Changes in lifestyle and physical and mental health related to long-confinement due COVID-19: a study during the first and second pandemic waves in Mexico and Chile.

We investigate changes in lifestyle, physical, and mental health during the confinement period of the first and second waves of COVID-19, as well as their relation to sociodemographic parameters and confinement status. Sociodemographic data and information regarding changes in their lifestyle behavior and changes in body weight and physical activity (PA) were collected. The SF-36 questionnaire was implemented for measuring the domains related to physical health (PH) and mental health (MH). The growth frequency of weight gain in the Mexican (4.8%) and Chilean (10.9%) populations was observed during the second wave. The MH component decreased in the Mexican and the Chilean population (p < 0.05). Moreover, the MH decreased significantly according to the degree of confinement (p < 0.01). Although some sociodemographic factors were related to the presence of a very low score (<50 scores) for the MH component during the first wave, it is perceived as a higher relative risk during the second wave in both populations. The long confinement due to COVID-19 is associated to negative changes in nutritional and physical lifestyle behavior, affecting mainly the MH component.

Serum Levels of IFABP2 and Differences in Lactobacillus and Porphyromonas gingivalis Abundance on Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Poor Therapeutic Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Intestinal dysbiosis is related to the physiopathology and clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the response to pharmacologic treatment. The objectives of this study were (1) to analyze the effect of conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) on the abundance of gut microbiota's bacteria; (2) to evaluate the relationship between the differences in microbial abundance with the serum levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein 2 (IFABP2), cytokines, and the response phenotype to csDMARDs therapy in RA. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 23 women diagnosed with RA. The abundance of bacteria in gut microbiota was determined with qPCR. The ELISA technique determined serum levels of IFABP2, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-17A. We found that the accumulated dose of methotrexate or prednisone is negatively associated with the abundance of Lactobacillus but positively associated with the abundance of Bacteroides fragilis. The Lactobacillus/Porphyromonas gingivalis ratio was associated with the Disease Activity Score-28 for RA with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) (r = 0.778, p = 0.030) and with the levels of IL-17A (r = 0.785, p = 0.027) in the group treated with csDMARD. Moreover, a relation between the serum levels of IFABP2 and TNF-α (r = 0.593, p = 0.035) was observed in the group treated with csDMARD. The serum levels of IFABP2 were higher in patients with secondary non-response to csDMARDs therapy. In conclusion, our results suggest that the ratios of gut microbiota's bacteria and intestinal permeability seems to establish the preamble for therapeutic secondary non-response in RA.

Potential Impact of Prosthetic Biomaterials on the Periodontium: A Comprehensive Review.

The success of a prosthetic treatment is closely related to the periodontal health of the individual. The aim of this article was to review and present the importance of prosthetic restorative materials on the condition of the periodontium, the changes that occur in the composition of the subgingival microbiota and the levels of inflammatory markers in gingival crevicular fluid. Articles on the influence of different prosthetic restorative materials on subgingival microbiota and proinflammatory cytokines were searched for using the keywords "prosthetic biomaterials", "fixed prosthesis", "periodontal health", "subgingival microbiota", "periodontal biomarkers" and "gingival crevicular fluid" in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar. The type of material used for prosthesis fabrication together with poor marginal and internal fit can result in changes in the composition of the subgingival microbiota, as well as increased accumulation and retention of dentobacterial plaque, thus favoring the development of periodontal disease and prosthetic treatment failure. Biological markers have helped to understand the inflammatory response of different prosthetic materials on periodontal tissues with the main purpose of improving their clinical application in patients who need them. Metal-free ceramic prostheses induce a lower inflammatory response regardless of the fabrication method; however, the use of CAD/CAM systems is recommended for their fabrication. In addition, it is presumed that metal-ceramic prostheses cause changes in the composition of the subgingival microbiota producing a more dysbiotic biofilm with a higher prevalence of periodontopathogenic bacteria, which may further favor periodontal deterioration.

Enterotoxigenic profiles and submerged and interface biofilms in Bacillus cereus group isolates from foods.

Biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus strains is now recognized as a systematic contamination mechanism in foods; the aim of this study was to evaluate the production of submerged and interface biofilms in strains of B. cereus group in different materials, the effect of dextrose, motility, the presence of genes related to biofilms and the enterotoxigenic profile of the strains. We determine biofilm production by safranin assay, motility on semi-solid medium, toxin gene profiling and genes related to biofilm production by PCR in B. cereus group isolated from food. In this study, we observe strains used a higher production of biofilms in PVC; in the BHI broth, no submerged biofilms were found compared to phenol red broth and phenol red broth supplemented with dextrose; no strains with the ces gene were found, the enterotoxin profile was the most common the profile that includes genes for the three enterotoxins. We observed a different distribution of tasA and sipW with the origin of isolation of the strain, being more frequent in the strains isolated from eggshell. The production and type of biofilms are differential according to the type of material and culture medium used.

Prevalence of the Strains of Bacillus cereus Group in Artisanal Mexican Cheese.

Bacillus cereus is a microorganism associated with food poisoning. It has been found in products, such as milk and dairy products. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify B. cereus group strains in artisan cheeses sold in southwestern Mexico, as well as its toxigenic profile, its psychrophilic ability, and its biofilm production. B. cereus isolation was performed on Mannitol Yolk Polymyxin (MYP) agar and this was molecularly confirmed by the amplification of the gyrB gene. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the toxigenic profile, amplifying conserved regions of hblABD and nheABC operons, which code for the subunits of Hbl and Nhe toxins, respectively, as well as ges and cytK genes, which code for toxin cereulide and cytotoxin K (Cytk). Frequency of B. cereus contamination in artisan cheeses was 29.48% (23/78), and the bacterium was isolated in similar quantities in all types of products. All strains were amylase positive, and 60.86% (14/23) were able to produce biofilm; 91.30% (21/23) of the strains were psychrophilic. In most of the strains, at least one gene related to enterotoxins was identified (21/23). B. cereus strains in this study have a high toxigenic potential, which increases the risk of food poisoning due to the consumption of artisan cheeses made in Mexico.

Relationship between TNF-α, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels in gingival crevicular fluid and the subgingival microbiota in periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is modulated by a complex dysbiotic microbiota, these species stimulate upward the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, which, in turn, upregulates the production of bone resorption molecules. Enzymes such as MMP-8 and 9 have been associated with the destructive disease. This study evaluated the composition of periodontal microbiota with the checkerboard hybridization technique and its correlation with TNF-α, MMP-8, and MMP-9 evaluated with ELISA, of 80 patients (45 healthy, and 35 with chronic periodontitis). The frequency of the 18 species evaluated was higher in patients with bone loss compared with control group. TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid was significantly higher in bone loss group (p < 0.01); MMP-8 (p = 0.34) by MMP-9 (p < 0.05) in bone loss group obtained lower values than in control group. Positive correlation of TNF-α was obtained with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (rho = 0.38; p < 0.01), Fusobacterium nucleatum (rho = 0.25; p < 0.05) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (rho = 0.26; p < 0.05); negative correlation of MMP-8 with A. actinomycetemcomitans (rho = 0.26; p < 0.01), Capnocytophaga sputigena (rho = 0.33; p < 0.01), and F. nucleatum (rho = 0.21; p < 0.05); also negative correlation of MMP-9 with F. nucleatum (rho = 0.23; p < 0.05), P. gingivalis (rho = 0.23; p < 0.05), and Tannerella forsythia (rho = 0.26; p < 0.01). TNF-α increased due to the increase in each count of A. actinomycetemcomitans (ß = 0.57; p = 0.00). The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans (ß = 1.88; p = 0.00), Campylobacter rectus (ß = 0.78; p = 0.01), F. nucleatum (ß = 0.65; p = 0.04), and P. gingivalis (ß = 0.65; p = 0.04) significantly increases TNF-α levels. TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid, despite the minimal amounts collected, is a good biomarker of periodontal disease; since levels of TNF-α increases with the increase of the most harmful species to the periodontium.

