The evaluation of liver dysfunction and oxidative stress due to urban environmental pollution in Mexican population related to Madin Dam, State of Mexico: a pilot study.

One of the most important causes of disease and premature death in the world is environmental pollution. The presence of pollutants in both water and air contributes to the deterioration of the health of human populations. The Mexico City Metropolitan Area is one of the most populous and affected by air pollution worldwide; in addition, in recent years there has been a growing demand for water, so urban reservoirs such as the Madin dam are vital to meet the demand. However, this reservoir is highly polluted due to the urban settlements around it. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative stress in clinically healthy subjects by means of the degree of lipoperoxidation, as well as the modification of serum enzyme levels, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase associated with air and drinking water pollutants from three zones of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, two of them related to Madin Dam. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2019 and September 2021 in 142 healthy participants (age range 18-65 years). Healthy subjects were confirmed by their medical history. The results showed that chronic exposure to air (SO2) and water pollutants (Al and Fe) was significantly associated with elevated levels of lipoperoxidation. There was evidence that contamination from the Madín dam can generate oxidative stress and affect the health status of people who receive water from this reservoir or who consume fish that inhabit it.

Percepción del bienestar subjetivo, actitudes negativas y positivas hacia el propio envejecimiento / Perception of subjective well-being and negative and positive attitudes towards aging itself

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar determinar por el tipo de estudio transeccional descriptivo la percepción de bienestar subjetivo, las actitudes negativas y positivas hacia el envejecimiento de personas mayores del municipio de Celaya, Guanajuato, México. Materiales y métodos: La presente investigación es de carácter cuantitativo, con un diseño de tipo transeccional-descriptivo. Participaron 167 personas mayores, 104 mujeres y 63 hombres mayores de 60 años residentes del municipio de Celaya, Guanajuato. Los participantes reportaron no tener deterioro cognitivo y fueron capaces de responder por sí mismos los apartados de las escalas. Se utilizaron las escalas: Cuestionario PANAS de afecto positivo y negativo, Satisfacción vital de Diener y GDS de depresión abreviado. Resultados: El estudio sugiere una tendencia positiva en relación con el bienestar subjetivo, a las actitudes negativas y positivas hacia el envejecimiento, de manera general los participantes reconocieron experimentar afecto positivo con relación a sus vivencias, sus relaciones familiares, de pareja, su experiencia de vida, con el entorno. Es importante destacar que la correlación entre las escalas de afectividad positiva y negativa el valor de r de Pearson es de 0.71 que indica una correlación directa con una r² de 1. Conclusiones: Con base en los datos que arroja el estudio, se afirma que, en la percepción del bienestar sobre el propio envejecimiento, se identifican a través de actitudes negativas y positivas. Siendo estas últimas más significativas pues los participantes las reconocen como elementos clave para lograr una mejor adaptación a las circunstancias de la propia vida.

Abstract Objective: Analyze the perception of subjective well-being and negative and positive attitudes towards aging itself of older people in the municipality of Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. Material and Methods: This research is quantitative in nature, with a descriptive-transactional design. 167 older people participated, 104 women and 63 men over 60 years old, residents of the municipality of Celaya, Guanajuato. The participants reported not having cognitive impairment and were able to answer the items on the scales themselves. The following scales were used: PANAS questionnaire for positive and negative affect, Diener's life satisfaction and GDS for abbreviated depression. Results: The study suggests a positive trend in relation to subjective well-being and negative and positive attitudes towards aging, in general the participants recognized experiencing positive affect in relation to their experiences, their family relationships, as a couple, their life experience, with the environment. It is important to highlight that the correlation between the positive and negative affectivity scales Pearson's r value is 0.71, which indicates a direct correlation with an r² of 1. Conclusion: Based on the data provided by the study, it is stated that the perception of well-being about aging itself is identified through negative and positive attitudes. The latter being more significant because the participants recognize them as key elements to achieve a better adaptation to the circumstances of their own lives.

Correlation of Global and Regional Amyloid Burden by 18 F-Florbetaben PET/CT With Cognitive Impairment Profile and Severity.

