Unveiling the mystery of the female heart's rhythm: a look into gender inequalities in electrophysiology.

This review explores gender disparities in cardiac electrophysiology, highlighting differences in the electrical activity of the heart between men and women. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these variances for correct diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Women show distinct cardiac characteristics influenced by sex hormones, affecting their susceptibility to various arrhythmias. The manuscript covers the classification, mechanisms, and management of arrhythmias in women, considering factors such as pregnancy and menopause. By addressing these gender-specific nuances, it aims to improve healthcare practices and outcomes for female patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.

Esta revisión explora las disparidades de género en la electrofisiología cardiaca, destacando las diferencias en la actividad eléctrica del corazón entre hombres y mujeres. Se enfatiza la importancia de comprender estas variaciones para un diagnóstico correcto y un tratamiento efectivo de las arritmias cardiacas. Las mujeres muestran características cardiacas distintas influenciadas por las hormonas sexuales, lo que afecta su susceptibilidad a diversas arritmias. La revisión abarca la clasificación, los mecanismos y el manejo de las arritmias en las mujeres, considerando factores como el embarazo y la menopausia. Al abordar estos matices específicos de género, el objetivo es mejorar las prácticas de atención médica y los resultados para las pacientes de sexo femenino con trastornos del ritmo cardiaco.

Influence of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Level of Physical Activity with Liver Steatosis in People Aged > 50 Years and with a BMI > 25 kg/m2: Association with Biochemical Markers.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of different biochemical markers of hepatic steatosis and to correlate liver steatosis with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, including subjects over 50 years of age, with a BMI > 25 kg/m2, but excluding any patient with documented hepatic pathology other than hepatic steatosis. Participants were divided into two groups: patients with hepatic steatosis diagnosed by ultrasound (SG) and a control group of individuals without hepatic steatosis (CG). The level of physical activity was recorded by the IPAQ-SF questionnaire and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was recorded using the PREDIMED questionnaire. Biochemical markers analyzed included the Hepatic steatosis index (HSI), AST-to-Platelet ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4). RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included, 71 belonging to the SG and 45 to the CG. A total of 58.6% of the patients showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 35.4% moderate adherence and 6% high adherence. The median estimated physical activity was 495 METS, with most participants reporting light activity. In the SG, significantly higher HSI values were observed (p < 0.001). A cut-off point of a HSI of 40 was established, with a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 65.8%. Significantly higher FIB-4 values (p = 0.039) were also observed in the SG. A cut-off point of FIB-4 was set at 0.27, with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 57.9%. Patients in the SG showed lower scores in the PREDIMED. Patients in the SG tended to show lower METS scores. However, the higher number of patients with intense activity in the CG group stands out (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The HSI and FIB-4 showed a significant correlation with liver steatosis. Hepatic steatosis is associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and patients with hepatic steatosis tended to have lower METS scores.

Improvement of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Morbidly Obese Women Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, following a Postoperative Mediterranean-like Diet.

(1) Background: Bariatric surgery has demonstrated the capacity to improve metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in patients with morbid obesity. In addition, the Mediterranean diet contains anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-fibrotic components, promoting a beneficial effect on MAFLD. This study aimed to assess the improvement of MAFLD, specifically liver steatosis, in morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and following a hypocaloric Mediterranean-like diet. (2) Methods: A prospective observational pilot study of 20 patients undergoing RYGB was conducted. The participants underwent a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study 2 weeks before the surgical act and one year postoperatively to assess the percentage of lipid content (PLC). The adherence to the Mediterranean diet was determined by the KIDMED test 1 year after surgery. (3) Results: Mean baseline PLC was 14.2 ± 9.4%, and one year after surgery, it decreased to 4.0 ± 1.8% (p < 0.001). A total of 12 patients (60%) were within the range of moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, whereas 8 patients (40%) showed a high adherence. The patients with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet presented significantly lower values of postoperative PLC. (4) Conclusions: Liver steatosis significantly reduces after RYGB. This reduction is further improved when associated with a high adherence to a Mediterranean diet.

