Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Ratio Analysis by FT ICR MS for Natural Vanillin Authentication.

Vanillin is the main component of vanilla flavor and is naturally produced from an orchid. However, due to the high cost and time-intensive nature of cultivating natural vanilla pods, most of the vanillin is mainly artificially manufactured. Existing methodologies, such as isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and site-specific natural isotopic fractionation by nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF-NMR), are employed to differentiate natural vanillin from other sources based on carbon and hydrogen isotope measurements. Nevertheless, these methods have limitations, as the carbon isotopic ratio can be counterfeited by adding commercially available enriched vanillin. For this research, we purified 1 mg of vanillin from pods from various geographical and botanical sources. We developed a novel method for analyzing 13C/12C and 18O/16O isotopic ratios of vanillin using direct injection analysis coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). This innovative approach enables the examination of bulk vanillin carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios, as well as specific molecular fragments. By analyzing a characteristic vanillin fragment that provides site-specific 18O/16O isotopic ratio data, we achieved superior clustering and discrimination of samples based on their botanical source and geographical origin. Our proposed method holds significant potential for vanillin authentication and can be performed using a mere 20 µg of pure vanillin in just 10 min of analysis time. Subsequent research should focus on acquiring additional vanillin samples from diverse botanical, geographical, and biosynthetic origins while exploring various isotopic ratios to further enhance the reproducibility and reliability of this methodology.

Peritoneal Dialysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic Is an Effective Treatment in Developing Countries: A Report from Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: During the height of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, some renal replacement therapy (RRT) modalities were insufficient, forcing medical centers to diversify the RRT modalities offered. In this study, we reported the outcomes of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and acute PD in critically ill patients during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care medical center in Mexico. METHODS: This descriptive, longitudinal, observational, retrospective study included 47 adult patients with atypical pneumonia in a tertiary care medical center in Mexico during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic PD patients and PD incident patients due to acute kidney injury (AKI) were included. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were studied (29 chronic PD patients and 18 incident PD patients due to AKI); median age was 59 (48-68) years; 63.8% were men. The ultrafiltrate volume per day was 815 (596.1-1,193.2) mL. Overall mortality was 61.7%, 55.2% in chronic PD patients, and 72.2% in PD incident patients due to AKI. A higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, the need for mechanical ventilation at admission, and the requirement for vasopressors were predictors for mortality (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In low- and lower-middle-income countries, PD was a valid alternative for RRT during the COVID-19 pandemic. In AKI patients, PD can correct hyperkalemia, acidosis, uremia, and volume overload; however, there was higher mortality in PD incident patients due to AKI. The main risk factors for mortality were a high SOFA score at admission, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and the requirement for vasopressors.

Consensus document on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) established by the Mexican Association of Hepatology.

Acute-on chronic liver failure (ACLF) has been an intensively debated topic mainly due to the lack of a unified definition and diagnostic criteria. The growing number of publications describing the mechanisms of ACLF development, the progression of the disease, outcomes and treatment has contributed to a better understanding of the disease, however, it has also sparked the debate about this condition. As an attempt to provide medical professionals with a more uniform definition that could be applied to our population, the first Mexican consensus was performed by a panel of experts in the area of hepatology in Mexico. We used the most relevant and impactful publications along with the clinical and research experience of the consensus participants. The consensus was led by 4 coordinators who provided the most relevant bibliography by doing an exhaustive search on the topic. The entire bibliography was made available to the members of the consensus for consultation at any time during the process and six working groups were formed to develop the following sections: 1.- Generalities, definitions, and criteria, 2.- Pathophysiology of cirrhosis, 3.- Genetics in ACLF, 4.- Clinical manifestations, 5.- Liver transplantation in ACLF, 6.- Other treatments.

An eco-friendly cellulose support functionalized with tin titanate nanoparticles for the fast removal of clonazepam drug from the drinking water: adsorption mechanisms.

