Activity of propolis from Mexico on the proliferation and virulence factors of Candida albicans.

BACKGROUND: This research evaluated the anti-Candida albicans effect of Mexican propolis from Chihuahua. Chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of propolis was determined by GC-MS, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-MS. The presence of anthraquinone, aromatic acid, fatty acids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates was revealed. RESULTS: The anti-Candida activity of propolis was determined. The inhibitions halos were between 10.0 to 11.8 mm; 25% minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 mg/ml) was fungistatic, and 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (1.0 mg/ml) was fungicidal. The effect of propolis on the capability of C. albicans to change its morphology was evaluated. 25% minimum inhibitory concentration inhibited to 50% of germ tube formation. Staining with calcofluor-white and propidium iodide was performed, showing that the propolis affected the integrity of the cell membrane. INT1 gene expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Propolis significantly inhibited the expression of the INT1 gene encodes an adhesin (Int1p). Chihuahua propolis extract inhibited the proliferation of Candida albicans, the development of the germ tube, and the synthesis of adhesin INT1. CONCLUSIONS: Given the properties demonstrated for Chihuahua propolis, we propose that it is a candidate to be considered as an ideal antifungal agent to help treat this infection since it would not have the toxic effects of conventional antifungals.

Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Prosopis laevigata.

The appearance of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has highlighted the need to search for new compounds that can effectively combat infectious diseases. A potential source of these compounds are the secondary metabolites of species that have been reported as effective traditional treatments of such diseases. Prosopis laevigata is a medicinal plant, and its chemical constituents have shown potential antimicrobial activity. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Prosopis laevigata against different bacterial and fungal strains of medical and agronomic interest were investigated in vitro. In addition, the chemical composition of this extract was investigated by HPLC-DAD, GC‒MS, and HPLC‒MS. The methanolic leaf extract contained 67 mg of GAE/g of total phenols (6.7%), 2.6 mg of QE/g of flavonoids (0.26%), and 11.87 mg of AE/g of total alkaloids (1.18%). Phenolic acids and catechol were the compounds identified by HPLC-DAD. The methanolic extract had strong antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 0.62 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC = 0.62 mg/mL), Candida tropicalis (MIC = 0.08 mg/mL) and Fusarium moniliforme (MIC = 4.62 mg/mL). These results suggest that the extract of P. laevigata leaves could be a source of antimicrobial molecules. However, it is necessary to delve into its chemical composition.

Effect of the Essential Oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens and Five Pure Compounds on the Mycelium, Spore Production, and Germination of Species of Fusarium.

The genus Fusarium causes many diseases in economically important plants. Synthetic agents are used to control postharvest diseases caused by Fusarium, but the use of these synthetic agents generates several problems, making it necessary to develop new alternative pesticides. Essential oils can be used as a new control strategy. The essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens have been shown to have potent antifungal activity against Fusarium. However, for the adequate management of diseases, as well as the optimization of the use of essential oils, it is necessary to know how essential oils act on the growth and reproduction of the fungus. In this study, the target of action of the essential oils of B. morelensis and L. graveolens and of the pure compounds present in the essential oils (carvacrol, p-cymene, α-phellandrene, α-pinene, and Υ-terpinene) was determined by evaluating the effect on hyphal morphology, as well as on spore production and germination of three Fusarium species. In this work, carvacrol was found to be the compound that produced the highest inhibition of radial growth. Essential oils and pure compounds caused significant damage to hyphal morphology and affected spore production and germination of Fusarium species.

Essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens for the development of a new biopesticides in postharvest control.

