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The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between biomarkers of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and zinc transporter ZnT1 expression in human visceral adipose tissue. Visceral adipose tissue obtained from 47 adults undergoing laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy was used to analyze ZnT1 mRNA expression by RT-qPCR. ZnT1 mRNA levels were compared between subjects with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. A significantly lower ZnT1 expression was observed in overweight and obesity compared with normal-weight subjects (p = 0.0016). Moreover, subjects with normal weight had significantly higher serum zinc concentration (97.7 ± 13.1 mg/L) than subjects with overweight (87.0 ± 12.8 mg/L) and obesity (83.1 ± 6.6 mg/L) (p = 0.002). Pearson test showed a positive correlation between serum zinc concentrations and ZnT1 mRNA expression in visceral adipose tissue (r = 0.323; p = 0.031) and a negative correlation with body mass index (r = - 0.358; p = 0.013). A linear regression model was used to analyze the associations between ZnT1 mRNA expression and serum zinc levels, insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), serum adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), and serum inflammation biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein). Interestingly, leptin concentrations were negatively associated with ZnT1 mRNA expression (p = 0.012); however, no significant associations were found for the rest of the analyzed variables. Future research is needed to analyze the causality of negative association between ZntT1 expression in visceral adipose tissue and leptin.

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Hyperinflammation present in individuals with severe COVID-19 has been associated with an exacerbated cytokine production and hyperactivated immune cells. Endoplasmic reticulum stress leading to the unfolded protein response has been recently reported as an active player in inducing inflammatory responses. Once unfolded protein response is activated, GRP78, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperone, is translocated to the cell surface (sGRP78), where it is considered a cell stress marker; however, its presence has not been evaluated in immune cells during disease. Here we assessed the presence of sGRP78 on different cell subsets in blood samples from severe or convalescent COVID-19 patients. The frequency of CD45+sGRP78+ cells was higher in patients with the disease compared to convalescent patients. The latter showed similar frequencies to healthy controls. In patients with COVID-19, the lymphoid compartment showed the highest presence of sGRP78+ cells versus the myeloid compartment. CCL2, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, and international normalized ratio measurements showed a positive correlation with the frequency of CD45+sGRP78+ cells. Finally, gene expression microarray data showed that activated T and B cells increased the expression of GRP78, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors acquired sGRP78 upon activation with ionomycin and PMA. Thus, our data highlight the association of sGRP78 on immune cells in patients with severe COVID-19.

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INTRODUCTION: The aim of this is study was to analyse the expression of miR-193b, miR-378, miR-Let7-d, and miR-222 in human visceral adipose tissue (VAT), as well as their association with obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and their role in the regulation of genes controlling adipose tissue homeostasis, including adipocytokines, the phosphatase and tension homologue (PTEN), and tumour protein 53 (p53). MATERIAL AND METHODS: VAT was obtained from normal-weight (NW), overweight, and obese (OW/OB) subjects with and without IR. Stem-loop RT-qPCR was used to evaluate miRNA expression levels. miRTarBase 4.0, miRWalk, and DIANA-TarBase v8 were used for prediction of validated target gene of the miRNA analysed. A qPCR was used to evaluate PTEN, p53, leptin (LEP), and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) mRNA. RESULTS: miR-222 was lower in IR subjects, and miR-222 and miR-378 negatively correlated with HOMA-IR. PTEN and p53 are miR-222 direct targets according to databases. mRNA expression of PTEN and p53 was lower in OW/OB subjects with and without IR, compared to NW group and its levels positively associated with miR-222. Additionally, p53 and PTEN are positively associated with serum leptin levels. On the other hand, miR-193b and miR-378 negatively correlated with serum leptin but not with mRNA levels. Moreover, miR-Let-7d negatively correlated with serum adiponectin but not with adiponectin mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Lower miR-222 levels are associated with IR, and PTEN and p53 expression; the implication of these genes in adipose tissue homeostasis needs more research.

