Knowledge and compliance with contact lens care: A population-based study at a referral center in Northeast Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing prevalence of contact lens (CL) wear, knowledge and compliance with proper care remain suboptimal. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and compliance with lens care practices in patients attending a third-level institution in Northeast Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted. Patients at the Instituto Tecnolgico de Monterrey were invited to participate. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic data and CL information, CL practices, and CL care knowledge. Participants responding correctly to 6/7 questions from the second and third sections were classified as having good compliance and good knowledge, respectively. Predictive factors for good compliance and knowledge were calculated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 287 users participated in the study. The median age was 25 (14-78) years with a female (n = 221, 77 %) predominance. Good knowledge was observed in 215 (74.9 %), whereas only 42 (14.6 %) presented good compliance. Failing to replace CL as prescribed (n = 199, 69.3 %) and sleeping with the devices (n = 198, 69 %) were the most frequent practices causing non-compliance. Whereas prohibition of swimming with CL was the least known practice (n = 74, 25 %). Users with recent (≤5 years) wearing experience were more likely to present good knowledge (OR 2.19, p = 0.014) and compliance (OR 3.15, p < 00.01). No statistical correlation was established between knowledge and compliance. CONCLUSION: Non-compliance and lack of knowledge of proper CL care were prevalent among in this population. Long-term CL users were at higher risk of non-compliance and lack of knowledge. Moreover, knowledge was not related to compliance; therefore, different strategies must be implemented to reduce CL misconduct.

X-chromosome inactivation: a historic topic that's still hot.

The last edition of the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) meeting was held as an EMBO workshop in Berlin on 19-22 June 2023. The conference took place at the Harnack-haus in the Dahlem district, birthplace of the first modern research campus, where notable scientists such as Lise Meitner, Hans Krebs and, briefly, Albert Einstein conducted their research. This special edition, also accessible online, was organized by Rafael Galupa (Centre for Integrative Biology of Toulouse, France), Joost Gribnau (Erasmus MC Rotterdam, The Netherlands), Claire Rougeulle (Université Paris Cité/CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate Center, Paris, France), Edda Schulz (Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany) and James Turner (The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK). Originally scheduled for 2021, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Mary Lyon's hypothesis on X-chromosome inactivation in mammals and the 30th anniversary of XIST/Xist discovery, the meeting had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven years after the latest XCI meeting in London, the enthusiasm and expectations of the community were at their highest, bringing together over 160 scientists from around the world to share and discuss their research. Eighty posters and more than 40 talks were presented at this event, in a collegial and collaborative atmosphere. A historical session and several breakout discussions were also organized, as well as the now traditional boat trip, all thanks to great organization. Here, we debrief readers on this fantastic conference.

Factores de riesgo asociados a la malignidad de nódulos tiroideos en mujeres adultas: Estudio observacional de centro único / Risk factors associated with malignancy of thyroid nodules in adult womens: A single-center observational study

Introducción: Aunque la mayoría de los nódulos tiroideos son benignos, asintomáticos y estables en la historia clínica de una paciente mujer; en los estudios ecográficos, citológicos e histopatológicos se ha podido obtener la caracterización subclínica de lesiones sugestivas de malignidad. El actual estudio tuvo por objetivo evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados a la malignidad de nódulos tiroideos en pacientes adultas. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo correlacional de enfoque mixto en el servicio de endocrinología del Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo entre Enero y Junio del 2019. El universo estuvo compuesto por todos los casos con diagnóstico de nódulo tiroideo. Se utilizó el sistema de Bethesda para los reportes. Resultados: Fueron 132 casos de pacientes con nódulos tiroideos, edad entre 45 a 64 años (57,6%). En estado pre menopáusico (52%), con 1 gestación (12%), glucosa >100 mg/dL (34%), IMC entre 25.0 y 29.9 kg/m2 (49%) y con antecedente patológico familiar de cáncer de tiroides (35%). 30 casos con valores de TSH >4.00 uUI/mL (23%). El sistema de Bethesda, 22 casos (17%) categoria IV, 17 casos (13%) categoria V y 11 casos (8%) categoría VI. Conclusiones: La lesión citológica tiroidea más frecuente que se encontró fue la neoplasia benigna. No obstante, la lesión maligna junto con la lesión folicular indeterminada presentaron una prevalencia del 8%. Se encontró una asociación significativa entre los nódulos de citología maligna con los niveles de TSH elevados y con el antecedente patológico familiar de cáncer de tiroides.