Fruit and vegetable crops that are not consumed immediately, unlike other agricultural products, require economic and time investments until they reach the final consumers. Synthetic agrochemicals are used to maintain and prolong the storage life of crops and avoid losses caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, the excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals creates health problems and contributes to environmental pollution. To avoid these problems, less toxic and environment-friendly alternatives are sought. One of these alternatives is the application of biopesticides. However, few biopesticides are currently used. In this study, the biopesticide activity of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens essential oils was evaluated. Their antifungal activity has been verified in an in vitro model, and chemical composition has been determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antifungal activity was corroborated in vitro, and their activity as biopesticides was subsequently evaluated in a plant model. In addition, the persistence of these essential oils on the surface of the plant model was determined. Results suggest that both essential oils are promising candidates for producing biopesticides. This is the first study showing that B. morelensis and L. graveolens essential oils work by inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination and are environment-friendly biopesticides.

Percepción del adulto joven sobre la sexualidad del adulto mayor / Young adult's perception of the sexuality of the older adult

El término sexualidad hace referencia al grupo de convenciones, roles y conductas asociadas a la cultura y que suponen expresiones del deseo sexual, emociones disímiles, relación de poder, mediadas por el sistema de creencias, valores, actitudes, sentimientos y otros puntos referentes a la postura en la sociedad, por ejemplo la raza, grupo étnico y condición social(1). La percepción de las personas sobre la sexualidad del adulto mayor, ha creado un efecto de tipo emocional y conductual gracias a mitos, prejuicios, ideologías y actitudes que pueden ocasionar un inadecuado ejercicio de la sexualidad en dicha edad. Objetivo: Este trabajo fue determinar el nivel de prejuicio de adultos jóvenes de 18 a 35 años, respecto a la sexualidad durante la vejez. Material y Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño transversal-descriptivo, ya que la investigación se realizó en un período de tiempo específico y las variables no fueron modificadas, sino observadas. Se aplicó un muestreo no probabilístico por disposición de 100 adultos jóvenes de 18 a 35 años de edad en el estado de Hidalgo, México. El instrumento utilizado fue el ‘’Cuestionario de actitudes hacia la sexualidad en la vejez (CASV2020)’’, aplicado de manera presencial y con una duración de entre 5 a 10 minutos por participante. El cuestionario categorizaba en estereotipos las variables. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de los participantes. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados en un paquete estadístico SPSS V.21, calculándose medidas de frecuencia y tendencia central. Resultados: La población estudiada consistió en un 28% al género masculino y un 72% al género femenino, al categorizar los datos obtenidos, se logró obtener que 6 ítems se encontraron en un nivel bajo de estereotipo, mientras que 4 ítems correspondieron a un nivel medio y 3 ítems a un nivel muy alto de estereotipo...(AU)

The term sexuality refers to the group of conventions, roles and behaviors associated with culture and that involve expressions of sexual desire, dissimilar emotions, power relationship, mediated by the belief system, values, attitudes, feelings and other points of reference. to position in society, such as race, ethnic group and social status(1). The perception of people about the sexuality of the elderly has created an emotional and behavioral effect thanks to myths, prejudices, ideologies and attitudes that can cause an inappropriate exercise of sexuality at that age. Objective: This work was to determine the level of prejudice of young adults between 18 and 35 years old, regarding sexuality during old age. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional-descriptive design was used, since the research was carried out in a specific period of time and the variables were not modified, but observed. A non-probability sampling was applied by disposition of 100 young adults between 18 and 35 years of age in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The instrument used was the '' Questionnaire of attitudes towards sexuality in old age (CASV2020)'', applied in person and with a duration of between 5 to 10 minutes per participant. The questionnaire categorized the variables into stereotypes. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. The data obtained were analyzed in a statistical package SPSS V.21, calculating measures of frequency and central tendency. Results: The studied population consisted of 28% male and 72% female, when categorizing the data obtained, it was possible to obtain that 6 items were found at a low level of stereotype, while 4 items corresponded to a level medium and 3 items at a very high level of stereotype. Conclusion: When questioning about the sexuality of the elderly, the participants answered in the central values, that is, neutral, which means that the sample studied presented a low level of prejudice towards the sexuality of the elderly.(AU)

Managing school interaction networks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Agent-based modeling for evaluating possible scenarios when students go back to classrooms.