PURPOSE: To assess the correlation between profile and severity deterioration in the neuropsychological assessment and the most affected regions in amyloid PET semiquantification. The influence of vascular risk and other potential confounding factors was also evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective, observational, and multicenter study including all patients referred for amyloid PET in daily practice was conducted. Patients underwent neuropsychological assessment, and cognitive decline severity and domain(s) affected were recorded. The patients were grouped according to cognitive impairment (CI) profile and severity: (A) no CI, single-domain amnestic CI, multiple-domain amnestic CI, and nonamnestic CI; and (B) mild CI, moderate and severe dementia. An adapted Framingham Stroke Risk Profile was calculated for each individual. Depression and parkinsonism were also recorded. Standardized quantitative analysis software was used to obtain standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) values from PET/CT images. The corresponding associations were assessed with the most appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients were included (62 men, 67 women; 64.67 ± 7.47 years old). Significant differences in global and regional amyloid load were exclusively found in women between non-CI and moderate dementia ( P = 0.006, for total-cerebellum SUVR). Posterior and anterior cingulates and prefrontal cortex best represented CI severity ( P = 0.003, 0.006, and 0.006, respectively). No relationship between the CI profile and the regional amyloid load was shown. A significantly high positive correlation was found between age and vascular risk and between these variables and amyloid load in nearly all regions, especially in women with moderate dementia. CONCLUSION: Semiquantitative analysis of amyloid PET by SUVR values revealed a significant correlation between amyloid burden and CI severity, although only in women.

Sociodemography and epidemiology of the population attended in a psychological care center in Mexico / Sociodemografía y epidemiología de la población atendida en un centro de atención psicológica en México

Abstract: Objective: It was to analyze the sociodemographic and diagnostic characteristics of the population attending psychotherapy. Materials and Method: Design was quantitative, descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal of 322 files. Results: It was found that the majority is male (60%), young (33%), Catholic (81%) and with basic school (26%). Females present more anxiety disorders (56%), related to trauma and stressors (71.4%), personality (75%), primary support group (65%), child neglect (80%), abuse (71.4%) and others related to social environment (62.5%). Males had neurodevelopmental (100%), impulse control/behavioral (70%) and family upbringing (54.4%) problems. Most frequent problems are the parent-child relationship (14.6%), conflicts with the partner (8.9%) and life phase (6.1%). Conclusions: Instead of individual problems, most of population (especially women) attended derive from difficulties in their environment (insecurity, poverty) or from the lack of social skills to manage their interpersonal relationships in an assertive manner (parenting styles, resolution of couple problems). Aggressive masculinity is present in many situations, even when patients did not realize it when attending the service.

Resumen: Objetivo: Fue analizar las características sociodemográficas y diagnósticas de la población en psicoterapia. Materiales y Método: Diseño cuantitativo, descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal de 322 expedientes. Resultados: La mayoría es masculina (60%), joven (33%), católica (81%) y con secundaria (26%). Las mujeres presentan más trastornos de ansiedad (56%), relacionados con traumas y estresores (71,4%), personalidad (75%), grupo de apoyo primario (65%), abandono infantil (80%), abuso (71,4%) y otros relacionados con el entorno social (62,5%). Los varones tenían problemas de neurodesarrollo (100%), control de impulsos/conducta (70%) y educación familiar (54,4%). Los problemas más frecuentes son la relación padre-hijo (14,6%), los conflictos con la pareja (8,9%) y la fase vital (6,1%). Conclusiones: En lugar de tratarse de problemáticas individuales, la mayoría de los problemas (especialmente para las mujeres) se derivan de las dificultades de su entorno (inseguridad, pobreza) o de la falta de habilidades sociales para manejar sus relaciones interpersonales de manera asertiva (estilos de crianza, resolución de problemas de pareja). La masculinidad agresiva se encuentra presente en muchas de las situaciones atendidas, aún cuando los pacientes no habían tomado conciencia de ello al llegar al servicio.

Diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis: Relevance of Blood Extracellular Vesicles.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a chronic disease characterized by long-lasting persistent debilitating widespread fatigue and post-exertional malaise, remains diagnosed by clinical criteria. Our group and others have identified differentially expressed miRNA profiles in the blood of patients. However, their diagnostic power individually or in combinations seems limited. A Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model initially based on 817 variables: two demographic, 34 blood analytic, 136 PBMC miRNAs, 639 Extracellular Vesicle (EV) miRNAs, and six EV features, selected an optimal number of five components, and a subset of 32 regressors showing statistically significant discriminant power. The presence of four EV-features (size and z-values of EVs prepared with or without proteinase K treatment) among the 32 regressors, suggested that blood vesicles carry relevant disease information. To further explore the features of ME/CFS EVs, we subjected them to Raman micro-spectroscopic analysis, identifying carotenoid peaks as ME/CFS fingerprints, possibly due to erythrocyte deficiencies. Although PLS-DA analysis showed limited capacity of Raman fingerprints for diagnosis (AUC = 0.7067), Raman data served to refine the number of PBMC miRNAs from our previous model still ensuring a perfect classification of subjects (AUC=1). Further investigations to evaluate model performance in extended cohorts of patients, to identify the precise ME/CFS EV components detected by Raman and to reveal their functional significance in the disease are warranted.