Relationship between virulence factors, resistance to antibiotics and phylogenetic groups of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in two locations in Mexico. / Relación entre factores de virulencia, resistencia a antibióticos y los grupos filogenéticos de Escherichia coli uropatógena en dos localidades de México.

INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli is the major causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTI), and virulence factors are responsible for the severity of these emerging infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between virulence determinants and antibiotic susceptibility with phylogenetic groups of E.coli isolates of UTI in two locations in Mexico. METHODS: An analysis was performed on 50 isolates of E.coli from the centre of the country and 57 from a town in the southwest. The isolates were characterized by phenotype (serotyping assays, in vitro adhesion, biofilm formation, production of haemolysin, and antibiotic susceptibility) and genotype (phylogenetic groups and virulence genes). RESULTS: In the centre of the country location the phylogenetic group B2 (60%) and F (12%) were significantly more prevalent and had a higher frequency of genes, fimH (96%), iutA (66%), sat (36%), compared to the southwest location, where the group A (35%) and B1 (21%) were significantly predominant and had fewer virulence genes. About one-fifth (21.5%) of all isolates belonged to the O25-ST131 group. Haemolysin and biofilm producing strains were significantly higher in the southwest location. Resistance to ampicillin (92.5%), tetracycline (76.6%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (70.1%) were the most common in both groups. CONCLUSION: The phylogenetic group, virulence factors, and antibiotic susceptibility of the E.coli that causes UTI in the community, varies significantly among the Mexican populations studied. Phylogenetic groups A and B1 may be multidrug resistant and have the ability to produce UTI.

Significant associations between C-reactive protein levels, body adiposity distribution and peripheral blood cells in school-age children.

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Ge- nerally, there are significant correlations between body mass index and increased C-reactive protein levels. We investigated the relationship of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels with body adiposity distribution and blood cell count in obese children. A cross-sec- tional study was performed in 225 Mexican children. In the study were included 106 obese and 119 normal-weight children, aged 6-13 years old. The body composition was evaluated by BMI, body circumferences and skinfold thickness. hsCRP levels and hematological para- meters were analyzed in all children. The hsCRP levels were higher in obese children than in the control group (1.5 and 0.41 mg/L respectively, P<0.001). Interestingly, hsCRP levels >3 mg/L were associated with the increase of circumferences of the waist, hip and arms (ORs= 9.08, 6.78 and 8.73, respectively, P<0.001), and,a higher thickness of triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds (ORs= 4.73, 6.39 and 5.26, respectively, P=0.001), as well as a higher leukocyte and platelet counts. The data suggest that hsCRP levels are associated with skinfold thickness and body circumferences, and a moderate relationship was found with leukocyte and Dlatelet counts in the studied children.

PAI-1 haplogenotype confers genetic susceptibility for obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in Mexican children.

The presence of childhood obesity predisposes to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, in adulthood. The polymorphisms described in PAI-1 gene have been linked with obesity and metabolic syndrome in several populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the -844 G/A (rs2227631), -675 4G/5G (rs1799889) and HindIII C/G (rs757716)PAI-1 polymorphisms with obesity and dyslipidemia in a sample of Mexican children. A cross-sectional study was performed in 222 children with an age range between 6-11 years; 104 children were classified as obese and 118 children with normal-weight. The PAI-1 polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplogenotype analysis among the three polymorphisms were determined. The results showed significant associations with obesity of the -844 G/A genotype and the A allele (OR= 2.75, p<0.001 and OR= 1.76, p=0.01, respectively). The -844 G/A polymorphism was found in LD with -675 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism (D'= 0.77). We found that G-4G-C/A-5G-G is a risk haplogenotype for obesity [OR=2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-4.22; p= 0.01] and with marginal association with hypertriglyceridemia(OR= 2.6; 95% CI 1.04-6.35; p= 0.05). The G-4G-C/A-5G-G PAI-1 haplogenotype may be a genetic marker of susceptibility for obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in Mexican children.

Interaction of dietary fat intake with APOA2, APOA5 and LEPR polymorphisms and its relationship with obesity and dyslipidemia in young subjects.

