Antiproliferative Potential of Olneya tesota PF2 Lectin in Human Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells.

Acute monocytic leukemia is a type of myeloid leukemia that develops in monocytes. The current clinical therapies for leukemia are unsatisfactory due to their side effects and nonspecificity toward target cells. Some lectins display antitumor activity and may specifically recognize cancer cells by binding to carbohydrate structures on their surface. Therefore, this study evaluated the response of the human monocytic leukemia cell lines THP-1 to the Olneya tesota PF2 lectin. The induction of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in PF2-treated cells was evaluated by flow cytometry, and the lectin-THP-1 cell interaction and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. PF2 genotoxicity was evaluated by DNA fragmentation analysis via gel electrophoresis. The results showed that PF2 binds to THP-1 cells, triggers apoptosis and DNA degradation, changes the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increases reactive oxygen species levels in PF2-treated THP-1 cells. These results suggest the potential use of PF2 for developing alternative anticancer treatments with enhanced specificity.

Genetic variants in CYP2A6 and UGT1A9 genes associated with urinary nicotine metabolites in young Mexican smokers.

Nicotine is the major pharmacologically active substance in tobacco. Several studies have examined genotypes related to nicotine metabolism, but few studies have been performed in the Mexican population. The objective was to identify associations between gene variants in metabolizing enzymes and the urinary levels of nicotine metabolites among Mexican smokers. The levels of nicotine and its metabolites were determined in the urine of 88 young smokers from Mexico, and 167 variants in 24 genes associated with nicotine metabolism were genotyped by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Trans-3'-hydroxy-cotinine (3HC) and 4-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)-butanoic acid were the most abundant metabolites (35 and 17%, respectively). CYP2A6*12 was associated with 3HC (p = 0.014). The rs145014075 was associated with creatinine-adjusted levels of nicotine (p = 0.035), while the rs12471326 (UGT1A9) was associated to cotinine-N-glucuronide (p = 0.030). CYP2A6 and UGT1A9 variants are associated to nicotine metabolism. 4HPBA metabolite was an abundant urinary metabolite in young Mexican smokers.

[A decade of lead monitoring in schoolchildren in the metropolitan area of Monterrey NL, Mexico]. / Una década de monitoreo de plomo en sangre en niños escolares del área metropolitana de Monterrey, NL.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the blood lead concentration and associated risk factors in schoolchildren during 1998 and 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blood lead screening was conducted in schoolchildren of 6-12 years of age, enrolled in 17 elementary schools of the metropolitan area of Monterrey, México, during 1998 and 2008. RESULTS: The mean blood lead level were 9.6 ± 3.0 (µg/dL range of 3.18 to 20.88) in 1998 and 4.5±4.8 µg/dL (range of 3.3 to 53.7) showing a 2.1-times reduction in blood lead levels (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This reduction in blood lead levels demonstrate environmental and industrial control improvements and the benefits of fading out the leaded gasoline during the 1990's.

Helicobacter pylori cagA, vacA, iceA and babA Genotypes from Peruvian Patients with Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia.

We explored the clinical-stage association of gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) compared to cases of chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG) and its relationship with virulence genotypes of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clinical isolates from patients with dyspepsia in Peru. This study was cross-sectional and included 158 H. pylori clinical isolates; each isolate corresponded to a different Peruvian patient, genotyped by polymerase chain reaction to detect cagA gene and EPIYA motifs, the vacA gene (alleles s1, s2, i1, i2, d1, d2, m1, m2 and subtypes s1a, s1b and s1c), the iceA gene (alleles 1 and 2), and the babA gene (allele 2). We observed that 38.6% presented with IM and that all clinical isolates were CagA positive. The EPIYA-ABC motif was predominant (68.4%), and we observed a high frequency for the vacA gene alleles s1 (94.9%), m1 (81.7%), i1 (63.9%), and d1 (70.9%). Strains with both iceA alleles were also detected (69.6%) and 52.2% were babA2 positive. In addition, it was observed that the cagA+/vacAs1m1 (PR: 2.42, 1.14 to 5.13, p < 0.05) and cagA+/vacAs1am1 (PR: 1.67, 1.13 to 2.45, p < 0.01) genotypes were associated with IM. Our findings revealed the cagA and vacA risk genotypes predominance, and we provided clinically relevant associations between Peruvian patients with H. pylori infection and IM clinical stage.

