Morphological characterization and first molecular identification of the eleven Eimeria species that infect sheep from Mexico.

Within livestock production, enteric diseases play an important role, since they cause severe economic losses due to mortality, growth depression, and reduction in the conversion rate. Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. is a parasitic disease of high morbidity that affects various animal species, including sheep. In sheep, eleven species of Eimeria have been identified mainly through microscopical identification of the oocysts; however, this technique has certain limitations that make it difficult to identify the different Eimeria species. The objective of the present study was to morphologically identify the eleven species of Eimeria that infect sheep in the southeastern region of the State of Mexico, as well as obtain the partial sequence of the ITS-1 rRNA region of each species and analyze it phylogenetically. A total of 412 samples were collected from the 13 municipalities that comprise the region I of the State of Mexico, out of which, 40 had approximately 80% of a single Eimeria species. Among these, the eleven Eimeria species reported in sheep were identified. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the species reported in this study are associated with those reported in rabbits, bovines, and birds. It is suggested that the phylogenetic division of sheep in two clades may be associated with the presence or absence of the residual body. It is proposed that the present methodology can be used effectively for diagnosis and to obtain information about the epidemiology of ovine coccidial infection. The results obtained in this study constitute the first report of the ITS-1 region of the eleven Eimeria species that infect sheep worldwide.

Bone speed of sound throughout lifetime assessed with quantitative ultrasound in a Mexican population.

The purpose of this study was to assess the bone speed of sound (SoS) through lifetime of a large Mexican population sample by determining the SoS from the radius and tibia using quantitative ultrasound (QUS). This is a cross-sectional evaluation of participants in the Mexican Health Workers Cohort Study. QUS measurements were performed using Sunlight Omnisense 8000P; Z- and T-scores were calculated for both sexes at the distal third of the radius and midshaft tibia, both on the nondominant side. A locally weighted regression smoothing scatterplot model was used to identify different phases of bone accretion and loss. A total of 9128 participants aged 1-75 yr were measured with QUS. Bone SoS accretion began 5 yr earlier in girls than boys (p<0.05). Maximal SoS or peak bone SoS was noted at 28 yr in the radius and at 22 yr in the tibia. Postmenopausal women (45-50 yr) showed significant SOS decrease at both sites (p<0.05) compared with men. Using the locally weighted regression smoothing scatterplot model, we found 5 different phases that constitute the biological development of bone over the life course, from ages 1-6, 7-12, 12-25, 25-50, and 50-75 yr (p<0.05). Our study shows the age- and sex-dependent changes and different phases of bone development expressed by SoS measurements of the radius and tibia. The values reported in this study can be used as a reference for urban Mexican population.

Association between serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular risk among university workers from the State of Mexico: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that serum uric acid (SUA) can be an inexpensive and easy-to-obtain indicator of cardiovascular risk (CR). This is especially important in developing countries with high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We examined the association between SUA levels and 10-year global CR among university workers from the State of Mexico, Mexico. METHODS: A case-control study nested within a cohort was conducted between 2004 and 2006. Anthropometric measures, lifestyle variables, family background and CR factors were assessed. The analysis estimated odds ratios using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The study included 319 cases with CR and 638 controls. Subjects in the upper tertile of SUA had 48.0% higher odds of having an elevated CR than those in the lower tertile (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04-2.10) in the crude analysis, but the association was non-significant when adjusting for other covariates. Among physically inactive individuals, being in the third tertile of SUA doubled the odds of high CR, compared with those who perform physical activity three or more hours per week being in the first tertile of SUA (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.24-4.45). CONCLUSION: Serum concentration of uric acid is associated with 10-year global CR among individuals with high levels of physical inactivity.

Physical activity and risk of metabolic syndrome in an urban Mexican cohort.

BACKGROUND: In the Mexican population metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent. It is well documented that regular physical activity (PA) prevents coronary diseases, type 2 diabetes and MS. Most studies of PA have focused on moderate-vigorous leisure-time activity, because it involves higher energy expenditures, increase physical fitness, and decrease the risk of MS. However, for most people it is difficult to get a significant amount of PA from only moderately-vigorous leisure activity, so workplace activity may be an option for working populations, because, although may not be as vigorous in terms of cardio-respiratory efforts, it comprises a considerable proportion of the total daily activity with important energy expenditure. Since studies have also documented that different types and intensity of daily PA, including low-intensity, seem to confer important health benefits such as prevent MS, we sought to assess the impact of different amounts of leisure-time and workplace activities, including low-intensity level on MS prevention, in a sample of urban Mexican adults. METHODS: The study population consisted of 5118 employees and their relatives, aged 20 to 70 years, who were enrolled in the baseline evaluation of a cohort study. MS was assessed according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP III and physical activity with a validated self-administered questionnaire. Associations between physical activity and MS risk were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of the components of MS in the study population were: high glucose levels 14.2%, high triglycerides 40.9%, high blood pressure 20.4%, greater than healthful waist circumference 43.2% and low-high density lipoprotein 76.9%. The prevalence of MS was 24.4%; 25.3% in men and 21.8% in women. MS risk was reduced among men (OR 0.72; 95%CI 0.57-0.95) and women (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.64-0.94) who reported an amount of >or=30 minutes/day of leisure-time activity, and among women who reported an amount of >or=3 hours/day of workplace activity (OR 0.75; 95%CI 0.59-0.96). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that both leisure-time and workplace activity at different intensity levels, including low-intensity significantly reduce the risk of MS. This finding highlights the need for more recommendations regarding the specific amount and intensity of leisure-time and workplace activity needed to prevent MS.

