Search Results (7,481)

Background: Mpox is an emerging zoonotic disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Since its discovery, it has been considered endemic in Central and West Africa. Mpox is of global significance as of May 2022, due to the report of simultaneous outbreaks in more than 70 countries where the disease was not endemic. The global spread of mpox has shown the importance of maintaining active surveillance for emerging zoonotic diseases, many of which can cross borders. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse mpox cases and national incidence in Mexico related to the global outbreak. Methods: Epidemiological data (confirmed cases and incidence of MPXV infection) were obtained from the morbidity yearbook of the General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Mexican Ministry of Health. The information was analysed for the construction of epidemic curves, distribution of cases by age and sex and quartiles of geographical incidence. Results: A total of 4081 cumulative confirmed cases were recorded with a peak and national incidence of 1191 and 1.87, respectively, in September 2022. The distribution of cases by age and sex showed that males were more prevalent (above 95%) in the 25–44 years age group compared to females. Finally, geographical analysis showed that cosmopolitan and population-concentrated states had the highest incidence, clustered in the top quartile. The 2022 mpox outbreak in Mexico was consistent with other countries as reported in the international literature, with most cases occurring among exposed individuals in cosmopolitan cities. Conclusions: The need for active surveillance of emerging diseases, access to specific diagnostics and implementation of vaccination strategies is analysed and discussed. Full article

Background: Downhill mountain biking (MTB) is a high-velocity sport where riders are potentially exposed to impacts and concussion. Rapidly obtained Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are a promising use of portable electroencephalography for clinical assessment of concussion-related neurological impairment at the point of care. However, the baseline neuroelectric profile of this specific sporting population is not fully understood. This study investigated the amplitude and latency of the N100, P300 and N400 ERPs at baseline among MTB athletes by age, sex and caffeine consumption. Methods: MTB athletes, aged 13–45, competing in the 2024 Whistler Crankworx MTB competition were recruited for this cross-sectional analysis. Self-reported sex, age and caffeine consumption were captured and pre-event baseline neurological evaluations of the N100, P300 and N400 ERPs (n = 92) were completed using a portable electroencephalograph (NeuroCatch). Results: Females had a 1.12 µV higher N100 amplitude (95%CI; 0.15, 2.08, p = 0.024) and 2.11 µV higher P300 amplitude (95%CI; 0.69, 3.52, p = 0.004) than males. Further, the N400 amplitude was 0.05 µV lower per year that age increases (95%CI; −0.08, −0.01, p = 0.011). Greater than normal caffeine consumption was associated with a 1.39 µV lower (95%CI; −2.68, −0.09, p = 0.036) and 18.96 ms (−28.29, −9.64, p < 0.001) faster N100 response. Conclusions: Age, sex and caffeine consumption must be considered to inform the clinical implement of ERPs for monitoring concussion in extreme sport athletes. Full article

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) family, has been associated with adverse health effects, including potential links to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates the impact of PFOS on metabolic, immunologic and behavioral profiles in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, a mouse strain that models ASD, to provide insights into the role of PFOS in ASD development and related health concerns. Three-month-old male and female BTBR-mt^B6 mice were divided into two groups (n = 6) and received daily administration of either 1 mg/kg PFOS or vehicle over a three-month period by gavage. Metabolic assessments included measurements of body weight and weekly blood glucose levels, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, organ weights, and body compositions (free fluid, fat and lean tissue). Immune profiling was conducted via flow cytometric analysis of splenic leukocytes, while behavioral evaluations included grooming, sniffing, and three-chamber social interaction tests. PFOS exposure disrupted glucose homeostasis, with both sexes exhibiting elevated blood glucose levels. Male mice showed impaired glucose tolerance, delayed glucose level recovery, and increased insulin resistance, while females displayed decreased insulin resistance. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to liver enlargement in both sexes. Behavioral assessments revealed heightened grooming in PFOS-treated males, commonly interpreted as stress- or ASD-related repetitive behaviors, whereas females exhibited reduced grooming, reflecting altered behavioral responses to exposure. Immune alterations were also sex specific. PFOS-treated males exhibited decreased granulocytes, increased macrophages, and enhanced surface expressions of B220 and CD40L. PFOS-treated females showed increased macrophages, B-cells, cytotoxic T-cells and CD25⁺ T-cell subsets, with enhanced surface expression of B220 and CD8, and reduced surface expression of Mac-3. In addition, PFOS exposure reduced spleen weight in females. Taken together, PFOS exposure induced significant physiological and behavioral changes in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, with sex-specific differences observed. These results raise concern that PFASs may contribute to the development or exacerbation of metabolic, immune and neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for sex-specific human risk assessment in environmental toxicology. Full article