The most unexpected and toughest phenomenon that has occurred in recent times is the global COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first measures to prevent the spread of the disease was to close educational institutions. The students were forced to start a learning process through social networks and web platforms. In some countries, a return to face-to-face classes was established. However, weeks later, some of them had to return to virtual activities due to an upswing in the COVID-19 cases. In Mexico, classes have been held virtually, with face-to-face activities only re-established in two of the 32 states. In our state, Yucatan, scholarly activities are still virtual. In this work, the dispersion of COVID-19 at different academic establishments in Yucatan was simulated. Networks of Friendship, noncordial treatment, family ties and study groups were considered. Based on these networks, we evaluated the possibility of returning to school without inducing a rebound in the COVID-19 cases in the state. Agent-based simulations were used, with each student as an agent. Interaction rules were established based on international research regarding good practices in times of COVID-19. We used seven networks from different academic institutions, ranging from primary through college level. As a result, possible contagion curves were obtained for different scenarios, which leads to a discussion about the measures that would be relevant once a return to face-to-face classes is overseen. Simulations show that isolating students and reducing the number of students in the same classroom are good strategies and substantially reduce the possible contagiousness.

Impacto del nivel de ansiedad en pacientes pediátricos, que presentan trastornos en el neurodesarrollo / Impact of anxiety level in pediatric patients, who have neurodevelopmental disorders

El desarrollo infantil debe ser monitoreado regularmente, para la detección temprana de señales de alarma que indiquen alteraciones en su evolución normal. Esta investigación se deriva de la participación de pacientes pediátricos con trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Evaluar la ansiedad en pacientes pediátricos que padecen trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Material y Métodos: El diseño metodológico es no experimental, descriptiva, y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 150 pacientes pediátricos de un centro de rehabilitación del estado de Hidalgo, México, con un diagnóstico de trastorno del neurodesarrollo con un rango de edad de 4-17 años. Se aplicó una Escala de Ansiedad de Spence (38 ítems) que se dividía en 6 subescalas. La aplicación comprendió un periodo de 30 días. Resultados: De los 150 participantes, correspondencia con el género femenino 49 y el masculino 101 niños. A partir de esto, se identificó que un 48% de los participantes presentan ansiedad generalizada. Conclusión: Los resultados del examen Spence identifican que las participantes femeninas tienen un nivel alto con 55 puntos para los hombres un nivel alto con 45 puntos y en promedio se identifica que tienen un alto nivel de ansiedad en general con 48 puntos.(AU)

Child development must be monitored regularly, for the early detection of alarm signals that indicate alterations in their normal evolution. This research is derived from the participation of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Objective: to evaluate anxiety in pediatric patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders. Material and Methods: The methodological design is non-experimental, descriptive and transversal. The sample consisted of 150 pediatric patients from a rehabilitation center in the state of Hidalgo, México, with a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder with an age range of 4-17 years. A Spence Anxiety Scale (38 items) was applied, which was divided into 6 subscales. The application comprised a period of 30 days. Results: Of the 150 participants, correspondence with the female gender 49 and the male 101 children. From this, it was identified that 48% of the participants presented generalized anxiety. Conclusion: The results of the Spence test identify that participating women have a high level with 55 points, for men a high level with 45 points and on average it is identified that they have a high level of anxiety in general with 48 points.(AU)

Jatropha Neopauciflora Pax Latex Exhibits Wound-Healing Effect in Normal and Diabetic Mice.

