Protective Effect of Neutral Electrolyzed Saline on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Evaluation of Histopathologic Parameters in a Murine Model.

Background and Objectives: Gentamicin (GM) is a nephrotoxic aminoglycoside. Neutral electrolyzed saline (SES) is a compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether kidney damage by GM can be prevented and/or reversed through the administration of SES. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out as a prospective, single-blind, five-arm, parallel-group, randomized, preclinical trial. The nephrotoxicity model was established in male BALB/c mice by administering GM at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 30 days, concomitantly administering (+) SES or placebo (physiologic saline solution), and then administering SES for another 30 days after the initial 30 days of GM plus SES or placebo. At the end of the test, the mice were euthanized, and renal tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Results: The GM + placebo group showed significant tubular injury, interstitial fibrosis, and increased interstitial infiltrate of inflammatory cells compared with the group without GM. Tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis were lower in the groups that received concomitant GM + SES compared with the GM + placebo group. SES administration for 30 days after the GM administration periods (GM + placebo and GM + SES for 30 days) did not reduce nephrotoxicity. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal administration of SES prevents gentamicin-induced histologic nephrotoxicity when administered concomitantly, but it cannot reverse the damage when administered later.

Evaluation of the Effect of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Type 2 (FGF-2) Administration on Placental Gene Expression in a Murine Model of Preeclampsia Induced by L-NAME.

The abnormal implantation of the trophoblast during the first trimester of pregnancy precedes the appearance of the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia (PE), which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In a previous study, which was carried out in a murine model of PE that was induced by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), we observed that the intravenous administration of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) had a hypotensive effect, improved the placental weight gain and attenuated the fetal growth restriction, and the morphological findings that were induced by L-NAME in the evaluated tissues were less severe. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of FGF2 administration on the placental gene expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), placental growth factor, endoglin (ENG), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), thioredoxin (TXN), tumor protein P53 (P53), BCL2 apoptosis regulator, Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), and caspase 3, in a Sprague Dawley rat PE model, which was induced by L-NAME. The gene expression was determined by a real-time polymerase chain reaction using SYBR green. Taking the vehicle or the L-NAME group as a reference, there was an under expression of placental VEGFA, VEGFR2, ENG, P53, FAS, SOD1, CAT, and TXN genes in the group of L-NAME + FGF2 (p < 0.05). The administration of FGF2 in the murine PE-like model that was induced by L-NAME reduced the effects that were generated by proteinuria and the increased BP, as well as the response of the expression of genes that participate in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and OS. These results have generated valuable information regarding the identification of molecular targets for PE and provide new insights for understanding PE pathogenesis.

Determination of Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Allele Frequencies (T929I mutation) in Head Louse Populations from Mexico, Canada, and Peru.

The head louse Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that inhabits the human scalp. The infestations are asymptomatic; however, skin irritation from scratching occasionally may cause secondary bacterial infections. The present study determined the presence and frequency of the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation T929I in 245 head lice collected from Mexico, Peru, and Canada. Head lice were collected manually using a comb in the private head lice control clinic. Allele mutation at T9291 was present in 100% of the total sampled populations (245 lice) examined. In addition, 4.89% of the lice were homozygous susceptible, whereas 6.93% heterozygous and 88.16% homozygous were resistant, respectively. This represents the second report in Mexico and Quebec and fist in Lima.

Automated ELISA On-Chip for the Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most critical public health issue in modern history due to its highly infectious and deathly potential, and the limited access to massive, low-cost, and reliable testing has significantly worsened the crisis. The recovery and the vaccination of millions of people against COVID-19 have made serological tests highly relevant to identify the presence and levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Due to its advantages, microfluidic-based technologies represent an attractive alternative to the conventional testing methodologies used for these purposes. In this work, we described the development of an automated ELISA on-chip capable of detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples from COVID-19 patients and vaccinated individuals. The colorimetric reactions were analyzed with a microplate reader. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the results of our automated ELISA on-chip against the ones obtained from a traditional ELISA on a microplate. Moreover, we demonstrated that it is possible to carry out the analysis of the colorimetric reaction by performing basic image analysis of photos taken with a smartphone, which constitutes a useful alternative when lacking specialized equipment or a laboratory setting. Our automated ELISA on-chip has the potential to be used in a clinical setting and mitigates some of the burden caused by testing deficiencies.

Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) as Biomonitors of Atmospheric Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Areas of Monterrey, Mexico.

Heavy metals exposure has been linked to severe health problems. In Mexico, the Monterrey metropolitan area (MMA) is considered one of the most polluted industrial regions. Because birds have been used successfully as environmental biomonitors, the levels of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in feathers of Great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) from two sites within and one site outside the MMA were determined. One hundred birds were captured, samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Ciudad Universitaria had the highest mean values of lead and cadmium, 11.91 ppm d.w. and 1.66 ppm d.w., respectively. This was at least, 10- and 8-times higher than the two other sample sites. We believe that using Great-tailed grackles as bioindicators in conjunction with air pollutants sampling from meteorological stations in Monterrey City could help in making decisions when applying environmental remediation measures as well as in the selection of places for housing, school and work among others.

ADIPOQ single nucleotide polymorphisms and breast cancer in northeastern Mexican women.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) polymorphisms have been shown to affect adiponectin serum concentration and some have been associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADIPOQ in Mexican women with BC and to determine if they show an association with it. METHODS: DNA samples from 397 patients and 355 controls were tested for the ADIPOQ gene SNPs: rs2241766 (GT) and rs1501299 (GT) by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested. Multiple SNP inheritance models adjusted by age and body mass index (BMI) were examined for the SNP rs1501299. RESULTS: We found that in the frequency analysis of rs1501299 without adjusting the BMI and age, the genotype distribution had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.003). The T allele was associated with a BC risk (OR, 1.99; 95% CI 1.13-3.51, TT vs. GG; OR, 1.53; 95% CI 1.12-2.09, GT vs. GG). The SNP rs2241766 was in HW disequilibrium in controls. In conclusion, the rs1501299 polymorphism is associated with a BC risk. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of the genotype of these polymorphisms in patients with BC can contribute to integrate the risk profile in both patients and their relatives as part of a comprehensive approach and increasingly more personalized medicine.

Landscape of genomic alterations in cervical carcinomas.

Cervical cancer is responsible for 10-15% of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The aetiological role of infection with high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in cervical carcinomas is well established. Previous studies have also implicated somatic mutations in PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53, STK11 and KRAS as well as several copy-number alterations in the pathogenesis of cervical carcinomas. Here we report whole-exome sequencing analysis of 115 cervical carcinoma-normal paired samples, transcriptome sequencing of 79 cases and whole-genome sequencing of 14 tumour-normal pairs. Previously unknown somatic mutations in 79 primary squamous cell carcinomas include recurrent E322K substitutions in the MAPK1 gene (8%), inactivating mutations in the HLA-B gene (9%), and mutations in EP300 (16%), FBXW7 (15%), NFE2L2 (4%), TP53 (5%) and ERBB2 (6%). We also observe somatic ELF3 (13%) and CBFB (8%) mutations in 24 adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas have higher frequencies of somatic nucleotide substitutions occurring at cytosines preceded by thymines (Tp*C sites) than adenocarcinomas. Gene expression levels at HPV integration sites were statistically significantly higher in tumours with HPV integration compared with expression of the same genes in tumours without viral integration at the same site. These data demonstrate several recurrent genomic alterations in cervical carcinomas that suggest new strategies to combat this disease.