Avirulent UG10 Entamoeba histolytica mutant derived from HM-1:IMSS strain shows limited genome variability and aberrant 5-methyl cytosine genomic distribution.

Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal parasite of global significance, poses substantial health risks with its associated high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the current repertoire of molecular tools for the study of gene function in, the regulatory mechanisms governing its pathogenicity remain largely unexplored. This knowledge gap underscores the need to elucidate key genetic determinants orchestrating cellular functions critical to its virulence. Previously, our group generated an avirulent strain, termed UG10, with the same genetic background as the HM1:IMSS strain. UG10 strain, despite showing normal expression levels of well-known virulence factors, was unable to perform in-vitro and in-vivo activities related to amoebic virulence. In this study, we aimed to uncover the genome-wide modifications that rendered the avirulent phenotype of the UG10 strain through whole-genome sequencing. As a complementary approach, we conducted Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (MeDIP-seq) analysis on both the highly virulent HM1:IMSS strain and the low-virulence UG10 strain to uncover the genome-wide methylation profile. These dual methodologies revealed two aspects of the UG10 avirulent strain. One is the random integration of fragments from the ribosomal gene cluster and tRNA genes, ranging from 120 to 400 bp; and secondly, a clear, enriched methylation profile in the coding and non-coding strand relative to the start codon sequence in genes encoding small GTPases, which is associated with the previously described avirulent phenotype. This study provides the foundation to explore other genetic and epigenetic regulatory circuitries in E. histolytica and novel targets to understand the pathogenic mechanism of this parasite.

Clinical Outcomes of a Toric Enhanced Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens Based on the Combination of 4th- and 6th-Order Spherical Aberration.

PURPOSE: To assess the visual and refractive outcomes of patients implanted with a toric extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) following cataract surgery. METHODS: A total of 44 eyes implanted with the EDOF LuxSmart toric IOL were evaluated 4 to 6 months postoperatively. The main outcomes measurements evaluated were refractive error, rotational stability, distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities, defocus curve, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity, wavefront aberrations, and modulation transfer function, and the Catquest-9SF-questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean postoperative spherical equivalent and cylinder were -0.02 ± 0.26 and -0.17 ± 0.29 diopters (D), respectively. A total of 90.45% and 100% of the eyes had a postoperative spherical equivalent within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D, respectively (this being 93.18% and 100% for the refractive cylinder). The mean rotational stability was 0.61 ± 1.61 degrees. The mean binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corrected distance intermediate visual acuity (CDIVA), and corrected distance near visual acuity (CDNVA) were -0.02 ± 0.06, 0.07 ± 0.08, and 0.26 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively. The CDVA was 20/25 or better in 95.45% of patients, CDIVA was 20/25 or better in 72.73%, and CDNVA was 20/40 or better in 72.73%. The defocus curve showed good visual acuity at distance and intermediate vergences. The contrast sensitivity and optical quality outcomes were good with mean higher order, spherical, and coma aberration values of 0.161 ± 0.155, -0.019 ± 0.048, and 0.080 ± 0.065 µm, respectively. A total of 90.9% of patients were either fairly satisfied or very satisfied with their vision after the surgery, and 77.7% of patients reported no difficulties when reading text in newspapers. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of the toric pure refractive EDOF technology IOL provides good refractive, optical, and visual quality at different distances, with high levels of patient satisfaction being reported. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(6):e398-e406.].

