Nivel de adaptación y ansiedad en adultos mayores durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 en Tepetitlán, Hidalgo / Level of adaptation and anxiety in older adults during confinement due to COVID-19 in Tepetitlan, Hidalgo

Objetivo: Examinar la relación que existe entre el nivel de adaptación y la ansiedad durante el confinamiento por la pandemia COVID-19 en adultos mayores residentes del municipio de Tepetitlan. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado de noviembre de 2021 a marzo de 2022 en una muestra no probabilística por conveniencia de 170 adultos de 60 años y más. De acuerdo con lo señalado por la declaración de Helsinki y la ley general de salud en materia de investigación, se obtuvo la aprobación del comité de ética en investigación de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo así como el consentimiento informado, a partir de lo cual se aplicó una cedula de datos sociodemográficos. Para conocer el nivel de ansiedad de los participantes se empleó el inventario de ansiedad de Beck. Se utilizó el instrumento de adaptación de adulto mayor activo, que evalúa la adaptación en relación con los siguientes modos o dimensiones: fisiológico, función del rol, interdependencia y autoconcepto. Para estimar la relación entre las variables de interés se empleó la prueba de correlación de Spearman. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 70 años (± 7.6 años). Más de la mitad de los participantes fueron del sexo femenino (62.9%). Se observó una correlación alta y estadísticamente significativa entre el nivel de adaptación y la ansiedad de los adultos mayores (rho=0.61; valor p=.000). Conclusión: Los resultados indican que el nivel de adaptación de los adultos mayores durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 probablemente se relaciona con su nivel de ansiedad.

Objective: To examine the relationship between the level of adaptation and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic confinement in older adult residents of the municipality of Tepatitlan. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from November 2021 to March 2022 in a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 170 adults aged 60 years and older. In accordance with the Helsinki declaration and the general health law on research, the approval of the Research Ethics Committee of the Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo was obtained, as well as informed consent, from which a sociodemographic data form was applied. The Beck anxiety inventory was used to determine the level of anxiety of the participants. The active older adult coping instrument was used, which evaluates coping in relation to the following modes or dimensions: physiological, role function, interdependence and self-concept. Spearman's correlation test was used to estimate the relationship between the variables of interest. Results: The average age was 70 years (± 7.6 years). More than half of the participants were female (62.9%). A high and statistically significant correlation was observed between the level of adaptation and anxiety in older adults (rho=0.61; p-value=.000). Conclusion: The results indicate that the level of adaptation of older adults during COVID-19 confinement is probably related to their level of anxiety.

Anthropometric and dietary differences among Mexican older adults with and without adequate body image perception.

OBJECTIVE: We compared anthropometric and dietary indicators between groups of older Mexican adults with accurate or inaccurate body image perception (BIP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 201 older adults (age ≥ 60 years) of both sexes who completed the Stunkard scale for BIP, which consists of nine silhouettes with an equivalent of body mass index (BMI) status, then, the accuracy with their real BMI was calculated and reported energy and macronutrient intake through a 24-h dietary recall directed by different geriatric centers in Colima, Mexico. Basic anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed. RESULTS: We found that 71.1% of the older adults had inaccurate BIP; 66.6% underestimated their body mass and 4.5% overestimated their body mass, the other 28.9% hat accurate BIP. The overall concordance between the real nutritional status and BIP was poor (kappa coefficient = 0.03). The inaccurate BIP group had a significantly higher mean body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and arm and calf circumference compared to the accurate BIP group (p < .001); only 4.3% of the older adults who were overweight and 6.2% who were obese had an accurate BIP. Regarding dietary consumption, we found significant differences only in energy and carbohydrate intake between the two groups. Finally, excess body fat was associated with an inaccurate BIP (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-5.5). CONCLUSION: In older adults, an inaccurate BIP is generally associated with high anthropometric values and less than adequate dietary intake.

The use of female estrogenized goats as sexual stimulator of crossbred dairy males subsequently exposed to acyclic goats during two phases of the anestrous season.