Methanol Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Media Using Gold Nanoparticles Recovered from Electronic Waste.

This study investigates the potential of using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) synthesized from e-waste as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), with the aim of applying them as an anode in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells (ADMFCs). The research addresses the pressing environmental challenge of e-waste disposal and explores the recycling of e-waste to obtain valuable materials for sustainable applications. Vulcan-supported gold nanoparticles (Aue-w/C NPs) are synthesized from gold coatings recovered from Intel Pentium 4 processor pins, demonstrating the feasibility of e-waste as electrocatalyst precursors. Comprehensive characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission and transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM, TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are employed to evaluate the structural properties of the electrocatalyst. Electrochemical evaluation in 0.5 M KOH electrolyte by cyclic voltammetry reveals that the synthesized Aue-w/C NPs exhibit electrocatalytic activity (25.5 mA·mg-1Au) comparable to their commercially synthesized counterparts (30.1 mA·mg-1Au). This study highlights the potential for sustainable approaches in the production of electrocatalysts by utilizing e-waste as a source of valuable catalyst materials. It represents a pioneering effort in harnessing e-waste as a sustainable resource, offering new avenues for sustainable energy technologies while addressing environmental concerns and technological challenges in the field of ADMFCs.

Comparison between the KARVI scale and the Child Development Evaluation test (EDI) as a screening tool for suspected neurodevelopmental delay.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of suspected neurodevelopmental delay allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention, for which numerous screening tests have been developed. However, most are complex and impractical for health-care workers at the community level. This study aimed to validate the KARVI scale in the neurodevelopment assessment of children under 1 year of age. METHODS: We conducted an observational, longitudinal, comparative, inferential, and prospective study. Healthy children without risk factors for developing neurodevelopmental delay from 0 to 12 months of age were evaluated remotely using the Zoom® application. The Child Development Evaluation Test and the KARVI scale were applied once a month for four consecutive months. RESULTS: Fifty individuals were analyzed, with a predominance of males in 52%. Adequate percentages for a screening test were obtained in the first evaluation with a sensitivity of 70% (confidence interval [CI] 95% 34.75-93.33) and a specificity of 75% (CI 95% 58.8-87.31), and in the fourth evaluation with a sensitivity of 100% (CI 95% 29.4-100) and a specificity of 78.72% (CI 95% 64.34-89.3), being significant in both evaluations (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The KARVI scale has the elements to be an effective screening test for suspected neurodevelopmental delay, but more extensive studies are needed to obtain more reliable results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La identificación temprana de retraso en el neurodesarrollo permite un diagnóstico oportuno y una intervención apropiada. Para ello, se han creado diversas pruebas de tamizaje; sin embargo, la mayoría son complejas y poco prácticas para el personal de la salud a nivel comunitario. El objetivo del estudio fue realizar la validación de la escala KARVI en la valoración del neurodesarrollo en niños menores de un año. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal, comparativo inferencial y prospectivo, en el cual se evaluaron, vía remota mediante la aplicación Zoom®, niños sanos de 0 a 12 meses de edad sin factores de riesgo para desarrollar retraso en el neurodesarrollo. Se aplicaron la prueba EDI (Evaluación del Desarrollo Infantil) y la escala KARVI una vez al mes por cuatro meses consecutivos. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 50 individuos, con predominio del sexo masculino en el 52%. Se obtuvieron porcentajes adecuados para una prueba de tamizaje tanto en la primera evaluación, con sensibilidad de 70% (IC 95% 34.75-93.33) y especificidad de 75% (IC 95% 58.8-87.31), como en la cuarta, con sensibilidad de 100% (IC 95% 29.4-100) y especificidad de 78.72% (IC 95% 64.34-89.3), con significación estadística en ambas evaluaciones (p = 0.007 y p = 0.001, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Se considera que la escala KARVI cuenta con los elementos para considerarla como una prueba de tamizaje efectiva para detectar retraso del neurodesarrollo, sin embargo. Sin requieren estudios más extensos para obtener resultados más confiables.