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a long-distance migratory pest, which invaded the African continent in 2016, causing enormous losses to agricultural crops, especially maize. Synthetic insecticides are primarily used for managing S. frugiperda, but they leave residues on human food and animal feed and also cause environmental hazards. We evaluated the crude ethanolic extract of Piper guineense fruits for contact toxicity on S. frugiperda larvae and determined the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the extract. Additionally, we conducted an electrophysiological (EAG) experiment to determine the responses of adult S. frugiperda males and females to P. guineense and determined whether the extract influenced mating, oviposition, and repellence to the adult female. We found that P. guineense extract caused significantly higher mortality to S. frugiperda larvae than an ethanol control. Electrophysiologically, we observed significantly higher responses to the extract than the control, with some variations in response between the sexes. A wind tunnel experiment revealed that females moved more towards the control than towards the extract. Taken together, our results confirm that P. guineense extract is effective against S. frugiperda larvae and adults. Future research should explore the responses of S. frugiperda to P. guineense extract on a field scale. Full article

This study investigated countermovement jump (CMJ) strategies among NCAA Division 1 athletes and explored key variables associated with jump height. A total of 69 athletes (38 male, 31 female) from basketball and volleyball teams completed three or more CMJ trials on force plates during their regular neuromuscular monitoring. Using repeated-measures correlation analysis, we examined the relationships between various force–time variables and jump height across different sports and sexes. The results demonstrated very strong correlations between concentric peak velocity and jump height across all groups (r > 0.987). In addition, female athletes exhibited higher correlations between force-related parameters (concentric peak force, relative concentric peak force, and relative concentric mean force) and jump height compared to male athletes. Furthermore, no significant differences in force asymmetry were observed between sports or sexes. These findings indicate that concentric peak velocity serves as a key indicator of jump performance while emphasizing the importance of considering the interaction between force, time, and velocity, rather than focusing solely on peak force production. This research provides valuable insights for developing sport-specific training programs and monitoring jump performance in collegiate athletes, highlighting the necessity of individualized assessment and training approaches rather than assuming specific physical qualities are associated with particular populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stroke and arteriosclerotic diseases remain the main challenge for global healthcare. Carotid artery procedures aim to restore blood flow through the carotid arteries to prevent embolic events. The most common techniques include carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). The choice of intervention depends on the severity of stenosis, the patient’s overall condition and the presence of comorbidities. The personalized approach, which includes sex-related differences, is crucial in optimizing the outcome. Methods: Sex-related differences in atherosclerosis risk factors and early carotid artery stenting treatment outcomes were evaluated in 271 patients. The goal of the study was to asses sex-related differences in early outcome of CAS, including success rate and complications. Results: The only significant difference in classical arteriosclerosis risk factors included a higher occurrence of smoking among males. The technical success rate of carotid artery stenting was high (94.46%). The sex-related differences in CAS involve using smaller sizes of implanted stents in females. There was a high incidence of complications (mostly minor), predominantly among females. They had a significantly higher frequency of bleeding and hypotension. Blood pressure and BMI significantly influenced the odds of complications. Conclusions: Females undergoing CAS have a higher complication risk with a similar success rate. Full article

