Genome sequences of 70 multidrug-resistant Gram-negative isolates in high-risk neonates in the Northeast of Mexico.

Infections by multidrug-resistant pathogens are steadily increasing worldwide. A considerable proportion of neonatal intensive care admissions have a bacterial infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria during their hospital stay. In this work, we report draft genome sequences of 70 selected isolates from high-risk neonates in the Northeast of Mexico.

Prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs consumption during teenage pregnancy: an observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Mexico; its prevalence oscillates around 20% of all pregnancies. Concurrently, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use have become more common in this age group. METHODS: To estimate the prevalence of substance exposure in a population of pregnant teenagers, we conducted a prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. The protocol was approved by the institutional review board. On informed consent, we asked 420 consecutive pregnant youngsters cared for at the outpatient obstetric service of a tertiary public regional women's and children's hospital in Nuevo León, in northeast Mexico, to answer a previously validated questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs use during pregnancy. RESULTS: Of the 420 participants, 317 (75.5%) consumed at least one substance during pregnancy. Alcohol, either alone or in combination, was consumed by 300 (71.7%) participants. Tobacco was used by 117 (27.8%) participants, almost always in combination with other substances, while marijuana and other illicit drugs were consumed by 92 (21.9%) participants. Approximately one-fourth of the participants, 102 (24.1%) reported no substance use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, the reported prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs consumption during pregnancy, explored with a validated instrument, is higher than that previously reported in our country. This fact offers a worrying picture of another set of factors adding to the burden of teenage pregnancy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El embarazo en la adolescencia ha adquirido gran importancia en la salud pública en México; su prevalencia oscila alrededor del 20% de los embarazos. Paralelamente, el consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilícitas en este periodo es cada vez más común en estas jóvenes. MÉTODOS: Para estimar la prevalencia de exposición a estas substancias en adolescentes embarazadas, se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo, observacional y transversal. El protocolo fue aprobado por los Comités de Ética e Investigación. Previo consentimiento informado, se solicito a 420 jóvenes embarazadas atendidas en la clínica prenatal del hospital materno-infantil más grande en Nuevo León, que respondieran un cuestionario previamente validado para estimar la prevalencia del consumo de substancias. RESULTADOS: De 420 participantes, 317 (75.5%) consumieron al menos una de estas sustancias durante el embarazo. El alcohol, solo o en combinación, fue consumido por 300 (71.5%). El tabaco fue usado por 117 (27.8%), casi siempre en combinación con otras sustancias, mientras que la mariguana y otras drogas ilícitas fueron consumidas por 92 (21.9%) participantes. Alrededor de una cuarta parte del grupo estudiado (24.1%) reportó no haber consumido ninguna de estas substancias en su embarazo. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilícitas durante el embarazo, explorada con un instrumento validado, es mayor de la reportada en estimaciones previas en nuestro país. Estos datos ofrecen un panorama preocupante de una serie de factores que se agregan a la carga del embarazo en la adolescencia.

Prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs consumption during teenage pregnancy: an observational, prospective, and cross-sectional study / Prevalencia del consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilícitas durante el embarazo en adolescentes: un estudio observacional, prospectivo y transversal

Abstract Background: Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue in Mexico; its prevalence oscillates around 20% of all pregnancies. Concurrently, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use have become more common in this age group. Methods: To estimate the prevalence of substance exposure in a population of pregnant teenagers, we conducted a prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. The protocol was approved by the institutional review board. On informed consent, we asked 420 consecutive pregnant youngsters cared for at the outpatient obstetric service of a tertiary public regional women´s and children´s hospital in Nuevo León, in northeast Mexico, to answer a previously validated questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs use during pregnancy. Results: Of the 420 participants, 317 (75.5%) consumed at least one substance during pregnancy. Alcohol, either alone or in combination, was consumed by 300 (71.7%) participants. Tobacco was used by 117 (27.8%) participants, almost always in combination with other substances, while marijuana and other illicit drugs were consumed by 92 (21.9%) participants. Approximately one-fourth of the participants, 102 (24.1%) reported no substance use during pregnancy. Conclusions: In this series, the reported prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs consumption during pregnancy, explored with a validated instrument, is higher than that previously reported in our country. This fact offers a worrying picture of another set of factors adding to the burden of teenage pregnancy.

