Drosophila melanogaster Sting mediates Coxiella burnetii infection by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species.

The Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. C. burnetii infects a variety of cell types, tissues, and animal species including mammals and arthropods, but there is much left to be understood about the molecular mechanisms at play during infection in distinct species. Human stimulator of interferon genes (STING) induces an innate immune response through the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), and IFN promotes or suppresses C. burnetii replication, depending on tissue type. Drosophila melanogaster contains a functional STING ortholog (Sting) which activates NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Here, we sought to address the role of D. melanogaster Sting during C. burnetii infection to uncover how Sting regulates C. burnetii infection in flies. We show that Sting-null flies exhibit higher mortality and reduced induction of antimicrobial peptides following C. burnetii infection compared to control flies. Additionally, Sting-null flies induce lower levels of oxidative stress genes during infection, but the provision of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in food rescues Sting-null host survival. Lastly, we find that reactive oxygen species levels during C. burnetii infection are higher in Drosophila S2 cells knocked down for Sting compared to control cells. Our results show that at the host level, NAC provides protection against C. burnetii infection in the absence of Sting, thus establishing a role for Sting in protection against oxidative stress during C. burnetii infection.

Natural genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster reveals genes associated with Coxiella burnetii infection.

The gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Query (Q) fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. Host genetics are associated with C. burnetii pathogenesis both in humans and animals; however, it remains unknown if specific genes are associated with severity of infection. We employed the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel to perform a genome-wide association study to identify host genetic variants that affect host survival to C. burnetii infection. The genome-wide association study identified 64 unique variants (P < 10-5) associated with 25 candidate genes. We examined the role each candidate gene contributes to host survival during C. burnetii infection using flies carrying a null mutation or RNAi knockdown of each candidate. We validated 15 of the 25 candidate genes using at least one method. This is the first report establishing involvement of many of these genes or their homologs with C. burnetii susceptibility in any system. Among the validated genes, FER and tara play roles in the JAK/STAT, JNK, and decapentaplegic/TGF-ß signaling pathways which are components of known innate immune responses to C. burnetii infection. CG42673 and DIP-ε play roles in bacterial infection and synaptic signaling but have no previous association with C. burnetii pathogenesis. Furthermore, since the mammalian ortholog of CG13404 (PLGRKT) is an important regulator of macrophage function, CG13404 could play a role in host susceptibility to C. burnetii through hemocyte regulation. These insights provide a foundation for further investigation regarding the genetics of C. burnetii susceptibility across a wide variety of hosts.

Novel post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation of pro-apoptotic protein BOK and anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 determine the fate of breast cancer cells to survive or die.

Deregulation of apoptosis is central to cancer progression and a major obstacle to effective treatment. The Bcl-2 gene family members play important roles in the regulation of apoptosis and are frequently altered in cancers. One such member is pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-related Ovarian Killer (BOK). Despite its critical role in apoptosis, the regulation of BOK expression is poorly understood in cancers. Here, we discovered that miR-296-5p regulates BOK expression by binding to its 3'-UTR in breast cancers. Interestingly, miR-296-5p also regulates the expression of anti-apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), which is highly expressed in breast cancers. Our results reveal that Mcl-1 and BOK constitute a regulatory feedback loop as ectopic BOK expression induces Mcl-1, whereas silencing of Mcl-1 results in reduced BOK levels in breast cancer cells. In addition, we show that silencing of Mcl-1 but not BOK reduced the long-term growth of breast cancer cells. Silencing of both Mcl-1 and BOK rescued the effect of Mcl-1 silencing on breast cancer cell growth, suggesting that BOK is important for attenuating cell growth in the absence of Mcl-1. Depletion of BOK suppressed caspase-3 activation in the presence of paclitaxel and in turn protected cells from paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) α/ß interacts with BOK and regulates its level post-translationally in breast cancer cells. Taken together, our results suggest that fine tuning of the levels of pro-apoptotic protein BOK and anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 may decide the fate of cancer cells to either undergo apoptosis or proliferation.

