Dental caries prevalence and severity positively associate with AMY1 gene copy number.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the possible relation between total caries (TC) and caries severity (CS) with the AMY1 gene copy number (AMY1GCN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, population-based, and association study with 303 participants. Each participant underwent a complete anamnesis and stomatological check-up, and peripheral blood was obtained to extract gDNA. TC and CS were determined as the number of caries at the dental exploration and the number of dental surfaces affected by caries, respectively, and AMY1GCN was determined by qPCR. RESULTS: We found an elevated caries prevalence (92.7%); TC and CS were 8 ± 10 and 10 ± 13 (median ± IR). There were higher TC and CS in those participants with AMY1GCN above the mean value (0.02 and 0.01 p values, respectively). A positive correlation between TC and CS with AMY1GCN (0.11 and 0.125 r values, 0.03 and 0.01 p values, respectively) was found, in addition to an association between TC and CS with AMY1GCN (1.5 and 1.6 OR values, 0.48 and 0.26 p values, respectively). CONCLUSION: TC and CS were positively related to the AMY1GCN. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dental caries has a high prevalence and a multifactorial etiology and has been related to a genetic component. Indeed, the salivary enzyme alpha-amylase could play a significant role in caries susceptibility, considering that its codifying gene (AMY1) can show variation in its gene copy number. This can be considered an important factor for the development of caries at a genetic level.

A new strategy for the decellularization of whole organs by hydrostatic pressure.

Tissue engineering has been able to develop novel decellularization-recellularization techniques, which facilitates the research for the generation of functional organs. This is based in the initial obtention of the organ's extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, any improvement in the decellularization process would have a positive impact in the results of the recellularization process. Nevertheless, commonly the methods and equipment employed for this process are expensive and thus limit the access of this technique to various research groups globally. To develop a decellularization technique with the exclusive use of hydrostatic pressure of detergent solutions, to have an easily accessible and low-cost technique that meets the basic requirements of acellularity and functionality of the ECM. This experimental study was performed in 10 male Wistar rats, obtaining the liver to carry out serial washes, with 1%, 2%, and 3% Triton X-100 solutions and 0.1% SDS. The washes were performed by using a gravity perfusion system (GPS), which assured us a continuous hydrostatic pressure of 7.5 mmHg. The obtained ECM was processed using stains and immunostaining to determine the residual cell content and preservation of its components. The staining showed a removal of cellular and nuclear components of approximately 97% of the acellular ECM, with an adequate three-dimensional pattern of collagen and proteoglycans. Furthermore, the acellular ECM allowed the viability of a primary hepatocyte culture. The use of the GPS decellularization technique allowed us to obtain an acellular and functional ECM, drastically reducing experimentation costs.

Improvement in borderline personality disorder symptomatology after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex: preliminary results

Objective: Current treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may positively affect BPD symptomatology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and neuropsychological effects of rTMS on the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) in BPD patients. Methods: Fourteen patients with BPD were randomized into two groups (active vs. sham) for 15 sessions of rTMS on the DMPFC. Clinical effects were measured using the Borderline Symptoms List (BSL), Clinical Global Impression Scale for BPD (CGI-BPD), Borderline Evaluation of Severity over Time (BEST), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Neuropsychological effects were determined by a Stop-Signal Task (SST), the Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST), and the Iowa Gambling Test (IGT). Results: Within-group comparison showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in CGI-BPD (total score and six of nine psychopathologic domains), BEST, HDRS, HARS, and IGT scores for active modality. Conclusion: The 5 Hz-DMPFC rTMS technique was well tolerated and lessened the severity of BPD symptomatology, especially abandonment, affective issues, interpersonal relationships, suicidal behavior, anger, and paranoid ideation. Cognitive improvement was seen in decision-making. Additional studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of rTMS on BPD symptomatology. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03832777.

