Intestinal microbiota dataset revealed by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA in children with anemia in southern Peru.

Anemia is the most common hematological disorder affecting humans. In Peru, anemia is a pressing issue that present the most significant concern due to its adverse effects, such as delayed growth and psychomotor development, in addition to a deficiency in cognitive development. Anemia is a significant public health issue in Peru, which has one of the highest prevalence rates in infants in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, affecting approximately 43.6 % of children under three years nationally as of 2017, with rural areas experiencing a higher prevalence of approximately 53.3 %. In 2019, the prevalence was highest in the Sierra (48.8 %) and Selva regions (44.6 %), whereas the coast had a lower rate of 33.9 % in children under 36 months. Although the composition of the gut microbiota is relatively well described in children, there is little information on the identification of the microbiota in iron-deficiency anemia. There is evidence that diseases or health conditions can change the microbiota, or vice versa. This study aimed to identify the microbiota in children with anemia who did not recover after iron treatment. In a previous study, we found that the phylum Actinobacteria was predominant in the microbiota of children with anemia. These data will be useful for understanding the functionality of the most important bacteria found in each group at the genus or species level, especially the metabolic pathways in which they participate and their links with iron metabolism. Microbial composition data were obtained through next-generation 16S rRNA sequencing (NGS) of stool samples from children with anemia in southern Peru. Numerous studies have underscored the importance of early symbiotic development in infant health and its long-term impact on health. From infancy, modulation of the gut microbiota can promote long-term health. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), iron-deficiency anemia may cause serious complications, such as fatigue, headaches, restless legs syndrome, heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children. The development of the gut microbiota is regulated by a complex interplay between host and environmental factors. The bidirectional link between the gut microbiota and anemia plays an important role in tracking the gut microbiota and will be useful in understanding the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its implications in anemia, which has now become a public health problem. Our previous study investigated the microbial composition in children with iron-deficiency anemia and revealed the presence of several bacterial groups, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi. In addition, these data may be useful for investigating the association between the intestinal microbiota of children with persistent anemia and those who have recovered.

Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (HyperCEST) Molecular Imaging: Achievements and Future Challenges.

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an emerging field that is set to revolutionize our perspective of disease diagnosis, treatment efficacy monitoring, and precision medicine in full concordance with personalized medicine. A wide range of hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe biosensors have been recently developed, demonstrating their potential applications in molecular settings, and achieving notable success within in vitro studies. The favorable nuclear magnetic resonance properties of 129Xe, coupled with its non-toxic nature, high solubility in biological tissues, and capacity to dissolve in blood and diffuse across membranes, highlight its superior role for applications in molecular MRI settings. The incorporation of reporters that combine signal enhancement from both hyperpolarized 129Xe and chemical exchange saturation transfer holds the potential to address the primary limitation of low sensitivity observed in conventional MRI. This review provides a summary of the various applications of HP 129Xe biosensors developed over the last decade, specifically highlighting their use in MRI. Moreover, this paper addresses the evolution of in vivo applications of HP 129Xe, discussing its potential transition into clinical settings.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and Zn transport by ZIP11 shape functional phenotypes of HeLa cells.

Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient with essential roles in biological processes like enzyme function, gene expression, and cell signaling. Disruptions in the cellular regulation of Zn2+ ions often lead to pathological states. Mammalian Zn transporters, such as ZIP11, play a key role in homeostasis of this ion. ZIP11 resides predominately in the nucleus and Golgi apparatus. Our laboratory reported a function of ZIP11 in maintaining nuclear Zn levels in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Analyses of cervical and ovarian cancer patients' datasets identified four coding, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLC39A11, the gene that encodes ZIP11, correlating with disease severity. We hypothesized that these SNPs might translate to functional changes in the ZIP11 protein by modifying access to substrate availability. We also proposed that a metal-binding site (MBS) in ZIP11 is crucial for transmembrane Zn2+ transport and required for maintenance of various pathogenic phenotypes observed in HeLa cells. Here, we investigated these claims by re-introducing single the SLC39A11 gene encoding for mutant residues associated with the SNPs, as well as MBS mutations into HeLa cells knocked down for the transporter. Some SNPs-encoding ZIP11 variants rescued Zn levels, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of knockdown (KD) cells. Conversely, single MBS mutations mimicked the traits of KD cells, confirming the transporter's role in establishing and maintaining proliferative, migratory, and invasive traits. Overall, the intricate role of Zn in cellular dynamics and cancer progression underscores the significance of Zn transporters like ZIP11 in potential therapeutic interventions.