Relación entre implicación laboral y satisfacción del trabajador en colegios de una provincia de Chile / Relationship between job involvement and satisfaction of workers in schools of a province in Chile

Esta investigación evalúa la relación entre la implicación laboral y satisfacción del trabajador en el área de educación. Se realizó un estudio correlacional, utilizando un diseño no experimental transversal y se tomó una muestra no probabilística de 169 trabajadores de colegios particular-subvencionados de una provincia de Chile, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario de tres partes: I Información general, II Adaptación castellana del cuestionario de implicación en el trabajo de Gonzalez & De Elena (1999) y III Cuestionario de satisfacción laboral de Chiang, Gómez & Salazar (2014). Los resultados no mostraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres. Tanto la dimensión "contingencias desempeño-autoestima" como la dimensión "identificación psicológica con el trabajo" de la implicación laboral, muestran una correlación positiva y estadísticamente significativa (niveles bajos) con nueve de las diez dimensiones de la satisfacción laboral. La dimensión "sentimientos de deber-obligación hacia el trabajo" de la implicación laboral es estadísticamente significativa y correlaciona negativamente con todas las dimensiones de la satisfacción laboral. De esto se concluye que, los trabajadores del grupo estudiado, poseen un alto grado de implicación laboral, se identifican de tal manera con su trabajo que éste pasa a ser una parte fundamental en su vida y su desempeño dentro de la organización afecta de tal manera su autoestima que un bajo rendimiento les significa una disminución en su satisfacción laboral. Por otro lado, la satisfacción laboral aumenta en la medida en que sienten que el trabajo no es solo un deber y una obligación a cumplir(AU)

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between job involvement and worker satisfaction in subsidized private schools in a province of Chile. A convenience sample of 169 workers was recruited, and completed a three-part questionnaire: a) General information; b) Spanish translation of Gonzalez & De Elena´s (1999) job involvement questionnaire; and c) job satisfaction questionnaire developed and validated by Chiang, Salazar, Huerta & Nuñez (2008), Chiang, Salazar, Martín & Núñez (2011) and Chiang, Gómez & Salazar (2014). Results showed that the job involvement dimension "performance-self esteem contingencies "exhibited a positive and statistically significant correlation (low levels) with nine of the ten dimensions of job satisfaction, except for "satisfaction with pay". The "psychological identification with the job", had a positive and statistically significant correlation (low levels), with all dimensions of job satisfaction except the "satisfaction with development opportunity". Finally, the job-involvement dimension "feelings of duty-obligation to work" was significantly and inversely correlated with all dimensions of job satisfaction. We conclude that workers with a high degree of job involvement identify strongly with their job, as it represents a fundamental part of his life; his performance within the organization affects his self-esteem in such a way, and a low performance means a decrease in his job satisfaction and vice versa(AU)

Anthropometric references for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the anatomical position

Recent anatomical and biomechanical studieshave established that the anatomical position inthe reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is ideal because this position resultsin a lower placement of the femoral tunnels,which provides optimal biomechanical function ofthe graft, and because anterior translation androtational stability are controlled. Ten femurs (fiveleft and five right) and ten tibias (five left and fiveright) were dissected to analyze the various bonyprominences of the lateral wall of the intercondylarfossa. Parameters were also established forthe measurement of the ACL and its anteromedialand posterolateral bundles. Regarding theresults in the medial wall of the lateral femoralcondyle, different bony landmarks were considered,such as the distances from the bonecartilagetransition of anterior and posterior pointof femoral condyle to the bifurcated ridge obtaining7.68 + 2.15 mm and 7.99 + 2.15 mm, respectively. On the tibial bone we considered thelength between the free edges of lateral and medialmenisci, to the medial and lateral edges ofanterior cruciate ligament (ACL), finding a distanceof 2.5 cm + 1.20mm. All these referencesduring knee arthroscopy are useful to the sur-geon, providing tools for the proper placement ofthe tunnels used in the reconstruction surgery ofthe ACL (AU)

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Intergenerational photovoice projects: optimizing this mechanism for influencing health promotion policies and strengthening relationships.