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BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VD) has been classically associated with calcium homeostasis and bone mineral density since it has a key role on mineralization and resorption. Immunomodulatory effects have been attributable to VD; low concentrations of VD have been associated with elevation of inflammatory markers. Inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurodegenerative suffering, whose etiology is still unknown, is directly related to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 17 and interleukin 1ß who play an important role in this physiopathology. Nowadays, even though additional studies have linked MS's clinical signs with low VD concentration, there is scarce information of this association in people from regions with sufficient sun exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum VD and cytokine concentrations, and bone density, in Mexican people with MS. METHODS: Vitamin D (25OHD), interleukin 1ß, interleukin 6 and interleukin 17 concentrations of twenty-five volunteers with MS were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone mineral density and body composition assessment was performed by dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: A mean concentration of 17.3 ± 4.6 ng/ml of 25OHD was obtained, in a range of 5.15 to 25.71 ng/ml; when international advisory bodies thresholds were applied 76% of the participants exhibited some degree of VD inadequacy. Pro-inflammatory markers were detectable among the participants: interleukin 1ß in 100%, interleukin 6 in 64%, whereas interleukin 17 was found in 24% of the volunteers. Bone mineral density below the expected for the age was found in 8% of the participants, with lumbar spine as the most affected anatomic region. Non-significant correlations were found between VD and bone mineral density (Z-score) or pro-inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: Although non-significant correlations were found between VD and bone mineral density or cytokines, it is important to highlight that an important percentage of our participants exhibited some degree of VD inadequacy, an unknown fact for them, since these are not included in routine clinical evaluations. The low concentrations of VD among this sample regardless of annual UVB sun exposure may suggest the involvement of endogenous and not environmental factors. Further works are needed in order to deepen the physiological causes and effects of VD deficiency in people with MS.

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RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar la prevalencia de consumo de sustancias estimulantes en la población estudiantil de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, sede San Pedro, y algunos factores asociados a estos hábitos. Materiales y Métodos La investigación es un estudio transversal de tipo observacional y analítico en la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Sede San Pedro. Donde se utilizó como instrumento de recolección de información encuestas dirigidas a estudiantes de las diferentes carreras universitarias. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS 19. Resultados La edad promedio de los estudiantes universitarios es de 20,6 años y las sustancias estimulantes de mayor consumo por parte de estos son las bebidas gaseosas y el café. Existe una diferencia significativa entre el consumo productos que contienen nicotina entre hombre y mujeres. Más del 50% de la población universitaria encuestada pertenece a carreras del área de ciencias de la salud. Conclusiones El sexo, el estado civil, el estado laboral, el nivel académico, la facultad en la que se estudia y la provincia de residencia, no son factores que influyan de en el consumo de sustancias estimulantes dentro de la población universitaria de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, siendo la única excepción el consumo de nicotina y su relación con el sexo del sujeto.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the prevalence of stimulant use among the student population at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus, and some factors associated with these habits. Materials and Methods This is an analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus. Surveys aimed at students of the different university careers were used as an instrument to collect information. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 19 software. Results The average age of university students was 20.6 years, and the most commonly used stimulants were soft drinks and coffee. There is a significant difference among men and women regarding the consumption of nicotine-containing products. More than 50% of the university population surveyed was enrolled in Health Sciences programs. Conclusions Sex, marital status, work status, academic level, the faculty in which the students are enrolled, and the province of residence are not factors that influence the use of stimulants by the university population of the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. The only exception was nicotine consumption and its relationship to the sex of the individual.