Pyrethroid susceptibility reversal in Aedes aegypti: A longitudinal study in Tapachula, Mexico.

Pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti has become widespread after almost two decades of frequent applications to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Because few insecticide classes are available for public health use, insecticide resistance management (IRM) is proposed as a strategy to retain their use. A key hypothesis of IRM assumes that negative fitness is associated with resistance, and when insecticides are removed from use, susceptibility is restored. In Tapachula, Mexico, pyrethroids (PYRs) were used exclusively by dengue control programs for 15 years, thereby contributing to selection for high PYR resistance in mosquitoes and failure in dengue control. In 2013, PYRs were replaced by organophosphates-insecticides from a class with a different mode of action. To test the hypothesis that PYR resistance is reversed in the absence of PYRs, we monitored Ae. aegypti's PYR resistance from 2016 to 2021 in Tapachula. We observed significant declining rates in the lethal concentration 50 (LC50), for permethrin and deltamethrin. For each month following the discontinuation of PYR use by vector control programs, we observed increases in the odds of mosquitoes dying by 1.5% and 8.4% for permethrin and deltamethrin, respectively. Also, knockdown-resistance mutations (kdr) in the voltage-gated sodium channel explained the variation in the permethrin LC50s, whereas variation in the deltamethrin LC50s was only explained by time. This trend was rapidly offset by application of a mixture of neonicotinoid and PYRs by vector control programs. Our results suggest that IRM strategies can be used to reverse PYR resistance in Ae. aegypti; however, long-term commitment by operational and community programs will be required for success.

R3-Noria-methanesulfonate: A Molecular Cage with Superior Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI Contrast.

Hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 (129Xe) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to be used as a molecular imaging modality. For this purpose, numerous supramolecular cages have been developed and evaluated in the past. Herein, we report a novel and unique macrocycle that can be successfully utilized for xenon MRI, the resorcinarene trimer methanesulfonate (R3-Noria-MeSO3H). This molecule is capable of two different contrast mechanisms for xenon-MRI, resulting from an increase in the effective spin-spin relaxation and hyperpolarized chemical exchange saturation transfer (HyperCEST). We have demonstrated a superior negative contrast caused by R3-Noria-MeSO3H on HP 129Xe MRI at 3.0 T as well as HyperCEST imaging of the studied macrocycle. Additionally, we have found that the complex aggregation behaviors of R3-Noria-methanesulfonate and its impact on xenon-129 relaxivity are an area for future study.

Evaluation of commercial aerosol insecticides for control of Aedes aegypti susceptible or resistant to pyrethroids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate indoor use of commercial aerosols for dengue vector mosquito control, and estimate the number of treatable houses per can. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four aerosol products containing combinations of pyrethroids (two containing propoxur and one containing synergists too), were evaluated with mosquitoes in a room of a Tapachulastyle house. Eight cages containing 20 insecticide susceptible or resistant females were hung from tripods, another set was placed in sheltered areas of the room. From the entrance of the room, one of 4-9 concentrations was sprayed for each aerosol, leaving the mosquitoes for 30 min after sprayed. Mortality was recorded after 24 h and lethal concentrations were calculated. RESULTS: Aerosol A had the highest LC50, with 0.308 g for mosquitoes hanging from tripods and 0.453 g for sheltered mosquitoes; followed by aerosols C, D and B, with statistical differences between types of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosols B-D could spray 20-25 3-room houses (56 m3-room), killing all resistant mosquitoes. Aerosols may become a good tool for indoor mosquito control, if the optimal concentration and correct spray method are used.

