Epstein­Barr virus as a promoter of tumorigenesis in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer (Review).

Epstein­Barr virus (EBV) is an oncovirus associated with various neoplasms, including breast cancer (BC). EBV­associated oncogenesis requires the action of several viral molecules, such as EBV nuclear antigen 3C, latent membrane protein 1, microRNAs and long non­coding RNAs, which are able of manipulating the cellular machinery, inducing an evasion of the immune system, blocking apoptosis processes, promoting cell survival and metastasis. The risk of developing cancer is associated with epigenetic alterations and alterations in various signaling pathways. The activation of all these molecules can modify the expression of EBV proteins with oncogenic activity, influencing the oncogenic process. It is clear that BC, being multifactorial, presents a greater complexity; in numerous cases, the infection associated with EBV may be crucial for this neoplasia, if particular conditions for both the virus and host are present. In the present review, all these variables are analyzed in an aim to improve the understanding of the participation of EBV in BC.

Salivary Adiponectin and Albumin Levels on the Gingival Conditions of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Cohort Study.

This study analyzed the salivary proteomics, adiponectin and albumin, related to weight loss and periodontitis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This study included fourteen patients with morbid obesity (body mass index, BMI > 40 kg/m2) who underwent bariatric surgery Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in System Health Public in Brazil. Data on demographic and anthropometric measures were extracted from medical records preoperatively and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. The variables assessed were: probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and stimulated whole-mouth saliva. In this study, saliva samples were analyzed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The ELISA kit was used to measure the MMP8 levels to determine potential markers for obesity. Adiponectin and albumin levels were also evaluated. Weight loss was associated with significant changes in patients' periodontal clinical data. Although 7 out of 10 periodontal patients showed an increase in salivary adiponectin levels after root planning treatment, when analyzed by Western blotting, the increase was not statistically significant (21.1 ± 4.8 to 26.3 ± 9.4 arbitrary units, p > 0.99). There was no correlation between albumin levels and salivary adiponectin pre-surgery, nor 6 months or 12 months after surgery. Weight loss was not improved by low-grade inflammation in bariatric patients, since albumin levels were similar between periods. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that is modulated by several factors, among which adiponectin plays an important role for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Dynamics of the MRSA Population in A Chilean Hospital: A Phylogenomic Analysis (2000-2016).

The global dissemination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with the emergence and establishment of clones in specific geographic areas. The Chilean-Cordobes clone (ChC) (ST5-SCC mec I) has been the predominant MRSA clone in Chile since its first description in 1998, despite the report of other emerging MRSA clones in the last years. Here, we characterize the evolutionary history of MRSA from 2000 to 2016 in a Chilean tertiary healthcare center using phylogenomic analyses. We sequenced 469 MRSA isolates collected between 2000-2016 in a tertiary healthcare center in Chile. We evaluated the temporal trends of the circulating clones and performed a phylogenomic reconstruction to characterize the clonal dynamics. We found a significant increase in the diversity and richness of sequence types (STs; Spearman r=0.8748, p<0.0001) with a Shannon diversity index increasing from 0.221 in the year 2000 to 1.33 in 2016. The temporal trend analysis revealed that in the period 2000-2003 most of the isolates (94.2%; n=98) belonged to the ChC clone. However, since then, the frequency of the ChC clone has decreased over time, accounting for 52% of the collection in the 2013-2016 period. This decline was accompanied by the rise of two emerging MRSA lineages, ST105-SCC mec II and ST72-SCC mec VI. In conclusion, the ChC clone remains the most frequent MRSA lineage in Chile. However, this lineage is gradually being replaced by several emerging clones, the most important of which is clone ST105-SCC mec II. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study of MRSA clonal dynamics performed in South America. Importance: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health pathogen that disseminates through the emergence of successful dominant clones in specific geographic regions. Knowledge of the dissemination and molecular epidemiology of MRSA in Latin America is scarce and is largely based on small studies or classical typing techniques with several limitations to depict an accurate description of their genomic landscape. We used whole-genome sequencing to study 469 MRSA isolates collected between 2000-2016 in Chile to provide the largest and most detailed study of clonal dynamics of MRSA carried out in South America to date. We found a significant increase in the diversity of MRSA clones circulating over the 17-year study period. Additionally, we describe the emergence of two novel clones (ST105-SCCmecII and ST72-SCCmecVI), which have been gradually increasing their frequency over time. Our results drastically improve our understanding of the dissemination and update our knowledge about MRSA in Latin America.

