Unveiling the mystery of the female heart's rhythm: a look into gender inequalities in electrophysiology.

This review explores gender disparities in cardiac electrophysiology, highlighting differences in the electrical activity of the heart between men and women. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these variances for correct diagnosis and effective treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Women show distinct cardiac characteristics influenced by sex hormones, affecting their susceptibility to various arrhythmias. The manuscript covers the classification, mechanisms, and management of arrhythmias in women, considering factors such as pregnancy and menopause. By addressing these gender-specific nuances, it aims to improve healthcare practices and outcomes for female patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.

Esta revisión explora las disparidades de género en la electrofisiología cardiaca, destacando las diferencias en la actividad eléctrica del corazón entre hombres y mujeres. Se enfatiza la importancia de comprender estas variaciones para un diagnóstico correcto y un tratamiento efectivo de las arritmias cardiacas. Las mujeres muestran características cardiacas distintas influenciadas por las hormonas sexuales, lo que afecta su susceptibilidad a diversas arritmias. La revisión abarca la clasificación, los mecanismos y el manejo de las arritmias en las mujeres, considerando factores como el embarazo y la menopausia. Al abordar estos matices específicos de género, el objetivo es mejorar las prácticas de atención médica y los resultados para las pacientes de sexo femenino con trastornos del ritmo cardiaco.

High Level of Pretreatment and Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance in El Salvador: A Nationally Representative Survey, 2018-2019.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (HIVDR) can negatively impact the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of pretreatment HIVDR (PDR) among ART initiators and the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and acquired HIVDR among individuals receiving ART for 12 ± 3 months (ADR12) and ≥48 months (ADR48) in El Salvador. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional PDR, ADR12 and ADR48 surveys were conducted among adults with HIV from October 2018 to August 2019, following World Health Organization-recommended methods. Demographic and clinic data and blood specimens were collected. Results: Two hundred sixty participants were enrolled in the PDR survey, 230 in ADR12 and 425 in ADR48. Twenty-seven percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.1%-39.9%) of ART initiators had PDR to efavirenz or nevirapine. The prevalence of VL suppression was 88.8% (95% CI, 83.1%-92.8%) in ADR12 and 80.5% (95% CI, 76.6%-84.0%) in ADR48 surveys. Among people with HIV receiving a first-line nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART regimens and with unsuppressed VL, the prevalence of ADR to efavirenz or nevirapine was 72.0% (95% CI, 32.3%-93.3%) and 95.0% (68.5%-99.4%) in the ADR12 and ADR28 surveys, respectively. ADR12 to boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r) or integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) was not observed. ADR48 was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-9.6%) and 2.1% (0.3%-13.7%), respectively. Conclusions: Programmatic improvements in ART delivery are urgently needed in El Salvador to address the high levels of resistance to efavirenz or nevirapine among ART initiators and the low VL suppression prevalence among individuals on treatment.

Manifestaciones digestivas en el curso de enfermedades reumáticas, estudio de 5 años / Digestive manifestations in the course of rheumatic diseases, 5-year study