The buzz in the field: the interaction between viruses, mosquitoes, and metabolism.

Among many medically important pathogens, arboviruses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya cause severe health and economic burdens especially in developing countries. These viruses are primarily vectored by mosquitoes. Having surmounted geographical barriers and threat of control strategies, these vectors continue to conquer many areas of the globe exposing more than half of the world's population to these viruses. Unfortunately, no medical interventions have been capable so far to produce successful vaccines or antivirals against many of these viruses. Thus, vector control remains the fundamental strategy to prevent disease transmission. The long-established understanding regarding the replication of these viruses is that they reshape both human and mosquito host cellular membranes upon infection for their replicative benefit. This leads to or is a result of significant alterations in lipid metabolism. Metabolism involves complex chemical reactions in the body that are essential for general physiological functions and survival of an organism. Finely tuned metabolic homeostases are maintained in healthy organisms. However, a simple stimulus like a viral infection can alter this homeostatic landscape driving considerable phenotypic change. Better comprehension of these mechanisms can serve as innovative control strategies against these vectors and viruses. Here, we review the metabolic basis of fundamental mosquito biology and virus-vector interactions. The cited work provides compelling evidence that targeting metabolism can be a paradigm shift and provide potent tools for vector control as well as tools to answer many unresolved questions and gaps in the field of arbovirology.

Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus Adults Found Coexisting in Urban and Semiurban Dwellings of Southern Chiapas, Mexico.

Tapachula, Mexico, a tropical city, is an endemic area for dengue, in addition to several outbreaks in the last decade with chikungunya and zika. As part of the migratory corridor from Central to North America and the risks of scattered infectious diseases that this implies, the identification and distribution of potential disease vectors in and around residential areas are essential in terms of entomological surveillance for the prevention of disease outbreaks. The identification of mosquito species of medical importance coexisting in houses and cemeteries in Tapachula and two semiurban sites in southern Chiapas was investigated. Adult mosquitoes were collected from May to December 2018, resting inside and outside houses and in the tombstones and fallen tree leaves in cemeteries. A total of 10,883 mosquitoes belonging to three vector species were collected across 20 sites; 6738 were from neighborhood houses, of which 55.4% were Culex quinquefasciatus, 41.6% Aedes aegypti, and 2.9% Ae. albopictus. Aedes aegypti was the most common mosquito resting inside houses (56.7%), while Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus were mostly found resting outside houses (75.7%). In the cemeteries, Cx. quinquefasciatus (60.8%) and Ae. albopictus (37.3%) were the most abundant, while Ae. aegypti (1.9%) was the least abundant. This is the first report to identify adults of three major disease vector species coexisting in the domestic environment of urban and semiurban sites and Ae. albopictus adult resting inside of urban houses in Mexico. It would be opportune to consider comprehensive strategies that can be applied in this region to control the three species at the same time and avoid outbreaks of the diseases they transmit.

New Bacteriophages Members of the Ackermannviridae Family Specific for Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly isolates classified as sequence-type 258 (ST258), are multidrug-resistant strains that are strongly associated with poor-prognosis nosocomial infections, as current therapeutic options are limited and ineffective. In recent years, phage therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for these scenarios. Methodology and Results: We report the isolation and characterization of three new phages against Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains recovered from Machángara river wastewater. These new members of the Ackermannviridae family showed stability over a wide temperature and pH range and burst sizes ranging from 6 to 44 plaque-forming units per bacteria. Their genomes were about 157 kilobases, with an average guanine-cytosine content of 46.4% and showed presence of several transfer RNAs, which also allowed us to predict in silico a lytic replicative cycle due to the presence of endolysins and lysozymes. Conclusion: Three lytic phages of Ackermannviridae family were recovered against Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 strains from sewage; however, further characterization is needed for future consideration as therapeutic alternatives.