Resumen Introducción: El embarazo en la adolescencia ha adquirido gran importancia en la salud pública en México; su prevalencia oscila alrededor del 20% de los embarazos. Paralelamente, el consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilícitas en este periodo es cada vez más común en estas jóvenes. Métodos: Para estimar la prevalencia de exposición a estas substancias en adolescentes embarazadas, se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo, observacional y transversal. El protocolo fue aprobado por los Comités de Ética e Investigación. Previo consentimiento informado, se solicito a 420 jóvenes embarazadas atendidas en la clínica prenatal del hospital materno-infantil más grande en Nuevo León, que respondieran un cuestionario previamente validado para estimar la prevalencia del consumo de substancias. Resultados: De 420 participantes, 317 (75.5%) consumieron al menos una de estas sustancias durante el embarazo. El alcohol, solo o en combinación, fue consumido por 300 (71.5%). El tabaco fue usado por 117 (27.8%), casi siempre en combinación con otras sustancias, mientras que la mariguana y otras drogas ilícitas fueron consumidas por 92 (21.9%) participantes. Alrededor de una cuarta parte del grupo estudiado (24.1%) reportó no haber consumido ninguna de estas substancias en su embarazo. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas ilícitas durante el embarazo, explorada con un instrumento validado, es mayor de la reportada en estimaciones previas en nuestro país. Estos datos ofrecen un panorama preocupante de una serie de factores que se agregan a la carga del embarazo en la adolescencia.

Cardiovascular Complications in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Cohort Study in Havana, Cuba.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: At least one in ten patients infected with COVID develop cardiovascular complications during hospitalization, increasing the number of deaths from this cause. However, the determinants of risk are not clearly elucidated. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between in-hospital cardiac complications and cardiovascular history and hospital evolution. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 373 patients with a positive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 admitted to an Intensive Care Unit between March and October 2021. RESULTS: Median age was 69 (IQR: 57-77), 29.2 % of patients presented cardiovascular complications: 21.2 % electrical, 5.9 % acute coronary syndrome and 1.9 % pulmonary thromboembolism. Age RR: 1.02 (95 % CI: 1.00-1.04; p = 0.020) and history of ischemic heart disease RR: 2.23 (95 % CI: 1.27-3.92; p = 0.005) were identified as independent predictors of in-hospital cardiac complications. CONCLUSIONS: Age and history of ischemic heart disease were identified as independent predictor variables of cardiovascular complications in patients admitted with severe COVID-19 involvement; being significantly associated with lower survival.

Wellens syndrome as an independent predictor of in-hospital cardiovascular complications.

INTRODUCTION: Wellens Syndrome was described for the first time in the eighties, as an equivalent pattern of a critical lesion of the anterior descending artery. Different risk factors have been associated with a worse prognosis during hospitalisation in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. However, it is unknown whether the presence of Wellens Syndrome alone contributes to an increase in in-hospital cardiovascular complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analytical prospective cohort study in 141 patients with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation who underwent coronary angiography between 2016 and 2020. RESULTS: Wellens syndrome was diagnosed in 64 patients with a mean age of 66.31 ± 12.54, of which 21 patients had a cardiac event during hospitalisation: hemodynamic complication 14 (21.9%), refractory or recurrent angina 4 (6.3%) and Acute myocardial infarction 3 (4.7%) confirming a relative risk (RR): 4.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92-12.45) p = 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Wellens Syndrome is independently associated with the appearance of cardiac complications during hospitalisation.Key pointsSW is now known to be a relatively frequent presentation of ACS, not addressed in depth in clinical practice guidelines for NSTEACS. This syndrome is generally caused by a severe ADA occlusion that, if not adequately treated, could evolve into a large infarction. According to the results of the different series published, the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in SW is similar to other forms of presentation of ischaemic heart disease.At present, the exact relationship between the main cardiovascular risk factors and SW is unknown; in addition to the possible associations of this syndrome with in-hospital cardiovascular complications and its value as a predictor of the occurrence of cardiac complications, elements that are included in the results of the present study.

4E Assessment of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Activated with Waste Heat of a Flash-Binary Geothermal Power Plant.

In this paper, the 4E assessment (Energetic, Exergetic, Exergoeconomic and Exergoenvironmental) of a low-temperature ORC activated by two different alternatives is presented. The first alternative (S1) contemplates the activation of the ORC through the recovery of waste heat from a flash-binary geothermal power plant. The second alternative (S2) contemplates the activation of the ORC using direct heat from a geothermal well. For both alternatives, the energetic and exergetic models were established. At the same time, the economic and environmental impact models were developed. Finally, based on the combination of the exergy concepts and the economic and ecological indicators, the exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental performances of the ORC were obtained. The results show higher economic, exergoeconomic and exergoenvironmental profitability for S1. Besides, for the alternative S1, the ORC cycle has an acceptable economic profitability for a net power of 358.4 kW at a temperature of 110 °C, while for S2, this profitability starts being attractive for a power 2.65 times greater than S1 and with a temperature higher than 135 °C. In conclusion, the above represents an area of opportunity and a considerable advantage for the implementation of the ORC in the recovery of waste heat from flash-binary geothermal power plants.