RESUMEN Introducción: Las enfermedades reumáticas son un grupo de alrededor de 250 afecciones que afectan fundamentalmente el sistema osteomioarticular, aunque la mayoría tiene un carácter sistémico. En el caso del sistema digestivo el compromiso puede estar causado por el propio proceso inflamatorio de la enfermedad o secundario a la afectación que causa los distintos grupos farmacológicos usados contra las enfermedades reumáticas. Objetivo: Caracterizar el compromiso digestivo de una cohorte de paciente con enfermedades reumáticas durante un periodo de estudio de 5 años. Métodos: Investigación básica, no experimental, descriptiva y longitudinal que incluyó como población de estudio una cohorte de 109 pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedades reumáticas según criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología. Se identificaron las características generales de los pacientes, de las enfermedades reumáticas incluidas en la investigación y las principales manifestaciones digestivas identificadas. Resultado: Promedio de edad de 57,83 años, predominio de pacientes femeninas (71,56 %), procedencia urbana (55,05 %) y con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide (50,46 %). El 90,82 % de los pacientes refirió haber utilizado glucocorticoides. El 94,49 % de los pacientes presentó algún tipo de manifestación extraarticular digestiva. La gastritis (36,89 %), úlcera péptica (25,24 %), reflujo gastroesofágico (18,45 %) y sequedad bucal (15,53 %) fueron las de mayor frecuencia de presentación. Conclusiones: Las manifestaciones digestivas constituyen una expresión extraarticular frecuente en el curso de las enfermedades reumáticas. Su origen pude estar supeditado a la patogenia de la enfermedad o a los eventos adversos de los grupos farmacológicos utilizados en los esquemas terapéuticos de las enfermedades reumáticas. Los glucocorticoides fueron el grupo farmacológico más usado. Algunas manifestaciones digestivas puede llegar a poner en peligro la vida de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Rheumatic diseases are a group of around 250 conditions that mainly affect the osteomyoarticular system, but most of them have a systemic nature, which is why they affect different organs and organ systems. In the case of the digestive system, the compromise may be caused by the inflammatory process of the disease itself or secondary to the affectation generated by the different pharmacological groups that are used to control rheumatic diseases. Objective: To characterize the digestive compromise of a cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases during a study period of 5 years. Methods: Basic, non-experimental, descriptive, correlational and longitudinal research that included as a study population a cohort of 109 patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. The general characteristics of the patients, the rheumatic diseases included in the research, the main digestive manifestations identified were identified. Result: Average age of 57.83 years, predominance of female patients (71.56%), urban origin (55.05%) and with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (50.46%). 90.82% of the patients reported having used glucocorticoids. 94.49% of the patients presented some type of extra-articular digestive manifestation. Gastritis (36.89%), peptic ulcer (25.24%), gastroesophageal reflux (18.45%) and dry mouth (15.53%) were the ones with the highest frequency of presentation. Conclusions: Digestive manifestations are a frequent extra-articular expression in the course of rheumatic diseases. Its origin may be subject to the etiopathogenic mechanisms of the disease or to the adverse events of the pharmacological groups used in the therapeutic regimens for rheumatic diseases. Glucocorticoids were the most frequently used pharmacological group in the therapeutic regimens for rheumatic diseases. The presence of some digestive manifestations endanger the lives of patients.

ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism is associated with changes in cholesterol levels of Mexican adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The ADIPOQ gene encodes a fat-derived protein hormone with a preponderant role in the homeostasis of glucose and fatty acids. However, previous association studies between ADIPOQ genetic variants and metabolic disorders have shown controversial results. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism on diverse biochemical parameters (i.e., insulin resistance, atherogenic index, overweight and obesity) in an adolescent population from Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was carried out in 356 adolescents from Northern Mexico. They were classified by sex and BMI-z score. The biochemical parameters were measured from blood samples using conventional methods. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: In low and normal weight groups, GG carriers had a significantly higher cholesterol level (P ≤ 0.05) than TG and TT carriers. However, there was no association between ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism and atherogenic index, overweight, or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the cholesterol levels are under the influence of the ADIPOQ-rs2241766 polymorphism in Mexican adolescents and may explain how ADIPOQ variants increase the risk of developing metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, further studies are required to rule out the influence of other genetic and non-genetic factors.

Measuring the quality of early childhood education: Associations with children's development from a national study with the IMCEIC tool in Colombia.

National-level monitoring of quality of early childhood education (ECE) is key to achieving inclusive and equitable education. Most countries report structural quality while process characteristics are rarely observed at the national level. This study examined the associations between ECE and children's development in a middle-income country using data from a nationally representative sample of public centers serving Colombian children (N = 3163; M = 4.3 years, 50% girls; 42% Mestizo, 16% White, 15% Afro-Colombian, 4% Indigenous, 23% not reported). Descriptive findings evidenced low to moderate quality. Multilevel models showed several positive associations between structural and process quality and child outcomes. Results have implications for the existing literature and highlight the feasibility of quality monitoring in low- and middle-income countries.