Current enzyme-mediated insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti populations from a dengue-endemic city in southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the enzyme-mediated insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti in Tapachula, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biochemical assays were undertaken to determine the enzyme levels in mosquitoes from 22 sites collected in 2018 and 2020 in Tapachula. Results of 2018 were correlated with the resistance to insecticides pub-lished. RESULTS: Mosquitoes had higher levels than those of the susceptible strain in 2018 and 2020 respectively of α-esterases in 15 and 12 sites; ß-esterases in 7 and 6 sites; glutathione-S-transferases in 11 and 19 sites; ρNPA-esterases in 21 and 17 sites; and cytochromes P450 in 20 and 22 sites. In mosquitoes of 2018, there was a moderate correlation between previously documented Malathion resistance ratios and the insensitive acetylcholinesterase (r=0.459, p= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The elevated enzyme levels found indicate its contribution to the resistance to pyrethroids and organo-phosphates already published in mosquitoes from Tapachula. Bioassays using enzyme inhibitors resulted in greater mor-tality, confirming that metabolism contributes to resistance.

Dim Light at Night Promotes Circadian Disruption in Female Rats, at the Metabolic, Reproductive, and Behavioral Level.

Inhabitants of urban areas are constantly exposed to light at night, which is an important environmental factor leading to circadian disruption. Streetlights filtering light through the windows and night dim light lamps are common sources of dim light at night (DLAN). The female population is susceptible to circadian disruption. The present study is aimed to determine the impact of DLAN on female Wistar rats circadian rhythms, metabolism, reproductive physiology, and behavior. After 5 weeks of DLAN exposure daily, oscillations in activity and body temperature of female rats are abolished. DLAN also decreases nocturnal food ingestion, which results in a diminishment in total food consumption. These alterations in the temporal organization of the body are associated with a significant decrease in melatonin plasmatic levels, reproductive disruptions, decreased exploration times, and marked anhedonia. This study highlights the importance of avoiding exposure to light at night, even at low intensities, to maintain the circadian organization of physiology, and denotes the great necessity of increasing the studies in females since the sexual dimorphism within the effects of desynchronizing protocols has been poorly studied.

Experiencias de afrontamiento psicosocial en el contexto de aislamiento social obligatorio, en jefes de familia de Lima Metropolitana / Experiências de enfrentamento psicossocial no contexto do isolamento social obrigatório, em chefes de família da região metropolitana de Lima / Experiences of psychosocial coping in the context of compulsory social isolation, in family heads of Metropolitan Lima

This research seeks to analyze the experiences of psychosocial coping in the context ofObligatory Social Isolation, brough about by COVID-19, in heads of families of Metropolitan Lima,Peru. In order to do this, we developed a qualitative research with a phenomenological design;semi-structured interviews were carried out with 17 participants, heads of their families, from districts with high and low income. The results show that, on the one hand, participants experiencestyles focused on the problem, which encompass active coping, planning, restructuring their activities and routines, as well as displacement and change of priorities. On the other hand, we have thestyles centered on emotions, such as acceptance and agency, search for emotional support, positivereinterpretation and the release of emotions. Likewise, there are differences in the ways in whichpeople cope, both regarding their belonging to districts with higher or lower income, or in relationto whether they are men, women or non-binary people. We conclude that the coping experiencesvary according to the different socioeconomic and gender characteristics of the participants, requiring an intersectional perspective in the analysis. (AU)

La presente investigación busca analizar las experiencias de afrontamiento psicosocial enel contexto de Aislamiento Social Obligatorio, producto del COVID-19, en jefes de familia de Limametropolitana. Para ello se realizó una investigación cualitativa de diseño fenomenológico, así serealizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad a 17 participantes, quienes son jefes defamilia, provenientes de distritos con altos y bajos ingresos económicos. Los resultados evidencianque se experimentan, por un lado, los estilos centrados en el problema, desde el cual se refiere elafrontamiento activo, la planificación, la reestructuración de actividades y rutinas, así como el desplazamiento y cambio de prioridades. De otro lado, se encuentran los estilos centrados en las emociones, tales como la aceptación y agencia, la búsqueda de apoyo emocional, la reinterpretación positiva y la liberación de emociones. Asimismo, existen diferencias en la experimentación del afrontamiento, ya sea por la pertenencia a distritos con mayores o menores ingresos económicos, o conrelación a si se trata de hombres, mujeres o personas de género no binario. Se concluye que lasexperiencias de afrontamiento varían de acuerdo con las diferentes características socioeconómicasy de género de los participantes, siendo necesaria una mirada interseccional en el análisis. (AU)