A cross-sectional study evidences regulations of leukocytes in the colostrum of mothers with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Breastmilk is a dynamic fluid whose initial function is to provide the most adapted nutrition to the neonate. Additional attributes have been recently ascribed to breastmilk, with the evidence of a specific microbiota and the presence of various components of the immune system, such as cytokines and leukocytes. The composition of breastmilk varies through time, according to the health status of mother and child, and altogether contributes to the future health of the infant. Obesity is a rising condition worldwide that creates a state of systemic, chronic inflammation including leukocytosis. Here, we asked whether colostrum, the milk produced within the first 48 h post-partum, would contain a distinct leukocyte composition depending on the body mass index (BMI) of the mother. METHODS: We collected peripheral blood and colostrum paired samples from obese (BMI > 30) and lean (BMI < 25) mothers within 48 h post-partum and applied a panel of 6 antibodies plus a viability marker to characterize 10 major leukocyte subpopulations using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The size, internal complexity, and surface expression of CD45 and CD16 of multiple leukocyte subpopulations were selectively regulated between blood and colostrum irrespective of the study groups, suggesting a generalized cell-specific phenotype alteration. In obesity, the colostrum B lymphocyte compartment was significantly reduced, and CD16+ blood monocytes had an increased CD16 expression compared to the lean group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first characterization of major leukocyte subsets in colostrum of mothers suffering from obesity and the first report of colostrum leukocyte subpopulations in Latin America. We evidence various significant alterations of most leukocyte populations between blood and colostrum and demonstrate a decreased colostrum B lymphocyte fraction in obesity. This pioneering study is a stepping stone to further investigate active immunity in human breastmilk.

Ajustando a RFR por Preditores de Discordância, "A RFR Ajustada": Uma Metodologia Alternativa para Melhorar a Capacidade Diagnóstica dos Índices Coronarianos / Adjusting RFR by Predictors of Disagreement, "The Adjusted RFR": An Alternative Methodology to Improve the Diagnostic Capacity of Coronary Indices

Resumo Fundamento Os limiares de corte para a "relação do ciclo completo de repouso" (RFR) oscilam em diferentes séries, sugerindo que as características da população podem influenciá-los. Da mesma forma, foram documentados preditores de discordância entre a RFR e a reserva de fluxo fracionado (FFR). O Estudo RECOPA, mostrou que a capacidade diagnóstica está reduzida na "zona cinzenta" da RFR, tornando necessária a realização de FFR para descartar ou confirmar isquemia. Objetivos Determinar os preditores de discordância, integrar as informações que eles fornecem em um índice clínico-fisiológico: a "RFR Ajustada", e comparar sua concordância com o FFR. Métodos Usando dados do Estudo RECOPA, os preditores de discordância em relação à FFR foram determinados na "zona cinzenta" da RFR (0,86 a 0,92) para construir um índice ("RFR Ajustada") que pesaria a RFR juntamente com os preditores de discordância e avaliar sua concordância com a FFR. Resultados Foram avaliadas 156 lesões em 141 pacientes. Os preditores de discordância foram: doença renal crônica, cardiopatia isquêmica prévia, lesões não envolvendo a artéria descendente anterior esquerda e síndrome coronariana aguda. Embora limitada, a "RFR Ajustada" melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em comparação com a RFR na "zona cinzenta" (AUC-RFR = 0,651 versus AUC-"RFR Ajustada" = 0,749), mostrando também uma melhora em todos os índices diagnósticos quando foram estabelecidos limiares de corte otimizados (sensibilidade: 59% a 68%; especificidade: 62% a 75%; acurácia diagnóstica: 60% a 71%; razão de verossimilhança positiva: 1,51 a 2,34; razão de verossimilhança negativa: 0,64 a 0,37). Conclusões Ajustar a RFR integrando as informações fornecidas pelos preditores de discordância para obter a "RFR Ajustada" melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em nossa população. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se os índices clínico-fisiológicos melhoram a capacidade diagnóstica da RFR ou de outros índices coronarianos.