Systematic review and bioinformatics analysis of plasma and serum extracellular vesicles proteome in type 2 diabetes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic ailment marked by a global high prevalence and significant attention in primary healthcare settings due to its elevated morbidity and mortality rates. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of this disease remain subjects of ongoing investigation. Recent evidence underscores the pivotal role of the intricate intercellular communication network, wherein cell-derived vesicles, commonly referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs), emerge as dynamic regulators of diabetes-related complications. Given that the protein cargo carried by EVs is contingent upon the metabolic conditions of the originating cells, particular proteins may serve as informative indicators for the risk of activating or inhibiting signaling pathways crucial to the progression of T2D complications. Methods: In this study, we conducted a systematic review to analyze the published evidence on the proteome of EVs from the plasma or serum of patients with T2D, both with and without complications (PROSPERO: CRD42023431464). Results: Nine eligible articles were systematically identified from the databases, and the proteins featured in these articles underwent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. We identified changes in the level of 426 proteins, with CST6, CD55, HBA1, S100A8, and S100A9 reported to have high levels, while FGL1 exhibited low levels. Conclusion: These proteins are implicated in pathophysiological mechanisms such as inflammation, complement, and platelet activation, suggesting their potential as risk markers for T2D development and progression. Further studies are required to explore this topic in greater detail.

Effect of Text Message Reminders on Attendance at Cervical Cancer Screening Appointments in a Predominantly Hispanic Population.

Hispanic women have the highest rates of incident cervical cancer in the United States (U.S.) and are 1.9 times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Hispanic Whites. Objective: Assess the impact of text message reminders on cervical cancer screening attendance and completion. Design: Pragmatic non-randomized study design using propensity matched analysis. Setting: Community-dwelling low-income females in the U.S./Mexico border community. A total of 2,255 mainly Hispanic females aged 21-65. Methods: Text message reminders in addition to usual care (telephone call reminders). Results: After adjusting for significant factors and propensity score matching, individuals in the text reminder group had 11% lower screening incidence than individuals without text reminders (risk difference [RD] = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.05; p < .001). Conclusion: Participants with text reminders were less likely to complete cervical screening than usual practice in a predominantly Hispanic population. Our study demonstrates that reminders' content rather than method may be vital to improving our population's cancer screening rates.

An Unusual Case of Candida albicans Empyema in Patient With Gastric Cancer and Colon Metastasis.

Candida empyema is a rare presentation seen in immunocompromised patients, with a high mortality rate if not treated appropriately. We present a rare case of Candida albicans empyema in a patient with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy who recently underwent cholecystectomy, successfully treated with fluconazole and drainage. This case not only highlights an unusual presentation of a common pathogen but stresses the fact that when patients with malignancy, present with pleural effusion, candida should be in the differential. Early detection is key in such cases, as outcomes are poor if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Clinical and epidemiological features of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza differ slightly according to seroprevalence status during the second wave in the general population in México.

BACKGROUND: Clinical features of pandemic H1N1 have been derived from lab-confirmed, hospitalized, or critically ill subjects. This report describes the clinical features of H1N1 and their prevalence from non-confirmed subjects according to seroprevalence status in México. The objective was to determine the prevalence of these clinical features from non-confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1 and to compare them according to seroprevalence status in northern Monterrey, México, during 2009, and to identify the predictive signs and symptoms; there have been no prior serologic studies in México. METHODS: During November-December 2009, 2,222 volunteers, ages 6-99 years, were categorized into 3 symptomatic groups: influenza-like illness, respiratory illness, and non-respiratory illness. Antibodies against influenza A/H1N1/2009 were determined by a virus-free enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Demographics and clinical presentation were assessed through face-to-face questionnaire, and the association with seroprevalence status was determined and compared. RESULTS: Overall seroprevalence was 39%. Of the seropositive subjects, 67% were symptomatic and 33% were asymptomatic. Seventy-one percent of seropositive symptomatic subjects reported respiratory illness, 17% reported non-respiratory symptoms, and 12% reported influenza-like illness. The most common symptoms were rhinorrhea/nasal congestion (93%) and headache (83%). No significant difference was found between the symptom profiles of the seropositive group, compared to the seronegative one, nor of the median duration of symptoms. The seropositive group had a significantly elevated proportion of influenza-like illness (12%), compared to the seronegative group (8%). The proportion of subjects who took days off and who sought medical attention was significantly higher in the seropositive group. No single symptom was associated as a predictor of seropositiveness. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the seropositive subjects were asymptomatic, and few had an influenza-like illness. No difference was found in the symptom profiles of the seropositive and seronegative groups. No single symptom predicted seropositiveness. Large scale population studies are needed, especially in México, to characterize clinical syndromes.