Intergenerational photovoice groups are promising for promoting health through the topic that is explored and through group dynamics that can foster healthy relationships and communication. To investigate the potential benefits of intergenerational photovoice projects, photovoice groups were conducted in urban Minnesota, United States, and in rural Morelos, Mexico, between 2009 and 2012 with Mexican-origin adults and their adolescent relatives. Seven photovoice groups of adult-adolescent dyads met for eight sessions and developed exhibits highlighting their views on health and migration and made policy recommendations, using messages conveyed through their words and photographs. Informal process evaluation and focus groups were used to elicit feedback about photovoice project participation. Photovoice project themes were descriptively analyzed. Focus group evaluation data were thematically summarized, and facilitator reflections were descriptively summarized to identify factors associated with intergenerational photovoice groups. Seventy-five participants were recruited. Photovoice themes represented effects of migration on health, family, and well-being. The following two evaluative themes were identified: (a) participant sentiments about the benefits of photovoice participation and (b) facilitator observations of intergenerational photovoice group benefits and challenges. Participants described opportunities to learn new things and barriers to healthy relationships that the project was eliminating by providing them with time to work together. Used in health promotion, photovoice is a valuable tool that contributes to understanding the complex underlying factors influencing behaviors and health.

Concepciones de infancia, alfabetización inicial y aprendizaje de los educadores y educadoras / Concepções de infância, alfabetização inicial e aprendizagem dos educadores / Educators’ conceptions on childhood, early alphabetization and learning

En este artículo presentamos reflexiones derivadas de varios procesos de investigación de la Universidad de La Sabana, en la línea de investigación de Pedagogía e Infancia, del Grupo de investigación Educación y Educadores. Ellos se orientan a indagar sobre las concepciones de infancia de los educadores y educadoras del nivel inicial, y a buscar comprensiones sobre las formas en que ellos y ellas aprenden. Delimitamos este aprendizaje a la alfabetización inicial de los niños y niñas, dada la importancia de este proceso en una sociedad y en una cultura letrada. Luego de varios años de investigaciones de corte cualitativo, encontramos unamarcada incidencia de las prácticas cotidianas y de las concepciones de infancia en el aprendizaje de los maestrosy maestras.

Neste artigo apresentam-se reflexões derivadas de vários processos de investigação da Universidadeda Sabana, nalinha de investigação de Pedagogia e Infância, do Grupo de investigação Educação e educadores. Eles se orientam a indagar sobre as concepções de infância dos educadores do nível inicial e a procurar entendimentos sobre as formas em que as educadoras aprendem. Delimitamos esta aprendizagem à alfabetização inicial dos meninos e as meninas, dada a importância deste processo numa sociedade e numa cultura letrada. Após vários anos de investigações de corte cualitativo, encontrou-se marcada incidencia das práticas quotidianas e dasconcepções de infância na aprendizagem dos educadores.

This article presents insights derived from various research processes of La Sabana University in the research of Education and Childhood Research Group Education and educators. They are directed to investigate conceptions of childhood who have the initial level educators and seek understanding about the ways in wich educators learn. It defines the initial literacy learning of children given the importance of this process in a society and a literate culture. After several years of qualitative research, we fopund high incidence of daily practice and childhood conceptions in learning educators.

Metabolic syndrome: clinical and angiographic impact on patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is represented by a cluster of various risk factors and is one of the most important public health problems of the 21st century. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of this syndrome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We included patients with ST and non-ST segment elevation ACS. We divided patients into two groups: A) patients with MetS criteria and B) patients without MetS criteria. We compared the incidence of major cardiovascular events, severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), need for urgent revascularization and in-hospital mortality between groups. RESULTS: Among 917 patients with ACS, 421 (43.4%) fulfilled criteria of MetS. Age of patients in this group was 63.37 +/- 9.95 years (compared with 61.77 +/- 12.20 years in group B), 66.7% vs. 72.8% males, diabetes 70.3% vs. 33.3%, hypertension 87.6% vs. 40.5% and dyslipidemia 70.5% vs. 26.9%, respectively. ST-elevation ACS was more frequent in group A. We observed more severe CAD, and major cardiovascular events were more frequent in group A. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperglycemia and MetS were independent predictors of heart failure and combined end point. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of MetS was high in patients with ACS, presented with more comorbidities and older patients, and was associated with poorer in-hospital outcome. It may be probable that the high inflammatory and prothrombotic response and more severe CAD in these patients increase the incidence of major cardiovascular events.

