Estimation of metal concentrations in marine biota and associated health risk assessment for inhabitants of a coastal region in Northwestern Mexico.

Marine ecosystems are subject to contamination by metals and metalloids and other elements and compounds that are emitted due to various human activities. These substances subsequently induce changes in marine biota after entering the marine environment. Marine organisms are frequently consumed worldwide because they constitute relatively cheap and accessible food items of high nutrient quality. The aim of this study was to estimate metal accumulation in frequently consumed marine species and to evaluate the associated health risks for particular population groups in a coastal region of northwestern Mexico. The marine species were consumed in different quantities between spring (from 0.29 kg year-1 for white clam, to 38.40 kg year-1 for blue crab) and autumn (from 0.34 kg year-1 for white clam, to 15.02 kg year-1 for leopard grouper). The general distribution of metal concentrations in the marine species (n = 13 in each season) evaluated in this study followed the trend of Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr with the highest metal concentrations detected during autumn. Although many metal concentrations were above the international standards of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for the women in this study indicated that their health was not at risk due to the consumption of either fish or seafood. In contrast, the HQ and HI values determined for groups of men and children indicated that they are at risk due to the frequent consumption of most species evaluated in this study.

Monounsaturated Fat Intake Was Associated with Lower Abdominal Obesity but Poor Dietary Quality Remains in Elementary School Children from Northwest Mexico.

Overweight and obesity in Mexican elementary school children increased ten percentage points in the last 30 years; one of the factors attributed is inadequate dietary quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of monounsaturated fat intake with abdominal obesity and nutrient intake and obesity and overweight with dietary quality of elementary school children from Northwest Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 218 first grade elementary school children. A socioeconomic survey and two nonconsecutive 24-HR were applied, and anthropometric measurements were taken. Dietary quality was evaluated and classified as: healthy, medium and poor. Children consumed fewer servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products and water than recommended by the Mexican food guidelines. A negative association was found among monounsaturated fat intake and abdominal obesity (p = .032). Only 1.4% of the children presented healthy dietary quality, 44.5% showed a medium dietary quality, and 54.1% had poor dietary quality. Poor dietary quality was associated with a lower intake of fiber (p = .002), protein (p = .002), potassium (p = .001) and vitamin E (p = .002). Elementary school children from Northwest Mexico have inadequate dietary quality that compromises their nutritional and health status, while monounsaturated fat intake could be a protective factor for abdominal obesity.

Can We Manage Behavioral Problems through the Development of Children's Social-Emotional Regulated Behavior? Longitudinal Study of a Preschool Program.

Behavioral problems are early indicators of antisocial behavior and should be targeted from a preventive perspective from early childhood. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of the AC1 preschool program that develops social-emotional skills that facilitate the adjustment and regulation of the person. A total of 102 children aged 3-4 years old participated in the research, 52 belonging to the experimental group and 49 to the control group. Program-trained skills (ROAC-3), social skills (PKBS-2), and externalizing problems (CBCL C-TRF) were assessed in the pre- and post-intervention phase. Data analysis was carried out using a generalized linear mixed model analysis (GLMM). The results show that the children in the experimental group scored higher on the variables trained by the program and on social skills than those in the control group. They also obtained lower scores in the observed externalizing problems. The effect of the program was high in the emotion identification and expression, communication skills, prosocial behaviors (sharing and helping), problem-solving, and social interaction. Social-emotional learning in early childhood is essential for the prevention of behavioral problems to facilitate the development of adjusted and regulated behavior. Thus, preschool programs could play a key role.

Evaluation of Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Digestibility of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv Blanoro) Stored under N2 and CO2 Atmospheres.