Gene expression in peripheral blood in treatment-free major depression.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral gene expression of several molecular pathways has been studied in major depressive disorder (MDD) with promising results. We sought to investigate some of these genes in a treatment-free Latino sample of Mexican descent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 MDD treatment-free cases and 50 sex and age-matched controls. Gene expression of candidate genes of neuroplasticity (BDNF, p11, and VGF), inflammation (IL1A, IL1B, IL4, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL10, MIF, and TNFA), the canonical Wnt signaling pathway (TCF7L2, APC, and GSK3B), and mTOR, was compared in cases and controls. RNA was obtained from blood samples. We used bivariate analyses to compare subjects versus control mean mRNA quantification of target genes and lineal regression modelling to test for effects of age and body mass index on gene expression. RESULTS: Most subjects were female (66%) with a mean age of 26.7 (SD 7.9) years. Only GSK3B was differentially expressed between cases and controls at a statistically significant level (p = 0.048). TCF7L-2 showed the highest number of correlations with MDD-related traits, yet these were modest in size. DISCUSSION: GSK3B encodes a moderator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. It has a role in neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, depression, and other psychiatric phenotypes. We found that adding population diversity has the potential to elicit distinct peripheral gene expression markers in MDD and MDD-related traits. However, our results should only be considered as hypothesis-generating research that merits further replication in larger cohorts of similar ancestry.

Expression Levels of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Skin Biopsies and Their Association with Pityriasis Alba.

Background and objectives: Pytiriasis alba (PA) is a common skin disorder which affects 80% of children between six and 16 years. The etiology of PA is unclear, but hypo-pigmented patches in photo-exposed zones characterize the disease. Because the high ultraviolet exposition of the skin promotes an acute inflammatory response and an increase of oxidative stress (OS), this study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of inflammatory and OS-related genes in skin biopsies, and their association with PA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Skin biopsies of the lesion sites and healthy skin (controls) from 16 children with PA were evaluated. The tissue expression of IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, TNFα, INFγ, IL-1ß, SOD1, and HMOX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, using SYBR Green and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene as the endogenous control. Results: There were differences in the ΔCq values of HMOX1, SOD1, IL-6, and IFNγ between tissue with lesions and healthy skin (p < 0.05). Compared with healthy skin, IL-6, IFNγ, HMOX1, and SOD1 were predominantly under-expressed in the lesion sites. However, 25% of skin biopsies with lesions showed over-expression of these four genes. Positive correlations between the expression of IL-6 and HMOX1, SOD1, and IFNγ (p < 0.05) were also observed. Conclusions: Our results suggest the presence of molecular stages of PA, defined according to the over-expression (first stage) or under-expression (second stage) of the HMOX1, SOD1, IL-6, and IFNγ genes in abnormal skin tissue. These findings may have implications for the selection of treatment for PA-related lesions.

Expression of growth hormone and growth hormone receptor genes in human eye tissues.

In humans, the polygenic growth hormone (GH) locus is located on chromosome 17 and contributes with three types of proteins: pituitary GH which consists of at least two isoforms one of 22 kDa and the other of 20 kDa, placental GH, which also exhibits isoforms, and chorionic somatomammotropin hormone (CSH). While pituitary GH results from the expression of the GH-1 (GH-N) gene, placental GH is produced by the expression of the GH-2 (GH-V) gene and CSH is contributed by expression of the CSH-1 and CSH-2 genes. The location where GH-1 is expressed is the anterior pituitary and the rest of the genes in the locus are expressed in placenta. On the other hand, expression and synthesis of GH in extra-pituitary tissues, including the eye, has been recently described. However, the physiological role of GH in the eye has not yet been elucidated, although a possible neuroprotective role has been hypothesized. Thus, we analyzed GH-1, GH-2, CSH1/2, Pit-1, GHR, GHRH, GHRHR, SST, SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3, SSTR4, and SSTR5 to elucidate the expression and regulation of the GH locus in the human eye. Through qPCR analysis, we only found evidence of GH-1 expression in retina, choroid and trabecular meshwork; its transcript turned out to be the same as pituitary GH mRNA found in major species, and no splicing variants were detected. PIT1 was absent in all the ocular tissues implying an independent GH-1 expression mechanism. We found evidence of GHR in the cornea, choroid coat and retina. These results suggest autocrine and/or paracrine regulation, possibly exerted by GHRH and SSTs (since their mRNAs and receptors were found predominantly in retinal, choroidal and corneal tissues) since expression of both molecules was detected in different ocular tissues, as well as in the same tissues where GH-1 expression was confirmed. Our results add solid evidence about the existence of a regulatory local system for GH expression and release in the human eye.