Background and Objectives: Dyslipidemia, a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. While leukocyte-derived indices have been investigated in this context, eosinophil-related inflammatory markers remain underexplored. This study examined patterns of eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) and eosinophil-adjusted systemic inflammation response index (EA-SIRI) across dyslipidemia phenotypes. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, adult subjects were classified into six dyslipidemia phenotypes. Leukocyte-derived indices were evaluated across groups, and analyses included comparisons of medians, prevalence rates, tertile distributions, odds ratios, and risk estimates. Results: Both ELR and EA-SIRI were significantly higher in individuals with atherogenic dyslipidemia (ELR: 0.18; EA-SIRI: 1.53) and combined dyslipidemia (ELR: 0.17; EA-SIRI: 1.49) compared to the normolipidemic group (ELR: 0.11; EA-SIRI: 0.92). Notably, these patterns were more pronounced in males aged <40 years and younger females (<40), suggesting sex- and age-related variations in eosinophil-related inflammatory responses to dyslipidemia. Moreover, the highest tertiles of both ELR and EA-SIRI exhibited higher triglycerides and lower HDL-C compared to the lowest tertiles (p < 0.001). The odds of atherogenic dyslipidemia were more than doubled in individuals with elevated ELR (OR = 2.02; p < 0.001) and EA-SIRI (OR = 2.19; p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis indicated modest discriminative power for identifying atherogenic dyslipidemia, with ELR and EA-SIRI yielding AUC of 0.60 (p < 0.001) and 0.62 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest eosinophil-related inflammation contributes to immunometabolic dysregulation underlying dyslipidemia. ELR and EA-SIRI may offer insights into inflammation-driven lipid disturbances and help detect subclinical inflammatory activity associated with atherogenic lipid profiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly. The role of vitamin D remains unclear in this condition. The endpoints of this study were to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentrations in PMR patients with active disease compared to elderly controls and to determine if baseline levels or changes following supplementation [delta 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Δ25(OH)D] were associated with improved clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective, case–control study, 29 PMR patients (55% males, 75.24 ± 9.6 years old, disease duration of 3.8 ± 3 months) were included, meeting the 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria, with 29 age- and sex-matched controls without systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. We assessed demographic, clinical and laboratory features for PMR patients, including baseline 25(OH)D serum concentrations, disease activity (polymyalgia rheumatica activity score), and serum inflammatory biomarkers. A subgroup of them (n = 25) was followed longitudinally, for an average period of 21.1 ± 17.7 months, to evaluate the association between Δ25(OH)D and clinical outcomes at follow-up using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Although lower than the normal reference values, baseline 25(OH)D concentrations did not differ significantly between PMR patients and controls (21.6 ± 9.2 vs. 22.7 ± 11.3 ng/mL, p = 0.66) and did not predict long-term clinical outcomes. However, after only 3 months of supplementation, the increase in 25(OH)D concentrations was significantly associated with a remission status, and patients in remission showed a significant increase in 25(OH)D compared to those with persistent disease activity (+22.02 vs. +1.33 ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.044). Notably, in the multivariate model, this Δ25(OH)D was the strongest independent predictor of remission (OR = 2.89; 95% CI [1.60–4.11]), an effect independent of prednisone dosage prescribed at first visit (p = 0.32) and glucocorticoid exposure at third month (p = 0.12). Conclusions: Individual’s response of PMR patients to supplementation of vitamin D seems to be a robust independent predictor of early clinical remission achievement. Interestingly, optimizing vitamin D supplementation based on individual responsiveness may represent a valuable adjunctive strategy in PMR management. Full article

