Introduction. Evidence regarding the effects of superficial thermotherapy on surface electromyographic activity remains limited and heterogeneous. Despite its widespread use in physical rehabilitation, there is still no consensus regarding its influence on the amplitude of the muscle electromyographic signal. Objective. To evaluate changes in the amplitude of the surface electromyographic signal of the right vastus lateralis muscle, at rest and during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), following the application of superficial heat using a moist hot pack. Methods. Surface electromyographic measurements were obtained before and after the application of heat for 15 minutes over the right vastus lateralis muscle in 51 healthy subjects. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Pre–post comparisons were performed using paired Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, as appropriate. Additionally, effect sizes (Cohen’s dz and r) with their corresponding confidence intervals were calculated. Results. No statistically significant differences were observed in electromyographic activity after heat application, either at rest or during MVIC (p>0.05). Effect sizes were trivial or small (dz=0.17 at rest and dz=0.0097 during MVIC), indicating the absence of clinically meaningful changes. Conclusions. The application of superficial thermotherapy using a moist hot pack did not produce statistically significant or clinically meaningful changes in the amplitude of the surface electromyographic signal of the right vastus lateralis muscle in healthy subjects.
Introduction: Employment status has been associated with declining health among university faculty, especially in crisis contexts such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To evaluate the association between employment status and health profile, as well as the risk of COVID-19 infection, among faculty members at the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala during the pandemic. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2022 with a convenience sample of 1,645 faculty members from the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala. A questionnaire, validated by experts, was used to collect sociodemographic and health data, differentiating between employment statuses (full-time vs. part-time). Associations between variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and adjusted residuals. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to control for confounding variables. Results: Full-time teachers had a higher frequency of chronic degenerative diseases than part-time teachers. Logistic regression confirmed that employment status was significantly associated with the risk of COVID-19 infection (OR = 0.667, 95% CI: 0.51–0.873, p = 0.0031), after controlling for age, sex, and the presence of chronic degenerative diseases. The presence of chronic degenerative diseases was the strongest predictor (OR = 1.576, 95% CI: 1.108–2.219, p = 0.0101). Conclusions: Employment type is associated with the health profile of university academics. Results should be interpreted with caution given the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling and cannot be generalized to the broader university teaching population.
Introduction. Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication, characterized by alterations in motor and sensory nerves. Apoptosis has been implicated in this process related to phosphatidylcholine homeostasis, which is partially regulated by the NTE esterase. Objective. This study evaluated the effect of reduced NTE expression in motor neurons in an early-stage experimental model of diabetic neuropathy in rats. Materials and methods. Two-months-old, male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: negative control (C), treated with streptozotocin (ND); treated with an interfering RNA against NTE (iNTE); and treated with streptozotocin plus the interfering RNA (ND-iNTE). The motor nerve conduction velocity was measured along with other diabetes markers. The ventral thoracolumbar portion of the spinal cord was used to determine apoptosis by the TUNEL assay. NTE expression was assessed by RT-qPCR, and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and phosphatidylcholine concentrations were determined by colorimetry. Results. In the streptozotocin-treated group, NTE expression and nerve conduction velocity decreased significantly, and neuronal apoptosis was observed. When NTE expression was inhibited, nerve conduction velocity and phosphatidylcholine levels decreased. However, apoptosis was not observed. Conclusion. The results indicate an association between NTE and decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, alterations in lipid homeostasis, and neuronal death in diabetes. However, it does not appear to be the only mechanism involved.