This research studied the performance of tin titanate (SnTiO3, SnT) and cellulose-based composites for the removal of clonazepam (CZP) drug by physical adsorption. The cellulose was extracted from a plant named tithonia tubaeformis, which is considered as weed in the crop fields of Mexico. The analysis by microscopy revealed that the SnTiO3 powders are formed by a mixture of coalesced grains and nanotubes with lengths in the range of 97-633 nm. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the SnT powders present a mixture of cassiterite and rutile phases. Experiments for the CZP removal from drinking water were carried out, and several parameters such as initial drug concentration (1-10 mg/L), amount of SnT adsorbent per liter of contaminated solution (10-50 mg/L), and pH (3-10) were varied in order to study their influence on the CZP removal percentage. Essentially, we found that the SnT dosage of 50 mg/L produced the most efficient and fastest CZP removal, since 94.3% of CZP was removed after only 10 min of reaction. Moreover, a piece of cellulose (Cell) was decorated with 50 mg of SnT powder to form the Cell+SnT composite, and this was able to remove a maximum of 80.5% of CZP after 180 min of reaction. If the amount of SnT powder deposited on the Cell+SnT composite is raised up to 100 mg, the composite can remove 95.5% of CZP. The adsorption capacity was also calculated for the SnT powders and Cell+SnT composite and found that it was 6.3 times higher for the SnT powders. Furthermore, the Raman spectra recorded for the Cell+SnT composites demonstrated the presence of surface defects, which acted as adsorption centers for the CZP molecules. The results of this investigation demonstrate that eco-friendly and low-cost floatable composites can be used for the removal of pharmaceutical contaminants, which is an advantage over adsorbent powders.

Diagnóstico y manejo en primer nivel de atención de preeclampsia posparto de inicio tardío. Reporte de caso / Diagnosis and management of late-onset postpartum preeclampsia at the first level of care. Case report

Introducción: La hipertensión postparto de inicio tardío se presenta desde las 48 horas hasta las 6 semanas postparto, afectando al 2% de los embarazos relacionados o no con antecedentes de hipertensión gestacional. La preeclampsia posparto tiene una incidencia del 5,7% a las 72 horas del parto y está asociada a varios factores maternos como la edad (≥ 35 años), etnia (negra) y obesidad (IMC ≥ 30), presentando mayor riesgo en embarazos múltiples, madres añosas (mayores de 35 años) hogares con bajos ingresos económicos. Los síntomas más frecuentes de esta patología son cefalea, disnea, trastornos visuales y edema periférico.Objetivo: Describir la experiencia en un centro de salud de atención primaria, el manejo de una paciente diagnosticada de preeclampsia posparto de inicio tardío, así como las caracte-rísticas clínicas y factores de riesgo.Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de una paciente indígena de 32 años con antece-dente de parto gemelar quien en su control del puerperio a las 72 horas presentó hipertensión arterial, cefalea frontal, edema periférico y proteinuria estableciéndose el diagnóstico de pree-clampsia posparto de inicio tardío. No fue posible la referencia a un segundo nivel de atención por las características culturales de la paciente por lo cual recibió manejo clínico y tratamiento en el primer nivel de atención presentando una evolución favorable sin complicaciones. Conclusiones y recomendaciones: La hipertensión posparto de inicio tardío es una patolo-gía poco frecuente en el puerperio, infradiagnosticada, con complicaciones cardiovasculares a corto y largo plazo, por lo cual su diagnóstico, diferenciación y manejo debe ser óptimo en base a las recomendaciones existentes.

Introduction: Late-onset postpartum hypertension occurs from 48 hours to 6 weeks pos-tpartum, affecting 2% of pregnancies related or not to a history of gestational hypertension. Postpartum preeclampsia has an incidence of 5.7% at 72 hours postpartum and is associa-ted with several maternal factors such as age (≥ 35 years), ethnicity (black) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30), presenting higher risk in multiple pregnancies, elderly mothers (older than 35 years) low-income households. The most frequent symptoms of this pathology are headache, dysp-nea, visual disturbances and peripheral edema.Objective: To describe the experience in a primary care health center, the management of a patient diagnosed with late-onset postpartum preeclampsia, as well as the clinical characte-ristics and risk factors.Case presentation: We present the case of a 32-year-old indigenous patient with a history of twin birth who in her puerperium control at 72 hours presented arterial hypertension, frontal headache, peripheral edema and proteinuria establishing the diagnosis of late-onset pos-tpartum preeclampsia, after which treatment was initiated at the first level of care, making referral difficult due to cultural characteristics. Conclusions and recomendations: Late-onset postpartum hypertension is an infrequent pathology in the puerperium, underdiagnosed, with short and long-term cardiovascular com-plications, so its diagnosis, differentiation and management should be optimal based on existing recommendations