The evaluation of in vitro antichagasic and anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of inclusion complexes of ß- and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin with naphthoquinone.

The compound 3a,10b-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphtho[2,3-d]furan-5,10-dione (IVS320) is a naphthoquinone with antifungal and antichagasic potential, which however has low aqueous solubility. To increase bioavailability, inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) were prepared by physical mixture (PM), kneading (KN) and rotary evaporation (RE), and their in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 and antichagasic potential was assessed. The formation of inclusion complexes led to a change in the physicochemical characteristics compared to IVS320 alone as well as a decrease in crystallinity degree that reached 74.44% for the IVS320-MßCD one prepared by RE. The IVS320 and IVS320-MßCD/RE system exhibited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, showing half maximal effective concentrations (EC50) of 0.47 and 1.22 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking simulation suggested IVS320 ability to interact with the SARS-CoV-2 viral protein. Finally, the highest antichagasic activity, expressed as percentage of Tripanosoma cruzi growth inhibition, was observed with IVS320-ßCD/KN (70%) and IVS320-MßCD/PM (72%), while IVS320 alone exhibited only approximately 48% inhibition at the highest concentration (100 µg/mL).

Citrus aurantium L. and synephrine improve brown adipose tissue function in adolescent mice programmed by early postnatal overfeeding.

Introduction and aims: Obesity is a multifactorial condition with high health risk, associated with important chronic disorders such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Citrus aurantium L. (C. aurantium) is a medicinal plant, and its active component, synephrine, a ß-3 adrenergic agonist, can be used for weight loss. We investigated the effects of C. aurantium and synephrine in obese adolescent mice programmed by early postnatal overfeeding. Methods: Three days after birth, male Swiss mice were divided into a small litter (SL) group (3 pups) and a normal litter (NL) group (9 pups). At 30 days old, SL and NL mice were treated with C. aurantium standardized to 6% synephrine, C. aurantium with 30% synephrine, isolated synephrine, or vehicle for 19 days. Results: The SL group had a higher body weight than the NL group. Heart rate and blood pressure were not elevated. The SL group had hyperleptinemia and central obesity that were normalized by C. aurantium and synephrine. In brown adipose tissue, the SL group showed a higher lipid droplet sectional area, less nuclei, a reduction in thermogenesis markers related to thermogenesis (UCP-1, PRDM16, PGC-1α and PPARg), and mitochondrial disfunction. C. aurantium and synephrine treatment normalized these parameters. Conclusion: Our data indicates that the treatment with C. aurantium and synephrine could be a promising alternative for the control of some obesity dysfunction, such as improvement of brown adipose tissue dysfunction and leptinemia.

Chitosans and Nanochitosans: Recent Advances in Skin Protection, Regeneration, and Repair.

Chitosan displays a dual function, acting as both an active ingredient and/or carrier for pharmaceutical bioactive molecules and metal ions. Its hydroxyl- and amino-reactive groups and acetylation degree can be used to adjust this biopolymer's physicochemical and pharmacological properties in different forms, including scaffolds, nanoparticles, fibers, sponges, films, and hydrogels, among others. In terms of pharmacological purposes, chitosan association with different polymers and the immobilization or entrapment of bioactive agents are effective strategies to achieve desired biological responses. Chitosan biocompatibility, water entrapment within nanofibrils, antioxidant character, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, whether enhanced by other active components or not, ensure skin moisturization, as well as protection against bacteria colonization and oxidative imbalance. Chitosan-based nanomaterials can maintain or reconstruct skin architecture through topical or systemic delivery of hydrophilic or hydrophobic pharmaceuticals at controlled rates to treat skin affections, such as acne, inflammatory manifestations, wounds, or even tumorigenesis, by coating chemotherapy drugs. Herein, chitosan obtention, physicochemical characteristics, chemical modifications, and interactions with bioactive agents are presented and discussed. Molecular mechanisms involved in chitosan skin protection and recovery are highlighted by overlapping the events orchestrated by the signaling molecules secreted by different cell types to reconstitute healthy skin tissue structures and components.