BACKGROUND: Diet is an important environmental factor that interacts with genes to modulate the likelihood of developing disorders in lipid metabolism and the relationship between diet and genes in the presence of other chronic diseases such as obesity. The objective of this study was to analyze the interaction of a high fat diet with the APOA2 (rs3813627 and rs5082), APOA5 (rs662799 and rs3135506) and LEPR (rs8179183 and rs1137101) polymorphisms and its relationship with obesity and dyslipidemia in young subjects. METHODS: The study included 200 young subjects aged 18 to 25 years (100 normal-weight and 100 obese subjects). Dietary fat intake was measured using the frequency food consumption questionnaire. Genotyping of polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Individuals carrying the APOA5 56 G/G genotype with a high saturated fatty acid consumption (OR = 2.7, p = 0.006) and/or total fat (OR = 2.4, p = 0.018), associated with an increased risk of obesity. We also found that A/G + G/G genotypes of the 668 A/G polymorphism in the LEPR gene with an intake ≥ 12 g/d of saturated fatty acids, have 2.9 times higher risk of obesity (p = 0.002), 3.8 times higher risk of hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.002) and 2.4 times higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.02), than those with an intake <12 g/d of saturated fatty acids. Similarly, LEPR 668 A/G + G/G carriers with a high fat total intake had 3.0 times higher risk of obesity (p = 0.002) and 4.1 times higher risk of hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that dietary fat intake modifies the effect of APOA5 and LEPR polymorphisms on serum triglycerides, cholesterol levels and obesity in young subjects.

Circulating CD36 and oxLDL levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in young subjects.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) results from a combination of abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and susceptibility to thrombosis. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of CVD. CD36 has been shown to play a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions by its capacity to bind and promote endocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and is implicated in the formation of foam cells. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether there is an association of sCD36 and oxLDL levels with cardiovascular risk factors in young subjects. METHODS: A total of 188 subjects, 18 to 25 years old, 133 normal-weight and 55 obese subjects from the state of Guerrero, Mexico were recruited in the study. The lipid profile and glucose levels were measured by enzymatic colorimetric assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA) for oxLDL and sCD36 were performed. Statistical analyses of data were performed with Wilcoxon- Mann Whitney and chi-square tests as well as with multinomial regression. RESULTS: TC, LDL-C, TG, oxLDL and sCD36 levels were higher in obese subjects than in normal-weight controls, as well as, monocyte and platelet counts (P < 0.05). Obese subjects had 5.8 times higher risk of sCD36 in the third tertil (>97.8 ng/mL) than normal-weight controls (P = 0.014), and 7.4 times higher risk of oxLDL levels in third tertile (>48 U/L) than control group. The subjects with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, fasting impaired LDL-C had a higher risk of oxLDL levels in the third tertile (>48 U/L) than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Circulating CD36 and oxLDL levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in young subjects and may be potential early markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Effects of a symbiotic on gut microbiota in Mexican patients with end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVES: Gut microbiota provides beneficial effects under physiological conditions, but is able to contribute to inflammatory diseases in susceptible individuals. Thus, we designed this study to test whether additional intake of symbiotic gel affects specific modifications of gut microbiota in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: Eighteen patients with ESRD diagnosis with renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis) were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: (1) test group (nutritional counseling + symbiotic) and (2) control group (nutritional counseling + placebo). Clinical history and the evaluation of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale were performed. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction from fecal samples. All subjects were followed for 2 months. RESULTS: Bifidobacterial counts were higher in the second samples (mean: 5.5 ± 1.72 log10 cells/g) than in first samples (4.2 ± 0.88 log 10 cells/g) in the patients of the test group (P = .0344). Also, lactobacilli counts had a little decrease in the test group (2.3 ± 0.75 to 2.0 ± 0.88 log 10 cells/g) and the control group (2.2 ± 0.90 to 1.8 ± 1.33 log 10 cells/g), between the first and the second samples. Gastrointestinal symptoms scores (scale 8-40) were reduced in the test group (start 12 [10-14] and end 9 [8-10]) compared with control group (start 11 [8-21] and end 11 [9-15]). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term symbiotic treatment in patients with ESRD can lead to the increase of Bifidobacterium counts, maintaining the intestinal microbial balance.