Introduction. The golden staphylococcus, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, is a Gram-positive, pathogenic, and opportunistic bacterium whose resistance to β-lactams represents a global public health challenge. It is considered one of the most serious threats to public health and is the leading cause of bacterial mortality in 135 countries. Objective. The study aimed to determine the frequency of S. aureus and its β-lactam antibiotic resistance among ambulatory patients in the El Pangui Canton and to assess the distribution by sex and age. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study using non-probabilistic convenience sampling was conducted, analyzing 422 oropharyngeal samples (the oropharynx is the oral cavity, located between the mouth and the pharynx). These samples were processed through a blood agar culture, biochemical tests for catalase and coagulase, Gram staining, and antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test and the Odds Ratio, with a 95% confidence interval. Results. The frequency was 23% (96 of 422 patients); 66% (63 of 96) of the isolates were β-lactam-resistant, and 51% (32 of 63) exhibited simultaneous resistance. No significant association was found between frequency or resistance and sex or age (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The results showed a considerable frequency of S. aureus in oropharyngeal samples. This bacterium exhibited resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, primarily penicillin, oxacillin and ceftriaxone. This finding confirms the studied community as a significant reservoir of the pathogen and highlights the risk of transmission, underscoring the importance of epidemiological surveillance.
microRNAs play a key role in epigenetic and post-transcriptional mechanisms, developing mechanisms that allow us to understand the transcriptomics of brain function; this is an incentive to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, which have a higher incidence; currently, the characterization of miRNAs in the prodromal phase opens new avenues that allow them to be used as promising biomarkers, given their intricate role in various signaling pathways.
Introduction. Tick-borne zoonotic diseases, caused by hemotropic organisms of the families Anaplasmataceae and Babesiidae, are of great extent in most countries of the American tropical region, generating severe and frequent outbreaks in human populations. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of tick-borne parasitic infections and co-infections caused by the genera Anaplasma, Babesia and Ehrlichia in humans exposed to tick-bites through farming or residence in rural areas of Western Venezuela. Materials and methods. Parasitological and molecular (PCR) methodologies in peripheral blood samples were used to detect tick-borne organisms (Anaplasma, Babesia and Ehrlichia) in human populations from rural areas. A total of 346 blood samples were evaluated. These included, 226 of patients referred to a diagnostic center in Mérida state coming from different health units and, 120 from schoolchildren and parents sampled in three communities of Barinas state. Results. The occurrence of infection and co-infection by Anaplasma sp, Babesia sp and/or Ehrlichia sp across different age-groups, was recorded. Anaplasma sp. infection was detected with higher frequency in all the study-groups. Anaplasma and Babesia are widespread and well adapted-infections to a higher degree than Ehrlichia. Particularly, in the group studied from Barinas’ state statistical analyses revealed an epidemiological relationship between Anaplasma and Babesia co-infection, showing the higher prevalence (92% and 95% respectively) and strong association in infected individuals, indicating ancient-relationships with tick-vector. Conclusion. These findings highlight the significant public health burden of tick-borne diseases in rural Western Venezuela and the need for enhance surveillance and control measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Low height-for-age and undernutrition are terms often used in nutritional and growth assessment. While these conditions describe different situations, in the academia are commonly used as synonymous. Low height-for-age or growth retardation referers to the presence of a stature below to what is expected for age and sex based on a growth reference or standard. Undernutrition describe a patological condition characterized by a decrease in the energetic and nutritional reserves in the body with relevant implications for health status. Genetic variability in populations and plasticity produce variability in growth measures. Therefore, short staure during the growth process not necesarily mirrors undernutrition. The use of these terms as synonymous have relevant implications in the description of health status of populations and also for feedback purposes with children's parents. Strategies to improve health status in vulnerable populations requiere the appropiate use of available terms.
Introduction: Inflammatory pain is a type of adaptive and protective pain caused by tissue damage or infection and mediated by the release of inflammatory factors. Several studies have shown that probiotics, especially those of the Lactobacillus genus, can reduce inflammatory and nociceptive factors, which are associated with pain relief. Objective: To evaluate the antinociceptive effect of L. plantarum in a formalin-induced inflammatory pain model. Methods: Female Wistar rats weighing between 180-200 g were used. The animals were divided into two groups (n=4 each): a vehicle group without treatment and a probiotic group treated with L. plantarum (1.5 × 10⁸ CFU/mL) orally for six months. At the end of the intervention, the formalin test was performed and the number of flinches of the injected limb was recorded over a 60-minute period . The AUC was then calculated and the groups were compared using Student's t-test. Results: In phase 1, the group treated with L. plantarum showed a lower initial nociceptive response compared to the vehicle group, although this effect was not statistically significant. However, in phase 2, the group treated with the probiotic exhibited a consistently lower number of flinches over time, indicating an antinociceptive effect of L. plantarum. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that L. plantarum could represent a promising therapeutic alternative that contributes to the management of acute inflammatory pain by acting through the gut-brain axis.