Esta pesquisa busca analisar as experiências de enfrentamento psicossocial nocontexto do Isolamento Social Obrigatório, produto do COVID-19, em chefes de famíliana região metropolitana de Lima. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa de delineamento fenomenológico, para isso foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas emprofundidade com 17 participantes, chefes de família, de bairros de alta e baixa renda. Osresultados mostram que, por um lado, são vivenciados estilos voltados para o problema,dos quais se referem o enfrentamento ativo e o planejamento. Por outro lado, existem osestilos centrados nas emoções, como as estratégias de busca de apoio, aceitação, reinterpretação positiva e liberação de emoções. Por fim, expressa-se o estilo de evitação, a partirdo qual se evidencia a omissão de atividades e a supressão de objetivos. Conclui-se queas experiências de enfrentamento variam de acordo com as diferentes características dosparticipantes, exigindo um olhar intersetorial na análise. (AU)

Intestinal Microbiota in Children with Anemia in Southern Peru through Next-Generation Sequencing Technology.

Knowledge of the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene constitutes a true revolution in understanding the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its implication in health states. This study details microbial composition through next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in children with anemia. Anemia is the most frequent hematological disorder that affects human beings. In Peru, it is one of the conditions that presents the most significant concern due to the adverse effects that cause it, such as delayed growth and psychomotor development, in addition to a deficiency in cognitive development.

Bio-Mapping of Microbial Indicators to Establish Statistical Process Control Parameters in a Commercial Beef Processing Facility.

The objective was to conduct a bio-mapping of microbial indicators to determine statistical process control (SPC) parameters at a beef processing plant to establish microbiological baselines and process control parameters to support food safety management decisions. EZ-ReachTM swabs were used to collect 100 cm2 area samples at seven different locations throughout the beef processing line at four different regions on the carcass. Each of the eight sampling days evaluated included three samples collected per sampling location/carcass region for a total of 84 samples per day. Enumeration of total aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli was performed on each sample. Microbial SPC parameters were estimated for each sampling point. Statistical differences between sampling points for all carcass locations (p < 0.001) followed an overall trend with higher values at pre- and post-evisceration with a continuous decrease until final interventions with a slight increase in counts during the chilling process and a final increase after fabrication. Variability at sampling points is the result of the nature of the process and highlights open opportunities for improvement of the food safety system. Microbial baselines and SPC parameters will help support decision making for continuous process improvement, validation of intervention schemes, and corrective action implementation for food safety management.

Violencia estructural, mujeres y conductas disruptivas en San Luis Potosí, México / Structural violence, women and disruptive behaviors in San Luis Potosi, Mexico / Violência estrutural, mulheres e comportamentos perturbadores em San Luis Potosí, México

El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir la violencia estructural en la que se desarrollan las conductas disruptivas enfatizando el contexto en el que se genera el aprendizaje social de las mismas, la forma en que se construye la sociedad favoreciendo el ejercicio y prácticas de violencia que afectan a la mujer y a las personas que se desenvuelven en México. Método: 489 personas contestaron la Escala de Conductas Disruptivas en adultos; 21 de las mujeres que alguna vez fueron detenidas. Resultados: se encontró un tamaño del efecto alto en conductas disruptivas en aquellas personas que se juntaron con pandillas, el doble de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en hombres en contraste con mujeres, así como mayores conductas disruptivas en quienes consumen sustancias ilegales o alcohol, también, el consumo de drogas y alcohol, así como la violencia vivida en la infancia presentan diferencias significativas en mujeres que han sido detenidas y aquellas que no. Discusión: los modelos de socialización, la violencia directa y estructural y la cultura de la violencia aterrizada en el contexto social mexicano generan que tanto hombres como mujeres delincan; la generación de políticas públicas y el desafío a los roles de género tradicionales pueden ser elementos protectores.

