Obtaining Tissues of Human Amniotic Membrane and Identification of Pluripotent Markers.

The immunofluorescence technique has been used to identify pluripotent markers in the human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC). hAEC belonging to human fetal membranes, specificamently to amnion layer, and are arising by epiblast, this sugest that the hAEC have characteristics of epiblast cells, in other words, characteristcs of pluripotent stem cells. Here we describe obtaining human amnion tissue and identifying pluripotent markers by immunofluorescence.

Galectin-9 Expression is Correlated to Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression and Overall Survival.

Purpose: To determine whether galectin-9 gene (LGALS9) expression is correlated with cervical cancer progression, clinicopathological characteristics, and overall survival. To determine the biological processes and the abundance of tumour infiltrating immune cells related to the expression of LGALS9. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in two phases: 1) The expression level of LGALS9 was determined using the data of 193 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Biological processes and tumour infiltrating cells associated to LGALS9 expression were evaluated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and tumour immune estimation resource (TIMER). 2) Independently, galectin-9 was identified in 40 SCC samples by immunohistochemistry and optical density quantified using ImagePro® software. Results: The LGALS9 gene showed increased expression in cervical cancer samples. A higher expression level in SCC was related to better overall survival and to early clinical stages. GSEA showed that tumours with higher expression of LGALS9 were enriched in immune pathways such as interferon_alpha_response, and complement, the analysis of TIMER database showed a positive correlation between the expression level of LGALS9 and the abundance of tumour infiltrating immune cells. In addition, higher expression of galectin-9 was found in biopsies of SCC patients at early clinical stages, showing a trend of better survival. Conclusion: Higher expression levels of LGALS9 and galectin-9 in SCC were related to early clinical stages and better prognosis. GSEA and TIMER analysis suggested that galectin-9 could play an antitumor role in cervical SCC.

PM2.5-bound trace metals in an urban area of Northern Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic: characterization, sources, and health risk.

Abstract: A field study was carried out in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM), the second most populated city in Mexico, characterized by increasing urbanization, high traffic density, and intense industrial activity. These characteristics commonly present high concentrations of air pollutants leading to the degradation of air quality. PM2.5 was analyzed for heavy metals at two urban sites located within the MAM (Juarez and San Bernabe) in order to determine sources, health risk, morphology, and elemental content during the COVID-19 pandemic (autumn 2020 and spring 2021). Twenty-four-hour samples of PM2.5 were collected at each site during 30-day periods using high-volume equipment. Gravimetric concentrations and 11 metals were measured (Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Pb) by different analytical techniques (flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy). Selected samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy-disperse spectroscopy in order to characterize their morphology and elemental content. PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the Mexican standard and WHO guidelines in Juarez during spring 2021. Cu, Cd, and Co were highly enriched by anthropogenic sources, and Ni, K, Cr, and Pb had a moderate enrichment. Mg, Mn, and Ca were of crustal origin. Bivariate statistics and PCA confirmed that alkaline metals originated from crustal sources and that the main sources of trace metals included traffic emissions, resuspension from soil/road dust, steel industry, smelting, and non-exhaust emissions at both sites. Lifetime cancer risk coefficients did not exceed the permissible levels established by EPA and WHO, implying that local residents are not at risk of developing cancer. Non-carcinogenic risk coefficients revealed that there is a possible risk of suffering cardiovascular and respiratory diseases due to inhalation of cobalt at the study sites. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-023-01372-7.

Serum Levels of Galectin-9 are Increased in Cervical Cancer Patients and are Higher in Advanced Clinical Stages.