Takotsubo syndrome. Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome is a cardiopathy characterized by a dyskinesia or left ventricular apical ballooning and subsequent recovery of ventricular function. We undertook this study to present a case of Takotsubo syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 60-year-old female with a 26-year history of systemic arterial hypertension treated with 40 mg of termisartan daily. She started with headache after an emotional event (witness to an aggression of her son) associated with elevation of blood pressure that was suddenly accompanied by intense oppressive chest pain and neurovegetative symptoms. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in anteroseptal and lateral derivations. Catheterization showed a 50% obstruction in the anterior descending artery and apical dyskinesia with hypercontractile base and 35% left ventricular ejection fraction. We performed stent angioplasty in the responsible artery. Nuclear medicine study showed extensive apical infarction, and echocardiogram agreed with transient apical dyskinesia and basal hypercontractility. After a 1-month evolution, echocardiogram mobility was completely recovered and myocardial perfusion study was normal 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS: We show a transitory apical ballooning secondary to acute myocardial infarction associated with a significantly stressful event that resulted in complete improvement of ventricular function with percutaneous coronary intervention during the following 4 months.

Síndrome de takotsubo: informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Takotsubo syndrome: case report and literature review

Introducción: El síndrome de takotsubo es una cardiomiopatía que se caracteriza por discinesia o balonamiento apical del ventrículo izquierdo y recuperación posterior de la función ventricular. El objetivo fue presentar un caso de síndrome de takotsubo. Caso clínico: Mujer de 60 años con antecedente se hipertensión arterial sistémica de 26 años de evolución, tratada con 40 mg de termisartán al día. Inició con cefalea posterior a evento emocional asociado a descontrol hipertensivo, que súbitamente se acompañó de dolor precordial opresivo intenso y descarga neurovegetativa; el electrocardiograma mostró elevación del segmento ST anteroseptal y lateral alto. El cateterismo mostró una lesión de 50 % en la descendente anterior y discinesia apical con hipercontractilidad de las bases, fracción de expulsión del ventrículo izquierdo de 35 %. Se realizó angioplastia y stent en la arteria responsable. El estudio de medicina nuclear mostró infarto extenso apical, y el ecocardiograma evidenció discinesia extensa apical e hipercontractilidad basal. Al mes de evolución se recuperó por completo la movilidad, ratificada por ecocardiografía; el estudio de perfusión miocárdica a los cuatro meses fue normal. Conclusiones: Se muestra un caso con balonamiento apical transitorio secundario a infarto agudo del miocardio asociado a evento de estrés importante, que mostró mejoría completa de la función ventricular con intervención coronaria percutánea a los cuatro meses de seguimiento.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome is a cardiopathy characterized by a dyskinesia or left ventricular apical ballooning and subsequent recovery of ventricular function. We undertook this study to present a case of Takotsubo syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 60-year-old female with a 26-year history of systemic arterial hypertension treated with 40 mg of termisartan daily. She started with headache after an emotional event (witness to an aggression of her son) associated with elevation of blood pressure that was suddenly accompanied by intense oppressive chest pain and neurovegetative symptoms. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in anteroseptal and lateral derivations. Catheterization showed a 50% obstruction in the anterior descending artery and apical dyskinesia with hypercontractile base and 35% left ventricular ejection fraction. We performed stent angioplasty in the responsible artery. Nuclear medicine study showed extensive apical infarction, and echocardiogram agreed with transient apical dyskinesia and basal hypercontractility. After a 1-month evolution, echocardiogram mobility was completely recovered and myocardial perfusion study was normal 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS: We show a transitory apical ballooning secondary to acute myocardial infarction associated with a significantly stressful event that resulted in complete improvement of ventricular function with percutaneous coronary intervention during the following 4 months.

