Analysis of SIRT1 genetic variants in young Mexican individuals: relationships with overweight and obesity.

The high prevalence of obesity in Mexico starting from the early stages of life is concerning and represents a major public health problem. Genetic association studies have reported that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase that plays an important role in the regulation of metabolic cellular functions, are associated with multiple metabolic disorders and the risk of obesity. In the present study, we analyzed the effect that the SNVs rs1467568 and rs7895833 of the SIRT1 gene may have on cardiometabolic risk factors in a young adult population from Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out with young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 18.5 kg/m2. This study included 1122 young adults who were classified into the normal weight (n = 731), overweight group (n = 277), and obesity group (n = 114) according to BMI of whom 405 and 404 volunteers were genotyped for rs1467568 and rs7895833 respectively using TaqMan probes through allelic discrimination assays. We found that the male sex carrying the G allele of rs7895833 had slightly lower BMI levels (p = 0.009). Furthermore, subjects carrying rs1467568 (G allele) showed a 34% lower probability of presenting with hyperbetalipoproteinemia where female carrying rs1467568 had lower levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.030), triglycerides (p = 0.026) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.013). In conclusion, these findings suggest that the presence of both SNVs could have a non-risk effect against dyslipidemia in the Mexican population.

Sodium Selenite Diminished the Regulatory T Cell Differentiation In Vitro.

Sodium selenite modulates the activity of lymphocytes. It negatively regulates the suppressive activity of cells and increases the immune response. In this study, we evaluated whether the regulatory T cell differentiation was modulated by sodium selenite. The percentages of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25+, and CD4+CTLA-4+ cells in CD4+ T cells cultures stimulated with IL-2 and TGF-ß in the presence or absence of selenium, in the form of sodium selenite (2.0×10-6M), were evaluated by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of TET2/3 enzymes and IL-10 was analyzed by RT-qPCR and the levels of IL-10 were measured by an ELISA. We observed a decrease in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+CTLA-4+ cells in presence of selenium. However, normal percentages were reached again after selenium removal. An increase in CD4+CTL4-4+ cells was detected in selenium-primed cell cultures in absence of IL-2 and TGF-ß. In addition, we observed a decrease in TET3 in presence of selenium. Finally, we observed an augment in IL-10 transcription and protein levels and relative expression of TET2 in cultures exposed to selenium. We suggest that selenium reversibly affects the regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro. Likewise, selenium may modulate Treg percentages promoting optimal immune responses and, at the same time, the expression of specific suppressor molecules.

Suppression of Nonlinear Optical Rogue Wave Formation Using Polarization-Structured Beams.

A nonlinear self-focusing material can amplify random small-amplitude phase modulations present in an optical beam, leading to the formation of amplitude singularities commonly referred to as optical caustics. By imposing polarization structuring on the beam, we demonstrate the suppression of amplitude singularities caused by nonlinear self-phase modulation. Our results are the first to indicate that polarization-structured beams can suppress nonlinear caustic formation in a saturable self-focusing medium and add to the growing understanding of catastrophic self-focusing effects in beams containing polarization structure.

AIM2-inflammasome role in systemic lupus erythematous and rheumatoid arthritis.

The inflammasome AIM2 regulates multiple aspects of innate immune functions and serves as a critical mediator of inflammatory responses. AIM2 inflammasome activation leads to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß and IL-18 and participates triggering a pyroptosis response needed to counteract excessive cell proliferation. In addition, AIM2 expression and activation is wide regulated since alteration in its activity may derived in pathological consequences. Consequently, deregulated AIM2 activation contributes to the pathogenic processes of various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will discuss the activation and function of AIM2 inflammasome, as well as its contribution in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous pathology. Finally, we highlight the participation of the AIM2-inflammasome at the level of joint in rheumatoid arthritis and at kidney in systemic lupus erythematous. The development of therapeutic strategies based on modulation of AIM2-inflammasome activity should have a tissue-specific focus.

[Association between influenza vaccination and mortality due to COVID-19]. / Asociación entre la vacunación contra influenza y la mortalidad por COVID-19.