Improvement in borderline personality disorder symptomatology after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: Current treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) involves psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may positively affect BPD symptomatology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and neuropsychological effects of rTMS on the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) in BPD patients. METHODS: Fourteen patients with BPD were randomized into two groups (active vs. sham) for 15 sessions of rTMS on the DMPFC. Clinical effects were measured using the Borderline Symptoms List (BSL), Clinical Global Impression Scale for BPD (CGI-BPD), Borderline Evaluation of Severity over Time (BEST), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Neuropsychological effects were determined by a Stop-Signal Task (SST), the Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST), and the Iowa Gambling Test (IGT). RESULTS: Within-group comparison showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in CGI-BPD (total score and six of nine psychopathologic domains), BEST, HDRS, HARS, and IGT scores for active modality. CONCLUSION: The 5 Hz-DMPFC rTMS technique was well tolerated and lessened the severity of BPD symptomatology, especially abandonment, affective issues, interpersonal relationships, suicidal behavior, anger, and paranoid ideation. Cognitive improvement was seen in decision-making. Additional studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of rTMS on BPD symptomatology. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03832777.

Temporal information in tones, broadband noise, and natural vocalizations is conveyed by differential spiking responses in the superior paraolivary nucleus.

Communication sounds across all mammals consist of multiple frequencies repeated in sequence. The onset and offset of vocalizations are potentially important cues for recognizing distinct units, such as phonemes and syllables, which are needed to perceive meaningful communication. The superior paraolivary nucleus (SPON) in the auditory brainstem has been implicated in the processing of rhythmic sounds. Here, we compared how best frequency tones (BFTs), broadband noise (BBN), and natural mouse calls elicit onset and offset spiking in the mouse SPON. The results demonstrate that onset spiking typically occurs in response to BBN, but not BFT stimulation, while spiking at the sound offset occurs for both stimulus types. This effect of stimulus bandwidth on spiking is consistent with two of the established inputs to the SPON from the octopus cells (onset spiking) and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (offset spiking). Natural mouse calls elicit two main spiking peaks. The first spiking peak, which is weak or absent with BFT stimulation, occurs most consistently during the call envelope, while the second spiking peak occurs at the call offset. This suggests that the combined spiking activity in the SPON elicited by vocalizations reflects the entire envelope, that is, the coarse amplitude waveform. Since the output from the SPON is purely inhibitory, it is speculated that, at the level of the inferior colliculus, the broadly tuned first peak may improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the subsequent, more call frequency-specific peak. Thus, the SPON may provide a dual inhibition mechanism for tracking phonetic boundaries in social-vocal communication.

Thyroid hormones and obesity: a known but poorly understood relationship.

Hormony tarczycy (thyroid hormones, TH) sa zaangazowane w wiele róznych procesów biologicznych, wliczajac rozwój ukladu nerwowego, regulacje metabolizmu posredniego oraz zuzycie energii. Aktywnie uczestnicza w podstawowym zuzyciu energii i termogenezie adaptacyjnej i z tego wzgledu moga miec wplyw na mase ciala w przebiegu chorób tarczycy. Otylosc to niezakazna, przewlekla, zapalna choroba metaboliczna, która implikuje dodatni bilans energetyczny. Tkanka tluszczowa produkuje szereg hormonów i adipocytokin, takich jak leptyna, które moga wplywac na stan tarczycy na róznych poziomach. Istnieja dowody na to, ze dysfunkcja tarczycy moze predysponowac do otylosci i odwrotnie, istnieja dowody sugerujace, ze otylosc powoduje zmiany dotyczace tarczycy. Celem tej pracy bylo opisanie zwiazku miedzy ukladem tarczycy a otyloscia. Ponadto w pracy zaprezentowano hipotetyczny model podkreslajacy znaczenie obwodowej dejodynacji hormonów tarczycy i jego role w ustanowieniu dodatniego bilansu energetycznego. Podsumowujac, mozemy stwierdzic, ze relacja miedzy ukladem tarczycy a otyloscia i nadwaga jest zlozona i obejmuje wiele poziomów interakcji. Ponadto, poddajac ocenie otylego pacjenta, powinno sie rozwazyc ocene funkcji tarczycy, aby uzyskac lepsze i spersonalizowane efekty leczenia.