Bioaccumulation and oxidative stress caused by aluminium nanoparticles and the integrated biomarker responses in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries has experienced significant growth due to the advantages they offer, so the increase in their use has generated the continuous discharge of these products in numerous water bodies, which can affect the organisms that inhabit them. Previous studies have shown that Al is capable of producing oxidative stress in aquatic organisms; however, so far the impact of AlNP on hydrobionts is limited. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the oxidative stress produced by AlNP in liver, gill and blood of Cyprinus carpio, as well as their bioconcentration factor (BCF) in various tissues. For this purpose, the organisms were exposed to 50 µg L-1 AlNP for 12-96 h. Subsequently, the tissues were obtained and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins were determined, and the BCF was calculated for liver, brain, gill and muscle. The results showed alterations in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased levels of lipoperoxidation, hydroperoxides and oxidized proteins. When establishing the integrated biomarker response, it was observed that the liver is the most affected organ and these effects are related to the Al content in the tissue. Finally, it was observed that muscle and gills presented a higher BCF, compared to brain and liver. These findings show that AlNP are capable of generating oxidative stress in carp, affecting tissue function and accumulating, which represents an important risk for the health of fish such as common carp.

Intervención educativa sobre la sexualidad aplicada a trabajadoras de la educación especial / An Educational Intervention about Sexuality Applied to Special Education Workers

Introducción: La educación especial garantiza una atención de calidad para todas las personas con necesidades educativas especiales, en ella se desarrollan actividades para favorecer su aprendizaje y la inserción social. Las educadoras deben tener los conocimientos apropiados sobre diferentes temas, tales como la sexualidad. Objetivo: Incrementar el conocimiento sobre la sexualidad en las trabajadoras de la educación especial a través de una intervención educativa. Métodos: Se aplicó una intervención educativa validada por expertos, con diseño antes-después, a las trabajadoras que laboran en el Círculo Infantil Especial Zunzún, del municipio Playa. La intervención consistió en talleres sobre el conocimiento de algunos aspectos relacionados con la sexualidad. Resultados: La mayoría de las educadoras (17 / 62 por ciento) refirió haber recibido información sobre sexualidad, las fuentes más citadas fueron: el personal de salud del centro (18 / 66,6 por ciento), programas de radio y televisión (9 / 33,3 por ciento) y cursos de posgrado (7 / 25,9 por ciento). Antes de aplicada la intervención educativa existía desconocimiento de los principales contenidos teóricos y prácticos, después de la intervención aumentó el conocimiento y su actuación en relación con la sexualidad. Conclusión: La aplicación de la intervención educativa amplió los conocimientos sobre la sexualidad en las trabajadoras de la educación especial(AU)

Introduction: Special education guarantees quality care for all the people with special educational needs, since it includes activities developed to favor their learning and social involvement. Educators must have the appropriate knowledge about different topics, such as sexuality. Objectives: To increase knowledge about sexuality in special education workers through an educational intervention. Methods: An educational intervention validated by experts, with a before and after design, was applied to the workers from the children's special care center Zunzún, in Playa Municipality. The intervention consisted in workshops on the knowledge about some aspects related to sexuality. Results: Most of the educators (17/62 percent) reported having received information about sexuality; the most cited sources were the center's health personnel (18/66.6 percent), radio and television programs (9/33.3 percent), and postgraduate courses (7/25.9 percent). Before the educational intervention was applied, there was a lack of knowledge about the main theoretical and practical contents; after the intervention, their knowledge and performance with respect to sexuality increased. Conclusion: The application of the educational intervention increased the knowledge about sexuality in special education workers(AU)

Complement Component C1q as a Potential Diagnostic Tool for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Subtyping.

BACKGROUND: Routine blood analytics are systematically used in the clinic to diagnose disease or confirm individuals' healthy status. For myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disease relying exclusively on clinical symptoms for its diagnosis, blood analytics only serve to rule out underlying conditions leading to exerting fatigue. However, studies evaluating complete and large blood datasets by combinatorial approaches to evidence ME/CFS condition or detect/identify case subgroups are still scarce. METHODS: This study used unbiased hierarchical cluster analysis of a large cohort of 250 carefully phenotyped female ME/CFS cases toward exploring this possibility. RESULTS: The results show three symptom-based clusters, classified as severe, moderate, and mild, presenting significant differences (p < 0.05) in five blood parameters. Unexpectedly the study also revealed high levels of circulating complement factor C1q in 107/250 (43%) of the participants, placing C1q as a key molecule to identify an ME/CFS subtype/subgroup with more apparent pain symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained have important implications for the research of ME/CFS etiology and, most likely, for the implementation of future diagnosis methods and treatments of ME/CFS in the clinic.