Rapid Population-Based Surveillance of Prenatal and Postpartum Experiences During Public Health Emergencies, Puerto Rico, 2016‒2018.

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System-Zika Postpartum Emergency Response study, implemented in Puerto Rico during the Zika virus outbreak (2016-2017) and after Hurricanes Irma and María (2017-2018), collected pregnancy-related data using postpartum hospital-based surveys and telephone follow-up surveys. Response rates of 75% or more were observed across five study surveys. The study informed programs, increased the Puerto Rico Department of Health's capacity to conduct maternal‒infant health surveillance, and demonstrated the effectiveness of this methodology for collecting data during public health emergencies. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(4):574-578. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306687).

A novel naphthoquinone derivative shows selective antifungal activity against Sporothrix yeasts and biofilms.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis that affects humans and animals, with few therapeutic options available in the pharmaceutical market. We screened the in vitro antifungal activity of fourteen 1,4-naphthoquinones derivative compounds against Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii, the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis in Latin America. The most active compound was selected for further studies exploring its antibiofilm activity, effects on yeast morphophysiology, interaction with itraconazole, and selectivity to fungal cells. Among the fourteen 1,4-naphthoquinones tested, naphthoquinone 5, a silver salt of lawsone, was the most active compound. Naphthoquinone 5 was able to inhibit Sporothrix biofilms and induced ROS accumulation, mitochondrial disturbances, and severe plasmatic membrane damage in fungal cells. Furthermore, naphthoquinone 5 was ten times more selective towards fungal cells than fibroblast, and the combination of itraconazole with naphthoquinone 5 improved the inhibitory activity of the azole. Combined, the data presented here indicate that the silver salt naphthoquinone 5 exerts promising in vitro activity against the two main agents of sporotrichosis with important antibiofilm activity and a good toxicity profile, suggesting it is a promising molecule for the development of a new family of antifungals.

Body mass index in offspring of mothers with diabetes mellitus: follow-up at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years of age.

Background: Offspring of mothers with diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy may be at high risk for developmental alterations. This study aimed to identify the effects of maternal pre- and gestational diabetes on the body mass index of infants and children at two, four, six, and eight years of age. Methods: We studied children of mothers with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes and a control group. Maternal and neonatal variables were analyzed for associations with children overweight/obesity. Results: Mothers with DM were older than controls (32 ± 6 vs. 22 ± 6 years, p < 0.001). The frequency of preeclampsia in mothers with DM was 28%. Gestational age and weight at birth were lower in infants from the groups of mothers with DM in comparison with controls (32.8 ± 3.1 vs. 36.4 ± 2.2 weeks, p < 0.001, and 1,637 ± 600 vs. 2,208 ± 518 g, p < 0.001, respectively). At 8 years of age, 47% of the offspring of mothers with DM type 2 had overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR 8.25) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-51, p = 0.01), while 27% of offspring of mothers with type 1 DM had overweight/obesity, and 10% of offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes presented overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Offspring of pre-gestational DM mothers have a higher risk to develop overweight/obesity, as was observed with follow-up until school age, for which they require continuous vigilance.

Introducción: Los hijos de madres con diabetes mellitus durante el embarazo pueden tener un alto riesgo de alteraciones del desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio fue buscar los efectos de la diabetes pregestacional y gestacional en el índice de masa corporal de niños a los 2, 4, 6 y 8 años de edad. Métodos: Se estudiaron los hijos de madres con diabetes tipo 1, 2 y gestacional, así como un grupo control. Se analizaron las variables maternas y neonatales en búsqueda de una asociación con sobrepeso u obesidad en los niños. Resultados: La edad de las madres con diabetes mellitus fue mayor que la del grupo control (32 ± 6 vs. 22 ± 6 años, p < 0.001). La frecuencia de preeclampsia en las madres con diabetes mellitus fue del 28%. La edad gestacional y el peso al nacer fueron menores en los hijos de las madres con diabetes en comparación con los controles (32.8 ± 3.1 vs 36.4 ± 2.2 semanas, p < 0.001, y 1,637 ± 600 vs. 2,208 ± 518 g, p < 0.001, respectivamente). A los 8 años, el 47% de los hijos de madres con diabetes tipo 2 tuvieron sobrepeso u obesidad (RM: 8.25; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1.3-51; p = 0.01), frente al 27% de los hijos de madres con diabetes tipo 1 y el 10% de los hijos de madres con diabetes gestacional. Conclusiones: Los hijos de madres con diabetes pregestacional presentan un mayor riesgo de desarrollar sobrepeso u obesidad, como se observó en el seguimiento hasta la edad escolar, por lo que requieren una vigilancia continua.

