Medium and large alleles of the PGC gene are risk factors for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: A 100-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the pepsinogen C gene has been associated with the risk of gastric cancer (GC). OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the relationships of the 100-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism with GC, atrophic gastritis (AG), and intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the Mexican general population (MGP). METHODS: We studied the genomic DNA of subjects with GC n = 80, AG and IM n = 60, controls n = 110, and the MGP n = 97. PGC gene insertion/deletion polymorphism was identified by means of PCR, capillary electrophoresis and GeneScan software. RESULTS: Different allele sizes of PGC polymorphism were observed in the studied groups, from 266 bp to 499 bp, which were grouped for the analysis as short alleles of 266-399 bp, medium alleles of 400-433 bp and large alleles of 434-499 bp. Carriers of one or two medium alleles, had an increased risk of GC, with OR of 1.99 (CI95% 1.08-3.67 p = 0.026) compared to homozygotes (no medium/no medium). CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies have related PGC short alleles to risk for or protection against GC depending on the ethnic origin of the population. In our study, medium alleles were related to risk for GC. Further studies are required to establish the importance of this polymorphism in the origin of gastric neoplasia.

Survey on Intrusion Detection Systems Based on Machine Learning Techniques for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure.

Industrial control systems (ICSs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCSs) are fundamental components of critical infrastructure (CI). CI supports the operation of transportation and health systems, electric and thermal plants, and water treatment facilities, among others. These infrastructures are not insulated anymore, and their connection to fourth industrial revolution technologies has expanded the attack surface. Thus, their protection has become a priority for national security. Cyber-attacks have become more sophisticated and criminals are able to surpass conventional security systems; therefore, attack detection has become a challenging area. Defensive technologies such as intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are a fundamental part of security systems to protect CI. IDSs have incorporated machine learning (ML) techniques that can deal with broader kinds of threats. Nevertheless, the detection of zero-day attacks and having technological resources to implement purposed solutions in the real world are concerns for CI operators. This survey aims to provide a compilation of the state of the art of IDSs that have used ML algorithms to protect CI. It also analyzes the security dataset used to train ML models. Finally, it presents some of the most relevant pieces of research on these topics that have been developed in the last five years.

HEPARAN SULFATE AND CHONDROITIN SULFATE: GENERAL ASPECTS OF THEIR PARTICIPATION DURING Plasmodium falciparum DEVELOPMENT / SULFATO DE HEPARÁN Y SULFATO DE CONDROITINA: ASPECTOS GENERALES DE SU PARTICIPACIÓN DURANTE EL DESARROLLO DE Plasmodium falciparum

Background: Malaria is one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality rates every year in tropical countries. Despite efforts in malaria research, several mechanisms underlying hostparasite interactions remain unclear, which is a big obstacle for the management and control of malaria. Recently, numerous studies have attempted to provide a better understanding of the physiopathological mechanisms to assist in the design of new drugs, vaccines and transmission blocking agents. These research topics have indicated that glycans are key molecules in the life cycle of the malarial parasites. The aim of this review is to highlight the relevance of glycans for the development and transmission of Plasmodium and to use that information as a valuable research tool to fight malaria. Because glycans play roles in parasite invasion and interactions with the mosquito host, both of which are part of "parasite development", this review seeks to specify the role of glycans in parasite development. Methods: This review was mainly based on research articles published between 1985 and 2015 that were obtained from the PubMed and Embase databases. The keywords used in this search were sulfated glycans, malaria, Anopheles and Plasmodium. Conclusions: Sulfated glycoconjugates are intimately linked to the development, transmission and survival of Plasmodium in the intermediate and definitive hosts. A better understanding of the role of sulfated glycoconjugates in malaria infection would permit the development of new therapeutic strategies and the design of strategies to inhibit parasite transmission.