Signals from the caudal diencephalon are required for the projection of the Interstitial Nuclei of Cajal.

Axonal projection is controlled by discrete regions localized at the neuroepithelium, guiding the neurite growth during embryonic development. These regions exert their effect through the expression of a family of chemotropic molecules, which actively participate in the formation of neuronal connections of the central nervous system in vertebrates. Previous studies describe prosomere 1 (P1) as a possible organizer of axonal growth of the rostral rhombencephalon, contributing to the caudal projection of reticulospinal rhombencephalic neurons. This work studies the contribution of chemotropic signals from P1 or pretectal medial longitudinal fascicle (MLF) neurons upon the caudal projection of the interstitial nuclei of Cajal (INC). By using in ovo surgeries, retrograde axonal labeling, and immunohistochemical techniques, we were able to determine that the absence of P1 generates a failure in the INC caudal projection, while drastically diminishing the reticulospinal rhombencephalic neurons projections. The lack of INC projection significantly decreases the number of reticulospinal neurons projecting to the MLF. We found a 48.6% decrease in the projections to the MLF from the rostral and bulbar areas. Similarly, the observed decrease at prosomere 2 was 51.5%, with 61.8% and 32.4% for prosomeres 3 and 4, respectively; thus, constituting the most affected rostral regions. These results suggest the following possibilities: i, that the axons of the reticulospinal neurons employ the INC projection as a scaffold, fasciculating with this pioneer projection; and ii, that the P1 region, including pretectal MLF neurons, exerts a chemotropic effect upon the INC caudal projection. Nonetheless the identification of these chemotropic signals is still a pending task.

Cardiac abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi seropositive patients in the State of Querétaro, México / Alteraciones cardiacas en una población seropositiva a Trypanosoma cruzi en Querétaro, México