This research evaluated the possible influence of exposure of male goats to estrogenized female goats ("female effect") upon males' sexual behavior [appetitive (ASB) & consummatory (CSB)], as well as the induction of reproductive activity of crossbred dairy female goats exposed to such treated males ("male effect") during the early and deep anestrous periods. Crossbred dairy adult male goats (n = 12; 24-48 mo. old) and 80 anovulatory crossbred dairy adult female goats (34-50 mo. old) were used during two experimental periods: March to April and April to May. First, males were separated into four groups (n = 3 each), roughly homogeneous regarding body weight and body condition score and randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The first two groups included males + estrogenized females, then such males were exposed to anestrous females either during March (group 1: three males; 20 females; EFEM-MAR), or during April (group 2: three males; 20 females; EFEM-APR). The second two groups were respective control groups: Males + non-treated-anestrous females, and then such males exposed to acyclic females either during March (group 3: three males; 20 females; CONT-MAR) or April (group 4: three males; 20 females; CONT-APR). Once the male-to-female contact was established, both odor (ODT) and behavior (BEHT) tests (2 d × 2 h) were performed during both anestrous periods. On day 10 after introduction of the males, in both anestrous periods, one ultrasonography scanning ("US") was performed to quantify the presence, number and size of corpus luteum (US-CL) to determine the effectiveness of the "male effect" and indicators of ovarian activity. Then, on day 45 after introduction of the males, a second US was performed to evaluate pregnancy rate (US-PREG). The EFEM-males, regardless of the phase of the anestrous cycle, had an increased (P < 0.05) odor intensity with respect to the control groups. In addition, while an increased (P < 0.05) ASB occurred in the EFEM-males, no CSB differences (P > 0.05) arose when treatments were compared, neither in March-April nor in April-May. The EFEM-males exposed to acyclic goats in March-April (i.e. early anestrous period), promoted not only the largest estrus and ovulatory responses (P < 0.05), but also the largest pregnancy rate (P < 0.05) in these previously anestrus goats, suggesting that in April-May (i.e. profound anestrous), the presence of active males was not enough to completely suppress cyclic reproductive arrest. This study generates interesting out-of-season reproductive outcomes in a goat population with a large proportion of highly seasonal dairy breeds (i.e. Alpine, Saanen and Toggenburg), augmenting the possibility to expand milk production and the economic income of goat producers across the year. Besides, this practice may serve as an interesting reproductive tool to increase the sustainability of marginal goat production systems under semiarid conditions.

TD-DFT calculations and thermal effects on conformers of calmagite in protic solvents varying the degree of protonation.

The main absorption peaks were obtained for 1-(1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-phenylazo)-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid. Generalized gradient approximation, hybrid, semi-empirical, and Coulomb attenuating methods were utilized to compare theoretical electronic transitions and experimental absorption spectra at different pH. The main peaks and shoulders observed in experimental spectra were assigned to its correct conformer. In order to find the most populated conformer, thermal effects on stability calculations were investigated to obtain molar fractions of possible isomers present at room and higher temperature. Theoretical electronic transitions at distinct pH could be obtained varying the protonation a deprotonation degree. It was found that generalized gradient approximation performs very well the first transition peak at neutral pH. For higher pH, all methodologies got a bathochromic shift in agreement with experiment and finally, from these theoretical results, it was obtained that this azo dye is hardly protonated in experiments since results presented here, predict a variation of absorption spectra for all proposed methodologies when the molecule is protonated, which is different to experimental results. Graphical Abstract Calculated electronic transitions of azo and hydrazone tautomers in water implicit solvent (BLYP/6-311G(2d,p) methodology).