Abstract Background Cutoff thresholds for the "resting full-cycle ratio" (RFR) oscillate in different series, suggesting that population characteristics may influence them. Likewise, predictors of discordance between the RFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have been documented. The RECOPA Study showed that diagnostic capacity is reduced in the RFR "grey zone", requiring the performance of FFR to rule out or confirm ischemia. Objectives To determine predictors of discordance, integrate the information they provide in a clinical-physiological index, the "Adjusted RFR", and compare its agreement with the FFR. Methods Using data from the RECOPA Study, predictors of discordance with respect to FFR were determined in the RFR "grey zone" (0.86 to 0.92) to construct an index ("Adjusted RFR") that would weigh RFR together with predictors of discordance and evaluate its agreement with FFR. Results A total of 156 lesions were evaluated in 141 patients. Predictors of discordance were: chronic kidney disease, previous ischemic heart disease, lesions not involving the anterior descending artery, and acute coronary syndrome. Though limited, the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity compared to the RFR in the "grey zone" (AUC-RFR = 0.651 versus AUC-"Adjusted RFR" = 0.749), also showing an improvement in all diagnostic indices when optimal cutoff thresholds were established (sensitivity: 59% to 68%; specificity: 62% to 75%; diagnostic accuracy: 60% to 71%; positive likelihood ratio: 1.51 to 2.34; negative likelihood ratio: 0.64 to 0.37). Conclusions Adjusting the RFR by integrating the information provided by predictors of discordance to obtain the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity in our population. Further studies are required to evaluate whether clinical-physiological indices improve the diagnostic capacity of RFR or other coronary indices.

Adjusting RFR by Predictors of Disagreement, "The Adjusted RFR": An Alternative Methodology to Improve the Diagnostic Capacity of Coronary Indices. / Ajustando a RFR por Preditores de Discordância, "A RFR Ajustada": Uma Metodologia Alternativa para Melhorar a Capacidade Diagnóstica dos Índices Coronarianos.

BACKGROUND: Cutoff thresholds for the "resting full-cycle ratio" (RFR) oscillate in different series, suggesting that population characteristics may influence them. Likewise, predictors of discordance between the RFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) have been documented. The RECOPA Study showed that diagnostic capacity is reduced in the RFR "grey zone", requiring the performance of FFR to rule out or confirm ischemia. OBJECTIVES: To determine predictors of discordance, integrate the information they provide in a clinical-physiological index, the "Adjusted RFR", and compare its agreement with the FFR. METHODS: Using data from the RECOPA Study, predictors of discordance with respect to FFR were determined in the RFR "grey zone" (0.86 to 0.92) to construct an index ("Adjusted RFR") that would weigh RFR together with predictors of discordance and evaluate its agreement with FFR. RESULTS: A total of 156 lesions were evaluated in 141 patients. Predictors of discordance were: chronic kidney disease, previous ischemic heart disease, lesions not involving the anterior descending artery, and acute coronary syndrome. Though limited, the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity compared to the RFR in the "grey zone" (AUC-RFR = 0.651 versus AUC-"Adjusted RFR" = 0.749), also showing an improvement in all diagnostic indices when optimal cutoff thresholds were established (sensitivity: 59% to 68%; specificity: 62% to 75%; diagnostic accuracy: 60% to 71%; positive likelihood ratio: 1.51 to 2.34; negative likelihood ratio: 0.64 to 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting the RFR by integrating the information provided by predictors of discordance to obtain the "Adjusted RFR" improved the diagnostic capacity in our population. Further studies are required to evaluate whether clinical-physiological indices improve the diagnostic capacity of RFR or other coronary indices.

FUNDAMENTO: Os limiares de corte para a "relação do ciclo completo de repouso" (RFR) oscilam em diferentes séries, sugerindo que as características da população podem influenciá-los. Da mesma forma, foram documentados preditores de discordância entre a RFR e a reserva de fluxo fracionado (FFR). O Estudo RECOPA, mostrou que a capacidade diagnóstica está reduzida na "zona cinzenta" da RFR, tornando necessária a realização de FFR para descartar ou confirmar isquemia. OBJETIVOS: Determinar os preditores de discordância, integrar as informações que eles fornecem em um índice clínico-fisiológico: a "RFR Ajustada", e comparar sua concordância com o FFR. MÉTODOS: Usando dados do Estudo RECOPA, os preditores de discordância em relação à FFR foram determinados na "zona cinzenta" da RFR (0,86 a 0,92) para construir um índice ("RFR Ajustada") que pesaria a RFR juntamente com os preditores de discordância e avaliar sua concordância com a FFR. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 156 lesões em 141 pacientes. Os preditores de discordância foram: doença renal crônica, cardiopatia isquêmica prévia, lesões não envolvendo a artéria descendente anterior esquerda e síndrome coronariana aguda. Embora limitada, a "RFR Ajustada" melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em comparação com a RFR na "zona cinzenta" (AUC-RFR = 0,651 versus AUC-"RFR Ajustada" = 0,749), mostrando também uma melhora em todos os índices diagnósticos quando foram estabelecidos limiares de corte otimizados (sensibilidade: 59% a 68%; especificidade: 62% a 75%; acurácia diagnóstica: 60% a 71%; razão de verossimilhança positiva: 1,51 a 2,34; razão de verossimilhança negativa: 0,64 a 0,37). CONCLUSÕES: Ajustar a RFR integrando as informações fornecidas pelos preditores de discordância para obter a "RFR Ajustada" melhorou a capacidade diagnóstica em nossa população. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar se os índices clínico-fisiológicos melhoram a capacidade diagnóstica da RFR ou de outros índices coronarianos.

