Birth weight, slowness in eating and feeding practices as independent determinants of rapid weight gain.

AIM: Our aim was to identify independent determinants of rapid weight gain in infants at 3-4, 6, and 12 months of age. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on Mexican term infants in public and private settings between March 2021 and May 2023. Rapid weight gain was defined as a ≥0.67 SD change in weight-for-age-Z-score from birth to 3-4, 6, and 12 months of age. Maternal and infant characteristics were described, and infant feeding practices, appetitive traits, weight, and length were analysed at 3-4, 6, and 12 months of age. Rapid weight gain predictors were determined using generalised linear regression models. RESULTS: In total, 168 infants were recruited (55% boys). Small-for-gestational-age status increased rapid weight gain risk 1.5 times, whereas large-for-gestational-age status represented a 20%-30% decrease. Slowness in eating decreased the risk by 10%. Protective factors were older maternal age and higher educational level, whereas formula feeding, early complementary feeding, greater food enjoyment, and satiety responsiveness increased the risk. CONCLUSIONS: Small for gestational age, slowness in eating, and feeding practices can be rapid weight gain predictors across the first year of life.

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC ENTEROPATHOGEN PRESENCE IN CAPTIVE CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS) FED VARIOUS DIETS USING FLUORESCENCE IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION.

Chronic enteropathies pose an important difficulty in the captive management of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) because of suspected multifactorial pathogenesis and the complex nature of enteric microbiota dynamics. Enterobacteriaceae, Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Helicobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. are enteropathogens of interest because of their zoonotic potential and suspected contribution to enteropathies. This study aimed to determine the presence of these enteropathogens of interest in fecal samples from cheetahs (N = 48) fed different diets from three different institutions and to investigate the associations between diet, fecal score, and specific enteropathogen presence. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes were used to visualize and quantify putative enteropathogens in each sample concurrent with selective culturing for Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens. From FISH counts, carcass-fed animals had greater numbers of Enterobacteriaceae compared with animals fed low-fat dog food, although this trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.088). Furthermore, no significant associations were found between fecal score and bacterial load. Abundance of Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, or Helicobacter spp. as measured by FISH were not correlated with diet or fecal score. On the basis of these data, in agreement with published literature, it is concluded that these microbes may be commensals in the cheetah gastrointestinal tract and do not appear to be a primary cause of abnormal fecal scores.

POSTVACCINAL VIRAL DISEASE PRESENTATION IN TWO LITTERS OF CHEETAHS (ACINONYX JUBATUS).

Protective antibody titers against core vaccines have not been standardized for cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) under human care. Vaccine-induced disease has been suspected after administration of modified live virus vaccine (MLVV), but it has not been confirmed as the causative agent. MLVV and killed virus vaccines (KVV) elicit humoral response in cheetahs; however, the use of both vaccines for initial immunization in cheetah cubs <6 months old within the same population has not been reported. The current case series describes viral disease presentation in two cheetah litters after using both vaccines and presents results for serum neutralization titers against feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and hemagglutination inhibition titers against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). For Litter 1, MLVV was administered at 6 and 9 wk old. On week 11, one male developed ocular, oral, and dermal lesions. Viral isolation recovered FCV. Because of suspected vaccine-induced FCV, KVV was administered on weeks 13 and 16. Litter 2 was vaccinated with KVV via the same vaccination schedule. Fifty-three days after the last booster, two cubs presented with ocular, respiratory, and oral clinical signs; both were PCR positive for FHV-1. Serology reported a better anamnestic response and protective titers against FCV and FPV with the protocol used with Litter 1. In Litter 2, FCV and FHV-1 titer measurement failed in three of four cubs, limiting comparison of titers between litters. In spite of limited measurements, absence of a statistical evaluation, and presence of infection, serology showed a better humoral response when MLVV was used.