Pharmacological interventions for unilateral spatial neglect after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is characterized by the inability to report or respond to people or objects presented on the side contralateral to the lesioned side of the brain and has been associated with poor functional outcomes and long stays in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Pharmacological interventions (medical interventions only, use of drugs to improve the health condition), such as dopamine and noradrenergic agonists or pro-cholinergic treatment, have been used in people affected by USN after stroke, and effects of these treatments could provide new insights for health professionals and policy makers. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for USN after stroke. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (April 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (April 2015), MEDLINE (1946 to April 2015), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1982 to April 2015), EMBASE (1980 to April 2015), PsycINFO (1806 to April 2015) and Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1982 to April 2015). We also searched trials and research registers, screened reference lists, and contacted study authors and pharmaceutical companies (April 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCTs) of pharmacological interventions for USN after stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included studies and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: We included in the review two studies with a total of 30 randomly assigned participants. We rated the quality of the evidence as very low as the result of study limitations, small numbers of events, and small sample sizes, with imprecision in the confidence interval (CI). We were not able to perform meta-analysis because of heterogeneity related to the different interventions evaluated between included studies. Very low-quality evidence from one trial (20 participants) comparing effects of rivastigmine plus rehabilitation versus rehabilitation on overall USN at discharge showed the following: Barrage (mean difference (MD) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.18 to 0.78); Letter Cancellation (MD 10.60, 95% CI 2.07 to 19.13); Sentence Reading (MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.69 to 1.09), and the Wundt-Jastrow Area Illusion Test (MD -4.40, 95% CI -8.28 to -0.52); no statistical significance was observed for the same outcomes at 30 days' follow-up. In another trial (10 participants), study authors showed statistically significant reduction in omissions in the three cancellation tasks under transdermal nicotine treatment (mean number of omissions 2.93 ± 0.5) compared with both baseline (4.95 ± 0.8) and placebo (5.14 ± 0.9) (main effect of treatment condition: F (2.23) = 11.06; P value < 0.0001). One major adverse event occurred in the transdermal nicotine treatment group, and treatment was discontinued in the affected participant. None of the included trials reported data on several of the prespecified outcomes (falls, balance, depression or anxiety, poststroke fatigue, and quality of life). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the evidence from available RCTs was very low. The effectiveness and safety of pharmacological interventions for USN after stroke are therefore uncertain. Additional large RCTs are needed to evaluate these treatments.

Age and morphological changes in the Epiponini wasp Polybia paulista Von Ihering (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

The division of labor is a central theme in the study of social insects. In bees and wasps, this activity is regulated by age polyethism. Important physiological and morphological changes have been widely studied in the polyethism of honeybee workers. In contrast, this is a relatively unexplored subject in social vespids. Our goal was to determine if there are detectable morphological changes in the body of the Epiponini wasp Polybia paulista Von Ihering or in certain glands in relation to age polyethism. We observed changes in the body weight, the salivary gland, and the mandibular gland that were associated with age, and our results suggest that social relationships and task performance are important to these changes. This contrasts with observations in Polistes and is different from the Apis mellifera Linnaeus age polyethism model.

[Nutritional profile of foods offered and dietary intake in school canteens in Biscay]. / Perfil nutricional de los menús e ingesta dietética en comedores escolares de Vizcaya.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays the school canteen occupies a central place in the supply and in the nutritional education of the children in school age. OBJECTIVES: To assess the nutritional adequacy of the school menus and the food intake of the children. METHODS: 1,500 trays were selected in six school dining rooms of Biscay. Dietary intake was evaluated by means of the technique of double weighed and visual estimation of the residues. RESULTS: Evaluation of the menus: Macronutrients: carbohydrates 48%, proteins 20%, lipids 32%. Weekly offer: The first plate: vegetables 1.1; legumes 1.8; potatoes 0.4; pasta-rice 1.7. The second plate: meat 2.5; fish 1.4; eggs 0.6; precooked fried food 0.5. Garnish: potatoes 0.5; sauces 0.8; lettuce 1.7; cooked vegetables 1; no garnish 1. Dessert: fruit 2.8; dairy product 2; other 0.2. Significant changes have been observed in 4% of the menus. The vegetable garnish is not served in 40% of the occasions. 70% do not eat the vegetable garnish. CONCLUSIONS: Though the theoretical offer of vegetables is appropriate, due to the fact that frequently the vegetables are not served in garnish and to that when they are served children do not eat them, their final intake is poor. The protein contribution to the diet is higher than the recommended. Meaningful changes take place often in the composition of the menus.

Selective expansion of merocytic dendritic cells and CD8DCs confers anti-tumour effect of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand treatment in vivo.