Abstract: Background: Chagas disease is an endemic illness in the Americas and therefore constitutes a public health problem. An estimated 8 million people are infected and over 20 million live in areas at risk. In Mexico, the problem is under reported and no epidemiological data by the different States indicating true prevalence for this infection is available. During the chronic phase, 30% of infected patients may develop chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCM), characterized by different types of alterations of cardiac function. Objective: To describe cardiac abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi seropositive subjects in the endemic areas. Material and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with non-random sampling. In our project the endemic area was considered for Trypanosoma cruzi using the Epi Info statistical program (Stat Calc) to calculate the number of subjects to study by means of a sample of 1 033 subjects aged 2-90 years. Prior informed consent or parental consent, implementation of a survey, a 5 mL of blood sample free from anticoagulant was taken from the cubital vein to detect anti-Trypanosoma cruzi by ELISA, recombinant ELISA, hemagglutination indirect (HAI), indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and Western blot (using the enzyme superoxide dismutase iron as antigen). Those subjects who were positive in two or more tests were chosen for electrocardiogram (EKG) and an echocardiogram (ECO) with portable devices. Results: Of the 1 033 participants, 84 between 6 and 88 years tested positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. In the analysis of data with echocardiograms and electrocardiograms, 47 subjects over 26 years (56%), presented right bundle branch block or left bundle block (RBBB/LBBB), changes in the diameters of the right ventricle or left ejection fraction accounting of 70%. In subjects under 26 years there were electrocardiographic changes (RBBB/LBBB). Conclusion: 8.13% were seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi with ventricular conduction system and morphological alterations.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La enfermedad de Chagas es una patología endémica en las Américas, donde representa un problema de salud pública. Se estima que aproximadamente 8 millones de personas están infectadas y 20 millones viven en áreas de riesgo de infectarse. En México el problema está subestimado y se carece de datos epidemiológicos por estado del país que indiquen una prevalencia real de este padecimiento. Durante la fase crónica, el 30% de los pacientes infectados pueden desarrollar miocardiopatía chagásica (MCC), que se caracteriza por presentar diferentes alteraciones de la función cardiaca. Objetivo: Describir las alteraciones cardiacas en sujetos seropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi de áreas endémicas. Material y métodos: Es un estudio con diseño transversal descriptivo, con muestra no probabilística. En nuestro proyecto, se consideró una zona endémica a Trypanosoma cruzi, mediante el programa estadístico Epi Info (Stat Calc), para estimar el número de sujetos a estudiar, obteniéndose una muestra de 1 033 sujetos de edades entre 2 a 90 años. Previo consentimiento informado, y aplicación de una encuesta, se puncionó la vena cubital, obteniéndose una muestra sanguínea de 5 mL, sin anticoagulante, para buscar anticuerpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi mediante, ELISA, ELISA recombinante, hemaglutinación indirecta (HAI), inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) y Western-Blot (usando la enzima superóxido dismutasa de hierro como antígeno). Los sujetos reactivos a dos o más pruebas fueron seleccionados para la realización de un electrocardiograma (EKG) y un ecocardiograma (ECO) con equipos portátiles Resultados: De los 1 033 participantes, 84 entre 6 a 88 años resultaron positivos para Trypanosoma cruzi. En el análisis de los hallazgos ecocardiográficos y electrocardiográficos en los 47 sujetos mayores de 26 años (56%) presentaron bloqueo de rama derecha o izquierda del haz de His (BRDHH/BRIHH). Conclusión: El 8.13% fueron seropositivos para Trypanosoma cruzi con cambios morfológicos ventriculares y del sistema de conducción del haz de His.

Fat mass obesity-associated (FTO) (rs9939609) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) (rs17782313) SNP are positively associated with obesity and blood pressure in Mexican school-aged children.

Childhood overweight and obesity are worldwide public health problems and risk factors for chronic diseases. The presence of SNP in several genes has been associated with the presence of obesity. A total of 580 children (8-13 years old) from Queretaro, Mexico, participated in this cross-sectional study, which evaluated the associations of rs9939609 (fat mass obesity-associated (FTO)), rs17782313 (melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)) and rs6548238 (transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18)) SNP with obesity and metabolic risk factors. Overweight and obesity prevalence was 19·8 and 19·1 %, respectively. FTO, MC4R and TMEM18 risk allele frequency was 17, 9·8 and 89·5 %, respectively. A significant association between FTO homozygous and MC4R heterozygous risk alleles and obesity was found (OR 3·9; 95 % CI 1·46, 10·22, and OR 2·1; 95 % CI 1·22, 3·71; respectively). The FTO heterozygous subjects showed higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, compared with the homozygous for the ancestral allele subjects. These results remain significant after considering adiposity as a covariate. The FTO and MC4R genotypes were not significantly associated with total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and insulin concentration. No association was found between TMEM18 risk allele and obesity and/or metabolic alterations. Our results show that, in addition to a higher BMI, there is also an association of the risk genotype with blood pressure in the presence of the FTO risk genotype. The possible presence of a risk genotype in obese children must be considered to offer a more comprehensive therapeutic approach in order to delay and/or prevent the development of chronic diseases.