Síndrome metabólico, impacto clínico y angiográfico en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Metabolic syndrome: clinical and angiographic impact on patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introducción: El síndrome metabólico agrupa diferentes factores de riesgo y es uno de los principales problemas de salud pública del siglo XXI. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer su repercusión en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SICA). Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con SICA, con y sin elevación del segmento ST. Se formaron dos grupos: A, pacientes que reunían los criterios para síndrome metabólico; B, pacientes sin criterios para síndrome metabólico. Se comparó la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares mayores, severidad de la enfermedad coronaria, necesidad de revascularización y mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados: De 971 pacientes con SICA, 421 (43.4 %) tuvieron síndrome metabólico. La edad fue de 63.37 ± 9.95 años versus 61.77 ± 12.2 años; 66.7 % versus 72.8 % hombres; 70.3 % versus 33.3 % diabéticos; 87.6 % versus 40.5 % hipertensos y dislipidemia 70.5 % versus 26.9 %, respectivamente para los grupos A y B. El diagnóstico de SICA con elevación del ST fue más frecuente en el grupo A, así como mayor severidad en el grado de enfermedad arterial coronaria y mayor incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares mayores. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que la hiperfibrinogenemia, la hiperglucemia y el síndrome metabólico, eran predictores independientes de insuficiencia cardiaca y puntos finales combinados. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de síndrome metabólico en pacientes con SICA es alta, con mayor comorbilidad y edad, lo que se asocia con peor pronóstico intrahospitalario. Probablemente la respuesta inflamatoria y protrombótica, aunada a mayor severidad de la enfermedad arterial coronaria de estos pacientes, sea la que incrementa la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is represented by a cluster of various risk factors and is one of the most important public health problems of the 21st century. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of this syndrome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We included patients with ST and non-ST segment elevation ACS. We divided patients into two groups: A) patients with MetS criteria and B) patients without MetS criteria. We compared the incidence of major cardiovascular events, severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), need for urgent revascularization and in-hospital mortality between groups. RESULTS: Among 917 patients with ACS, 421 (43.4%) fulfilled criteria of MetS. Age of patients in this group was 63.37 +/- 9.95 years (compared with 61.77 +/- 12.20 years in group B), 66.7% vs. 72.8% males, diabetes 70.3% vs. 33.3%, hypertension 87.6% vs. 40.5% and dyslipidemia 70.5% vs. 26.9%, respectively. ST-elevation ACS was more frequent in group A. We observed more severe CAD, and major cardiovascular events were more frequent in group A. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperglycemia and MetS were independent predictors of heart failure and combined end point. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of MetS was high in patients with ACS, presented with more comorbidities and older patients, and was associated with poorer in-hospital outcome. It may be probable that the high inflammatory and prothrombotic response and more severe CAD in these patients increase the incidence of major cardiovascular events.

Consideraciones éticas en intervenciones comunitarias: la pertinencia del consentimiento informado / Ethical considerations in community interventions: the pertinence of informed consent

Ethics, understood as the study of moral norms in terms of its assumptions, origins, and changes over time, systematizes similarities and differences between various moral codes. It therefore serves as a meeting point between different perspectives, through dialogue, a fundamental characteristic of this discipline. One of its derivations, as applied ethics, is bioethics, defined by Van Rensselaer Potter as "New knowledge that provides knowledge on how to use knowledge for the good of society". Although bioethics emerged in the 1970s under the imperative of medical discourse, its development as a discipline reflecting human behavior surrounding health has permitted the combination of various types of knowledge, including the contribution of social sciences in this field. Thus bioethics deals with the dilemmas that may arise in social studies on health (such as addictions, violence and migrations). The aims of this manuscript are to systematize and explain some of the implications of the pertinence and adaptation of informed consent (IC) in a bi-national Mexico-United States study on mental health and migration. It also provides elements of analysis for the detection of ethical dilemmas in these community interventions in mental health in Mexico. It therefore attempts to answer the following questions: Within the context of bi-national research, how does one deal with the principle of autonomy and the notion of "voluntariness" included in the requirement of informed consent, in public mental health interventions in Mexican rural communities? Is it possible to respect the way participants in the host country make decisions while at the same time, meeting the demands of the ethics committee of the sponsor country? In order to arrive at the elements of analysis, the authors briefly explain the conceptualization of the terms ethics and bioethics, and explore some of the postulates put forward in both North American (principalism and casuism) ...