Vaccination with autologous cancer cells aims to enhance adaptive immune responses to tumour-associated antigens. The incorporation of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (FLT3L) treatment to the vaccination scheme has been shown previously to increase the immunogenicity of cancer vaccines, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. While evidence has been provided that FLT3L confers its effect through the increase of absolute dendritic cell (DC) numbers, it is currently unknown which DC populations are responsive to FLT3L and which effect FLT3L treatment has on DC functions. Here we show that the beneficial effects of FLT3L treatment resulted predominantly from a marked increase of two specific DC populations, the CD8 DCs and the recently identified merocytic DC (mcDC). These two DC populations (cross)-present cell-associated antigens to T cells in a natural killer (NK)-independent fashion. FLT3L treatment augmented the absolute numbers of these DCs, but did not change their activation status nor their capacity to prime antigen-specific T cells. While both DC populations effectively primed CD8(+) T cell responses to cell-associated antigens, only mcDC were capable to prime CD4(+) T cells to cell-associated antigens. Consequentially, the transfer of tumour vaccine-pulsed mcDC, but not of CD8 DCs, protected mice from subsequent tumour challenge in a vaccination model and resulted in eradication of established tumours in a therapeutic approach. These results show that the beneficial effect of FLT3L is associated with the induction of mcDC and suggests that selective targeting to mcDC or instilling mcDC 'characteristics' into conventional DC populations could significantly enhance the efficacy of tumour vaccines.

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre Hylesia metabus (Cramer, 1775) y lepidopterismo en Capure, estado Delta Amacuro, Venezuela (Julio-Agosto 2005) / Knowledge and practices about Hylesia metabus (Cramer, 1775) and lepidopterism in Capure, Delta Amacuro state – Venezuela (July-August 2005)

La mariposa Hylesia metabus posee escamas o pelos urticantes que causan dermatitis y reacciones alérgicas conocidas como lepidopterismo, y en ocasiones representa un grave problema social y de salud pública. Desde septiembre 2004, la comunidad de Capure ha sido afectada por invasiones cíclicas de H. metabus y para implementar actividades de prevención y control, se requiere entender el contexto sociocultural de la población. El presente estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y de campo, buscó caracterizar conocimientos y prácticas sobre H. metabus y lepidopterismo en Capure, mediante la aplicación de encuestas a 45 personas mayores de 10 años de edad (41 criollos y 4 indígenas warao) y la observación directa. El 88,8% (n=40) de los encuestados describió el ciclo biológico de la mariposa, así como conocimientos adecuados sobre su comportamiento; 64,4% (n=29) nombró a H. metabus como “mariposa peluda” y los warao la identificaron como “warowaro tijia” (mariposa que pica); 85,0% (n=38) indicó que la comunidad puede participar en actividades de control y describió alternativas de participación. La prevalencia de lepidopterismo fue de 69,4% y los encuestados identifican su sintomatología con cuadros alérgicos y dermatológicos. Las prácticas realizadas ante el lepidopterismo fueron: 57,7% (n=26) tratamientos caseros, 20,0% tratamientos mixto y 11,1% asiste al ambulatorio. Los tratamientos caseros fueron de uso tópico, 44,7% (n=17) vinagre, 15,7% (n=6) desodorante de bolita y 10,5% (n=4) gasoil. La comunidad de Capure posee conocimientos adecuados sobre la H. metabus y aplica medidas de prevención ante el lepidopterismo. Es necesario articular un Programa permanente de Vigilancia y Control del Lepidopterismo y la mariposa Hylesia sp., con enfoque local y con participación comunitaria.

The Hylesia metabus butterfly has scales and urticant hairs that cause dermatitis and allergic reactions known as lepidopterism, and on occasions it represents a severe social and public health problem. Since September 2004, Capure has been affected by cyclical invading of H. metabus, and to implement activities for prevention and control, an understanding about socio-cultural context of the population is required. This descriptive, exploratory and camp study tried to characterize knowledges and practices about H. metabus and lepidopterism in Capure, by the application of surveys to forty five (45) persons older than ten years old (41 creole people and 4 indigenous Warao people) and direct observation. About 88.8% (n=40) of those polled, described the butterfly’s biological cycle, with adequate knowledge about its behavior; 64.4% (n=29) named H. metabus as “furry butterfly“, and the indigenous Warao identified it as “warowaro tijia” (butterfly that bites); 85% (n=38), indicated that the community can participate in control activities and described alternatives of participation. The prevelance of lepidopterism was 69.4% and those polled identified their symptoms as allergic reactions and dermatitis. The practices realized in lepidopterism were 57.7% (n=26) domestic treatments, 20.0% mixed treatments and 11.1% went to the hospital. The domestic treatments were topical uses, 44.7% (n=17) of vinegar, 15.7% (η=6) roll-on deodorant and 10.5% (n=4) gasoil. The Capure community has adequate knowledge about H. metabus disease and knows how to apply preventive control for lepidopterism. It is necessary to articulate a permanent surveillance and

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of some Mexican medicinal plants.