Influencia de la prematuridad sobre el sistema nervioso en la niñez y en la adultez / Influence of prematurity on the nervous system in childhood and adulthood

Objetivo: Revisar la influencia de la prematuridad sobre el sistema nervioso durante los primeros años de vida y posteriormente durante la adultez.Desarrollo: Los recién nacidos pretérmino constituyen una población vulnerable. Tienen un elevado riesgo de sufrir problemas de salud,discapacidades neurológicas y trastornos de la conducta, pobre desempeño cognitivo. También cursan con un riesgo elevado de presentarparálisis cerebral y trastornos sensoriales. Por otra parte, es conocido que algunos eventos que ocurren tempranamente en la vida influyenen el desarrollo de enfermedades en la vida adulta. A largo plazo, los niños que nacieron prematuramente tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares, hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus en la edad adulta y posiblemente, también presentenun riesgo mayor de padecer cáncer. El conocimiento de estos aspectos por parte de los profesionales permitiría una mejor compresión de las morbilidades que presentan durante la vida los niños nacidos prematuramente.Conclusiones: Los programas de atención, evaluación y seguimiento de niños pretérmino deben tener en cuenta el efecto de dicho evento en las diferentes etapas de la vida(AU)

Objective: To review the influence of prematurity on the nervous system during early life and later life.Development: Preterm infants are a vulnerable population with high risk of health problems, neurological disabilities and behavioraldisorders, poor cognitive performance, and high risk of cerebral palsy and sensory disorders. Moreover, some events that occur early in life influence in the development of diseases in adulthood. Regarding long term, preterm children have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus in adulthood, and possibly also an increased risk of cancer. Knowledge of these aspects byprofessionals allows a better understanding of morbidities that occur during the life of preterm children.Conclusions: Care programs, evaluation and monitoring of preterm infants should take into account the effect of the same in different stages of life(AU)

Comparative serology techniques for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a rural population from the state of Querétaro, Mexico.

Immunological diagnostic methods for Trypanosoma cruzi depend specifically on the presence of antibodies and parasitological methods lack sensitivity during the chronic and "indeterminate" stages of the disease. This study performed a serological survey of 1,033 subjects from 52 rural communities in 12 of the 18 municipalities in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. We detected anti-T. cruzi antibodies using the following tests: indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), ELISA and recombinant ELISA (rELISA). We also performed Western blot (WB) analysis using iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), a detoxifying enzyme excreted by the parasite, as the antigen. Positive test results were distributed as follows: ELISA 8%, rELISA 6.2%, IFA and IHA 5.4% in both cases and FeSOD 8%. A comparative study of the five tests was undertaken. Sensitivity levels, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, concordance percentage and kappa index were considered. Living with animals, trips to other communities, gender, age, type of housing and symptomatology at the time of the survey were statistically analysed using SPSS software v.11.5. Detection of the FeSOD enzyme that was secreted by the parasite and used as an antigenic fraction in WBs showed a 100% correlation with traditional ELISA tests.

Comparative serology techniques for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a rural population from the state of Querétaro, Mexico

Immunological diagnostic methods for Trypanosoma cruzi depend specifically on the presence of antibodies and parasitological methods lack sensitivity during the chronic and “indeterminate” stages of the disease. This study performed a serological survey of 1,033 subjects from 52 rural communities in 12 of the 18 municipalities in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. We detected anti-T. cruzi antibodies using the following tests: indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), ELISA and recombinant ELISA (rELISA). We also performed Western blot (WB) analysis using iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), a detoxifying enzyme excreted by the parasite, as the antigen. Positive test results were distributed as follows: ELISA 8%, rELISA 6.2%, IFA and IHA 5.4% in both cases and FeSOD 8%. A comparative study of the five tests was undertaken. Sensitivity levels, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, concordance percentage and kappa index were considered. Living with animals, trips to other communities, gender, age, type of housing and symptomatology at the time of the survey were statistically analysed using SPSS software v.11.5. Detection of the FeSOD enzyme that was secreted by the parasite and used as an antigenic fraction in WBs showed a 100% correlation with traditional ELISA tests.

Prevalence of thyroid function test abnormalities and anti-thyroid antibodies in an open population in Central México.