Curso de capacitación a médicos de familia sobre cuidados biosicosociales a niños con síndrome de Down / Training Course for Family Doctors about Biopsychosocial Cares for Children with Down Syndrome

Introducción: Los niños con síndrome de Down presentan una comorbilidad alta, por lo que se hace necesario mantener un adiestramiento a los médicos de familia para el control y prevención de estas enfermedades. Objetivo: Evaluar un curso de capacitación a médicos de familia sobre los cuidados biopsicosociales a niños con síndrome de Down. Métodos: Se realizó un cuasi experimento a través de un diseño antes-después con un grupo estudio y otro grupo control. En una primera etapa o pretest se aplicó un cuestionario a ambos grupos, después se impartió el curso de capacitación al grupo estudio y en la última etapa o postest se volvió a emplear el mismo cuestionario a los dos grupos y determinar el nivel de conocimiento alcanzado. Resultados: Antes del curso de capacitación, 7 (26,9 por ciento) de médicos de familia del grupo estudio obtuvieron calificación de aceptable; después de recibir el curso aumentó a 22 (84,6 por ciento). La diferencia estándar y la media fue superior en el grupo estudio en relación al grupo control. Conclusiones: Con el curso de capacitación diseñado y aplicado a médicos de familia aumentaron los conocimientos sobre los cuidados biopsicosociales a los niños con síndrome de Down(AU)

Introduction: Children with Down syndrome present high comorbidity, a reason why it is necessary to maintain training for family doctors for the control and prevention of such conditions. Objective: To assess a training course targeted at family doctors about biopsychosocial care for children with Down syndrome. Methods: A quasiexperimental study was carried out using a before-after design with a study group and a control group. In a first stage, or pretest, a questionnaire was applied to both groups. Afterwards, the training course was given to the study group. In the last stage, or post-test, the same questionnaire was used again for the two groups, after which the level of knowledge reached was determined. Results: Before receiving the training course, 7 (26.9 percent) family doctors in the study group obtained an acceptable rating. After receiving the course, it increased to 22 (84.6 percent). The mean and standard difference was higher in the study group compared to the control group. Conclusions: With the training course designed and given to family doctors, the knowledge about biopsychosocial care for children with Down syndrome increased(AU)

Ubiquinol Supplementation Improves Gender-Dependent Cerebral Vasoreactivity and Ameliorates Chronic Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Ubiquinol can protect endothelial cells from multiple mechanisms that cause endothelial damage and vascular dysfunction, thus contributing to dementia. A total of 69 participants diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) received either 200 mg/day ubiquinol (Ub) or placebo for 1 year. Cognitive assessment of patients was performed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. Patients' cerebral vasoreactivity was examined using transcranial Doppler sonography, and levels of Ub and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in plasma samples were quantified. Cell viability and necrotic cell death were determined using the microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) levels increased in patients supplemented for 1 year with ubiquinol versus baseline and the placebo group, although higher levels were observed in male patients. The higher cCoQ concentration in male patients improved cerebral vasoreactivity CRV and reduced inflammation, although the effect of Ub supplementation on neurological improvement was negligible in this study. Furthermore, plasma from Ub-supplemented patients improved the viability of endothelial cells, although only in T2DM and hypertensive patients. This suggests that ubiquinol supplementation could be recommended to reach a concentration of 5 µg/mL in plasma in MCI patients as a complement to conventional treatment.

Geno-cytotoxicity and congenital malformations produced by relevant environmental concentrations of aluminum, diclofenac and their mixture on Cyprinus carpio. An interactions study.