Relação da capacidade para caminhar longas distâncias e para subir e descer escadas com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de idosos com osteoartrite sintomática de joelhos / Relationship between the ability to walk long distances and to climb up and down stairs with the health-related quality of life of older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a relação entre capacidade física e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em idosos com osteoartrite sintomática de joelho (OAJ). Método Estudo observacional em 67 idosos (55 mulheres e 12 homens) com OAJ executaram: Timed Up and Go o (TUG); Teste de Levantar e Sentar da Cadeira em 30 segundos (TLS30); Teste de Subir e Descer Escada (TSDE); Teste de Caminhada Rápida de 40m (TCR40); Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6). A QVRS foi medida usando o Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Regressões lineares uni e multivariada foram utilizadas para explorar a relação entre as variáveis. Resultados Os pacientes eram predominantemente mulheres, com sobrepeso, inativas, não deprimidas, OAJ bilateral e dor intensa. Na QVRS, os domínios apresentaram baixo desempenho se comparados a indivíduos saudáveis. Foi observada uma associação entre o TLS30, TSDE, TCR40 e TC6 com dor e função física e uma associação do TSDE e TC6 com rigidez (R²=0,064 a 0,304, p<0,05). Na análise multivariada, IMC, sexo e comprometimento bilateral foram considerados como covariáveis independentes, resultando em associações significativas do TC6 e IMC com a dor (ß[TC6]=-0,022, IC95% -0,033 a -0,010); ß[IMC]=0,121, IC95% 0,005 a 0,237) e rigidez (ß[TC6]=-0,009, IC95% -0,016 a -0,001; ß[IMC]=0,076, IC95% 0,000 a 0,151) e do TSDE (ß=0,229, IC95% 0,121 a 0,336) e sexo (ß=10,724, IC95% 2.985 a 18.463) com função física. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem associação positiva entre o TSDE e função física e associações negativas entre capacidade física no TC6 na dor e de rigidez.

Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between physical capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Method A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 67 older people (55 women and 12 men) diagnosed with KOA completed the physical function tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG); 30-second Chair Stand Test (30CST); Stair Climb Test (SCT); 40m Fast-Paced Walk Test (40FPWT); and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). HRQoL was measured using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyzes were used to explore the relationship between the variables. Results Patients were predominantly female, overweight, inactive, non-depressed, with bilateral KOA and in severe pain. In HRQoL, the domains showed low performance compared to healthy individuals. An association was observed between 30CST, SCT, 40FPWT and 6MWT with pain and physical function and an association of 30CTS, 6MWT with stiffness (R² = 0.064 to 0.304, p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, BMI, sex and bilateral impairment were also considered as independent variables, resulting in significant associations of the 6MWT and BMI with pain (ß[6MWT]=0.121, 95%CI 0.005 to 0.237; ß[BMI]=0.022, 95CI and sex (ß=10.724, 95%CI 2.985 to 18.463) with physical function. Conclusion The results suggests positive association between TSDE and physical function and negative associations between physical capacity on 6MWT on pain and stifness.

Novel Solid Dispersions of Naphthoquinone Using Different Polymers for Improvement of Antichagasic Activity.

IVS320 (3a,10b-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphtho[2,3-d]furan-5,10-dione) is a naphthoquinone that has low solubility in aqueous medium, a physical behavior that limits its biological activities, considering that compounds from this class have several activities. In this work, solid dispersions (SDs) prepared between IVS320 and polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were developed using physical mixture (PM), kneading (KN), and rotary evaporation (RE) methods. Dispersions were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, in vitro antiparasitic activity in Trypanosoma cruzi Y strains was evaluated. Physical-chemical characterization demonstrated the formation of SDs through the interaction of IVS320 with polymeric matrices. SDs of IVS320-polymer presented a significant potentiation of antichagasic activity, with inhibitory growth around 62% (IVS320-HPMC/RE), 55% (IVS320-PEG/RE), and 85% (IVS320-PVP/RE), while pure IVS320 showed a value of 48% for the highest concentrations evaluated (50 µg/mL).