Introduction: Pituitary macroadenomas may cause progressive neurological deficits due to compression of adjacent structures. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of visual and endocrine complications. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male presented with a one-year history of right-sided headache, facial pain, and progressive visual field impairment. Initial evaluations attributed symptoms to dental pathology and later to trigeminal neuralgia. Neuroimaging performed more than one year after symptom onset revealed a 27× 35 × 31 mm parasellar pituitary macroadenoma. The patient underwent transcranial surgical resection, achieving subtotal tumor removal without postoperative neurological or endocrine deficits. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered due to residual tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor without atypia. Discussion: This case illustrates how delayed imaging assessment in patients with persistent unilateral headache and visual symptoms may postpone the diagnosis of intracranial tumors, leading to potentially preventable morbidity. Early neuroimaging should be considered when neurological warning signs are present.
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. In BC, cells increase their metabolism by regulating multiple metabolic pathways. In this descriptive review, recent literature indexed in PubMed was reviewed, and the current state of knowledge on tryptophan (Trp) metabolism, the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway and its derived metabolites, their relationship with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-mediated signaling in BC, and their potential as a therapeutic target was discussed. Three Trp catabolism enzymes are overexpressed in breast cancer: indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 and 2 (IDO1/2) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO2). They catalyze the degradation step from Trp to Kyn an AHR ligand. The AHR is a transcription factor characterized by its role in mediating toxicity and adaptive responses to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and has been detected overexpressed in breast tumors. Kyn and other metabolites derived from Trp activate signaling pathways through the AHR, which stimulates IDO1 expression, increasing Kyn levels and promoting an immunosuppressive circuit. Furthermore, substantial evidence has shown that this mechanism drives the progression of BC. The idea of inhibiting these molecules has aroused great expectations to find new drugs for BC therapy.
The skin is the largest and most extensive organ in the human body and forms the boundary between the individual and their environment. The skin's microbiota is closely linked to it and plays various roles in dermatological health. Skin dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the diversity and quantity of microorganisms, leads to skin diseases. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with skin disorders resulting from dysbiosis. Furthermore, it has been suggested that biotic components can restore skin dysbiosis. The objective of this review is therefore to analyze the effect of such components, including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, and postbiotics, in counteracting skin dysbiosis and restoring the skin microbiota. Studies published in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar between 2020 and 2025 were included in the search, using the keywords “biotic components” and “dermatological diseases” in English or Spanish. This descriptive review examined biotic components incorporated into dermatological products to treat conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis and skin cancer. In conclusion, dermatological products fortified with probiotics, prebiotics and/or postbiotics offer therapeutic potential for treating skin conditions and improving skin aesthetics
El carcinoma oral de células escamosas (COCE) representa más del 90 % de los casos de cáncer oral, y su detección temprana mejora significativamente el pronóstico. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los casos se diagnostica en etapas avanzadas. Los microARN (miARN), pequeñas moléculas de ARN no codificante que regulan procesos celulares clave, han surgido como biomarcadores salivales no invasivos con potencial para el diagnóstico precoz del COCE. Esta revisión sistematizada tuvo como objetivo analizar la utilidad diagnóstica de los miARN salivales como herramientas moleculares para la detección temprana del COCE. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect y Google Scholar, utilizando términos en inglés relacionados con “salivary microRNAs” y “oral squamous cell carcinoma”, y se incluyeron artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años. Se priorizaron estudios clínicos y moleculares con rigor metodológico. Los resultados identificaron miARN clave como miR-21, miR-31, miR-125a y miR-200a, asociados con progresión tumoral, diferenciación celular y metástasis. Estos miARN, detectables en saliva mediante técnicas como RT-qPCR, microarrays o secuenciación, mostraron sensibilidad y especificidad diagnóstica promedio entre 70 % y 85 %, mejorando al combinarse en paneles moleculares. Su estabilidad estructural en saliva y la correlación con el microambiente tumoral respaldan su aplicabilidad clínica. En conclusión, los miARN salivales representan una alternativa diagnóstica innovadora, accesible y mínimamente invasiva para el tamizaje del cáncer oral. No obstante, su implementación en la práctica odontológica y en programas de detección temprana requiere estudios multicéntricos de validación, estandarización de protocolos y desarrollo de plataformas clínicas sensibles, rápidas y escalables.Palabras clave: Biomarcadores salivales, Cáncer oral, COCE, microARN, Detección temprana, Saliva.