Dual-Band CPW Graphene Antenna for Smart Cities and IoT Applications.

In this paper, a dual-band graphene coplanar waveguide antenna is designed for smart cities and internet of things applications. A graphene film is chosen as the conductive material for the radiation patches and ground plane with a thickness of 240 µm and an electric conductivity of 3.5 × 105 S/m. The dielectric is glass with a dielectric permittivity of 6 and a thickness of 2 mm. The implementation of the antenna on glass permits the integration of the antenna in smart cities and IoT applications. This antenna is based on two trapezoidal patches that generate the dual-band behavior. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 30 mm × 30 mm × 2 mm. The reflection coefficient, gain, and radiation patterns were measured and compared with the simulations. The antenna covers two frequency bands; the lower band covers the 2.45 GHz ISM band, and the upper band range covers from 4 to 7 GHz.

Vías de ventilación y retracción epitimpánica en otitis media crónica no colesteatomatosa

Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos endoscópicos de las vías de ventilación encontrados durante la timpanoplastías tipo I en pacientes con OMC (Otitis media crónica) no colesteatomatosa. Materiales y métodos: Investigación transversal descriptiva, evaluamos 32 pacientes con OMC no colesteatomatosa con y sin retracción epitimpánica (RE) (Grado I-III, según clasificación de Mirko Tos), con antecedente de timpanoplastía tipo I (junio, 2018 - enero, 2020) en el servicio de otorrinolaringología del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza. Se excluyeron pacientes con cirugías previas de oído medio, con OMC colesteatomatosa, con RE grado IV y actos quirúrgicos no almacenados digitalmente. Resultados: El 71,8% de pacientes presentaron RE (Grado I 3,0%, grado II 30,0% y grado III 56,5%), todos presentaron istmo timpánico (IT) bloqueado. El 68,8% de participantes con RE, presentaron tensor fold (TF) completo. Se observó una relación significativa entre TF completo e IT bloqueado con RE (p=0,026 y 0,003 respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos más frecuentes fueron el TF completo e IT bloqueado, estos tuvieron asociación significativa con la presencia de RE en pacientes con OMC no colesteatomatosa.

Objective: To describe the endoscopic findings of the ventilation pathways found during type I tympanoplasty in patients with non-cholesteatomatous COM (chronic otitis media). Materials and methods : Cross-sectional descriptive study, we evaluated 32 patients with non-cholesteatomatous COM with and without epitympanic retraction (ER) (Grade I-III, according to Mirko Tos classification), with a history of type I tympanoplasty (June, 2018 - January, 2020) in the otorhinolaryngology service of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital. Patients with previous middle ear surgeries, with cholesteatomatous COM, with ER grade IV and surgical acts not digitally stored were excluded. Results: 71.8% of patients presented ER (Grade I 3.0%, grade II 30.0% and grade III 56.5%), all presented blocked tympanic isthmus (TI). 68.8% of participants with ER presented complete tensor fold (TF). A significant relationship was observed between complete TF and blocked IT with ER (p=0.026 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: The most frequent findings were complete TF and blocked IT, these had a significant association with the presence of ER in patients with non-cholesteatomatous COM.

Effects of Early Weaning Associated with Alimentary Stress on Emotional and Feeding Behavior of Female Adult Wistar Rats.

Maternal lactation proves crucial for mammals' nutrition during their early development, influencing the development of adult physiological mechanisms. Its premature termination has been associated with several disorders, but these have been primarily documented in males, when they are most prevalent in women. Therefore, we subjected adult female Wistar rats to Early Weaning through maternal separation at age 15 days to acute alimentary stress in the form of visual and olfactory exposition to a cafeteria diet sans consumption for 22 days. We measured standard diet intake and water intake daily and cafeteria diet intake every 7 days. Additionally, we evaluated anxiety using the elevated plus maze and measured body weight in similar intervals. Results showed less consumption of the cafeteria diet among Early Weaning rats on day 2 and more time spent in the maze's central area by the Early Weaning rats during the basal evaluation and in the maze's open arms by control rats on day 7 when compared to the same group's basal time. No other significant differences were found. These results show the importance of determining the impact that female steroidal gonadal hormones such as estradiol have upon feeding behavior and anxiety and determining to what degree these parameters are influenced by hormonal action.