Alteraciones del sueño en niños con trastorno del espectro autista y su afectación individual y familiar. Un estudio observacional de centro único en México / Sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum disorder and their individual and family affectation. A single-center observational study in Mexico

Introducción: Los trastornos del sueño en niños, tienen un impacto en el desarrollo, afecta el comportamiento, el estado de ánimo, las funciones cognitivas, disminuyendo la atención selectiva y la memoria. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar las alteraciones del sueño en niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA), su afectación individual y familiar en el Centro Regional de Autismo Delicias Chihuahua. Métodos: El presente estudio transversal, incluye niños con TEA en quienes se determinó alguna alteración del sueño y se buscó su relación con la afectación individual y familiar, además se evaluaron, edad, sexo, grado escolar, nivel funcional de TEA, afectaciones familiares. Se aplicó el cuestionario de cribado del sueño en niños con TEA, el cuestionario adaptado para niños con TEA -BRUNI y el cuestionario de satisfacción sobre las actividades de los padres, cuidadores primarios y familiares de primera línea. Se usa estadística descriptiva y en un segundo análisis se usa Razón de Momios de Prevalencia (RMP). Resultados: Se analizan 57 pacientes, 43 (75.4%) hombres, 28 (49.1%) en grado 1 de nivel funcional TEA, 16 (28.1%) tenían mal desempeño individual, 56 (98.2%) sus familiares referían mal desempeño, 43 (75.4%) tenían alteraciones del sueño. Los niños preescolares tienen 2.5 veces riesgo de tener afec-tación individual. Los pacientes en nivel funcional TEA grado 3 tienen 2.15 veces riesgo de tener afectación individual. Los que despiertan cansados tienen 5.93 veces riesgo de tener afectación individual. Conclusión: La afectación familiar del desempeño es mucho mayor a la afectación individual de los niños con TEA, lo cual genera alteraciones en la dinámica familiar.

Introduction: Sleep disorders in children impact development, affecting behavior, mood, and cognitive functions and decreasing selective attention and memory. This study aimed to determine sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their individual and family involvement at the Delicias Chihuahua Regional Autism Center. Methods: This cross-sectional study included children with ASD in whom some sleep disturbance was determined, and its relationship with individual and family affectation was sought; in addition, age, sex, school grade, functional level of ASD, and family affectations were evaluated. The sleep screening questionnaire for children with ASD, the adapted questionnaire for children with ASD -BRUNI, and the satisfaction questionnaire on the activities of parents, primary caregivers, and first-line family members were applied. Descriptive statistics were used, and the prevalence odds ratio (MPR) was used in a second analysis. Results: A total of 57 patients were analyzed; 43 (75.4%) were men, 28 (49.1%) were at the grade 1 ASD functional lev-el, 16 (28.1%) had poor individual performance, 56 (98.2%) their relatives reported poor performance, and 43 (75.4%) had sleep disturbances. Preschool children have a 2.5 times higher risk of having individual involvement. Patients in functional level ASD grade 3 have a 2.15 times higher risk of having individual involvement. Those who wake up tired have a 5.93 times higher risk of having individual involvement. Conclusion: The family affectation of performance is much greater than the personal affectation of children with ASD, which generates changes in family dynamics.

Novel sustainable composites made of car's waste and sodium titanate for the efficient photocatalytic removal of the bromophenol blue dye: study under solar and UV-Vis light.

