Search Results (71)

Palindromic antimicrobial peptides (PAMs) constitute versatile scaffolds for the design and optimization of anticancer agents with applications in therapy, diagnosis, and/or monitoring. In the present study, fluorolabeled peptides derived from the palindromic sequence RWQWRWQWR containing fluorescent probes, such as 2-Aminobenzoyl, 5(6)-Carboxyfluorescein, and Rhodamine B, were obtained. RP-HPLC analysis revealed that the palindromic peptide conjugated to Rhodamine B (RhB-RWQWRWQWR) exhibited the presence of isomers, likely corresponding to the open-ring and spiro-lactam forms of the fluorescent probe. This equilibrium is dependent on the peptide sequence, as the RP-HPLC analysis of dimeric peptide (RhB-RRWQWR-hF-KKLG)₂K-Ahx did not reveal the presence of isomers. The antibacterial activity of the fluorescent peptides depends on the probe attached to the sequence and the bacterial strain tested. Notably, some fluorescent peptides showed activity against reference strains as well as sensitive, resistant, and multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, and E. faecalis. Fluorolabeled peptides 1-Abz (MIC = 62 µM), RhB-1 (MIC = 62 µM), and Abz-1 (MIC = 31 µM) exhibited significant activity against clinical isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, and E. faecalis, respectively. The RhB-1 (IC₅₀ = 61 µM), Abz-1 (IC₅₀ = 87 µM), and RhB-2 (IC₅₀ = 35 µM) peptides exhibited a rapid, significant, and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells, accompanied by morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis. RhB-1 (IC₅₀ = 18 µM) peptide also exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells MCF-7. These conjugates remain valuable for elucidating the possible mechanisms of action of these novel anticancer peptides. Rhodamine-labeled peptides displayed cytotoxicity comparable to that of their unlabeled analogues, suggesting that cellular internalization constitutes a critical early step in their mechanism of action. These findings suggest that cell death induced by both unlabeled and fluorolabeled peptides proceeds predominantly via apoptosis and is likely contingent upon peptide internalization. Functionalization at the N-terminal end of the palindromic sequence can be evaluated to develop systems for transporting non-protein molecules into cancer cells. Full article

Background: Sex differences in type 2 diabetes (T2D) are a growing area of diabetes research. No data have been reported on sex differences with oral semaglutide (oSEMA) in a real-world setting. Methods: We included people with T2D who started treatment with oSEMA in routine clinical practice between November 2021 and November 2022, with at least one report of clinical follow-up (FU) data at 3 months. We evaluated in women with T2D (WWT2D) the clinical effectiveness of oSEMA and factors associated with clinical response and persistence. We also analyzed differences in baseline characteristics, clinical effectiveness, persistence rates and safety according to biological sex. Results: Of the 1018 subjects [median age: 63 years, body mass index (BMI): 33.8 kg/m², HbA1c: 7.8%], 469 were WWT2D. In WWT2D, oSEMA reduced HbA1c by 0.7% [−0.1 to −1.3] and 0.9% [−0.2 to −1.5] at the 6- and 12-month FU visits, while weight decreased by 4.6% [2.0 to 7.9] and 7.2% [2.5 to 10.9], respectively. Weight loss was >10% in 29.8% of WWT2D (95% CI 25.8 to 34.1); meanwhile, the combined endpoint (HbA1c decrease ≥ 1% + weight reduction ≥ 5%) was achieved in 23.5% (95% CI 19.8 to 27.5%) of WWT2D at the 12-month FU visit. Achievement of glycaemic targets was similar in women and men (59.3% vs. 61.1%). We found no sex differences in weight loss (6.9% vs. 6.8%), oSEMA maintenance dose, persistence rate (76.3% vs. 77.3%), or adverse events. Conclusions: oSEMA was effective and safe in WWT2D in a real-world setting, with nearly one-third of patients reporting weight loss >10% and more than two-thirds achieving HbA1c < 7%. oSEMA showed no sex bias in terms of effectiveness and safety. Full article

Dengue mortality has traditionally been associated with severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications. However, during 2024, dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) increased significantly in western Mexico, leading to the emergence of a distinct clinical pattern. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized dengue patients at the General Hospital of Colima (January–August 2024). Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and outcomes were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Among 201 hospitalized patients, 6 (3.0%) died. All deceased patients presented with generalized seizures, polyserositis (pleural effusion and/or ascites), and required mechanical ventilation. Contrary to classical patterns, they did not have severe thrombocytopenia. Instead, they showed significantly higher white blood cell counts and notably increased levels of serum urea and BUN, suggesting early renal impairment. ROC analysis indicated that BUN (AUC 0.904) and urea (AUC 0.906) were good to excellent discriminators of mortality. During 2024, with an increase in DENV-3 circulation, mortality was associated with neurological and systemic complications, including seizures and polyserositis, as well as biochemical evidence of renal dysfunction—but not with severe thrombocytopenia. These findings challenge current paradigms and highlight the need for early recognition of atypical clinical patterns. Full article