Effects of a respiratory and neurological rehabilitation treatment plan in post Covid-19 affected university students. Randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 demonstrated the possibility of neurological complications such as loss of sense of smell and taste, together with respiratory problems. Respiratory training and rehabilitation of neurological sequelae are essential to improve respiratory function and thus quality of life, and the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a pulmonary and neurological rehabilitation program. OBJECTIVES: To apply a treatment to reduce dyspnea, increase exertional capacity, increase vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength, together with an increase in olfactory and gustatory sensitivity in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients. METHODS: A randomised controlled experimental study was conducted in 220 patients with a medical diagnosis of COVID-19 and more than 5 months of evolution, dyspnoea or perceived fatigue, including olfactory and gustatory perception problems, of whom 200 patients completed the study. 100 patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group, consisting of an inspiratory training treatment plan (Powerbreathe Plus®) combined with aerobic exercise and olfactory gustatory treatment for 31 days, and 100 patients to the control group, for 31 days without any type of therapy. RESULTS: The study was conducted in post-Covid-19 patients for 5 months. Two hundred patients were divided into an intervention group (n = 100) and a control group (n = 100). The comparison between the groups showed significant differences in spirometric variables; forced vital capacity (p < .001; Eta2 (0.439); Mean: 0,6135), the ratio between both FEV1/FVC (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.728); Mean:9,313), peak inspiratory pressure (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.906); Mean:4,526); changes were observed in dyspnoea measured with the modified Borg scale (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.811); Mean:1,481) and the modified Medical Research Council scale (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.881); Mean: 0.777); finally, changes were found in neurological variables, in the questions of the Singapore Smell and Taste Questionnaire, How was your sense of smell after treatment? (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.813); Mean: 1,721) and How is your sense of taste after treatment? (p < 0.01; Eta2 (0.898); Mean: 1,088). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a respiratory rehabilitation treatment plan with the Powerbreathe Plus® device, aerobic exercise and neurorehabilitation with olfactory and gustatory training, is a therapeutic option against respiratory and neurological sequelae in patients who have suffered such sequelae due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05195099. First posted 18/01/2022; Last Update Posted 29/06/2022.

A multi-taxon analysis of European Red Lists reveals major threats to biodiversity.

Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge and minimizing extinction rates is the goal of several multilateral environmental agreements. Policy decisions require comprehensive, spatially explicit information on species' distributions and threats. We present an analysis of the conservation status of 14,669 European terrestrial, freshwater and marine species (ca. 10% of the continental fauna and flora), including all vertebrates and selected groups of invertebrates and plants. Our results reveal that 19% of European species are threatened with extinction, with higher extinction risks for plants (27%) and invertebrates (24%) compared to vertebrates (18%). These numbers exceed recent IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) assumptions of extinction risk. Changes in agricultural practices and associated habitat loss, overharvesting, pollution and development are major threats to biodiversity. Maintaining and restoring sustainable land and water use practices is crucial to minimize future biodiversity declines.

High Level of Pretreatment and Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance in El Salvador: A Nationally Representative Survey, 2018-2019.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (HIVDR) can negatively impact the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of pretreatment HIVDR (PDR) among ART initiators and the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and acquired HIVDR among individuals receiving ART for 12 ± 3 months (ADR12) and ≥48 months (ADR48) in El Salvador. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional PDR, ADR12 and ADR48 surveys were conducted among adults with HIV from October 2018 to August 2019, following World Health Organization-recommended methods. Demographic and clinic data and blood specimens were collected. Results: Two hundred sixty participants were enrolled in the PDR survey, 230 in ADR12 and 425 in ADR48. Twenty-seven percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.1%-39.9%) of ART initiators had PDR to efavirenz or nevirapine. The prevalence of VL suppression was 88.8% (95% CI, 83.1%-92.8%) in ADR12 and 80.5% (95% CI, 76.6%-84.0%) in ADR48 surveys. Among people with HIV receiving a first-line nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART regimens and with unsuppressed VL, the prevalence of ADR to efavirenz or nevirapine was 72.0% (95% CI, 32.3%-93.3%) and 95.0% (68.5%-99.4%) in the ADR12 and ADR28 surveys, respectively. ADR12 to boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r) or integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) was not observed. ADR48 was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-9.6%) and 2.1% (0.3%-13.7%), respectively. Conclusions: Programmatic improvements in ART delivery are urgently needed in El Salvador to address the high levels of resistance to efavirenz or nevirapine among ART initiators and the low VL suppression prevalence among individuals on treatment.