High Iodine Urinary Concentration Is Associated with High TSH Levels but Not with Nutrition Status in Schoolchildren of Northeastern Mexico.

According to the Iodine Global Network, Mexico is considered a country with adequate national iodine intake (297 mg/L), but some regions have not been studied. We aimed to evaluate urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and its association with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and the nutritional status in 307 children (aged 5 to 11 years) from three elementary schools of Monterrey, northern Mexico. UIC in spot urine samples and capillary TSH levels were measured to assess thyroid function, in addition to weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). We found a median UIC of 442 mg/L and a significant association between UIC and TSH levels by logistic regression when data were adjusted for (1) age and sex; (2) age, sex, and WC; and (3) age, sex, and weight status. UIC values were higher in 7-year-old children compared to 11-year-old children. High prevalences of overweight/obesity (41%) and WC >90 pctl (22%) were observed. This study identified higher UIC levels in children than those previously reported in the country. The UIC showed a positive and significant correlation between TSH levels in the three models evaluated. More studies are needed to assess the causes and possible outcomes of high UIC levels.

Phylogeography and population differentiation in Hepatozoon canis (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) reveal expansion and gene flow in world populations.

BACKGROUND: Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan transmitted to dogs and other wild carnivores by the ingestion of ticks containing mature oocysts and is considered the principal cause of canine hepatozoonosis in the world. Here, we examined ribosomal RNA 18S gene sequence variation to determine the genetic differences and phylogeographic diversity of H. canis from various geographical areas around the world. METHODS: We used 550 publicly available sequences of H. canis from 46 countries to assess haplotype relationships, geographical structure, genetic diversity indices, and relationships among populations. We performed neutrality tests and pairwise comparisons of fixation index (FST) values between groups and pairwise comparisons of FST values between populations. To determine whether populations are structured, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) were performed. RESULTS: The dataset of H. canis yielded 76 haplotypes. Differentiation among populations indicated that there is no phylogeographical structure (GST = 0.302 ± 0.0475). Moreover, when samples were grouped by continents a significant FST was obtained, meaning that populations were genetically differentiated. The AMOVA showed that 57.4% of the genetic variation was explained by differences within populations when all locations were treated as a single group and revealed that there is no population structure when populations are grouped into two, three, and four groups (FCT, p > 0.05), suggesting that dispersal between populations is high. SAMOVA revealed significant FCT values for groups K = 5. The Tajima's D and Fu's Fs show that populations have undergone recent expansion, and the mismatch distribution analysis showed population expansion (multimodal distribution). CONCLUSIONS: The current molecular data confirmed that H. canis does not show phylogeographic or population structure. The haplotypes exhibit low genetic differentiation, suggesting a recent expansion due to gene flow among populations. These results provide pivotal information required for future detailed population genetic analysis or to establish control strategies of this parasite.

Sistema para el manejo de datos de Ensayos Clínicos XAVIA SIDEC / Clinical Trials Data Management System XAVIA SIDEC

El ensayo clínico constituye el método empleado para evaluar un producto, sustancia, medicamento, técnica diagnóstica o terapéutica. La industria biotecnológica emplea sistemas de gestión de ensayos clínicos para lograr un manejo eficiente de los datos recopilados durante el proceso. El Centro de Inmunología Molecular (CIM) emplea el Sistema de Gestión de Ensayos Clínicos XAVIA Clínicas desarrollado por la UCI, para soportar el 100 por ciento de los ensayos clínicos desde el 2012. XAVIA Clínicas posee limitantes en sus funcionalidades; además, a partir de la experiencia obtenida por su uso, se identificaron mejoras y nuevas funcionalidades que constituyen el incentivo para desarrollar un nuevo sistema. El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar el Sistema para el manejo de datos de Ensayos Clínicos XAVIA SIDEC y su generalización en las instituciones de BioCubaFarma. Se estudió la bibliografía referente al manejo de datos de ensayos clínicos y cuadernos de recogida de datos electrónicos y se analizaron sistemas homólogos disponibles en el mercado internacional. La metodología de desarrollo empleada fue AUP-UCI. Se utilizó Eclipse como entorno integrado de desarrollo, Java como lenguaje de programación, JBoss como servidor de aplicaciones y PostgreSQL como sistema de gestión de bases de datos. El Sistema para el manejo de datos de Ensayos Clínicos XAVIA SIDEC facilita y flexibiliza el diseño y aprobación de los Cuadernos de recogida de información (CRD), estandariza la información manejada, valida los datos recopilados a través de reglas, mejora el flujo de información entre las entidades que conducen el ensayo y optimiza el proceso de monitoreo(AU)