In Mexico about 4,000 plant species have some medicinal use. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of six Mexican medicinal plants against fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Methanolic extracts were prepared from the Mexican medicinal plants Amphypteringium adstrigens, Castella tortuosa, Coutarea latiflora, Ibervillea sonorae, Jatropha cuneata, and Selaginella lepidophylla. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants were determined by the broth microdilution method and the radial growth inhibition assay, respectively. All Mexican plants tested showed antimicrobial activity. Among the six plant extracts analyzed, J. cuneata showed the highest growth-inhibitory activity against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (J. cuneata > A. adstrigens > C. latiflora > C. tortuosa > I. sonorae approximately S. lepidophylla). Shigella flexneri and Staphylococcus aureus were the most susceptible bacteria to plant extracts. Complete inhibition of S. flexneri growth was observed with J. cuneata methanolic extract at 90 microg/mL. This plant extract also showed the strongest antifungal activity against Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus niger. Our data suggest that the medicinal plants tested have important antimicrobial properties. This is the first report describing the antimicrobial activities of several of the Mexican medicinal plants used in this study.

Caracterización de 1.131 pacientes con cáncer cérvico-uterino según estadio FIGO: Hospital Guillermo Grant, 1999-2005 / Characterization of 1,131 patients with cervical carcinoma according FIGO classification: Hospital Guillermo Grant, 1999-2005

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución de mujeres con diagnóstico histológico de cáncer cérvico-uterino de acuerdo a la etapa clínica y edad. Método: Estudio de corte transversal de 1.131 mujeres clasificadas de acuerdo a la etapa FIGO en el Hospital Guillermo Grant (1999-2005). Resultados: 522 casos (46,1 por ciento) corresponden a Etapa 0, con edad promedio de 34,9 años; el 9 por ciento eran menores de 25 años; el 40,6 por ciento se concentró en el grupo entre 25 y 34 años. A cáncer invasor corresponden 609 mujeres (53,9 por ciento), con edad promedio de 51,2 años, en Etapa I el 36,6 por ciento, Etapa II el 31,8 por ciento, Etapa III el 26,1 por ciento y Etapa IV el 1,3 por ciento. Del grupo de mujeres con cáncer invasor, 117 (19,2 por ciento) eran mayores de 65 años y 4 (0,6 por ciento) menores de 25 años. Conclusión: La aplicación del Programa Nacional de pesquisa precoz del cáncer cérvico-uterino hizo que el 46,1 por ciento de los casos correspondan a diagnóstico precoz, contribuyendo a la tendencia nacional de disminución de la tasa de mortalidad por esta patología. Hay una disminución progresiva del número de casos de cáncer invasor a medida que se avanza en las etapas, coincidentemente hay un aumento en la edad de estas mujeres, es así que el 19,2 por ciento eran mayores de 65 años. De acuerdo con estos resultados es necesario analizar el costo-beneficio de incluir mujeres menores de 25 años y mayores de 65 en el programa de pesquisa precoz.

Objective: To analyze the distribution according to stage and age of women with histological cervical carcinoma confirmed diagnosis. Method: A cross sectional study of 1,131 women of the Hospital Guillermo Grant B with FIGO's classification, in the period 1999-2005. Results: From the 1,131 cases, 522 (46.1 percent) women correspond to Stage 0, the average age was 34.9 years; 9 percent were younger than 25 years of age; 40.6 percent were between 25-34 years old. Invasive cancer had 609 women (53.9 percent), average age was 51.2 years, corresponding 223 (36.6 percent) Stage I, 194 (31.8 percent) Stage II, 159 (26.1 percent) Stage III, and 8 (1.3 percent) Stage IV. The range of age in invasive stages was between 19-95 years. From the group of women with cancer, 117 (19.2 percent) were older than 65 years, and 4 women (0.6 percent) were younger than 25. Conclusion: The implementation of the National Program of early detection for cervical cancer caused that 46.1 percent of cases correspond to early diagnosis, contributing to the national trend of decreasing rate of mortality for this disease. There is a progressive decrease in the incidence of invasive cancer as it progresses in stages, coincidentally there is an increase in the age of these women, so that 19.2 percent were older than 65 years. Based on these results it is necessary to analyze the cost benefit of including women younger than 25 years and older than 65 in the screening.

