Candida Variety in the Oral Cavity of Mexican Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and TLR2 Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to diagnose Candida in the oral cavity of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a genotyping technique and compare the results with those from conventional diagnosis by Papanicolaou (Pap) staining. METHODS: Palatal mucosa smears were performed on 18 dental care patients diagnosed with T2DM and grade I, II, and III prosthetic stomatitis who met the inclusion criteria; 18 healthy control subjects were also included in the study. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were determined from total blood. Using exfoliative cytology, the Pap staining technique was used to diagnose candidiasis. Exfoliative cytology was also used for molecular diagnosis; DNA was obtained for Candida genotyping, and RNA was used for gene expression studies. RESULTS: Clinical patterns indicated that all subjects were positive for Candida; however, Pap analysis revealed only three positive subjects, whereas end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed 15 subjects with some type of Candida. The most common Candida species found were Candida guilliermondii (38.8%), Candida krusei (33.3%), Candida tropicalis, and Candida lusitaniae (22.2%). Interestingly, the coexpression of different species of Candida was found in various patients. In all patients, HbA1c levels were increased. Gene expression analysis showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in TLR2 expression in positive subjects, whereas TLR4 expression did not differ significantly among patients. CONCLUSIONS: The end-point PCR technique showed better sensitivity for the diagnosis of Candida when compared with the diagnosis by Pap staining. T2DM subjects showed an increased presence of C. guilliermondii that was correlated with decreased TLR2 expression.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antiamoebic Activity of Kaempferol against Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica and in the Interactions of Amoebae with Hamster Neutrophils.

Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is a parasite in humans that provokes amoebiasis. The most employed drug is metronidazole (MTZ); however, some studies have reported that this drug induces genotoxic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new compounds without toxicity that can eliminate E. histolytica. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that have demonstrated inhibition of growth and dysregulation of amoebic proteins. Despite the knowledge acquired to date, action mechanisms are not completely understood. The present work evaluates the effect of kaempferol against E. histolytica trophozoites and in the interactions with neutrophils from hamster, which is a susceptibility model. Our study demonstrated a significant reduction in the amoebic viability of trophozoites incubated with kaempferol at 150 µM for 90 min. The gene expression analysis showed a significant downregulation of Pr (peroxiredoxin), Rr (rubrerythrin), and TrxR (thioredoxin reductase). In interactions with amoebae and neutrophils for short times, we observed a reduction in ROS (reactive oxygen species), NO (nitric oxide), and MPO (myeloperoxidase) neutrophil activities. In conclusion, we confirmed that kaempferol is an effective drug against E. histolytica through the decrease in E. histolytica antioxidant enzyme expression and a regulator of several neutrophil mechanisms, such as MPO activity and the regulation of ROS and NO.

Recognition of the interaction between the bioactive peptide Val-Pro-Pro and the minimal promoter region of genes SOD and CAT using QCM-D and docking studies.

Bioactive peptides are biomolecules involved in very diverse mechanisms in vivo. It has been reported that bioactive peptides play a very important role in the regulation of physiological functions such as oxidative stress, hypertension, cancer and inflammation. It's been reported that the milk derived peptide (VPP) prevents the progress of hypertension in different animal models and human beings with mild hypertension. It has also been shown that oral administration of VPP produces an anti-inflammatory effect in adipose tissue of mouse models. Currently there are no reports on the possible interaction of VPP with the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the main regulators of oxidative stress. This study analyzes the interaction between VPP and specific domains in the minimal promoter region of the genes SOD and CAT in blood samples of obese children using a QCM-D type piezoelectric biosensor. We also used molecular modeling (docking) to determine the interaction between the peptide VPP and the minimal promoter region of both genes. With QCM-D, we detected the interaction of VPP with the nitrogenous base sequences that comprise the minimal promoter regions of both genes CAT and SOD. These experimental interactions were explained at the atomic level by molecular docking simulations showing how the peptides are capable of reaching the DNA structures by means of hydrogen bonds with favored free energy values. It is possible to conclude that the combined use of docking and QCM-D allows for the determination of the interaction of small peptides (VPP) with specific sequences of genes.