Carbapenemasas en Pseudomonas aeruginosa con susceptibilidad disminuida a los carbapenémicos después de una década, desde VIM a KPC / Carbapenemases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems after a decade: from VIM to KPC

Resumen Introducción: Pseudomonas aeruginosa es relevante en infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud, principalmente cuando presenta resistencia a carbapenémicos. Objetivos: Estudiar la producción de carbapenemasas en P. aeruginosa, con susceptibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos procesadas en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de la Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS entre 2014-2015, y compararlas con las cepas estudiadas en 2004-2005. Métodos: Entre enero de 2014 y junio de 2015, se aislaron 459 cepas de P. aeruginosa provenientes de muestras clínicas. La susceptibilidad fue determinada por dilución en agar y a las cepas con susceptibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos se les realizó test de carbaNP. Las cepas positivas fueron estudiadas por RPC para genes blaVIM, blaVIM-1, blaVIM-2, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC, blaOXA y blaIMI. Se realizó en cepas seleccionadas electroforesis de campo pulsado. Resultados: De las 459 cepas estudiadas, 300 presentaban susceptibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos (65,3%). De éstas, 183 fueron viables para estudio, correspondientes a 164 pacientes. El test de carbaNP fue positivo en 44 cepas de las 183 cepas (24%). Los genes de resistencia encontrados fueron: blaVIM-2 en 35 cepas, blaKPC-2+VIM-2 en 7 cepas y blaKPC-2 en 2 cepas. En las cepas blaKPC-2 se encontró relación clonal entre ellas. Conclusiones: Un 65,3% de P. aeruginosa presentó susceptibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos, observándose que la presencia de carbapenemasas no es el principal mecanismo de resistencia. Además, se describe la emergencia en Chile de cepas de P. aeruginosa con carbapenemasas del tipo KPC-2 sola o en combinación con VIM-2.

Abstract Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a relevant infectious agent affecting patients within health care setting; this situation is worsening with the appearance of strains resistance to carbapenems. Aims: To study carbapenemase production in P. aeruginosa with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems processed in the microbiology laboratory of the Health Network UC-CHRISTUS in 2014-2015 and compare them with the strains studied in 2004-2005. Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2015, 459 strains of P. aeruginosa from clinical samples were isolated. Susceptibility was determined by dilution in agar and strains with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems were tested for carbaNP. Positive strains were studied by PCR for blaVIM, blaVIM-1, blaVIM-2, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC, blaOXA and blaIMI genes. Pulsed field electrophoresis was performed on selected strains. Results: From 459 strains studied, 300 had reduced susceptibility to carbapenems (65.3%). Of these, 183 were viable for study, corresponding to 164 patients. The carbaNP test was positive in 44 strains of the 183 strains (24%). The resistance genes found were: blaVIM-2 in 35 strains, blaKPC-2+VIM-2 in 7 strains and blaKPC-2 in 2 strains. In the blaKPC-2 strains clonal relation between them was found. Conclusions: A 65.3% of P. aeruginosa presented decreased susceptibility to carbapenems being the presence of carbapenemases not the main resistance mechanism. In addition, the emergence in Chile of P. aeruginosa strains with bla of the KPC-2 type alone or in combination with VIM-2 is described.

