Early-Life Metabolic Traits and Physical Fitness in Tarahumara, Mennonite, and Mestizo Adolescents from Northern Mexico.

The WHO identifies high BMI, high blood pressure, and high fasting plasma glucose as chronic disease risk factors, whereas physical fitness is identified as a protective behavioral factor. This study responds to the rising interest in assessing metabolic factors and physical activity within young populations of Mestizo, Tarahumara, and Mennonite from Chihuahua Mexico, due to its strong relationship with disease development and low well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 teenagers from rural towns in Northern Mexico, and relationships between physical fitness and cardio-metabolic risk related to anthropometric, glycolipid, and vascular function factors were assessed. ANOVA-tested differences among ethnic groups using physical fitness as a grouping variable and measures of cardio-metabolic risks were used as dependent variables. A stepwise regression analysis allowed us to identify the best predictors for physical fitness. Clinical risk factors were analyzed by ethnic group and sex. No differences were found among ethnic groups in physical fitness and cardio-metabolic health risks; sex differentiated higher health risks related to behavioral factors, since young women showed lower physical fitness across ethnicities. Clinically, the Mestizo sample showed higher numbers of individuals with one risk factor. Mennonites showed a high frequency of anthropometric and fitness health risks with low glycolipid and vascular risks. Tarahumara had fewer risk factors as compared with both Mestizo and Mennonite. Rural populations are harder to reach, both for health assessment and intervention; health professionals must work close to local community organizations to gain access.

HLA study in Mexico Nahua/Aztec Amerindians: Close relatedness to the ancient Central America ethnic groups.

Nahua population (also named Aztec or Mexica) was studied for HLA class II genes in a Mexican rural city (Santo Domingo Ocotitlan, Morelos State) belonging to the nowadays Náhuatl speaking areas in Mexico. The most frequent HLA class II alleles were typical Amerindian (HLA-DRB1*04:07, DQB1*03:01 DRB1*04:03 or DRB1*04:04) and also were some calculated extended haplotypes (HLA-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02,DRB1*08:02-DQB1*04:02, or DRB1*10:01-DQB1*05:01 among others). When using HLA-DRB1 Neís genetic distances, our isolated Nahua population was found to be close to other Central America Amerindians like the ancient-established Mayans or Mixe. This may suggest that Nahuas origin was also from Central America. It contrasts to legend that assumes they came from the North, and they built the Aztec Empire after submitting Central America neighbouring ethnic groups before 1519 CE when Spaniards led by Hernán Cortés arrived to Mexico.

Neurodesarrollo y estimulación oportuna en niños de madres indígenas migrantes y no migrantes en Chihuahua, México / Neurodevelopment and timely early stimulationin children of indigenous migrant and non-migrant mothers in Chihuahua, Mexico

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar características generales y de atención en salud entre menores y sus madres migrantes y no migrantes en indígenas Tarahumaras, en Chihuahua, México. Así mismo, se evaluó la asociación entre el riesgo de retraso en neurodesarrollo en niños y las prácticas de estimulación oportuna. Niños y niñas de entre 12 a 48 meses de edad fueron estudiados en dos grupos: 1) menores de madres migrantes ubicados en asentamientos urbanos en la ciudad de Chihuahua y 2) menores de madres no migrantes residentes en sus localidades de origen. La prevalencia de riesgo de retraso del neurodesarrollo moderado y grave (RNMG) fue mayor en menores de madres migrantes versus no migrantes (75.6%, IC95% [69.5, 80.8] vs 59.8%, [51.4, 67.7], p = .003). La proporción de niños(as) que recibieron una estimulación oportuna favorable (EOF) en casa fue mayor en los menores de madres no migrantes (p < .001). La migración de las madres indígenas hacia asentamientos urbanos estuvo asociada al RNMG en sus hijos(as) (p = .03), así como las prácticas insuficientes de estimulación oportuna (p = .03). La asistencia consistente a sesiones de estimulación temprana del programa de Educación Inicial fue mayor en niños(as) de madres no migrantes (p = .01); y la no asistencia fue predictor del RNMG (p = .02).(AU)