Manifestaciones digestivas en el curso de enfermedades reumáticas, estudio de 5 años / Digestive manifestations in the course of rheumatic diseases, 5-year study

RESUMEN Introducción: Las enfermedades reumáticas son un grupo de alrededor de 250 afecciones que afectan fundamentalmente el sistema osteomioarticular, aunque la mayoría tiene un carácter sistémico. En el caso del sistema digestivo el compromiso puede estar causado por el propio proceso inflamatorio de la enfermedad o secundario a la afectación que causa los distintos grupos farmacológicos usados contra las enfermedades reumáticas. Objetivo: Caracterizar el compromiso digestivo de una cohorte de paciente con enfermedades reumáticas durante un periodo de estudio de 5 años. Métodos: Investigación básica, no experimental, descriptiva y longitudinal que incluyó como población de estudio una cohorte de 109 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedades reumáticas según criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología. Se identificaron las características generales de los pacientes, de las enfermedades reumáticas incluidas en la investigación y las principales manifestaciones digestivas identificadas. Resultado: Promedio de edad de 57,83 años, predominio de pacientes femeninas (71,56 %), procedencia urbana (55,05 %) y con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide (50,46 %). El 90,82 % de los pacientes refirió haber utilizado glucocorticoides. El 94,49 % de los pacientes presentó algún tipo de manifestación extraarticular digestiva. La gastritis (36,89 %), úlcera péptica (25,24 %), reflujo gastroesofágico (18,45 %) y sequedad bucal (15,53 %) fueron las de mayor frecuencia de presentación. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones digestivas constituyen una expresión extraarticular frecuente en el curso de las enfermedades reumáticas. Su origen pude estar supeditado a la patogenia de la enfermedad o a los eventos adversos de los grupos farmacológicos utilizados en los esquemas terapéuticos de las enfermedades reumáticas. Los glucocorticoides fueron el grupo farmacológico más usado. Algunas manifestaciones digestivas puede llegar a poner en peligro la vida de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rheumatic diseases are a group of around 250 conditions that mainly affect the osteomyoarticular system, but most of them have a systemic nature, which is why they affect different organs and organ systems. In the case of the digestive system, the compromise may be caused by the inflammatory process of the disease itself or secondary to the affectation generated by the different pharmacological groups that are used to control rheumatic diseases. Objective: To characterize the digestive compromise of a cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases during a study period of 5 years. Methods: Basic, non-experimental, descriptive, correlational and longitudinal research that included as a study population a cohort of 109 patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The general characteristics of the patients, the rheumatic diseases included in the research, the main digestive manifestations identified were identified. Result: Average age of 57.83 years, predominance of female patients (71.56%), urban origin (55.05%) and with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (50.46%). 90.82% of the patients reported having used glucocorticoids. 94.49% of the patients presented some type of extra-articular digestive manifestation. Gastritis (36.89%), peptic ulcer (25.24%), gastroesophageal reflux (18.45%) and dry mouth (15.53%) were the ones with the highest frequency of presentation. Conclusions: Digestive manifestations are a frequent extra-articular expression in the course of rheumatic diseases. Its origin may be subject to the etiopathogenic mechanisms of the disease or to the adverse events of the pharmacological groups used in the therapeutic regimens for rheumatic diseases. Glucocorticoids were the most frequently used pharmacological group in the therapeutic regimens for rheumatic diseases. The presence of some digestive manifestations endanger the lives of patients.

Acquisition Time for Swept-Source Optical Biometry Plus Corneal Power Measurement During Cataract Evaluation.