Gender and age-related variations in human immunodeficiency virus infection trends at the Mexican Institute of Social Security: 2003-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosing and treating human immunodeficiency virus carriers has led to the identification of a higher prevalence of said infection and, therefore, of a higher risk of transmission of the virus. OBJECTIVE: To find out the trend of new cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection carriers at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in Mexico within the 2003-2017 period. METHODS: Patients affiliated to the IMSS were analyzed. Data from 42,181 newly-diagnosed cases were collected, with variations related to gender and age being observed. Age-standardized rates per 100,000 population were obtained. RESULTS: The highest mean annual percentage change in males was documented in adolescents (13.0, 95% CI = 9.9, 16.1). Heterogeneous trends were recorded for women, with a significant overall decrease (-2.2, 95% CI = -3.4, -1.0), but growing trends were also observed in some groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the human immunodeficiency epidemic in patients cared for at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social is concentrated in males, with a growing trend particularly in adolescents.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Hacer el diagnóstico y tratar a portadores del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana ha llevado a identificar mayor prevalencia de esa infección y, por lo tanto, de un mayor riesgo de transmisión de este virus. OBJETIVO: Conocer la tendencia en México de los nuevos casos de portadores de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) en el periodo 2003-2017. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron pacientes asegurados en el IMSS. Se obtuvieron datos de 42 181 casos recién diagnosticados y se analizaron las variaciones relacionadas con el sexo y la edad. Se obtuvieron las tasas estandarizadas por edad por 100 000 personas. RESULTADOS: El cambio porcentual anual promedio más alto en hombres se documentó en adolescentes varones (13.0, IC 95 % = 9.9, 16.1). Se registraron tendencias heterogéneas en las mujeres, con una disminución total significativa (­2.2, IC 95 % = ­3.4, ­1.0), pero también se observaron tendencias crecientes en algunos grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados sugieren que en el IMSS, la epidemia de la inmunodeficiencia humana adquirida se concentra en hombres, con tendencia creciente particularmente en adolescentes.

Components of frailty, sarcopenia and their association with vitamin D deficiency. Cross-sectional, analytical study.

INTRODUCTION: In older adults, the association of frailty and sarcopenia with vitamin D deficiency is well known, but the association of the components of frailty syndrome has been poorly studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of the components of frailty and sarcopenia with vitamin D insufficiency in older adults. METHODS: Adults were studied, in whom age, education, marital status, history of fractures, hospitalizations, anthropometric indicators, sarcopenia, Charlson index, polypharmacy, Fried's frailty phenotype, and plasma vitamin D were recorded; figures < 30 ng/mL were considered indicative of vitamin D insufficiency. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for statistical analysis. The association was determined by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventy-five adults with a mean age of 71.7 ± 6.7 years (95% CI = 60-90 years) were studied. Binary logistic regression showed that the variables associated with vitamin D deficiency were exhaustion (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.0-6.5, p = 0.03), frailty (OR = 9.2, 95% CI = 2.5-34.1, p = 0.001) and pre-frailty (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 2.1-10.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The frail and pre-frail phenotypes, as well as exhaustion, are associated with vitamin D insufficiency.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En adultos mayores, la asociación de fragilidad y sarcopenia con deficiencia de vitamina D es conocida, pero poco se ha estudiado la asociación de los componentes del síndrome de fragilidad. OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre los componentes de fragilidad, sarcopenia e insuficiencia de vitamina D en adultos mayores. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron adultos de quienes se registró edad, escolaridad, estado civil, antecedentes de fracturas, hospitalizaciones, indicadores antropométricos, sarcopenia, índice de Charlson, polifarmacia, fenotipo de fragilidad de Fried y vitamina D plasmática; cifras < 30 ng/mL se consideraron indicativas de insuficiencia de vitamina D. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. La asociación fue determinada mediante regresión logística binaria. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 175 adultos con un promedio de edad de 71.7 ± 6.7 años (IC 95 % = 60-90 años). La regresión logística binaria demostró que las variables asociadas a insuficiencia de vitamina D fueron agotamiento (RM = 2.6, IC 95 % = 1.0-6.5, p = 0.03), fragilidad (RM = 9.2, IC 95 % = 2.5-34.1, p = 0.001) y prefragilidad (RM = 4.6, IC 95 % = 2.1-10.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Los fenotipos frágil, prefrágil y agotamiento se asocian a insuficiencia de vitamina D.

The state of the field: from inception to commercialization of metal-organic frameworks.

As chemists and materials scientists, it is our duty to synthesize and utilize materials for a multitude of applications that promote the development of society and the well-being of its citizens. Since the inception of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), researchers have proposed a variety of design strategies to rationally synthesize new MOF materials, studied their porosity and gas sorption performances, and integrated MOFs onto supports and into devices. Efforts have explored the relevance of MOFs for applications including, but not limited to, heterogeneous catalysis, guest delivery, water capture, destruction of nerve agents, gas storage, and separation. Recently, several start-up companies have undertaken MOF commercialization within industrial sectors. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the state of the MOF field from their design and synthesis to their potential applications, and finally, to their commercialization.

Incisional Infection Postphacoemulsification in a Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis).