Reference values for areal bone mineral density among a healthy Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the influence of ethnicity in the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in various Mexican populations using two normal dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) reference databases: manufacturer's incorporating US Hispanic population and a normal mestizo Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MMP included 9 946 subjects participating in an ongoing long-term cohort study focusing on lifestyle and chronic diseases, of which 6 487 MMP males and females aged 7 to 80 years were the normal subjects used to determine bone density T- and Z-scores, following WHO criteria, and peak bone mass values. Abnormal bone mass density values estimated by the manufacturer's and peak bone mass reference values were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that by using the manufacturer's T-score values in the mestizo Mexican population we are underestimating the number of abnormal bone mass BMD populations.

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Mexicans aged 14 years and older and its correlation with parathyroid hormone.

UNLABELLED: A sample of 585 healthy subjects 14 years and older was studied to estimate the status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and its correlation with parathyroid hormone in healthy Mexicans. In 43.6 % of the sample, levels of vitamin D were below 20 ng/mL and showed an inverse relationship with parathyroid hormone (PTH; p < 0.01). PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to estimate the status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and its correlation with parathyroid hormone in healthy Mexicans. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 585 healthy subjects 14 years and older was carried out. A questionnaire including all relevant demographics, medical history, and lifestyle factors was applied by trained interviewers. Morning fasting blood was collected in all subjects for estimation of 25(OH)D using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and PTH hormone-intact molecule by RIA. RESULTS: Of the group of 585 subjects, 54.1 % were women; the sample was divided in three age groups (14-29, 30-50, and >51). Only 9.6 % of the total sample had levels of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL; 46.8 % were between 20 and 29 ng/mL, and 43.6 % were below 20 ng/mL. Regarding PTH, a three-phase model was identified using regression smoothing scatterplot (LOESS), with two thresholds of 25(OH)D of 19 and 29 ng/mL. Phase 1 (25(OH)D <19 ng/mL) showed an inverse relationship with PTH (p < 0.01); phases 2 and 3 showed no significant relationship. CONCLUSION: Our results show that 43.6 % of the Mexicans in this study have deficient concentration levels of vitamin D. The cutoff point of 20 ng/mL of 25(OH)D established by the Institute of Medicine has a biological and statistically significant relationship with PTH levels in the Mexican population, independently of principal confounding factors. Like many other countries, Mexico could be included in the global epidemic of hypovitaminosis D.

The association between type of confidant and depressive symptomology in a sample of Mexican youth / Jóvenes mexicanos y depresión: el rol de confidentes

