Saliva Sampling and Its Direct Lysis, an Excellent Option To Increase the Number of SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Tests in Settings with Supply Shortages.

As part of any plan to lift or ease the confinement restrictions that are in place in many different countries, there is an urgent need to increase the capacity of laboratory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Detection of the viral genome through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard for this virus; however, the high demand of the materials and reagents needed to sample individuals, purify the viral RNA, and perform the RT-qPCR has resulted in a worldwide shortage of several of these supplies. Here, we show that directly lysed saliva samples can serve as a suitable source for viral RNA detection that is less expensive and can be as efficient as the classical protocol, which involves column purification of the viral RNA. In addition, it bypasses the need for swab sampling, decreases the risk of the health care personnel involved in the testing process, and accelerates the diagnostic procedure.

Hypocholesterolemia is an independent risk factor for depression disorder and suicide attempt in Northern Mexican population.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol has been associated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recently, however, there is growing evidence about crucial requirement of neuron membrane cholesterol in the organization and function of the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. For this, low cholesterol level has been reported to be associated with depression and suicidality. However there have been inconsistent reports about this finding and the exact relationship between these factors remains controversial. Therefore, we investigated the link between serum cholesterol and its fractions with depression disorder and suicide attempt in 467 adult subjects in Mexican mestizo population. METHODS: Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were determined in 261 MDD patients meeting the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), 59 of whom had undergone an episode of suicide attempt, and 206 healthy controls. RESULTS: A significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels was observed in the groups of MDD patients and suicide attempt compared to those without suicidal behavior (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, lower cholesterol levels were significantly associated with MDD (OR 4.229 CI 95% 2.555 - 7.000, p<.001) and suicide attempt (OR 5.540 CI 95% 2.825 - 10.866, p<.001) CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that lower levels of cholesterol are associated with mood disorders like MDD and suicidal behavior. More mechanistic studies are needed to further explain this association.

[Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of two conservation areas in Tabasco, Mexico]. / Scolytinae y Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) de dos áreas de conservación en Tabasco, México.

The Scolytinae and Platypodinae are group of widely distributed tropical insects that are capable of using a wide range of hosts. The study of diversity associated with conservation sites allows estimating the richness and abundance of species, their population dynamics as well as understanding the population behavior over time. The species richness and abundance of Scolytinae and Platypodinae was studied in the Chontalpa Ecological Reserve (REC) and the José Narciso Rovirosa Botanical Garden (JBU) in Tabasco, Mexico. Insects were captured with ethyl alcohol traps. A total of 7 057 specimens belonging to 46 species and 26 genera were collected and identified; 42 species from 23 genera belong to Scolytinae and four species from three genera to Platypodinae. The species Bothrosternus foveatus (Blackman, 1943); Dendroterus luteolus (Schedl, 1951); Dendrocranulus guatemalensis (Hopkins, 1915); Micracis swainei (Blackman, 1920); Pseudothysanoes tenellus (Wood, 1971) y Ambrosiodmus obliquus (Leconte, 1878) are new records for the state of Tabasco. The species Corthylus papulans Eichhoff, 1869 with 2 509 specimens (35.55); Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius, 1775) with 1 435 (20.33); and Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff, 1868 with 1 061 (15.03) were the most common species, representing 70.9 % of total. The population dynamics of these insects showed its highest peak during February and March with 2 728 specimens in JBU and December with 322 in REC of year 2010.

Characterization of a recent malaria outbreak in the autonomous indigenous region of Guna Yala, Panama.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe the epidemiological and entomological factors associated with a recent malaria outbreak that occurred in 2012 in a socially marginalized population from Guna Yala Comarca in Panama. METHODS: A descriptive and observational study was conducted by analysing demographic and epidemiological data from all malaria cases registered during 2012 in the Comarca Guna Yala, Panama. Malaria intensity indicators were calculated during the study period. Entomological evaluations were performed monthly, from October to December 2012, in the three communities that presented the most intense malaria transmission during the first semester of 2012. Anopheles breeding habitats were also characterized. RESULTS: During the studied period, 6754 blood smears were examined (17.8 % of the total population), and 143 were confirmed as positive for Plasmodium vivax. A significant increase of malaria transmission risk indicators (API: 3.8/1000, SPR: 2.1 %) was observed in Guna Yula, when compared with previous years, and also in comparison with estimates from the whole country. Anopheles albimanus was the most abundant and widespread (877; 72.0 %) vector species found in the three localities, followed by Anopheles punctimacula (231; 19.0 %) and Anopheles aquasalis (110; 9.0 %). Three An. albimanus pools were positive for P. vivax, showing an overall pooled prevalence estimate of 0.014. CONCLUSIONS: Data analysis confirmed that during 2012 a malaria epidemic occurred in Guna Yala. Panama. This study provides baseline data on the local epidemiology of malaria in this vulnerable region of Panamá. This information will be useful for targeting control strategies by the National Malaria Control Programme.

