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The human oral cavity is normally colonized by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses and protozoa. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Candida spp., in de oral cavity in a group of medical students from the north of Mexico. Oral sample were obtained from 240 healthy students. The specimens were analyzed by traditional microbiology cultures and DNA sequencing. Candida spp., grew in Sabouraud dextrose agar from 57 samples and subsequently were isolated and phenotyped. The definitive identification to the species level was done by sequence analysis. The yeasts were identified as follow: 28 Clavispora lusitaniae, 20 Candida albicans, 5 Pichia kudriavzevii and 4 Candida parapsilosis. Our findings revealed that 23.75% of the healthy population has a potential pathogen in their mouth. Surprisingly, C. albicans is not the predominant yeast; instead other non-Candida species are the colonizers of the oral cavity as normal microbiota. C. lusitaniae is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressive patients. This paper pretends to highlight the presence of this yeast in the oral cavity in immunocompetent young adults. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01145-x.

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Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induces organic damage mainly through the patient's immune overreaction. Hemoperfusion (HPF) can remove inflammatory cytokines and can reduce the negative effects of cytokine storm in COVID-19. We compared the mortality rate, inflammatory response, and acute kidney injury (AKI) prevalence among patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency secondary to COVID-19 treated with and without HPF with HA330 cartridge. Methods: Mortality rate, serum creatinine, and ferritin values were compared between patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency secondary to COVID-19 who received conventional treatment and another group of patients who additionally received four sessions of HPF with HA330. Results: Of 116 patients suffering from acute respiratory insufficiency secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), one group (n: 84) received support treatment and the other group (n: 32) additionally received HPF with HA330 cartridge. Both groups had no renal disease and similar age and comorbidities at admission, except for obesity and mechanical ventilation requirement, which were significantly higher in the HPF group. Mortality rate (61% vs. 31%, P: 0.008), serum creatinine (1.4 vs. 0.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001), and post-HPF serum ferritin (2868 vs. 1675, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the HPF group. Conclusion: Mortality rate, serum ferritin, and AKI were significantly reduced in critical COVID-19 patients who received HPF with HA330 cartridge than in those who did not receive it. These results were obtained despite the HPF group risk factors, such as obesity and mechanical ventilation, worsening its prognosis.

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Resumen Objetivo: describir las características de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio sin lesiones coronarias obstructivas (MINOCA), así como sus desenlaces cardiovasculares a dieciocho meses. Materiales y método: estudio de cohortes, ambispectivo, de los pacientes que fueron llevados a angiografía coronaria por diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM), entre los años 2015 y 2019. Se seleccionó el grupo de MINOCA y obtuvieron datos de desenlaces como reconsultas y eventos cardiovasculares mayores a dieciocho meses. Resultados: de los 433 pacientes incluidos, 141 (33%) cumplían definición de MINOCA; el dolor torácico y los equivalentes anginosos fueron las manifestaciones clínicas más prevalentes (62 y 62.4% respectivamente). La mayoría se presentaron con IAM sin elevación del ST (92.1%), con FEVI ≥ 50% (42.6%). En el seguimiento a dieciocho meses, se obtuvieron datos de 102 pacientes, de los que el 22% reconsultó y 18% presentó reinfarto. La mortalidad durante el seguimiento fue del 12% por causa cardiovascular y del 36% por todas las causas. Conclusiones: se encontró una mayor proporción de MINOCA respecto a lo descrito en la literatura y con predominio de manifestaciones clínicas atípicas. Es llamativo, igualmente, el alto porcentaje importante de preinfartos y muerte de origen cardiovascular durante el seguimiento de esta cohorte.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of patients with acute myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary lesions (MINOCA), as well as their cardiovascular outcomes at 18 months. Materials and methods: ambispective cohort study that included patients who underwent coronary angiography after being diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between 2015 and 2019. The MINOCA group was selected, and outcomes such as readmissions and major cardiovascular events were obtained at 18 months. Results: data form 433 patients who met the inclusion criteria were obtained, of which 141 (33%) met the criteria for MINOCA. The most prevalent clinical manifestations were chest pain and anginal equivalents (62% and 62.4% respectively), The majority presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (92.1%), with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% (42.6%). During the 18-month follow-up, data were obtained from 102 patients, of whom 22% had readmissions; 18% experienced reinfarction, mortality during the follow-up was 12% due to cardiovascular causes, and 36% due to all causes Conclusions: a higher proportion of MINOCA was found compared to what is described in the literature, with a predominance of atypical clinical manifestations. Equally striking is the significant percentage of pre-infarctions and cardiovascular deaths during the follow-up of this cohort.