A novel chaperone-effector-immunity system identified in uropathogenic Escherichia coli UMN026.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common worldwide. According to their symptomatology, these infections are classified as pyelonephritis, cystitis, or asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB). Approximately 75-95% of UTIs are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is an extraintestinal bacterium that possesses virulence factors for bacterial adherence and invasion in the urinary tract. In addition, UPEC possesses type 6 secretion systems (T6SS) as virulence mechanisms that can participate in bacterial competition and in bacterial pathogenicity. UPEC UMN026 carries three genes, namely, ECUMN_0231, ECUMN_0232, and ECUMN_0233, which encode three uncharacterized proteins related to the T6SS that are conserved in strains from phylogroups B2 and D and have been proposed as biomarkers of UTIs. Aim: To analyze the frequency of the ECUMN_0231, ECUMN_0232, ECUMN_0233, and vgrG genes in UTI isolates, as well as their expression in Luria Bertani (LB) medium and urine; to determine whether these genes are related to UTI symptoms or bacterial competence and to identify functional domains on the putative proteins. Methods: The frequency of the ECUMN and vgrG genes in 99 clinical isolates from UPEC was determined by endpoint PCR. The relationship between gene presence and UTI symptomatology was determined using the chi2 test, with p < 0.05 considered to indicate statistical significance. The expression of the three ECUMN genes and vgrG was analyzed by RT-PCR. The antibacterial activity of strain UMN026 was determined by bacterial competence assays. The identification of functional domains and the docking were performed using bioinformatic tools. Results: The ECUMN genes are conserved in 33.3% of clinical isolates from patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic UTIs and have no relationship with UTI symptomatology. Of the ECUMN+ isolates, only five (15.15%, 5/33) had the three ECUMN and vgrG genes. These genes were expressed in LB broth and urine in UPEC UMN026 but not in all the clinical isolates. Strain UMN026 had antibacterial activity against UPEC clinical isolate 4014 (ECUMN-) and E. faecalis but not against isolate 4012 (ECUMN+). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the ECUMN genes encode a chaperone/effector/immunity system. Conclusions: The ECUMN genes are conserved in clinical isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and are not related to UTI symptoms. However, these genes encode a putative chaperone/effector/immunity system that seems to be involved in the antibacterial activity of strain UMN026.

Analysis of subgingival microbiota and IL-1ß, TNF-α and CX3CL1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of fixed dental prostheses.

Prosthetic biomaterials can affect the composition of the subgingival microbiota and consequently the production of proinflammatory cytokines, causing damage to the periodontium. A total of 40 patients were divided into two groups: 20 with monolithic zirconia (MZ) prostheses and 20 with porcelain fused to metal (PFM) with nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloy prostheses. Subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken. The Checkerboard technique for DNA-DNA hybridization and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique were performed. Teeth with MZ presented a lower percentage of bleeding on probing and tooth mobility compared to teeth with PFM with Ni-Cr alloy. Prosthodontic teeth harbored higher total levels of the 18 bacterial species than non-prosthodontic teeth. There was a higher prevalence of S. gordonii and V. parvula species in PFM with Ni-Cr alloy compared to MZ. There was an increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α and CX3CL1 levels in PFM with Ni-Cr alloy compared to MZ. MZ is a candidate biomaterial with fewer negative effects on the periodontium, allowing for longer prostheses longevity in the mouth.

Association of PADI2 and PADI4 polymorphisms in COVID-19 host severity and non-survival.