Oxidative stress and genotoxicity in oral epithelial cells from subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of fixed orthodontic appliances on oxidative stress (OS) and genotoxicity from oral epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of oral epithelial cells were obtained from fifty-one healthy voluntary subjects who had an indication for orthodontic treatment. The samples were obtained before treatment and after 6 and 9 months of treatment. OS was evaluated by quantitating 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and by performing relative gene expression with antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). DNA degradation and instability were evaluated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragment analysis for human identification. RESULTS: The quantitation results showed that 8-OHdG increased during treatment, although this increase was not statistically significant. SOD increased by 2.5- and 2.6-fold after 6 and 9 months of treatment, respectively. CAT increased by threefold after 6 months of treatment, while after 9 months of treatment, the expression level decreased to a level similar to that before treatment. DNA degradation was found in 8% and 12% of DNA samples after 6 and 9 months of treatment, respectively, while DNA instability was detected in only 2% and 8% of DNA samples after 6 and 9 months of treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that OS and genotoxicity slightly changed after treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance; in addition, a biological adaptation response to the treatment may occur after 6 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: OS and genotoxicity in the buccal cavity are risk factors for oral and systemic diseases. This risk may be reduced through antioxidant supplementation, by using thermoplastic materials, or by reducing the orthodontic treatment time.

Entrenamiento de atención focalizada para disminuir la ansiedad en pacientes candidatos a craneotomía.

BACKGROUND: The focused attention training has been used in pre surgery patients because of the benefits of its use decrease of psychological symptoms like anxiety, eases the post operatory period and recovery. Also, there are favorable changes in a psychological level as well as pain healing. OBJECTIVE: Show that the focused attention training is effective in patients who are candidates to a craniotomy. METHOD: The study includes 11 participants in an age of 29 to 60 age from the Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, from May to September 2021. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied pre, post and follow-up, to search anxiety symptoms and the focused attention training was used in the 11 patients. RESULTS: The data was analyzed and checked with the Friedman test, for not parametric data and to identify differences in anxiety levels. It was observed that there are differences (p < 0.05) in both anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety decreased significantly before and after the focused attention training, the follow-up was kept the same way for 40 days; which means the training helped the patient to decrease anxiety.

ANTECEDENTES: El entrenamiento de atención focalizada se ha utilizado en pacientes prequirúrgicos por los beneficios que conlleva: disminuye los síntomas psicológicos como ansiedad, facilita el periodo posoperatorio y la recuperación, cambios favorables a nivel fisiológico y reducción del dolor, entre otros. OBJETIVO: Demostrar la eficacia del entrenamiento de atención focalizada en pacientes candidatos a craneotomía. MÉTODO: El estudio incluyó 11 participantes de entre 29 y 60 años de edad del Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, de mayo a septiembre de 2021. Se aplicó la Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) antes, después de la intervención y a los 40 días para investigar síntomas de ansiedad, y se utilizó el entrenamiento de atención focalizada en los 11 participantes. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron los datos con la prueba de Friedman para datos no paramétricos con el fin de identificar diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad. Se observó que sí hay diferencias (p < 0.05) tanto en ansiedad como en depresión. CONCLUSIONES: La ansiedad disminuyó significativamente entre las mediciones antes y después de la intervención. La medición posterior continuó de la misma manera durante los 40 días, lo que significa que el entrenamiento ayudó al paciente a disminuir la ansiedad.

Evaluation of Cytochrome P4502E1 mRNA Expression and Its Effects in Antioxidant Defenses, and Cell Toxicity in Printing Workers.

BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) metabolizes environmental toxins, however, compound metabolism can produce oxidative stress, causing in-cell toxicity and sometimes transformation. AIM: To evaluate CYP2E1 gene expression and its effects in antioxidant defenses, and cell toxicity in printing workers. METHODS: The hierarchical method of health and chemical risk was used to evaluate chemical exposure in workplace. Blood samples and buccal epithelial cells were obtained from printing workers, and workers without any history of occupational exposure to chemicals (control group). Gene expression of CYP2E1, and antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) from leukocytes were evaluated. Hematic analysis and cell-free DNA from plasma were analyzed. Frequencies of cells with micronuclei (MN) and nuclear abnormalities from buccal epithelial cells were explored. RESULTS: Evaluation of chemical exposure in working place demonstrated that ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and isophorone represent 91% of the accumulated potential risk. CYP2E1 expression showed a 2.5-fold overexpression in the printing workers compared to the control group. SOD expression showed a 0.5-fold lower level in the printing workers than the control group, and CAT expression showed no differences between groups. Lower red blood cell and platelet values were detected in the printing workers than in the control group, and cell-free DNA plasma concentration was 3-fold higher in the printing workers than in the control group. The printing workers showed a higher frequency of cells with MN and nuclear anomalies than the control group. CONCLUSION: CYP2E1 overexpression triggers antioxidant defenses and toxic cell effects in printing workers.

Evaluación de Salud Mental durante la Pandemia por Covid-19, con App de Bienestar Mexicana / Evaluation of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic with a Mental Health App in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes. La inteligencia artificial (IA) simula los procesos cognitivos transducidos a sistemas informáticos; posibilita tomar decisiones con alto nivel de eficacia, ello permite hacer diagnósticos y predicciones clínicas con base en el análisis con algoritmos precisos. Una de las consecuencias de la pandemia por Covid-19 es el daño en salud mental en la población, la IA y la atención a distancia permite el diagnóstico e intervención de un número importante de personas que buscan apps y espacios virtuales de atención psicológica. Objetivo. Identificar los niveles de ansiedad, autoestima, depresión, fuerza personal, ideación suicida, duelo e inteligencia emocional empleando una app de bienestar durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Material y Método. Se trató de un diseño no probabilístico, no experimental, transversal, descriptivo, cuantitativo y comparativo. Se trató de una n= 30,466 mexicanos de todos los estados del país, usuarios de la aplicación de bienestar psicológico y salud mental Jenny Mindful, que respondieron los instrumentos ex profesos para esta investigación por convocatoria en la app. Procedimiento: mediante la app se envió invitación abierta para participar en la investigación de salud mental durante la pandemia por Covid-19, que incluía los instrumentos a contestar, objetivos, y las indicaciones, del 6 de febrero de 2020 al 3 de mayo de 2021. La app sólo arroja los resultados de los instrumentos contestados, identificando al usuario, el género, la edad; y en caso de los adultos, el rango de salario, la actividad laboral, la empresa de trabajo y el área. Resultados. Del total de los usuarios de la app que participaron, el 83.6% fueron mujeres; el 23% fueron adolescentes, el 45% adultos emergentes, el 31% adultos, y el 1% > 49 años de edad. Se encontraron niveles altos en la población con ansiedad, depresión, estrés e ideación suicida y duelo, con diferencias significativas mayores en mujeres, adolescentes y adultos emergentes; la autoestima con puntuaciones más altas en el grupo de mayores a 49 años. Fuerza personal e inteligencia emocional, factores ambos protectores, tuvieron significancia estadística a favor de adultos, mayores a 49 años, y puntuaciones bajas en el grupo de adolescentes. Conclusiones. Mediante la aplicación de instrumentos de salud mental con una app de bienestar psicológico, se pudo seleccionar a una n elevada de participantes de diferentes grupos etarios, identificando puntuaciones altas de ansiedad, depresión, e ideación suicida en niveles de riesgo, y con diferencias significativas en adolescentes, adultos emergentes, y mujeres. Los adultos mayores de 49 años tuvieron puntuaciones positivas en Fuerza personal e Inteligencia emocional.