RESUMO: Objetivo Identificar a prevalência do consumo de substâncias estimulantes na população estudantil da Universidade Latina da Costa Rica, campus de San Pedro, e alguns fatores associados a esses hábitos. Materiais e métodos A pesquisa é um estudo transversal observacional e analítico da Universidade Latina da Costa Rica, campus de San Pedro. Onde pesquisas destinadas a estudantes de diferentes carreiras universitárias foram usadas como um instrumento para coletar informações. A análise estatística foi realizada com o software SPSS 19. Resultados A idade média dos estudantes universitários é de 20,6 anos e as substâncias estimulantes mais consumidas por eles são refrigerantes e café. Existe uma diferença significativa entre o consumo de produtos que contêm nicotina entre homens e mulheres. Mais de 50% da população universitária pesquisada pertence a carreiras na área das ciências da saúde. Conclusões Sexo, estado civil, emprego, nível acadêmico, escola em que é estudado e província de residência não são fatores que influenciam o consumo de substâncias estimulantes na população universitária da Universidade Latina de Costa Rica, a única exceção é o consumo de nicotina e sua relação com o sexo do sujeito.(AU)

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OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of stimulant use among the student population at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus, and some factors associated with these habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus. Surveys aimed at students of the different university careers were used as an instrument to collect information. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 19 software. RESULTS: The average age of university students was 20.6 years, and the most commonly used stimulants were soft drinks and coffee. There is a significant difference among men and women regarding the consumption of nicotine-containing products. More than 50% of the university population surveyed was enrolled in Health Sciences programs. CONCLUSIONS: Sex, marital status, work status, academic level, the faculty in which the students are enrolled, and the province of residence are not factors that influence the use of stimulants by the university population of the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. The only exception was nicotine consumption and its relationship to the sex of the individual.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia de consumo de sustancias estimulantes en la población estudiantil de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, sede San Pedro, y algunos factores asociados a estos hábitos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: La investigación es un estudio transversal de tipo observacional y analítico en la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Sede San Pedro. Donde se utilizó como instrumento de recolección de información encuestas dirigidas a estudiantes de las diferentes carreras universitarias. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS 19. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio de los estudiantes universitarios es de 20,6 años y las sustancias estimulantes de mayor consumo por parte de estos son las bebidas gaseosas y el café. Existe una diferencia significativa entre el consumo productos que contienen nicotina entre hombre y mujeres. Más del 50% de la población universitaria encuestada pertenece a carreras del área de ciencias de la salud. CONCLUSIONES: El sexo, el estado civil, el estado laboral, el nivel académico, la facultad en la que se estudia y la provincia de residencia, no son factores que influyan de en el consumo de sustancias estimulantes dentro de la población universitaria de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, siendo la única excepción el consumo de nicotina y su relación con el sexo del sujeto.

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In Mexico one in 14 deaths are caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) or by the macro and microvascular disorders derived from it. A continuous hyperglycemic state is characteristic of DM, resulting from a sustained state of insulin resistance and/or a dysfunction of ß-pancreatic cells. Acaciella angustissima is a little studied species showing a significant antioxidant activity that can be used as treatment of this disease or preventive against the complications. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of oral administration of A. angustissima methanol extract on physiological parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results indicated a significant reduction in blood glucose levels, an increase in serum insulin concentration, a decrease in lipid levels and an improvement in the parameters of kidney damage by applying a concentration of 100 mg/Kg B.W. However, glucose uptake activity was not observed in the adipocyte assay. Moreover, the extract of A. angustissima displayed potential for the complementary treatment of diabetes and its complications likely due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as protocatechuic acid. This study demonstrated that methanol extract of Acacciella angustissima has an antidiabetic effect by reducing the levels of glucose, insulin and improved physiological parameters, hypolipidemic effect, oxidative stress and renal damage in diabetic rats.