Pooling saliva samples as an excellent option to increase the surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 when re-opening community settings.

In many countries a second wave of infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has occurred, triggering a shortage of reagents needed for diagnosis and compromising the capacity of laboratory testing. There is an urgent need to develop methods to accelerate the diagnostic procedures. Pooling samples represents a strategy to overcome the shortage of reagents, since several samples can be tested using one reaction, significantly increasing the number and speed with which tests can be carried out. We have reported the feasibility to use a direct lysis procedure of saliva as source for RNA to SARS-CoV-2 genome detection by reverse transcription quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR). Here, we show that the direct lysis of saliva pools, of either five or ten samples, does not compromise the detection of viral RNA. In addition, it is a sensitive, fast, and inexpensive method that can be used for massive screening, especially considering the proximity of the reincorporation of activities in universities, offices, and schools.

The Father in Youth Baseball: A Self-Determination Theory Approach.

This study based on the self-determination theory aims to examine the relationship among the aspirations that fathers have about their children's youth baseball practice, the children's basic psychological needs (satisfaction and frustration), and their intentions to either continue or drop out of baseball practice in a sample of children from Hermosillo, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 533 fathers (M = 44.30, SD = 5.18) and 533 children (M = 13.09, SD = 1.68). The results showed that the intrinsic aspirations of fathers were positively correlated to the satisfaction of the children's psychological needs, whereas the extrinsic aspirations of fathers were positively correlated with the frustration of the children's psychological needs. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs was positively correlated with the intention to continue and negatively correlated with dropout; on the contrary, frustration of basic psychological needs was negatively correlated with the intention to continue and positively with dropout. In conclusion, the fathers' pursuit of intrinsic aspirations for their children in the youth baseball context satisfies the children's basic psychological needs, and in turn, their intention to continue practicing increases. Conversely, when a father pursues extrinsic aspirations for his son in youth baseball, the child will feel his basic psychological needs frustrated, and he will have a greater intention to drop out. Overall, this study extends the existing sport-scientific literature by confirming the impact of parents' aspirations on their children's basic psychological needs and intention to continue being baseball players.

Grit, Self-Efficacy, Motivation and the Readiness to Change Index Toward Exercise in the Adult Population.

This study examined the relationships between grit personality, self-efficacy, motivation (autonomous, controlled, and amotivation), and the readiness to change index toward exercise. Participants were 391 adults aged between 18 and 64 years old (M = 31.16; SD = 12.45) from Hermosillo, Sonora (Mexico) who completed questionnaires (i.e., the Grit Personality Scale, the Exercise Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire and the Stages of Change Questionnaire for Physical Activity) measuring the variables of interest. The reliability of the instruments was tested using Cronbach's alpha, whereas confirmatory factor analyses were performed for each instrument separately. A measurement model and a structural equation model were assessed as well. The results of the structural equations model showed that grit personality was positively associated with self-efficacy, and in turn, with autonomous motivation and with the readiness to change index. On the other hand, self-efficacy was negatively correlated with controlled motivation, and positively correlated with the readiness to change index. Finally, self-efficacy also showed a negative correlation with amotivation, which, in turn, was negatively correlated with the readiness to change index. These results provide information to develop psychological intervention programs based on grit personality and motivation, with the aim of increasing the number of participants who engage in exercise.

Description of new species of Ambrosiodmus Hopkins and Dryocoetoides Hopkins (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Mexico.

Two new species of ambrosia beetles in the Xyleborini from southeastern Mexico are described and illustrated: Ambrosiodmus spinosus n. sp. and Dryocoeetoides tuberculatus n. sp.