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BACKGROUND: Female orgasmic disorder is listed in the DSM-5 and is defined as the persistent or recurrent inability to have an orgasm. Many depressed women may experience sexual dysfunction, including female orgasmic disorder. AIM: The study sought to analyze the relationship between depressive disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their influence on the development of female orgasmic disorder. METHODS: A total of 221 Dominican women participated in this case-control study. The case group consisted of 107 women diagnosed with female orgasmic disorder, while the control group consisted of 114 women without any sexual dysfunction. OUTCOMES: The diagnosis of ADHD was obtained from the participants' medical records, previously conducted using the DSM-5-TR criteria. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in both groups. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between female orgasmic disorder and ADHD and depression. The results of multiple logistic regression indicated that the highest risk of female orgasmic disorder was observed in women with ADHD (odds ratio [OR], 4.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.46-9.20; P < .001), women with severe depression (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.08-6.96; P = .04), and women who had sexual intercourse that focused on penetration (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.03-3.98; P = .04). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings may have important implications for the prevention and treatment of sexual disorders in women. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This design selected all diagnosed cases of female orgasmic disorder and did not select a specific subgroup. However, some limitations must be considered. This study was conducted in a single clinic, although it should be noted that it is the main clinic for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in the country. A further limitation could be that this type of study design does not allow for statements about causality to be made. CONCLUSION: There is an increased risk of female orgasmic disorder in women with ADHD, with severe depression, and who engage in penetrative sex.

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ABSTRACT Artificial intelligence (AI) generative models driven by the integration of AI and natural language processing technologies, such as OpenAI's chatbot generative pre-trained transformer large language model (LLM), are receiving much public attention and have the potential to transform personalized medicine. Dialysis patients are highly dependent on technology and their treatment generates a challenging large volume of data that has to be analyzed for knowledge extraction. We argue that, by integrating the data acquired from hemodialysis treatments with the powerful conversational capabilities of LLMs, nephrologists could personalize treatments adapted to patients' lifestyles and preferences. We also argue that this new conversational AI integrated with a personalized patient-computer interface will enhance patients' engagement and self-care by providing them with a more personalized experience. However, generative AI models require continuous and accurate updates of data, and expert supervision and must address potential biases and limitations. Dialysis patients can also benefit from other new emerging technologies such as Digital Twins with which patients' care can also be addressed from a personalized medicine perspective. In this paper, we will revise LLMs potential strengths in terms of their contribution to personalized medicine, and, in particular, their potential impact, and limitations in nephrology. Nephrologists' collaboration with AI academia and companies, to develop algorithms and models that are more transparent, understandable, and trustworthy, will be crucial for the next generation of dialysis patients. The combination of technology, patient-specific data, and AI should contribute to create a more personalized and interactive dialysis process, improving patients' quality of life.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) generative models driven by the integration of AI and natural language processing technologies, such as OpenAI's chatbot generative pre-trained transformer large language model (LLM), are receiving much public attention and have the potential to transform personalized medicine. Dialysis patients are highly dependent on technology and their treatment generates a challenging large volume of data that has to be analyzed for knowledge extraction. We argue that, by integrating the data acquired from hemodialysis treatments with the powerful conversational capabilities of LLMs, nephrologists could personalize treatments adapted to patients' lifestyles and preferences. We also argue that this new conversational AI integrated with a personalized patient-computer interface will enhance patients' engagement and self-care by providing them with a more personalized experience. However, generative AI models require continuous and accurate updates of data, and expert supervision and must address potential biases and limitations. Dialysis patients can also benefit from other new emerging technologies such as Digital Twins with which patients' care can also be addressed from a personalized medicine perspective. In this paper, we will revise LLMs potential strengths in terms of their contribution to personalized medicine, and, in particular, their potential impact, and limitations in nephrology. Nephrologists' collaboration with AI academia and companies, to develop algorithms and models that are more transparent, understandable, and trustworthy, will be crucial for the next generation of dialysis patients. The combination of technology, patient-specific data, and AI should contribute to create a more personalized and interactive dialysis process, improving patients' quality of life.