[Carbapenemases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems after a decade: from VIM to KPC]. / Carbapenemasas en Pseudomonas aeruginosa con susceptibilidad disminuida a los carbapenémicos después de una década, desde VIM a KPC.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a relevant infectious agent affecting patients within health care setting; this situation is worsening with the appearance of strains resistance to carbapenems. AIMS: To study carbapenemase production in P. aeruginosa with decreased susceptibility to carbapenems processed in the microbiology laboratory of the Health Network UC-CHRISTUS in 2014-2015 and compare them with the strains studied in 2004-2005. METHODS: Between January 2014 and June 2015, 459 strains of P. aeruginosa from clinical samples were isolated. Susceptibility was determined by dilution in agar and strains with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems were tested for carbaNP. Positive strains were studied by PCR for blaVIM, blaVIM-1, blaVIM-2, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaKPC, blaOXA and blaIMI genes. Pulsed field electrophoresis was performed on selected strains. RESULTS: From 459 strains studied, 300 had reduced susceptibility to carbapenems (65.3%). Of these, 183 were viable for study, corresponding to 164 patients. The carbaNP test was positive in 44 strains of the 183 strains (24%). The resistance genes found were: blaVIM-2 in 35 strains, blaKPC-2+VIM-2 in 7 strains and blaKPC-2 in 2 strains. In the blaKPC-2 strains clonal relation between them was found. CONCLUSIONS: A 65.3% of P. aeruginosa presented decreased susceptibility to carbapenems being the presence of carbapenemases not the main resistance mechanism. In addition, the emergence in Chile of P. aeruginosa strains with bla of the KPC-2 type alone or in combination with VIM-2 is described.

Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España / Male sex workers: between safe sex and risk. Ethnography in a gay sauna in Barcelona, Spain

Resumen Esta etnografía se realizó en Barcelona, ciudad que ofrece diferentes recursos de ocio homosexual, como las saunas gay. El objetivo fue analizar desde los estudios sobre género y masculinidades, cómo se articula la sexualidad, la percepción sobre la infección por VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), y las medidas preventivas en trabajadores sexuales masculinos (TSM) usuarios de saunas gay. Se realizaron 10 entrevistas en profundidad y observación entre 2012 y 2016. Las prácticas de sexo seguro son más frecuentes con clientes, mientras que las de riesgo se realizan más con parejas no comerciales. La orientación sexual juega un rol relevante, los homosexuales asumen más prácticas de riesgo en el trabajo sexual que los heterosexuales. Consumo de drogas o la escasez de redes de apoyo se relacionaron con mayor vulnerabilidad social y conductas de riesgo. Contraer el VIH aún genera miedo, mientras que tener otras ITS se percibe como parte de la vida sexual de un hombre. El TSM afianza una masculinidad con múltiples parejas sexuales, breadwinner y por otra parte, cuestiona un modelo heteronormativo. Las intervenciones para la prevención del VIH e ITS en este colectivo, deberían considerar los determinantes sociales como las precarias alternativas laborales y el ofrecer mayor soporte social.

Abstract This ethnography was conducted in Barcelona, a city that provides different gay leisure resources, such as gay saunas. We aimed to analyze from studies on gender and masculinities, how sexuality, perception of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventive measures are articulated in gay sauna male sex workers (MSW). Ten in-depth interviews and observation were conducted between 2012 and 2016. Safe sex practices are more frequent with clients, while risk practices are carried out more with non-commercial partners. Sexual orientation plays an important role. Homosexuals assume riskier practices in sex work than heterosexuals. Drug use or lack of support networks were associated with higher social vulnerability and risk behaviors. Contracting HIV still creates fear, while having other STIs is perceived as part of a man's sexual life. The MSW affirms masculinity with concurrent sexual partners, breadwinner, and on the other hand, questions a heteronormative model. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and STIs in this group should consider social determinants such as inferior work alternatives and the provision of more significant social support.

Male sex workers: between safe sex and risk. Ethnography in a gay sauna in Barcelona, Spain. / Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España.

This ethnography was conducted in Barcelona, a city that provides different gay leisure resources, such as gay saunas. We aimed to analyze from studies on gender and masculinities, how sexuality, perception of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventive measures are articulated in gay sauna male sex workers (MSW). Ten in-depth interviews and observation were conducted between 2012 and 2016. Safe sex practices are more frequent with clients, while risk practices are carried out more with non-commercial partners. Sexual orientation plays an important role. Homosexuals assume riskier practices in sex work than heterosexuals. Drug use or lack of support networks were associated with higher social vulnerability and risk behaviors. Contracting HIV still creates fear, while having other STIs is perceived as part of a man's sexual life. The MSW affirms masculinity with concurrent sexual partners, breadwinner, and on the other hand, questions a heteronormative model. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and STIs in this group should consider social determinants such as inferior work alternatives and the provision of more significant social support.