A 32-year-old captive female Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) was diagnosed with a hypermature resorbed cataract in the right eye and a mature cataract with phacolytic uveitis in the left eye. No other systemic or neurologic physical abnormalities were detected. The patient was considered blind from bilateral cataracts, and with a reduced quality of life, surgery was indicated to remove the mature cataract in the left eye. Before surgery, the phacolytic uveitis was treated in the left eye for 1 week with topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication. Unilateral phacoemulsification was performed on the left eye while under general anesthesia. The individual recovered uneventfully and regained vision in the left eye. The bird was returned to its enclosure 8 days after the surgical procedure. No abnormalities were noted in behavior or reintegration. Three weeks after the phacoemulsification was performed in the left eye, the individual presented with active uveitis, without vision loss, suspected secondary to incisional infection, which was managed with topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication. At day 41 the patient was discharged with no disease conditions affecting the left eye, and the flamingo's vision was considered significantly improved compared with initial presentation. Phacoemulsification was safe and effective in removing the lens, resolving phacolytic uveitis, and restoring vision in spite of the postsurgical incisional infection. Some adaptations in the surgical approach and medical management are recommended on the basis of morphology, feeding habits, and behavior of this aquatic avian species to avoid postsurgical incisional infection and uveitis.

Persistent arthralgia and related risks factors in laboratory-confirmed cases of Chikungunya virus infection in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cumulative incidence of persistent arthralgia at 6 months from acute Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and to evaluate the association of clinical markers with the risk of long-term arthralgia. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Mexican state of Colima. A total of 136 individuals aged 15 years and older with serologically confirmed CHIKV infection were enrolled. Participants were interviewed at 6 months from the onset of symptoms, and self-reported persistent arthralgia (PA) was the main binary outcome. A self-report numeric rating scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10 was used to estimate the severity of articular pain. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of PA was 41.9%. Severe pain (NRS ≥ 7) presented in 36.8% of participants with PA. In multiple analysis, individuals aged 40 years and older (risk ratio (RR) = 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-2.48) and those with articular pain at 3 months post-infection (RR = 3.95; 95% CI, 1.95-8.01) had a significantly increased risk of PA at 6 months from CHIKV infection. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is first report of a CHIKV-associated long-term outcome in Mexico, where the incidence of the infection has been high. This is also the first study in Latin America evaluating several factors associated with the risk of PA. Our findings may be useful in health care settings to stratify the risk of chronic arthralgia secondary to CHIKV infection and to identify patients who would benefit clinically from early medical intervention.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi (TC) and risk factors in Colima, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was conducted to estimate the incidence of seropositivity to anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies and analyze potential risk factors in Colima, on the western coast of Mexico. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal studies of 209 subjects with negative serology in 1999 for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition test were tested again in 2005. At the same time, 716 children under six years of age were surveyed serologically (total n = 925); the history of Trypanosoma cruzi infection was determined by the same hemagglutination inhibition test. The variables analyzed were age, sex, living in triatomine-infested places, type of community, quality of housing, presence of pets, and number of inhabitants per house. RESULTS: Trypanosoma cruzi seropositivity in the period of six years was 22/925 cases, with a point prevalence of 2.73% and an adjusted rate of 7.3/1,000 person-years. The variable living in triatomine-infested areas showed association with seropositivity anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies (RR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.28-23.5). The remaining variables showed no significant association. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the active transmission of Chagas disease in Mexico´s western-central region, which merits greater epidemiological surveillance and vector control, particularly in localities infested with triatomines.

Effectiveness of Enteral Versus Oral Nutrition With a Medium-Chain Triglyceride Formula to Prevent Malnutrition and Growth Impairment in Infants With Biliary Atresia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of oral (PO) versus enteral nutrition (EN) medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) containing-formula to prevent malnutrition and growth impairment in infants with biliary atresia (BA) waiting for a liver transplant. METHODS: A total of 15 infants, 3 to 9 months old with BA were included. They were randomly assigned to either PO or EN. For 12 weeks, both groups received an MCT formula fortified with glucose polymers and corn oil to reach a caloric density between 0.8 and 1 kcal/mL. The formula given to the PO group was administered ad libitum and that given via EN was infused through a nasogastric tube to reach 140% of the energy intake recommended by the Dietary Recommended Intake guidelines. Protein intake was adjusted to 4 to 5 g/kg present weight. Outcome variables were growth and nutritional status evaluated periodically by anthropometric indicators. Biochemical and hematological variables were evaluated through the study. RESULTS: Baseline clinical, nutritional, biochemical, and hematological variables showed no differences between the study groups. Baseline length/age was <-2 SD in 10 of the 15 patients; in the PO group, it fell <-3 SD, whereas in the EN group, it remained stable. Head circumference z score dropped 0.6 SD in the PO group, whereas in the EN group it remained stable. Triceps skinfold values improved in the infants taking EN, P < 0.001. The frequency of adverse effects--respiratory infection and diarrhea--was higher in the EN group. No biochemical or hematological differences were observed between the study groups throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week EN trial with an MCT-fortified formula prevented malnutrition and growth impairment in infants with BA waiting for a liver transplant.