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In maize, immunoprecipitation assays have shown that CycD2;2 interacts with KRPs. However, evidence on CycD2;2 or KRPs localization and their possible interaction in specific tissues is lacking and its physiological consequence is still unknown. This work explores the spatiotemporal presence of CyclinD2s and KRPs, cell cycle regulators, during maize seed germination (18 and 36 h) after soaking on glucose or sucrose (120 mM). CyclinD2s are positive actors driving proliferation; KRPs are inhibitors of the main kinase controlling proliferation (a negative signal that slows down the cell cycle). Cell cycle proteins were analyzed by immunolocalization on longitudinal sections of maize embryo axis in seven different tissues or zones (with different proliferation or differentiation potential) and in the nucleus of their cells. Results showed a prevalence of these cell cycle proteins on embryo axes from dry seeds, particularly, their accumulation in nuclei of radicle cells. The absence of sugar caused the accumulation of these regulators in different proliferating zones. CyclinD2 abundance was reduced during germination in the presence of sucrose along the embryo axis, while there was an increase at 36 h on glucose. KRP proteins showed a slight increase at 18 h and a decrease at 36 h on both sugars. There was no correlation between cell cycle regulators/DNA co-localization on both sugars. Results suggest glucose induced a specific accumulation of each cell cycle regulator depending on the proliferation zone as well as nuclear localization which may reflect the differential morphogenetic program regarding the proliferation potential in each zone, while sucrose has a mild influence on both cell cycle proteins accumulation during germination. Whenever CycD2s were present in the nucleus, KRPs were absent after treatment with either sugar and at the two imbibition times analyzed, along the different embryo axe zones.

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INTRODUCTION: Dyspareunia refers to painful sexual intercourse that negatively affects a person's psychological well-being and quality of life and can also have an impact on their partner, family, and social circle. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of women with dyspareunia and a history of sexual abuse in the Dominican Republic. METHODS: This was a qualitative study based on Merleau-Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology. Fifteen women with a diagnosis of dyspareunia and a history of sexual abuse participated. The study was carried out in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. RESULTS: In-depth interviews were conducted for data collection. Through inductive analysis using ATLAS.ti, 3 main themes were developed that represent women's experiences of dyspareunia and sexual abuse: (1) a history of sexual abuse as a background to dyspareunia, (2) living in fear in a society that revictimizes the survivor, and (3) the sexual consequences of dyspareunia. DISCUSSION: In some Dominican women, dyspareunia stems from their history of sexual abuse, which was unknown to their families and partners. The participants experienced dyspareunia in silence and found it difficult to seek help from health care professionals. In addition, their sexual health was marked by fear and physical pain. There are individual, cultural, and social factors that influence the occurrence of dyspareunia; a better understanding of these factors is vital for planning innovative preventive strategies that reduce the progression of sexual dysfunction and its impact on the quality of life of people with dyspareunia.

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The growth hormone (GH) locus has experienced a dramatic evolution in primates, becoming multigenic and diverse in anthropoids. Despite sequence information from a vast number of primate species, it has remained unclear how the multigene family was favored. We compared the structure and composition of apes' GH loci as a prerequisite to understanding their origin and possible evolutionary role. These thorough analyses of the GH loci of the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan were done by resorting to previously sequenced bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) harboring them, as well as to their respective genome projects data available in GenBank. The GH loci of modern man, Neanderthal, gibbon, and wild boar were retrieved from GenBank. Coding regions, regulatory elements, and repetitive sequences were identified and compared among species. The GH loci of all the analyzed species are flanked by the genes CD79B (5') and ICAM-1 (3'). In man, Neanderthal, and chimpanzee, the loci were integrated by five almost indistinguishable genes; however, in the former two, they rendered three different hormones, and in the latter, four different proteins were derived. Gorilla exhibited six genes, gibbon seven, and orangutan four. The sequences of the proximal promoters, enhancers, P-elements, and a locus control region (LCR) were highly conserved. The locus evolution might have implicated duplications of the ancestral pituitary gene (GH-N) and subsequent diversification of the copies, leading to the placental single GH-V gene and the multiple CSH genes.