Background: It has recently been suggested that influenza vaccination may be a factor associated with decreased COVID-19 mortality. Methods: An age-matched case-control study based on hospital cases. We included subjects aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of moderate to severe COVID-19. Infection was corroborated by RT-PCR test for SARS-COV-2. Deceased subjects were considered cases, controls were patients discharged due to improvement of acute symptoms. We used bivariate analysis to determine factors associated with death from COVID-19, and calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 560 patients were included in the study, 214 (38.2%) were considered cases and 346 (61.7%) controls. A significant difference was observed with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus [54% vs. 39.3% between cases and controls, respectively (p=.04)] and having received influenza vaccination (p= .02). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with higher COVID-19 mortality [OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.2-2.5) p=.01], whereas having been immunised against influenza in 2019 was associated with lower mortality in this group of patients [OR .6 (95% CI .4-.9) p=.02]. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination in the previous year appears to be associated with lower mortality from COVID-19; whereas type 2 diabetes mellitus is confirmed as a condition associated with higher mortality.

Expression of mBD4, mBD3 and CRAMP during type II collagen-induced arthritis/CIA and their association with inflammation and bone-remodeling markers.

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mBD4, mBD3 and CRAMP in joint of mice with type II collagen-induced arthritis/CIA and to explore its possible association with IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, MMP3, RANK/RANKL/OPG and histological parameters. METHODS: CIA was induced in 44 DBA/1 J mice. The joints from mice were classified into the onset, peak and remission phase of CIA. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O. The expression of CRAMP, mBD-3, mBD-4, and MMP-3 was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The expression of IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, RANK/RANKL/OPG was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: We observed that inflammation and immunostained cells for CRAMP increased in the peak and remission phases compared to the control group. In addition, increments in relative expressions of CRAMP were detected for the remission phase and in IL-4 and IL-17 in the peak phase compared to the control and onset phase. In addition, an increase in IL-10 in a peak phase compared to the control, as well as the relative expression of IFN-γ in remission phase was higher than in the onset phase. This was accompanied by an increase in cartilage damage in the peak phase compared to the control. Cells immunostained to MMP3 increased in the peak phase compared to the onset and control group, and relative expression of MMP3 was detected in the peak phase compared to the onset, remission, and control group. We observed that the relative expression of RANK and RANKL in the peak phase was higher than in control and onset phase. Finally, the relative expression of OPG in the peak phase compared to the onset, remission, and control group was detected. Regarding CRAMP behavior in the different phases studied, it was positively correlated with IL-4 and RANK, and showed a negative correlation with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio in the control group. Also was positively correlated with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, as well as with RANK, RANKL, and OPG in the onset and peak phases of the CIA. In the peak phase, CRAMP showed a positive association with MMP3, and we observed a direct correlation between CRAMP and IFN-γ and RANKL/OPG ratio in remission phase. mBD3 correlates positively with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANKL, OPG and RANKL/OPG ratio, and showed a negative correlation with CRAMP, MMP3, and RANK in the control group. Also, it was directly associated with IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10 and RANKL in the onset phase while it was inversely associated with CRAMP, MMP-3, RANK, RANKL, and OPG in the peak phase. Finally, mBD3 was inversely correlated with MMP3 in the remission phase and was directly associated with CRAMP, IFN-γ and RANKL/OPG ratio in this phase. mBD4 was directly associated with CRAMP, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, RANKL / OPG in the onset phase, and with CRAMP, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10, MMP3, RANK, RANKL and OPG in the peak phase. Finally, mBD4 was positively associated with mBD3, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-10, RANK, RANKL OPG and RANKL/OPG in the CIA remission phase. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that CRAMP plays an important role in CIA progress and suggest that its abundance is associated with local pro- and anti-inflammatory status. This makes us propose CRAMP as a possible contributor of bone reconstruction in the last stage of CIA.

B regulatory cells associated with changes in biochemical and inflammatory parameters in normal-glycemic individuals, pre-diabetes and T2DM patients.