A Perfect Storm: Abdominal Pain and Ileus Explained by Acute Intermittent Porphyria Caused by Prehospitalization and Intrahospitalization Factors.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease, predominantly seen in female patients, caused by mutations in the hydroxymethylbilane synthase gene. When impaired, elevated heme biosynthesis precursor levels accumulate in the liver, resulting in neurological symptoms, psychiatric disturbances, darkened urine color, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and ileus. We present a 22-year-old Hispanic female with diffuse abdominal pain and no bowel movements for 8 days. She reported recent antibiotic and oral contraceptive pill use. Computerized tomography of her abdomen revealed a dilated small bowel and marked colonic distension. A colonoscopy found mild nonspecific inflammation in the rectosigmoid and terminal ileum. Her abdominal pain persisted despite interventions and improvements in appetite, bowel movements, abdominal imaging, and treatment of an identified Clostridium difficile infection. A random urine porphobilinogen was then obtained and found to be elevated. Fractionation of plasma and urine porphyrins was suggestive of AIP. Her symptoms improved with 3 days of intravenous (IV) hematin and IV dextrose. This is a unique case of a rare disease due to her clinical presentation with ileus, unremarkable past medical history, family history, and the prehospitalization and intrahospitalization factors that likely exacerbated the patient AIP.

Patterns of Plumericin Concentration in Leaves of Himatanthus tarapotensis (Apocynaceae) and Its Interactions with Herbivory in the Peruvian Amazon.

We explored the concentration patterns of the bioactive metabolite plumericin produced by Himatanthus tarapotensis (Apocynaceae) under different edaphic conditions and variations in rainfall intensity, as well as its potential role in the chemical defense against insect herbivores. Values of plumericin concentration from leaves were obtained by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and evaluated as a function of differences in soil types, variation of precipitation, and variation of the abundance of insect herbivores, using first a Repeated Measures Correlation (rmcorr) and then a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analysis. Plumericin concentration is highly variable among plants, but with a significantly higher concentration in plants growing on clay soil compared to that of the white-sand soil habitat (p < 0.001). Plumericin concentration is not affected by precipitation. The caterpillar of Isognathus leachii (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) is the most conspicuous herbivore of H. tarapotensis, and its presence is continuous but not related to plumericin concentration, probably because of its capacity to elude the chemical defense of this plant. Nevertheless, our multivariate model revealed that plumericin concentration is related to the abundance of Hymenoptera (Formicidae), and this relationship is significantly influenced by the soil parameters of carbon percentage, clay percentage, and phosphorous percentage (p < 0.001). Plumericin is a mediating agent in the interaction between H. tarapotensis and its natural environment. Variation in plumericin concentration would be induced by the abundance of Hymenoptera (Formicidae), probably as a chemical response against these insects, and by differences in soil nutrient availability.

Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale among Latinos with Substance Use Disorders: An effective screening tool for correctional and community settings.

The present study involves a psychometric evaluation of the Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale (SASSS), a 40-item dimensional measure of internalized or self-stigma developed by Jason Luoma and collaborators, among Latinos with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The current study's specific aim is to assess the psychometric properties (factor structure and reliability) of the translated and culturally adapted SASSS instrument in a cross-sectional study of individuals (n = 412) with SUDs with or without HIV from correctional facilities and community treatment programs. A confirmatory factor analysis evidenced the four-factor structure of SASSS. Results showed significant correlations with HIV felt stigma among those participants with co-occurring SUD and HIV (n=119), internalized shame, stigma-related interpersonal rejection due to substance abuse, symptoms of depression, substance use within the last 30 days, psychological flexibility, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, supporting good convergent validity. The measure showed a strong factor structure and adequate reliability estimates supporting its applicability to Latinos with SUDs from community and criminal justice settings. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for studies of stigma impact and intervention.