In this research, W-doped sodium nanotube titanate (NaTNT) nanoparticles were used for the photocatalytic degradation of the bromophenol blue (BPB) dye. The NaTNT powder was mixed with car's tire powder (TP) to enhance its light absorption or was supported on recycled car's air filters (AFs) to facilitate its removal from the cleaned water after the degradation of the BPB. The SEM analysis indicated that the NaTNT nanoparticles and the TP had sizes in the range of 150-325 nm and 8-37 µm, respectively. Both powders were also studied by X-ray diffraction and found that the sodium titanate corresponds to the Na2Ti6O13 with monoclinic phase, while the TP is formed by rubber, silicon, ZnS, and ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of the NaTNT powder was evaluated for the degradation of BPB dye (20 ppm) and obtained a maximum degradation of 95 and 80% under UV-Vis and natural solar light, respectively, after 4 h of irradiation. For the NaTNT + TP composite mixture, the maximum degradation was 87 and 68% under UV-Vis and solar light, respectively. The NaTNT and NaTNT + TP powders were supported on the AFs to form the AF + NaTNT and AF + NaTNT + TP composites. Those ones produced maximum degradation of 86% and 74% (under UV-Vis light), respectively. Besides, several initial pHs were tested for the contaminated water and determined that the maximum degradation of BPB (93-95%) is reached for the pHs of 3 and 7. Reuse experiments (3 cycles) revealed that the diminution of the BPB degradation percentage was 23% and 20% for the NaTNT and NaTNT + TP powders, respectively. Overall, it was demonstrated that the wasted car's air filters can be used as a support for photocatalytic powders, and this combination of AF + powder degrades the BPB with high efficiency.

Clinical utility of liquid biopsy in breast cancer: A systematic review.

Advancements in genetic sequencing techniques along with the identification of specific mutations and structural changes in multiple cancer genes, make it possible to identify circulating tumor cells and cell free nucleic acids as blood-based biomarkers, serving as a liquid biopsy (LB) with great utility for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with neoplasms. This systematic review focuses on the clinical utility of LB in patients with breast cancer (BC). Articles published between 1990 and 2021 were included. Databases searched: Trip Database, WoS, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Clinical Keys. Variables studied: Publication year, country, number of cases, primary study design, LB detection methods, genes found, overall survival, disease-free survival, stage, response to treatment, clinical utility, BC molecular type, systemic treatment and methodological quality of primary studies. Of 2619 articles, 74 were retained representing 12 658 patients, mainly cohort studies (66.2%), the majority were from China (15%) and Japan (12.2%). All primary studies described clinical stage and type of systemic treatment used. Most used biomarker detection method: DNA (52.7%) and type of analysis: quantification of total cfDNA (35.1%). PIK3CA mutation was most frequent (62.9%). Evidence suggests clinically useful applications of BC. Though heterogeneous, publications suggest that LB will constitute part of the standard diagnostic-therapeutic process of BC.

Peritoneal Dialysis Is an Option for Acute Kidney Injury Management in Patients with COVID-19.

In December 2019, cases of acute respiratory illness of unknown origin were reported in Wuhan, China. The disease is caused by "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2". After identifying severe lung damage, injury to other organs, such as the kidney, has been identified. Peritoneal dialysis is a renal replacement therapy (RRT) and is at least as effective as other extracorporeal therapy options, with significant cost-effective advantages. However, this strategy is rarely used for the management of acute kidney injury in severe lung disease. In this review, we explore PD as an RRT strategy that may be a key instrument in countries and hospitals with limited access to all RRTs.

Changes in Ovarian and Uterine Morphology and Estrous Cycle in CD-1 Mice After Vanadium Inhalation.

Vanadium is a metal present in particulate matter and its reprotoxic effects have been demonstrated in males and pregnant females in animal models. However, the effects of this metal on the reproductive organs of nonpregnant females have not been sufficiently studied. In a vanadium inhalation model in nonpregnant female mice, we found anestrous and estrous cycle irregularity, as well as low serum concentrations of 17ß-estradiol and progesterone. A decrease in the diameter of secondary and preovulatory follicles, as well as a thickening of the myometrium and endometrial stroma, was observed in the vanadium-treated mice. There was no difference against the control group with respect to the presence of the estrogen receptor α in the uterus of the animals during the estrous stage. Our results indicate that when vanadium is administered by inhalation, effects are observed on the female reproductive organs and the production of female sex hormones.