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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiometabolic diseases refer to a group of interrelated conditions, sharing metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The gut microbiota has been associated with CMD and related conditions. Alterations in the intestinal epithelium permeability triggered by chronic stress and diet could bridge gut microbiota with inflammation and CMD development. Here, we assessed the relationship between intestinal permeability and circulating SCFAs with cardiometabolic health status (CMHS) and gut microbiota in a sample of 116 Colombian adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), claudin-3, and purported zonulin peptides (PZP) were measured by ELISA, whereas plasmatic levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In addition, for further statistical analysis, we took data previously published by us on this cohort, including gut microbiota and multiple CMD risk factors that served to categorize subjects as cardiometabolically healthy or cardiometabolically abnormal. From univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, we found the levels of I-FABP, LBP, and PZP increased in the plasma of cardiometabolically abnormal individuals, although only PZP reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results did not confirm the applicability of I-FABP, LBP, claudin-3, or SCFAs as biomarkers for associating intestinal permeability with the cardiometabolic health status in these subjects. On the other hand, the poorly characterized peptides detected with the ELISA kit branded as "zonulin" were inversely associated with cardiometabolic dysfunctions and gut microbiota. Further studies to confirm the true identity of these peptides are warranted.

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Malignant hypercalcemia is the most frequent endocrinological emergency in cancer. The factors related to its occurrence have not been evaluated, nor are there any related studies in Colombia. Objective: to determine the factors associated with the onset of malignant hypercalcemia (MH) in patients hospitalized at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2014-2019). Design: a retrospective analytical case-control study Population: 230 cases of adults with cancer and calcium corrected for albumin equal to or greater than 10.5 mg/dL and 223 controls of cancer patients with normal corrected calcium (8.5 to 10.4 mg/ dL) were included. Squamous cell carcinoma was used as the pairing variable. Analysis: univariate and bivariate analyses between the variables and the occurrence of MH were conducted to determine association, and raw ORs were calculated. Depending on their statis tical significance (p<0.05), they were included in the logistic regression for multivariate analysis and to rule out bias. Results: the median calcium for cases: 12.98 mg/dL (11.64-14.42) vs. 9.4 mg/dL (9.02-9.74) (p < 0.0001). The two groups were similar in age and sex. There was more metastasis in the cases (60.0% vs. 39.91%) (p< 0.0001). Altogether, 54.34% of the cases developed neurological symp toms. The median hospital stay was 16 days (IQR 9-27) vs. 9 days (IQR 6-17) for the controls (p< 0.0001), and inpatient deaths occurred in 48.70% vs. 16.59% (p < 0.0001). The following showed an association with MH: normal albumin, OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.29-0.55); a Karnofsky Index greater than or equal to 70, OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.99); and metastasis, OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.23-2.84). (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2555).

La hipercalcemia maligna es la urgencia endocrinológica en cáncer más frecuente, los factores relacionados a su presentación no han sido evaluados, ni hay estudios relacionados en Colombia. Objetivo: determinar los factores asociados a la presentación de hipercalcemia maligna (HM), en pacientes hospitalizados en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2014-2019). Diseño: estudio analítico retrospectivo de casos y controles. Población: se incluyeron 230 casos de adultos con cáncer y calcio corregido por albúmina mayor e igual a 10.5 mg/dL y 223 controles de pacientes oncológicos con calcio corregido normal (8.5 a 10.4 mg/dL), se usó el carcinoma escamocelular como variable pareadora. Análisis: para establecer asociación se realizó el análisis univariado y bivariado entre las variables y la presentación de HM, se calcularon OR crudos, según significancia estadística (p<0.05) fueron incluidas en regresión logística para el análisis multivariado y excluir sesgos. Resultados: mediana de calcio en los casos: 12.98 mg/dL (11.64-14.42) vs. 9.4 mg/dL (9.02-9.74) (p < 0.0001). Los dos grupos presentaron edad y sexo similares. Hubo mayor proporción de metástasis en los casos (60.0% vs. 39.91%) (p < 0.0001). El 54.34% de los casos desarrolló síntomas neuro lógicos. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 16 días (RIC 9-27) vs. nueve días (RIC 6-17) para los controles (p < 0.0001) y la muerte intrahospitalaria se presentó en el 48.70% vs. 16.59% (p < 0.0001). Demostraron asociación con HM: albúmina normal OR 0.41 (IC 95% 0.29-0.55), índice de Karnofsky mayor o igual 70 OR 0.98 (IC95% 0.97-0.99) y presencia de metástasis OR 1.87 (IC 95% 1.23-2.84). (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2555).