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BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the principal causes of non-traumatic neurological disability among young adults. The unpredictable and progressive evolution of multiple sclerosis is associated with a decline in physical and psychological health, affecting quality of life, which may be influenced by additional physical and psycho-social factors. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation aims to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), use of coping strategies and their relationship with other physical and psycho-social factors among 26 Mexican persons with MS. METHODS: Eight questionnaires were administrated for evaluation of the additional psycho-social and physical factors, including quality of life, coping strategies, social support system, family functionality, depression and anxiety prevalence. RESULTS: Results showed that the use of positive coping strategies (84.6% of our population) improve QoL perception (r = 0.396, p = 0.045) and the following domains: physical health (r = 0.514, p = 0.009), psychological health (r = 0.516, p = 0.008), social relationships (r = 0.654, p = 0.000) and environment (r = 0.600, p = 0.002). Negative correlations were observed between QoL and the presence of symptoms of both depression (r = -0.557, p = 0.003) and anxiety (r = -0.517, p = 0.007). A multiple linear regression model showed that QoL can be explained by physical and psycho-social factor in 54.6% of the cases that were evaluated. CONCLUSION: The use of positive coping strategies in conjunction with a suitable psycho-social environment and good physical health result in a better perception of QoL in Mexican patients living with MS. Still, the negative factors are ineffectively diagnosed and hence generally under treated in medical MS monitoring. An interdisciplinary evaluation will provide the adequate tools to confront the diagnosis and the uncertainty of multiple sclerosis evolution, benefiting the QoL of Mexican patients with MS.

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Taeniasis-cysticercosis, a zoonosis caused by Taenia solium, is prevalent in underdeveloped countries, where marginalization promotes its continued transmission. Pig cysticercosis, an essential stage for transmission, is preventable by vaccination. An efficient multiepitope vaccine against pig cysticercosis, S3Pvac, was developed. Previous studies showed that antibodies against one of the S3Pvac components, GK-1, are capable of damaging T. solium cysticerci, inhibiting their ability to transform into the adult stage in golden hamster gut. This study is aimed to evaluate one of the mechanisms that could mediate anti-GK-1 antibody-dependent protection. To this end, pig anti-GK-1 antibodies were produced and purified by using protein A. Proteomic analysis showed that the induced antibodies recognized the respective native cysticercal protein KE7 (Bobes et al. Infect Immun 85:e00395-17, 2017) and two additional T. solium proteins (endophilin B1 and Gp50). A new procedure to evaluate cysticercus viability, based on quantifying the cytochrome c released after parasite damage, was developed. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci were cultured in the presence of differing amounts of anti-GK-1 antibody and complement in a saturating concentration, along with the respective controls. Cysticercus viability was assessed by recording parasite motility, trypan blue exclusion, and cytochrome c levels in cysticercal soluble extract. Anti-GK-1 antibody significantly increased cysticercus damage as measured by all three methods. Parasite evaluation by electron microscopy after treatment with anti-GK-1 antibody plus complement demonstrated cysticercus damage as shorter, capsule-severed microtrichia; a decrease in glycocalyx length with respect to untreated cysts; and disaggregated desmosomes. These results demonstrate that anti-GK-1 antibodies damage cysticerci through classic complement activation.

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The aim of this study was to report a diffuse unilateral seminoma in a 4-year-old fighting rooster (Gallus gallus) by considering the anatomic, pathological and ultrastructural features. A significant decline in the viability of the bird's embryos was reported during the last year. The bird died with a marked abdominal distention. During necropsy, a firm ovoid neoplasm of approximately 9 cm long, 8 cm wide and 5 cm thick was found in the region adjacent to the pronephros, replacing the left testicle. The neoplasia was soft and encapsulated, and the cut surface showed extensive areas of haemorrhage interspersed with necrotic areas. Histologically, the neoplastic cells formed large mantles or cords with moderate and eosinophilic cytoplasm. The nuclei were pleomorphic, and some of them were central, while others were eccentric. Mitoses were scarce. Some important findings in the ultrastructural study were nuclei exhibited an elongated, electrodense, rope-like nucleoli and the presence of scarce intracytoplasmic glycogen. The anatomo-pathological and ultrastructural findings of the tumour were consistent with a seminoma. The ultrastructural study provided important support for the diagnosis, as other tumours were ruled out. The early diagnosis of malignant or benign testicular tumours in birds is the key for a timely treatment, as these tumours can metastasize or grow to such an extent that they compromise the lives of birds, as in the present case.

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