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery can lead to chronic kidney disease, increased hospitalization costs, and higher mortality risk. Our retrospective study identified risk factors of severe AKI (AKI 3) in patients undergoing on-pump surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Additionally, we analyzed the significance of inflammatory indexes and risk scores in predicting AKI 3, focusing on sex differences. These findings could provide cost-efficient tools for clinical practice to identify patients at risk, improve preoperative risk stratification, and personalize monitoring. Methods: We reviewed the on-pump SAVR patients from our tertiary center between 2022 and 2024. Results: Out of 422 patients, 121 (28.67%) experienced AKI, including 27 (6.39%) AKI 3 patients. The multivariable binary logistic regression identified AKI 3 independent risk factors: hemostasis reintervention (OR9.76, CI 95%: 3.565–26.716, p = 0.001), early postoperative vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) (OR1.049, CI 95%: 1.013–1.086, p = 0.007), postoperative lymphocyte (OR2.252, CI 95%: 1.224–4.144, p = 0.009). Preoperative systemic inflammatory response index (AUC0.700, p = 0.019), preoperative aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AUC0.712, p = 0.011), postoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (AUC 0.759, p = 0.001), and the delta value of preoperative-to-postoperative PLR (AUC0.752, p = 0.001) were better predictors of AKI 3 occurrence in female SAVR patients than the additive EuroSCORE (AUC0.692, p = 0.011), but were less accurate compared to EuroSCORE II (AUC0.841, p = 0.001). None of the studied inflammatory indexes or additive EuroSCORE predicted our endpoint in male SAVR patients, while Thakar score was able to predict it exclusively in males. Conclusions: Early postoperative VIS, lymphocyte count, and hemostasis reintervention were independent risk factors for severe AKI in SAVR patients. There is a differentiation between males and females from the AKI prediction perspective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with notable sex-specific differences in its incidence, diagnosis, and outcomes. Our previous work identified casein kinase 2 alpha (CK2α) as being capable of impairing DNA mismatch repair (MMR) via phosphorylation of MLH1, thereby increasing the tumor mutational burden. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific differences in CK2α protein expression in CRC. Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed on 161 CRC tumors and adjacent normal tissues to quantify the CK2α protein levels. A multi-cohort meta-analysis of proteomic and clinical data was conducted to validate our findings and assess the correlations with age, sex, and relevant signaling pathways. Results: Female CRC patients exhibited significantly higher CK2α expression than male patients, which was confirmed in two independent cohorts. Additionally, CK2α expression was positively correlated with age in female but not male patients. Cross-cohort correlation analyses linked CK2α levels with key proteins involved in estrogen receptor signaling and aging, including DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), prohibitin-2 (PHB2), H/ACA ribonucleoprotein complex subunit 2 (NHP2), and dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3). Conclusions: CK2α is significantly overexpressed in the tumor tissue of female CRC patients and shows a strong age-related correlation. These findings suggest a sex- and age-specific regulatory mechanism potentially influenced by estrogen signaling or menopause. Such dimorphisms underscore the need for sex-specific strategies in CRC biomarker development and therapy. Full article

In Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, the agricultural sector is primarily dedicated to corn cultivation, which is reflected in the region’s economy, culture, and diet. This sector follows an agro-industrial production model dependent on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which impacts both soil health and the population’s well-being. The objective of this study was to assess cytotoxic damage using the Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay (BMCA) in a population engaged in agricultural activities in San Diego Chalma, Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico. Sociodemographic parameters were analyzed, along with the buccal micronucleus cytome assay, in a sample of 35 individuals composed of an agricultural group (18) and a control group (17). The agricultural group showed a significantly higher number of total micronucleated cells (Median = 714), which was 19.8 times greater than the non-agricultural group. Age, sex, basic education level, time of residence, and involvement in agricultural activities were key factors contributing to the development of buccal cell micronuclei, in addition to the use of pesticides as lambda-cyhalothrin, spinetoram, ethoprophos, carbofuran, methomyl, and chlorpyrifos ethyl without safety measures. There was an increased risk of developing micronucleated cells in males from the control group (OR = 2.386, 95% CI = 2.123–2.681) and in individuals aged 30–59 years (OR = 16.464, 95% CI = 14.315–18.935). The agricultural population for the 0–29 years presented a risk probability developing micronucleated cells of 99.8% in men and 99.9% in women, with a higher risk observed in women and in individuals who had lived their entire lives in San Diego Chalma, where they are continuously exposed to pesticides. Therefore, it is crucial to provide guidance, training, and improved public policies in the region of Puebla, Mexico. Full article