Abstract Background. Artificial intelligence (AI) simulates cognitive processes transduced to computer systems. It allows making decisions with a high level of effectiveness, this permit making diagnoses and clinical predictions based on the algorithms. One of the consequences of Covid-19 disease is the damage to mental health in the population. AI and remote care allow the diagnosis and intervention of a significant number of people who are looking for apps and virtual spaces for psychological care. Objective. To identify the levels of anxiety, self-esteem, depression, personal strength, suicidal ideation, grief and emotional intelligence by means of a well-being app during the Covid-19 pandemic. Material and Methods. It was a non-probabilistic, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative and comparative design. Procedure. Through the app, an open invitation was sent to participate in mental health research during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included the instruments to be answered, objectives, and indications, from February six of 2020 to May Three of 2021. The app returns the results of the answered instruments, identifying the user, gender, age, and in the case of adults, the salary range, the work activity, the work company and the work area. Results. Of the total app users who participated, 83.6% were women; 23% were adolescents, 45% emerging adults, 31% adults, and 1% > 49 years of age. High levels of anxiety, depression, stress and suicidal ideation and grief were found in the population, with significant differences greater in women, adolescents, and emerging adults; self-esteem with higher scores in the group older than 49 years. Personal strength and emotional intelligence, both protective factors, had statistical significance in favor of adults, older than 49 years, and low scores in the group of adolescents. Conclusions. With the application of mental health instruments with a psychological well-being app, it was possible to select a high n of participants from different age groups, identifying high scores for anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation at risk levels, and with significant differences in adolescents, emerging adults, and women. Those over 49 years of age had positive scores on Personal Strength and Emotional Intelligence.

Artificial neural networks model: Neuropsychological variables and their relationship with body fat percentage in adults / Modelo de redes neuronales artificiales: Variables neuropsicológicas y su relación con el porcentaje de grasa corporal en adultos

Abstract There is a growing interest to understand the neural functions and substrates of complex cognitive processes related to Obesity (OB). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being applied, specifically the perceptron model of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in non-communicable chronic diseases, to identify with greater certainty the connective factors (synaptic networks) between the input variables and the output variables associated. Objective Identify the synaptic weights of the ANN whose input variables are the executive functions (EF) and healthy lifestyles as predictors of Body Fat Percentage (BFP) in a group of adult subjects with different levels of BFP. Methods It was an exploratory, quantitative, cross-sectional, comparative, convenience, and explanatory research. The Neuropsychological Battery (BANFE-2) and the Overeating Questionnaire (OQ) were administered to 40 participants aged between 18-38 years. BFP was measured using a RENPHO ES-24M Smart Body Composition Scale. The perceptron ANN model with ten trials was applied with a multilayer-perceptron. Results The ANN showed that the sensory variables with greater synaptic weight for BFP were Stroop A and B Errors and Successes of BANFE-2, and OQ scales Rationalizations and Healthy Habits. Conclusions ANN proved to be important in the simultaneous analysis of neuropsychological and healthy lifestyle data for the analysis of OB prevention and treatment by identifying the variables that are closely related. These findings open the door for the use of non-linear analysis models, which allow the identification of relationships of different weights, between input and output variables, to more effectively direct interventions to modify obesity habits.