Several studies highlight the presence of aluminum and diclofenac in water bodies around the world and their ability to induce oxidative stress and a negative effect on biomolecules in several aquatic species. However, studies evaluating the toxic effect of mixtures of these contaminants are scarce. The objective of this work was to determine the genotoxic, cytotoxic and embryotoxic effect of the mixture of aluminum and diclofenac at environmentally relevant concentrations on Cyprinus carpio. Juveniles of Cyprinus carpio were exposed to 0.31 µg L-1 of diclofenac, 24.45 mg L-1 of aluminum, and a mixture of both contaminants at the same concentrations for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. After the exposure time the liver, gills and blood were extracted and the following biomarkers were evaluated: micronucleus frequency, comet assay, caspase activity and TUNEL test. On the other hand, Cyprinus carpio embryos were exposed to diclofenac (0.31 µg L-1), aluminum (0.06 mg L-1) and their mixture at the same concentrations and exposure time. Microscopic observation was performed to evaluate embryonic development at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Diclofenac (0.31 µg L-1) induces significant increases in micronucleus frequency with respect to control (p < 0.05), in all tissues. Aluminum (24.45 mg L-1) significantly increases DNA damage index in liver and blood cells with respect to control (p < 0.05). All treatments increase caspases activity in all tissues with respect to control (p < 0.05). Diclofenac increases the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in liver and blood; while aluminum and the mixture increases it significantly in gills and blood with respect to the control (p < 0.05). The mixture significantly delays embryonic development, while aluminum and the mixture significantly increase teratogenic index with respect to control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to environmental concentrations of aluminium, diclofenac and their mixture induces genotoxic damage, cell death by apoptosis and negative effects on the development of Cyprinus carpio and the toxic response is modified by the interaction of the xenobiotics.

Health status and gerontological evaluation in Mexican older adults in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults constitute the most vulnerable population group to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Mexico, their biopsychosocial conditions might intensify their vulnerability. METHOD: Affiliation to health systems, health conditions and gerontological evaluation of 3,218 older adults were analyzed following the methodology of the PAHO-Mexico Health, Well-being and Aging Survey. RESULTS: 88.6 % of older adults referred being affiliated to health systems; 30.2 %, 52.4 %, 10.3 %, 4.1 % and 5.6 % referred suffering from diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, respectively; 15.6 % reported urinary incontinence, and 11.3%, fecal incontinence; 12.1 % of the women referred having suffered from breast cancer at some point, and 6.3 %, cervical cancer. The habit of smoking tobacco was observed in 11.1 %, risk of malnutrition in 32.8 %, established malnutrition in 4.1 %, functional dependence for basic and instrumental activities of daily life in 16.3 % and 17.6 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive gerontological evaluation is essential for efficient care of older adults who suffer from COVID-19, and for adequate care of the effects or health conditions at the conclusion of the confinement imposed by the pandemic.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los adultos mayores constituyen el grupo más vulnerable ante la pandemia por COVID-19; en México, sus condiciones biopsicosociales podrían potenciar su vulnerabilidad. MÉTODO: Se analizó afiliación a sistemas de salud, condiciones de salud y evaluación gerontológica de 3218 adultos mayores conforme a la metodología de la Encuesta Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento OPS-México. RESULTADOS: 88.6 % de los adultos mayores refirió afiliación a un sistema de salud; 30.2, 52.4, 10.3, 4.1 y 5.6 % indicaron padecer diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad cardiaca y evento vascular cerebral, respectivamente; 15.6 % reportó incontinencia urinaria y 11.3 %, fecal; 12.1 % de las mujeres indicó haber padecido en algún momento cáncer de mama y 6.3 %, cáncer cervicouterino. Se observó hábito de fumar tabaco en 11.1 %, riesgo de malnutrición en 32.8 %, malnutrición establecida en 4.1 %, dependencia funcional para las actividades básicas en 16.3 % e instrumentales de la vida diaria en 17.6 %. CONCLUSIÓN: La evaluación gerontológica integral es fundamental para la atención eficiente de los adultos mayores que padecen COVID-19 y para la adecuada atención por los efectos o condiciones de salud al terminar el confinamiento por la pandemia.

Frecuencia de sintomatología depresiva y tratamiento en adultos mayores con acceso a servicios de salud / Frequency of depressive symptoms and treatment in older adults with access to health services / Frequência de sintomas depressivos e tratamento em idosos com acesso a serviços de saúde / Fréquence de la symptomatologie dépressive et de son traitement chez les personnes âgées ayant accès aux services de santé