AIM: To determine the percentages of (CD19 + CD24 + CD38+, CD19 + CD24 + CD27+, CD19 + IL-10+)-Breg cells, IL-17 single and IL-17+/IFN-γ double producers T cells and IFN-γ+ T cells, in normal-glycemic individuals, prediabetes and T2DM patients, and to analyze the association of Breg cells with metabolic parameters of T2DM. METHODS: percentages of Breg cells, IL-17+ and IL-17 + IFN-γ+ T cells, IFN-γ+ T cells and IL-10 were determined by flow cytometry. IL-6 levels were evaluated by ELISA assay. RESULTS: increased IL-6 levels, IL-17+ and IL-17 + IFN-γ+ T cells and a diminution of IL-10 levels and CD19 + IL-10+ cells in T2DM patients were observed. We found that CD19 + CD24 + CD27+ cells and CD19 + CD24 + CD38+ cells were increased in T2DM patients. The percentages of CD19 + CD24 + CD38+ cells were associated with HOMA-B, TyG index, HDL and cholesterol values. In normal-glycemic individuals, CD19 + CD24 + CD27+ cells were inversely associated to triglycerides and TyG index. In prediabetes patients, CD19 + CD24 + CD38+ cells were inversely related with cholesterol and LDL. Finally, CD19 + CD24 + CD38+ cells were inversely related with HDL values in T2DM patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that increased percentages of IL-17 single and IL-17/IFN-γ double producers T cells in T2DM patients may be a consequence of the initial CD19 + IL-10+ cells reduction. Furthermore, dyslipidemia could play an important role in percentages and activity of B regulatory cells.

Gingival Thickness and Outcome of Periodontal Plastic Surgery Procedures: A Meta-regression Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of soft tissue thickness (STT) on root coverage achieved with different periodontal plastic surgery procedures. BACKGROUND: Gingival recession has been managed successfully through various surgical approaches, with great variability in outcomes. Anatomic characteristics of the recipient site and selected technique account in part for this variability. Gingival flap thickness is one of the most critical site-related characteristics. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted on the major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science). Human prospective studies with at least 6 mo of follow-up and with a numeric baseline measurement for gingival thickness were eligible. Only studies including nonsmoking patients were considered. Variables included surgical approach, participant characteristics, local anatomic factors, and follow-up time. Primary outcome was mean percentage root coverage (%RC) achieved, and complete root coverage was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies were included (35 randomized controlled trials, 5 case series, 1 prospective cohort study, and 1 controlled clinical trial). Across studies, the pooled %RC was 81.9% (95% CI, 79.1% to 84.7%). The %RC was not significantly associated (P = 0.267) with baseline soft tissue thickness; however there was a significant (P = 0.031) inverse relationship between STT and %RC after 12-mo follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed that for no graft, there was a significant (P = 0.025) positive relationship between STT and %RC with the exclusion of the single outlier study based on STT. CONCLUSIONS: STT plays a limited role in predicting root coverage across all approaches; when flaps are performed with no graft, the effect of STT is most critical. The length of time following surgery appears to influence outcomes, with 12-mo follow-up offering greater insight. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study can suggest to clinicians which periodontal plastic surgery technique to employ when treating challenging cases. In particular, it can be helpful when selecting the treatment approach to treat thin phenotype sites. This study could help clinicians provide a more appropriate treatment decision in such cases.

[Informed consents readability in vascular surgery and its progress over time]. / Legibilidad de los consentimientos informados en cirugía vascular y análisis de su evolución en el tiempo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Doctors provide patients the information in written form by informed consents (IC), being the readability essential in the quality of care. The primary endpoint was to analyze the readability of IC published by the Chapter of Endovascular Surgery (CCEV) of the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SEACV) in 2019, and its evolution to those published by the SEACV in 2007. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ICs were organized by sectors and we obtained the following parameters: syllables, words, phrases, average words/phrases and syllables/words, Flesch, Flesch-Szigriszt, Fernández-Huerta and Gunning-Fog indexes, as well as the grade on the Inflesz scale. RESULTS: The Flesch index classified the CCEV consents as very difficult, and the Gunning-Fog index reflected a readability equivalent to university texts. The Flesch-Szigriszt, Fernández-Huerta indexes and Inflesz scale classified them as normal. The ICs with less readability were those referring to supra-aortic trunks (SAT) and miscellaneous in the Fernández-Huerta (P<.020 and P<.05, respectively) and Flesch-Szigriszt (P<.05) indexes. However, ICs regarding venous pathology showed a better readability in this indexes (P<.006). CCEV consents were significantly longer than SEACV consents (P=.021). In addition, there was a decrease over time in the mean value of the Fernandez-Huerta and Flesch-Szigriszt indexes (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Although CCEV consents had a normal readability, it has been observed a decrease in the readability indexes compared to those published in 2007 by the SEACV. In addition the length and content of the ICs should be reviewed, especially those relating to SAT and miscellaneous.