Hemoglobina glucosilada en el diagnóstico de diabetes gestacional en mujeres mexicanas durante el tercer trimestre / Glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in Mexican women during the third trimester

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo fue analizar los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo como predictores alternativos de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles a partir de 121 expedientes de pacientes embarazadas, divididos en dos grupos, pacientes con diabetes gestacional (casos) y gestantes con valores glucémicos normales (controles). Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a la diabetes gestacional y se obtuvo un punto de corte para la hemoglobina glucosilada. Se encontró que la obesidad materna, la edad y el antecedente del padecimiento fueron asociados significativamente con la diabetes gestacional. Valores de hemoglobina glucosilada ≥5% incrementaron el riesgo de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 veces y, aunado a un factor de riesgo, la probabilidad se incrementó 7 veces. Se concluye que los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada en el tercer trimestre de embarazo podrían emplearse como prueba diagnóstica de la diabetes gestacional en pacientes del Noreste de México. Sin embargo, aunque las diferencias encontradas fueron estadísticamente significativas, los resultados se deben interpretar con cautela y requieren su confirmación con estudios que incluyan una muestra mayor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analise glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy as an alternative predictor of gestational diabetes in North East Mexican cohort patients. This is a retrospective case-control study based on 121 records of pregnant patients, divided into two groups, patients with gestational diabetes (cases) and pregnant women with normal glycemic values (control). The risk factors associated with gestational diabetes were analised and a cut-off point for glycosylated hemogestaglobin was obtained. It was found that maternal obesity, age and a history of the condition were significantly associated with gestational diabetes. Values of glycosylated hemoglobin ≥5% increased the risk of suffering from gestational diabetes 4 times, and coupled with a risk factor, the risk increased 7 times. It is concluded that glycosylated hemoglobin values in the third trimester of pregnancy could be used as a diagnostic test for gestational diabetes in patients from the North East of Mexico. Although the differences found were statistically significant, our results must be interpreted with caution and require confirmation by studies with a larger sample.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação como preditores alternativos do diabetes gestacional em pacientes na região nordeste do México. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de casos e controles utilizando 121 prontuários de gestantes divididas em dois grupos; pacientes com diabetes gestacional (casos) e gestantes com valores de glicemia normais (controles). Foram analisados os fatores de risco associados a diabetes gestacional obtendo-se um ponto de corte para a hemoglobina glicada. Descobriu-se que a obesidade materna, idade e antecedentes da doença foram associados significativamente ao diabetes gestacional. Valores da hemoglobina glicada ≥ 5% aumentaram o risco de padecer diabetes mellitus gestacional 4 vezes, e juntamente a um fator de risco, a probabilidade aumentou 7 vezes. Conclui-se que os valores da hemoglobina glicada no terceiro trimestre de gestação poderiam ser usados como teste diagnóstico do diabetes gestacional em pacientes da região nordeste do México. Embora as diferenças encontradas tenham sido estatisticamente significativas, os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela e requerem confirmação através de estudos que incluam uma amostra maior.

Hacia un mundo libre de malaria: Utopía o realidad / Towards a malaria-free world: Utopia or reality

La Malaria es una enfermedad causada por un parásito que se transmite a los humanos a través de la picadura de mosquito hembra Anophele. Reportando la WHO en el 2019, 229 millones de casos y 409.000 muertes por la enfermedad en 87 paises del mundo, Existen seis especies de este párasito: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae y Plasmodium knowlesi. Siendo la especie P. falciparum la causante de mayor morbilidad, con tasa entre 10 y 50% de mortalidad por malaria complicada. Alrededor de 108 países han declarado la malaria como enfermedad endémica, pudiendo padecer la enfermedad en cualquier época del año. Sin embargo, en el caso de América Latina hoy en día se vive un estancamiento de la enfermedad, reportándose en países menos de 100 casos autóctonos entre el 2000 y 2019, con algunas excepciones. Esta situación de vulnerabilidad de países como Brasil, Colombia, la frontera Perú-Ecuador, Venezuela, se incrementan ante la presencia activa de la pandemia producto del Covid -19 aunado a restricciones económicas, incremento de la actividad minera, o políticas públicas que ponen en riesgo la sostenibilidad del programa de control de la enfermedad. Para el 2021 la OMS corrobora que existen 87 países con malaria a nivel mundial, de los cuales 24 de ellos habían interrumpido su transmisión autóctona por 3 años. Realidad que consolidad la propuesta tras la experiencia adquirida, que cualquiera que sea la situación epidemiológica de entrada, el trabajo hacia la erradicación de la malaria debe entenderse y atenderse como un proceso continuo donde los propios Estados deben desde su realidad y estrategias propias se articulen con el Plan Estratégico Técnico Mundial Contra la Malaria 2016-2030 propuesto por la OMS(AU)