Background The current lifetime prevalence of depression among females in Mexico is 9.1% and 2.9% among males. The overall lifetime prevalence of depression is 6.2% among the general population of Mexico. Individuals that experience depressive symptomology at a young age are more likely to experience a depressive episode later in life. The risk of recurrence 24 months after the first episode of depression is 37.3%. There is scarce information about the prevalence of depression among adolescents in Mexico. However, a study of adults in Mexico City by Benjet et al. found that 2.8% of females and 1.1% of males experienced a depressive episode during adolescence. Research indicates that adolescents are especially vulnerable to mental and physical health problems. During the developmental transition, females are more vulnerable to these problems than males, including depression. The ways in which adolescents adapt and become adults can either protect or put them at risk for depressive symptomology and subsequent mental and physical disorders. The act of disclosure (talking to a confidant), which involves the sharing of personal thoughts and ideas with others, is an important mechanism through which adults and children form intimate relationships and develop good mental health. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the association between type of confidant and depressive symptomology, and to identify some potential risk and protective factors of depression, including differences by gender, among a sample of Mexican youth. We hypothesized that not having a confidant would be associated with greater levels of depressive symptomology, and that this would differ by gender. Methods We used cross-sectional data obtained from 1,079 youths and adolescents aged 11 to 20 who were recruited to participate in the Health Worker Cohort Study (HWCS) between the years of 2004 and 2006. The HWCS included children and relatives of workers from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in Morelos and from Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, both located in Cuernavaca. Participants were also selected from a similar sample of workers from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM) in Toluca, capital of the State of Mexico. The participants from all three study sites are being followed in an ongoing cohort study of lifestyle and health. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to obtain information on lifestyle factors, socio-demographic data, health status, and quality of life. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between confidant type and levels of depressive symptomology while controlling for demographic factors. Stratified analyses were also carried out, as it was hypothesized that the effect of disclosure to a confidant would vary by gender. Results In our study population, males had significantly lower levels of depressive symptomology than females; the mean BDI score for males was 5.6 and for females it was 8.7. Among both males and females, having only peer confidants is associated with higher levels of depressive symptomology, and having family confidants is associated with lower levels of depression. Males with peer confidants have the highest levels of depressive symptomology followed by those with no confidants, and those with family and peer confidants, as compared to males who reported having only a family confidant. Females with no confidant or with only peer confidants have higher levels of depressive symptomology than females with only family confidants. Among females, depressive symptomology increases with age, with females aged 17-20 having the highest levels of depressive symptomology. Financial symptomology predicts depressive symptomology among both males and females. Conclusions Our study shows that having a family member to talk to may be a protective factor against depressive symptomology among this sample of Mexican youth. Adolescents with a family confidant were found to have significantly lower levels of depressive symptomology than those who have only peer or no confidants. In the transition to adulthood, the presence of a family confidant positively influences the emotional well-being of boys and girls. Interventions that address the different disclosure needs of male and female adolescents may help reduce or prevent depressive symptomology among this population.

Antecedentes La prevalencia actual de depresión en México es de 9.1% en las mujeres y de 2.9% entre los hombres. En conjunto, la prevalencia de depresión entre la población general de México es de 6.2% durante el transcurso de la vida. Diversos estudios señalan que los individuos que presentan a edades tempranas un trastorno depresivo es más probable que más tarde en su vida sufran un episodio depresivo. El riesgo de presentar una recurrencia de depresión 24 meses después del primer episodio es de 37.3%. En México hay escasa información sobre la prevalencia de depresión entre los adolescentes. Las investigaciones señalan que los adolescentes son vulnerables a padecer problemas de salud tanto físicos como mentales. Durante la transición del desarrollo de la adolescencia, las mujeres son más vulnerables que los hombres a padecer este tipo de problemas, entre los que se encuentra la depresión. Las formas en que los adolescentes se adaptan y se convierten en adultos pueden protegerlos o ponerlos en riesgo de presentar trastornos depresivos y subsecuentes trastornos físicos y mentales. El acto de divulgar (platicar con un confidente) implica compartir pensamientos e ideas personales con otros y es un importante mecanismo por medio del cual los adultos y los niños forman relaciones cercanas y desarrollan una buena salud mental. Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el tipo de confidente y el trastorno depresivo e identificar algunos riesgos potenciales y factores protectores de depresión en una muestra de jóvenes mexicanos. Planteamos la hipótesis de que no contar con un confidente podría estar asociado con niveles más altos de sintomatología depresiva, asociación que podría ser distinta de acuerdo con el sexo. Métodos Se utilizaron los datos transversales recabados en 1079 jóvenes y adolescentes de 11 a 20 años, quienes fueron reclutados para participar en el Estudio Cohorte de Trabajadores (ECT) entre los años de 2004 a 2006. El ECT incluye niños y familiares de trabajadores del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) en Morelos y del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, ambos localizados en la ciudad de Cuernavaca. También se seleccionó una muestra similar de participantes de los trabajadores de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM) en Toluca, capital del Estado de México. Los participantes de las tres sedes están en seguimiento en el estudio de cohorte prospectivo sobre salud y estilos de vida. Se administró un cuestionario autoaplicado para obtener información sobre datos sociodemográficos, estilos de vida, estado de salud y calidad de vida. Se realizaron análisis bivariados y multivariados para determinar la asociación entre el tipo de confidente y niveles de sintomatología depresiva controlando por factores sociodemográficos. Adicionalmente, se realizaron análisis estratificados bajo la hipótesis de que el efecto de divulgación a un confidente (platicar con un confidente) podría variar por sexo. Resultados En nuestra población de estudio, los hombres reportaron niveles significativamente más bajos de trastorno depresivo que las mujeres; la media de la puntuación del Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI) fue de 5.6 para hombres y de 8.7 para las mujeres. Entre ambos, tanto hombres como mujeres, contar sólo con amigos como confidentes se asocia con altos niveles de trastorno depresivo y contar con familiares como confidentes se asocia con menores niveles de depresión. Los hombres que cuentan con amigos como sus confidentes tienen los niveles más altos de sintomatología depresiva, seguidos por aquellos que cuentan con confidentes y de quienes cuentan como confidentes a amigos y familiares. Las mujeres que no tienen confidentes o que sólo cuentan con amigos como confidentes tienen niveles más altos de sintomatología depresiva que las que sólo cuentan con familiares como confidentes. Entre las mujeres, la sintomatología depresiva se incrementa con la edad; como lo señalan nuestros resultados las mujeres de 17 a 20 años presentaron los niveles más altos de sintomatología depresiva. En relación con otros factores asociados, encontramos que, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, el estrés financiero es un predictor de sintomatología depresiva. Conclusiones Nuestro estudio señala que contar con un miembro de la familia con quien platicar es un factor protector contra el trastorno depresivo en esta muestra de jóvenes mexicanos. Los adolescentes que cuentan con un familiar como confidente presentan niveles de sintomatología depresiva significativamente menores que aquellos que sólo cuentan con amigos o quienes no tienen confidentes. En la transición hacia la adultez, la presencia de un familiar como confidente influye positivamente en el bienestar emocional de niñas y niños. Las intervenciones que toman en cuenta las diferentes necesidades de divulgación de los adolescentes (de contar con un confidente) podrían ayudar a reducir o prevenir la sintomatología depresiva en esta población.