Esta etnografía se realizó en Barcelona, ciudad que ofrece diferentes recursos de ocio homosexual, como las saunas gay. El objetivo fue analizar desde los estudios sobre género y masculinidades, cómo se articula la sexualidad, la percepción sobre la infección por VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), y las medidas preventivas en trabajadores sexuales masculinos (TSM) usuarios de saunas gay. Se realizaron 10 entrevistas en profundidad y observación entre 2012 y 2016. Las prácticas de sexo seguro son más frecuentes con clientes, mientras que las de riesgo se realizan más con parejas no comerciales. La orientación sexual juega un rol relevante, los homosexuales asumen más prácticas de riesgo en el trabajo sexual que los heterosexuales. Consumo de drogas o la escasez de redes de apoyo se relacionaron con mayor vulnerabilidad social y conductas de riesgo. Contraer el VIH aún genera miedo, mientras que tener otras ITS se percibe como parte de la vida sexual de un hombre. El TSM afianza una masculinidad con múltiples parejas sexuales, breadwinner y por otra parte, cuestiona un modelo heteronormativo. Las intervenciones para la prevención del VIH e ITS en este colectivo, deberían considerar los determinantes sociales como las precarias alternativas laborales y el ofrecer mayor soporte social.

Preventing Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy, Puerto Rico, USA, 20161.

We examined condom use throughout pregnancy during the Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico during 2016. Overall, <25% of women reported consistent condom use during pregnancy. However, healthcare provider counseling was associated with a 3-fold increase in consistent use, reinforcing the value of provider counseling in Zika prevention efforts.

Predictive polymorphisms for breast cancer in postmenopausal Mexican women.

CONTEXT: Several factors contribute to the increase in breast cancer (BC) incidence, such as lifetime exposure to estrogen, early menarche and older ages at first birth, menopause, and the increased prevalence of postmenopausal obesity. In fact, there is an association between an increased BC risk and elevated estrogen levels, which may be involved in carcinogenesis via the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) encoded by the ESR1 gene. Interestingly, there is an antagonistic relationship between ERα and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in BC cells. AIMS: Herein, we explore the combined effects of the ESR1 (XbaI, PvuII) and AhR polymorphisms on BC development in Mexican women according to their menopausal status. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Investigation was performed using a cases and controls design. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a group of 96 cases diagnosed with BC and 111 healthy women, the single-nucleotide polymorphisms ESR1 (XbaI, PvuII) and AhR gene were identified by qPCR. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used. Statistical analyses were conducted using the STATA statistical package (Version 10.1, STATA Corp., College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS: The G/G XbaI genotype was more prevalent in the cases than in the controls (P = 0.008). Moreover, Mexican women carrying the XbaI (wild type [WT]/G or G/G) ESR1 genotype have higher risk (12.26-fold) for developing postmenopausal BC than individuals carrying the WT/WT genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the G/G genotype of XbaI may be considered a susceptibility allele in Mexican women. Due to increased postmenopausal BC risk, the XbaI (WT/G or G/G) alleles may be used as a postmenopausal predictive factor for BC in Mexican women.

Effects of processing, particle size and moisturizing of sorghum-based feeds on pellet quality and broiler production.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of pelleted and expanded sorghum-based feeds prepared with different moisture levels and particle size of ingredients on metabolizable energy, ileal digestibility of amino acids and broiler performance. METHODS: The experiment was performed with 720 male broiler chicks of the Cobb strain, with treatments of six replications, with 15 birds each; they were arranged in a completely randomized design and 2×2×2 factorial scheme (pelleted or expanded feed processing, 0.8% or 1.6% moisture addition in the mixer, and particle size of 650 or 850 microns). RESULTS: Higher pellet quality (pellets, % and pellet durability index [PDI]) was obtained in expanded diets and inclusion of 1.6% moisture. The particle size of 850 microns increased the PDI of final diet. All studied treatments had no significant effect on weight gain and broiler carcass and cut yields. Lower feed conversion occurred for birds fed pelleted feed at 42 d. The highest apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of feed in the initial rearing phase (10 to 13 days) were observed in birds fed pelleted feed or for feed prepared with 1.6% moisture. The highest ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids were obtained with the consumption of pelleted feed prepared with a particle size of 650 microns and 1.6% moisture. CONCLUSION: Pelleted feed prepared with a milling particle size of 650 microns and 1.6% moisture provided increased ileal digestibility of amino acids and AMEn in the starter period. However, the expanded feed improved pellet quality and feed conversion of broilers at 42 days of age. We conclude that factors such as moisture, particle size and processing affect the pellet quality, and therefore should be considered when attempting to optimize broiler performance.

