Is the Cis-Element CACCC-Box a Master Regulatory Element during Cardiovascular Disease? A Bioinformatics Approach from the Perspective of the Krüppel-like Family of Transcription Factors.

The CACCC-box motif emerges as a pivotal cis-regulatory element implicated in diverse developmental processes and diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study centers on the intricate interplay between the CACCC-box and its binding proteins such as: the Krüppel-Like Family (KLF) of transcription factors as primary effectors in the context of CVDs. Our analysis was through a bioinformatics approach, which revealed significant transcriptional activity among KLF subgroup 2, exhibiting the highest number of interactions focusing on the established roles: pluripotency, cancer, and cardiovascular development and diseases. Our analysis reveals KLF's interactions with GATA4, MEF2C, NKX2.5 and other ~90 potential genes that participate in the regulation of the hypertrophic environment (or CVDs' Environment). Also, the GO analysis showed that genes containing the motif CACCC were enriched for multiple CVDs; in combination with STRING analysis, these results pointed to a link between KLFs and these diseases. The analysis further identifies other potential CACCC-box binding factors, such as SP family members, WT1, VEZF1, and -SALL4, which are implicated in cardiac contraction, remodeling, and inflammation processes.

A panoramic view of hospitalized young children in the metropolitan area of the valley of Mexico during COVID-19.

Objectives: This work provides an overview of young children's (aged 0-9) infectious diseases epidemiology, by exploring the link between various comorbid conditions, COVID-19, and death rate. Methods: Public data on hospitalized young children was obtained from national databases of the Mexican health care system from 2020-2022. Data included age, year of entry, gender, the time between admission to death (hospitalization time), date of death, comorbidities, and admissions to the intensive care unit. Children were separated into age groups and frequencies were calculated. Binary regression models were developed to determine the correlation of comorbidities and COVID-19 to death as calculated by odds ratios (OR). Results: From 2020-2022, there were 11,815 hospitalizations among young children, of which 15.98% were due to COVID-19, 2.55% of hospitalizations resulted in fatalities from which 32.45% of deaths were COVID-19 related. The highest case-calculated fatality ratio of COVID-19 infected young children was estimated at 7.04% by early 2020, but dropped to 2.11% by the end of the second semester of 2022. The most frequent comorbidities associated with their hospitalization and death for the general population were intubation (OR: 17.967), pneumonia (OR: 2.263), diabetes (OR: 7.301), cardiovascular diseases (OR: 1.528) and COVID-19 (OR: 261). For the COVID-19-positive group, the most impactful comorbidities were intubation (OR: 20.232), pneumonia (OR: 3.057), and diabetes (OR: 12.824). Conclusion: Children's hospitalizations and deaths were common during the pandemic; wherein major comorbidities played an important role. Therefore, effective comorbidity management and vaccination programs are essential to reduce hospitalizations and deaths among young children.

The Involvement of Krüppel-like Factors in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are a set of DNA-binding proteins belonging to a family of zinc-finger transcription factors, which have been associated with many biological processes related to the activation or repression of genes, inducing cell growth, differentiation, and death, and the development and maintenance of tissues. In response to metabolic alterations caused by disease and stress, the heart will undergo cardiac remodeling, leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). KLFs are among the transcriptional factors that take control of many physiological and, in this case, pathophysiological processes of CVD. KLFs seem to be associated with congenital heart disease-linked syndromes, malformations because of autosomal diseases, mutations that relate to protein instability, and/or loss of functions such as atheroprotective activities. Ischemic damage also relates to KLF dysregulation because of the differentiation of cardiac myofibroblasts or a modified fatty acid oxidation related to the formation of a dilated cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarctions, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathies. In this review, we describe the importance of KLFs in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, left ventricle hypertrophy, stroke, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart diseases. We further discuss microRNAs that have been involved in certain regulatory loops of KLFs as they may act as critical in CVDs.

Association between mortality and cardiovascular diseases in the vulnerable Mexican population: A cross-sectional retrospective study of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Over the past couple of years and with the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, mortality from CVDs has been slightly overshadowed by those due to COVID-19, although it was during the peak of the pandemic. In the present study, patients with CVDs (CVDs; n = 41,883) were analyzed to determine which comorbidities had the largest impact on overall patient mortality due to their association with both diseases (n = 3,637). Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes worsen health in patients diagnosed positive for COVID-19. Hence, they were included in the overview of all patients with CVD. Our findings showed that 1,697 deaths were attributable to diabetes (p < 0.001) and 987 deaths to obesity (p < 0.001). Lastly, 2,499 deaths were attributable to hypertension (p < 0.001). Using logistic regression modeling, we found that diabetes (OR: 1.744, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR: 2.179, p < 0.001) significantly affected the mortality rate of patients. Hence, having a CVD diagnosis, with hypertension and/or diabetes, seems to increase the likelihood of complications, leading to death in patients diagnosed positive for COVID-19.

Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol: Case-Report for Guiding Clinical Reasoning and Future Research in Food Selectivity Treatment.

Food selectivity impacts health and quality of life for children with developmental disabilities. Best practice protocols are still in development and use of escape extinction, systematic desensitization and parent education are elements that may be part of effective multi-component treatment. The Just Right Challenge Feeding Protocol (JRCFP) includes each of these elements to drive changes in food acceptance for children with developmental disabilities. This case-report provides detailed information about how a group of children progress through treatment. Children in this case-report had 15 or less foods in their food inventory and profiles indicating the presence of sensory over-responsivity. Every 5-10 weeks, each child moved up one step in the Food Interaction Hierarchy (e.g. touch, taste, eat). Significant increases in vegetable and fruit acceptance and mealtime quality are noted and parent compliance on home program assignments is described. This information is valuable for guiding clinical reasoning and future research of treatment for food selectivity.

Fibromixoma Odontogénico Agresivo en Maxila: Abordaje Quirúrgico / Aggressive Odontogenic Fibromixoma in Maxilla: Surgical Approach

RESUMEN: El fibromixoma odontogénico (FM) es una infrecuente lesión benigna que muestra un comportamiento invasivo. Considerada una variante del mixoma odontogénico, presenta un origen mesenquimal controvertido y ligera predilección por el sexo femenino. La lesión está asociada a zonas con estructuras dentales adyacentes, siendo su localización más frecuente la región mandibular posterior. El objetivo de este trabajo fue mostrar un caso agresivo de FM en una paciente, localizado en la zona posterior de maxila, destacando su abordaje quirúrgico. Se reporta un caso de una mujer de 52 años, la cual acudió a la consulta por presentar una masa indolora, firme a la palpación en el lado derecho de la maxila. Radiográficamente se observaba como una imagen radiopaca, de márgenes mal definidos que se extendía en el seno maxilar ipsilateral; la tomografía computarizada pudo evidenciar la expansión de las paredes del antro y la fosa nasal, con compromiso del cigomático y el piso de órbita. Se realizó biopsia incisional y el diagnóstico histopatológico fue de FM. El tratamiento de elección consistió en la resección en bloque, mediante abordaje Weber-Fergusson, acompañada de reconstrucción con placa y malla de titanio para garantizar la suspensión del globo ocular; un nuevo estudio histopatológico, confirmó el diagnóstico inicial. Al año del procedimiento quirúrgico no se evidenció recidiva, observando que el material de reconstrucción mantiene su posición, proporcionado estética y funcionabilidad a la paciente.

ABSTRACT: Odontogenic fibromyxoma (FM) is an infrequent benign lesion that shows with invasive characteristics. Considered a variant of the odontogenic myxoma, it presents a controversial mesenchymal origin and is somewhat more frequent in women. The lesion is associated with areas with adjacent dental structures, with its most frequent location in the posterior mandibular region. The objective of this study was to show an aggressive case of FM in a female, located in the posterior area of the maxilla, emphasizing its surgical approach. A case of a 52-year-old woman, who came to the clinic because of a painless, firm mass on the right side of the maxilla. Radiographically, it was seen as a radiopaque image, with poorly defined margins extending in the ipsilateral maxillary sinus; computed tomography showed the expansion of the walls of the antrum and the nasal cavity, with zygomatic compromise and the orbital floor. An incisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological diagnosis was FM. The treatment of choice consisted of block resection, using a WeberFerguson approach, along with reconstruction with a titanium plaque and mesh to guarantee suspension of the eyeball; a new histopathological study, confirmed the initial diagnosis. One year after the surgical procedure, there is no recurrence, and the reconstruction material maintains its position, providing aesthetic and functionality to the patient.

Laboratory Food Acceptance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared With Children With Typical Development.

Studies using parent-report measures have described the high prevalence of food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, few studies have documented food acceptance in a controlled laboratory environment. The objective of this study was to compare laboratory food acceptance in children with ASD with that of children with typical development (TD). In addition, the relationships between food acceptance and the child's age, sensory processing pattern, and autism severity were explored. Results indicate that children with autism (n = 31) accepted fewer foods in the laboratory environment than the children with TD (n = 21) and that food acceptance was related to age but not to ASD severity. In addition, sensory processing scores were associated with food acceptance for the combined ASD and TD groups. Results are discussed in the context of the literature. This information has the potential to support evaluation and treatment of food selectivity.

Multicomponent treatment for food selectivity in children: description and case report.