Estilos de vida asociados al riesgo cardiovascular global en trabajadores universitarios del Estado de México / Lifestyle conditions related to global cardiovascular risk among university workers in the State of Mexico

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la asociación del estilo de vida con el riesgo cardiovascular (RCV) en trabajadores universitarios del Estado de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. Se evaluaron variables del estilo de vida, sociodemográficas, antropométricas y antecedentes familiares. El análisis estimó razones de momios pareadas crudas y ajustadas a través de regresión logística condicional. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 342 casos con RCV y 684 controles. En los trabajadores con sobrepeso u obesidad, el RCV superó al de aquéllos con peso normal. Los antecedentes familiares de infarto del miocardio se asociaron directamente, y la actividad física moderada-vigorosa inversamente con el RCV, en modelos con interacciones entre género y actividad física; esta relación se mantuvo sólo en los hombres. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados muestran el papel preponderante de la actividad física moderada-vigorosa como factor del estilo de vida asociado con menor RCV.

OBJETIVES: To assess the relationship between lifestyle and cardiovascular risk (CR) among university workers in the State of Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted and lifestyle, sociodemographic, anthropometric, body mass index and family history of cardiovascular disease were assessed. The analysis included the estimation of crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The study included 342 workers with CR and 684 controls. CR was greater for workers with overweight or obesity than for those with normal weight. Family history of myocardial infarction was directly associated with CR, while physical activity was inversely associated. In models with interactions of gender and physical activity, this relation was observed only for men. CONCLUSIONS: Results show an inverse association between the lifestyle factor of physical activity and CR.

Reference values for areal bone mineral density among a healthy Mexican population / Valores de referencia para la densidad mineral ósea expresada en área para una población mexicana sana

OBJECTIVE: Compare the influence of ethnicity in the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in various Mexican populations using two normal dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) reference databases: manufacturer's incorporating US Hispanic population and a normal mestizo Mexican population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MMP included 9 946 subjects participating in an ongoing long-term cohort study focusing on lifestyle and chronic diseases, of which 6 487 MMP males and females aged 7 to 80 years were the normal subjects used to determine bone density T- and Z-scores, following WHO criteria, and peak bone mass values. Abnormal bone mass density values estimated by the manufacturer's and peak bone mass reference values were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that by using the manufacturer's T-score values in the mestizo Mexican population we are underestimating the number of abnormal bone mass BMD populations.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la influencia de la etnicidad en la prevalencia de osteopenia y osteoporosis en varias poblaciones mexicanas utilizando dos bases de referencia normal de densitometría de rayos X (DXA): referencia del fabricante que incorpora hispanos en Estados Unidos y datos de una población mestiza mexicana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un total de 9 946 sujetos de población mestiza mexicana participantes en una cohorte de largo plazo dirigida al estudio de estilos de vida y ocurrencia de enfermedades crónicas; de los cuales 6 487 sujetos sanos de ambos sexos, con edad entre los 7 y los 80 años, fueron utilizados para determinar los valores T, Z, de acuerdo a los criterios de la OMS, así como a los valores de masa ósea pico. Se compararon los casos de densidad mineral ósea anormal de acuerdo a los valores de referencia del fabricante y los valores de masa ósea pico de la población mestiza. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIÓN: Las bases de referencia del fabricante subestima significativamente el número de casos con densidad mineral ósea anormal en la población mestiza mexicana.