Purpose: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most frequent cancer in undeveloped countries. Serum biomarkers could be useful for evaluation of the treatment response and as a complementary means to improve diagnosis. The expression of galectin-9 is altered in cancer tissue, and higher concentrations are found in the serum of cancer patients. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the serum galectin-9 concentration in patients with intraepithelial lesions and CC, (b) to determine if the concentration was related to the clinicopathological characteristics and (c) to determine if the galectin-9 concentration was related to its expression level in tumour tissue. Patients and Methods: In all, 222 serum samples from women with different diagnoses, including premalignant lesions and CC, as well as samples from women with normal cytology were included in the study. The serum galectin-9 concentration was determined by ELISA. To evaluate the expression level of galectin-9 in CC tissue, immunohistochemistry was performed in 34 CC biopsy specimens. Results: The galectin-9 concentration in the serum of CC patients (8.171 ng/mL) was increased compared with serum from women with normal epithelia (4.654 ng/mL) and those with low-grade (4.806 ng/mL) and high-grade (5.354 ng/mL) intraepithelial lesions (p value < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve considering the CC group and the control group was 0.882. The optimal cut-off value was ≥6.88 ng/mL, the specificity obtained was 100%, and the sensitivity was 68.2%. In the CC group, the analysis of the clinical stage showed an increase of galectin-9 in the advanced stage IV group. Serum galectin-9 was not related to the level of galectin-9 expression in tissue, which suggests that galectin-9 is not secreted by tumour cells. Conclusion: The serum galectin-9 concentration is related to cancer progression, as the level of this protein is higher in patients with advanced-stage disease.

Out-of-field mean photon energy and dose from 6 MV and 6 MV FFF beams measured with TLD-300 and TLD-100 dosimeters.

PURPOSE: To measure the out-of-field mean photon energy and dose imparted by the secondary radiation field generated by 6 MV and 6 MV FFF beams using TLD-300 and TLD-100 dosimeters and to use the technique to quantify the contributions from the different sources that generate out-of-field radiation. METHODS: The mean photon energy and the dose were measured using the TLD-300 glow curve properties and the TLD-100 response, respectively. The TLD-300 glow curve shape was energy-calibrated with gamma rays from 99m Tc, 18 F, 137 Cs, and 60 Co sources, and its energy dependence was quantified by a parameter obtained from the curve deconvolution. The TLD-100 signal was calibrated in absorbed dose-to-water inside the primary field. Dosimeters were placed on the linac head, and on the surface and at 4.5 cm depth in PMMA at 1-15 cm lateral distances from a 10 × 10 cm2 field edge at the isocenter plane. Three configurations of dosimeters around the linac were defined to identify and quantify the contributions from the different sources of out-of-field radiation. RESULTS: Typical energies of head leakage were about 500 keV for both beams. The mean energy of collimator-scattered radiation was equal to or larger than 1250 keV and, for phantom-scattered radiation, mean photon energies were 400 keV for the 6 MV and 300 keV for the 6 MV FFF beam. Relative uncertainties to determine mean photon energy were better than 15% for energies below 700 keV, and 40% above 1000 keV. The technique lost its sensitivity to the incident photon energy above 1250 keV. On the phantom surface and at 1-15 cm from the field edge, 80%-90% of out-of-field dose came from scattering in the secondary collimator. At 4.5 cm deep in the phantom and 1-5 cm from the field edge, 50%-60% of the out-of-field dose originated in the phantom. At the points of measurement, the head leakage imparted less than 0.1% of the dose at the isocenter. The 6 MV FFF beam imparted 8-36% less out-of-field dose than the 6 MV beam. These energy results are consistent with general Monte Carlo simulation predictions and show excellent agreement with simulations for a similar linac. The measured out-of-field doses showed good agreement with independent evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: The out-of-field mean photon energy and dose imparted by the secondary radiation field were quantified by the applied TLD-300/TLD-100 method. The main sources of out-of-field dose were identified and quantified using three configurations of dosimeters around the linac. This technique could be of value to validate Monte Carlo simulations where the linac head design, configuration, or material composition are unavailable.

Variables sociofamiliares asociadas a mayor riesgo de sobrepeso y obesidad abdominal en niños escolares de un servicio de pediatría en Colima, México / Socio-family variables associated with a higher risk of overweight and abdominal obesity in school children from a pediatric service at Colima, Mexico

Con el fin de identificar la asociación entre factores familiares (estructura, funcionalidad y contexto socioeconómico) y la presencia de sobrepeso y obesidad abdominal en escolares, se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en 120 niños escolares (5-11 años) y sus madres que acudieron a un servicio de atención pediátrica en la ciudad de Colima, México. El sobrepeso se definió con el indicador IMC con un puntaje Z > +1 desviación estándar y la obesidad abdominal como circunferencia de cintura > del percentil 75 por sexo y edad. Se evaluó tamaño y tipo de familia, tipo de hogar, relación de los padres y funcionalidad familiar. Las asociaciones se analizaron con regresión logística múltiple. Se encontró 33% de sobrepeso y 33,7% de obesidad abdominal. El menor tamaño de la familia, la mayor marginalidad de la colonia (barrio) de residencia, la percepción de problemas en la economía familiar, el mayor peso al nacer y la mayor edad se asociaron con el sobrepeso. Mientras que el menor tamaño de la familia, el mayor peso al nacer y la mayor edad se asociaron con obesidad abdominal. Para programas de prevención de sobrepeso y obesidad abdominal, sugerimos incluir un enfoque de sistemas familiares que considere el tamaño de la familia y variables del contexto socioeconómico, ya que condicionan su dinámica de interacción(AU)