Efectos de una intervención en la utilización del servicio de nutrición en México / Effect of an intervention in the use of the service of nutrition in Mexico

Se aplicó una estrategia de comunicación para mejorar la utilización del servicio de nutrición previa identificación de las barreras de acceso. La intervención consistió en establecer libre demanda al servicio y se utilizaron carteles, volantes y mensajes por altavoz para motivar a la población en el uso del servicio. El 40 por ciento de la población que utilizó el servicio después de la estrategia de medios, lo hizo de manera espontánea. El análisis por tipo de medio de comunicación, mostró diferencias intragrupos en todos los indicadores de uso. En conclusión, todas las estrategias fueron buenas; sin embargo, comparaciones post hoc señalaron un mayor impacto del volante en incremento en la demanda espontánea de consultas.

Spatial distribution of acaricide profiles (Boophilus microplus strains susceptible or resistant to acaricides) in southeastern Mexico.

The ability of Boophilus microplus strains to be susceptible (-) or resistant (+) to amidines (Am), synthetic pyrethroids (SP), and/or organo-phosphates (OP) (or acaricide profiles) was investigated in 217 southeastern Mexican cattle ranches (located in the states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco). Three questions were asked: (1) whether acaricide profiles varied at random and, if not, which one(s) explained more (or less) cases than expected, (2) whether the spatial distribution of acaricide profiles was randomly or non-randomly distributed, and (3) whether acaricide profiles were associated with farm-related covariates (frequency of annual treatments, herd size, and farm size). Three acaricide profiles explained 73.6% of the data, representing at least twice as many cases as expected (P<0.001): (1) Am-SP-, (2) Am+SP+, and (3) (among ranches that dispensed acaricides > or = 6 times/year) Am-OP+SP+. Because ticks collected in Yucatán ranches tended to be susceptible to Am, those of Quintana Roo ranches displayed, predominantly, resistance to OP/SP, and Tabasco ticks tended to be resistant to Am (all with P < or = 0.05), acaricide profiles appeared to be non-randomly disseminated over space. Across states, two farm-related covariates were associated with resistance (P < or = 0.02): (1) high annual frequency of acaricide treatments, and (2) large farm size. Findings supported the hypothesis that spatial acaricide profiles followed neither random nor homogeneous data distributions, being partially explained by agent- and/or farm-specific factors. Some profiles could not be explained by these factors. Further spatially explicit studies (addressing host-related factors) are recommended.

The distribution and ecological preferences of Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Mexico.

This paper focuses on the distribution of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus, in Mexico. The study is aimed to understand the climate factors responsible of the recorded distribution that can statistically define the suitable habitat for the tick. Sites where the tick is recorded display significantly higher values of some climate variables in comparison with those where the tick is absent, namely mean monthly temperature (T) and atmospheric water vapour (W), yearly accumulated T, W and rainfall (R) (p < 0.001 for every variable), with smaller significance for the yearly sum of T/R and T/W ratios (p < 0.05). Interestingly, variables involving the Normalized Derived Vegetation Index (NDVI) do not shown statistical differences between the sites where the tick is present or absent. The best set of habitat-defining variables was integrated into a framework to assess the habitat suitability for the tick in Mexico. We used a point-to-point similarity metric to assign a classification value to a candidate site based on the proximity in environmental space of the most similar record site. A combination of 7 yearly and monthly values for temperature, rainfall and water vapour variables captured the tick distribution. Model performance, as tested with a separate set of distribution tests and defined by the AUC value, was 0.89. Causes of errors as detected with a visual comparison of both known and predicted distribution of the tick may be attributed to the use of a medium resolution, unable to capture locally important features of tick distribution, and to incomplete collections in some parts of the country.

Recombinant X chromosome in a prenatal diagnosis.

The prenatal cytogenetic study of an amniotic fluid sample of a 39-year-old female showed one X chromosome with a fragment of extra material in the short arm. The G-band pattern suggested that the extra material could be the long arm of an X chromosome. Several complementary studies were performed in order to better clarify the origin of the material. These studies included parental karyotypes, microsatellite typing and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the derivative chromosome arose de novo as a recombinant X chromosome with duplication of Xq and partial deletion of Xp. Once informed, the parents decided to continue with the pregnancy, after which a healthy girl was born with no apparent disorders.