Introduction: Although most thyroid nodules are benign, asymptomatic, and stable in the clinical history of a female patient, in ultrasound, cytological, and histopathological studies, it has been possible to obtain the subclinical characterization of lesions suggestive of malignancy. The current study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with the malignancy of thyroid nodules in adult patients. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, correlational study with a mixed approach was carried out in the endocrinology service of the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital between January and June 2019. The study population consisted of all patients diagnosed with thyroid nodules. The Bethesda system was used for reporting. Results: There were 132 patients with thyroid nodules aged between 45 and 64 (57.6%). In a premenopausal state (52%), there was one pregnancy (12%), glucose >100 mg/dL (34%), BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2 (49%) and a family history of thyroid cancer (35%). Thirty patients had TSH values >4.00 µUI/mL (23%). In the Bethesda system, 22 cases (17%) were Category IV, 17 cases (13%) were Category V, and 11 cases (8%) were Category VI. Conclusions: The most frequent thyroid cytological lesion found was a benign neoplasm. However, malignant lesions and indeterminate follicular lesions presented a prevalence of 8%. A significant association was found between malignant cytology nodules with elevated TSH levels and a family history of thyroid cancer.

First report of Fusarium clavum causing garlic bulb rot in Mexico.

In Mexico, the main states for garlic (Allium sativum L.) production are Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Puebla. In the 2020 crop season, garlic cultivation encompassed 6,794 ha, yielding 85,505 tons (SIAP, 2021). In February 2020, 35 garlic samples showing basal rot symptoms were collected from the garlic-growing regions in the states of Zacatecas and Aguascalientes in the municipalities of San Antonio Tepezala 22°13'13.5''N, 102°15'55.3''W, Rincón de Romos 22°17'44.9''N, 102°13'06.8''W, and Calera 22°58'39.4''N and 102°41'29.9W, respectively. The sampling carried out was random sampling by conglomerates, dividing each field in groups with plants that showed similar symptoms. The infected plants were stunted in growth, with reddish dying leaves. The stalks and bulbs were soft, and their root system was poorly developed. The collected samples were placed in polyethylene bags and taken to laboratory. The roots and bulbs of 35 plants were cleaned, portions of the diseased tissue was cut into 0.5 cm pieces and disinfected in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 3 minutes. The samples were rinsed twice with sterile distilled water and dried on sterile paper towels. The tissues were cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and incubated in the dark at 25°C. Seven days after incubation, pure cultures were obtained using monoconidial cultures technique on Spezieller Nährstoffmmarmer agar (SNA) and subcultured on carnation leaf agar (CLA). Ten isolates were obtained that grew slowly, showing a white coloration, then turning yellow with abundant aerial mycelia. Microscopic traits of 30 characterized spores included slender macroconidia that were curved dorsiventrally, tapering towards both ends, with five to seven thin septa, measuring 36.4-56.6 µm × 4.0-4.9 µm in size and chlamydospores that were abundant, globose to oval, subhyaline and terminal or intercalary in chains measuring 8.8-4.5 µm in diameter. Microconidia, were single-celled, hyaline, nonseptate, and ovoid. The morphological traits matched the description of Fusarium clavum (Xia et al. 2019). To confirm the strain's identity, DNA was extracted from six monoconidial cultures and used as template to amplify translation elongation factor (TEF) gene 1α, RNA polymerase largest subunit (RPB1), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2) (O'Donnell et al. 2010). The products were sequenced and deposited in GenBank as ON209360, OM640008 and OM640009, the homology analysis using BLASTn was similar to F. clavum with 99.46%, 99.49% and 98.82% respectively with E VALUE 0.0 in all cases with access numbers OP48709, HM347171 and OP486686. Koch postulate was performed to confirm the pathogenicity of the six isolates. Variegated garlic cloves were planted after being disinfected with sodium hypochlorite at 3% w/v in 2-kg pots under the greenhouse conditions. When the garlic plants developed 4 or 5 true leaves, their basal stalks were inoculated by pouring uniformly with 1 mL of a spore suspension at 108 conidia/mL prepared from 1-week-old colonies (Lai et al. 2020). Twenty-four plants were inoculated with six isolates (four plants per isolate), and four control plants were treated with sterile distilled water. Symptoms appeared 20 days post-inoculation. The leaves were reddish, and the stalks were soft. The leaves eventually developed foliar dieback disease symptoms, their root system showed brown lesions and rot, and all water-inoculated controls remained asymptomatic. Isolations were made on the diseased plants, and the inoculated pathogen was recovered and confirmed morphologically and molecularly by DNA extraction and PCR reactions. Koch's postulate was repeated twice, obtaining the same results. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of F. clavum infecting Allium sativum L. in Mexico. bulb rot caused by F. clavum is a severe threat to garlic cultivation, and identification of this pathogen is important for effective disease management and control.

Impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prescripción de benzodiacepinas / Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del confinamiento por COVID-19 sobre la prescripción de benzodiacepinas según edad, sexo y zona básica de salud. Diseño: Estudio observacional longitudinal. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. Área V de Salud del Principado de Asturias. Participantes: Mayores de 15 años a los que se prescribieron benzodiacepinas entre 2017 y 2020. Mediciones principales: Diferencia de las medias de dosis diaria definida por 1.000 habitantes (DHD) mensual de benzodiacepinas entre el periodo definido como preconfinamiento y el confinamiento. Además, se ajusta la diferencia por edad, sexo y zona básica de salud, así como por la interacción entre ellas. Resultados: La DHD media preconfinamiento fue 131,3 y 139,5 durante el confinamiento; en el análisis crudo, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (IC 95% 4,1 a 12,1). Se objetivó un aumento de DHD media en el grupo de 60-74 años (IC 95% 2,28 a 21,42) y en el de 90 años o más (IC 95% 21,31 a 40,63), así como en las mujeres (IC 95% 3,51 a 14,59). Finalmente, se observó una disminución de DHD media en las zonas básicas V11 (IC 95% -29 a -0,66) y V14 (IC 95% -54,28 a -25,04). Conclusiones: Determinados subgrupos muestran un cambio en la tendencia de dispensación de benzodiacepinas sin poder atribuirse completamente al confinamiento. Creemos que pueda existir una inercia terapéutica en la prescripción de psicofármacos, según las características biopsicosociales del paciente, que es importante detectar para evitar la medicalización de cuadros psicológicos.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines by gender, age and district health departments. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Location: Primary care. Asturias (Spain) health district V. Participants: People over 15 years of age with filled benzodiazepine prescriptions in between 2017 and 2020. Main measurements: Benzodiazepine DHD (defined daily dose per 1000 habitants) mean difference between the period defined as pre-lockdown and lockdown. Additionally, the difference was adjusted for gender, sex and district health department and also with the interaction among them. Results: DHD mean pre-lockdown was 131.3 and 139.5 in the lockdown; this difference was significant in the global analysis (95% CI: 4.1–12.1). There was an increase in the DHD mean in the 60–74 age group (95% CI: 2.28–21.42), in the group over 90 years old (95% CI: 21.31–40.63) and in women (95% CI: 3.51–14.59). Finally, a decrease in the DHD mean of V11 (95% CI: -29 to -0.66) and V14 (95% CI: -54.28 to -25.04) district health departments was observed.Conclusions: Certain subgroups show a change in the pattern of benzodiazepine prescription without being able to relate this to the lockdown. We believe that there could be some inertia in the prescription of psychiatric medication according to the biopsychosocial characteristics of the patients; it is important to detect this in order to avoid the medicalization of psychological disorders.(AU)

[Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines]. / Impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prescripción de benzodiacepinas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines by gender, age and district health departments. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. LOCATION: Primary care. Asturias (Spain) health district V. PARTICIPANTS: People over 15 years of age with filled benzodiazepine prescriptions in between 2017 and 2020. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Benzodiazepine DHD (defined daily dose per 1000 habitants) mean difference between the period defined as pre-lockdown and lockdown. Additionally, the difference was adjusted for gender, sex and district health department and also with the interaction among them. RESULTS: DHD mean pre-lockdown was 131.3 and 139.5 in the lockdown; this difference was significant in the global analysis (95% CI: 4.1-12.1). There was an increase in the DHD mean in the 60-74 age group (95% CI: 2.28-21.42), in the group over 90 years old (95% CI: 21.31-40.63) and in women (95% CI: 3.51-14.59). Finally, a decrease in the DHD mean of V11 (95% CI: -29 to -0.66) and V14 (95% CI: -54.28 to -25.04) district health departments was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Certain subgroups show a change in the pattern of benzodiazepine prescription without being able to relate this to the lockdown. We believe that there could be some inertia in the prescription of psychiatric medication according to the biopsychosocial characteristics of the patients; it is important to detect this in order to avoid the medicalization of psychological disorders.

Cáncer colorrectal. Variantes génicas en la vía de señalización BMP y ancestría en población mexicana / Colorectal cancer. Genetic variants in BMP signaling pathway and ancestry in the Mexican population

Resumen Introducción: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. Objetivo: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. Métodos: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. Resultados: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. Conclusiones: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

Abstract Introduction: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. Objective: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. Methods: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. Conclusions: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

Reproducibility, Repeatability, and Correlation of Central Corneal Thickness Measurement with the Pentacam Scheimpflug System and Ultrasound Pachymetry.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The importance of an accurate determination of central corneal thickness (CCT) relies on its diagnostic and therapeutic implications in glaucoma, corneal ectasias, corneal edema and endothelial function monitoring, and refractive surgery suitability, among others. We aimed to analyze the repeatability, reproducibility, correlation, and laterality variations of CCT measurements performed with the Pentacam HR and the standard of care ultrasound A-scan (USP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study including CCT measurements of healthy individuals was performed by three independent examiners with the Pentacam HR and USP. Intra-observer and inter-observer variations were calculated with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) were used to assess the agreement between devices. Linear correlation was calculated with Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS: Thirty individuals (60 eyes), including 10 (33.3%) men and 20 (66.6%) women, with a mean age of 30.0 ± 9.1 years, were studied. No statistical differences were found in CCT measurements between Pentacam HR (range 500 - 609 µm) and USP (range 498 - 628 µm). There was a high degree of correlation in repeatability and reproducibility of each independent device (ICC > 0.90). Pearson's correlation between 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 3, and 3 vs. 1 Pentacam HR attempts were 0.914, 0.958, and 0.925, respectively (p < 0.001). Corresponding results for USP were 0.957, 0.957, and 0.943 (p < 0.001). The Pentacam HR tended to overestimate CCT by a mean difference of 3.77 µm (95% LoA, - 24.9 - 18.4). Right eyes were also overestimated (- 3.6 ± 14.1 µm) with the Pentacam HR device, whereas left eyes were underestimated (1.3 ± 11.1 µm). CONCLUSIONS: The Pentacam HR device provides reliable operator-independent estimates of CCT. Right eyes exhibited a tendency to overestimate with the Pentacam HR. We suspect this difference is due to USP underestimation related to patients' position while performing the study. In clinically relevant scenarios, performing a third measurement and cautiously measuring right eyes can provide higher accuracy.

Schwannoma en el puerperio / Schwannoma in the puerperium

Resumen: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 48 años, previamente sana, sometida a cesárea bajo bloqueo epidural que presenta datos de compresión medular en el puerperio inmediato. El diagnóstico inicial fue una complicación por anestesia neuroaxial, después de la resonancia magnética se reporta tumor intrarraquídeo a nivel de T9-T10 que fue extirpado con diagnóstico histológico de schwannoma. La evolución postquirúrgica de la paciente fue favorable sin secuelas neurológicas. Los schwannomas son tumores benignos cuya principal manifestación son síntomas de compresión medular.

