Implementation of a Training Module on Alcohol Prevention for Promotoras on a Border Community in the Rio Grande Valley.

Background: Complications due to unhealthy alcohol use are widely spread, and there is a significant unmet need for prevention and treatment in the community. The South Texas-Mexico border region consists of over ninety percent of Hispanics and suffers from a significant shortage of physicians. Alcohol-related problems are highly unrecognized and untreated in this large Hispanic population due to the shortage of healthcare providers, low education levels, and limited trust in the health care system. Prevention efforts should be designed to prevent or reduce the risk of developing alcohol addiction. Methods: The proposed module focuses on enhancing the Promotoras or Community Health Worker (CHW) ability to screen and recognize unhealthy alcohol use and the need for referral for care. We use a survey to follow and record the experience of a subset of these Promotoras who will educate Hispanic families from their communities. Results: This module provides data that will significantly contribute to our understanding of the barriers in knowledge, access to services, and care for people with alcohol problems. The study consists of a train-the-trainer module designed by the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) specifically for Promotoras. CHW aimed at increasing their knowledge concerning general health practices among ethnic minorities, specifically in terms of alcohol abuse prevention. The initial workshop trained 44 Promotoras from Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Each Promotora was assessed using pre-and post-test questionnaires. Conclusions: The research team assessed Promotora\u27s alcohol knowledge and prevention strategies with plotted data. In summary, the study provided a measurable unit of our training module in enhancing understanding of screening and the need for intervention for alcohol-related problems by Community Health Workers

Association of common polymorphisms in the VEGFA and SIRT1 genes with type 2 diabetes-related traits in Mexicans

Introduction: Genetic variants have been replicated for association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and many of them with diabetes-related traits. Because T2D is highly prevalent in Mexico, this study aimed to test the association of CDKN2A/B, PPARGC1A, VEGFA, SIRT1 and UCP2 gene polymorphisms (rs10811661, rs8192678, rs2010963, rs7896005 and rs659366 respectively) with metabolic traits in 415 unrelated Mexican mestizos with T2D under three models of inheritance. Material and methods: A total of 415 unrelated Mexican mestizos were genotyped by TaqMan assays. Triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin and anthropometric measurements were determined and the HOMA-IR was calculated. Association studies were tested by the Kruskal-Wallis test, linear regression, statistical power analysis, Bonferroni correction, paired SNP analysis, and physical interaction by GeneMANIA. Results: All polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and the association by genotype with T2D-related traits displayed nominal significance for rs8192678 with glucose (p = 0.023) and triglycerides (p = 0.013); rs2010963 with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.012) and cholesterol (p = 0.013); rs7896005 with DBP (p = 0.012) and insulin (p = 0.011); and rs659366 with cholesterol (p = 0.034), glucose (p = 0.031) and triglycerides (p = 0.028); and the association of rs2010963 with HDL-C (p = 0.0007) was significant. Linear regression performed with three models of inheritance, adjusted by age + sex + BMI and corrected with Bonferroni, showed a significant association of rs2010963 with HDL-C in an additive model (p = 0.007); and rs7896005 was significantly associated with DBP in the recessive model (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Rigorous analysis evidenced the association of VEGFA rs2010963 and SIRT1 rs7896005 with HDL-C and DBP respectively; these traits are known predictors of cardiovascular complications, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in this population

Proteomic Identification of Dengue Virus Binding Proteins in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes and Aedes albopictus Cells

The main vector of dengue in America is the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is infected by dengue virus (DENV) through receptors of midgut epithelial cells. The envelope protein (E) of dengue virus binds to receptors present on the host cells through its domain III that has been primarily recognized to bind cell receptors. In order to identify potential receptors, proteins from mosquito midgut tissue and C6/36 cells were purified by affinity using columns with the recombinant E protein domain III (rE-DIII) or DENV particles bound covalently to Sepharose 4B to compare and evaluate their performance to bind proteins including putative receptors from female mosquitoes of Ae. aegypti. To determine their identity mass spectrometric analysis of purified proteins separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed. Our results indicate that both viral particles and rE-DIII bound proteins with the same apparent molecular weights of 57 and 67 kDa. In addition, viral particles bound high molecular weight proteins. Purified proteins identified were enolase, beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta-ARK), translation elongation factor EF-1 alpha/Tu, and cadherin