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Resumen Hombre de 44 años que acude al servicio de urgencias posterior a picadura de escorpión. Presentaba parestesias, dolor toracoabdominal y náuseas. Desde el momento del ingreso presentó dolor torácico atípico, dolor abdominal epigástrico de intensidad leve, asociado a náuseas. Se realizó electrocardiograma que no evidenció alteraciones. La troponina fue elevada, por lo que se llevó a cuidado intensivo y se inició manejo antiisquémico, corroborando posteriormente en la angiografía una disección coronaria tipo 1 en el ramus intermedio como causante de su evento coronario. El paciente recibió un vial de suero antiescorpiónico en primer nivel de atención y posteriormente se indicó manejo con betabloqueante, antiagregación con ácido acetilsalicílico y clopidogrel, con disminución progresiva de sus síntomas. Es egresado asintomático. Se reporta un caso de infarto agudo de miocardio tipo 2 por disección coronaria posterior a una picadura de escorpión, del cual no hay casos reportados previamente en el mundo.

Abstract A 44-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department after a scorpion sting. He presented paresthesia, thoracoabdominal pain and nausea. From the moment of admission, he presented atypical chest pain, epigastric abdominal pain of mild intensity, associated with nausea. An ECG was taken that did not show alterations, troponin was elevated, he was admitted to intensive care unit, management was initiated, subsequently corroborating in the angiography, a type 1 coronary artery dissection in the intermediate ramus as the cause of coronary event. The patient received a vial of antiscorpionic serum in the first level of care, later treatment with beta-blocker, antiaggregation with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel was indicated, with progressive reduction of his symptoms. He is an asymptomatic graduate. A case of type 2 acute myocardial infarction due to coronary dissection after a scorpion sting is reported, there are no previously reported cases in the world.

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Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone expressed in lactotrophs cells of the pituitary gland in primates. Extra pituitary expression of PRL has been reported, including the eye; however, expression in the developing eye of primates is limited. The aim of the study was determining the expression of PRL and PRL receptor (PRLR) (mRNAs and proteins) in adult and fetal baboon (Papio hamadryas) ocular tissues. METHODS: We analyzed PRL and PRLR in baboon eyes tissues by immunofluorescence. The mRNAs of PRL and PRLR were detected by RT-PCR, cDNA was cloned, and sequenced. Furthermore, we performed a phylogenetic analysis to identify the evolutionary forces that underlie the divergence of PRL and PRLR primate genes. RESULTS: We observed the expression of PRL and PRLR (mRNAs and proteins) in all retinal cell lineages of fetal and adult baboon. PRL and PRLR fit the hypothesis of evolutionary purifying gene selection. CONCLUSIONS: mRNA and protein of PRL and PRLR are expressed in fetal and adult baboon retinal tissue. PRL may trigger autocrine and paracrine-specific actions in retinal cell lines.

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The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic with > 550 millions of cases and > 6 millions of deaths worldwide. Medical management of COVID-19 relies on supportive care as no specific targeted therapies are available yet. Given its devastating effects on the economy and mental health, it is imperative to develop novel antivirals. An ideal candidate will be an agent that blocks the early events of viral attachment and cell entry, thereby preventing viral infection and spread. This work reports functionalized titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based nanoparticles adsorbed with flavonoids that block SARS-CoV-2 entry and fusion. Using molecular docking analysis, two flavonoids were chosen for their specific binding to critical regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein that interacts with the host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor. These flavonoids were adsorbed onto TiO2 functionalized nanoparticles (FTNP). This new nanoparticulate compound was assayed in vitro against two different coronaviruses; HCoV 229E and SARS-CoV-2, in both cases a clear antiviral effect was observed. Furthermore, using a reporter-based cell culture model, a potent antiviral activity is demonstrated. The adsorption of flavonoids to functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles induces a ~ threefold increase of that activity. These studies also indicate that FTNP interferes with the SARS-CoV-2 spike, impairing the cell fusion mechanism. KEY POINTS/HIGHLIGHTS: • Unique TiO2 nanoparticles displaying flavonoid showed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. • The nanoparticles precisely targeting SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively verified by cell infectivity in vitro. • Flavonoids on nanoparticles impair the interactions between the spike glycoprotein and ACE-2 receptor.