Resumen Existe un interés creciente por comprender las funciones neuronales y sustratos cognitivos complejos relacionados con la obesidad. Se está aplicando Inteligencia Artificial, en concreto el modelo perceptrón de Redes Neuronales Artificiales en enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, para identificar con mayor certeza los factores de conexión (redes sinápticas) entre las variables de entrada y las variables de salida. Objetivo Identificar pesos sinápticos de la RNA cuyas variables de entrada fueron las funciones ejecutivas y los estilos de vida saludable, como predictores del Porcentaje de Grasa Corporal en un grupo de sujetos adultos con diferentes niveles del Porcentaje de Grasa. Métodos se trató de una investigación exploratoria, cuantitativa, transversal, comparativa, de conveniencia y explicativa. Se administró la Batería Neuropsicológica (BANFE-2) y el Cuestionario de Sobreingesta (OQ), a 40 participantes con edades comprendidas entre los 18-38 años. El porcentaje de grasa se midió con una báscula de composición corporal (RENPHO ES-24M). El modelo redes neuronales de perceptrón, se ejecutó con diez ensayos. Resultados El modelo de Red Neuronal mostró que las variables sensoriales con mayor peso sináptico para el porcentaje de grasa, fueron Errores Stroop A y B y Aciertos de BANFE-2, y Racionalizaciones de las escalas OQ y Hábitos Saludables. Conclusiones las redes neuronales artificiales demostró ser importante en el análisis simultáneo de datos neuropsicológicos y de estilo de vida saludable para el análisis de prevención y tratamiento de la obesidad, al identificar las variables que están estrechamente relacionadas. Estos hallazgos abren la puerta al uso de modelos de análisis no lineales, que permiten identificar relaciones de diferente peso, entre variables de entrada y salida, más eficientes que los modelos lineales.

Short tandem repeat (STR) instability in the oral mucosa of patients submitted to fixed orthodontic therapy: a limitation of STR profile quality for human identification.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in short tandem repeat (STR) profile quality before and after fixed orthodontic therapy. Samples of oral epithelial cells were obtained from 28 volunteers who had an indication for orthodontic treatment. The samples were collected before and three months after starting orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. DNA extraction and integrity were evaluated by electrophoresis, and STR profiles were obtained by polymerase chain reaction amplification and STR typing via capillary electrophoresis. DNA electrophoresis showed a higher proportion (7/28, 25%) of DNA degradation in the samples collected after fixed orthodontic treatment compared to those obtained before starting orthodontic therapy (3/28, 11%), however, changes in DNA were not significant (p=0.289). In concordance all STR profiles showed complete genotyping; however, imbalances in the size of heterozygotes and in the signal were detected in 25% of STR profiles after orthodontic therapy. Moreover, STR instability was demonstrated by an increase in stutter bands detected in 60% of the DNA profiles after treatment and a spurious allele of the D195433 marker was found in one sample after treatment. The STR profiles of samples obtained from the oral cavity with orthodontic appliances should be interpreted with caution. STR instability increases the incidence of artifacts that could compromise the quality of the results of tests performed in forensic DNA laboratories.

DNA methylation of the RE-1 silencing transcription factor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gene expression of antioxidant enzyme in patients with late-onset Alzheimer disease.

Late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is the most frequent cause of dementia in elderly adults. However, the factors determining disease onset remain unclear. In the elderly, the activation and expression of the gene encoding RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) may be a determinant of neuroprotective mechanisms and good amyloidogenic pathway management. In the present study, the minimal promoter region of REST1 was genetically and epigenetically analyzed in blood samples from 21 subjects with LOAD and 20 cognitively healthy elderly subjects. Genomic DNA was isolated, treated with bisulfite and pyrosequenced, and gene expression was determined using real-time PCR. Notably, subjects with LOAD exhibited hypermethylation and significantly diminished expression of REST1 compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.001). In the LOAD group, the gene expression of CAT, SOD2 and GPX also showed a significant decrease and an increase in malondialdehyde. A docking analysis revealed that the first zinc finger protein Sp1 recognized and bound the methylated sequence in subjects with LOAD differently than the binding observed in control subjects. These results reveal that in patients with LOAD the methylation of specific sites in the promoter sequence of REST suppresses its expression and this could be regulating the decreased expression of CAT, SOD and GPX, besides interfering with the action of transcription factors as Sp1.