[Determining the status of susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroids insecticides in populations of Aedes aegypti Linneaus, 1762 (Diptera: Culicidae) in Panamá]. / Determinación de la sensibilidad a insecticidas organofosforados, carbamato y piretroides en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti Linneaus, 1762 (Díptera: Culicidae) de Panamá

INTRODUCTION: We studied the susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides of Aedes aegypti from different regions of high transmission risk for dengue in Panama. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides in Ae. aegypti from eight sites belonging to seven municipalities in Panamá. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected Ae. aegypti larval populations in different types of breeding sites located in urban areas. Insects were reared in laboratory control conditions. With the F 1 generation of each strain we performed susceptibility bioassays using WHO standardized methodology for larvae and adults. RESULTS: The eight Ae. Aegypti strains were susceptible to the pyrethroid insecticides: deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin and cifluthrin, to the organophosphate fenitrothrion, and to the carbamates propoxur and bendiocarb. Only the CHITRE strain exhibited a moderate resistance to the insecticide deltamethrin in larvae (FR 50 =5x). However, adults were susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to perform periodic surveillance to evaluate the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti populations in the studied municipalities with the purpose of preserving their susceptible. The insecticides applied for Ae. aegypti control can still be used in the evaluated municipalities; however it will depend on the susceptibility of the mosquitoes in the specific area.

[Characterization of Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission at the border of Panamá and Costa Rica]. / Caracterización de la transmisión de la malaria por Plasmodium vivax en la región fronteriza de Panamá con Costa Rica en el municipio de Barú, Panamá

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have described the factors associated with Plasmodium vivax transmission dynamics in endemic regions from Panamá. OBJECTIVE: Malaria transmission dynamics produced by P. vivax were characterized at the border between Panamá and Costa Rica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the municipality of Barú, an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was undertaken to measure the annual parasite index (API), slide positivity index (SPR), and the annual blood examination rate (ABER). The most frequent symptoms and signs in malaria patients were recorded. The anopheline species were identified in the area and the preferred larval habitats, the density of larval populations in the larval habitats and the bites/human/night were characterized. RESULTS: Of a total of 10,401 thick smear blood samples, 83 were positive for P. vivax. Of these, 84% came from rural areas and 79% were from economically active individuals. The median and average ages were 36 and 30 years, respectively, and 58.5% of the malaria cases were male. API was 4.1/1,000 inhabitants; SPR was 0.8% and ABER was 51.9%. Of the diagnosed cases, 54% showed blood parasitemias ranging between 100-2,000 parasites/µl. The majority of the cases were observed in May and June. Two mosquito vector species were identified-- Anopheles albimanus and An. punctimacula. CONCLUSION: These observations indicate the advisibility of continued entomological studies, strengthening of epidemiological surveillance, consideration of additional risk factors and evaluation of work performance in the border region. This will require coordination with health authorities of both countries to control malaria in this region.

Scolytinae y Platypodinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) de dos áreas de conservación en Tabasco, México / Scolytidae and Platypodidae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) of two conservation areas in Tabasco, Mexico

ResumenLos Scolytinae y Platypodinae son insectos tropicales de amplia distribución, capaces de utilizar una amplia gama de huéspedes. El estudio de la diversidad asociados a sitios de conservación nos permite conocer la riqueza y abundancia de las especies, además su fluctuación poblacional ayuda a entender el comportamiento de las poblaciones a través del tiempo. Por tal motivo, la riqueza y abundancia de las especies de Scolytinae y Platypodinae fue estudiada en la Reserva Ecológica de la Chontalpa (REC) y el Jardín Botánico José Narciso Rovirosa (JBU), en Tabasco, México. Los insectos fueron capturados con trampas de alcohol etílico. Se recolectaron 7 057 especímenes pertenecientes a 46 especies incluidas en 26 géneros, de las cuales 42 especies de 23 géneros pertenecen a Scolytinae y cuatro especies de tres géneros a Platypodinae. Las especies B. foveatus, D. luteolus, D.guatemalensis, Micracis swainei (Blackman, 1920), Pseudothysanoes tenellus (Wood, 1971) y Ambrosiodmus obliquus (Leconte, 1878) constituyen nuevos registros para el estado de Tabasco. Las especies Corthylus papulans Eichhoff, 1869 con 2 509 especímenes (35.55 %), Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius, 1775) con 1 435 (20.33 %) y Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff, 1868 con 1 061 (15.03 %) registraron la mayor abundancia, que en conjunto representan el 70.9 % de la recolecta total. La fluctuación poblacional de estos insectos presentó su máximo pico durante febrero y marzo con 2 728 especímenes en el JBU y en la REC en diciembre con 322 en el 2010.