This study aimed to compare the general and health care charac-teristics of young children of migrant and non-migrant mothers from in-digenous Tarahumara communities in Chihuahua, Mexico, and to evaluate the association between child risk for neurodevelopment delay with paren-tal practices of early childhood stimulation. Male and female children aged 12 to 48 months were studied in two groups: 1) children of migrant moth-ers residing in urban settlements and 2) children of non-migrant mothers residing in their native rural localities. Prevalence of the risk of moderate to severe neurodevelopment delay (MSND) was greater in children of mi-grant mothers as compared to non-migrant mothers (75.6%, CI95% [69.5, 80.8] vs.59.8%, [51.4, 67.7], p = .003). The proportion of children who re-ceived adequate and favorable early stimulation (FTES) at home was great-er in children of non-migrant mothers (p < .001). The migration of indige-nous mothers to urban settlements was associated with child MSND (p = .03), as well as to insufficient early stimulation practices (p = .03). Con-sistent attendance at early childhood stimulation sessions through the Ini-tial Education program was greater in children of non-migrant mothers (p = .01), and non-attendance predicted child MSND (p = .02).(AU)

Talla baja y sobrepeso en menores de 5 años que habitan la Sierra Tarahumara, México / Stunting and overweight in children under 5y who inhabit the Sierra Tarahumara in northern Mexico

La doble carga de la desnutrición y el exceso de peso (o mala nutrición) es uno de los indicadores que mejor ilustra las inequidades en salud que existen en zonas indígenas de México. Por otro lado, existe escasa evidencia del estado de nutrición en población Tarahumara. Objetivo: Estimar indicadores del estado de nutrición y su asociación con factores sociodemográficos en población indígena Tarahumara menor de 5 años. Métodos: Estudio transversal en 21 localidades indígenas de la Sierra Tarahumara en Chihuahua, México, que analizó información sociodemográfica, de salud y antropométrica en población infantil de 6 a 59 meses de edad (n=323). Se estimaron índices antropométricos y su asociación con variables de interés mediante regresión logística múltiple. Un valor de p ≤0,05 fue considerado como estadísticamente significativo. Todos los análisis se realizaron en el paquete estadístico Stata v14.2. Resultados: Se encontraron altas prevalencias de talla baja (44,4%), emaciación (5,3%), bajo peso (11,9%) y sobrepeso (15,2%). El sexo masculino se asoció significativamente con talla baja (Razón de Momios (RM)=2,5; 1,45-4,34), mientras que, ninguna escolaridad de la madre (RM=0,39; 0,15-0,99) y ser beneficiario de un programa local de nutrición por más de 2 años se asoció con sobrepeso (RM=2,97; 1,26 -6,97). Conclusión: Se encontraron indicadores de mala nutrición en la muestra estudiada; éstos hallazgos podrían sugerir la existencia de inequidad y rezago en salud y nutrición de población infantil indígena Tarahumara. Se requieren más estudios que puedan orientar programas y acciones de salud y nutrición para atender a esta población de forma prioritaria(AU)

The double burden of malnutrition and excess weight (or poor nutrition) is one of the indicators that best illustrates the health inequities that exist in indigenous areas of Mexico. On the other hand, there is scarce evidence of the nutritional status of the Tarahumara population. Objective: To estimate indicators of the nutritional status and its association with sociodemographic factors in the Tarahumara indigenous population under 5 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 21 indigenous localities of the Sierra Tarahumara in Chihuahua, Mexico, which analyzed sociodemographic, health and anthropometric information in children from 6 to 59 months of age (n=323). Anthropometric indices and their association with variables of interest was estimated by multiple logistic regression. A value of p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyzes were performed using the Stata v14.2 statistical package. Results: It were founded high prevalences of short stature (44.4%), emaciation (5.3%), underweight (11.9%) and overweight (15.2%). Male sex was significantly associated with short stature (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.5; 1.45-4.34), while no education of the mother (OR = 0.39; 0.15-0.99) and being a beneficiary of a local nutrition program for more than 2 years it was associated with being overweight (OR = 2.97; 1.26-6.97). Conclusion: Indicators of malnutrition and overweight were founded in the sample studied; these findings suggest inequity and delays in health and nutrition of the indigenous Tarahumara child population. More research is required that can guide health and nutrition programs and actions to serve this indigenous population as a priority(AU)