Background: Enzymes of the peptidylarginine deiminase family (PADs) play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their genes with COVID-19 severity and death is unknown. Methodology: We included 1045 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between October 2020 and December 2021. All subjects were genotyped for PADI2 (rs1005753 and rs2235926) and PADI4 (rs11203366, rs11203367, and rs874881) SNPs by TaqMan assays and their associations with disease severity, death, and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated. Results: 291 patients presented had severe COVID-19 according to PaO2/FiO2, and 393 had a non-survival outcome. Carriers of the rs1005753 G/G genotype in the PADI2 gene presented susceptibility for severe COVID-19, while the heterozygous carriers in rs11203366, rs11203367, and rs874881 of the PADI4 gene showed risk of death. The GTACC haplotype in PADI2-PADI4 was associated with susceptibility to severe COVID-19, while the GCACC haplotype was a protective factor. The GCGTG haplotype was associated with severe COVID-19 but as a protective haplotype for death. Finally, the GTACC haplotype was associated with platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the GCACC haplotype with neutrophil-to-hemoglobin and lymphocyte and the GCGTG haplotype as a protective factor for the elevation of procalcitonin, D-dimer, CRP, LCRP, NHL, SII, NLR, and PLR. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the haplotypic combination of GTACC and some individual genotypes of PADI2 and PADI4 contribute to the subjects' susceptibility for severity and death by COVID-19.

Bacillus cereus in the Artisanal Cheese Production Chain in Southwestern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Bacillus cereus is associated with milk, dairy product, and dairy farm contamination. The aim of this study was to characterize strains of B. cereus in the small-scale artisanal cheese production chain in southwestern Mexico. METHODS: 130 samples were collected. B. cereus isolation was performed on Mannitol Egg Yolk Polymyxin (MYP) agar. Genotyping, enterotoxigenic profile, and determination of genes involved in the formation of B. cereus biofilm were performed by PCR. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was made by broth microdilution assay. The phylogenetic analysis was performed by amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA. RESULTS: B. cereus sensu lato was isolated and molecularly identified in 16 samples and B. cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus) was the most frequently isolated and identified species (81.25%). Of all the isolated B. cereus sensu lato strains, 93.75% presented at least one gene for some diarrheagenic toxins, 87.5% formed biofilms, and 18.75% were amylolytic. All B. cereus sensu lato strains were resistant to beta-lactams and folate inhibitors. A close phylogenetic relationship between isolates was found between the cheese isolates and the air isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Strains of B. cereus sensu lato were found in small-scale artisanal cheeses on a farm in southwestern Mexico.

PAI-1 mRNA expression and plasma level in rheumatoid arthritis: relationship with 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovial membrane, cartilage and bone. PAI-1 is a key regulator of the fibrinolytic system through which plasminogen is converted to plasmin. The plasmin activates the matrix metalloproteinase system, which is closely related with the joint damage and bone destruction in RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism with mRNA expression and PAI-1 plasma protein levels in RA patients. 113 RA patients and 123 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. The 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method; the PAI-1 mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR; and the soluble PAI-1 (sPAI-1) levels were quantified using an ELISA kit. No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism were found between RA patients and HS. However, the 5G/5G genotype was the most frequent in both studied groups: RA (42%) and HS (44%). PAI-1 mRNA expression was slightly increased (0.67 fold) in RA patients with respect to HS (P = 0.0001). In addition, in RA patients, the 4G/4G genotype carriers showed increased PAI-1 mRNA expression (3.82 fold) versus 4G/5G and 5G/5G genotypes (P = 0.0001), whereas the sPAI-1 plasma levels did not show significant differences. Our results indicate that the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism is not a marker of susceptibility in the Western Mexico. However, the 4G/4G genotype is associated with high PAI-1 mRNA expression but not with the sPAI-1 levels in RA patients.

CD14 and CD26 from serum exosomes are associated with type 2 diabetes, exosomal Cystatin C and CD14 are associated with metabolic syndrome and atherogenic index of plasma.