Blood transfusion in children at a university hospital in a middle-income country: The need to reinforce adherence to current guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Blood component transfusion is a common procedure used during hospital admissions; however, it is not risk-free. The evaluation of correct use of blood products (BP) is of vast importance considering the risks and costs implied in their use. Our principal objective was to evaluate the adherence to national guidelines for blood transfusion in pediatric patients at a third level university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and retrospective descriptive analytical study was conducted to report the incidence of incorrect use of BP in pediatric patients (1 month to 16 years of age). In a timeline period of 4 years, 579 medical records were randomly selected from a total of 6575 transfusions realized to create a statistically significant sample. The variables studied were volume, infusion time, and transfusion criteria. Indications were evaluated in patient's medical records according to national guidelines. RESULTS: Of the transfusions analyzed, 54% were classified as incorrect mainly due to lack of transfusion criteria fulfillment. Blood transfusion indications in pediatric patients adhered poorly to national guidelines. CONCLUSION: The implementation of effective programs for education and information on the use of BP are needed to increase compliance with current guidelines.

Sonographic Measurement of the Patellar Tendon Should Predict Autograft Bone Patellar Tendon Bone (BPTB) Size: Comparison of Anatomical and Clinical Findings.

The use of BPTB autograft is frequently used in ACL reconstruction, however, the risk of potential failure in patients with an anatomically unfavorable patellar tendon may predispose to reconstruction failure. Anatomical study of the extensor apparatus of the knee can provide knowledge about the best option obtain the graft and perform a better preoperative planning. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a simple, reproducible, affordable technique that could be valid for patellar tendon evaluation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the reproducibility of the patellar tendon measurements by ultrasound and compare them with anatomical measurements, both in cadaver and patients undergoing ACLR. The study consists of two phases; first anatomical study in cadaver. The ultrasound measurement was performed by determining the length, width and thickness of the patellar tendon, both by ultrasound and anatomical dissection. The second phase is a cohort of 42 patients pending surgical ACLR. Previous ultrasound and intraoperative measurements were obtained. Regarding the anatomical study, statistical analysis did not show any differences comparing the measurements in length (p = ns) and thickness (p = ns) of the patellar tendon, although differences were obtained when comparing the results obtained for the width of the tendon after the ultrasound and anatomical measurement (p < 0.001). Same results were obtained in second phase of the study. The reproducibility of ultrasound measurements of the PT is comparable to intraoperatively measurements (without width measurement). These findings can be useful for preoperative planning in the reconstruction of ACL with BPTB Graft and to assess technical modifications prior to surgery.

Nódulos subcutáneos como manifestación de cisticercosis diseminada / Subcutaneous nodules as manifestation of disseminated cysticercosis