Alzheimer’s Disease Studies in the Tex-Mex Border: Dissecting a Complex Multifactorial Problem

Purpose: Alzheimer’s Disease (ALZ) is the leading cause of dementia in the aging population, and Latinos have \u3e3 times higher risk to develop dementia than the overall US population. Although several studies have examined for possible causes of this increased risk, lack of comprehensive information plus a reduced number of Latino samples available in each study have hindered the answers. Description: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has joined two large studies looking for multiple biomarkers associated with ALZ: The South Texas Alzheimer’s Center Clinical Data Repository and Biobank (STAC) and the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). We are now collecting clinical data along with neuroimaging and lab biomarkers from each individual enrolled in these studies, with the aim to enroll a large majority of Latinos in our site sample, which will help to elucidate the differences and risk factors inherent to our population in the border. We are also analyzing data from different Latin-American studies to study specific genetic risks, environmental factors, and their interactions. Partners: UTRGV has partnered with UTHSCSA for the STAC study and with many other academic research institutions at TARCC. We aim to provide experiences of clinical training to our psychology students and residents of medical specialties, as well as analysis opportunities and opening postdoctoral positions related to the development of this field at UTRGV. Looking Ahead: We expect to generate substantial contributions to the knowledge of cognitive decline in underserved populations, which can lead to improved treatments and better clinical care. Postdoctoral positions will be opening soon at the Institute of Neuroscience

Architectural Features of Streetscapes and Aging in Cameron County, Texas: Preliminary Results

The impact of architectural features in urban settings reveals priorities for its residents and the integration of social and natural environments. It has been estimated that 23% of global deaths to the environments in which people live. We aim to characterize the most prevalent architectural features of Cameron County, Texas streetscapes and analyze their role in health promotion and healthy aging

Distribution of Six Polymorphisms in Two Communities with a Historical High Incidence of Diabetes and Obesity in Yucatan, Mexico

Aims: Maya ancestry populations from Yucatan have exhibited a high prevalence of diabetes and obesity; consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the allelic and genotype frequencies of six polymorphisms associated with diabetes and obesity in two Maya populations. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN; Laboratorios de Genética y Hematología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán between September 2014 and March 2016. Methodology: Healthy individuals with Maya ancestry were recruited in small rural and urban communities from Yucatan. Six polymorphisms present in five genes (PPARGC1A, NRF1, SLC30A8, ADRA2A and UCP3) were genotyped using TaqMan assays. Linkage disequilibrium analysis was performed for rs13266634 and rs11558471 (SLC30A8). Results: The observed frequencies in the small rural community (SRC) and Merida were in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Frequencies of five polymorphisms (rs8192678, rs1882095, rs13266634, rs11558471 and rs3781907) correlated with 1000 genomes project data, furthermore, statistical analysis did not reveal a significant difference between genotype frequencies of the SRC and Merida populations. Contrary, frequencies from Mexicans living in Los Angeles compared with frequencies obtained in Yucatan (SRC and Merida) indicated significant difference on genotype frequencies in the ADRA2A gene (P-value= .017). The polymorphisms rs13266634 and rs11558471 in the SLC30A8 gene displayed strong linkage disequilibrium (D’= 0.96), displaying frequencies of 0.725, 0.255, and 0.015 for haplotypes C-A, T-G, and C-G respectively. Conclusion: Distribution of A allele in rs553668 (ADRA2A) in the Yucatan populations was higher than the frequency reported for Mexicans from LA, Americans, Europeans, and Africans. This finding could be related to blood pressure levels in the Maya populations. Additionally, a high frequency of C-A haplotype (rs13266634 and rs11558471) in the SLC30A8 gene could be associated with an increased risk of diabetes and obesity in these populations

The distribution of potential West Nile virus vectors, Culex pipiens pipiens and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae), in Mexico City