Background: Exosomes are microvesicles that actively participate in signaling mechanisms and depending on their content can contribute to the development of different pathologies, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cystatin C, CD26, and CD14 proteins in serum exosomes from patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Methods: Serum exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation from 147 individuals with and without diabetes. Both anthropometric and metabolic parameters were registered from everyone. The levels of exosomal proteins cystatin C, CD26, and CD14 were quantified by ELISA. The association between protein levels and T2D or atherogenic risk factors was analyzed by linear regression and generalized regression models. Results: We observed a significant correlation of increased glucose with elevated levels of Cystatin C, and an effect of T2D on the levels of CD26 (ß = 45.8 pg/µg; p = 0.001) and CD14 (ß = 168 pg/µg; p < 0.001) compared to subjects without T2D. CD14 was significantly related to T2D, metabolic syndrome, glucose, and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). Additionally, we observed a significant effect of metabolic syndrome MetS on the increase of exosomal Cystatin C and CD14. Conclusions: T2D may contribute to the increase of CD14 protein contained in exosomes, as well as to the predisposition of atherogenic events development due to its relationship with the increase in serum triglyceride concentrations and the AIP score. Finally, the increased levels of CD14 and Cystatin C in exosomes are related to MetS. The analysis of exosome contents of diabetic patients remains an incipient field, so extensive characterization is crucial for their use as biomarkers or to analyze their possible contribution to diabetic complications.

Characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates from hospitalized patients with bloodstream infection obtained in two time periods.

Background: In recent years Staphylococcus epidermidis has been considered an important and frequent causative agent of health care-associated infections (HAIs), increasing the costs of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation are the most important obstacles in the treatment of infections caused by this microorganism. The aim of this work was to determine the most prevalent STs, as well as the antibiotic resistance profile and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis clinical isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in two hospitals in Acapulco, Guerrero in two time periods. Methods: Twenty methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis strains isolated from patients with bacteremia in two hospitals in two time periods were analyzed. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed using the Vitek automated system. Molecular confirmation of the identification and methicillin resistance was performed by duplex PCR of the mecA and nuc genes. Biofilm production was analyzed, and the clonal origin was determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results: We identified 14 antibiotic resistance profiles as well as 13 sequence types (ST), including the new ST761. We also found that ST2 and ST23 were the most prevalent and, together with ST59, were found in both time periods. Seventeen of our clinical isolates were multidrug-resistant, but all of them were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin, and this was not related to biofilm production. Additionally, we standardized a duplex PCR to identify methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis strains. In conclusion, S. epidermidis STs 2, 23, and 59 were found in both time periods. This study is the first report of S. epidermidis ST761. The clinical isolates obtained in this work showed a high multidrug resistance that is apparently not related to biofilm production.

Genetic diversity of enterotoxigenic Bacillus cereus strains in coriander in southwestern Mexico.

Background: Coriander, like other leafy green vegetables, is available all year round and is commonly consumed raw in Mexico as in other countries in the preparation of street or homemade food. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a microorganism that can reach coriander because it is usually found in the soil and in some regions the vegetables are irrigated with polluted water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determinate the presence of B. cereus in coriander used for human consumption in southwestern Mexico and determine the toxigenic profile, biofilm production, genes associated with the production of biofilms, sporulation rates, enzymatic profile, psychotropic properties, and genetic diversity of B. cereus. Methods: Fresh coriander samples were collected from several vegetable retailers in different markets, microbiological analysis was performed. Molecular identification, genes related to the production of biofilm, and toxin gene profiling of B. cereus isolates were determined by PCR. The biofilm formation was measured by performing a crystal violet assay. The genetic diversity of B. cereus strains was determined by PCR of repetitive elements using oligonucleotide (GTG) 5. Results: We found a frequency of B. cereus in vegetables was 20% (13/65). In this study, no strains with genes for the HBL toxin were found. In the case of genes related to biofilms, the frequency was low for sipW [5.8%, (1/17)] and tasA [11.7%, (2/17)]. B. cereus strains produce a low amount of biofilm with sporulation rates around 80%. As for genetic diversity, we observed that strains isolated from the same market, but different vegetable retailers are grouped into clusters. In the coriander marketed in southwestern Mexico, were found B. cereus strains with genes associated with the production of diarrheal toxins. Together, these results show actual information about the state of art of B. cereus strains circulating in the southwestern of Mexico.