The objective of this research was to describe the structural violence in which disruptive behaviors are developed, emphasizing the context in which the social learning of these behaviors is generated, the way in which society is constructed favoring the exercise and practices of violence that affect women and people in Mexico. Method: 489 people answered the Scale of Disruptive Behavior in Adults; 21 of the women who had ever been arrested. Results: we found a high effect size in disruptive behaviors in those who joined gangs, twice the consumption of psychoactive substances in men in contrast to women, as well as greater disruptive behaviors in those who consume illegal substances or alcohol, also, the consumption of drugs and alcohol, as well as violence experienced in childhood show significant differences in women who have been arrested and those who have not. Discussion: socialization models, direct and structural violence and the culture of violence in the Mexican social context cause both men and women to commit crimes; the generation of public policies and the challenge to traditional gender roles may be protective elements.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever a violência estrutural na qual os comportamentos perturbadores são desenvolvidos, enfatizando o contexto no qual o aprendizado social destes comportamentos é gerado, a forma como a sociedade é construída favorecendo o exercício e as práticas de violência que afetam as mulheres e as pessoas no México. Método: 489 pessoas responderam à Escala de Comportamentos Perturbadores em Adultos; 21 das mulheres já haviam sido presas. Resultados: encontramos um tamanho de efeito elevado para comportamentos perturbadores naqueles que aderiram a gangues, o dobro do uso de substâncias psicoativas em homens do que em mulheres, assim como comportamentos mais perturbadores naqueles que usam substâncias ilegais ou álcool, também, o uso de drogas e álcool, assim como a violência experimentada na infância mostram diferenças significativas nas mulheres que foram presas e naquelas que não o foram. Discussão: modelos de socialização, violência direta e estrutural e a cultura da violência no contexto social mexicano levam homens e mulheres a cometer crimes; a geração de políticas públicas e o desafio aos papéis tradicionais de gênero podem ser elementos protetores.

Características del uso de tratamiento alternativo y complementario en dismenorrea en mujeres en edad fértil / Characteristics of the use of alternative and complementary treatment in dysmenorrhea in women of fertile age

Objetivo: Describir las características del uso de tratamiento alternativo y complementario en dismenorrea en mujeres en edad fértil de una ciudad del norte de Perú. El estudio: Estudio trasversal analítico en mujeres en edad fértil en Mórrope, Lambayeque. Previa capacitación sobre dismenorrea y principales variables. Se entrevistó a 336 mujeres en sus domicilios previa aceptación de consentimiento informado. Hallazgos: Predominó en población estudiada el grupo etario de 15 a 35 años con 83,92% (n=282), con educación secundaria el 57,14% (n=192), más del 90% tenían estrato socioeconómico inferior/marginal. Referente a la dismenorrea, se encontró más del 30% con dolor severo/insoportable, cuyo tratamiento principal fue la MAC con 82,1%(n=220). Las plantas fueron la principal MAC, hallando solamente asociación de uso de MAC con la variable religión (p=0,023). Conclusiones: Las mujeres en edad fértil emplean notoriamente la MAC, como la fitoterapia, como tratamiento de dismenorrea a pesar de no encuentran alivio.