Abstract: It is presented a case of a 48-year-old patient, previously healthy, who underwent cesarean section under epidural block and presented data of spinal cord compression in the immediate puerperium. The initial diagnosis was a complication due to the neuraxial anesthesia. Afterwards, the MRI reported an intraspinal tumor at the T9-T10 level, which was removed with a histological diagnosis of schwannoma. The patient´s postoperative evolution was favorable, with no neurological sequelae. Schwannomas are benign tumors, whose main manifestation is symptoms of spinal cord compression.

PP2A-Cdc55 phosphatase regulates actomyosin ring contraction and septum formation during cytokinesis.

Eukaryotic cells divide and separate all their components after chromosome segregation by a process called cytokinesis to complete cell division. Cytokinesis is highly regulated by the recruitment of the components to the division site and through post-translational modifications such as phosphorylations. The budding yeast mitotic kinases Cdc28-Clb2, Cdc5, and Dbf2-Mob1 phosphorylate several cytokinetic proteins contributing to the regulation of cytokinesis. The PP2A-Cdc55 phosphatase regulates mitosis counteracting Cdk1- and Cdc5-dependent phosphorylation. This prompted us to propose that PP2A-Cdc55 could also be counteracting the mitotic kinases during cytokinesis. Here we show that in the absence of Cdc55, AMR contraction and the primary septum formation occur asymmetrically to one side of the bud neck supporting a role for PP2A-Cdc55 in cytokinesis regulation. In addition, by in vivo and in vitro assays, we show that PP2A-Cdc55 dephosphorylates the chitin synthase II (Chs2 in budding yeast) a component of the Ingression Progression Complexes (IPCs) involved in cytokinesis. Interestingly, the non-phosphorylable version of Chs2 rescues the asymmetric AMR contraction and the defective septa formation observed in cdc55∆ mutant cells. Therefore, timely dephosphorylation of the Chs2 by PP2A-Cdc55 is crucial for proper actomyosin ring contraction. These findings reveal a new mechanism of cytokinesis regulation by the PP2A-Cdc55 phosphatase and extend our knowledge of the involvement of multiple phosphatases during cytokinesis.

Synergic effect of anticancer peptide CIGB-552 and Cisplatin in lung cancer models.

BACKGROUND: The antitumor peptide CIGB-552 is a new targeted anticancer therapy which molecular mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the transcription factor NF-kB, mediated by COMMD1 protein stabilization. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative capacity of CIGB-552 in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in lung cancer models. METHODS AND RESULTS: We combined of CIGB-552 and the antineoplastic agent Cisplatin (CDDP) in concomitant and pre-treatment scenary in a dose matrix approach. This study was performed in the non-small cell lung cancer cell lines NCI-H460, A549 and in a mouse model of TC-1 lung cancer. Our results demonstrate a clear synergic effect between 37.5 µM of CIGB-552 and 5 µM of CDDP under concomitant scheme, on proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and oxidative stress response. The effect of CIGB-552 (1 mg/kg) and CDDP (0.4 mg/kg) administrated as a combined therapy was demonstrated in vivo in a TC-1 mouse model where the combination achieved an effective antitumor response, without any deterioration signs or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the concomitant combination of both drugs in preclinical studies and support the use of this therapy in clinical trials. This study is the first evidence of synergistic effect of the combination of  the antitumoral peptide CIGB-552 and CDDP.

Association of smoking with anal high-risk HPV infection and histologically confirmed anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions among a clinic-based population in Puerto Rico.