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through the bite of the female Anophele mosquito. Reporting the WHO in 2019, 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths from the disease in 87 countries of the world, There are six species of this parasite: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi. The species P. falciparum is the cause of greatest morbidity, with a rate between 10 and 50% of mortality from complicated malaria. About 108 countries have declared malaria as an endemic disease, and the disease can occur at any time of the year. However, in the case of Latin America today there is a stagnation of the disease, with fewer than 100 indigenous cases reported in countries between 2000 and 2019, with some exceptions. This situation of vulnerability of countries such as Brazil, Colombia, the Peru-Ecuador border, Venezuela, increases in the face of the active presence of the pandemic product of the Covid -19 coupled with economic restrictions, increased mining activity, or public policies that put at risk the sustainability of the disease control programme. By 2021, WHO confirms that there are 87 countries with malaria worldwide, of which 24 had interrupted their indigenous transmission for 3 years. Reality that consolidates the proposal after the experience acquired, that whatever the epidemiological situation of entry, The work towards the eradication of malaria must be understood and addressed as a continuous process where the States themselves must from their own reality and strategies articulate with the Global Technical Strategic Plan Against Malaria 2016-2030 proposed by the WHO(AU)

Punicalin and ellagic acid from pomegranate peel extract facilitate apoptotic behaviour in the Hela cell line.

Polyphenols may be an effective therapy for both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Previous studies have found that these compounds may inactive Hela cells, which may even be converted into a normal cells post-treatment. The present study extracted phenolic compounds from pomegranate peel, with the polyphenols then purified using different solvents and identified by means of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Once the phenolic compounds had been purified, we evaluated their cytotoxic effects on both the Hela and NIH-3T3 cell lines, on which an apoptosis assay was also carried out. Additionally, apoptosis assay was carried out on Hela and NIH-3T3. Lastly, the proteome profile was analysed via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). We isolated and then purified punicalagin and ellagic acid (EA) from pomegranate peel, with both compounds likely to have a cytotoxic effect on Hela and NIH-3T3. However, this effect depends on both concentration and exposure time. Results obtained using a Cayman commercial assay kit suggests that punicalin and EA regulate the apoptosis on the Hela and NIH-3T3 cell lines. Finally, we observed that polyphenols compounds regulate the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In conclusion, punicalin and EA have a cytotoxic effect on Hela and, furthermore, reactive the apoptotic pathway in this cell.

Morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas con protocolos de transfusión masiva en hemorragia obstétrica severa / Morbidity and mortality associated with mass transfusion protocols in severe obstetric hemorrhage