Objetive:To describe the characteristics of the use of alternative and complementary treatment in dysmenorrhea in women of childbearing age in a city in northern Peru. Cross-sectional analytical study in women of The study:childbearing age in Mórrope, Lambayeque. Prior training on dysmenorrhea and main variables. 336 women were interviewed in their homes after accepting informed consent. The age group of 15 to 35 years prevailed in the Findings:studied population with 83.92% (n=282), with secondary education 57.14% (n=192), more than 90% had lower/marginal socioeconomic status. Regarding dysmenorrhea, more than 30% were found to have severe/unbearable pain, whose main treatment was MAC with 82.1% (n=220). Plants were the main MAC, only finding an association of MAC use with the religion variable (p=0.023). Conclusions:Women of childbearing age notoriously use CAM, such as phytotherapy, as a treatment for dysmenorrhea despite not finding relief

Insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti from Tapachula, Mexico: Spatial variation and response to historical insecticide use.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide use continues as the main strategy to control Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. In the city of Tapachula, Mexico, mosquito control programs switched from pyrethroids to organophosphates for outdoor spatial spraying in 2013. Additionally, the spraying scheme switched from total coverage to focused control, prioritizing areas with higher entomological-virological risk. Five years after this strategy had been implemented, we evaluated the status and variability of insecticide resistance among Ae. aegypti collected at 26 sites in Tapachula. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We determined the lethal concentrations at 50% of the tested populations (LC50) using a bottle bioassay, and then, we calculated the resistance ratio (RR) relative to the susceptible New Orleans strain. Permethrin and deltamethrin (pyrethroids), chlorpyrifos and malathion (organophosphates), and bendiocarb (carbamate) were tested. The frequencies of the substitutions V1016I and F1534C, which are in the voltage-gated sodium channel and confer knockdown-resistance (kdr) to pyrethroid insecticides, were calculated. Despite 5 years having passed since the removal of pyrethroids from the control programs, Ae. aegypti remained highly resistant to permethrin and deltamethrin (RR > 10-fold). In addition, following 5 years of chlorpyrifos use, mosquitoes at 15 of 26 sites showed moderate resistance to chlorpyrifos (5- to 10-fold), and the mosquitoes from one site were highly resistant. All sites had low resistance to malathion (< 5-fold). Resistance to bendiocarb was low at 19 sites, moderate at five, and high at two. Frequencies of the V1016I ranged from 0.16-0.71, while C1534 approached fixation at 23 sites (0.8-1). Resistance profiles and kdr allele frequencies varied across Tapachula. The variability was not associated with a spatial pattern at the scale of the sampling. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Mosquito populations respond to selection pressure at a focal scale in the field. Spatial variation across sites highlights the importance of testing multiple sites within geographical regions.

Permethrin resistance in Aedes aegypti: Genomic variants that confer knockdown resistance, recovery, and death.

Pyrethroids are one of the few classes of insecticides available to control Aedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Unfortunately, evolving mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance in mosquito populations threaten our ability to control disease outbreaks. Two common pyrethroid resistance mechanisms occur in Ae. aegypti: 1) knockdown resistance, which involves amino acid substitutions at the pyrethroid target site-the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC)-and 2) enhanced metabolism by detoxification enzymes. When a heterogeneous population of mosquitoes is exposed to pyrethroids, different responses occur. During exposure, a proportion of mosquitoes exhibit immediate knockdown, whereas others are not knocked-down and are designated knockdown resistant (kdr). When these individuals are removed from the source of insecticide, the knocked-down mosquitoes can either remain in this status and lead to dead or recover within a few hours. The proportion of these phenotypic responses is dependent on the pyrethroid concentration and the genetic background of the population tested. In this study, we sequenced and performed pairwise genome comparisons between kdr, recovered, and dead phenotypes in a pyrethroid-resistant colony from Tapachula, Mexico. We identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with each phenotype and identified genes that are likely associated with the mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance, including detoxification, the cuticle, and insecticide target sites. We identified high association between kdr and mutations at VGSC and moderate association with additional insecticide target site, detoxification, and cuticle protein coding genes. Recovery was associated with cuticle proteins, the voltage-dependent calcium channel, and a different group of detoxification genes. We provide a list of detoxification genes under directional selection in this field-resistant population. Their functional roles in pyrethroid metabolism and their potential uses as genomic markers of resistance require validation.