BACKGROUND: Food selectivity is common in children with and without developmental disabilities and can have negative implications for nutrition intake and family quality of life. The evidence base for effective treatment protocols is still developing. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to describe a pilot, multicomponent treatment protocol for food selectivity and present several case examples using a retrospective chart review. Elements in the treatment manual included sensory integration and behavioral modification strategies, including systematic desensitization. Also, parents were educated on factors associated with food selectivity and strategies for increasing food acceptance during family meals. RESULTS: Four children with food selectivity demonstrated increased food acceptance of previously refused foods. Incidence of negative behaviors, including gagging, vomiting, and aggressive behavior (eg, hitting, batting away spoon), during clinical meals was also evaluated. No aggressive behavior or vomiting was observed during treatment sessions, and gagging on foods at initial introduction was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive study and case review provides information to inform treatment of food selectivity and may provide a catalyst for larger scale clinical trials.

Longitudinal follow-up of factors associated with food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders.

The objective of this study was to examine food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders longitudinally. Additionally explored were the stability of the relationship between food selectivity and sensory over-responsivity from time 1 to time 2 and the association between food selectivity and restricted and repetitive behavior at time 2. A total of 52 parents of children with autism were surveyed approximately 20 months after completing an initial questionnaire. First and second surveys each contained identical parent-response item to categorize food selectivity level and a scale to measure sensory over-responsivity. A new scale to measure restricted and repetitive behaviors was added at time 2. Results comparing time 1 to time 2 indicated no change in food selectivity level and a stable, significant relationship between food selectivity and sensory over-responsivity. The measure of restrictive and repetitive behavior (time 2) was found to significantly predict membership in the severe food selectivity group. However, when sensory over-responsivity and both restricted and repetitive behaviors were included in the regression model, only sensory over-responsivity significantly predicted severe food selectivity. These results support conclusions about the chronicity of food selectivity in young children with autism and the consistent relationship between food selectivity and sensory over-responsivity.

Phenomenological examination of the mealtime experience for mothers of children with autism and food selectivity.

Many children within the autism population also have food selectivity, and it is not clear how this comorbid difficulty affects the mealtime experience for families. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to gain an understanding of the mealtime experience of mothers of children with autism and food selectivity. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Mothers in this study described mealtime as difficult and stressful. Reasons for mealtime stress included the child's self-restricted diet and difficulty sitting at the table. The mothers described attempts to improve mealtime but little success. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of the literature.

Sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders and impact on functioning.

Children with autism experience many challenges that affect their ability to function. Sensory processing disorder and, specifically, sensory modulation disorder can compound dysfunction and further inhibit participation in productive activities. Through detection of and referral for sensory modulation disorders, treatment can be accessed. Emerging treatment evidence points to functional gains for autism and sensory modulation disorder that can ease the burden that this combination of symptoms has on the everyday life of children with autism.

Querubismo: reporte de un caso / Cherubism: case study

El querubismo constituye una entidad patológica que se hereda con carácter autosómico dominante, con una expresividad variable, una penetración incompleta en algunas familias y que predomina en hombres en una proporción 2:1, aunque existen casos reportados de patologías espontáneas. Se caracteriza por ser una patología rara, benigna, autolimitada, que se presenta en edades tempranas y afecta los maxilares principalmente la mandíbula bilateralmente. El propósito de esta investigación es evaluar las características clínicas, radiográficas e histopatológicas del querubismo. Paciente niño de ocho años de edad, con expansión mandibular bilateral posterior, asintomática; y con apariencia de querubín. Las características de la patología estudiada se encuentran relacionadas con los resultados reporta dos por la literatura mundial.

Caracterización morfológica y fisiológica de las especies cándida aisladas de la cavidad bucal de pacientes geriátricos / Morphological and physiological characterization of the candida species isolated in the oral cavity of geriatric patients

Caracetrizar las especies de Cándida aisladas de la cavidad bucal de pacientes geriátricos del Hogar San José de la Montaña Maracaibo, Venezuela. Se tomaron 35 muestras orales, a las cuales se les realizaron pruebas morfológicas y fisiológicas que permitieron identificar las especies involucradas. Las especies más frecuentes fueron: C. albicans (42.1 por ciento) y C. parasilopsis (30.2 por ciento). La candidiasis pseudomembranosa fue la forma clínica más frecuente (72 por ciento), los factores locales y sistémicos predisponentes fueron: la mala higiene oral (28.3 por ciento), la ausencia total de dientes (16 por ciento) y la diabetes mellitus (46.1). El grupo etareo más afectado fue el de 65.1 a 70 (37 por ciento). En la candidiasis pseudomembranosa las especies mayormente involucrada fueron C. parasilopsis (27.9 por ciento) y C. albicans (20.9 por ciento). En la condición local "mala higiene oral", Las especies más comunes fueron c. parasilopsis (10.3 por ciento) y C. albicans (9.4) y en condición sistémica "Diabetes mellitus", C. albicans (25 por ciento). C. albicans constituye la especie más frecuentemente aislada, sin embargo, existe una importante participación de otras especies en la etiología de la candidiasis principalmente de C. parasilopsis. Así mismo, las condiciones locales y sistémicas constituyen factores predisponentes en la aparición de esta enfermedad.