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la morbilidad y mortalidad debidas a la aplicación de protocolos de transfusión masiva en pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica atendidas en cuidados intensivos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica severa atendidas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos del Hospital Materno Infantil del Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios, entre septiembre de 2014 y mayo de 2019. Se compararon tres protocolos de transfusión masiva en los que se aplicaron los derivados de la sangre en relación con la proporción de concentrado eritrocitario, de plaquetas y plasma con las siguientes proporciones: 2:1:1, 1:1:1 y liberal. Para analizar la posible asociación de las complicaciones con la elección de los diferentes protocolos de transfusión masiva, se utilizó un análisis mediante prueba ANOVA y χ2 en el programa SPSS versión 21; se consideró significativo el valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 75 pacientes con edad promedio de 32.8 años; 63 eran multigestas. La causa principal de la hemorragia obstétrica fue la atonía uterina. 51 de 75 de los protocolos de transfusión masiva fueron liberales, 11 de ellos con una relación 2:1:1 y 4 de 51 de 1:1:1. Las complicaciones fueron: síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, lesión renal aguda, lesión renal aguda originada por la transfusión, infecciones y reintervención quirúrgica. Se encontró asociación positiva con: los días de estancia en cuidados intensivos (p = 0.031), reintervención quirúrgica (p = 0.006) y síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (p = 0.044) y los protocolos de transfusión masiva liberal respecto de los protocolos con relación 1:1:1. Solo una paciente falleció y ello se asoció con el protocolo de transfusión masiva liberal. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de protocolos de transfusión masiva 1:1:1 y 2:1:1 en pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica severa disminuye el riesgo de complicaciones. La mortalidad materna debido a la aplicación del protocolo de transfusión masiva liberal fue de solo un caso en 51 pacientes.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the morbidity and mortality due to the application of massive transfusion protocols in patients with obstetric hemorrhage treated in intensive care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: study of a retrospective cohort of patients with severe obstetric hemorrhage treated in the obstetric intensive care unit of the maternal and child hospital of the social Security Institute of the State of Mexico and municipalities, between september 2014 and may 2019. three massive transfusion protocols were compared in which blood derivatives were applied in relation to the ratio of erythrocyte concentrate, platelets and plasma with the following ratios: 2:1:1, 1:1:1 and liberal. to analyze the possible association of complications with the choice of the different mass transfusion protocols, an anova and χ2 test was used in the spss version 21 program; the value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients with a mean age of 32.8 years were analyzed; 63 were multigrafted. The main cause of obstetric bleeding was uterine atony. 51 of 75 of the mass transfusion protocols were liberal, 11 of them with a 2:1:1 ratio and 4 of 51 of 1:1:1. The complications were: acute respiratory failure syndrome, acute renal injury, acute renal injury originated by transfusion, infections and surgical reintervention. Positive association was found with: days of stay in intensive care (p = 0.031), surgical reintervention (p = 0.006) and acute respiratory failure syndrome (p = 0.044) and liberal mass transfusion protocols with respect to 1:1:1 ratio protocols. Only one patient died and this was associated with the liberal mass transfusion protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The application of 1:1:1 and 2:1:1 mass transfusion protocols in patients with severe obstetric hemorrhage decreases the risk of complications. Maternal mortality due to the application of liberal mass transfusion protocols was only one case in 51 patients.

Evaluación del control de infecciones poscesárea mediante la implementación de un programa preventivo / Evaluation of post-cesarean infection control through the implementation of a preventive program

Resumen OBJETIVO: Estimar la incidencia de infecciones en pacientes que finalizaron el embarazo por cesárea e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados antes y después de la implementación de un programa preventivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, de cohorte prospectiva. Se seleccionaron mujeres que finalizaron el embrazo por cesárea en el Hospital Universitario de Saltillo, entre octubre de 2015 a octubre de 2016. Se practicaron tres medidas preventivas para disminuir el riesgo de infecciones poscesárea: administración profiláctica de antibiótico, lavado vaginal preoperatorio con yodopovidona y retiro del catéter urinario al término de la cirugía. Al séptimo día del alta hospitalaria se citó a las pacientes para evaluar la posibilidad de infección de la herida quirúrgica, endometritis o sepsis. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa SPSS versión 21. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo el valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se registraron 103 pacientes. La incidencia de infección de la herida quirúrgica, fue de 1.9% y de dehiscencia 1%; no se registraron casos de endometritis. Al comparar la incidencia de infecciones poscesárea, previo al protocolo (año 2015) y posterior a la implementación de las medidas preventivas, se demostró la disminución de infección de la herida quirúrgica (2.4 a 1.9%) y de endometritis (1.9 a 0%). CONCLUSIÓN: La implementación del programa preventivo de infecciones poscesárea, basado en la administración profiláctica de antibiótico, lavado vaginal con yodopovidona y retiro de la sonda urinaria temprana, disminuye el índice de infecciones puerperales poscesárea.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: An estimates the incidence and risk factors associated with infections in caesarean sections before and after the implementation of the preventive program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-experimental quantitative study of a prospective cohort type. The study population were women they finished the pregnancy by caesarean section during the period of october 2015 to october 2016. Three preventive measures were performed to reduce the risk of postoperative infections: prophylactic antibiotic, preoperative vaginal lavage with iodopovidone and urinary catheter removal at the end of the surgery a follow-up was performed at 7 days identifying patients with infected wound, endometritis and sepsis. The results will be analyzed using the SSPS software versión 21. RESULTS: A total of 103 women were incorporated into the protocol. The incidence of postoperative infections was 1.9% for wound infections, 1.0% dehiscence and 0% endometritis. A comparative analysis was performed of incidences of surgical site infection, endometritis, sepsis and surgical wound dehiscence, prior to the preventive protocol (year 2015) and after the implementation of preventive measures, and we observed a reduction of endometritis from 1.9% to 0% and of the surgical wound infection from 2.4% to 1.9%. CONCLUSION: The preventive program integrated by the use of prophylactic antibiotic, preoperative vaginal lavage with iodopovidone and urinary catheter removal at the end of surgery, reduced the rate of post-cesarean puerperal infections.