OBJECTIVE. To examine the prevalence of abnormal thyroid function tests and positive anti-thyroid antibodies in two Central Mexican cities. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Subjects 18 to 70 years old were randomly selected to participate in this survey. A questionnaire was given and blood samples were taken to measure TSH and free T4 levels as well as anti-TPO and anti- Tg antibodies. RESULTS. The mean TSH level in subjects without existing thyroid disease was 1.72 mIU/L; 0.64 and 3.74 mIU/L were the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. The mean free T4 level was 1.02 ng/dL, and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were 0.78 and 1.31 ng/dL, respectively. There was a 2.5% prevalence of former diagnosed thyroid diseases, 3.9% of individuals were sub-hypo, and 1.1% had overt hypothyroidism. Total hypothyroidism prevalence was 7.48% (when we considered TSH levels greater than 4.5 mIU/L), but it was 11.03% when diagnosed with TSH values greater than 3.5 mIU/L. Factors associated with hypothyroidism were older age, positive family background of thyroid disease, and positive anti- TPO and anti-Tg antibodies. Subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism were found in 1.7% of participants. CONCLUSIONS. Abnormal thyroid function test prevalence in this population was high, but few participants were aware of having a thyroid disease. The prevalence of positive anti-thyroid antibodies was high. More studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of thyroid abnormalities on other aspects of health status and quality of life.

Iodine nutrition in elementary state schools of Queretaro, Mexico: correlations between urinary iodine concentration with global nutrition status and social gap index.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To estimate median urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and to correlate it with global nutrition indicators and social gap index (SGI) in 50 elementary state schools from 10 municipalities in the State of Queretaro, Mexico. RESULTS: 1,544 students were enrolled and an above of requirements of iodine intake was found (median UIC of 297 µg/L). Iodine status was found as deficient, adequate, more than adequate and excessive in 2, 4, 19 and 25 schools, respectively. Seventy seven percent of table salt samples showed adequate iodine content (20-40 ppm), while 9.6% of the samples had low iodine content (< 15 ppm). Medians of UIC per school were positively correlated with medians of body mass index (BMI) by using the standard deviation score (SDS) (r = 0.47; p < 0.005), height SDS (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), and overweight and obesity prevalence (r = 0.41; p < 0.05). Medians of UIC per school were negatively correlated with stunting prevalence (r = -0.39; p = 005) and social gap index (r = -0.36; p < 0.05). Best multiple regression models showed that BMI SDS and height were significantly related with UIC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is coexistence between the two extremes of iodine intake (insufficient and excessive). To our knowledge, the observed positive correlation between UIC and overweight and obesity has not been described before, and could be explained by the availability and consumption of snack food rich in energy and iodized salt.

Iodine nutrition in elementary state schools of Queretaro, Mexico: correlations between urinary iodine concentration with global nutrition status and social gap index / Consumo de iodo em escolas de ensino fundamental de Querétaro, México: correlação entre a concentração urinária de iodo, o estado nutricional geral e o índice de desigualdade social

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To estimate median urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and to correlate it with global nutrition indicators and social gap index (SGI) in 50 elementary state schools from 10 municipalities in the State of Queretaro, Mexico. RESULTS: 1,544 students were enrolled and an above of requirements of iodine intake was found (median UIC of 297 µg/L). Iodine status was found as deficient, adequate, more than adequate and excessive in 2, 4, 19 and 25 schools, respectively. Seventy seven percent of table salt samples showed adequate iodine content (20-40 ppm), while 9.6% of the samples had low iodine content (< 15 ppm). Medians of UIC per school were positively correlated with medians of body mass index (BMI) by using the standard deviation score (SDS) (r = 0.47; p < 0.005), height SDS (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), and overweight and obesity prevalence (r = 0.41; p < 0.05). Medians of UIC per school were negatively correlated with stunting prevalence (r = -0.39; p = 005) and social gap index (r = -0.36; p < 0.05). Best multiple regression models showed that BMI SDS and height were significantly related with UIC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is coexistence between the two extremes of iodine intake (insufficient and excessive). To our knowledge, the observed positive correlation between UIC and overweight and obesity has not been described before, and could be explained by the availability and consumption of snack food rich in energy and iodized salt.