Purpose: To compare the acquisition time necessary to obtain the optical biometry plus corneal power measurement using the IOLMaster 700 with central topography with that found using the standard IOLMaster 700 in combination with two corneal topographers, when acquiring biometry measurements during cataract evaluation. Methods: This prospective, observational, controlled study included 96 eyes of 96 cataract patients. Acquisition times were registered for different conditions: time required for one complete measurement with IOLMaster 700 with central topography, time required for one complete measurement with standard IOLMaster 700 (without central topography), time required for one complete measurement with standard IOLMaster 700 plus time required for one complete measurement with Cassini, and time required for one complete measurement with standard IOLMaster 700 plus time required for one complete measurement with Pentacam HR. In addition, the agreement between keratometry (K), total keratometry (TK) and equivalent K reading (EKR) parameters using the three devices was performed. Results: The post hoc Tukey's test revealed that there were statistically significant differences for all pairwise comparisons (p < 0.001) except for the acquisition times of the IOLMaster with central topography and the standard IOLMaster 700 (p = 0.501). The acquisition time by the IOLMaster 700 with central topography takes approximately three less times than the use of a corneal topographer combined with a biometer. The agreement of K1, K2, TK1, TK2, EKR1 and EKR2 measurements between the three devices revealed statistically significant differences for all possible comparisons (p < 0.001) except for the comparison between the IOLMaster 700 and the Cassini for all parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We consider that this is an efficient procedure that improves clinical flow. We also conclude that K readings obtained with the three devices cannot be used interchangeably since there are clinically relevant differences that may affect cataract surgery outcomes.

The Distinctive Role of Grounded Optimism and Resilience for predicting Burnout and Work Engagement: A study in Professional Caregivers of Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Resilience and optimism have been proposed as psychological resources which may help to cope better with work demands, preventing negative consequences of stress, whereas external locus of control (ELC) is considered an intra-psychic vulnerability factor associated with increased burnout. Noteworthy, the specific role of these overlapping constructs on the prevention of burnout and promotion of work engagement, respectively, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to compare the differential significance of resilience and optimism, joined with ELC, on the prediction of burnout and work engagement. METHOD: A sample of 265 professional caregivers of dependent older adults was assessed using an extensive standardized protocol. Optimism and ELC were measured using the Palenzuela's Battery of Generalised Expectancies of Control, and the Connor-Davidson Scale was used to estimate resilience. Moreover, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to measure burnout and work engagement, respectively. Different hierarchical regression models were conducted with burnout and work engagement as dependent factors. RESULTS: The results showed that more than half (51%) variance in resilience was accounted by grounded optimism scores. The ELC was the main explanatory factor of burnout, whereas optimism and resilience were the best predictors of work engagement. Finally, even after controlling the effect of resilience, the effect of optimism remained significant for predicting work engagement. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support distinctive role resilience and optimism, two closely related psychological constructs, for promoting work engagement and reducing burnout in professional caregivers of older adults.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Burnout and Self-Perceived Health in Spanish Occupational Therapists.

(1) Background: There are few studies of burnout syndrome (BS) in occupational therapists (OTs), and protective factors for BS have received little attention in the scientific literature. This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of BS, characterize the associated psychosocial factors, and analyze their relationship with health in a sample of Spanish OTs. (2) Methods: A total of 127 therapists completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and other standardized questionnaires measuring: personality traits (reduced five-factor personality inventory, NEO-FFI), coping styles (Coping Strategies Questionnaire, CAE), work-family conflict (Survey Work-Home Interaction Nijmegen, SWING), professional factors (role ambiguity/clarity and modified role conflict questionnaires), and the perception of health (Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire). Several correlational and multiple regression analyses were performed to study the psychosocial predictors of burnout and its relationship with health perceptions. (3) Results: 15.8% of the professionals presented BS, with emotional exhaustion (EE; 38.7%) being the most compromised dimension. Neuroticism, role conflict, negative work-family interaction, and open emotional expression (OE) significantly predicted a higher EE. The main predictors of cynicism (CY) were being male, role conflict, and OE. Role conflict, role ambiguity and social support-seeking were significant predictors of reduced professional efficiency (PE). (4) Conclusions: A high percentage of OTs with BS suggests the need for increased awareness of the importance of this syndrome in the health community. It would be critical to consider the protective factors (i.e., emotional management, social support) that help promote OTs' well-being and health.

ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism is associated with changes in cholesterol levels of Mexican adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The ADIPOQ gene encodes a fat-derived protein hormone with a preponderant role in the homeostasis of glucose and fatty acids. However, previous association studies between ADIPOQ genetic variants and metabolic disorders have shown controversial results. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism on diverse biochemical parameters (i.e., insulin resistance, atherogenic index, overweight and obesity) in an adolescent population from Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was carried out in 356 adolescents from Northern Mexico. They were classified by sex and BMI-z score. The biochemical parameters were measured from blood samples using conventional methods. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: In low and normal weight groups, GG carriers had a significantly higher cholesterol level (P ≤ 0.05) than TG and TT carriers. However, there was no association between ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism and atherogenic index, overweight, or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the cholesterol levels are under the influence of the ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism in Mexican adolescents and may explain how ADIPOQ variants increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, further studies are required to rule out the influence of other genetic and non-genetic factors.

Measuring the quality of early childhood education: Associations with children's development from a national study with the IMCEIC tool in Colombia.

National-level monitoring of quality of early childhood education (ECE) is key to achieving inclusive and equitable education. Most countries report structural quality while process characteristics are rarely observed at the national level. This study examined the associations between ECE and children's development in a middle-income country using data from a nationally representative sample of public centers serving Colombian children (N = 3163; M = 4.3 years, 50% girls; 42% Mestizo, 16% White, 15% Afro-Colombian, 4% Indigenous, 23% not reported). Descriptive findings evidenced low to moderate quality. Multilevel models showed several positive associations between structural and process quality and child outcomes. Results have implications for the existing literature and highlight the feasibility of quality monitoring in low- and middle-income countries.

Hemoglobina glucosilada en el diagnóstico de diabetes gestacional en mujeres mexicanas durante el tercer trimestre / Glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in Mexican women during the third trimester

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo como predictores alternativos de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles a partir de 121 expedientes de pacientes embarazadas, divididos en dos grupos, pacientes con diabetes gestacional (casos) y gestantes con valores glucémicos normales (controles). Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a la diabetes gestacional y se obtuvo un punto de corte para la hemoglobina glucosilada. Se encontró que la obesidad materna, la edad y el antecedente del padecimiento fueron asociados significativamente con la diabetes gestacional. Valores de hemoglobina glucosilada ≥5% incrementaron el riesgo de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 veces y, aunado a un factor de riesgo, la probabilidad se incrementó 7 veces. Se concluye que los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo podrían emplearse como prueba diagnóstica de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Sin embargo, aunque las diferencias encontradas fueron estadísticamente significativas, los resultados se deben interpretar con cautela y requieren su confirmación con estudios que incluyan una muestra mayor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analise glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy as an alternative predictor of gestational diabetes in North East Mexican cohort patients. This is a retrospective case-control study based on 121 records of pregnant patients, divided into two groups, patients with gestational diabetes (cases) and pregnant women with normal glycemic values (control). The risk factors associated with gestational diabetes were analised and a cut-off point for glycosylated hemogestaglobin was obtained. It was found that maternal obesity, age and a history of the condition were significantly associated with gestational diabetes. Values of glycosylated hemoglobin ≥5% increased the risk of suffering from gestational diabetes 4 times, and coupled with a risk factor, the risk increased 7 times. It is concluded that glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy could be used as a diagnostic test for gestational diabetes in patients from the North East of Mexico. Although the differences found were statistically significant, our results must be interpreted with caution and require confirmation by studies with a larger sample.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação como preditores alternativos do diabetes gestacional em pacientes na região nordeste do México. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de casos e controles utilizando 121 prontuários de gestantes divididas em dois grupos; pacientes com diabetes gestacional (casos) e gestantes com valores de glicemia normais (controles). Foram analisados os fatores de risco associados a diabetes gestacional obtendo-se um ponto de corte para a hemoglobina glicada. Descobriu-se que a obesidade materna, idade e antecedentes da doença foram associados significativamente ao diabetes gestacional. Valores da hemoglobina glicada ≥ 5% aumentaram o risco de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 vezes, e juntamente a um fator de risco, a probabilidade aumentou 7 vezes. Conclui-se que os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação poderiam ser usados como teste diagnóstico do diabetes gestacional em pacientes da região nordeste do México. Embora as diferenças encontradas tenham sido estatisticamente significativas, os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela e requerem confirmação através de estudos que incluam uma amostra maior.