Comparison of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and risk factors in urban and rural Mexican Tarahumara-foot runners.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) among Tarahumara Indians living in rural and urban communities. METHODS: Conducted in 2010, this cross-sectional study included 204 Tarahumara (100 urban and 104 rural individuals 18-75 years old [yo]). Data obtained includes: Anthropometric, lifestyle, blood pressure (BP) and fasting blood tests. Analyses were stratified by gender and age. RESULTS: The total prevalence of MS in rural and urban Tarahumara were 41% and 28% (p = 0.04), respectively. In urban cohorts, the prevalence of MS increased linearly with age. Women presented with a higher MS prevalence than men in urban (44.6% vs. 34.3%, p = 0.4) and rural (50% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.0001) cohorts. In men, urban residents presented with a higher MS prevalence vs. rural subjects; The same was not true for women. Age-related increment in waist circumference was linear and significantly higher in urban men compared to their rural counterpart (urban 6.5 [95% CI 4.24-8.79] vs. rural 2.7 [95% CI 1.19-4.24] centimeters/decade, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between urban residency and MS in men, but not in women. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of MS is higher in women than men, but the latter are more susceptible to the urbanization-associated worsening of cardiometabolic health.

Transient cardiac dysfunction but elevated cardiac and kidney biomarkers 24 h following an ultra-distance running event in Mexican Tarahumara.

BACKGROUND: The Mexican Tarahumara are accustomed to running ultra-distance races. No data exist on the acute physiological changes following ultra-distance running and physiological-biomarker associations in this population. Thus, we aimed to investigate the acute impact (≤ 24 h) on functional and biochemical changes of the cardiac muscle and biochemical changes associated with kidney function following a 63-km ultra-distance race with an altitude difference of 1800 m in Mexican Tarahumara athletes. METHODS: Ten Tarahumara male athletes (mean ± SD age = 29.9 ± 6.6 years) volunteered to participate in the study. VO2max was assessed by a sub-maximal step test individually calibrated combining heart rate and accelerometry. Standard transthoracic echocardiography methodology and venipuncture blood tests were carried out at four time points: pre-race, immediately post-race, 6 h, and 24 h post-race. RESULTS: Estimated mean VO2max was 54.5 (± 8.8) mL O2 min-1 kg-1 and average physiological activity intensity was 746 (± 143) J min-1 kg -1 (~ 11.5 METs). When compared to pre-race values, significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV end-diastolic volume (- 15%, p < 0.001 for both parameters), cardiac output (39%, p < 0.001), and maximal longitudinal velocity (- 13%, p < 0.009) were seen post-race with LVEF also being decreased at < 6 h post-race (- 8%, p < 0.014). Plasma biomarkers mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, copeptin-ultra sensitive, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T remained significantly elevated at 24 h post-race, and the two latter were inversely associated with LVEF (p < 0.04). Kidney dysfunction was indicated by increased post-race copeptin-ultra sensitive. CONCLUSIONS: The athletes participating in this study had acute transient cardiac dysfunction as assessed by echocardiography but elevated cardiac and kidney biomarkers at 24 h following a 63-km race with extreme altitude variation.

Migration and nutritional status of Tarahumara schoolchildren from Chihuahua State (México).

OBJECTIVE: The Tarahumara ethnic group is composed of indigenous people from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Conditions of isolation and poverty compel them to migrate to the city in search of better opportunities. This work aims to explore the influence of migration on the growth and nutritional status of Tarahumara schoolchildren. METHODS: One hundred Tarahumara students were analyzed (50 rural with a mean age of 9.78 ± 1.25 years; 50 urban aged 10.0 ± 1.04 years), comparing anthropometric indicators and body composition (T-Student, U-Mann-Whitney Tests). RESULTS: Twenty percent of rural girls and 35% of rural boys showed stunted growth compared to only 9% of the urban girls (no stunted growth among urban boys). Migrants showed greater body size, skinfold thickness, and fat percentage. Weight excess, understood as an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, was detected in 17.8% of urban boys and 13.6% of urban girls compared to 10.0% of boys and 3.3% of girls of the rural series. CONCLUSION: Migration reduces stunting and increases adiposity.