La malaria es considerada una de las enfermedades infecciosas de mayor importancia alrededor del mundo debido a la alta morbimortalidad que causa cada año en países tropicales. A pesar de los esfuerzos de investigación en malaria, muchos de los mecanismos que entrañan las interacciones hospedero-parásito aún no son claros, lo que constituye un gran obstáculo en el manejo y control de la malaria. Numerosos estudios se han llevado a cabo en los últimos años en busca de una mejor comprensión de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos, diseño de nuevas drogas, diseño de una vacuna y bloqueo de la transmisión. En todos estos temas de investigación, un elemento común son los glicanos como moléculas clave en el ciclo de vida de los parásitos de la malaria. El objetivo de esta revisión es mostrar como los glicanos se necesitan para el desarrollo y la transmisión de Plasmodium y como esta información resulta ser una valiosa herramienta en la investigación para combatir la malaria. Métodos: La presente revisión se basó principalmente en artículos originales publicados entre 1985 y 2015, obtenidos de las bases de datos PubMed y EmBase. La búsqueda fue hecha en inglés y se usaron las palabras clave: glicanos sulfatados, malaria, Anopheles y Plasmodium. Conclusión: Los glicoconjugados sulfatados están íntimamente vinculados al desarrollo, la transmisión y la supervivencia de Plasmodium, tanto en el hospedero intermediario como en el hospedero definitivo. Una mejor comprensión del rol de los glicoconjugados sulfatados en la infección malárica permitiría el desarrollo de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas, así como el diseño de estrategias para inhibir la transmisión.

Proteínas relacionadas con el metabolismo del hierro corporal / Proteins associated with the metabolism of total body iron

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el hierro es uno de los minerales más estudiados; existe amplia información en cuanto a su metabolismo, función, interacciones y regulación; sin embargo, los estudios y análisis realizados se basan en proteínas específicas y pocos integran, en un solo texto, las características de estas moléculas relacionadas con el metabolismo del hierro corporal. Objetivo: profundizar en los aspectos moleculares, metabólicos y de modulación de las proteínas que participan en la homeostasis del hierro y en sus interacciones. Materiales y métodos se hizo una búsqueda sistemática de información en bases de datos científicas de artículos sobre el tema, publicados entre 2006 y 2016. Resultados: la homeostasis del hierro corporal, es un proceso complejo y altamente regulado por diferentes moléculas que participan de manera integrada en su metabolismo; en los últimos años han surgido nuevas proteínas, algunas de ellas participan en el transporte de otros nutrientes y se les ha encontrado relación con el control humoral y celular del hierro; además, involucran la participación de varios órganos, tejidos y sistemas. Esta revisión incluye proteínas encargadas de facilitar el aprovechamiento biológico del nutriente, así como aquellas que protegen a las células de toxicidad por exceso de este mineral.

ABSTRACT Background: Iron is an essential nutrient well studied for its role in human health, and much evidence exists regarding its metabolism, functions, interactions, and regulations. However, studies and analyses that have been done are often based on specific proteins and few integrate into a single text the characteristics of multiple proteins related to total body iron metabolism. Objective: Explore in-depth the molecular, metabolic, and modulation aspects of proteins that participate in iron homeostasis and related interactions. Materials and methods: A literature review was completed using scientific databases in conjunction with a search for related scientific articles published between 2006 and 2016. Results: Homeostasis of total body iron stores is a complex process that is highly regulated by various molecules that participate in an integrated manner in iron metabolism. In recent years, new proteins have been discovered regarding the humoral and cellular control of iron, some of which are also involved in the transport of other nutrients. Additionally, these proteins involve participation from various organs, tissues, and systems. This review includes proteins responsible for facilitating biological utilization of the nutrient, as well as those that protect cells from toxicity of this mineral.