Uso de agrotóxicos de agricultores en cantón Cerro Verde, municipio de Tecapán, Departamento de Usulután, de Mayo a Agosto 2019 / Use of pesticides by farmers in cantón Cerro Verde, municipality of Tecapán, Department of Usulután, from May to August 2019

Propósito: promover un proceso de formación integral para los agricultores del Cantón Cerro Verde, municipio de Tecapán, departamento de Usulután, sobre el uso de productos agrotóxicos. Materiales y métodos: investigación de tipo descriptivo, de corte transversal. Resultados: se determinó que los agricultores utilizan los agrotóxicos sin protección, el 69% los usa más de tres veces por semana, y los guardan en frascos comunes dentro de su propia casa, exponiéndose a casi permanentemente a la contaminación. El 58% de los agricultores o sus familiares se ha intoxicado alguna vez y solo el 22% ha buscado atención médica inmediata. Los productos más utilizados son el paraquat, hedonal y dimetoato, el 78%, proporcionados por sus empleadores y el 22%, los adquieren libremente. Conclusiones: los agricultores están expuestos a los riesgos que genera el uso de los agrotóxicos casi de manera permanente, esto influye en el aparecimiento de intoxicaciones agudas que pueden traer consecuencias posteriores en su salud. Recomendaciones: utilizar el Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica del Ministerio de Salud para investigar, informar y prevenir riesgos, daños y afecciones individuales o colectivas de la población actual como de las futuras generaciones, garantizando así el derecho humano a la Salud. Elaborar y ejecutar un plan educativo integral, con un enfoque de prevención en salud

Distribution of the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG8 IVS1-2A>G genotype and clinical characteristics of gallbladder patients in Northeastern Mexico: A pilot study.

Biliary lithiasis is a multifactorial pathology determined by the interaction of genes and the environment, characterized by alterations in cholesterol homeostasis and in the metabolism of bile salts. A number of gene polymorphisms and mutations have been identified in the ATP-dependent cholesterol transporter (ABCG8) associated with lithiasis disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of the ABCG8 gene mutation IVS1-2A>G with cholecystolithiasis in patients from Northeast Mexico. This was a pilot study including 90 Mexican subjects diagnosed by ultrasonography, 57.8% of which presented gallstones. The studied parameters included: Lipid profile, total protein in plasma and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping. Significant differences were identified in total plasma protein, weight and BMI values, with these being these higher in subjects with gallstones (P<0.05). The presence of the mutant allele IVS1-2G was not detected, and the IVS1-2A wild-type allele was present in 100% of the population. Therefore, no association was apparent between the presence of the splice site mutation in ABCG8 (IVS1-2A>G) and the presence of gallstones in the evaluated subjects.