Hacia un mundo libre de malaria: Utopía o realidad / Towards a malaria-free world: Utopia or reality

La Malaria es una enfermedad causada por un parásito que se transmite a los humanos a través de la picadura de mosquito hembra Anophele. Reportando la WHO en el 2019, 229 millones de casos y 409.000 muertes por la enfermedad en 87 paises del mundo, Existen seis especies de este párasito: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae y Plasmodium knowlesi. Siendo la especie P. falciparum la causante de mayor morbilidad, con tasa entre 10 y 50% de mortalidad por malaria complicada. Alrededor de 108 países han declarado la malaria como enfermedad endémica, pudiendo padecer la enfermedad en cualquier época del año. Sin embargo, en el caso de América Latina hoy en día se vive un estancamiento de la enfermedad, reportándose en países menos de 100 casos autóctonos entre el 2000 y 2019, con algunas excepciones. Esta situación de vulnerabilidad de países como Brasil, Colombia, la frontera Perú-Ecuador, Venezuela, se incrementan ante la presencia activa de la pandemia producto del Covid -19 aunado a restricciones económicas, incremento de la actividad minera, o políticas públicas que ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad del programa de control de la enfermedad. Para el 2021 la OMS corrobora que existen 87 países con malaria a nivel mundial, de los cuales 24 de ellos habían interrumpido su transmisión autóctona por 3 años. Realidad que consolidad la propuesta tras la experiencia adquirida, que cualquiera que sea la situación epidemiológica de entrada, el trabajo hacia la erradicación de la malaria debe entenderse y atenderse como un proceso continuo donde los propios Estados deben desde su realidad y estrategias propias se articulen con el Plan Estratégico Técnico Mundial Contra la Malaria 2016-2030 propuesto por la OMS(AU)

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bite of the female Anophele mosquito. Reporting the WHO in 2019, 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths from the disease in 87 countries of the world, There are six species of this parasite: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi. The species P. falciparum is the cause of greatest morbidity, with a rate between 10 and 50% of mortality from complicated malaria. About 108 countries have declared malaria as an endemic disease, and the disease can occur at any time of the year. However, in the case of Latin America today there is a stagnation of the disease, with fewer than 100 indigenous cases reported in countries between 2000 and 2019, with some exceptions. This situation of vulnerability of countries such as Brazil, Colombia, the Peru-Ecuador border, Venezuela, increases in the face of the active presence of the pandemic product of the Covid -19 coupled with economic restrictions, increased mining activity, or public policies that put at risk the sustainability of the disease control programme. By 2021, WHO confirms that there are 87 countries with malaria worldwide, of which 24 had interrupted their indigenous transmission for 3 years. Reality that consolidates the proposal after the experience acquired, that whatever the epidemiological situation of entry, The work towards the eradication of malaria must be understood and addressed as a continuous process where the States themselves must from their own reality and strategies articulate with the Global Technical Strategic Plan Against Malaria 2016-2030 proposed by the WHO(AU)

Punicalin and ellagic acid from pomegranate peel extract facilitate apoptotic behaviour in the Hela cell line.

Polyphenols may be an effective therapy for both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Previous studies have found that these compounds may inactive Hela cells, which may even be converted into a normal cells post-treatment. The present study extracted phenolic compounds from pomegranate peel, with the polyphenols then purified using different solvents and identified by means of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Once the phenolic compounds had been purified, we evaluated their cytotoxic effects on both the Hela and NIH-3T3 cell lines, on which an apoptosis assay was also carried out. Additionally, apoptosis assay was carried out on Hela and NIH-3T3. Lastly, the proteome profile was analysed via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). We isolated and then purified punicalagin and ellagic acid (EA) from pomegranate peel, with both compounds likely to have a cytotoxic effect on Hela and NIH-3T3. However, this effect depends on both concentration and exposure time. Results obtained using a Cayman commercial assay kit suggests that punicalin and EA regulate the apoptosis on the Hela and NIH-3T3 cell lines. Finally, we observed that polyphenols compounds regulate the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In conclusion, punicalin and EA have a cytotoxic effect on Hela and, furthermore, reactive the apoptotic pathway in this cell.