INTRODUCTION: Current smoking is a risk factor for anal cancer. Yet, its association with anal human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) remains unclear. We assessed the association of smoking with 1) anal high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection and 2) anal HSIL. METHODS: Data from the baseline visit of patients from the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (May 2015- June 2021) was analyzed. Patients were eligible if they had information on smoking status, complete high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) with biopsy, and HR-HPV testing (n =  427). Logistic regression models estimated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Mean age was 44 ± 13 years, 69% were men, 74% were HIV-infected, and 25% reported being current smokers. 74% had anal HR-HPV infection. HSIL was diagnosed in 40% of patients. Current smokers had significantly higher odds (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.04-2.82) of having HSIL compared to non-smokers after adjusting for age, sexual risk group, lifetime number of sexual partners, HIV status, and HR-HPV infection. Smoking was not associated with HR-HPV infection (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 0.83-2.95) after adjusting for age, sexual risk group, lifetime number of sexual partners, and HIV status. CONCLUSIONS: Current smoking was associated with histologically confirmed HSIL but not with HR-HPV infection among this high-risk Hispanic population. Results highlight the need to explore targeted smoking cessation campaigns among populations at higher risk of developing HSIL, as an anal cancer prevention strategy.

Colorectal cancer. Genetic variants in BMP signaling pathway and ancestry in the Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic variants related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) signaling pathway have been associated with colorectal cancer, mainly in Caucasian populations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of variants in members of the BMP signaling pathway in a Mexican population, characterized by its indigenous American and Caucasian ancestry. METHODS: Genotyping of 1,000 colorectal cancer cases and 1,043 control individuals recruited in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Torreón was carried out using the Sequenom platform. Associations between colorectal cancer and variants were studied with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Variants rs4444235, rs12953717 and rs4939827 replicated the association with the neoplasm (p ≤ 0.05). Caucasian ancestry showed association with the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The study replicated the associations between colorectal cancer and SMAD7 and BMP4 variants, with an association being observed with the Caucasian component of the ethnic mix.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Variantes génicas relacionadas con la vía de señalización de las proteínas morfogenéticas óseas (BMP2, BMP4, GREM1, SMAD7) se han asociado a cáncer colorrectal, principalmente en poblaciones caucásicas. OBJETIVO: Describir la asociación de variantes en miembros de la vía BMP en población mexicana, caracterizada por su ancestría indoamericana y caucásica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó el genotipado de 1000 casos de cáncer colorrectal y 1043 individuos de control reclutados en la Ciudad de México, Monterrey y Torreón mediante la plataforma Sequenom. Con análisis univariados y multivariados se estudiaron las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y variantes. RESULTADOS: Las variantes rs4444235, rs12953717 y rs4939827 replicaron la asociación con la neoplasia (p ≤ 0.05). La ascendencia caucásica mostró asociación con el tumor. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio mostró las asociaciones entre cáncer colorrectal y las variantes SMAD7 y BMP4, así como con el componente caucásico de la mezcla étnica.

New technique for abdominal wall procurement. Initial experience.

Difficulty in obtaining adequate abdominal wall closure due to loss of the abdominal domain is a frequent complication of multivisceral, isolated intestinal transplantation and in some cases of liver transplantation. Various methods for primary closure have been proposed, including the use of synthetic and biological meshes, as well as full-thickness abdominal wall and non-vascularized rectus fascia grafts. We describe a novel technique for abdominal wall procurement in which the graft is perfused synchronously with the abdominal organs and can be transplanted as a full-thickness wall or as a non-vascularized rectus fascia graft. We performed six transplants of non-vascularized rectus fascia in three intestinal transplants, one multivisceral transplant, and two liver transplants. The size of the covered abdominal wall defects ranged from 17 cm × 7 cm to 25 cm × 20 cm. Only one patient developed graft infection secondary to enterocutaneous fistula requiring surgical correction and removal of the fascia graft. This patient, as well as two other patients, died due to sepsis. Our procurement technique allows removal of the rectus fascia graft to cover the abdominal wall defect, providing a feasible solution for treatment of abdominal wall defects in recipients after abdominal organ transplantation.

Convolutional capture of the expansion of extra virgin olive oil droplets to quantify adulteration.