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Culex </it>spp. mosquitoes are considered to be the most important vectors of West Nile virus (WNV) detected in at least 34 species of mosquitoes in the United States. In North America, <it>Culex pipiens pipiens, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus</it>, and <it>Culex tarsalis </it>are all competent vectors of WNV, which is considered to be enzootic in the United States and has also been detected in equines and birds in many states of Mexico and in humans in Nuevo Leon. There is potential for WNV to be introduced into Mexico City by various means including infected mosquitoes on airplanes, migrating birds, ground transportation and infected humans. Little is known of the geographic distribution of <it>Culex pipiens </it>complex mosquitoes and hybrids in Mexico City. <it>Culex pipiens pipiens </it>preferentially feed on avian hosts; <it>Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus </it>have historically been considered to prefer mammalian hosts; and hybrids of these two species could theoretically serve as bridge vectors to transmit WNV from avian hosts to humans and other mammalian hosts. In order to address the potential of WNV being introduced into Mexico City, we have determined the identity and spatial distribution of <it>Culex pipiens </it>complex mosquitoes and their hybrids.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mosquito larvae collected from 103 sites throughout Mexico City during 2004-2005 were identified as <it>Culex, Culiseta </it>or <it>Ochlerotatus </it>by morphological analysis. Within the genus <it>Culex</it>, specimens were further identified as <it>Culex tarsalis </it>or as belonging to the <it>Culex pipiens </it>complex. Members of the <it>Culex pipiens </it>complex were separated by measuring the ratio of the dorsal and ventral arms (DV/D ratio) of the male genitalia and also by using diagnostic primers designed for the <it>Ace.2 </it>gene. <it>Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus </it>was the most abundant form collected.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Important WNV vectors species, <it>Cx. p. pipiens</it>, <it>Cx. p. quinquefasciatus </it>and <it>Cx. tarsalis</it>, are all present in Mexico City. Hybrids of <it>Cx. p. pipiens </it>and <it>Cx. p. quinquefasciatus </it>were also collected and identified. The presence and abundance of these WNV competent vectors is a cause for concern. Understanding the distribution of these vectors can help improve viral surveillance activities and mosquito control efforts in Mexico City.</p

Looking for Crumbs in the Obesity Forest: Anti-obesity Interventions and Obesity-Associated Cardiometabolic Traits in the Mexican Population. History and Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses

Mexicans and Mexican Americans share culture, genetic background, and predisposition for chronic complications associated with obesity and diabetes making imperative efficacious treatments and prevention. Obesity has been treated for centuries focused-on weight loss while other treatments on associated conditions like gout, diabetes (T2D), and hypertriglyceridemia. To date, there is no systematic review that synthesizes the origin of obesity clinics in Mexico and the efforts to investigate treatments for obesity tested by randomized clinical trials (RCT). We conducted systematic searches in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve anti-obesity RCT through 2019 and without an inferior temporal limit. The systematic review included RCT of anti-obesity treatments in the Mexican adult population, covering alternative medicine, pharmacological, nutritional, behavioral, and surgical interventions reporting metabolism-associated traits such as BMI, weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose, among others. Only the studies with at least 3 months of treatment were included in the meta-analyses in order to reduce placebo effects. We found 634 entries, after removal of duplicates and screening the studies based on eligibility criteria, we analyzed 43 national, and 2 multinational-collaborative studies. Most of the national studies had small sample sizes, and the implemented strategies do not have replications in the population. The nutrition/behavioral interventions were difficult to blind, and most studies have medium-to-high risk of bias. Nutritional/behavioral interventions and medications showed effects on BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Simple measures like pure water instead of sweet beverages decrease triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. Dark chocolate showed the highest effect for BMI and high blood pressure, and treatment with insulin increased weight in those with T2D. The study of obesity in Mexico has been on-going for more than four decades, the interest on RCT just increased until this millennium, but with small sample sizes and lack of replication. The interventions affect different cardiometabolic associated traits, which should be analyzed in detail in the population living near the Mexico-U.S. border; therefore, bi-national collaboration is desirable to disentangle the cultural effects on this population\u27s treatment response

A DNA Microarray-Based Assay to Detect Dual Infection with Two Dengue Virus Serotypes

Here; we have described and tested a microarray based-method for the screening of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. This DNA microarray assay is specific and sensitive and can detect dual infections with two dengue virus serotypes and single-serotype infections. Other methodologies may underestimate samples containing more than one serotype. This technology can be used to discriminate between the four DENV serotypes. Single-stranded DNA targets were covalently attached to glass slides and hybridised with specific labelled probes. DENV isolates and dengue samples were used to evaluate microarray performance. Our results demonstrate that the probes hybridized specifically to DENV serotypes; with no detection of unspecific signals. This finding provides evidence that specific probes can effectively identify single and double infections in DENV samples