Adenovirus 5 produces obesity and adverse metabolic, morphological, and functional changes in the long term in animals fed a balanced diet or a high-fat diet: a study on hamsters.

Adenovirus 5 (Ad-5) infection is a common cause of acute respiratory infections and the main vector used in gene therapy. There are few studies on the relationship of Ad-5 to obesity. In the present study, we evaluated the chronic effects of Ad-5 infection on golden (Syrian) hamsters fed either a balanced diet (BD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). After a single inoculation with Ad-5 (1 × 107 pfu), the body weight of the animals was measured weekly. Medium-term (22 weeks) serum biochemical analyses and long-term (44 weeks) liver morphology, adiposity, and locomotive functionality (movement velocity) assessments were carried out. In the animals fed the BD, adenovirus infection produced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In the long term, it produced a 57% increase in epididymal pad fat and a 30% body weight gain compared with uninoculated animals. In addition, morphological changes related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were observed. The animals fed the HFD had similar but more severe changes. In addition, the hamsters presented an obesity paradox: at the end of the study, the animals that had the most morphological and functional changes (significantly reduced movement velocity) had the lowest body weight. Despite the fact that an HFD appears to be a more harmful factor in the long term than adenovirus infection alone, infection could increase the severity of harmful effects in individuals with an HFD. Epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate the effect of adenovirus as a precursor of chronic liver and cardiovascular diseases, including the chronic effects of gene therapy.

Olfactomedin-like 2 A and B (OLFML2A and OLFML2B) profile expression in the retina of spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) and bioinformatics mining.

Olfactomedin-like (OLFML) proteins are members of the olfactomedin domain-containing secreted glycoprotein (OLF) family. OLFML2A and OLFML2B are representative molecules of these glycoproteins. Olfactomedins are critical for the development and functional organization of the nervous system and retina, which is a highly conserved structure in vertebrates, having almost identical anatomical and physiological characteristics in multiple taxa. Spotted gar, a member of the Lepisosteidae family, is a freshwater fish that inhabits rivers, bayous, swamps, and brackish waters. Recently, the complete genome has been sequenced, providing a unique bridge between fish medical models to human biology, making it an excellent animal model. This study was aimed to understanding the evolution OLFML2A and OLFML2B in the retina of spotted gar through looking for the expression of these genes. Spotted gar retina was analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin staining assays to provide an overall view of the retina structure and an immunofluorescence assay to identify OLFML2A and OLFML2B protein expression. A phylogenetic tree was created using the neighbor-joining method. Forces that direct the evolution of the fish genes were tested. Spotted gar retina, as in other vertebrates, is made of several layers. OLFML2A and OLFML2B proteins were detected in the rod and cone photoreceptor layer (PRL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), and inner nuclear layer (INL). Phylogenetic tree analysis confirms the orthology within the OLFML2A gene. Purifying selection is the evolutionary force that directs the OLFML2A genes. OLFML2A genes have a well-conserved function over time and species.

Current Therapeutic Strategies in Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the fastest growing chronic complication of diabetes mellitus, with more than 400 million people diagnosed globally, and the condition is responsible for lower extremity amputation in 85% of people affected, leading to high-cost hospital care and increased mortality risk. Neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease trigger deformities or trauma, and aggravating factors such as infection and edema are the etiological factors for the development of DFUs. DFUs require identifying the etiology and assessing the co-morbidities to provide the correct therapeutic approach, essential to reducing lower-extremity amputation risk. This review focuses on the current treatment strategies for DFUs with a special emphasis on tissue engineering techniques and regenerative medicine that collectively target all components of chronic wound pathology.