Chromosomal instability plays a significant role in karyotype evolution and speciation in mammalian groups with notable intraspecific chromosomal variation. The Cervidae family, known for its rapid karyotypic evolution due to chromosomal fragility, shows substantial chromosomal diversity, making it a focal point for studies on chromosomal evolution, particularly with respect to conservation and taxonomic classification. The Amazon gray brocket deer (Passalites nemorivagus) exhibits pronounced chromosomal polymorphism, including two distinct sex chromosome systems: the ancestral XX/XY system and a new system due to an X–autosome fusion (neo-X), where males present XY1Y2. This variation is intriguing, especially given that the effects on hybrids have not been previously reported. This study uses bovine whole-chromosome painting (WCP) and BAC probes to document karyotypic variation in P. nemorivagus. A male with the XY system and a heterozygous autosomal Robertsonian fusion was paired with a female with neo-X chromosomes, and the resulting female offspring displayed an X–autosome fusion in heterozygosity. The females in this study, hybrids for the sex system, exhibited estrus, copulated, and both gave birth to offspring. This characterization is the first step in investigating the effects of sex chromosome system variation on hybrid viability and fertility, and provides insights into the reproductive biology of Neotropical deer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sex determination and differentiation exhibit remarkable molecular diversity across taxa, driven by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Invertebrates with sequential hermaphroditism, such as the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas), represent a poorly understood system despite their role as keystone species and contribution to a substantial aquaculture industry. Methods: To identify sex-related molecular markers during gametogenesis, we repeatedly sampled hemolymph from artificially conditioned oysters over two months, and sex phenotypes were assigned at the end of the experiment by biopsy. Results: RNA-sequencing analysis of five males and five females revealed subtle yet consistent sex-specific transcriptional signatures in hemolymph. We show that gametogenesis proceeds asynchronously among oysters, even within the same sex individuals. Complex physiological trade-offs were discovered between sexes during gonad maturation; in early stages of sexual maturation, females prioritized cell division, whereas males suppressed it. Females exhibited higher expression of solute carrier family (SLC) genes, suggesting enhanced nutrient exchange during oogenesis. Temporal dynamics highlighted differential expression of genes regulating cross-membrane ion gradients (e.g., transient receptor potential channels) and signal transduction (e.g., signal transducer and activator of transcription), previously linked to environmental sex determination (ESD) in some reptilian species. Conclusions: Together, these findings underscore that gametogenesis in Pacific oysters is complex and dynamic, and that molecular pathways of ESD may be partially conserved between invertebrate and vertebrate species. Full article

Early palliative care improves quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, but access is often inequitable. The goal of this study was to assess disparities in early specialist palliative care (SPC) consultation among newly diagnosed stage IV lung cancer patients. All newly diagnosed stage IV lung cancer patients in southern Alberta, Canada (June 2021–March 2022) were offered SPC consultations from a multidisciplinary team, post-oncology visit. A retrospective chart review analyzed demographic factors and consultation outcomes (accepted, ineligible, declined/unreachable), using the Pampalon Deprivation Index and NamSor surname analysis as proxies for equity-related variables. Of 113 patients, 76.2% were eligible for consultation, and 67.4% of those accepted consultation. Older age (>65 years), male sex, and high deprivation were linked to declining SPC (p < 0.05–0.01). Conversely, living alone or with a non-partner increased acceptance (p < 0.05). Age, sex, deprivation, and living situation influenced SPC acceptance. Identifying disparities can guide interventions to improve equitable access. Full article

Introduction: Understanding adolescent maturational development and its impact on physical and psychological well-being is essential for supporting the academic and professional growth of undergraduate students in Health Sciences programs (Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing). This study aimed to assess and compare self-concept, self-perception, physical activity, and lifestyle among first-year Health Sciences students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with first-year students at the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). Variables included sex, age, study program, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability assessment (Cronbach’s alpha), distribution tests, and chi-squared tests. Results: Among 190 participants, the RSES showed generally positive self-esteem, although 75% of students reported low self-confidence. Male Psychology students all scored in the fair range on self-perception. Physical activity was low, particularly among female students, with 20% classified as sedentary. HBSC results indicated the need for lifestyle improvements. SOC-13 scores showed that 80.5% of students had fair levels of sense of coherence. Conclusions: Health Sciences students exhibited low self-concept, emotional distress, sedentary habits, and inadequate lifestyle behaviors. Male Nursing students and female Psychology students had the poorest self-concept scores. The findings emphasize the need for interventions promoting healthy habits and emotional well-being among students entering health-related academic programs. Full article