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de sintomatología depresiva y su tratamiento en personas adultas mayores, afiliadas a las instituciones de seguridad social de salud en México. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con 3,114 participantes de 7 estados del país, los cuales fueron evaluados psicológicamente, empleando la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica (GDS) de Yesavage, también se analizó su afiliación a seguridad social, funcionalidad (índices Barthel y Lawton) y estado cognoscitivo (Minimental de Folstein). El análisis de la información se realizó empleando el paquete estadístico SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), así como los datos sociodemográficos de los participantes. Resultados: Se observó cobertura en el 88.5% de la población. La prevalencia de depresión es del 27.4% y el 96.8% de ellos no recibe tratamiento, además el 18.9% presenta dependencia funcional, el 16.2% deterioro cognoscitivo y el 7.4% ha sufrido al menos una caída con lesiones. Únicamente el 11.2% del total de enfermos fue diagnosticado en su clínica. Conclusión: La prevalencia de depresión no tratada en adultos mayores con acceso a servicios de salud es altamente significativa, es urgente la generación de protocolos, programas y capacitación de profesionales de salud que permitan identificar la patología y atender de manera integral a dicho grupo etario.

Abstract Objective: to determine the frequency of depressive symptoms and their treatment in older adults affiliated to the social health security institutions in Mexico. Material and methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study with 3,114 participants from 7 states of the country who were psychologically evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Yesavage, also analyzed their affiliation to social security, functionality (Barthel and Lawton index) and cognitive status (Minimental State Examination of Folstein). The analysis of the information was carried out using the statistical package SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) as well as the sociodemographic data of the participants. Results: Coverage was observed in 88.5% of the population. Prevalence of depression was 27.4% and 96.8% of them did not receive treatment. In addition 18.9% had functional dependence, 16.2% had cognitive impairment and 7.4% had suffered at least one fall with injuries. Only 11.2% of all participants were diagnosed in their clinic. Conclusion: The prevalence of untreated depression in older adults with access to health services is highly significant. It is urgent the generation of protocols, programs and training of health professionals that allow to identify the pathology and provide comprehensive care for that age group.

Sumário Objetivo: determinar a frequência dos sintomas depressivos e seu tratamento em idosos afiliados às instituições de saúde previdenciária do México. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo transversal com 3.114 participantes de 7 estados do país, avaliados psicologicamente pela Escala de Depressão Geriátrica Yesavage {GDS}, analisando também sua afiliação à seguridade social, funcionalidade (índices de Barthel e Lawton) e estado cognitivo. (Minimental de Folstein). A análise das informações foi realizada no programa estatístico SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), além dos dados sociodemográficos dos participantes. Resultados: A cobertura foi observada em 88,5% da população. A prevalência de depressão é de 27,4% e 96,8% deles não recebem tratamento; além disso, 18,9% possuem dependência funcional, 16,2% comprometimento cognitivo e 7,4% sofreram pelo menos uma queda com lesões. Apenas 11,2% de todos os pacientes foram diagnosticados em sua clínica. Conclusão: A prevalência de depressão não tratada em idosos com acesso a serviços de saúde é altamente significativa, é urgente a geração de protocolos, programas e treinamento de profissionais de saúde para identificar a patologia e prestar assistência integral a essa faixa etária.

Résumé Objectif: Déterminer la fréquence de la symptomatologie dépressive et de son traitement chez les personnes âgées affiliées aux institutions de santé de la sécurité sociale au Mexique. Matériel et méthodes: Étude descriptive transversale avec 3 114 participants de 7 états du pays, évalués psychologiquement avec l'échelle de dépression gériatrique de Yesavage (GDS). Leur affiliation à la sécurité sociale, leur fonctionnalité (indices de Barthel et Lawton) et leur état cognitif (Folstein Minimal) ont également été évalués. L'analyse de ces informations, ainsi que des données sociodémographiques des participants, a été réalisée à l'aide du logiciel statistique SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Résultats: La couverture sociale a été observée chez 88,5 % de la population. La prévalence de la dépression est de 27,4% et 96,8% d'entre eux ne reçoivent pas de traitement. De plus, 18,9% présentent une dépendance fonctionnelle, 16,2% une déficience cognitive et 7,4% ont fait au moins une chute avec blessures. Seulement 11,2 % du nombre total des participants ayant une dépression ont été diagnostiqués dans leur clinique. Conclusion: La prévalence de la dépression non traitée chez les personnes âgées ayant accès aux services de santé est très importante. Il est urgent de générer des protocoles, des programmes et des formations pour les professionnels de santé qui permettent d'identifier la pathologie et de fournir une attention globale pour cette tranche d'âge.