Avaliação do tratamento da classe II com o distalizador First Class em ancoragem convencional e esquelética / Evaluation of class II treatment with First Class distalizer in conventional and skeletal anchorage

O objetivo deste estudo longitudinal foi avaliar as alterações dentoesqueléticas e tegumentares de jovens com má-oclusão de classe II, tratados com distalizador First Class em dois tipos diferentes de ancoragem. Foram selecionados 30 pacientes e divididos em dois grupos de 15: G1 (recebeu o distalizador com ancoragem convencional no botão de Nance); e G2 (recebeu o distalizador com ancoragem esquelética apoiado em dois mini-implantes no palato). As telerradiografias foram obtidas antes e após a distalização dos molares para a realização das análises cefalométricas. O tempo médio de tratamento foi de 4,51 e 6,28 meses para G1 e G2, respectivamente. Ambos os grupos apresentaram alterações dentárias significantes com distalização (G1=2,39 mm; G2=2,21 mm), angulação distal (G1=10,51°; G2=4,49°) e intrusão (G1=0,53 mm; G2=0,10 mm) dos primeiros molares superiores. A perda de ancoragem foi semelhante entre os dois grupos, com significante mesialização (G1=2,78 mm; G2=3,11 mm) e angulação mesial (G1=4,95°; G2=4,69°) dos segundos pré-molares, protrusão (G1=1,55 mm; G2=1,94 mm) e vestibularização (G1=5,78°; G2=3,13°) significantes dos incisivos superiores e um aumento significante no trespasse horizontal (G1=1,07 mm; G2=0,81 mm). A mecânica de distalização não interferiu nos componentes esqueléticos e tegumentares dos pacientes. Em ambos os grupos, o distalizador First Class promoveu correção da relação molar, porém, apresentou efeitos de perda de ancoragem verificada nos pré-molares e incisivos superiores, mesmo quando associado a mini-implantes. Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto às alterações dentárias lineares, porém, as angulares foram significantemente menores no grupo com ancoragem esquelética.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the dental, skeletal and soft tissue changes in youngsters with class II malocclusion treated with First Class distalizer in two different types of anchorage. Thirty patients were included and divided in two groups of 15. G1 that received distalizers with conventional anchorage (Nance button) and G2 that received distalizers with skeletal anchorage supported in two palatal mini-implants. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after molar distalization for cephalometric analysis. The mean treatment period was 4.51 and 6.28 months for G1 and G2, respectively. Both groups showed significant dental changes with distalization (G1=2.39 mm; G2=2.21 mm), distal tipping (G1=10.51°; G2=4.49°) and intrusion (G1=0.53 mm; G2=0.10 mm) of maxillary first molars. Anchorage loss showed similar results in both groups with significant mesialization (G1=2.78 mm; G2=3.11 mm) and mesial tipping (G1=4.95°; G2=4.69°) of maxillary second premolars, significant protrusion (G1=1.55 mm; G2=1.94 mm) and proclination (G1=5.78°; G2=3.13°) of maxillary incisors and significant increase in overjet (G1=1.07 mm; G2=0.81 mm). The distalization mechanics did not interfere in patient's skeletal and soft tissue measurements. In both groups, the First Class distalizer corrected the molar relationship, however it showed anchorage loss effects in maxillary premolars and incisors even when associated to mini-implants. There was no significant difference between groups on dental linear changes, however the dental angular changes were significantly lower in the skeletal anchorage group.

Strategies for Increasing the Solubility and Bioavailability of Anticancer Compounds: ß-Lapachone and Other Naphthoquinones.

Quinones are among the most studied natural and synthetic products in the literature because they have considerable biological potential. These compounds exhibit activity against many microorganisms and are able to eliminate tumor cells through several mechanisms of action. Some of these compounds have become drugs that are used clinically. However, they also have problems with respect to solubility, stability and toxicity. The alternative of using controlled-release systems has been applied to quinones, with good results in some cases, indicating that these formulations may be a strategy for improving the pharmacological profile of this class of compounds.