To identify the association between family factors (structure, functionality, and socioeconomic context) and the presence of overweight and abdominal obesity in school children, an analytical cross-sectional study was performed in 120 schoolchildren (5-11 years old) and their mothers assisting to a pediatric care service at Colima City, Mexico. Overweight was defined with the BMI indicator with a Z-score > +1 standard deviation and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference > 75th percentile by sex and age. Family size and type, type of home, parents' relationship, and family functionality were evaluated. Associations were analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Overweight was present in 33%, and abdominal obesity in 33.7% of the children. A smaller family size, greater neighborhood marginality, a perception of problems in the family economy, a larger birth weight and older age were associated with overweight. A smaller family size, higher birth weight and older age were associated with abdominal obesity. We suggest a family systems approach, including family size and variables of socioeconomic context -which determine their interaction dynamics-, in programs for overweight and abdominal obesity prevention(AU)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces spatio-temporal secretion of IL-1ß, TNFα, proMMP-9, and reduction of epithelial E-cadherin in human alveolar epithelial type II (A549) cells.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is an opportunistic bacterium with a high prevalence in diverse pulmonary infections. Although several genes are involved in the system of resistance and evasion of the immunological response of the host, little is known about the inflammatory, degradative, and cell-binding response induced by P. aeruginosa in human lung alveolar epithelial cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytokine expression (IL-1ß and TNFα), pro matrix metalloproteinases activation (proMMP-2 and proMMP-9), and the effects on the cell-binding adhesion protein (E-cadherin) in an in vitro model of human lung alveolar epithelial cells. A549 cells were stimulated with a different number of colony-forming units of P. aeruginosa for 3, 6, and 24 hours. Subsequently, the culture medium was collected, IL-1ß and TNFα levels were evaluated by ELISA; proMMP-2 and -9 levels were determined by substrate gel zymography, and the MMP-9 and E-cadherin assessed by immunostaining of A549 cells. Our results demonstrated that P. aeruginosa induces mainly the secretion of TNFα, increases actMMP-9 level, and significantly reduces the level of E-cadherin in the A549 cells. In summary, the inflammatory/degradative process induced by P. aeruginosa modulates the expression of the E-cadherin protein. The probable clinical implications of this study suggest the use of inhibitors that reduce the degradative activity of proMMP-9 which will be further explored in the next phase of this study.

RUNX1 and CBFß-SMMHC transactivate target genes together in abnormal myeloid progenitors for leukemia development.

Inversion of chromosome 16 is a consistent finding in patients with acute myeloid leukemia subtype M4 with eosinophilia, which generates a CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene. It is generally considered that CBFß-SMMHC, the fusion protein encoded by CBFB-MYH11, is a dominant negative repressor of RUNX1. However, recent findings challenge the RUNX1-repression model for CBFß-SMMHC-mediated leukemogenesis. To definitively address the role of Runx1 in CBFB-MYH11-induced leukemia, we crossed conditional Runx1 knockout mice (Runx1f/f) with conditional Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice (Cbfb+/56M). On Mx1-Cre activation in hematopoietic cells induced by poly (I:C) injection, all Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice developed leukemia in 5 months, whereas no leukemia developed in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice, and this effect was cell autonomous. Importantly, the abnormal myeloid progenitors (AMPs), a leukemia-initiating cell population induced by Cbfb-MYH11 in the bone marrow, decreased and disappeared in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. RNA-seq analysis of AMP cells showed that genes associated with proliferation, differentiation blockage, and leukemia initiation were differentially expressed between Mx1-CreCbfb+/56M and Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M mice. In addition, with the chromatin immunocleavage sequencing assay, we observed a significant enrichment of RUNX1/CBFß-SMMHC target genes in Runx1f/fMx1-CreCbfb+/56M cells, especially among downregulated genes, suggesting that RUNX1 and CBFß-SMMHC mainly function together as activators of gene expression through direct target gene binding. These data indicate that Runx1 is indispensable for Cbfb-MYH11-induced leukemogenesis by working together with CBFß-SMMHC to regulate critical genes associated with the generation of a functional AMP population.