Estado de salud y valoración gerontológica en adultos mayores mexicanos ante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Health status and gerontological evaluation in Mexican older adults in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción: Los adultos mayores constituyen el grupo más vulnerable ante la pandemia por COVID-19; en México, sus condiciones biopsicosociales podrían potenciar su vulnerabilidad. Método: Se analizó afiliación a sistemas de salud, condiciones de salud y evaluación gerontológica de 3218 adultos mayores conforme a la metodología de la Encuesta Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento OPS-México. Resultados: 88.6 % de los adultos mayores refirió afiliación a un sistema de salud; 30.2, 52.4, 10.3, 4.1 y 5.6 % indicaron padecer diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, enfermedad cardiaca y evento vascular cerebral, respectivamente; 15.6 % reportó incontinencia urinaria y 11.3 %, fecal; 12.1 % de las mujeres indicó haber padecido en algún momento cáncer de mama y 6.3 %, cáncer cervicouterino. Se observó hábito de fumar tabaco en 11.1 %, riesgo de malnutrición en 32.8 %, malnutrición establecida en 4.1 %, dependencia funcional para las actividades básicas en 16.3 % e instrumentales de la vida diaria en 17.6 %. Conclusión: La evaluación gerontológica integral es fundamental para la atención eficiente de los adultos mayores que padecen COVID-19 y para la adecuada atención por los efectos o condiciones de salud al terminar el confinamiento por la pandemia.

Abstract Introduction: Older adults constitute the most vulnerable population group to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Mexico, their biopsychosocial conditions might intensify their vulnerability. Method: Affiliation to health systems, health conditions and gerontological evaluation of 3,218 older adults were analyzed following the methodology of the PAHO-Mexico Health, Well-being and Aging Survey. Results: 88.6 % of older adults referred being affiliated to health systems; 30.2 %, 52.4 %, 10.3 %, 4.1 % and 5.6 % referred suffering from diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, respectively; 15.6 % reported urinary incontinence, and 11.3%, fecal incontinence; 12.1 % of the women referred having suffered from breast cancer at some point, and 6.3 %, cervical cancer. The habit of smoking tobacco was observed in 11.1 %, risk of malnutrition in 32.8 %, established malnutrition in 4.1 %, and functional dependence for basic and instrumental activities of daily life in 16.3 % and 17.6 %, respectively. Conclusion: Comprehensive gerontological evaluation is essential for efficient care of older adults who suffer from COVID-19, and for adequate care of the effects or health conditions at the conclusion of the confinement imposed by the pandemic.

The relationship between cyto-genotoxic damage and oxidative stress produced by emerging pollutants on a bioindicator organism (Allium cepa): The carbamazepine case.

The carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most frequently detected anticonvulsant drugs in water bodies. Although there are reports of its ecotoxicological effects in the scientific literature, toxicity studies have not focused on establishing the mechanism by which CBZ produces its effect at environmentally relevant concentrations. The objective of this work was to evaluate cyto-genotoxicity and its relationship with oxidative stress produced by carbamazepine in the Allium cepa model. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, as well as the biomarkers of oxidative stress were analyzed in the roots of A. cepa, exposed to 1 and 31.36 µg L-1 after 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. The results show that genotoxic capacity of this drug in the roots of A. cepa is related to the generation of oxidative stress, in particular with production of hydroperoxides and oxidized proteins. Also, the cytotoxic effect has a high correlation with DNA damage. The results of the present study clearly indicate that bioassays with sensitive plants such as A. cepa are useful and complementary tools to evaluate the environmental impact of emerging contaminants.

Unravelling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Gender-specific changes in the microRNA expression profiling in ME/CFS.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem illness characterized by medically unexplained debilitating fatigue with suggested altered immunological state. Our study aimed to explore peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in ME/CFS subjects under an exercise challenge. The findings highlight the immune response and inflammation links to differential miRNA expression in ME/CFS. The present study is particularly important in being the first to uncover the differences that exist in miRNA expression patterns in males and females with ME/CFS in response to exercise. This provides new evidence for the understanding of differential miRNA expression patterns and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS. We also report miRNA expression pattern differences associating with the nutritional status in individuals with ME/CFS, highlighting the effect of subjects' metabolic state on molecular changes to be considered in clinical research within the NINDS/CDC ME/CFS Common Data Elements. The identification of gender-based miRNAs importantly provides new insights into gender-specific ME/CFS susceptibility and demands exploration of sex-suited ME/CFS therapeutics.