OBJETIVO E MÉTODOS: Estimar a concentração de iodo urinário (CIU) mediana e correlacioná-la com os indicadores de nutrição geral e com o índice de desigualdade social (IDS) de 50 escolas estaduais de ensino fundamental de 10 municípios do estado de Querétaro, no México. RESULTADOS: Utilizou-se um total de 1.544 crianças e encontrou-se uma ingestão acima das necessidades de iodo (CIU mediana de 297 µg/L). O nível de iodo determinado foi deficiente, adequado, mais do que adequado e excessivo em 2, 4, 19 e 25 escolas, respectivamente. Setenta e sete por cento de amostras de sal de mesa mostraram uma quantidade de iodo adequada (20-40 ppm), enquanto 9,6% das amostras tinham um teor de iodo baixo (< 15 ppm). As medianas de CIU por escola foram correlacionadas positivamente com as medianas do índice de massa corporal (IMC) usando o desvio-padrão da contagem (DP) (r = 0,47; p < 0.005), o DP da altura (r = 0,41; p < 0.05) e a prevalência de sobrepeso e de obesidade (r = 0,41; p < 0,05). As medianas de CUI por escola foram correlacionadas negativamente com a prevalência de desnutrição (r = -0.39; p = 005) e com o índice de desigualdade social (r = -0.36; p < 0,05). Os melhores modelos de regressão múltipla mostraram que a DP do IMC e a altura foram relacionados significativamente com a CIU (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Existe uma convivência entre os dois extremos de ingestão de iodo (insuficiente e excessiva). Em nosso conhecimento, a correlação positiva entre a CIU, o excesso de peso e a obesidade não foi descrita anteriormente e poderia ser explicada pela disponibilidade e consumo de alimentos ou refeições ricos(as) em energia e sal iodado.

Cooked common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) protect against ß-cell damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by a hyperglycemic stage that leads to a chronic inflammatory state. We evaluated the in vivo effect of a diet supplemented with 25 % cooked black bean cultivar Negro 8025 (N8025) flour in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The effect was assessed before (preventive-treatment) and after (treatment) the onset of diabetes. There is a significant decrease of total phenolic, tannins and anthocyanins content after cooking, and the concentration of most of the single phenols analyzed are only slightly decreased. The treatment group showed a significant reduction of glucose (22.8 %), triglycerides (21.9 %), total cholesterol (29.9 %) and LDL (56.1 %) that correlates with a protection of pancreatic ß-cells. The diet with N8025 flour before the induction of diabetes did not exert a protective effect (glucose levels are similar to the diabetic control) but they have low levels of total cholesterol (47.5 %) and LDL (56.1 %). The preventive-treatment group did not inhibit the increase of TNF-α and IL-1ß, whereas the treatment group did, compared to the diabetic control. Therefore, N8025 bean supplementation can be recommended to control diabetes.

Importance of iodine in pregnancy

Iodine is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones (TH). TH actively take part in critical periods of brain development during embryonic, fetal and postnatal stages. Therefore the absence of TH or iodine in these critical periods produces an irreversible brain damage. In fact, it is known that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage worldwide. Because of the physiological adjustments during pregnancy iodine requirements increase significantly from 150 μg per day in non-pregnant adult women to 250 μg per day. Moreover, recent epidemiological studies around the world show that iodine intake during pregnancy is insufficient in many countries, even in developed countries like Australia, Spain and Italy. In the present work an overview of the importance of iodine nutrition during pregnancy is given.