Laparoscopic treatment of cholelithiasis in cirrhotic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis in patients with Child's Class A and Class B cirrhosis. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive and retrospective study. PATIENTS: We studied 14 patients (mean age 60 yrs) with Child's Class A and Class B hepatic cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We analyzed the occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eight patients were women (57.14%) and 6 were men (42.85%). Eight of the 14 patients presented with Child's Class B cirrhosis and 6 patients with Class A. Cholecystectomy was programmed for all patients. The average duration of surgery was 77 min. Intraoperative complications occurred in 2 patients (14.28%) in the form of liver bed bleeding. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (21.42%), 2 presented with ascites which led to a worsening of Child's Class in one of them, and the third patient presented with angina-like symptoms (acute, sharp pain in the chest irradiating to the back). Mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. No postoperative morbidity or mortality occurred, and there were no conversions. CONCLUSIONS: LC (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis in patients with well-compensated Child's Class A and Class B cirrhosis. Postoperative morbi-mortality is low, bleeding is unimportant, and both duration of surgical procedure and hospital stay are short.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Forkhead, a switch for cell division.

Cell cycle progression is a tightly controlled process. To initiate cell division, mitogens trigger a number of early signals that promote the G(0)-G(1) transition by inducing cell growth and the activation of G(1) cyclins. Activation of cyclin E/cdk2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2) at the end of G(1) is then required to trigger DNA synthesis (S phase entry). Among the early signals induced by mitogens, activation of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) appears essential to induce cell cycle entry, as it regulates cell growth signalling pathways, which in turn determine the rate of cell cycle progression. Another mechanisms by which PI3K and its downstream effector protein kinase B regulate cell cycle entry is by inactivation of the FOXO (Forkhead Box, subgroup O) transcription factors, which induce expression of quiescence genes such as those encoding p27(kip), p130 and cyclin G2. PI3K/FOXO then work as a complementary switch: when PI3K is active, FOXO transcription factors are inactive. The switch is turned on and off at different phases of the cell cycle, thus regulating cell cycle progression.

Contaminacion microbiana de los cepillos dentales en pacientes con enfermedad periodontal / Microbial contamination of toothbrushes in patients with periodontal disease

Para conocer el grado de contaminación microbiana en los cepillos dentales en pacientes con periodontitis y obtener una idea sobre el tiempo de recambio del cepillo dental en estos pacientes, se estudiaron 84 cepillos dentales nuevos (Colgate Twister®), que fueron utilizados por 28 pacientes con periodontitis agresiva o crónica de acuerdo con los criterios de clasificación de la enfermedad. Cada paciente usó tres cepillos dentales durante la investigación. Todos los cepillos dentales fueron cultivados para bacterias anaerobias y facultativas tres horas después de usarlos de acuerdo con ciertas condiciones experimentales que permitieron el crecimiento de organismos periodontopatógenos y oportunistas. Este estudio determinó que: -Los cepillos dentales son contaminados por microorganismos períodontopáticos en pacientes con periodontitis, -que el uso de la crema dental Colgate Total® disminuyó radicalmente en el cepillo dental la contaminación por microorganismos periodontopáticos, -pero que después de un mes de uso regular del cepillo con crema, este resultó contaminado con enterobacterias. El número total de colonias viables fue mayor en los cepillos sin crema que en los cepillos con crema y que en los cepillos usados por 1 mes (prueba de Friedman, P< 0.0001). Los microorganismos periodontales más patogénicos como A. actinomycetemcomitans, y P. gingivalis fueron mayormente recuperados en los cepillos sin crema. Un 42% de los pacientes tuvieron microorganismos entéricos en el cepillo sin crema y este porcentaje aumentó al 71% después de un mes de uso del cepillo (prueba de Friedman, P < 0,008).