Assessing diagnostic value of microRNAs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and extracellular vesicles in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multisystemic disease of unknown etiology, affecting thousands of individuals worldwide. Its diagnosis still relies on ruling out medical problems leading to unexplained fatigue due to a complete lack of disease-specific biomarkers. Our group and others have explored the potential value of microRNA profiles (miRNomes) as diagnostic tools for this disease. However, heterogeneity of participants, low numbers, the variety of samples assayed, and other pre-analytical variables, have hampered the identification of  disease-associated miRNomes. In this study, our team has evaluated, for the first time, ME/CFS miRNomes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from severely ill patients recruited at the monographic UK ME biobank to assess, using standard operating procedures (SOPs), blood fractions with optimal diagnostic power for a rapid translation of a miR-based diagnostic method into the clinic. Our results show that routine creatine kinase (CK) blood values, plasma EVs physical characteristics (including counts, size and zeta-potential), and a limited number of differentially expressed PBMC and EV miRNAs appear significantly associated with severe ME/CFS (p < 0.05). Gene enrichment analysis points to epigenetic and neuroimmune dysregulated pathways, in agreement with previous reports. Population validation by a cost-effective approach limited to these few potentially discriminating variables is granted.

Activation of Transposable Elements in Immune Cells of Fibromyalgia Patients.

Advancements in nucleic acid sequencing technology combined with an unprecedented availability of metadata have revealed that 45% of the human genome constituted by transposable elements (TEs) is not only transcriptionally active but also physiologically necessary. Dysregulation of TEs, including human retroviral endogenous sequences (HERVs) has been shown to associate with several neurologic and autoimmune diseases, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). However, no study has yet addressed whether abnormal expression of these sequences correlates with fibromyalgia (FM), a disease frequently comorbid with ME/CFS. The work presented here shows, for the first time, that, in fact, HERVs of the H, K and W types are overexpressed in immune cells of FM patients with or without comorbid ME/CFS. Patients with increased HERV expression (N = 14) presented increased levels of interferon (INF-ß and INF-γ) but unchanged levels of TNF-α. The findings reported in this study could explain the flu-like symptoms FM patients present with in clinical practice, in the absence of concomitant infections. Future work aimed at identifying specific genomic loci differentially affected in FM and/or ME/CFS is warranted.

Co-evaluation of interaction parameters of genomic and plasmid DNA for a new chromatographic medium.

Preparation of new sorbents specific to DNA has a great significance in many biomedical fields. This study reports a new sorbent with high surface area and porosity to immobilize nucleic acids having both high molecular weight like genomic DNA (gDNA) for potential use in therapy of some immune system disease and low molecular weight like plasmid DNA (pDNA) for diagnosis, gene therapy and DNA vaccination. For this aim, silica-based pore-expanded SBA-15 nanoparticles with aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) for decoration of Fe+3 ions (PE SBA-15-APTMS/Fe+3) were synthesized to get high surface area for high adsorption, and embedded into cryogel column for obtaining interconnected pores to avoid diffusion limitation of DNA samples because of their viscosity features. SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR techniques were used for characterization of samples. Synthesized hybrid column showed a superior adsorption capacity of 751.5 mg/g NP for gDNA at pH 6 with an initial concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. Hybrid column presented excellent performance for pDNA when evaluated with agarose gel electrophoresis.

Epigenetic Components of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncover Potential Transposable Element Activation.

PURPOSE: Studies to determine epigenetic changes associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) remain scarce; however, current evidence clearly shows that methylation patterns of genomic DNA and noncoding RNA profiles of immune cells differ between patients and healthy subjects, suggesting an active role of these epigenetic mechanisms in the disease. The present study compares and contrasts the available ME/CFS epigenetic data in an effort to evidence overlapping pathways capable of explaining at least some of the dysfunctional immune parameters linked to this disease. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature evaluating the ME/CFS epigenome landscape was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Differential DNA methylation and noncoding RNA differential expression patterns associated with ME/CFS were used to screen for the presence of transposable elements using the Dfam browser, a search program nurtured with the Repbase repetitive sequence database and the RepeatMasker annotation tool. FINDINGS: Unexpectedly, particular associations of transposable elements and ME/CFS epigenetic hallmarks were uncovered. A model for the disease emerged involving transcriptional induction of endogenous dormant transposons and structured cellular RNA interactions, triggering the activation of the innate immune system without a concomitant active infection. IMPLICATIONS: Repetitive sequence filters (ie, RepeatMasker) should be avoided when analyzing transcriptomic data to assess the potential participation of repetitive sequences ("junk repetitive DNA"), representing >45% of the human genome, in the onset and evolution of ME/CFS. In addition, transposable element screenings aimed at designing cost-effective, focused empirical assays that can confirm or disprove the suspected involvement of transposon transcriptional activation in this disease, following the pilot strategy presented here, will require databases gathering large ME/CFS epigenetic datasets.