Clinical trial is the method used to evaluate a product, substance, medicine, diagnostic or therapeutic technique. The biotechnology industry employs clinical trial management systems to achieve efficient management of data collected during clinical trials. CIM (Centro de Inmunología Molecular) uses the Clinical Trials Management System XAVIA Clínicas developed by UCI, to support 100 percent of clinical trials since 2012. This system has limitations in its functionalities; furthermore, based on the experience obtained, improvements and new functionalities were identified, so it was decided to develop a new version of the system. The objective of this article is to present the Clinical Trials Data Management System XAVIA SIDEC and its generalization in BioCubaFarma institutions. The bibliography referring to the clinical trial data management and electronic data collection notebooks was studied and homologous systems available in the international market were analyzed. The development methodology used was AUP-UCI. Eclipse was used as an integrated development environment, Java as a programming language, JBoss as an application server and PostgreSQL as a database management system. The Clinical Trials Data Management System XAVIA SIDEC facilitates and makes the Case Report Forms (CRF) design and approval more flexible, standardizes the information handled, validates the data collected through rules, improves the flow of information between the entities conducting the trial and optimizes the monitoring process(AU)

Psychometry and estimation of cutoff points of Jefferson Scale of empathy in dental students.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the 3-dimensional latent model of empathy on the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy instrument (version S), and to verify the existence of cutoff points capable of differentiating empathy measures classified as: "high," "medium," and "low" using data collected from observations of students from 11 dental faculties of 5 Central American and Caribbean countries (n = 3082) between 2015 and 2019. METHODS: This is an exploratory, "a posteriori," and non-experimental study. Factor structure and factor invariance by country and gender were analyzed. Hierarchical cluster analysis and bifactorial analysis were applied, and the data were normalized by cluster and by percentiles within them. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original model was replicable and fit the data, while multigroup analysis allowed assuming an invariant factor structure by country and by gender. There is reliability in the measurement made by the scale and its dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument has adequate psychometric properties, and cutoff values obtained allow people with lower or higher levels of empathy and its components to be classified. Therefore, these results solve the problem of comparing the scores and observed levels of empathy between dental schools within and between countries and between genders. Such comparisons were only possible since the original data of each study were made available for traditional statistical methods.

Prenatal indole-3-carbinol administration activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor-responsive genes and attenuates lung injury in a bronchopulmonary dysplasia model.

Hyperoxia-hypoxia exposure is a proposed cause of alveolar developmental arrest in bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants, where mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress vulnerability are increased. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is one of the main activators of the antioxidant enzyme system that protects tissues and systems from damage. The present study aimed to determine if the activation of the AhR signaling pathway by prenatal administration of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) protects rat pups from hyperoxia-hypoxia-induced lung injury. To assess the activation of protein-encoding genes related to the AhR signaling pathway (Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Ugt1a6, Nqo1, and Gsta1), pup lungs were excised at 0, 24, and 72 h after birth, and mRNA expression levels were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays (RT-qPCR). An adapted Ratner's method was used in rats to evaluate radial alveolar counts (RACs) and the degree of fibrosis. The results reveal that the relative expression of AhR-related genes in rat pups of prenatally I3C-treated dams was significantly different from that of untreated dams. The RAC was significantly lower in the hyperoxia-hypoxia group (4.0 ± 1.0) than that in the unexposed control group (8.0 ± 2.0; P < 0.01). When rat pups of prenatally I3C-treated dams were exposed to hyperoxia-hypoxia, an RAC recovery was observed, and the fibrosis index was similar to that of the unexposed control group. A cytokine antibody array revealed an increase in the NF-κB signaling cascade in I3C-treated pups, suggesting that the pathway could regulate the inflammatory process under the stimulus of this compound. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that I3C prenatal treatment activates AhR-responsive genes in pup's lungs and hence attenuates lung damage caused by hyperoxia-hypoxia exposure in newborns.

Prevalencia de la Giardia duodenalis en el centro de bienestar animal "CEIBA", Rionegro, Colombia (2017) / Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in the "CEIBA" animal welfare center, Rionegro, Colombia (2017) / Prevalência de Giardia duodenalis no centro de apicultura animal de "CEIBA", Rionegro, Colômbia (2017)