The aim of this study was to determine whether toothbrush are microbially contaminated after use in patients with diverse degree of periodontal disease. For this purpose, 84 brand new sterile toothbrushes (Colgate Twister®) used by 28 patients were tested in microbial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty eight patients were diagnosed with aggressive generalized periodontitis and severe to moderate chronic periodontal disease. Each patient used three new toothbrushes for teeth cleaning, which were later tested for the presence of periodontopathic and superinfecting opportunistic microorganisms. This investigation determined that: The toothbrushes resulted contaminated by periodontopathic microorganisms in patients with periodontitis. The single use of Colgate Total® toothpaste reduced significantly the toothbrush microbial contamination. A continuous toothbrush use (30 days), seems to facilitate the toothbrush contamination with enteric rods and few periodontopathic organisms. Total bacterial colony counts were significantly big among toothbrushes used without toothpaste than these used with toothpaste and the used for 1 month (Friedman test, P< 0.0001). Toothbrushes resulted highly-contaminated when first used without toothpaste. The microbial contamination decreased on toothbrushes when used with toothpaste and then resulted contaminated with enteric rods after one month use {Friedman test, F< 0.0001). Two important periodontal pathogenic organisms like A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were frequently recovered in toothbrushes used without toothpaste (Friedman Test). Super-infecting organisms like â-hemolitic streptococci, staphylococci and yeast were not significant in toothbrush contamination (Friedman Test). 42% of the studied patients harrbored enteric organisms in their toothbrush used without adding toothpaste. The amount of enterimento rods contamination increased to 71% after one month of toothbrush use...

Presumed common source outbreaks of hepatitis A in an endemic area confirmed by limited sequencing within the VP1 region.

Hepatitis A virus isolates from anti-HAV IgM positive sera of 70 hepatitis cases in two outbreaks and 216 other cases in Central America, 136 sporadic cases and 53 cases from an hyper-endemic region in Costa Rica, were compared by phylogenetic analyses within the VP1 region. The outbreaks in all 531 cases, in 1992 and 1999, respectively, were presumed water borne. In the first outbreak, HAV RNA could be detected in 70% of the cases sampled during 6 weeks after onset of jaundice. In the hyper-endemic region of San Ramón in Costa Rica, 1,932 cases were registered between 1972 and 1985. All isolates belonged to subtype 1A. Background isolates from Costa Rica and El Salvador tended to form separate subclusters in the phylogenetic tree construction and were mostly unrelated to subtype 1A strains from other parts of the world. Based on their amino acid sequences, four HAV strains, all related to CR326 sampled in Costa Rica in 1960, were found to have circulated in the area during the last three decades. However, on the basis of nucleotide variability the isolates from the outbreaks could be distinguished from the strains from sporadic cases and sequence analysis could confirm the epidemiological homogeneity of both outbreaks. In the hyper-endemic region, 16 different sequences were encountered forming one single subcluster. Thus, limited sequencing within the VP1 region proved useful to identify outbreaks of hepatitis A in a highly endemic area, where most strains were local and only one subtype was prevalent.

Decreased interferon-alpha production in HIV-infected patients correlates with numerical and functional deficiencies in circulating type 2 dendritic cell precursors.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection exhibit a progressively marked decrease in the production of virus-induced interferon (IFN)-alpha, a finding that correlates with and is highly predictive of disease progression and opportunistic infections. The major IFN-alpha producing population has recently been defined as the precursor to type 2 dendritic cells (pDC2) or plasmacytoid DC (pDC). Using four-color flow cytometry, we have enumerated the pDC2 vs non-IFN-alpha producing myeloid DC1 in peripheral blood from HIV-infected patients and healthy controls and related these values to CD4 cell numbers, viral load, and functional activity. The patients had reductions in the numbers of both pDC2 (lin-/HLA-DR+/CD123(bright)) and DC1 (lin1-/HLA-DR+/CD123(dim)/CD11c+), both at an absolute level and as a percentage of cells. The decreases were most evident in patients with decreased CD4 levels. Viral load correlated with the functional frequency of the IFN producing cells but not with absolute pDC2 levels. Using intracellular flow cytometric analysis for IFN-alpha, the patients were demonstrated to have fewer pDC2, as well as a lower percentage of responding cells among those remaining. We conclude that deficient production of IFN-alpha by pDC2 from HIV-infected patients results from both selective loss of these cells and their qualitative dysfunction. Given the central role of DC, and in particular, DC2, in linking innate and adaptive immune responses, these qualitative and quantitative changes in pDC2 are likely to be key contributors to HIV pathogenesis.