Tele-revistas en unidades de terapia intensiva: Coordinación asistencial y aprendizaje en el marco de la pandemia / Tele-Rounding in intensive care units: healthcare coordination and learning within the context of the pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el marco de la pandemia por COVID-19 y frente a la necesidad de capacitar a los equipos de salud para minimizar el impacto sanitario, el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación implementó un proyecto basado en la utilización de tecnologías de la información y comunicación, que reunió en un entorno de coordinación asistencial a equipos de establecimientos de todo el país y de la Sociedad Argentina de Terapia Intensiva. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el proceso y los resultados de la implementación de las Tele-Revistas realizadas entre el 2 de abril y el 21 de mayo de 2020. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron encuentros virtuales en tiempo real bajo el formato de Tele-Revistas en unidades de terapia intensiva, en los cuales se presentaron casos de COVID-19 mediante asistencia de expertos. La participación se ponderó a través de dos registros y la valoración de los participantes, mediante encuestas. Los temas recurrentes se compilaron a partir de informes semanales. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 81 Tele-Revistas con 897 participantes, y se presentaron y discutieron 67 casos de COVID-19. Se generaron espacios de formación y aprendizaje colaborativo, que facilitaron el acceso a asesoramiento experto e integraron a los profesionales. Los actores involucrados evaluaron el proceso positivamente. DISCUSIÓN: Este enfoque, basado en la actualización continua de especialistas, contribuye a una atención integral que mejora el abordaje de pacientes críticos, brinda apoyo y fomenta el desarrollo de los talentos humanos en salud.

Gata2 deficiency delays leukemogenesis while contributing to aggressive leukemia phenotype in Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice.

Inversion of chromosome 16 (inv(16)) generates a fusion gene CBFB-MYH11, which is a driver mutation for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Gene expression profiling suggests that Gata2, a hematopoietic transcription factor, is a top upregulated gene in preleukemic Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice and is expressed in human inv(16) AML. On the other hand, we have also identified recurrent monoallelic deletions of GATA2 in relapsed human CBF-AML patients. To clarify the role of Gata2 in leukemogenesis by Cbfb-MYH11, we generated conditional Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice with Gata2 heterozygous knockout. Gata2 heterozygous knockout reduced abnormal myeloid progenitors, which are capable of inducing leukemia in the Cbfb-MYH11 mice. Consequently, Cbfb-MYH11 mice with Gata2 heterozygous knockout developed leukemia with longer latencies than those with intact Gata2. Interestingly, leukemic cells with Gata2 heterozygous knockout gained higher number of mutations and showed more aggressive phenotype in both primary and transplanted mice. Moreover, leukemic cells with Gata2 heterozygous knockout showed higher repopulating capacity in competitive transplantation experiments. In summary, reduction of Gata2 activity affects mutational dynamics of leukemia with delayed leukemia onset in Cbfb-MYH11 knockin mice, but paradoxically results in a more aggressive leukemia phenotype, which may be correlated with leukemia relapse or poor prognosis in human patients.

In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane.

Several protocols have been reported in the literature for the isolation and culture of human amniotic epithelial cells (HAEC). However, these assume that the amniotic epithelium is a homogeneous layer. The human amnion can be divided into three anatomical regions: reflected, placental, and umbilical. Each region has different physiological roles, such as in pathological conditions. Here, we describe a protocol to dissect human amnion tissue in three sections and maintain it in vitro. In culture, cells derived from the reflected amnion displayed a cuboidal morphology, while cells from both placental and umbilical regions were squamous. Nonetheless, all the cells obtained have an epithelial phenotype, demonstrated by the immunodetection of E-cadherin. Thus, because the placental and reflected regions in situ differ in cellular components and molecular functions, it may be necessary for in vitro studies to consider these differences, because they could have physiological implications for the use of HAEC in biomedical research and the promising application of these cells in regenerative medicine.