Jatropha neopauciflora is an endemic species of Mexico. Its latex is used to treat wounds, scarring, oral infections, and loose teeth. To date, there are no studies that validate at a morphological level a wound-healing use in diabetes. The present research aimed to evaluate the wound-healing capacity of the latex of J. neopauciflora in the skin of healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Also, a chemical analysis of the latex through molecular exclusion chromatography and HPLC were performed. Male mice (Mus musculus) of 7-week-old CD1 strain were used. Groups of healthy and diabetic mice were formed. A longitudinal cut of 1 cm was performed on the depilated skin. All treatments were topically applied to the wound area twice a day for ten days. At the end of the experiments, the skin sections were obtained from the wound area and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Then we counted the number of active fibroblasts in all the experimental groups. In normal mice, the latex accelerated the wound-healing process and decreased the number of active fibroblasts, similarly to Recoveron. In diabetic mice, the latex and Recoveron increased the number of active fibroblasts. In normal and diabetic mice, a thin and orderly epidermis was observed. Molecular exclusion chromatography exhibited 58 fractions, 14 of which were subjected to HPLC, to detect catechin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. J. neopauciflora latex can be useful for wound treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus because it accelerates and promotes the wound-healing process.

Anger while driving in Mexico City.

This study aims to analyze the level of anger developed by drivers in Mexico City and also understand the behavior that those drivers use to express that anger, using four different survey methods. The first focuses on personal information, the second Driving Anger Expression Inventory (DAX), the third refers to a shorten version of Driving Anger Scale (DAS) and the fourth being the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI). These have previously been applied and validated in several different countries. The questionnaires were filled out online by 626 drivers. Using the data collected through the online platform, it was possible to identify the kind of reactions volunteers displayed while driving. Also, it was possible to identify that people in Mexico City developed anger depending on their driving area. Our analyses shows that in the Adaptive/Constructive Expression subscale, males and females show a significant difference in their mean score, with women express their anger in a more constructive way than males.

Friendship Concept and Community Network Structure among Elementary School and University Students.

We use complex network theory to study the differences between the friendship concepts in elementary school and university students. Four friendship networks were identified from surveys. Three of these networks are from elementary schools; two are located in the rural area of Yucatán and the other is in the urban area of Mérida, Yucatán. We analyzed the structure and the communities of these friendship networks and found significant differences among those at the elementary schools compared with those at the university. In elementary schools, the students make friends mainly in the same classroom, but there are also links among different classrooms because of the presence of siblings and relatives in the schools. These kinds of links (sibling-friend or relative-friend) are called, in this work, "mixed links". The classification of the communities is based on their similarity with the classroom composition. If the community is composed principally of students in different classrooms, the community is classified as heterogeneous. These kinds of communities appear in the elementary school friendship networks mainly because of the presence of relatives and siblings. Once the links between siblings and relatives are removed, the communities resembled the classroom composition. On the other hand, the university students are more selective in choosing friends and therefore, even when they have friends in the same classroom, those communities are quite different to the classroom composition. Also, in the university network, we found heterogeneous communities even when the presence of sibling and relatives is negligible. These differences made up a topological structure quite different at different academic levels. We also found differences in the network characteristics. Once these differences are understood, the topological structure of the friendship network and the communities shaped in an elementary school could be predicted if we know the total number of students and the ties between siblings and relatives. However, at the university, we cannot do the same. This discovery implies that friendship is a dynamic concept that produces several changes in the friendship network structure and the way that people make groups of friends; it provides the opportunity to give analytic support to observational studies. Communities were also studied by gender and we found that when the links among relatives and siblings were removed, the number of communities formed by one gender alone increased. At the university, many communities formed by students of the same gender were also found.

Modeling body mass variation: incorporating social influence into calculations of caloric intake and energy expenditure.

Variations in individual body mass and composition have long been a key focus in the health sciences, particularly now that overweight and obesity are considered as public health problems. We study a mathematical model that describes body mass variations which are determined by the energy balance between caloric intake and total energy expenditure. To calculate the change in caloric intake and energy expenditure over time, we proposed a relationship for each of these quantities, and we used measured values that are reported in the literature for the initial conditions. To account for small variations in the daily energy balance of an individual, we include social interactions as the multiplication of two terms: social proximity and social influence. We observe that social interactions have a considerable effect when the body mass of an individual is quite constant and social interactions take random values. However, when an individual's mass value changes (either increases or decreases), social interactions do not have a notable effect. In our simulation, we tested two different models that describe the body mass composition, and it resulted that one fits better the data.