Pruebas bioquímicas para la detección de metabolitos producidos en los errores innatos del metabolismo / Biochemical tests for the detection of metabolites produced in inborn errors of metabolism / Provas bioquímicas para a detecção de metabólitos produzidos nos erros inatos do metabolismo

Los errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) son más de 550 enfermedades en las que se presenta una deficiencia o ausencia de proteínas con actividad enzimática, transportadora, receptora o estructural. Cada una de estas enfermedades es rara, pero su gran variedad hace que, consideradas en conjunto, sean la principal patología neonatal. Para la detección de los metabolitos producidos en los EIM se pueden utilizar pruebas cualitativas. Su utilidad radica en que son muy rápidas y de fácil acceso, y en que sirven como pruebas presuntivas para proceder a hacer exámenes más especializados o para enfocar el diagnóstico. Teniendo en cuenta su importancia para un diagnóstico temprano de los EIM, el objetivo del presente artículo es describir el funcionamiento de las pruebas bioquímicas de resorcinol, dinitrofenilhidrazina, nitrosonaftol, nitroprusiato y Hoesch, haciendo énfasis en los metabolitos que detectan.

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are more than 550 diseases in which there is a deficiency or absence of proteins with enzymatic, transporter, receptor or structural activity. Individually these diseases are rare, but because of their wide variety they are, considered together, the largest neonatal disease. To detect metabolites produced in IEM qualitative tests can be used. They are easily accessible and fast to carry out, and serve as presumptive elements before proceeding to more specialized tests or to focus diagnosis. Given their importance for the early diagnosis of IEM, this article aims to describe the functioning of the following biochemical tests: dinitrophenylhydrazine, resorcinol, nitrosonaphtol, nitroprusside and Hoesch, emphasizing in the metabolites that they detect.

Os erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) são mais de 550 doenças nas que se apresenta uma deficiência ou ausência de proteínas com atividade enzimática, transportadora, receptora ou estrutural. Cada uma destas doenças é rara, mas sua grande variedade faz que, consideradas em conjunto, sejam a principal patologia neonatal. Para a detecção dos metabólitos produzidos nos EIM se podem utilizar provas qualitativas. Sua utilidade radica em que são muito rápidas e de fácil acesso, e em que servem como provas presuntivas para proceder a fazer exames mais especializados ou para enfocar o diagnóstico. Tendo em conta sua importância para um diagnóstico precoce dos EIM, o objetivo do presente artigo é descrever o funcionamento das provas bioquímicas de resorcinol, dinitrofenilhidrazina, nitrosonaftol, nitroprusiato e Hoesch, fazendo ênfases nos metabólitos que detectam.

Moléculas que participan en el transporte materno-fetal de hierro: importancia del receptor 1 de transferrina y de la ferroportina en la placenta humana / Molecules implicated in maternal-fetal iron transport across the placental barrier: Role of Transferrin Receptor 1 and Ferroportin

La transferencia placentaria adecuada de hierro es crucial para satisfacer los altos requerimientos que el feto tiene de este mineral y para promover su crecimiento y desarrollo intrauterinos apropiados; de otra parte, contribuye a prevenir la ferropenia y la anemia, entidades muy frecuentes durante los dos primeros años de vida, y que se asocian con aumento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad en la infancia. La placenta es un órgano capaz de efectuar diferentes adaptaciones en la producción de las moléculas que participan en el transporte materno-fetal de hierro en respuesta al estado celular de este mineral, para asegurar la mayor disponibilidad para el feto. Esta revisión pretende acercar al lector a los mecanismos metabólicos y moleculares relacionados con la captación y el transporte de hierro por la placenta y con su salida hacia el feto, así como su regulación, para proporcionar elementos que le permitan comprender integralmente la importancia de un adecuado estado de hierro materno antes de la gestación y durante ella.

An adequate placental transfer of iron is critical to satisfy the high fetal requirements of this mineral, and to promote proper intrauterine growth and development. It also contributes to the prevention of iron deficiency and anemia, both of which are very frequent during the first two years of life, and associate with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. Different adaptations may occur in the placenta in the production of molecules that take part in the mother-tofetus iron transfer. With them, iron availability to the fetus is assured. Our aim with this review is to familiarize readers with the metabolic and molecular mechanisms of placental iron uptake, transport, regulation and release. With this knowledge, the importance of an adequate maternal iron state before and during pregnancy may be better understood.