Associations between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in adolescents / Asociación entre patrones de alimentación y síndrome metabólico en adolescentes

Abstract: Objective: Evaluate association of dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic markers. Materials and methods: 654 adolescents from Guadalajara, Jalisco, participated in a cross-sectional study. Diet was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire; 24 food groups were integrated, and dietary patterns were derived using cluster analysis. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Cook and colleagues, Ford and colleagues, and de Ferranti and colleagues criteria. Results: Dietary patterns identified were: "DP1", "DP2", and "DP3". Among males, "DP3" was associated with MetS (Cook and collaborators) (OR, 12.14; 95%CI, 1.66-89.05), hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 3.89; 95%CI, 1.01-15.07), and insulin resistance (OR, 6.66; 95%CI, 1.12-39.70). "DP2" was associated with abdominal obesity (OR, 5.11; 95%CI, 1.57-16.66). Conclusions: "DP3" entertained a greater risk of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance, while "DP2" possessed a greater risk of abdominal obesity among adolescent males.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación de patrones dietarios (PD) con síndrome metabólico (SM) y marcadores metabólicos. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal con 654 adolescentes. Dieta evaluada con el cuestionario "frecuencia de consumos de alimentos"; se identificaron 24 grupos de alimentos, para obtener PD mediante análisis de conglomerados. SM se definió según los criterios: Federación de Diabetes Internacional (IDF), Cook y colaboradores, Ford y colaboradores y Ferranti y colaboradores. Resultados: Se identificaron tres PD: "PD1", "PD2" y "PD3". En hombres, "PD3" se asoció con SM (Cook y colaboradores) (RM, 12.14; IC95%, 1.66-89.05), hipertrigliceridemia (RM, 3.89; IC95%, 1.01-15.07) y resistencia a insulina (RM, 6.66; IC95%, 1.12-39.70). El patrón "PD2" se asoció con obesidad abdominal (RM, 5.11; IC95%, 1.57-16.66). Conclusiones: El patrón "PD3" aumenta el riesgo de SM, hipertrigliceridemia y resistencia a insulina y el "PD2" el riesgo de obesidad abdominal en adolescentes hombres.

Establishment of human embryonic stem cell line Amicqui-2 using poor-quality embryos from Mexican population.

Although investigation with human embryonic stem cells (HESC) is not decreasing, the derivation of new lines has been diminished. The preeminence of only a few HESC lines in research is accompanied by lack of universal applicability of results as well as by genetic under-representation. We previously reported the derivation of one line with male karyotype from Mexican population. Here, we derived one HESC line (Amicqui-2) with female karyotype from poor-quality embryos. These line comply the pluripotent requirements (normal karyotype, detection of pluripotency-associated markers, mycoplasma test and teratoma formation) and could be a valuable model for studying diseases specific to under-represented population.

Report of 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis in Mexico

Abstract: We report 73 cases of cutaneous sporotrichosis from the Community Dermatology program, at the central and mountain areas of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. A similar number of cases was found between children and adults, mostly peasants and school-age children with rural occupations. Upper limbs were the mostly affected and the predominant clinical form was lymphocutaneous (56.16%). All cultures corresponded to Sporothrix schenckii (sl). Treatment was done with potassium iodide in 54 patients, achieving clinical and mycological cure in all cases.

Secretion of heat shock -60, -70 kD protein, IL-1ß and TNFα levels in serum of a term normal pregnancy and patients with pre-eclampsia development.

The extracellular heat shock proteins (eHsp) family act as molecular chaperones regulating folding, transporting protein and are associated with immune modulation in different physiological and pathological processes. They have been localized in different gestational tissues and their concentration in amniotic fluid and serum has been determined. In the present study, we proposed to determine the concentration of eHsp-60, -70, IL-1ß and TNFα in the serum of pregnant patients with 34 weeks of gestation with and without clinical evidences of preeclampsia (PE). Our results indicate significant increase of these markers in patients with PE with respect to healthy pregnant patients without active labor. Finally, the concentration of eHsp-60 and -70 correlated positively with the hepatic dysfunction markers uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and inflammatory IL-1ß and TNFα response. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a strong associated between Hsp and marker of hepatic dysfunction.