Intense craving for appetizing foods: validation and standardization of the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Food craving is a motivational and physiological response for eating specific foods, mainly with high caloric content. To assess food craving, self-reports, inventories and questionnaires are used. The Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait is multi-dimensionally structured and has been validated in several countries, since it is sensitive and adaptable to contextual-cultural changes. OBJECTIVES: To validate and standardize the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait in adults of Mexico City. METHOD: Non-experimental, cross-sectional, randomized study of 1059 subjects of both genders, between 18 and 84 years of age; 71.86 % of the female gender. Psychometric properties were examined with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS: The domains of the questionnaire were reduced and the items were reorganized differently from the original version. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit and acceptable standardization of factors. High internal consistency was found for the global questionnaire (a = 0.973 and rho = 0.975) for each one of the domains. CONCLUSION: This study determines the viability of the Food Cravings Questionnaire for the population of Mexico City.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El food craving o "ansia por comer" es una respuesta motivacional y fisiológica por comer alimentos específicos, principalmente con alto contenido calórico. Para evaluarlo se usa, entre otros, el Food Craving Questionnaire Trait, estructurado multidimensionalmente y validado en diversos países, el cual ha mostrado ser sensible y adaptable a los cambios contextuales-culturales. OBJETIVOS: Validar y estandarizar el Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait en adultos de la Ciudad de México. MÉTODO: Estudio no experimental, transversal y aleatorizado de 1059 sujetos de uno y otro sexo, entre 18 y 84 años; 71.86 % del sexo femenino. Se examinaron propiedades psicométricas con análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios. RESULTADOS: Se redujeron los factores del cuestionario y los ítems se reorganizaron de forma diferente al original. El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró ajuste adecuado y estandarización aceptable de los factores. Se encontró alta consistencia interna para el cuestionario global (a = 0.973 y rho = 0.975) para cada uno de los factores. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio determina la viabilidad del Food Craving Questionnaire para población de la Ciudad de México.

Deseo intenso por alimentos apetecibles: validación y estandarización del Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait en México / Intense craving for appetizing foods: validation and standardization of the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: El food craving o “ansia por comer” es una respuesta motivacional y fisiológica por comer alimentos específicos, principalmente con alto contenido calórico. Para evaluarlo se usa, entre otros, el Food Craving Questionnaire Trait, estructurado multidimensionalmente y validado en diversos países, el cual ha mostrado ser sensible y adaptable a los cambios contextuales-culturales. Objetivos: Validar y estandarizar el Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait en adultos de la Ciudad de México. Método: Estudio no experimental, transversal y aleatorizado de 1059 sujetos de uno y otro sexo, entre 18 y 84 años; 71.86 % del sexo femenino. Se examinaron propiedades psicométricas con análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios. Resultados: Se redujeron los factores del cuestionario y los ítems se reorganizaron de forma diferente al original. El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró ajuste adecuado y estandarización aceptable de los factores. Se encontró alta consistencia interna para el cuestionario global (a = 0.973 y rho = 0.975) para cada uno de los factores. Conclusión: Este estudio determina la viabilidad del Food Craving Questionnaire para población de la Ciudad de México.

Abstract Introduction: Food craving is a motivational and physiological response for eating specific foods, mainly with high caloric content. To assess food craving, self-reports, inventories and questionnaires are used. The Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait is multi-dimensionally structured and has been validated in several countries, since it is sensitive and adaptable to contextual-cultural changes. Objectives: To validate and standardize the Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait in adults of Mexico City. Method: Non-experimental, cross-sectional, randomized study of 1059 subjects of both genders, between 18 and 84 years of age; 71.86 % of the female gender. Psychometric properties were examined with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: The domains of the questionnaire were reduced and the items were reorganized differently from the original version. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate fit and acceptable standardization of factors. High internal consistency was found for the global questionnaire (a = 0.973 and rho = 0.975) for each one of the domains. Conclusion: This study determines the viability of the Food Cravings Questionnaire for the population of Mexico City.

Biosensor of Inflammation Biomarkers Based on Electrical Bioimpedance Analysis on Immobilized DNA Without Chemical Modification.