The aim of this work was to monitor the quality, antioxidant capacity and digestibility of chickpea exposed to different modified atmospheres. Chickpea quality (proximal analysis, color, texture, and water absorption) and the antioxidant capacity of free, conjugated, and bound phenol fractions obtained from raw and cooked chickpea, were determined. Cooked chickpea was exposed to N2 and CO2 atmospheres for 0, 25, and 50 days, and the antioxidant capacity was analyzed by DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-[3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]), and total phenols. After in vitro digestion, the antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and AAPH (2,2'-Azobis [2-methylpropionamidine]). Additionally, quantification of total phenols, and UPLC-MS profile were determined. The results indicated that this grain contain high quality and high protein (18.38%). Bound phenolic compounds showed the highest amount (105.6 mg GAE/100 g) and the highest antioxidant capacity in all techniques. Cooked chickpeas maintained their quality and antioxidant capacity during 50 days of storage at 4 and -20 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Free and conjugated phenolic compounds could be hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes, increasing their bioaccessibility and their antioxidant capacity during each step of digestion. The majority compound in all samples was enterodiol, prevailing the flavonoid type in the rest of the identified compounds. Chickpea contains biological interest compounds with antioxidant potential suggesting that this legume can be exploited for various technologies.

Persistence of the antifungal capacity of a fraction of Jacquinia macrocarpa plant against Fusarium verticillioides after continuous exposure.

This study aimed to determine the ability of Fusarium verticillioides in developing mechanisms to counteract the antifungal effect of a fraction from Jacquinia macrocarpa plant extract (JmAF), as well as the morphological and physiological changes that occur during its exposure. The fungus was exposed to JmAF during consecutive periods. A culture sample was taken weekly to determine radial growth, spore germination and size, and fungal ß-1,3-glucanase activity. The results showed that, in the beginning, the radial growth decreased by 85.8%, and spore germination was delayed. As the exposure continued, the fungus showed a recovery, to some extent, in its original characteristics. However, the radial growth of the fungus continued to be inhibited (42.9%) throughout the experiment (7 weeks). The ß-1,3-glucanase activity also was inhibited by 36.4% during the first week of exposure to JmAF. However, the activity was recovered after 7 weeks of exposure.

Custodia compartida: razonamientos judiciales y criterios psicológicos / Shared custody: judicial reasoning and psychological criteria

Cuando unos padres finalizan su relación uno de los aspectos más relevantes es el relativo a las medidas adoptadas en relación con los hijos. Desde la legalización del divorcio en 1981 se han llevado a cabo diversas modificaciones legislativas y algunas Comunidades Autónomas han decretado leyes donde la custodia compartida es la opción preferente. El estudio pretende analizar los razonamientos que utilizan jueces/magistrados para fundamentar la custodia compartida, y conocer en qué medida las decisiones judiciales toman como referencia los informes periciales y los criterios que en ellos se aportan. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal en el que se analizaron 163 sentencias del año 2016 de la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón. Los resultados evidencian una tendencia a una mayor argumentación de la concesión de la guarda y custodia compartida. Los razonamientos judiciales más frecuentes son la aptitud personal del progenitor, el interés superior del menor y la estabilidad del mismo, entre otros. Por otro lado, los criterios periciales más utilizados por los psicólogos en sus valoraciones son la capacidad de los progenitores y la calidad de las prácticas de crianza

When parents end their relationship, one of the most relevant aspects is related to the measures adopted in relation to their children. Since the legalization of divorce in 1981, various legislative changes have been made and some Autonomous Communities have enacted laws where joint custody is the preferred option. The study aims to analyze the reasoning used by judges / magistrates to support shared custody, and to know to what extent judicial decisions take as reference expert reports and the criteria that are provided in them. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in which 163 sentences of the year 2016 of the Autonomous Community of Aragon were analyzed. The results show a trend towards greater argumentation of the granting of custody and shared custody. The most frequent judicial reasoning is the personal aptitude of the parent, the best interest of the minor and the stability of the same, among others. On the other hand, the forensic criteria most used by psychologists in their assessments are the ability of parents and the quality of parenting practices

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Northwestern Mexican City.