Importancia del yodo en la gestación. El yodo es un nutrimento constituyente indispensable de las hormonas tiroideas (HT). Las HT participan activamente en periodos críticos del desarrollo cerebral durante las etapas embrionaria, fetal y posnatal. Por lo tanto la ausencia o deficiencia de las HT o de yodo en estas etapas del desarrollo produce un daño cerebral irreversible. De hecho, se sabe que la deficiencia de yodo es la principal causa de daño cerebral prevenible en el mundo. Debido a los ajustes fisiológicos propios de la gestación los requerimientos de yodo se incrementan notablemente, pasando de 150 μg al día en la mujer adulta no gestante a 250 μg al día durante el embarazo. Por otra parte, estudios epidemiológicos recientes hechos en todo el mundo muestran que el consumo de yodo durante la gestación es insuficiente en varios países; incluso en países desarrollados como Australia y España e Italia. En la presente revisión se da un panorama general de la importancia del consumo adecuado de yodo durante la gestación.

Trypanosoma cruzi: seroprevalence detection in suburban population of Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential of iron-oxide dismutase excreted (SODeCRU) by T. cruzi as the antigen fraction in the serodiagnosis of Chagas disease and compile new epidemiological data on the seroprevalence of this disease in the suburban population of the city of Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico). DESIGN AND METHODS: 258 human sera were analyzed by the techniques of ELISA and Western blot and using the homogenate and the SODeCRU. RESULTS: A total of 31 sera were positive against ELISA/SODeCRU (12.4%), while 30 sera proved positive by WB/SODeCRU (11.6%). The comparison between the technique of ELISA and WB showed a sensitivity of 93%, and a specificity of 99%. The positive predictive value was 93% and the negative predictive value was 99%, with a Kappa (κ) value of 1. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data reveal the degree of infection of nonrural areas of Mexico and demonstrated that SODeCRU is an antigen useful to diagnose Chagas disease.

Importance of iodine in pregnancy.

Iodine is an essential constituent of thyroid hormones (TH). TH actively take part in critical periods of brain development during embryonic, fetal and postnatal stages. Therefore the absence of TH or iodine in these critical periods produces an irreversible brain damage. In fact, it is known that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable brain damage worldwide. Because of the physiological adjustments during pregnancy iodine requirements increase significantly from 150 microg per day in non-pregnant adult women to 250 microg per day. Moreover, recent epidemiological studies around the world show that iodine intake during pregnancy is insufficient in many countries, even in developed countries like Australia, Spain and Italy. In the present work an overview of the importance of iodine nutrition during pregnancy is given.

Iodine nutrition status in pregnant women in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Iodine nutrition during pregnancy has become an important public health concern because of the deleterious impact of iodine deficiency on brain development during fetal and early postnatal life. Iodine nutrition status can be assessed in a population by the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC). World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the International Council for Iodine Deficiency Disorders have established that a median of UIC between 150 and 249 µg/L in pregnant women indicates an adequate iodine intake. The aim of this study was to assess iodine nutrition status in Mexican pregnant women. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-four pregnant women receiving prenatal care in the Public Medical Units of the State Ministry of Health for each pregnancy trimester (first, n=60; second, n=103; and third, n=131) in Queretaro, Mexico, were enrolled to assess UIC by the Sandell-Kholtoff method. RESULTS: The median of UIC was 273, 285, and 231 µg/L in the first, second, and third trimesters of gestation, respectively. Globally, the median (range) of UIC was 260 (5-1320) µg/L, and the percentage of samples with UIC below 150 µg/L was 28%. There was no significant difference between the UIC of women using iodine-containing multivitamins compared with those who reported the consumption of noniodized multivitamins (p>0.05). In addition, we found no difference between the UIC of women using iodized table salt compared with those who employed noniodized table salt, with those who did not know whether their table salt was iodized (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the median UIC, iodine intake in Queretaro, Mexico, is slightly above requirements during the first two trimesters, and adequate in the third trimester. The wide Mexican universal iodized salt program seems to supply adequate dietary iodine to pregnant women without health insurance in this region. However, regular monitoring of iodine status is recommended during pregnancy throughout Mexico.