Although lagoons are sites of water accumulation and runoff where a variety of animal species and plant varieties inhabit, they have also been positioned as spaces where rituals and religious practices take place, from which the transmission of knowledge emanates, and social activities are strengthened. The Laguna de Cajititlán (Cajititlán Lagoon) in the town of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, México is a lacustrine landscape that faces a state of fragility due to incessant processes of urbanization along with basin desiccation and wastewater pollution. However, the community of Cajititlán has managed to protect its lacustrine landscape through the rescue of the religious tradition of the Procesión Los Santos Reyes (Procession of the Wise Men). Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze how this tradition, as cultural heritage, has influenced the conservation of the lacustrine landscape. We conclude that cultural heritage and the lacustrine landscape are bidirectionally correlated because fostering Indigenous traditions like the Procesión in Cajititlán, as a manifestation of devotion and faith, enhances identity, promotes tourism, and supports conservation practices and the sustainability of the lacustrine landscape. At the same time, conservation of the lacustrine landscape enables the preservation of cultural heritage, generating an interdependent relationship between these elements. Full article

In the search for safe and effective natural antioxidants, this study investigates the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of aqueous extracts obtained from three fungi of the family Hymenochaetaceae: Inonotus sp., Fulvifomes sp., and Phylloporia boldo, all associated with endemic trees of the Chilean sclerophyll forest. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Fulvifomes sp. exhibited the highest antioxidant activity across all methods, which was consistent with its elevated polyphenol content. P. boldo, on the other hand, had the highest protein concentration but comparatively lower antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the WST-1 assay in the RTgill-W1 salmonid cell line, revealing that Inonotus sp. displayed the lowest cytotoxicity at both tested concentrations, suggesting it may be suitable for bioactive applications in aquaculture. In contrast, Fulvifomes sp. and P. boldo showed significant cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of Inonotus sp. as a natural antioxidant with low cytotoxicity and encourages further exploration of native forest fungi as sources of functional bioactive compounds for food, nutraceutical, or aquaculture applications. Full article

The accumulation and improper management of mining tailings represent significant environmental and public health challenges globally, due to their potential for water contamination and the presence of heavy metals. In recent years, various studies have explored the feasibility of using mining wastes, such as tailings sludge, as partial replacements for cement in concrete mixes. The literature highlights the pozzolanic properties of mining tailings attributable to their silica and alumina content, which contribute to the improved structural characteristics, chemical resistance, and enhanced durability of concrete. This research evaluates the specific potential of gold mining tailings sludge (REMI) from the municipality of Vetas, Santander, Colombia, as a sustainable substitute in cementitious materials. Characterization methodologies including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the pozzolanic behavior of REMI due to its high content of silica- and alumina-rich amorphous phases and verified negligible contamination levels (Hg and cyanide below detectable limits). Concrete mixes with varying cement substitution levels (0% to 50%) were formulated and systematically evaluated to determine optimal substitution ranges based on criteria such as density, workability, setting time, and compressive strength. Consistent with previous studies, the results revealed an optimal replacement rate between 10% and 20%, with a particular emphasis on the 20% substitution achieving mechanical strengths comparable to traditional concrete. These findings underscore the technical viability and environmental benefits of using mining tailings sludge, contributing both to sustainable waste management and the advancement of eco-efficient concrete technologies. Full article

High silicon and molybdenum (SiMo) ductile irons present a metallic matrix composed principally of ferrite with little volume fraction of pearlite and carbides. In this work, two SiMo ductile irons with similar levels of silicon, 0.3% Mo (DI-0.3Mo) and 0.6% Mo with 0.8% Co (DI-0.6Mo-0.8Co), were evaluated to determine the effect of molybdenum and cobalt on the microstructure, hardness, and wear performance at room temperature. The microstructural characterization of the ductile irons was performed using light microscopy and SEM-EDS. At the same time, mechanical characterization was carried out using Rockwell C hardness, and wear was evaluated using reciprocating ball-on-flat sliding wear tests. The result showed that DI-0.6Mo-0.8Co obtained the higher nodule count (247 nod/mm²), nodularity (86.69%), volume fraction of ferrite (78.15%), and molybdenum carbides (2.1%), while DI-0.3Mo presented a higher volume fraction of pearlite (12.8%) and free graphite (13.88%). The higher value of Rockwell C hardness with 21.29 HRC was obtained in DI-0.6Mo-0.8Co due to a higher amount of molybdenum carbides. The wear resistance shows that the DI-0.6Mo-0.8Co sample presented the highest wear resistance due to an adequate balance between a ferritic matrix reinforced by the molybdenum and cobalt addition and a high carbide content. Full article