Air pollution is a growing threat to environmental and human health, particularly in densely populated and industrial regions such as Baja California (Mexico) and California (USA). This narrative review, informed by a structured literature search, explores the use of honey bees (Apis mellifera) as bioindicators of air quality and their relevance for environmental and public health surveillance within a One Health framework. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/PubMed Central in May 2025, with no restrictions on language or study type, using MeSH terms and relevant keywords combined with Boolean operators. A manual search of key references was also performed. The selection process included duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text review using predefined inclusion criteria. Evidence indicates that bees accumulate atmospheric contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, particulate matter, and microplastics, across various matrices such as wings, pollen, and honey. These exposures trigger sublethal physiological responses, including oxidative stress and enzymatic alterations, paralleling early pathophysiological mechanisms in humans (e.g., IL-6 and TNF-α–mediated inflammation). Bee-based biomonitoring represents a cost-effective, sensitive, and scalable approach for identifying pollution hotspots and potential human exposure zones. The use of honey bees as environmental bioindicators can enhance early detection of pollution-related health risks, especially in regions with limited air quality infrastructure. Implementing standardized analytical protocols and fostering binational cooperation between Mexico and the United States could strengthen One Health surveillance networks. This integrative approach provides a practical model for linking environmental monitoring with preventive public health strategies.
Introducción. La leishmaniasis cutánea localizada (LCL) es una zoonosis endémica de la península de Yucatán, donde el principal riesgo de infección está asociado con el ingreso a las áreas selváticas. Caso clínico. Se describe un caso de LCL con adenopatía cervical en un paciente pediátrico que visitó áreas endémicas de la península de Yucatán. La linfadenopatía, signo no asociado comúnmente a la LCL en la región, provocó la falta de diagnóstico oportuno y un largo esquema de tratamiento. Dada la presentación atípica, se identificó la especie de Leishmania mediante PCR-RFLP. La lesión se asoció a infección por Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana. El paciente se trató exitosamente con 30 ámpulas de antimoniato de meglumina vía intramuscular.Conclusión. Se sugiere la inclusión de adenopatías al cuadro clínico de LCL causada por L. (L.) mexicana y la difusión de la enfermedad entre la comunidad médica y la población en general, dada la tendencia epidemiológica creciente de la enfermedad en la región.
Introducción. Yersinia frederiksenii es una bacteria que puede causar infecciones intestinales en humanos y raramente infecciones extraintestinales. Yersinia frederiksenii se aísla de muestras de heces y pocas veces de la sangre y esputo. Caso Clínico. Se reporta el caso de un masculino de 73 años que cursó con infección en vías urinarias y que posterior a su internamiento se complicó con sepsis aislándose Yersinia frederiksenii en muestras de sangre y orina, ameritando manejo en urgencias y medicina interna. Previamente, el paciente presentó infección de catéter de hemodiálisis por Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus recibiendo tratamiento farmacológico erradicando la presencia de ambas bacterias. La evolución del paciente fue insatisfactoria llegando al deceso a pesar del tratamiento antimicrobiano. Discusión.La inmunodepresión presentada por el paciente facilitó la infección por Yersinia frederiksenii. Se hacen recomendaciones de diagnóstico y tratamiento. El presente caso es el primer informe de urosepsis causada por Yersinia frederiksenii.Palabras clave: Yersinia frederiksenii, Insuficiencia renal, Septicemia, Hemodiálisis, Sepsis