Survival and clinical features in Hispanic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

The demography, survival, and motor phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients have been rarely described in Hispanic countries. The clinical characteristics and survival of a series of Mexican ALS patients are described. Mexican patients with definite ALS were included in a five-year retrospective longitudinal study. Their demographic and clinical features, cumulative survival rates, and independent predictive factors for survival were analysed. Sixty-one definite ALS patients were included. The median follow-up period was 35 months (range 12-108 months). Males were predominant (1.8: 1), the mean age at onset was 47.5 ± 10.5 years, and the median interval from onset to diagnosis was 12 months. Spinal onset occurred in 66% of patients. Upper motor neuron phenotype was predominant in 53% of patients. The overall mean survival from onset was 68.6 months, and from diagnosis was 57.8 months. Longer survival was determined in patients aged ≤ 40 years (54.7 months) compared with other age groups (p = 0.006). In conclusion, the clinical heterogeneity, male predominance, and survival rates in our sample are consistent with those of other studies. Patients in this series had a younger age at onset and a clear trend toward longer survival compared with those of other population studies.

Diagnostic performance of the culture and susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori in peruvian patients: results from a sentinel laboratory. / Rendimiento diagnóstico del cultivo y susceptibilidad de Helicobacter pylori en pacientes peruanos: resultados de un laboratorio centinela.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to 5 reference antibiotics, in a population of 500 dyspeptic patients from the Gastroenterology Service of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital (n = 419) and the Cayetano Heredia Clinic (n = 81) in Lima, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gastric biopsies were collected from 500 patients diagnosed with dyspepsia. From these biopsies, 273 H. pylori strains were isolated and cultured to confirm H. pylori infection by histological and culture diagnosis. Finally, antimicrobial susceptibility was analyzed using the broth microdilution method, and the resistance profiles of each antimicrobial and multi-resistance patterns were evaluated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of H. pylori infection by culture, compared to histological testing, reported a sensitivity of 83.8%, a specificity of 89.9% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84 to 0.90). The frequency of infection in the gastroenterology services of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital and Clinic was 56.6% (237/419) and 44.4% (36/81), respectively. An increase in antimicrobial resistance to Amoxicillin (45.1% / 29.6%), Levofloxacin (71.8%/ 74.1%) and Metronidazole (69.8% / 63.0%) was found in the Hospital and the Clinic, respectively. Multiple resistance patterns showed that the most frequent resistance (double and triple) was to Levofloxacin, Metronidazole and Amoxicillin. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori has increased compared to that reported in previous years. Furthermore, H. pylori multiple resistance presents high frequencies in infected patients. The broth microdilution method could be implemented in different hospitals in Peru as a surveillance tool for H. pylori antimicrobial resistance.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de Helicobacter pylori a 5 antibióticos de referencia, en pacientes dispépticos del Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Cayetano Heredia y la Clínica Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se colectaron biopsias gástricas de 500 pacientes diagnosticados con dispepsia. A partir de estas biopsias, se aislaron y cultivaron 273 cepas de H. pylori para confirmar la infección mediante el diagnóstico histológico y por cultivo. Finalmente, se analizó la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana mediante el método de microdilución en caldo y se evaluaron los perfiles de resistencia de cada antimicrobiano y los patrones de multirresistencia. RESULTADOS: El diagnóstico de H. pylori por cultivo, comparado con la prueba histológica, reportó una sensibilidad del 83,8%, una especificidad del 89,9% y un área bajo la curva de 0,87 (IC95%: 0,84 a 0,90). La frecuencia de la infección en los servicios de gastroenterología del Hospital y la Clínica Cayetano Heredia fueron del 56,6% (237/419) y 44,4% (36/81), respectivamente. Según el Hospital/Clínica, se determinó la resistencia para amoxicilina (45,1%/29,6%), levofloxacino (71,8%/74,1%) y metronidazol (69,8%/63,0%). Los patrones de resistencia a múltiples antimicrobianos demostraron que las resistencias (dobles y triples) más frecuentes fueron con levofloxacino, metronidazol y amoxicilina. CONCLUSIONES: La resistencia antimicrobiana de H. pylori ha aumentado con respecto a los años previos. Además, la resistencia múltiple de H. pylori presenta altas frecuencias en pacientes infectados. El método de microdilución en caldo podría ser implementado en los diferentes hospitales del Perú como una herramienta de vigilancia de la resistencia de H. pylori a los antimicrobianos.