Background: The few epidemiologic studies of infection exposure in early life and acute leukemia (AL) risk in Latino children have yielded inconsistent results, suggesting a possible effect of ethnicity. Here, we examined the correlation between infection exposure and acute leukemia risk in children from Mexico City—One of the biggest Latino cities worldwide. Methods: This study included 1455 Mexican children diagnosed with de novo AL (2002–2016), and 1455 control individuals frequency-matched by age and health institution. The AL population included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Pre-B ALL, and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate direct and indirect proxies of infection in children or their mothers. Results: Upper respiratory tract infections during the child’s first year of life were a risk factor for AL (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.48–5.15), including ALL (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.67–5.89) and Pre-B (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.63–5.96). Mother’s infections before and during pregnancy were protective factors against AL (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.47–0.64; and OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.52–0.72, respectively). These associations included ALL and Pre-B. In contrast, only mothers’ infections before pregnancy and respiratory tract infections were protective factors against AML (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33–0.62; and OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37–0.68, respectively). Conclusions: Infections during the first year of life were associated with AL development in children of Mexico City. Additionally, mothers’ exposure to respiratory tract infections before and during pregnancy reduced the AL risk in this Latino population. Full article

In modern agriculture, fertilizers are commonly used to increase crop yields; however, their negligent use can lead to environmental pollution and the waste of essential nutrients such as inorganic phosphate (Pi). Encapsulated fertilizers are a feasible alternative that could prevent these issues, as they can protect Pi from leaching and extend the interval between applications. In this study, we developed and tested innovative fertilizers (IFs) manufactured with KH₂PO₄, encapsulated with chitosan modified via high-frequency ultrasound treatment. The characterization of these fertilizers consisted of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and scanning transmission electron microscopy to determine their sizes and forms. In addition, we evaluated the phosphate release profile using electrical conductivity. The IFs were spheroidal microcapsules with an average diameter of 0.5–2 μM and showed slow-release behavior. Their efficacy was assessed via in vivo and in vitro assays, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a study model. As expected, the IFs promoted the growth of seedlings. One of the IFs showed enhanced growth promotion, contrasting with the control. This phenotype was likely promoted by this fertilizer due to the synergistic effect of Pi and the modified chitosan used as an encapsulant matrix. Our results highlight the potential of these formulations, which have unique properties and could be used on a large scale. Full article

The host response to S. Typhimurium infection can be post-transcriptionally regulated by miRNAs. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-215 using both in vivo porcine infection models and in vitro intestinal epithelial cell lines. Several miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in the porcine ileum during infection with wild-type and SPI2-defective mutant strains of S. Typhimurium, with some changes being SPI2-dependent. Notably, miR-215 was significantly downregulated during infection. To explore its functional role, gain-of-function experiments were performed by transfecting porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) with a miR-215-5p mimic, followed by label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomic analysis. This analysis identified 157 proteins, of which 35 were downregulated in response to miR-215 overexpression, suggesting they are potential targets of this miRNA. Among these, E2 small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-conjugating enzyme UBC9 and E3 ubiquitin-ligase HUWE1 were identified as key targets, both of which are upregulated during S. Typhimurium infection. The miR-215-mediated downregulation of these proteins resulted in a significant decrease in overall ubiquitination, a process crucial for regulating inflammasome activation and autophagy. Consistently, inflammasome markers caspase 1 (CASP1) and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), as well as autophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3B) and Ras-related protein Rab-11 (RAB11A), showed decreased expression in miR-215 mimic-transfected and infected IPEC-J2 cells. To further validate these findings, human intestinal epithelial cells (HT29) were used as a complementary model, providing additional insights into conserved immune pathways and extending the observations made in the porcine system. Overall, our findings demonstrate that miR-215 plays a significant role in modulating host inflammasome activation and autophagy by targeting proteins involved in ubiquitination during S. Typhimurium infection. Full article

Concerns regarding the health risks associated with employe exposure to volatile chemicals during gasoline refueling necessitates rigorous investigation and effective countermeasures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vapor recovery systems in mitigating exposure risks during gasoline refueling. Employee exposure to volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) was assessed at gasoline stations with and without vapor recovery systems. Three stations each from the State of Mexico and Mexico City, equipped with gasoline vapor recovery systems, were compared with three stations in Guadalajara lacking such systems. The exposure concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) to benzene in Guadalajara, the State of Mexico, and Mexico City were 45 ± 29, 24 ± 20, and 18 ± 15 μg/m³, respectively, which were significantly higher than the background atmospheric concentrations at 1.6 ± 0.56, 0.72 ± 0.083, and 0.65 ± 0.14 μg/m³, respectively. Similarly, the exposure concentrations of toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes at gasoline stations were significantly higher than the background atmospheric concentrations. However, the exposure concentrations of formaldehyde and PM_2.5 were similar to the background atmospheric concentrations. The excess cancer risks due to benzene exposure were estimated at 1.2–4.2 × 10⁻⁵, 0.63–2.2 × 10⁻⁵, and 0.46–1.6 × 10⁻⁵ (mean) and 0.42–1.5 × 10⁻⁴, 0.29–1.0 × 10⁻⁴, and 2.4–8.6 × 10⁻⁵ (maximum) in Guadalajara, the State of Mexico, and Mexico City, respectively. The risk to employees in gasoline stations was reduced by 47–61% in service stations with gasoline vapor recovery systems. Full article