Prevalencia, causas y tratamiento de la depresión Mayor / Prevalence, Causes, and Treatment of Major Depression

Resumen La depresión mayor representa un problema de salud pública debido a su alta prevalencia. La etiología de la depresión es compleja ya que en ella intervienen factores psicosociales, genéticos, y biológicos. Entre los factores psicosociales, se ha observado que los primeros episodios depresivos aparecen después de algún evento estresante, y el estrés que acompaña al primer episodio produce cambios a largo plazo en la fisiología cerebral que pueden producir variaciones a nivel estructural y en el funcionamiento de diferentes áreas cerebrales. Entre los factores genéticos que intervienen en el trastorno depresivo, se ha reportado que alrededor de 200 genes están relacionados con el trastorno depresivo mayor. Dentro de los factores biológicos, existen evidencias de alteraciones a nivel de neurotransmisores, citosinas y hormonas, cuyas acciones inducen modificaciones estructurales y funcionales en el sistema nervioso central, en el sistema inmunológico y en el sistema endocrino, que incrementan el riesgo de padecer la depresión mayor. A pesar de años de estudio, las bases biológicas del trastorno depresivo mayor y el mecanismo preciso de la eficacia antidepresiva siguen siendo poco claras. El objetivo de la presente revisión es resumir las principales conclusiones de la literatura clínica y experimental en relación con la etiología del trastorno depresivo mayor.

Abstract Major depression represents a public health problem due to its high prevalence. The etiology of major depression is complex because involves psychosocial, genetic, and biological factors. Among psychosocial factors, different studies report that the first depressive episode appear after some stressful event and produces long-term changes in brain physiology. These long-lasting changes produce variations at the structural level and in the functioning of different brain areas. Among the genetic factors involved in depressive illness, it has been reported that about 200 genes are related to major depressive disorder. Within the biological factors, there is an evidence of alterations in the level of neurotransmitters, cytosine's and hormones, whose actions induces structural and functional modifications in the central nervous system, the immune system and the endocrine system, which increases the risk of suffering major depression. Despite years of study, the biological basis of major depression and precise mechanisms of antidepressant efficacy remain unclear. The objective of the present review is to summarize the main conclusions of the clinical and experimental literature regarding to the etiology of major depressive disorder.

Intervención comunitaria para mejorar la calidad de vida del adulto mayor / Community intervention to improve the elderlyquality of life

Introducción: el incremento de la población longeva impone un reto al sistema de salud: identificar factores que contribuyan a incrementar la calidad de vida de este grupo etario. Objetivos: mostrar los resultados de una estrategia de intervención para mejorar los niveles de calidad de vida, en adultos mayores. Métodos: investigación con diseño prospectivo longitudinal y métodos cualitativos y de investigación acción en una muestra de 20 adultos mayores de un universo de 36 que asistieron al Taller de Transformación Integral, en Alamar, Municipio Habana del Este, de septiembre 2009 a enero del 2010. Resultados: se elevaron los niveles de calidad de vida en la mayoría de los adultos mayores estudiados, así como cambios importantes y favorables en la autoestima y en los estilos de vida con riesgo para la salud. Conclusiones: se mostró la eficacia del programa de intervención y su factibilidad(AU)

Introduction: The growing of aging population poses a challenge to the health system: identifying factors that contribute to increasing the quality of life for this age group. Objectives: Show the results of an intervention strategy for improving levels of quality of life in older adults. Methods: A prospective longitudinal research was conducted in a sample of 20 elderly in a universe of 36 who attended the Comprehensive Workshop on Transformationin Alamar, Habana del Este Municipality from September 2009 to January 2010. Results: The levels of quality of life are elevated in most elderly studied, as well as important and positive self-esteem and lifestyle with health risk changes. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the intervention program and its feasibility was shown(AU)

Intervención comunitaria para mejorar la calidad de vida del adulto mayor / Community intervention to improve the elderlyquality of life

Introducción: el incremento de la población longeva impone un reto al sistema de salud: identificar factores que contribuyan a incrementar la calidad de vida de este grupo etario.Objetivos: mostrar los resultados de una estrategia de intervención para mejorar los niveles de calidad de vida, en adultos mayores.Métodos: investigación con diseño prospectivo longitudinal y métodos cualitativos y de investigación acción en una muestra de 20 adultos mayores de un universo de 36 que asistieron al Taller de Transformación Integral, en Alamar, Municipio Habana del Este, de septiembre 2009 a enero del 2010.Resultados: se elevaron los niveles de calidad de vida en la mayoría de los adultos mayores estudiados, así como cambios importantes y favorables en la autoestima y en los estilos de vida con riesgo para la salud.Conclusiones: se mostró la eficacia del programa de intervención y su factibilidad(AU)