ACE, APOA5, and MTP Gene Polymorphisms Analysis in Relation to Triglyceride and Insulin Levels in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity is a complex, chronic, and multifactorial disease that has become a major, and worldwide, public health problem contributing to an increased number of pathologies, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, thus suggesting a commolon origin. A diet high in sugar and fats coupled with a sedentary lifestyle has a major role in the development of obesity. However, the genetic background has also been associated with body fat accumulation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect ofACE-rs4646994, APOA5-rs662799, and MTP-rs1800591 gene polymorphisms on clinical and biochemical parameters and to evaluate the association with body phenotypes in children and adolescent population of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. METHODS: Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical parameters and BMI were obtained from 405 children and adolescents. The BMI was used to determine the body phenotype. The rs4646994 gene polymorphism was determined by PCR, whereas rs662799 and rs1800591 were determined by PCR-RFLP. The obtained results were analyzed to determine their association of these single nucleotide polymorphisms with body phenotype and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: TT genotype for APOA5-rs662799 was associated with increased levels of HDL-C in the analyzed population (p <0.05). The ACErs4646994gene polymorphism is associated with high Insulin levels, HOMAIR index, and triglyceride levels, mainly when presenting a I/I genotype (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The polymorphic allele of the ACE gene is capable of modulating triglyceride levels, insulin levels and HOMA-IR index in the evaluated population; it must be highlighted that this has not been reported in other studied populations elsewhere.

Spermatic Cord Leiomyosarcoma Rare Case.

Case description of a male patient of 64 years who presents a left groin-scrotum painless tumor, growing, from several months of evolution. Physical examination demonstrated the existence of a mass effect of the left distal spermatic cord, and was later confirmed by ultrasound and CT. Laboratory parameters were normal. The performed surgery consisted in a radical orchiectomy with high ligation of the left cord. In conclusion, preoperative diagnosis of spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma is difficult we need the combination of present illness, physical examination, exams and the gold standard histopathological and immunohistochemical studies allowed a definitive diagnosis.

Assessment of biochemical parameters and characterization of TNFα -308G/A and PTPN22 +1858C/T gene polymorphisms in the risk of obesity in adolescents.

Obesity is currently considered an inflammatory condition associated with autoimmune diseases, suggesting a common origin. Among other factors, candidate genes may explain the development of this disease. Polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and lymphoid protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN22) genes lead to an increased risk to development of immune and inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the biochemical parameters and the effect of the TNFα -308G/A and PTPN22 +1858C/T polymorphisms in the susceptibility of adolescents to obesity. A group of 253 adolescent subjects were recruited and classified as obese, overweight or normal weight according to their nutritional status. Anthropometric measurements, clinical and biochemical data were analyzed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples by the phenol-chloroform method, and TNFα -308G/A and PTPN22 1858C/T polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. Clinical, genetic and biochemical parameters were analyzed to determine the existence of a possible association with the development of obesity. Statistically significant differences in body mass index, insulin, triglyceride levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were observed among the three groups analyzed (P≤0.05). The studied polymorphisms did not confer a risk for developing obesity in the analyzed population (P>0.05); however, significantly low levels of insulin and decreased rates of HOMA-IR were observed in the 1858 CT genotype carriers of the PTPN22 gene. In conclusion, no association between the TNFα -308G/A and PTPN22 +1858C/T polymorphisms and the risk to development of obesity in the adolescent population analyzed was observed. However, the 1858 CT genotype of the PTPN22 gene was associated with variations of certain biochemical parameters analyzed.

High prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and lack of association with integrin α2 gene polymorphisms in patients with type 2 diabetes from Northeastern Mexico.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the primary causes of blindness in the working age population and is characterized by angiogenesis in the retina. Platelets have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications. The integrin receptor for collagen/laminin, α2ß1, mediates platelet primary adhesion to subendothelial tissues, which is an essential first step in thrombus formation. The gene encoding the α2 subunit of α2ß1 integrin has ≥8 polymorphisms, including a BglII/NdeI restriction fragment length polymorphism. To explore the prevalence of DR in a population from Northeastern Mexico, unrelated, hospitalized patients who had received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) at least 10 years previously were recruited (n=177). DR was diagnosed in a masked manner by independent ophthalmologists using fundus images captured using a non-mydriatic retinal camera. A total of 121 patients with DM2 (68%) had some degree of DR development (DR patients), and 56 patients with DM2 (32%) did not exhibit any sign of DR (No-DR patients). The results showed that after 15 years of DM2 progression, there is an increased risk of DR (P=0.0497; odds ratio, 1.993). In addition, insulin therapy and family history of DM2 were significantly associated with DR. In order to detect a possible association between DR and BglII/NdeI α2 gene polymorphisms, a comparative cross-sectional study between DR and No-DR patients was conducted. The α2 gene was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Statistical analysis revealed no association between BglII/NdeI genotypes and the development of DR in this group of patients. In conclusion, the present data indicate a high prevalence of DR in the Mexican population and suggest that the damage in DR is due to other factors, such as the duration of the DM2, and is not linked to BglII/NdeI α2 gene polymorphisms.