Use of multispecies occupancy models to evaluate the response of bird communities to forest degradation associated with logging.

Forest degradation is arguably the greatest threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and rural livelihoods. Therefore, increasing understanding of how organisms respond to degradation is essential for management and conservation planning. We were motivated by the need for rapid and practical analytical tools to assess the influence of management and degradation on biodiversity and system state in areas subject to rapid environmental change. We compared bird community composition and size in managed (ejido, i.e., communally owned lands) and unmanaged (national park) forests in the Sierra Tarahumara region, Mexico, using multispecies occupancy models and data from a 2-year breeding bird survey. Unmanaged sites had on average higher species occupancy and richness than managed sites. Most species were present in low numbers as indicated by lower values of detection and occupancy associated with logging-induced degradation. Less than 10% of species had occupancy probabilities >0.5, and degradation had no positive effects on occupancy. The estimated metacommunity size of 125 exceeded previous estimates for the region, and sites with mature trees and uneven-aged forest stand characteristics contained the highest species richness. Higher estimation uncertainty and decreases in richness and occupancy for all species, including habitat generalists, were associated with degraded young, even-aged stands. Our findings show that multispecies occupancy methods provide tractable measures of biodiversity and system state and valuable decision support for landholders and managers. These techniques can be used to rapidly address gaps in biodiversity information, threats to biodiversity, and vulnerabilities of species of interest on a landscape level, even in degraded or fast-changing environments. Moreover, such tools may be particularly relevant in the assessment of species richness and distribution in a wide array of habitats.

Adecuación de la dieta servida a escolares en albergues indigenistas de la Sierra Tarahumara, México / Adequacy of the diet served to Tarahumara children in indigenous boarding schools of northern Mexico

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la adecuación y variación de la dieta servida a escolares de albergues indigenistas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Durante diez semanas se evaluó la dieta servida en dos albergues documentando el tipo/cantidad de ingredientes empleados para preparar alimentos/bebidas y registrando la ración ofrecida mediante la técnica de pesos y medidas; se analizó la dieta servida los martes-miércoles-jueves de las semanas 3-5-7. RESULTADOS: Se utilizaron 33-46 ingredientes/semana; los más frecuentes fueron aceite, tortillas de harina de maíz fortificada, leche, cebolla, azúcar y frijol. La energía total en la ración diaria fluctuó entre 1309 y 2919 kcal; las proteínas constituyeron 10.5-21.2 por ciento (45-127 g/día), los hidratos de carbono 40.7-61.9 por ciento (145-433 g/día), y los lípidos 22.5-48.1 por ciento (45-125 g/día). El contenido diario de micronutrimentos fue el siguiente: hierro, 15-33 mg; calcio, 686-1795 mg; zinc, 8-19 mg; vitamina A, 118-756 mcg; vitamina B9, 42-212 mcg y vitamina B12, 0.8-5 mcg. CONCLUSIÓN: Existe una variación importante en la dieta servida que resulta relativamente hipercalórica por exceso de lípidos, pero con un contenido insuficiente de vitaminas B9, B12 y A.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the adequacy and variability of the diet served to Tarahumara children in indigenous boarding schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of food and drinks served for meals, weighed daily, were obtained from Monday through Friday for 10 consecutive weeks in two selected boarding schools. Nutrient intake for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays was calculated and analyzed for weeks 3, 5 and 7. RESULTS: The number of food items used per week ranged from 33 to 46. The most frequently utilized items were cooking oil, fortified corn tortilla, milk, onion, sugar and beans. Total energy served per day fluctuated between 1309 and 2919 Kcal; proteins comprised 10.5 to 21.2 percent (45 to 127 g/day), carbohydrates 40.7 to 61.9 percent (145 to 433 g/day), and lipids 22.5 to 48.1 percent (45 to 125 g/day) of the total. Daily micronutrient content ranges were: iron 15-33 mg, calcium 686-1795 mg, zinc 8-19 mg, vitamin A 118-756 mcg, vitamin B9 42-212 mcg, and vitamin B12 0.8-5 mcg. CONCLUSION: There was significant daily variability in the diet, which was hypercaloric due to the high lipid content, and yet insufficient in vitamins B9, B12 and A.