Resumen Determinar la prevalencia de parasitismo de Giardia duodenalis, en el centro de bienestar "CEIBA", del municipio de Rionegro, Colombia durante junio 2017. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, no experimental, aleatorio, fueron evaluados 112 coprológicos de caninos del centro de bienestar "CEIBA", de ambos sexos, todas las edades y alimentación comercial. Fueron sometidos a evaluación coprológica, por extracción directa de ampolla rectal y evaluada en el Laboratorio Clínico de la Corporación Universitaria Lasallista "Hermano Marco Antonio Serna f.s.c", fueron realizados dos métodos diagnósticos, flotación con solución salina saturada (Willys Molloy) y frotis directo. La presencia de Giardia duodenalis fue categorizado en escala de cruces de 0-3. Se encontraron 60 (55%) muestras con presencia de parásitos, de los cuales 10 (8,92%) estaban infestados por Giardia duodenalis, representando 16,66% de la parasitosis total, para una cruz 2 (20%), con dos cruces 5 (50%) y con tres 3 (30%). La prevalencia de Giardia duodenalis en el centro de bienestar CEIBA, es baja con respecto a datos de prevalencia en otros albergues o centros caninos, lo cual puede estar influenciado por las medidas de prevención y control de la enfermedad.

Abstract To determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis parasitism at the CEIBA wellness center in the municipality of Rionegro, Colombia, during June 2017. A descriptive cross-sectional, non-experimental, randomized study was carried out. 112 coprological evaluations of canines of the "CEIBA" wellness center of both sexes, all ages and commercial feeding were evaluated. They were submitted to a cochrological evaluation, by direct extraction of rectal ampulla and evaluated in the Clinical Laboratory of the University of Lasallian Hospital "Hno Marco Antonio Serna, fsc", two diagnostic methods were carried out, flotation with saturated saline solution (Willys Molloy) and direct smears. The presence of Giardia duodenalis was categorized as 0-3 crosses. A total of 60 (55%) samples were present, with 10 (8.92%) infested by Giardia duodenalis, accounting for 16.66% of the total parasite, for a cross 2 (20%), with two crosses 5 (50%) and three 3 (30%). The prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in the CEIBA well-being center is low with respect to prevalence data in other canines or hostels, which may be influenced by disease prevention and control measures.

Resumo Determinar a prevalência do parasitismo de Giardia duodenalis no centro de bem-estar CEIBA no município de Rionegro, Colômbia, em junho de 2017. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal, não experimental, randomizado. Foram avaliadas as avaliações coprológicas dos caninos do centro de bem estar "CEIBA" de ambos os sexos, todasas idades e alimentação comercial. Eles foram submetidos a avaliação cochrológica, por extração direta de ampola retal e avaliada no Laboratório Clínico do Hospital Universitário das Ilhas "Hno Marco Antonio Serna, fsc", foram realizados dois métodos de diagnóstico, flotação com solução salina saturada (Willys Molloy) e esfregaços diretos. A presença de Giardia duodenalis foi categorizada como 0-3 cruzamentos. Um total de 60 (55%) amostras estavam presentes, com 10 (8,92%) infestadas por Giardia duodenalis, representando 16,66% do parasita total, para uma cruz 2 (20%), com duas cruza 5 (50%) e três 3 (30%). A prevalência de Giardia duodenalis no centro de bem-estar da CEIBA é baixa em relação aos dados de prevalência em outros caninos ou albergues, o que pode ser influenciado por medidas de prevenção e controle de doenças.

Phosphorylation of Endothelin-Converting Enzyme-1c at Serines 18 and 20 by CK2 Promotes Aggressiveness Traits in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE1) activates the endothelin-1 peptide, which upregulates pathways that are related to diverse hallmarks of cancer. ECE1 is expressed as four isoforms differing in their N-terminal domains. Protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates the N-terminus of isoform ECE1c, enhancing its stability and promoting invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells. However, the specific residues in ECE1c that are phosphorylated by CK2 and how this phosphorylation promotes invasiveness was unknown. Here we demonstrate that Ser-18 and Ser-20 are the bona fide residues phosphorylated by CK2 in ECE1c. Thus, biphospho-mimetic ECE1cDD and biphospho-resistant ECE1cAA mutants were constructed and stably expressed in different colorectal cancer cells through lentiviral transduction. Biphospho-mimetic ECE1cDD displayed the highest stability in cells, even in the presence of the specific CK2 inhibitor silmitasertib. Concordantly, ECE1cDD-expressing cells showed enhanced hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and self-renewal capacities. Conversely, cells expressing the less-stable biphospho-resistant ECE1cAA showed a reduction in these features, but also displayed an important sensitization to 5-fluorouracil, an antineoplastic agent traditionally used as therapy in colorectal cancer patients. Altogether, these findings suggest that phosphorylation of ECE1c at Ser-18 and Ser-20 by CK2 promotes aggressiveness in colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, phospho-ECE1c may constitute a novel biomarker of poor prognosis and CK2 inhibition may be envisioned as a potential therapy for colorectal cancer patients.