Local leadership and the Affordable Care Act.

Local health departments are in key positions to lead in the education and implementation efforts to advance the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The first enrollment period is over, but the efforts to enroll the uninsured and advocate for expansion of Medicaid in the states that have not yet taken on this expansion will continue for years to come. Political climates may be unsupportive, but some actions may still be possible.

Effect of chronic administration of forskolin on glycemia and oxidative stress in rats with and without experimental diabetes.

Forskolin is a diterpene derived from the plant Coleus forskohlii. Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, which increases intracellular cAMP levels. The antioxidant and antiinflammatory action of forskolin is due to inhibition of macrophage activation with a subsequent reduction in thromboxane B2 and superoxide levels. These characteristics have made forskolin an effective medication for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic forskolin administration on blood glucose and oxidative stress in 19 male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes compared to 8 healthy male Wistar rats. Rats were treated with forskolin, delivered daily for 8 weeks. Glucose was assessed by measuring fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats and with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in healthy rats. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8­OHdG) in 24-h urine samples. In diabetic rats, without forskolin, fasting blood glucose was significantly higher at the end than at the beginning of the experiment (8 weeks). In both healthy and diabetic rats, forskolin treatment lowered the fasting glucose at the end of the experiment but no effect was found on oral glucose tolerance. The 8-OHdG levels tended to be less elevated in forskolin-treated than in untreated group. Our results showed that chronic administration of forskolin decreased fasting blood glucose levels; however, the reductions of 8-OHdG were not statistically significant.

Role of Incretins in Muscle Functionality, Metabolism, and Body Composition in Breast Cancer: A Metabolic Approach to Understanding This Pathology.

A poorly studied issue in women with breast cancer is the role of incretins (GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)) in the quantity and quality of muscle mass in lean and obese individuals. The current report aims to analyze the patterns of association and the role of incretin in muscle functionality and body composition in women with cancer compared with healthy women (mammography BI-RADS I or II) to elucidate whether GIP and GLP-1 can be used to estimate the risk, in conjunction with overweight or obesity, for breast cancer. We designed a case-control study in women with a breast cancer diagnosis confirmed by biopsy in different clinical stages (CS; n = 87) and healthy women with a mastography BI-RADS I or II within the last year (n = 69). The women were grouped according to body mass index (BMI): lean (<25 kg/m2BS), overweight (≥25-<30 kg/m2BS), and obese (≥30 kg/m2BS). We found that GLP-1 and GIP levels over 18 pg/mL were associated with a risk of breast cancer (GIP OR = 36.5 and GLP-1 OR = 4.16, for the entire sample), particularly in obese women (GIP OR = 8.8 and GLP-1 OR = 6.5), and coincidentally with low muscle quality indexes, showed an association between obesity, cancer, incretin defects, and loss of muscle functionality.

Time­dependent ROC curve analysis to determine the predictive capacity of seven clinical scales for mortality in patients with COVID­19: Study of a hospital cohort with very high mortality.