In this research, more than 302,000 images of five different types of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) have been collected to train and validate a system based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to carry out their classification. Furthermore, comparable deep learning models have also been trained to detect and quantify the adulteration of these EVOOs with other vegetable oils. In this work, three groups of CNN models have been tested for (i) the classification of all EVOOs, (ii) the detection and quantification of adulterated samples for each individual EVOO, and (iii) a global version of the previous models combining all EVOOs into a single quantifying CNN. This last model was successfully validated using 30,195 images that were initially isolated from the initial database. The result was an algorithm capable of detecting and accurately classifying the five types of EVOO and their respective adulteration concentrations with an overall hit rate of >96%. Therefore, EVOO droplet analyses via CNNs have proven to be a convincing quality control tool for the evaluation of EVOO, which can be carried by producers, distributors, or even final consumers, to help locate adulterations.

Comparación de 3 modos de ventilación mecánica en colecistectomía laparoscópica / Comparison of 3 mechanical ventilation modes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Resumen: El modo ventilatorio asistido durante un procedimiento laparoscópico aún es controversial. Objetivo: Comparar la dinámica ventilatoria según el modo de ventilación asistida: por ventilación controlada por volumen (VCV), controlada por presión (VCP) o por presión con garantía de volumen (VCP-GV), en anestesia para colecistectomía laparoscópica. Material y métodos: 21 pacientes adultos manejados con una de las tres modalidades (7 por grupo). Se analizó durante el procedimiento (a la intubación, la insuflación de CO2 intraabdominal y resolución), su frecuencia respiratoria, el volumen espiratorio, CO2 al final de la espiración (EtCO2), presión pico vía aérea, presión media pulmonar, distensibilidad, saturación de oxígeno y volumen minuto respiratorio. Resultados: Posterior a la intubación, no hubo diferencias clínicas importantes en las mediciones entre los modos de ventilación. A la insuflación los pacientes con modo VCP incrementaron su frecuencia respiratoria, pero conservaron su presión pico; contra aquéllos en modo VCV y VCP-GV que incrementaron su presión pico con escasa reducción de su frecuencia respiratoria. Las otras variables no se modificaron durante el procedimiento y no hubo diferencias entre los modos ventilatorios. Conclusión: Los tres modos de ventilación permitieron un buen control ventilatorio con pocas diferencias respecto a parámetros basales, pero sugerimos que el modo VCP previene mejor los aumentos en la presión pico.

Abstract: The assisted ventilatory mode during a laparoscopic procedure is still controversial. Objective: To compare ventilatory dynamics according to the assisted ventilation mode: by volume-controlled ventilation (VCV), pressure-controlled (PCV) or by pressure with volume guarantee (PVC-VG), in general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and methods: 21 adult patients managed with one of the three modalities (seven per group). Their respiratory rate, minute expiratory volume, end tidal CO2 (EtCO2), peak airway pressure, mean pulmonary pressure, compliance, oxygen saturation and minute respiratory volume were analyzed during the procedure (at intubation, abdominal CO2 insufflation and resolution). Results: After intubation there were no clinical differences in measurements between ventilation modes. On insufflation, patients with PCV mode increased their respiratory rate, but kept their peak pressure; against those in VCV and PCV-VG mode who increased their peak pressure with little reduction in their respiratory rate. The other variables were not modified during the procedure and there were no differences between the ventilatory modes. Conclusion: The three modes of ventilation allowed a good ventilatory control, but we suggest the PCV since it prevents an increase in peak pressure.

Engaging Latino parents: An outcome evaluation of the Academia de Cultura Latina Para Padres.

Social capital interventions have been linked to various health and well-being outcomes in children and families. This study evaluated the Academia de Cultura Latina Para Padres (ACLP), a grass roots women-led parent engagement program that aimed to increase its participants' understanding and access to information about their children's education to support their academic success. Cross-sectional data were collected from 100 Latino caregivers who were on average 40.3 (SD = 12.12) years old, participated in the ACLP program between September and November 2019, and had at least one child or grandchild who attended Rosa Parks Elementary School in San Diego, California. A paired t test and multiple linear regression were conducted to compare the participants' scores on a pretest and posttest. A thematic analysis approach was also used to code participant responses to open-ended workshop satisfaction questionnaires. Participants scored significantly higher on the posttest after participating in the ACLP program, and although we did not find a significant relationship between the participants' attendance and posttests, we found a significant relationship between their positive ratings of the workshops and posttest scores. Findings from this study can inform future parent involvement programs, strategies for community engagement and practice with Latino caregivers, and research.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts on Pathogenic Fungi of Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.).