Evidence of the negative effect of sexual minority stigma on HIV testing among MSM and transgender women in San Salvador, El Salvador.

A cross sectional survey was administered to 670 men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in San Salvador through respondent driven sampling to identify determinants of ever testing for HIV using a minority stress framework. A positive association was found between ever testing and older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.10], past experience of sexual assault (aOR 2.92), perceiving that most social acquaintances had tested (aOR 1.81), and knowing a PLHIV (aOR 1.94). A negative association was found between homelessness and ever testing (aOR 0.43). Among the MSM sub-sample (n = 506), similar results were found for older age (aOR 2.63), and past experience of sexual assault (aOR 2.56). Internalized homonegativity was negatively associated with ever testing for HIV among MSM (aOR 0.46), and HIV testing stigma and experienced provider discrimination further strengthened this relationship. It is important to mitigate sexual minority stigma in order to increase HIV testing among MSM. Future research should explore this construct among TW.

Performance and comparison of self-reported STI symptoms among high-risk populations - MSM, sex workers, persons living with HIV/AIDS - in El Salvador.

Resource-limited countries have limited laboratory capability and rely on syndromic management to diagnose sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We aimed to estimate the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of STI syndromic management when used as a screening method within a study setting. Men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) participated in a behavioural surveillance study. Data were obtained on demographics, sexual behaviours, STI history and service utilisation. Biological specimens were tested for genital inflammatory infections (Neisseria gonorrhoeae [GC], Chlamydia trachomatis [CT], Mycoplasma genitalium [MG], Trichomonas vaginalis [TV]) and genital ulcerative infection (syphilis and Herpes simplex virus-2). There was a high prevalence of Herpes simplex virus-2 (MSM 48.1%, FSW 82.0% and PLWHA 84.4%). Most participants reported no ulcerative symptoms and the majority of men reported no inflammatory symptoms. Sensitivity and PPV were poor for inflammatory infections among PLWHA and MSM. Sensitivity in FSWs for inflammatory infections was 75%. For ulcerative infections, sensitivity was poor, but specificity and PPV were high. Reliance on self-reported symptoms may not be an effective screening strategy for these populations. STI prevention studies should focus on symptom recognition and consider routine screening and referral for high-risk populations.

Social network-based recruitment successfully reveals HIV-1 transmission networks among high-risk individuals in El Salvador.

OBJECTIVE: HIV in Central America is concentrated among certain groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs). We compared social recruitment chains and HIV transmission clusters from 699 MSM and 787 FSWs to better understand factors contributing to ongoing HIV transmission in El Salvador. METHODS: Phylogenies were reconstructed using pol sequences from 119 HIV-positive individuals recruited by respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and compared with RDS chains in 3 cities in El Salvador. Transmission clusters with a mean pairwise genetic distance ≤ 0.015 and Bayesian posterior probabilities =1 were identified. Factors associated with cluster membership were evaluated among MSM. RESULTS: Sequences from 34 (43%) MSM and 4 (10%) FSW grouped in 14 transmission clusters. Clusters were defined by risk group (12 MSM clusters) and geographic residence (only 1 spanned separate cities). In 4 MSM clusters (all n = 2), individuals were also members of the same RDS chain, but only 2 had members directly linked through recruitment. All large clusters (n ≥ 3) spanned >1 RDS chain. Among MSM, factors independently associated with cluster membership included recent infection by BED assay (P = 0.02), sex with stable male partners (P = 0.02), and sex with ≥ 3 male partners in the past year (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We found few HIV transmissions corresponding directly with the social recruitment. However, we identified clustering in nearly one-half of MSM suggesting that RDS recruitment was indirectly but successfully uncovering transmission networks, particularly among recent infections. Interrogating RDS chains with phylogenetic analyses may help refine methods for identifying transmission clusters.