Clinical data from hospital admissions are typically utilized to determine the prognostic capacity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) indices. However, as disease status and severity markers evolve over time, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis becomes more appropriate. The present analysis assessed predictive power for death at various time points throughout patient hospitalization. In a cohort study involving 515 hospitalized patients (General Hospital Number 1 of Mexican Social Security Institute, Colima, Mexico from February 2021 to December 2022) with COVID-19, seven severity indices [Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) PaO2/FiO2 arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen (Kirby index), the Critical Illness Risk Score (COVID-GRAM), the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2), the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA), the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and the Viral Pneumonia Mortality Score (MuLBSTA were evaluated using time-dependent ROC curves. Clinical data were collected at admission and at 2, 4, 6 and 8 days into hospitalization. The study calculated the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for each index at these time points. Mortality was 43.9%. Throughout all time points, NEWS-2 demonstrated the highest predictive power for mortality, as indicated by its AUC values. PSI and COVID-GRAM followed, with predictive power increasing as hospitalization duration progressed. Additionally, NEWS-2 exhibited the highest sensitivity (>96% in all periods) but showed low specificity, which increased from 22.9% at admission to 58.1% by day 8. PSI displayed good predictive capacity from admission to day 6 and excellent predictive power at day 8 and its sensitivity remained >80% throughout all periods, with moderate specificity (70.6-77.3%). COVID-GRAM demonstrated good predictive capacity across all periods, with high sensitivity (84.2-87.3%) but low-to-moderate specificity (61.5-67.6%). The qSOFA index initially had poor predictive power upon admission but improved after 4 days. FIB-4 had a statistically significant predictive capacity in all periods (P=0.001), but with limited clinical value (AUC, 0.639-0.698), and with low sensitivity and specificity. MuLBSTA and IKIRBY exhibited low predictive power at admission and no power after 6 days. In conclusion, in COVID-19 patients with high mortality rates, NEWS-2 and PSI consistently exhibited predictive power for death during hospital stay, with PSI demonstrating the best balance between sensitivity and specificity.

Sexual risk behavior and type of sexual partners in transnational indigenous migrant workers.

Indigenous migrant workers (IMWs) have a high vulnerability to HIV and STDs due to poverty and marginalization. This study examined factors associated with sexual risk behavior (SRB) according to type of partner in transnational young male IMWs at a sugar cane agro-industrial complex in western Mexico. A total of 192 sexually active IMWs were recruited from four laborer shelters to participate in a sexual partner survey. The IMWs were interviewed about their sexual partners and practices over the last 12 months during which it emerged that they had had a total of 360 sexual partners. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to SRB in 222 main (spouse, mistress and girlfriend) and 138 casual partners (colleague, friend, casual encounter and sex worker). Results showed a significantly higher SRB score with casual partners. For the main partner regression model, prior exposure to HIV- and STD-preventive information and sexual intercourse with higher employment status partners (formal workers vs. self-employed in informal activities and unemployed) were associated with lower SRB scores, but if the sexual relations occurred in Mexico (vs. the U.S.), the SRB scores increased. For the casual partner model, the practice of survival sex (sex in exchange for basic needs), sexual relations in Mexico (vs. the U.S.), and being a circular migrant (person traveling for temporary work to return home when the contract is over) were related to higher SRB scores. Findings support the implementation of preventive interventions using different messages depending on the type of partners, main or casual, within the labor migrant context.

The Methylene Spacer Matters: The Structural and Luminescent Effects of Positional Isomerism of n-Methylpyridyltriazole Carboxylate Semi-Rigid Ligands in the Structure of Zn(II) Based Coordination Polymers.

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers (CPs) based on n-methylpyridyltriazole carboxylate semi-rigid organic ligands (n-MPTC), with n = 3 (L1) and 4 (L2), have been prepared at the water n-butanol interphase by reacting Zn(NO3)2·4H2O with NaL1 and NaL2. This allows us to systematically investigate the influence of the isomeric positional effect on their structures. The organic ligands were obtained by saponification from their respective ester precursors ethyl-5-methyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate (P1) and ethyl-5-methyl-1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate (P2), resulting in their corresponding sodium salt forms, 3-MPTC, and 4-MPTC. The structure of the Zn(II) CPs determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that both CPs have 2D supramolecular hydrogen bond networks. The 2D supramolecular network of [Zn(L1)]n (1) is built up by hydrogen bond interactions between oxygen and hydrogen atoms between neighboring n-methylpyridyltriazole molecules, whereas in [Zn(L2)·4H2O]n (2) the water molecules link 1D polymeric chains forming a 2D supramolecular aggregate. The structures of 1 and 2 clearly show that the isomeric effect in the semi-rigid ligands plays a vital role in constructing the Zn(II) coordination polymers, helped by the presence of the methylene spacer group, in the final structural conformation. The structures of 1 and 2 significantly affect their luminescent properties. Thus, while 2 shows strong emission at room temperature centered at 367 nm, the emission of 1 is quenched substantially.

Influence of Blood Rheology and Turbulence Models in the Numerical Simulation of Aneurysms.