AbstractThe Scolytinae and Platypodinae are group of widely distributed tropical insects that are capable of using a wide range of hosts. The study of diversity associated with conservation sites allows estimating the richness and abundance of species, their population dynamics as well as understanding the population behavior over time. The species richness and abundance of Scolytinae and Platypodinae was studied in the Chontalpa Ecological Reserve (REC) and the José Narciso Rovirosa Botanical Garden (JBU) in Tabasco, Mexico. Insects were captured with ethyl alcohol traps. A total of 7 057 specimens belonging to 46 species and 26 genera were collected and identified; 42 species from 23 genera belong to Scolytinae and four species from three genera to Platypodinae. The species Bothrosternus foveatus (Blackman, 1943); Dendroterus luteolus (Schedl, 1951); Dendrocranulusguatemalensis (Hopkins, 1915); Micracis swainei (Blackman, 1920); Pseudothysanoes tenellus (Wood, 1971) y Ambrosiodmus obliquus (Leconte, 1878) are new records for the state of Tabasco. The species Corthylus papulans Eichhoff, 1869 with 2 509 specimens (35.55); Xyleborus volvulus (Fabricius, 1775) with 1 435 (20.33); and Xyleborus affinis Eichhoff, 1868 with 1 061 (15.03) were the most common species, representing 70.9 % of total. The population dynamics of these insects showed its highest peak during February and March with 2 728 specimens in JBU and December with 322 in REC of year 2010. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 319-326. Epub 2016 March 01.

[Scolitids (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) associated to the cocoa agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico]. / Escolítidos (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México.

The Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico was studied during 2007. Adult insects were captured by using ethanol and light traps, and by direct collecting in their host plants. 3,192 specimens of 34 species belonging to 18 genera of Scolytidae were collected. Twenty-two species are new records for the State of Tabasco. The genera with more species were Xyleborus (6) and Hypothenemus (6). We conclude that the Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem captured with the three trap systems are similar through the year of study. We also conclude that although the ethanol traps were more efficient, obtaining the highest species diversity, the use of other methods is important.

Hantavirus infection and habitat associations among rodent populations in agroecosystems of Panama: implications for human disease risk.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which is caused by infection with Choclo virus, is uncommon in Panama, yet seropositivity among rural residents is as high as 60%. To clarify the environmental risk factors favoring rodent-to-human transmission, we tested serum from 3,067 rodents captured over a five-year period for antibodies against recombinant N protein of hantavirus by enzyme immunoassay and strip immunoblot. Among 220 seropositive rodents, Oligoryzomys fulvescens, the reservoir of Choclo virus, had the highest overall seroprevalence (23.5%); more abundant rodents (Zygodontomys brevicauda and Sigmodon hirsutus) had lower seroprevalences. In the mixed (combined modern and traditional) productive agroecosystem, the highest seroprevalence was among O. fulvescens captured in residences and in crops grown within 40 meters of a residence, with significantly lower seroprevalence in adjacent pasture and non-productive vegetation. Thus, crop habitats may serve as refugia for invasion into adjacent human residences and suggests several interventions to reduce human infection.

Determinación de la sensibilidad a insecticidas organofosforados, carbamato y piretroides en poblaciones de Aedes aegypti Linneaus, 1762 ( Díptera: Culicidae ) de Panamá / Determining the status of susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroids insecticides in populations of Aedes aegypti Linneaus, 1762 ( Diptera: Culicidae ) in Panamá

Introducción. Se llevó a cabo un estudio para determinar la sensibilidad de Aedes aegypti provenientes de regiones de alto riesgo de transmisión de dengue en Panamá, a insecticidas organofosforados, carbamatos y piretroides. Objetivo. Evaluar la sensibilidad a insecticidas piretroides, organofosforados y carbamatos en poblaciones de Ae. aegypti provenientes de ocho sitios pertenecientes a siete municipios de Panamá. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron poblaciones de Ae. aegypti en diferentes tipos de criaderos localizados en áreas urbanas y se criaron en condiciones controladas de laboratorio. Con la generación F 1 de cada una de las cepas se hicieron bioensayos de sensibilidad siguiendo la metodología estandarizada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para larvas y adultos. Resultados. Las ocho cepas de Ae. aegypti resultaron sensibles a los insecticidas piretroides deltametrina, lambdacihalotrina y ciflutrina, el organofosforado fenitrotión y los carbamato propoxur y bendiocarb. Solo la cepa CHITRE resultó con resistencia moderada al insecticida deltametrina en larvas (FR 50 =5x). Sin embargo, en adultos resultó sensible. Conclusiones. Es necesaria la vigilancia periódica de la sensibilidad de las poblaciones de Ae. aegypti de los municipios evaluados, con el propósito de conservar en las poblaciones el carácter sensible a estos insecticidas. Los insecticidas aplicados para el control de Ae. aegypti pueden seguir siendo utilizados en los municipios evaluados, pero depende de la sensibilidad de los mosquitos en el área específica.