A pesar de que la bioética surge en la década de 1970, bajo el imperativo del discurso biomédico, su desarrollo como disciplina que reflexiona sobre el comportamiento humano en torno a la salud ha permitido la reunión de varios saberes, entre ellos, la aportación de las ciencias sociales en dicho campo. De esta forma, la bioética se ocupa de los dilemas que pueden presentarse en los estudios sociales sobre salud (adicciones, violencia, migraciones), incluso en aquellos que, por cuestiones de interés común, son de tipo binacional o multicéntrico. Los objetivos de este artículo son sistematizar y exponer algunas implicaciones de la pertinencia y adecuación del consentimiento informado (CI) en un estudio binacional México-Estados Unidos sobre salud mental y migración. Además, se aportan elementos de análisis para la detección de dilemas éticos en estas intervenciones comunitarias en salud mental en México. De esta forma, se intenta responder a las siguientes preguntas: En el contexto de una investigación binacional, ¿cómo encarar el principio de autonomía y la noción de "voluntariedad", insertos en el requerimiento de un consentimiento informado, en intervenciones de salud mental pública en comunidades rurales mexicanas? ¿Es posible respetar la manera en que los participantes del país anfitrión toman decisiones y cubrir, al mismo tiempo, las exigencias del comité de ética del país patrocinador? Para allegarse los elementos de análisis, se expone someramente la conceptualización de los vocablos ética y bioética, y se abordan algunos postulados planteados tanto de la bioética norteamericana como de la europea, además de aproximarnos a otras posturas bioéticas. Por otro lado, se revisan los principales aportes de los diversos códigos, declaraciones e informes internacionales, incluidas las recomendaciones de la Comisión Nacional de Bioética de México, que norman el proceso del consentimiento informado (CI) en investigación social. El CI es un "proceso social que, a través de un intercambio activo y respetuoso, brinda información sobre la investigación en forma comprensible para el sujeto, permite cerciorarse de que la entienda y tenga opción de preguntar y recibir respuestas a sus dudas, brinde oportunidad para negarse a participar o manifestar voluntad de colaborar y pueda expresarla oralmente o firmar un formulario, sin haber sido sometido a coerción, intimidación ni a influencias o incentivos indebidos". En este sentido, el proceso de consentimiento informado (PCI) protege la libertad de elección del individuo y el respeto de su autonomía. Por ello, también se debe considerar el contexto de desarrollo de grupos culturales diversos al del investigador, sus tradiciones en cuanto a comunicación y decisión, y se deben respetar estos procedimientos. En la investigación social, como en ninguna otra, la puesta en práctica de la normatividad del PCI es muy variada, debido a que se trabaja con sectores dispuestos a participar (prostitutas, usuarios de drogas, primo-delincuentes, etc.) a condición de no firmar ningún consentimiento escrito, lo que otorga prioridad a la calidad de la relación establecida y no sólo al formato. Este documento expone la reflexión sobre algunos dilemas éticos que se presentaron durante una investigación social cuyo objetivo fue identificar los malestares emocionales asociados a la migración internacional México-EUA y la utilización de servicios de salud mental. Específicamente, el análisis ético se centra en la información recabada en el trabajo de campo por medio de la técnica observación participante, en una comunidad rural en el estado de Michoacán.

Genetic polymorphism in Taenia solium cysticerci recovered from experimental infections in pigs.