BACKGROUND: Through a cross-sectional survey, we determined the seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City, Mexico. METHODS: We studied 445 women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. Women were enrolled in the University of Sonora. Sera of women were examined for IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii by commercially available enzyme immunoassays. The association of T. gondii seropositivity with the characteristics of the pregnant women was determined by bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of the 445 women (mean age: 22.18 ± 5.6 years) studied, 16 (3.6%) had IgG antibodies to T. gondii, and two (12.5%) were also positive for IgM antibodies to T. gondii. Of the 16 anti-T. gondii IgG-positive women, six (37.5%) had IgG levels higher than 150 IU/mL, four (25.0%) between 100 and 150 IU/mL, and six (37.5%) between 9 and 99 IU/mL. Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral variables showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with older age (odds ratio (OR): 5.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37 - 20.50; P = 0.01) and boar meat consumption (OR: 6.86; 95% CI: 1.27 - 37.07; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Women of reproductive age in Hermosillo City had a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection. However, this finding indicates that most of these women were susceptible to a primary infection. Factors associated with T. gondii infection found in this study may be useful for the optimal planning of preventive measures against T. gondii infection and its sequelae.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Healthy Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sonora, Mexico.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can be transmitted by blood transfusion. We determined the prevalence of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Hermosillo city, Mexico, and the association of infection with T. gondii with the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of blood donors. Four hundred and eight blood donors who attended two public blood banks in Hermosillo city were examined for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Of the 408 blood donors (mean age 31.77 ± 9.52; range 18-60 years old) studied, 55 (13.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, and 12 (21.8%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity to T. gondii was associated with age (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.03-2.94; P = 0.03) and tobacco use (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02-4.29; P = 0.04). Seropositivity to T. gondii was correlated with the number of pregnancies, deliveries, and cesarean sections. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in blood donors in Sonora is the highest reported in blood donors in northern Mexico so far. This is the first report of an association of T. gondii exposure and tobacco use. Further research to confirm this association is needed.

Seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Yoremes (Mayos) in Mexico: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Yoremes and to identify associations of T. gondii exposure with sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics of Yoremes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Yoremes were enrolled in the locality of Tierra Blanca in the municipality of Navojoa in Sonora State, Mexico. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 200 Yoremes (Mayos); they are an indigenous ethnic group living in a coastal region in northwestern Mexico. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We assessed the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in participants using enzyme-linked immunoassays. We used a standardised questionnaire to obtain the characteristics of Yoremes. The association of T. gondii exposure and Yoremes' characteristics was assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of the 200 Yoremes studied (mean age: 31.50±18.43 years), 26 (13.0%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and 19 (73.1%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection did not vary with sex, educational level, occupation or socioeconomic status. In contrast, multivariate analysis of sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics showed that T. gondii exposure was associated with increasing age (OR=1.02; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.04; p=0.03) and consumption of squirrel meat (OR=4.99; 95% CI 1.07 to 23.31; p=0.04). Furthermore, seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in Yoremes with a history of lymphadenopathy (p=0.03) and those suffering from frequent abdominal pain (p=0.03). In women, T. gondii exposure was associated with a history of caesarean sections (p=0.03) and miscarriages (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate, for the first time, serological evidence of T. gondii exposure among Yoremes in Mexico. Results suggest that infection with T. gondii might be affecting the health of Yoremes. Results may be useful for an optimal design of preventive measures against T. gondii infection.

Un patrón de consumo alimentario saludable se asoció inversamente con sobrepeso, obesidad y circunferencia de cintura en escolares del Noroeste de México / A healthy dietary pattern was inversely associated with overweight, obesity and waist circumference among schoolchildren from Northwest of Mexico

Fundamentos: Los cambios en los patrones dietéticos de los últimos años han incrementado la prevalencia del sobrepeso y la obesidad en la población escolar. El objetivo fue identificar la asociación entre patrones de consumo alimentario con el sobrepeso/obesidad y circunferencia de cintura en escolares del Noroeste de México. Métodos: Estudio transversal en 110 escolares de primer grado, a quienes se les midió el peso, la talla y la circunferencia de cintura, y se les realizaron 2 recordatorios de 24h no consecutivos. Se utilizó un análisis factorial para derivar patrones dietéticos y la regresión logística múltiple para evaluar la asociación de estos patrones con el sobrepeso/obesidad y la circunferencia de cintura, en modelos separados. Resultados: Se encontró una prevalencia combinada de sobrepeso/obesidad de 35,5 % y 16,9 % de circunferencia de cintura elevada. Se identificaron 6 patrones de consumo alimentario: de aceites, grasas y verduras; saludable; de alimentos procesados; occidental; diverso y de bebidas. El sobrepeso/obesidad y la circunferencia de cintura elevada se asociaron de forma inversa con valores mayores del patrón saludable (RM = 0,478 y p = 0,007; y RM = 0,329 y p = 0,016, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Un mayor consumo de un patrón saludable se asocia con un menor riesgo de sobrepeso/obesidad y circunferencia de cintura elevada en escolares de primer grado (AU)