Three pathogenic fungi of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) responsible for dieback disease, identified as Pestalotiopsis clavispora, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, were isolated in the northwestern region of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. The mycelial growth in vitro of these fungi was inhibited by extracts from Lantana hirta, Argemone ochroleuca and Adenophyllum porophyllum, medicinal plants collected in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. The extracts showed different degrees of inhibition; the most effective were: M5L extract from L. hirta and M6LFr extract from A. ochroleuca, both of which inhibited 100% of the mycelial growth of P. clavispora and C. gloeosporioides; and M4LS extract from A. porophyllum, which inhibited 100% of the mycelial growth of the three pathogens. The extracts were fractionated by thin layer and column chromatography, and the most active fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major compounds identified in L. hirta extract were Phytol and α-Sitosterol. The compounds identified in A. ochroleuca were Toluene and Benzene, 1,3-bis(3-phenoxyphenoxy)-. In A. porophyllum, the compound identified was Hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. These results show the potential of L. hirta, A. ochroleuca and A. porophyllum as a source of antifungal compounds.

COVID-19 and the eye: a review.

BACKGROUND: To provide a review for general practitioners and medical specialists about the most common eye complaints and ocular manifestations in a COVID-19 patient. METHODS: Reviewed 50 articles referenced in 4 databases from 20 December 2019 to 16 September 2020. RESULTS: Of the 50 articles reviewed, 26 met the criteria for analysis and were included in the study. Among them were 5 reviews, 6 case series, 7 case reports, 4 cross-sectional studies, 2 systematic reviews, 1 cohort study and 1 correspondence. We found that the prevalence of ocular manifestations in patients during the course of COVID-19 varied between 0.8% and 31.6%, depending on the study design. Symptoms of acute conjunctivitis were the most frequent clinical findings. Acute phase reactants were also correlated to ocular manifestations and the severity of the systemic disease in many reports. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular manifestations are not uncommon in COVID-19 patients and have been associated with higher levels of acute phase reactants as well as a higher degree of severity of the systemic disease. We recommend that all physicians consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis in the presence of acute conjunctivitis with or without systemic symptoms.

Implications of the foliar phytochemical diversity of the avocado crop Persea americana cv. Hass in its susceptibility to pests and pathogens.

Phytochemical diversity (PD) can be considered as a defensive trait; it can operate through single plant secondary metabolites or usually as complex mixtures of them. We tested the more diversity-better defense hypothesis correlating the leaf plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) with the incidence of plant enemies on Hass avocado trees. We expected a negative correlation between the occurrence of plant enemies and PD metrics. Also, as intraspecific PSMs polymorphisms in plant populations are common, we studied the incidence of plant enemies on Hass avocado trees representing chemical variants (chemotypes). We expected a differential incidence of plant enemies among trees grouped by their mono and sesquiterpene + phenylpropanoid chemotypes. We analyzed foliar hexane extracts from 236 trees in 17 orchards by gas chromatography and for the incidence of red mite, thrips, whitefly, avocado branch borer, fruit rot, scab, and peduncle collar blight. The predicted negative correlation between the plant enemies' incidence and the phytochemical metrics did not occur. To determine the relationship between enemy incidence and chemotypes we grouped the trees by cluster analysis using a matrix of PSMs in each tree. Most trees were grouped under four out of 23 chemotypes. Branch borers attacked trees of low-frequency chemotypes more frequently than trees with common chemotypes. The incidence of five plant enemies was different among the predominant chemotypes. The hypothesis of more diversity-better defense was not supported by the correlations between the phytochemical diversity and the incidence of pests and pathogens in Hass avocado orchards. Based on our results, we hypothesize that phytochemical diversity function as a defensive trait relies more on differentiation among individuals in a population than on the sole increase of chemical diversity. Also, the differential incidence of pests and pathogens on trees classified by their foliar chemotypes implies that these susceptibility or resistance markers represent potential useful tools for Hass avocado orchard pest management.