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Three new species of the genus Xiphocentron (Trichoptera, Xiphocentronidae) are described from Nearctic and Neotropical regions of Mexico. Xiphocentron (Glyphocentron) flinti sp. nov. has a very unique morphology distinguished by the presence of long spines on the preapical and apical margin of tergum X. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) holzenthali sp. nov. is diagnosed by tergum IX, with the apical margin bearing a narrow, rounded, mesal emargination and by a spiny projection near the basal plate. These species are the first records of the family in northwestern Mexico. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) pineroi sp. nov. is recognized, when observed in lateral view, by its less elongate genitalia and the sinuous mesal sclerite of the inferior appendage. Additionally, we provide detailed illustrations of Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) rhamnes Schmid, and an updated list of the distribution of the genus Xiphocentron in Mexico.

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Mejicanotrichia Harris & Holzenthal, 1997 is a small genus of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera), which consists of seven species, six of them distributed in Mexico, and one more in Guatemala. Larval descriptions of only two species (M.blantoni and M.estaquillosa) were previously known, as well as only females of three species (M.blantoni, M.estaquillosa, and M.tamaza) previously described. The present study provides descriptions of the larvae of M.harrisi and M.tridentata, as well as a description of the female of M.harrisi. Identification keys for adult males, known females, and known larvae are also provided. This work aims to incorporate more information into the taxonomy of the genus, its ecology, and facilitate additional characters of potential use in future phylogenetic studies.

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The complexity of intimate partner violence and the impossibility of understanding it from single factors have been studied from different biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 men involved in legal proceedings for problems of violence in their intimate partner relationships in the Dominican Republic in order to explore whether insecure attachment represents a risk factor for alexithymia in men with violent behaviors. The attachment style was determinate by the Casullo and Fernández-Liporace Attachment Styles Scale, and alexithymia was assayed using the Latin American Consensual Toronto Alexithymia Scale (LAC TAS-20), a modification of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Chi-square test and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were performed to explore the phenomena of alexithymia and attachment styles in the context of a confinement center for male intimate partner offenders in the Dominican Republic. The results showed that insecure attachment represents a risk factor for alexithymia, being highest for avoidant attachment in the population studied. The results also highlight the influence of other factors such as education and maternal-familial relationships as a factor risk for alexithymia.

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Lipid metabolism dysregulation is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Specific oxidized lipids are recognized CVD biomarkers involved in all stages of atherosclerosis, including foam cell formation. Moderate coffee intake is positively associated with cardiovascular health. A randomized, controlled (n = 25) clinical trial was conducted in healthy subjects to assess the changes in lipid species relevant to CVD (main inclusion criteria: coffee drinkers, nonsmokers, with no history and/or diagnosis of chronic disease and not consuming any medications). Volunteers consumed a coffee beverage (400 mL/day) containing either 787 mg (coffee A; n = 24) or 407 mg (coffee B; n = 25) of chlorogenic acids for eight weeks. We measured the total plasma levels of 46 lipids, including fatty acids, sterols, and oxysterols, at baseline and after eight weeks and assessed the effects of chlorogenic and phenolic acids, the major coffee antioxidants, in an in vitro foam cell model via targeted lipidomics. At baseline (n = 74), all participants presented oxysterols and free fatty acids (FFAs) (CVD risk markers), which are closely correlated to among them, but not with the classical clinical variables (lipid profile, waist circumference, and BMI). After eight weeks, the control group lipidome showed an increase in oxysterols (+7 ± 10%) and was strongly correlated with FFAs (e.g., arachidonic acid) and cholesteryl ester reduction (-13 ± 7%). Notably, the coffee group subjects (n = 49) had increased cholesteryl esters (+9 ± 11%), while oxysterols (-71 ± 30%) and FFAs (-29 ± 26%) decreased. No differences were found between the consumption of coffees A and B. Additionally, coffee antioxidants decreased oxysterols and regulated arachidonic acid in foam cells. Our results suggest that coffee consumption modulates the generation of oxidized and inflammatory lipids in healthy subjects, which are fundamental during CVD development. The clinical trial was registered on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, WHO primary registry (RPCEC00000168).