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La cisticercosis es una infección parasitaria causada por la TaeniaSolium. Puede presentar una forma diseminada con compromiso sistémico. Clínicamente, la cisticercosis diseminada puede debutar con la presencia de nódulos subcutáneos. Presentamos un caso de diagnóstico de cisticercosis diseminada con la presencia de nódulos subcutáneos y síntomas respiratorios como única fuente de sospecha de enfermedad. Caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 76 años de edad procedente de una región del Centro del Perú que acude a emergencia por hemoptisis, baja de peso y astenia de un año de evolución. Presentaba además nódulos subcutáneos no dolorosos, móviles en miembros superiores, inferiores, tórax, abdomen, cuello y cara. En la biopsia se demostró la presencia de cisticercocelullosae. Fue tratado con albendazol 400mg cada 12 horas por 6 meses, con evolución favorable. Conclusión: La cisticercosis es una enfermedad prevalente en nuestro país. Su presentación diseminada, sin embargo, no es tan frecuente. El diagnóstico puede ser difícil y a veces permanecer oculto, pues la clínica varía de silente a formas graves, dependiendo del órgano afectado, que en una forma diseminada pueden ser múltiples los órganos afectados, como el caso de nuestro paciente. Se concluye que las presencias de nódulos subcutáneos deben hacernos pensar en la posibilidad de formas diseminadas de cisticercosis.

ABSTRACT: Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by Taenia Solium. It can be present as a disseminated form with systemic compromise. Disseminated cysticercosis may clinically debut with the presence of subcutaneous nodules. We present a case of diagnosis of disseminated cysticercosis with the presence of subcutaneous nodules and respiratory symptoms as the only source of suspected disease. Case: We present the case of a 76-year-old male patient from a region of central Peru who came to emergency due to hemoptysis, low weight and asthenia of one year of evolution. It also presented subcutaneous nodules that were painless, mobile in upper and lower limbs, abdomen, neck and face, the biopsy demonstrated with the presence of cysticercuscelullosae. He was treated with albendazole 400mg every 12h for 6 months, with favorable evolution. Conclusion: Cysticercosis is a prevalent disease in our country. Its disseminated presentation, however, is not as frequent. Diagnosis can be difficult and sometimes remain hidden, as the clinic varies from silent to severe, depending on the affected organ, which in a disseminated form can be multiple, as in the case of our patient. We conclude that the presence of subcutaneous nodules should make us think about the possibility of disseminated forms of cysticercosis.

Tropical milk production systems and milk quality: a review.

We reviewed information on dairy cattle production systems in the tropics, the factors involved, and their influence on milk composition. Genetic factors had greater influence on milk production; specialized breeds produced more milk, and there was an inverse relation between the content of fat, protein, total solids, and the amount of milk produced. Season was related to the availability of forage, and the type of grazing system. Greater pasture area increased individual production, while a greater supply of feed concentrate did not increase milk production. The number of calvings positively affected milk production through the fifth calving, with subsequent declines in production. Milk production increased to a maximum and then declined as lactation progressed. Specialized systems had higher production and better hygienic milk quality; milking and container equipment are critical for maintaining milk sanitary quality. Factor interaction is highly complex, preventing the generation of specific recommendations and general principles applicable to the specific conditions for each system.

Frequency of regulatory B cells in adipose tissue and peripheral blood from individuals with overweight, obesity and normal-weight.

STATEMENTS OF THE PROBLEM: Regulatory B (Breg) cells have a critical role in adipose tissue homeostasis, and although subtypes of Breg cells have been described, their contribution during obesity is unclear. Therefore, the levels of regulatory B cells in adipose tissue and peripheral blood samples drawn from individuals with overweight, obesity, and normal-weight were evaluated. METHODS: The percentages of Breg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of Breg cells was assessed by measuring the release of IFN-γ in the supernatants of co-cultures of CD4+ T and regulatory B cells with an ELISA assay. The levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ produced by the CD4+ T cells were assessed using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: Diminished frequencies of Breg cells with phenotypes CD19+CD27+CD38High, CD19+CD24HighCD38High, and CD19+CD24HighCD38HighIL-10+ cells were observed in the blood samples from the individuals with overweight and obesity but not in the individuals with normal-weight. The production of IFN-γ in CD4+ T-cell cultures showed a decrease in the presence of Breg cells in individuals with obesity and normal-weight. We found fewer percentages of CD19+CD27+CD38High cells in the adipose tissue samples from individuals with overweight and obesity compared to individuals with normal-weight. In addition, elevated levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ in the supernatants of the cultures of CD4+ T cells from the individuals with obesity compared to the individuals with normal-weight were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that individuals with obesity show increased levels of Th1/Th17 cytokines, which might be caused by the decreased frequency of regulatory B cells.