Introduction: We studied the susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides of Aedes aegypti from different regions of high transmission risk for dengue in Panama. Objective: To evaluate the susceptibility to organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticides in Ae. aegypti from eight sites belonging to seven municipalities in Panamá. Materials and methods: We collected Ae. aegypti larval populations in different types of breeding sites located in urban areas. Insects were reared in laboratory control conditions. With the F 1 generation of each strain we performed susceptibility bioassays using WHO standardized methodology for larvae and adults. Results: The eight Ae. Aegypti strains were susceptible to the pyrethroid insecticides: deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin and cifluthrin, to the organophosphate fenitrothrion, and to the carbamates propoxur and bendiocarb. Only the CHITRE strain exhibited a moderate resistance to the insecticide deltamethrin in larvae (FR 50 =5x). However, adults were susceptible. Conclusions: It is necessary to perform periodic surveillance to evaluate the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti populations in the studied municipalities with the purpose of preserving their susceptible. The insecticides applied for Ae. aegypti control can still be used in the evaluated municipalities; however it will depend on the susceptibility of the mosquitoes in the specific area.

Grado de control de la Anticoagulación con Antagonistas de la vitamina K en Atención primaria. Estudio GRANADA / Anticoagulation quality control in Primary Care with vitamin K antagonists

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Caracterización de la transmisión de la malaria por Plasmodium vivax en la región fronteriza de Panamá con Costa Rica en el municipio de Barú, Panamá / Characterization of Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission at the border of Panamá and Costa Rica

Introducción. Pocos estudios describen los factores asociados con la dinámica de transmisión de la malaria, o paludismo, por Plasmodium vivax en las regiones endémicas de Panamá. Objetivo. Caracterizar la dinámica de transmisión de la malaria producida por P. vivax en la región fronteriza de Panamá con Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se evaluaron la incidencia parasitaria anual, el índice de láminas positivas y el índice anual de exámenes de sangre. Se identificaron los anofelinos vectores, y se caracterizaron sus criaderos preferenciales, densidad larvaria e índice de picada/hombre/noche. Se hizo búsqueda pasiva y activa de casos sospechosos mediante examen de gota gruesa. Resultados. De 10.401 muestras de gota gruesa, 83 resultaron positivas para P. vivax. El 84 % de los casos provenía de zonas rurales, el 79 % constituía una población económicamente activa, la mediana de edad fue de 36 años y, la media, de 30 años. El 58,5 % de los casos fueron de sexo masculino. La incidencia parasitaria anual fue de 4,1 por 1.000 habitantes; el índice de láminas positivas fue de 0,8 % y el índice anual de exámenes de sangre fue de 51,9 %. El 65,0 % de los casos diagnosticados registró entre 100 y 2.000 parásitos/μl de sangre. Se identificaron los mosquitos vectores Anopheles albimanus y An. punctimacula. Conclusión. Es necesario el seguimiento de estudios entomológicos, el fortalecimiento de la vigilancia epidemiológica, la consideración de los factores de riesgo y la realización de un trabajo en coordinación con las autoridades de salud de Costa Rica, para controlar la malaria en esta región.

Introduction. Few studies have described the factors associated with Plasmodium vivax transmission dynamics in endemic regions from Panamá. Objective. Malaria transmission dynamics produced by P. vivax were characterized at the border between Panamá and Costa Rica. Materials and methods. In the municipality of Barú, an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was undertaken to measure the annual parasite index (API), slide positivity index (SPR), and the annual blood examination rate (ABER). The most frequent symptoms and signs in malaria patients were recorded. The anopheline species were identified in the area and the preferred larval habitats, the density of larval populations in the larval habitats and the bites/human/night were characterized. Results. Of a total of 10,401 thick smear blood samples, 83 were positive for P. vivax. Of these, 84% came from rural areas and 79% were from economically active individuals. The median and average ages were 36 and 30 years, respectively, and 58.5% of the malaria cases were male. API was 4.1/1,000 inhabitants; SPR was 0.8% and ABER was 51.9%. Of the diagnosed cases, 54% showed blood parasitemias ranging between 100-2,000 parasites/μl. The majority of the cases were observed in May and June. Two mosquito vector species were identified-- Anopheles albimanus and An. punctimacula. Conclusion. These observations indicate the advisibility of continued entomological studies, strengthening of epidemiological surveillance, consideration of additional risk factors and evaluation of work performance in the border region. This will require coordination with health authorities of both countries to control malaria in this region.