An aneurysm is a vascular malformation that can be classified according to its location (cerebral, aortic) or shape (saccular, fusiform, and mycotic). Recently, the study of blood flow interaction with aneurysms has gained attention from physicians and engineers. Shear stresses, oscillatory shear index (OSI), gradient oscillatory number (GON), and residence time have been used as variables to describe the hemodynamics as well as the origin and evolution of aneurysms. However, the causes and hemodynamic conditions that promote their growth are still under debate. The present work presents numerical simulations of three types of aneurysms: two aortic and one cerebral. Simulation results showed that the blood rheology is not relevant for aortic aneurysms. However, for the cerebral aneurysm case, blood rheology could play a relevant role in the hemodynamics. The evaluated turbulence models showed equivalent results in both cases. Lastly, a simulation considering the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) showed that this phenomenon is the dominant factor for aneurysm simulation.

Genomic diversity and population structure of teosinte (Zea spp.) and its conservation implications.

The wild species of the genus Zea commonly named teosintes, comprise nine different taxa, distributed from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. Although this genus of plants has been extensively studied from a morphological, ecogeographical and genetic point of view, most contributions have been limited to the study of a few populations and taxa. To understand the great variability that exists between and within teosinte species, it is necessary to include the vast majority of known populations. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the diversity and genomic structure of 276 teosinte populations. Molecular analyzes were performed with 3,604 plants and with data from 33,929 SNPs. The levels of genetic diversity by taxonomic group show a marked difference between species, races and sections, where the highest values of genomic diversity was found in ssp. parviglumis and ssp. mexicana. The lower values were obtained for the Luxuriantes section as well as ssp. huehuetenagensis of the section Zea. The results of structure show that there is a great genetic differentiation in all the taxonomic groups considered. For ssp. parviglumis and mexicana, which are the taxa with the largest number of populations, a marked genomic differentiation was found that is consistent with their geographic distribution patterns. These results showed a loss of diversity in several teosinte populations, making a strong case for further collection, and ex situ and in situ conservation. Also, this study highlights the importance of integrating genomic diversity and structure for the applications of conservation and management.

Phase Angle in Head and Neck Cancer: A Sex-Differential Analysis from Biological and Clinical Behavior to Health-Related Quality of Life.

Head and neck cancer (H&NC) is a diverse category of tumors related to malignancies in the common aerodigestive pathway, with high metabolic rate, poor nutritional and treatment outcomes, and elevated mortality despite the best standard treatment. Herein, we focus on determining how the phase angle (PA) differs across sex as a predictor of poor prognosis, low quality-of-life (QoL) scores, and mortality in patients with head and neck cancer. This follow-up study presents a sex-differential analysis in a prospective cohort of 139 head and neck cancer patients categorized by sex as male (n = 107) and female (n = 32). Patients were compared in terms of nutritional, biochemical, and quality-of-life indicators between low and normal PA in women (<3.9° (n = 14, 43.75%) and ≥3.9°) and men (<4.5° (n = 62, 57.9%) and ≥4.5°). Our results show that most patients were in locally advanced clinical stages (women: n = 21 (65.7%); men: n = 67 (62.6%)) and that patients with low PA had a lower punctuation in parameters such as handgrip strength, four-meter walking speed, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), as well as the worst QoL scores in functional and symptomatic scales in both the male and female groups. A comparison between sexes revealed significant disparities; malnourishment and tumor cachexia related to an inflammatory state was more evident in the women's group.

Phase Angle and Nutritional Status: The Impact on Survival and Health-Related Quality of Life in Locally Advanced Uterine Cervical Cancer.

The phase angle, an indicator of muscle mass status and membrane cell integrity, has been associated with low survival, poorer clinical outcomes, and worse quality of life among cancer patients, but information on women with uterine cervical cancer (UCCa) is scarce. In this prospective study, we used a bioelectrical impedance analyzer to obtain the PA of 65 women with UCCa. We compared the health-related quality of life and inflammatory and nutritional indicators between low PA and normal PA. The mean age was 52 ± 13. The low PA and normal PA groups differed in terms of the C-reactive protein (15.8 ± 19.6 versus 6.82 ± 5.02, p = 0.022), glucose (125.39 ± 88.19 versus 88.78 ± 23.08, p = 0.021), albumin (3.9 ± 0.39 versus 4.37 ± 0.30, p = 0.000), EORTC QLQ-C30 loss of appetite symptom scale score (33.33 (0.0-100.00) versus 0.0 (0.0-0.0), p = 0.005), and EORTC QLQ-CX24 menopausal symptoms scale score (0.0 (0.0-33.33) versus 0.0 (0.0-100.0), p = 0.03). The main finding of the present study is the interaction between PA and obesity as critical cofactors in the UCCa adeno and adenosquamous histologic variants, to a greater extent than cervical squamous cell carcinoma.