Expression of growth hormone gene in the baboon eye.

The human growth hormone (GH) locus is comprised by two GH (GH1 and GH2) genes and three chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH1, CSH2 and CSH-L) genes. While GH1 is expressed in the pituitary gland, the rest are expressed in the placenta. However, GH1 is also expressed in several extrapituitary tissues, including the eye. So to understand the role of this hormone in the eye we used the baboon (Papio hamadryas), that like humans has a multigenic GH locus; we set up to investigate the expression and regulation of GH locus in adult and fetal baboon ocular tissues. We searched in baboon ocular tissues the expression of GH1, GH2, CSH1/2, Pit1 (pituitary transcription factor 1), GHR (growth hormone receptor), GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone), GHRHR (growth hormone releasing hormone receptor), SST (somatostatin), SSTR1 (somatostatin receptor 1), SSTR2 (somatostatin receptor 2), SSTR3 (somatostatin receptor 3), SSTR4 (somatostatin receptor 4), and SSTR5 (somatostatin receptor 5) mRNA transcripts and derived proteins, by qPCR and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. The transcripts found were characterized by cDNA cloning and sequencing, having found only the one belonging to GH1 gene, mainly in the retina/choroid tissues. Through immunofluorescence assays the presence of GH1 and GHR proteins was confirmed in several retinal cell layers. Among the possible neuroendocrine regulators that may control local GH1 expression are GHRH and SST, since their mRNAs and proteins were found mainly in the retina/choroid tissues, as well as their corresponding receptors (GHRH and SSTR1-SSTR5). None of the ocular tissues express Pit1, so gene expression of GH1 in baboon eye could be independent of Pit1. We conclude that to understand the regulation of GH in the human eye, the baboon offers a very good experimental model.

Matrix metalloproteinase multiplex screening identifies increased MMP-2 urine concentrations in women predicted to develop preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, represents the leading cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The identification of novel and accurate biomarkers that are predictive of preeclampsia is necessary to improve the prognosis of patients with preeclampsia. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of nine urinary metalloproteinases to predict the risk of preeclampsia development. METHODS: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12 and MMP-13 were analyzed in urine (early-pregnancy) from 17 women predicted to develop preeclampsia and 48 controls using the Bio-Plex Pro-Human MMP panel (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA). RESULTS: Urinary MMP-2 showed differences between groups which allowed us to calculate an increased risk for PE development of up to 20 times among the study population. CONCLUSION: Increased urinary concentration of MMP-2 at 12 and 16 weeks of gestation predicted an increased risk of developing preeclampsia in the study population.

Circulating levels of specific members of chromosome 19 microRNA cluster are associated with preeclampsia development.

PURPOSE: To perform serum microRNA expression profiling to identify members of chromosome 19 miRNA cluster involved in preeclampsia development. METHODS: Serum chromosome 19 miRNA cluster microRNA expression profiling was evaluated at 12, 16, and 20 gestational weeks and at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis, in women who developed preeclampsia (WWD-PE; n = 16) and controls (n = 18) using TaqMan low density array plates. RESULTS: A total of 51 chromosome 19 microRNA cluster members were evaluated. The circulating hsa-miRs 512-3p, 518f-3p, 520c-3p, and 520d-3p, were differentially expressed between groups (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, serum levels of hsa-miR-518f-3p at 20 GW were useful for identifying WWD-Mild-PE (P = 0.035) and WWD-Severe-PE (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Serum hsa-miRs 512-3p, 518f-3p, 520c-3p, and 520d-3p, are differentially expressed between WWD-PE and controls and their role in the development of preeclampsia should be investigated further.