[Diversity of insects captured by weaver spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in the cocoa agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico]. / Diversidad de insectos capturados por arañas tejedoras (Arachnida: Araneae) en el agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México.

The aim of this work was to know the diversity of insects captured by weaver spiders in a plantation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) of 6 ha in the State of Tabasco, Mexico. The study was carried out from July 2004 to June 2005 by means biweekly samples of the insects captured on the spiders webs. The total of 3,041 webs of 54 species of spiders belonging to seven families (Araneidae, Theridiidae, Tetragnathidae, Uloboridae, Pholcidae, Dyctinidae and Linyphiidae) were revised. We found 1,749 specimens belonging to 10 orders of insects, represented by 93 families, the majority of Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera that constituted 74% of the identified families. The biggest number of specimens of all orders was captured by Araneidae, except of Isoptera, whose specimens were captured mainly by the family Theridiidae. The index of diversity (H'), evenness (J') and similarity (Is), applied to know the diversity of families of insects captured among families of spiders, varied from 0.00 to 3.24, 0.00 to 0.81, and 0.04 to 0.522, respectively. We conclude that there is a wide diversity of insects predated by the weaver spiders in the cocoa agroecosystem, and that there are species that can be promising for the biological control of pests.

Praxis andragógica para optimizar las competencias en medicina alternativa en estudiantes de enfermería / Andragogic practice to optimize competencies in alternative medicine in nursing students

La Praxis andragógica optimiza las competencias en medicina alternativa en estudiantes de enfermería técnica del Instituto superior tecnológico Monsefu, para dar a conocer la importancia y necesidad de realizar la andragogía. El diseño de investigación es cuasi-experimental (Campbell & Stanley, 1966). de un solo grupo pre prueba y pos prueba (Leon & Montero, 1993). Para obtener los datos del análisis, se elaboro un cuestionario, validado por juicio de expertos y a través de una prueba piloto la confiabilidad por el alpha de cronbach, a una población de 16 estudiantes de enfermería técnica. Se realizo un análisis de frecuencias y ponderación de porcentajes y de esta manera se obtiene, resultados que nos permitieron conocer que el nivel de competencias previos que tienen los estudiantes fue regular. Y con el diseño y aplicación del programa praxis andragógica, y la evaluación con el postest nos indica que sus competencias mejoraron. Por tanto la praxis androgógica en medicina alternativa mejoro las competencias de los estudiantes de enfermería técnica del Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Monsefu.

Escolítidos (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) asociados al agroecosistema cacao en Tabasco, México / Scolitids (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) associated to the cocoa agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico

El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la fauna de escolítidos asociada al agroecosistema cacao durante el año 2007 en Tabasco, México; para ello se utilizaron trampas de alcohol etílico, trampa de luz y captura sobre sus plantas huéspedes como métodos de recolecta. Se registraron 3,192 especimenes de 34 especies pertenecientes a 18 géneros de escolítidos. Veintidós especies son registros nuevos para el Estado de Tabasco. Los géneros con mayor riqueza de especies fueron Xyleborus (6) e Hypothenemus (6). Se concluye que la fauna de escolítidos capturadas con los tres métodos de recolecta presentó una fluctuación poblacional similar a través del año de estudio. Además concluimos que aunque la trampa de alcohol etílico fue el método de captura más eficiente para la obtención de la mayor diversidad de especies es importante la utilización de los otros métodos que complementan y enriquecen la información obtenida.

The Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem in Tabasco, Mexico was studied during 2007. Adult insects were captured by using ethanol and light traps, and by direct collecting in their host plants. 3,192 specimens of 34 species belonging to 18 genera of Scolytidae were collected. Twenty-two species are new records for the State of Tabasco. The genera with more species were Xyleborus (6) and Hypothenemus (6). We conclude that the Scolytidae fauna associated to the cacao agroecosystem captured with the three trap systems are similar through the year of study. We also conclude that although the ethanol traps were more efficient, obtaining the highest species diversity, the use of other methods is important.