Background: In recent years, changes in dietary patterns have contributed to the increment of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. The aim was to identify the association among dietary patterns and overweight/obesity and waist circumference of students from Northwest, Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 children in first grade; weight, height and waist circumference were measured and two nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls were applied. Factor analysis was used to obtained dietary patterns and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship among dietary patterns and overweight/obesity and waist circumference, in separate models. Results: We found a combined prevalence of overweight/obesity of 35.5 % and 16.9 % of waist circumference greater than recommended for their age. Six food consumption patterns were obtained: oils, fats and vegetables; healthy; processed food; western; diverse and beverages. Overweight/obesity and increased waist circumference was inversely associated with the healthy pattern (OR = 0.478 and p = 0.007, OR = 0.329 and p = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: Consumption of healthy patterns is associated with lower risk of overweight/obesity and increased waist circumference in first graders (AU)

Efectividad de intervención preventiva y de limitación del daño por caries dental en la primera molar permanente en escolares de 7 a 8 años / Effectiveness of preventive intervention and limitation of damage due to dental caries in the first permanent molar in schoolchildren aged 7 to 8 years

Objetivo: Establecer la efectividad de intervención preventiva y limitación del daño por caries dental en la primera molar permanente, en escolares de 7 a 8 años; posterior a 3 y 6 meses de aplicada. Metodología: Esta investigación fue de tipo intervención cuasi experimental, dirigida a la prevención y limitación del daño por caries en las Primeras Molares Permanentes (PMP) de 150 escolares de centros educativos públicos. Fueron atendidas 568 PMP en total, en las que se aplicó 314 sellantes de fosas y fisuras preventivos, 124 sellantes curativos, 36 remineralizaciones con flúor barniz y 130 obturaciones. Posterior a 3 y 6 meses se efectuó la evaluación de caries y de la condición de los tratamientos (sellantes y obturaciones) para medir la efectividad. La prueba estadística utilizada para el análisis de los datos fue la de McNemar. Resultados: Posterior a 3 y 6 meses de aplicada la intervención, se encontraron respectivamente el 96.8% y 94.2% de molares sanas; en tanto que, en cuanto a supervivencia de tratamientos se encontró de 88% y 72.9% respectivamente. Conclusión: La intervención mostró a 3 y 6 meses, ser efectiva para prevenir y limitar el daño por caries dental en la primera molar permanente.

Objective: To establish the effectiveness of preventive intervention and limitation of damage by caries, in the first permanent molar (FPM), in scholar children from 7 to 8 years; after 3 and 6 months of being applied. Methodology: This research was a quasi-experimental dental intervention type, directed to the prevention and limitation of damage by caries in the first permanent molars of 150 scholar children, attending public schools. In total, 568 FPM were intervened; in which 314 preventive sealing of tooth cavities and fissures, were applied, as well as 124 healing sealants, 36 remineralization with varnish fluoride and 130 obturations (fillings). Afterwards to 3 and 6 months, the evaluation of caries and the condition of the treatments (sealants and obturations) was developed, to measure their effectiveness. The statistical test used for the analysis of the data was that of McNemar. Results: Afterwards to 3 and 6 months the dental intervention was applied; 96.8% and 94.2% of healthy molars was obtained, respectively; and, 88%; 72.9% permanence (survival) of treatments respectively. Conclusion: The intervention showed effectiveness to prevent and limit the damage by dental caries in first permanent molar; after 3 and 6 months of being done.