HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA frequently overexpressed in cancer. HOTAIR can enhance the malignant behavior of tumors by sponging microRNAs with tumor suppressor functions. Vasculogenic mimicry is a hypoxia-activated process in which tumor cells form three-dimensional (3D) channel-like networks, resembling endothelial blood vessels, to obtain nutrients. However, the role of HOTAIR in vasculogenic mimicry and the underlying mechanisms are unknown in human cancers. In the current study, we investigated the relevance of HOTAIR in hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry in metastatic MDA-MB-231 and invasive Hs-578t triple negative breast cancer cells. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using cBioPortal confirmed that HOTAIR was upregulated in clinical breast tumors relative to normal mammary tissues. Our quantitative RT-PCR assays showed a significant increase in HOTAIR levels after 48 h hypoxia relative to normoxia in breast cancer cell lines. Remarkably, knockdown of HOTAIR significantly abolished the hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of 3D channel-like networks and branch points. Likewise, HOTAIR silencing leads to reduced cell migration abilities of cancer cells. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that HOTAIR has a potential binding site for tumor suppressor miR-204. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that HOTAIR is a competitive endogenous sponge of miR-204. Congruently, forced inhibition of HOTAIR in cells resulted in augmented miR-204 levels in breast cancer cells. Further bioinformatic analysis suggested that miR-204 can bind to the 3′ untranslated region of focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK) transcript involved in cell migration. Western blot and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FAK is a novel target of miR-204. Finally, silencing of HOTAIR resulted in low levels of cytoplasmic FAK protein and alterations in the organization of cellular cytoskeleton and focal adhesions. In summary, our results showed, for the first time, that HOTAIR mitigates cell migration and vasculogenic mimicry by targeting the miR-204/FAK axis in triple negative breast cancer cells.

Arsenic (As) is a common contaminant in drinking water in northeastern Mexico, which reduces the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP 450). This enzyme group metabolizes numerous drugs, such as oral antidiabetic drugs such as pioglitazone (61% CYP 3A4, 49% CYP 2C8). When CYP 450’s function is inadequate, it has decreased therapeutic activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to establish the effect of As on pioglitazone metabolism in patients with T2DM. Methodology: Urine, water, and plasma samples from a healthy population (n = 11) and a population with T2DM (n = 20) were obtained. Samples were analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy/hydride generation (As) and HPLC (pioglitazone). Additionally, CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 were studied by density functional theory (DFT). Results: The healthy and T2DM groups were exposed via drinking water to >0.010 ppm, Ka values with a factor of 4.7 higher, Cl 1.42 lower, and ABCt 1.26 times higher concerning the healthy group. In silico analysis (DFT) of CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 isoforms showed the substitution of the iron atom by As in the active sites of the enzymes. Conclusions: The results indicate that the substitution of Fe for As modifies the enzymatic function of CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 isoforms, altering the metabolic process of CYP 2D6 and CYP 3A4 in patients with T2DM. Consequently, the variation in metabolism alters the bioavailability of pioglitazone and the expected final effect.

A group of four maltodextrins with different degrees of dextrose equivalent (DE) was used as carriers for the spray drying of cranberry juice, with the objective of evaluating the effect of drying temperature, DE grade and concentration of maltodextrin on the performance of cranberry juice powder and the ability to retain antioxidants. For this purpose, the conditions of the spray drying process were: inlet air temperature: 170-210° C, maltodextrin type (Mc, M10, M20 and M40) and maltodextrin concentration: 10-30% w/w. The different powders obtained from the spray drying process were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the quantification of antioxidants (resveratrol and quercetin). The analysis of the data was carried out from a design of D-Optimal experiments. The results of the analysis showed that the highest yield of cranberry juice powder is achieved by using 30% w/w of M10 at a drying temperature of 193 °C. Such conditions allowed a retention of antioxidants in the powder of 20% and 30% of resveratrol and quercetin, respectively.

The digital transformation associated with Industry 4.0 has increased the demand for engineers with competencies in condition monitoring, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). However, evidence on educational methodologies integrating these technologies within a competency-based assessment framework remains limited. This study developed and preliminarily evaluated a competency-based educational methodology and characterized the technical, digital, and analytical competency profiles of Mechanical Engineering students following participation in smart maintenance learning activities. A descriptive–exploratory case study was conducted with 31 students enrolled in an Industrial Maintenance course. The methodology integrated vibration analysis, infrared thermography, acoustic monitoring, IoT-based remote monitoring, and ChatGPT-assisted fault diagnosis. Competencies were assessed using an analytic rubric applied by six faculty evaluators, while students’ perceptions were examined through a 22-item questionnaire. The Global Competency Index for Smart Maintenance (GCIIM) was 72.86%, indicating a moderate overall competency level. Critical evaluation of artificial intelligence achieved the highest score, whereas fault diagnosis, technical communication, and technological adaptability showed the lowest performance. Students reported a favorable overall perception score (75.04%) across the questionnaire dimensions. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of an integrated competency-based framework for smart maintenance education and its potential to support the responsible incorporation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence into engineering curricula.

Artisanal fresh goat cheese produced under traditional small-scale conditions may harbor antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This study assessed the occurrence and geographic distribution of Staphylococcus aureus, characterized antimicrobial resistance, and explored the antibacterial activity of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates in the Altiplano Potosino region of Mexico. A total of 150 samples from 15 rural communities in seven municipalities were analyzed. Of 38 presumptive isolates, 24 were confirmed as S. aureus (16.0% of samples), occurring only in Charcas and Vanegas. Based on locality-level susceptibility profiles, 9 of 24 confirmed isolates (37.5%) were assigned an MDR phenotype involving macrolides, lincosamides, and aminoglycosides, with clindamycin resistance observed across all five positive localities. In exploratory assays, UV-C-activated TiO₂ produced the largest inhibition zones and lowest viable counts. Viable counts were significantly lower under UV-C than under natural sunlight (p = 0.016), but not significantly different from darkness after Bonferroni adjustment (p = 0.073). These findings establish a regional baseline for S. aureus occurrence and antimicrobial resistance and provide preliminary evidence of measurable antibacterial activity of UV-C-activated TiO₂ against MDR isolates.

Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo transversal y correlacional con4 apartados a saber; Autoevaluación técnica / conceptual. Autoevaluación social transversal. Autoevaluación conductual. Autoevaluación de modalidad de clase y TICs. Entre los resultados se encuentra un bajo nivel en la autoevaluación en el manejo del inglés, una continuidad y valoración alta en el rango de 8 por la clase presencial, un manejo que en ningún caso se encuentra por arriba de 7.5 en TICs y las modalidades virtuales de enseñanza universitaria, entre la información destacada se detecta una ligera correspondencia a nivel universitario entre la autoevaluación de rendimiento y la escolaridad de los padres de ellos.