Introduction: Titanium dioxide (TiOâ‚‚) finds use in various medical applications and devices. Its unique properties, particularly its band gap, play a key role in these applications. TiO2‚ is widely employed in biomedical contexts due to its capability to reflect and scatter UV radiation, as well as its antimicrobial properties. Objective: This study aimed to present an eco-friendly, low-temperature, and rapid method for synthesizing black titanium dioxide nanoparticles (BTiO2NPs) and to evaluate their cytotoxicity in human embryonic kidney cells. Methods: An aqueous medium, ascorbic acid, and titanium chloride (TiCl3) were utilized for the synthesis. Nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of BTiO2NPs was evaluated with the trypan blue exclusion and XTT assays. Results: The obtained anatase had a crystallite size of under 10 nm, exhibiting a spherical morphology and oxygen-deficient surfaces. With excess TiCl3, an amorphous TiO2 phase could also form. The same synthesis without ascorbic acid yielded a rutile phase with a nanometric size. Over 80% viability was achieved in HEK-293T human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293 T, CRL-3216 ATCC) across all treatments; a minimal time- and concentration-dependent effect on cell viability and proliferation was noted, indicating low cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Surface-modified TiOâ‚‚ nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm were produced. They exhibited low cytotoxicity in human kidney cells (HEK-293T) while enhancing mitochondrial metabolism. Further studies are needed on this nanomaterial, which shows potential for biomedical applications.
Desentrañar la evolución humana, nunca ha sido tan fascinante como en esta época moderna, gracias al establecimiento de una nueva disciplina “la paleogenómica”, por Svante Pääbo, en donde la antropología y la genética se unen para delinear nuevos conocimientos en las ciencias biomédicas.El proceso de hominización en el desarrollo cognitivo, se identificó la regulación de la expresión génica en la neurogénesis y la conectividad cerebral; los alelos neandertales en los cromosomas 1 y 18 modulan la expresión de dos genes cercanos UBR3 y PHLPP1 que regula la neurogénesis en la neocorteza en desarrollo, promueve la migración neuronal e impulsa la mielinización, los estudios de conectómica revelaron diversos procesos en los seres humanos actuales como funciones de lenguaje y aprendizaje.Referente a la evolución del sistema inmunológico humano, la selección natural de genes explico el aumento en los procesos infecciosos, evidenciando selecciones positivas implicados en la inmunidad innata, primera línea de defensa (gen OAS) y selecciones negativas eliminando variantes que aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad como (TYK2- tuberculosis)Estos hallazgos son solo un preámbulo del gran y desafiante camino del estudio de la paleogenómica en ciencias biomédicas.
La quimiorresistencia es la principal razón de la eficacia limitada de la terapia contra el cáncer e involucra una serie de vías de señalización, como factores epigenéticos, transportadores de fármacos, mecanismos de reparación de daños del ADN, inhibición de la muerte celular, transición epitelio-mesénquima y metabolismo de los fármacos. Las enzimas del citocromo P450 son hemoproteínas catalíticas que metabolizan compuestos endógenos y exógenos, y su expresión influye en la respuesta del tratamiento. En esta revisión descriptiva se examina la asociación entre la expresión o la presencia de polimorfismos de enzimas de citocromo P450 y la quimiorresistencia en cáncer de pulmón. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos de PubMed y Science Direct utilizando los términos en inglés: “chemotherapy”, “lung cancer” y “CYP450”. Se incluyeron los estudios ex vivo e in vitro de origen humano, publicados en los últimos 5 años. Fueron excluidos los trabajos de revisión, metaanálisis y de modelos animales. Los resultados de la búsqueda revelaron un total de 173artículos(2020-2024), incluidos tres estudios transversales que involucraron un total de 179 pacientes (ex vivo) y dos estudios con modelos in vitro, en los que se evaluó la expresión o la presencia de polimorfismos de enzimas de citocromo P450 asociados con la respuesta al tratamiento. La información seleccionada describe que la expresión o los polimorfismos de algunas isoformas de enzimas de citrocromo P450, incluidas1A2, 2A6, 3A4, 1B1, 2C8, 2C9, 27C1, 2D6,participan en la quimiorresistencia en cáncer pulmonar.