The development of biosensors to identify molecular markers or specific genes is fundamental for the implementation of new techniques that allow the detection of specific Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences in a fast, economic and simple way. Different detection techniques have been proposed in the development of biosensors. Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (EBiS) has been used for diagnosis and monitoring of human pathologies, and is recognized as a safe, fast, reusable, easy and inexpensive technique. This study proves the development of a complementary DNA (cDNA) biosensor based on measurements of EBiS and DNA's immobilization with no chemical modifications. The evaluation of its potential utility in the detection of the gene expression of three inflammation characteristic biomarkers (NLRP3, IL-1ß and Caspase 1) is presented. The obtained results demonstrate that EBiS can be used to identify different gene expression patterns, measurements that were validated by Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). These results indicate the technical feasibility for a biosensor of specific genes through bioimpedance measurements on the immobilization of cDNA.

A deletion in the PRKAR1A gene is associated with Carney complex.

Mutations of the PRKAR1A gene are an important cause of Carney complex (CC). The PRKAR1A gene encodes the type 1A regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. We have identified one mutation of PRKAR1A (553delG) in three members of the same family affected by CC. This mutation was not identified in six unaffected family members, 12 patients with sporadic cardiac myxoma and 100 non-related healthy individuals. The novel mutation (553delG) is predicted to produce a frameshift leading to a premature stop codon. RNA analysis in the index patient showed normal size transcripts in RT-PCR amplicons of several exons, but an overall tendency to lower amounts of transcripts in relation to GAPDH controls. In Western blot analyses only full-length protein was present without any evidence of truncated product. These data suggest that the mutant allele might be a null allele due to degradation of the mutant mRNA via nonsense-mediated decay.

[Genetic study of the vasovagal syncope associated to the Arg389Gly polymorphism of the beta1 adrenergic receptor]. / Estudio genético del síncope vasovagal asociado al polimorfismo Arg389Gly del receptor adrenérgico beta1.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vasovagal syncope (VVS) and the beta1 adrenergic receptor polymorphism at the 389 position. Seventy individuals with VVS were selected. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood by salting out and subjected to the amplification-restriction test. Genotype identification was made by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A higher frequency in genotype and allele frequencies were found in individuals with positive tilted table test respect individuals with negative test, as well as a marked preference of the GlyGly phenotype in women. Genotype Arg389Gly was the most frequent between individuals with positive response in passive phase with respect to those in the induced phase. When the genotype was analyzed based on the hemodynamic response (VASIS) a gradient is observed in the frequency of Arg389Gly with the highest major frequency in the cardio-inhibitory response followed by the mixed response, and finally the vasodepressor response. These results suggest that the SVV has a genetic component associated with the Arg389Gly polymorphism of the adrenergic receptor. The Gly allele has a high risk association and it is maintained in the population through heterozygosis.

Estudio genético del síncope vasovagal asociado al polimorfismo Arg389Gly del receptor adrenérgico beta1 / Genetic study of the vasovagal syncope associated to the Arg389Gly polymorphism of the beta1 adrenergic receptor

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vasovagal syncope (VVS) and the beta1 adrenergic receptor polymorphism at the 389 position. Seventy individuals with VVS were selected. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood by salting out and subjected to the amplification-restriction test. Genotype identification was made by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A higher frequency in genotype and allele frequencies were found in individuals with positive tilted table test respect individuals with negative test, as well as a marked preference of the GlyGly phenotype in women. Genotype Arg389Gly was the most frequent between individuals with positive response in passive phase with respect to those in the induced phase. When the genotype was analyzed based on the hemodynamic response (VASIS) a gradient is observed in the frequency of Arg389Gly with the highest major frequency in the cardio-inhibitory response followed by the mixed response, and finally the vasodepressor response. These results suggest that the SVV has a genetic component associated with the Arg389Gly polymorphism of the adrenergic receptor. The Gly allele has a high risk association and it is maintained in the population through heterozygosis.