Maternal distress and the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Despite the implementation of programmes to improve maternal health, maternal and foetal mortality rates still remain high. The presence of maternal distress and its association with the development of pregnancy hypertensive disorders is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal distress and the development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in a prospective cohort of 321 Mexican women. Symptoms of maternal distressing were evaluated at week 20th of gestation using the General Health Questionnaire. The presence of acute somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia increased the odds of developing a pregnancy hypertensive disorder by 5.1-26.4 times in study population (p values < .05). Our results support the participation of maternal distress in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The implementation of effective programmes prioritising risk factors during pregnancy including the presence of maternal distressing factors is recommended. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: Changes in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems have been observed in pregnant women with distress conditions leading to gestational disorders. What do the results of this study add: The presence of acute somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia increased the developing of hypertensive disorders in Mexican population. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the role of the maternal stress in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and in the implementation of effective programmes for clinical practice prioritising risk factors during pregnancy, including the presence of maternal distressing factors.

Central GIP signaling stimulates peripheral GIP release and promotes insulin and pancreatic polypeptide secretion in nonhuman primates.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has important actions on whole body metabolic function. GIP and its receptor are also present in the central nervous system and have been linked to neurotrophic actions. Metabolic effects of central nervous system GIP signaling have not been reported. We investigated whether centrally administered GIP could increase peripheral plasma GIP concentrations and influence the metabolic response to a mixed macronutrient meal in nonhuman primates. An infusion and sampling system was developed to enable continuous intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions with serial venous sampling in conscious nonhuman primates. Male baboons (Papio sp.) that were healthy and had normal body weights (28.9 ± 2.1 kg) were studied (n = 3). Animals were randomized to receive continuous ICV infusions of GIP (20 pmol·kg-1·h-1) or vehicle before and over the course of a 300-min mixed meal test (15 kcal/kg, 1.5g glucose/kg) on two occasions. A significant increase in plasma GIP concentration was observed under ICV GIP infusion (66.5 ± 8.0 vs. 680.6 ± 412.8 pg/ml, P = 0.04) before administration of the mixed meal. Increases in postprandial, but not fasted, insulin (P = 0.01) and pancreatic polypeptide (P = 0.04) were also observed under ICV GIP. Effects of ICV GIP on fasted or postprandial glucagon, glucose, triglyceride, and free fatty acids were not observed. Our data demonstrate that central GIP signaling can promote increased plasma GIP concentrations independent of nutrient stimulation and increase insulin and pancreatic polypeptide responses to a mixed meal.

Olfactomedin-like 2 A and B (OLFML2A and OLFML2B) expression profile in primates (human and baboon).

BACKGROUND: The olfactomedin-like domain (OLFML) is present in at least four families of proteins, including OLFML2A and OLFML2B, which are expressed in adult rat retina cells. However, no expression of their orthologous has ever been reported in human and baboon. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in ocular tissues of baboons (Papio hamadryas) and humans, as a key to elucidate OLFML function in eye physiology. METHODS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B cDNA detection in ocular tissues of these species was performed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were cloned and sequenced, phylogenetically analyzed and their proteins products were confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: OLFML2A and OLFML2B transcripts were found in human cornea, lens and retina and in baboon cornea, lens, iris and retina. The baboon OLFML2A and OLFML2B ORF sequences have 96% similarity with their human's orthologous. OLFML2A and OLFML2B evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis shows clear orthology in OLFML2A genes, while OLFML2B orthology is not clear. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of OLFML2A and OLFML2B in human and baboon ocular tissues, including their high similarity, make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of these proteins in the eye.

Current Backpack Weight Status for Primary Schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico.

The purpose of the study was to identify the current status of backpack weight in primary schoolchildren in Colima, Mexico, in relation to gender, school grade level, and body mass index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 randomly selected children from 20 primary schools. The participating children's parents signed statements of informed consent. Descriptive statistics, the χ(2) test, Student's t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The mean age was 8.55 ± 2 years (range: 5-12 years). Seventy-eight percent of the schoolchildren presented with a backpack overload that was greater than 10% of their body weight. No significant differences were found in relation to gender. Four out of every five schoolchildren presented with backpack overload, exposing them to a potential health problem. Education and public policy prevention strategies for this situation should be implemented in Mexico and other regions of the world with the same problem.