Taenia solium cysticerci recovered from naturally infected pigs from Mexico, Honduras and Tanzania show a clonal structure and local lineages with probable events of genetic recombination without genetic flow within them, as revealed by RAPD. To evaluate genetic polymorphism from cysticerci recovered from experimental infections, 4 pigs were infected with T. solium eggs obtained from tapeworms released by 3 human carriers, a 10-year-old female, a 25-year-old female, and a 44-year-old male, the 4th pig was infected with a mixture of eggs from the 3 tapeworms. Each pig was orally inoculated with 50,000 eggs. After 16 weeks pigs were humanely euthanized and cysticerci were excised. Parasites recovered from each pig were analyzed by RAPD. The proportion of polymorphic loci and the mean heterozygosity as well as a dendogram and an analysis of principal coordinate and minimum spanning tree were obtained. All four pigs developed viable cysticerci; the percent infection was obtained from the ratio of the number of eggs used for infection and the number of cysticerci counted in each pig after necropsy. Infection varied from 0.2 to 4.2%. The values obtained for the proportion of polymorphic loci (0.14-0.55) and the average of expected heterozygosity (0.06-0.22) in the present experimental infection had a broader range than those reported in the literature from natural infections. The dendogram obtained clustered cysticerci into two main groups; the minimum spanning tree allowed to corroborate the data obtained in the dendogram and gave a better discrimination because in a three-dimensional plot it was easier to see that all cysticerci from each tapeworm were clustered amongst themselves. The results obtained could be hypothetically explained because environmental factors and genetic selection agents present in nature influence natural infections but do not participate in experimental ones.

Paternal absence and international migration: stressors and compensators associated with the mental health of Mexican teenagers of rural origin.

Mexico-U.S. migration creates situations that may cause psychological distress. The purpose of this research project was to study the impact of father's physical absence due to international migration (FPAIM) on adolescent offspring of rural immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico. Stressors and compensators were studied from the adolescent's perspective and were analyzed using a stress-mediator-consequences theoretical framework. Qualitative (n = 24) and quantitative (n = 310) methodologies were used with a nonrandom sample of adolescents. Results show that the FPAIM is an ambivalent experience for adolescents that has positive and negative elements. Though migrants' children seem to be more vulnerable to psychosocial stress than are the offspring of nonmigrants, gender, not father's absence, appears to be the most important risk factor for psychological distress.

Effect of different extraction methods on fatty acids, volatile compounds, and physical and chemical properties of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) oil.

Because Mexico is the number one producer of avocados in the world, this fruit has potential as a source for oil extraction. It is appropriate to further investigate the detailed changes that the oil undergoes when different extraction methods are applied. This research paper presents the study of the physical and chemical changes, the fatty acids profile, the trans fatty acid content, and the identification of volatile compounds of the oils from avocado pulp (Persea americana Mill.), obtained by four different extraction methods. The method with the greatest extraction yield was the combined microwave-hexane method. The amount of trans fatty acids produced in the microwave-squeezing treatment was <0.5 g/100 g. On the other hand, the amounts of trans fatty acids produced with the hexane and acetone treatments were 0.52 and 0.87 g/100 g, respectively. The method that caused the slightest modification to the oil quality was a novel combined extraction method of microwave-squeezing proposed by the authors.

Prevalencia de hábitos bucales deformantes en niños de 3 a 5 años de Ciudad de La Habana / Prevalence of aberrant buccal habits in 3-5 year-old children in the City of Havana

Se decide realizar un estudio cuyo universo abarca la provincia Ciudad de La Habana, al revisar la literatura y encontrar los estudios realizados en nuestro medio, en los cuales se denota una elevada prevalencia de las hábitos deformantes. Para dicho estudio se realizó un diseño muestral por conglomerados -de un universo de 10 599 niños-; la muestra ascendió a 398 niños, de los cuales pudieron ser observados 375 de uno y otro sexo, entre las edades de 3 y 5 años. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos la prevalencia de hábitos alcanza el 70,6 porciento. Encontramos además que el sexo femenino es el más afectado, la deglución atípica es la más frecuente y la succión alcanza un porcentaje considerable de 22, 6 porciento(AU)