Bullying and health-related quality of life in children and adolescent Mexican students / "Bullying" e qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde de crianças e adolescentes escolares mexicanos

Abstract Previous studies have reported a relationship between being a victim of bullying, but no studies have been carried out with Mexican students; notwithstanding the high scores of bullying in Mexico in international rankings. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between being a victim of bullying and lower HRQoL among schoolchildren and adolescents in Mexico. This cross-sectional and correlational study involved 2225 students from 22 elementary, middle and high schools. HRQoL was assessed with the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire and bullying with the social adaptation dimension of KIDSCREEN-52. Bivariate associations were evaluated, and a multivariate logistic regression was utilized. The prevalence of victims of bullying was 17.3%. Being a victim of bullying was double the risk of having a lower HRQoL than not being a victim after adjusting for health perception, gender and age, OR 2.3 (1.7-3.1). As the Wilson and Cleary Model of Quality of Life explains, individual characteristics, such as, being a victim of bullying are associated with quality of life. Similar findings in the existing literature imply that bullying is a global phenomenon that impacts the victimized child or adolescent's life in different ways.

Resumo Pesquisas prévias informaram que ser vítima de "bullying" se associa à menor Qualidade de Vida Relacionada com a Saúde (QVRS); mas nenhuma foi realizada em estudantes Mexicanos apesar dos altos índices de "bullying" mostrados para o México nos rankings internacionais. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre ser vítima de "bullying" e QVRS. Este estudo transversal e de correlação incluiu 2225 crianças e adolescentes de 22 escolas de nível básico, médio básico e médio superior. A QVRS foi avaliada com o questionário KIDSCREEN-10 e o "bullying" com a dimensão de aceitação social do KIDSCREEN-52. Analisaram-se as associações bivariadas, verificou-se confusão e interação, e utilizou-se regressão logística multivariável. A prevalência de vítimas de "bullying" foi de 17.3%. Ser vítima de "bullying" obteve um risco de mais do dobro de QVRS inferior que não ser vítima, depois de ajustar pela percepção de saúde, gênero e idade, OR 2.3 (1.7-3.1). No mesmo sentido que o referido pelo Modelo de Wilson e Cleary, em estudantes mexicanos com características individuais como ser vítima de "bullying", associam-se à QVRS, descoberta similar ao encontrado na literatura existente o que implica que o "bullying" é um fenômeno global que se reflete em diferentes aspectos da vida em crianças e adolescentes vitimizados.

Circulating Levels of Soluble Klotho and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Diabetic Patients and Its Association with Early Nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In diabetes, changes in serum levels of both soluble alpha Klotho (sKL) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) have been associated with CKD progression. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations of circulating levels of sKL and FGF-23 with the presence of early nephropathy (EN) in diabetic patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 136 Mexicans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Early nephropathy was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥60 ml/min) and urinary albumin excretion (≥30 mg/g). Serum concentrations of sKL and FGF-23 were measured using ELISA. Associations were evaluated with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty-two subjects had EN. Median values of sKL and FGF-23 for all individuals were 244 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 201-402) and 92 pg/mL (IQR: 39-507), respectively. A positive correlation was found between levels of sKL and FGF-23 (r = 0.38; p <0.001). FGF-23 levels correlated negatively with angiotensin-II receptor blocker therapy (ARB, r = 0.24; p <0.01). Subjects without EN were younger (59 vs. 63 years old, p = 0.02). Elevated concentrations of FGF-23 were negatively associated with EN (Odds Ratio [ORadjusted] = 0.29, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 0.13, 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: In Mexican diabetic patients, serum levels of FGF-23 were positively correlated with sKL but negatively correlated with ARB therapy. In addition, a higher concentration of FGF-23 reduced the odds of early nephropathy in patients with T2DM.

Human amniotic epithelial cells as feeder layer to derive and maintain human embryonic stem cells from poor-quality embryos.

Data from the literature suggest that human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines used in research do not genetically represent all human populations. The derivation of hESC through conventional methods involve the destruction of viable human embryos, as well the use of mouse embryonic fibroblasts as a feeder layer, which has several drawbacks. We obtained the hESC line (Amicqui-1) from poor-quality (PQ) embryos derived and maintained on human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC). This line displays a battery of markers of pluripotency and we demonstrated the capacity of these cells to produce derivates of the three germ layers.