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We aimed to compare the effect of three estradiol benzoate (EB) doses on follicular wave emergence (FWE) and dominant follicle growth of suckled Nelore cows submitted to TAI (D0). On a random day of estrous cycle (D-10), multiparous (MULT; n=36) and primiparous (PRIM; n=20) suckled Nelore cows received an intravaginal progesterone (P4) device and were assigned in three groups. Cows in the EB-1 (n=20), EB-1.5 (n=15) or EB-2 (n=21) groups received, respectively, an im treatment with 1, 1.5 or 2 mg EB. A subgroup (n=10-13 cows/group) were subject to daily ovarian evaluations from D-10 to D0. On D-2, P4 devices were removed, and all cows received the same treatment: 1 mg estradiol cypionate, 0.53 mg sodium cloprostenol, and 300 IU eCG. Statistical analyses were performed considering only the main effects of treatment group and parity order. The proportion of cows with a synchronized FWE and the moment of the FWE did not differ (p>0.05) among the treatment groups (overall: 80% [28/35] and 4.1 ± 0.4 days); however, the FWE occurred earlier (p=0.007) in MULT (3.8 ± 0.2 days) than PRIM (5.1 ± 0.4) cows. The proportion of animals detected in estrus was greater (86% [31/36] vs. 70% [14/20]; p=0.02) and the dominant follicle was larger on D-2 (9.7 ± 0.3 mm vs. 7.8 ± 0.7 mm; p=0.006) and D0 (11.9 ± 0.4 mm vs. 10 ± 0.5 mm; p=0.008) in MULT than PRIM cows. In conclusion, the three EB doses presented similar efficiency to synchronize the FWE in suckled Nelore cows. Moreover, a delayed FWE and smaller dominant follicle is observed in PRIM cows, contributing to the reduced reproductive performance in this parity category when using similar TAI protocols of MULT cows.

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BACKGROUND: In an effort to contribute to overcoming the platinum resistance exhibited by most solid tumors, we performed an array of epigenetic approaches, integrating next-generation methodologies and public clinical data to identify new potential epi-biomarkers in ovarian cancer, which is considered the most devastating of gynecological malignancies. METHODS: We cross-analyzed data from methylome assessments and restoration of gene expression through microarray expression in a panel of four paired cisplatin-sensitive/cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, along with publicly available clinical data from selected individuals representing the state of chemoresistance. We validated the methylation state and expression levels of candidate genes in each cellular phenotype through Sanger sequencing and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. We tested the biological role of selected targets using an ectopic expression plasmid assay in the sensitive/resistant tumor cell lines, assessing the cell viability in the transfected groups. Epigenetic features were also assessed in 189 primary samples obtained from ovarian tumors and controls. RESULTS: We identified PAX9 and FKBP1B as potential candidate genes, which exhibited epigenetic patterns of expression regulation in the experimental approach. Re-establishment of FKBP1B expression in the resistant OVCAR3 phenotype in which this gene is hypermethylated and inhibited allowed it to achieve a degree of platinum sensitivity similar to the sensitive phenotype. The evaluation of these genes at a translational level revealed that PAX9 hypermethylation leads to a poorer prognosis in terms of overall survival. We also set a precedent for establishing a common epigenetic signature in which the validation of a single candidate, MEST, proved the accuracy of our computational pipelines. CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic regulation of PAX9 and FKBP1B genes shows that methylation in non-promoter areas has the potential to control gene expression and thus biological consequences, such as the loss of platinum sensitivity. At the translational level, PAX9 behaves as a predictor of chemotherapy response to platinum in patients with ovarian cancer. This study revealed the importance of the transcript-specific study of each gene under potential epigenetic regulation, which would favor the identification of new markers capable of predicting each patient's progression and therapeutic response.

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