carriers of PON155MM than in those with PON155LL genotype (OR MM vs LL : 3.03; 95%CI 1.62, 5.70). PON1192 RR (OR RR vs QQ : 1.72; 95%CI 0.93, 3.17) and PON1-108TT (OR TT vs CC : 1.60; 95%CI 0.90, 2.70) genotypes were marginally associated with hypothyroxinemia. No significant interaction was observed between pesticides para-occupational exposure and PON1 polymorphisms., Conclusions: These results suggest that PON1 polymorphisms could affect thyroid function during pregnancy in women living in areas where pesticides, including OP, are routinely used. Low exposure variability in this population, could be a possible explanation for the lack of association between para-occupational exposure and thyroid function.

We present a methodology for the automatic recognition of negated findings in radiological reports considering morphological, syntactic, and semantic information. In order to achieve this goal, a series of rules for processing lexical and syntactic information was elaborated. This required development of an electronic dictionary of medical terminology and informatics grammars. Pertinent information for the assembly of the specialized dictionary was extracted from the ontology SNOMED CT and a medical dictionary (RANM, 2012). Likewise, a general language dictionary was also included. Lexicon-Grammar (LG), proposed by Gross (1975; Cahiers de l'institut de linguistique de Louvain, 24. 23-41 1998), was used to set up the database, which allowed an exhaustive description of the argument structure of predicates projected by lexical units. Computational framework was carried out with NooJ, a free software developed by Silberztein (Silberztein and Noo 2018, 2016), which has various utilities for treating natural language, such as morphological and syntactic grammar, as well as dictionaries. This methodology was compared with a Spanish version of NegEx (Chapman et al. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 34(5):301-310 2001; Stricker 2016). Results show that there are minimal differences in favor of the algorithm developed using NooJ, but the quality and specificity of the data improves if lexical-grammatical information is added.

miR-33a has been described as a key regulator in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, its role in arterial hypertension (HTA) has not been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between the expression of miR-33a (5p and 3p) and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in samples of monocytes and serum from hypertensive patients. The miR-33a-5p and miR-33a-3p expression in monocytes and serum from Mexican hypertensive patients were examined by RT-PCR. This study involved 84 subjects (42 normotensive subjects and 42 patients with essential hypertension). Our study revealed that miR-33a-5p expression was significantly upregulated in the monocytes of hypertensive patients compared with the control group (p = 0.001), while miR-33a-3p was significantly downregulated (p = 0.013). miR-33a-5p upregulation [OR: 5.53, 95% CI: 2.01-15.20; p = 0.001], as well as miR-33a-3p downregulation [OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.45-7.60; p = 0.004] in monocytes, was associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension. In addition, miR-33a-5p upregulation in hypertensive patients was associated with an increased risk of presenting cIMT [OR: 5.99, 95% CI: 1.10-32.85; p = 0.039]. Moreover, we found no significant differences in the expression of both strands of miR-33a in serum of our patients. Our results showed an upregulation of miR-33a-5p and downregulation of miR-33a-3p in monocytes, these data are associated with cIMT, which could be a risk factor for the development of hypertension. In addition, upregulation of miR-33a-5p in monocytes from Mexican hypertensive patients could be involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is a rare lesion, although traumatic aortic injury is described as one of the main causes; both the rupture as the surgical treatment of the defect has high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, endovascular treatment either by chemical embolization or exclusion of defect with devices has emerged as an alternative treatment. However, there are risks such as occlusion of visceral vessels near the neck of the defect, embolization material or aortic rupture. Therefore, the choice of material and method of approach should be planned carefully in each case. We report a patient who ten years after abdominal wound firearm was diagnosed with AAP 17 x 13 cm, with short neck originated close to the ostium of the celiac trunk at an acute angle with the aortic axis. We perform the exclusion of the defect with a device designed for closing atrial septal defect from the left brachial access due to the angulation of the neck defect. There were no complications. At 72 hours was granted discharge. A month later, CT scan control showed the false aneurysm of equal size and no residual flow. The monitoring to date is five months and the patient remained asymptomatic.

Data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health shows that the breast cancer is one of the leading causes of women's death, despite the enhancements in treatment and diagnosis of this disease. Successive explanatory advertising campaigns emphasized the methods available for prevention: auto examination, clinical examination by a health care professional and mammography. Regardless of their relevance, only these strategies did not reduced incidence of breast cancer, since they do not impact on the oncogenesis factors. The objective of this article is to develop a health promotion activity through the reinforcement of the previous knowledge and aggregation of new information about breast cancer of a basic health unit. The methodology used was a transversal study of pedagogical intervention in the waiting rooms of a basic health unit. The pedagogical intervention was composed by an interactive questionnaire, lecture and discussion about the topic associated with a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the activity. The proposed activity had positive results since the participants had qualitative and quantitative improvement in their knowledge and also a good interactivity with the researchers.

Purpose: To determine the Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity as well as its pheno- and genotypes at position 192 in Mexican subjects with diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD)., Methods: We determined the PON1-192 polymorphism by PCR-RFLP, and serum PON1 activity, using either paraoxon (PONase activity) or phenylacetate (ARE activity) as substrates, in 155 clinically healthy individuals (control group), and 155 patients with at least one myocardial infarction (CHD group). The biochemical A/B phenotype was determined by the ratio of the NaCI 1 M-stimulated PONase activity divided by the ARE activity., Results: We found significantly lower PONase and ARE activities in CHD patients as compared to controls (233.1 +/- 102.1 vs. 295.8 +/- 159.1 nmol/min/mL, and 103.1 +/- 33.7 vs 220.2 +/- 120.7 micromol/min/mL, respectively, p<0.05 for both). Allele and genotype frequencies for PON1-192 were similar in CHD patients and healthy controls. Moreover, in the control group, the PON1-192 Q/R genotype did not matched with the A/B phenotype as has been proposed by other studies., Conclusions: There were important differences in the ARE and PONase activities between Mexican CHD patients and controls, suggesting that PON1 activity could be a good marker of CHD risk, whereas PON1-192 lacks of value to assess such risk.

Objective: We report the percutaneous closure of the pulmonary artery with residual shunt in patients with Fontan type circuit., Method: Patients aged 9 and 11 years, with SaO2 of 88 and 96%, respectively. One of them coursing with headaches and functional class II. Both patients with total cavopulmonary anastomosis and fenestrated extracardiac conduit and permeable pulmonary artery (pulsatile Fontan). An Amplatzer duct-occluder device was implanted in the pulmonary artery entering from the femoral vein. Follow-up by means of clinical examination, imaging, and catetherization was pursued., Results: Case 1, patency fenestration, Qp/Qs: 0.7/1. Case 2, closed fenestration, Qp/Qs; 1.3/1. We obtained immediate occlusion with 6/4 and 8/6 devices, respectively; pressure recordings revealed modification of the arterial morphology to biphasic; pulmonary pressure dropped 2 mm Hg in the first patient, without alteration in the second case; no changes in SaO2 were registered. Time of fluoroscopy was 57 and 45 minutes, respectively. Follow-up was maintained for 2.8 and 2.3 years, respectively. In patient 1, headaches disappeared and the fenestration was occluded with an Amplatzer septal-occluder one year later, raising SaO2 to 96%; no complications occurred nor was recanalization of the pulmonary artery needed in either case., Conclusions: Percutaneous occlusion of patent pulmonary artery in patients with Fontan type circuit is a feasible and effective procedure, and avoids overload of the single ventricle.