[KCNQ 1 (KvLQT1) missense mutation causing congenital long QT syndrome (Jervell-Lange-Nielsen) in a Mexican family]. / Detección de una mutación en el gen KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) causante de síndrome de Jervell, Lange-Nielsen en una familia mexicana.

BACKGROUND: Long QT syndromes (LQTS) are inherited cardiac disorders caused by mutations in the genes that encode sodium or potassium transmembrane ion channel proteins. More than 200 mutations, in at least six genes, have been found in these patients. The Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome is the recessive form of the disease and is associated with deafness. Few families with JLN syndrome and genetic studies are reported in the literature. METHODS: The KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) gene in a Mexican family with Jervell-Lange-Nielsen long QT syndrome was analyzed using an automated sequence method. RESULTS: A missense mutation was found in the three affected individuals. This mutation is associated with complete loss of channel function. Correlation with the phenotype showed a prolonged QTc interval and deafness in the two siblings homozygous to the mutation. The mother, who was heterozygous for the mutation, also had prolonged QTc interval without deafness. The father and younger brother had normal QTc intervals. The mutation was not found in 50 healthy controls studied. CONCLUSIONS: We describe for the first time a mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in a Mexican family with JLN long QT syndrome. This mutation produces an amino acid change (Gly-Arg) at protein level at the 168 residue. This mutation has been previously reported in Caucasian families with LQTS.

Detección de una mutación en el gen KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) causante de síndrome de Jervell, Lange-Nielsen en una familia mexicana / KCNQ 1 (KvLQT1) missense mutation causing congenital long QT syndrome (Jervell-Lange-Nielsen) in a Mexican family

BACKGROUND: Long QT syndromes (LQTS) are inherited cardiac disorders caused by mutations in the genes that encode sodium or potassium transmembrane ion channel proteins. More than 200 mutations, in at least six genes, have been found in these patients. The Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome is the recessive form of the disease and is associated with deafness. Few families with JLN syndrome and genetic studies are reported in the literature. METHODS: The KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) gene in a Mexican family with Jervell-Lange-Nielsen long QT syndrome was analyzed using an automated sequence method. RESULTS: A missense mutation was found in the three affected individuals. This mutation is associated with complete loss of channel function. Correlation with the phenotype showed a prolonged QTc interval and deafness in the two siblings homozygous to the mutation. The mother, who was heterozygous for the mutation, also had prolonged QTc interval without deafness. The father and younger brother had normal QTc intervals. The mutation was not found in 50 healthy controls studied. CONCLUSIONS: We describe for the first time a mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in a Mexican family with JLN long QT syndrome. This mutation produces an amino acid change (Gly-Arg) at protein level at the 168 residue. This mutation has been previously reported in Caucasian families with LQTS.

Beta1 adrenergic receptor polymorphisms Arg389Gly and Ser49Gly in the Amerindian and Mestizo populations of Mexico.

The beta1 adrenergic receptor genotypes (Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly) were determined in 190 individuals from 3 Mexican populations. Mestizos and Teenek present the highest frequencies for the *Arg allele and the lowest frequencies for the *Gly allele (Arg389Gly) compared to European, Asian, and African populations. Mayos present the highest frequency for the *Gly allele. The knowledge of the distribution of these alleles could help define the significance of these polymorphisms as genetic susceptibility markers in Amerindian populations.

Matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP) G-7A and T-138C gene polymorphisms in Indian (Mayo and Teenek) and Mestizo populations from Mexico.

Matrix gamma-carboxyglutamic acid protein (MGP) genotypes (G-7A and T-138C) were determined in 266 individuals from three Mexican populations. Mexicans showed increased frequencies of the G-7A G allele and the G7-A GG genotype compared to Europeans. For the T-138C genotype, we found differences among the Mexicans. This study could help to define the significance of MGP polymorphisms as genetic markers in Amerindian populations.