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has become a vital tool in forestry for accurately measuring tree parameters, such as diameter at breast height (DBH). However, its application in Mexican forests remains underexplored. This study evaluates the performance of five two-dimensional DBH estimation algorithms (Nelder–Mead, least squares, Hough transform, RANSAC, and convex hull) within a temperate Mexican forest and explores their broader applicability across diverse ecosystems, using published point cloud data from various scanning devices. Results indicate that algorithm accuracy is influenced by local factors like point cloud density, occlusion, vegetation, and tree structure. In the Mexican study area, the Nelder–Mead algorithm achieved the highest accuracy (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 1.59 cm, MAPE = 6.12%), closely followed by least squares (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 1.67 cm, MAPE = 6.42%), with different outcomes in other sites. These findings advance DBH estimation methods by highlighting the importance of tailored algorithm selection and environmental considerations, thereby contributing to more accurate and efficient forest management across various landscapes. Full article

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection that requires early detection to prevent complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CT among asymptomatic women in Spain and investigate the relationship between CT and risk factors associated with sexual practices, as well as factors such as stress and depression. Results: We found that 3.8% of asymptomatic women tested positive for CT. Our findings suggested that having more than five sexual partners increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 3.87 times when compared with having fewer partners (p = 0.005, OR: 3.87, 95% CI 1.24–11.65). Additionally, 4.5% of participants admitted to using drugs. We found that there was a slightly higher proportion of anxiety and depression among women who tested positive for CT. Conclusions: We aimed to establish a basis for the implementation of screening in asymptomatic women. Early identification and preventive measures are crucial in minimizing the long-term complications and transmission of the disease. Sexual behavior must be recognized as a risk factor, and women’s psychological well-being should be given top priority as a vital aspect of their sexual health. Full article

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by a predisposition to generate seizures. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiseizure drug that has demonstrated oxidant–antioxidant effects during the early stages of epilepsy in several animal models. However, the effect of LEV on oxidant–antioxidant activity during long-term epilepsy has not been studied. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of LEV on the concentrations of five antioxidant enzymes and on the levels of four oxidant stress markers in the hippocampus of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy at 5.7 months after status epilepticus (SE). The results revealed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly greater in the epileptic group (EPI) than in the control (CTRL), CTRL + LEV and EPI + LEV groups. No significant differences were found among the groups’ oxidant markers. However, the ratios of SOD/hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), SOD/glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and SOD/GPx + catalase (CAT) were greater in the EPI group than in the CTRL and EPI + LEV groups. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between SOD activity and GPx activity in the EPI + LEV group. LEV-mediated modulation of the antioxidant system appears to be time dependent; at 5.7 months after SE, the role of LEV may be as a stabilizer of the redox state. Full article

Objectives: To analyze the associations between the different operational definitions of sarcopenia published in the last decade and reduced muscle power with a set of adverse health-related outcomes, such as comorbidities, depression, polypharmacy, self-perceived health, educational attainment, socioeconomic status, falls, and hospitalizations in Spanish community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A total of 686 community-dwelling older adults (median age: 72; women: 59.2%; physically active: 84%) were included in this cross-sectional analysis (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05148351). Sarcopenia was assessed using the FNIH, EWGSOP2, AWGS, and SDOC algorithms. Reduced muscle power was defined as the lowest sex-specific tertile and measured during the rising phase of the sit-to-stand test using a validated mobile application. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions by potential confounders were performed to identify the association between sarcopenia and reduced muscle power with health-related outcomes. Results: Sarcopenia prevalence was 3.4%, 3.8%, 12.4%, and 21.3% according to the SDOC, FNIH, EWGSOP2, and AWGS, respectively. Among these definitions, moderate and large associations with health-related outcomes were observed for EWGSOP2 and SDOC, respectively, but few associations were found for FNIH and AWGS criteria. Reduced muscle power was associated more frequently and moderately with health-related outcomes compared to sarcopenia definitions. These associations remained constant after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: The prevalence and impact of sarcopenia varied depending on the definitions used. Among the sarcopenia definitions, the SDOC exhibited the strongest associations, while reduced muscle power was the variable most frequently associated with health-related outcomes compared to any of the four sarcopenia definitions in well-functioning and physically active community-dwelling older adults. Full article