From Chemical Burn to Below Knee Amputation: Amputation Secondary to Application of Over-the-Counter Topical Analgesic With Menthol and Methyl Salicylate.

Topical analgesics and topical rubefacients are widely used to control acute as well as chronic pain every day. Due to their availability without a prescription, consumers often overlook any potentially harmful effects and consider them largely benign. Here, we present a rare case of chemical burn triggered by a typical over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic containing menthol and methyl salicylate resulting in chemical burn, complicated by necrotizing infection treated by below the knee amputation.

Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A New Thread in Pandemic Era.

After the perturbing effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we observed intense public health efforts in a global-scale to prevent, control, and treat the SARS-CoV-2. Hundreds of clinical center researched for adequate treatments, other were devoted to the development the COVID-19 vaccines and other studied the nature and the effects of this mutant coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. As time goes by, the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome has been recently defined and associated the COVID-19 past infection and is now considered a shot to middle-term complication of COVID-19. In this paper, we review the actual concepts of PIMS in children, the epidemiology, the clinical presentation, and evolution, the recommended laboratory and other testing. The recommended specialties interconsultation for hospitalized patients and a full discussion on the appropriate treatment of these patients. We include the Latin-American experience with PIMS and a final discussion on the outcome of this disease.

Internet Study about Risk Factors Associated with HIV among Heterosexuals in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Heterosexual intercourse is the main mode of HIV transmission among heterosexual women in Puerto Rico and the third for men. We conducted an Internetbased study of heterosexual young adults in Puerto Rico to explore their sexual practices, beliefs and decision-making skills for HIV prevention. Data presented in this study will help to understand the factors that contribute to the sexual transmission of HIV among heterosexuals within the Puerto Rican context. METHODS: We administered an online-based survey to a sample of 618 young adult heterosexual men and women. Data were collected using Perseus Survey Solutions software. RESULTS: Overall, most participants expressed they had the same sexual partner in the previous six months, never or almost never used male condoms with their main partner and did not perceive themselves at-risk of contracting HIV (have a low HIV risk perception). Men reported using male condoms more frequently than women (e.g. male condom on their male partner) during vaginal sex, in particular single and younger men. Women expressed more positive attitudes toward male condoms than men. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the need to implement interventions that increases the sense of vulnerability among heterosexuals, as well as skills and use of male condoms. This study contributes additional data on sexual practices and attitudes to encourage the identification of new or current changes in HIV protective or risk factors, specifically for an understudied population of Heterosexuals in Puerto Rico.

Increased serum ferritin is associated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in prediabetes patients: A pilot study.

AIMS: This pilot study aimed to determine if increased serum ferritin (SF) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with prediabetes. METHODS: Eighteen patients with prediabetes and 36 subjects without prediabetes (control), non-white Hispanic, non-indigenous origin, Mexican mestizo descent were included. Participants had no inflammation, or vascular complications. SF and metabolic markers were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: SF and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were increased in prediabetes subjects. Moreover, in prediabetes and control groups as a whole, natural logarithm (ln)-SF correlated with oxLDL and ln-oxLDL/LDL after adjustment for sex, ln-age, ln-fasting plasma glucose (FPG), ln-body mass index, ln-triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins. Finally, ln-SF was an independent contributor to ln-oxLDL/LDL ratio in control and prediabetes subjects (ß = 0.2915) after the introduction of potential confounders such as FPG, TC, TG, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that hyperferritinemia is associated with oxLDL, considered one of the main cardiovascular risk factors, which allows us to suggest that an increase in SF could contribute to the progression of prediabetes, prior to the appearance of diabetes. Further research is required to establish a causal relationship of iron disruption metabolism in oxLDL generation under prediabetes conditions.