Frecuencia de antígenos HLA en la población cubana, según características étnicas / Frequency of HLA antigens in the cuban population, according to ethnic characteristics

Se realizó un estudio en 721 personas supuestamente sanas que se agruparon en blancos y no blancos (462 y 259, respectivamente) debido al gran mestizaje de nuestra población. Se analizó la distribución de 87 antígenos HLA clase I y 25 clase II mediante las técnicas de microlinfocitotoxicidad descrita por Terasaki y modificada por la NIH (tipaje serológico para antígenos de clase I), y las técnicas de biología molecular para las de clase II. Se compararon los 2 grupos (blancos y no blancos) y se realizó el análisis estadístico utilizando el test de X2 con la corrección de Yates para una p ? 0,001, lo cual reportó diferencias significativas para los antígenos de clase: A9(23), A28, A11, A19(29, 30, 33) y A36; y B5, B7, B53, B42, B17, B35 (blancos y no blancos). En los antígenos de clase II solo mostró diferencia significativa el DR5

Frecuencia de antígenos HLA en la población cubana, según características étnicas / Frequency of HLA antigens in the cuban population, according to ethnic characteristics

Se realizó un estudio en 721 personas supuestamente sanas que se agruparon en blancos y no blancos (462 y 259, respectivamente) debido al gran mestizaje de nuestra población. Se analizó la distribución de 87 antígenos HLA clase I y 25 clase II mediante las técnicas de microlinfocitotoxicidad descrita por Terasaki y modificada por la NIH (tipaje serológico para antígenos de clase I), y las técnicas de biología molecular para las de clase II. Se compararon los 2 grupos (blancos y no blancos) y se realizó el análisis estadístico utilizando el test de X2 con la corrección de Yates para una p ? 0,001, lo cual reportó diferencias significativas para los antígenos de clase: A9(23), A28, A11, A19(29, 30, 33) y A36; y B5, B7, B53, B42, B17, B35 (blancos y no blancos). En los antígenos de clase II solo mostró diferencia significativa el DR5(AU)

Trasplante alogénico no relacionado de célulasprogenitoras de sangre periférica: reporte del primer caso en Cuba / Unrelated alogenic transplantation of progenitor cells of peripheral blood: report of first case in Cuba

Se describe el caso de un paciente con una leucemia mieloide aguda en segunda remisión que fue sometido a un trasplante alogénico no relacionado de células progenitoras de sangre periférica. El proceder se caracterizó por una rápida recuperación hematopoyética, una enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH) aguda ligera y una EICH crónica localizada. El paciente se encuentra en remisión completa desde hace 24 meses, lo que es un índice alentador de las ventajas de este procedimiento realizado por primera vez en nuestro país

Trasplante alogénico no relacionado de célulasprogenitoras de sangre periférica: reporte del primer caso en Cuba / Unrelated alogenic transplantation of progenitor cells of peripheral blood: report of first case in Cuba

Se describe el caso de un paciente con una leucemia mieloide aguda en segunda remisión que fue sometido a un trasplante alogénico no relacionado de células progenitoras de sangre periférica. El proceder se caracterizó por una rápida recuperación hematopoyética, una enfermedad de injerto contra huésped (EICH) aguda ligera y una EICH crónica localizada. El paciente se encuentra en remisión completa desde hace 24 meses, lo que es un índice alentador de las ventajas de este procedimiento realizado por primera vez en nuestro país(AU)

Linfoma linfocitico intermedio rn fase leucemica. Características citomorfológicas e inmunofenotipicas / Intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma in leukemic phase. Cytomorphological and immunophenotypic features

Se describen las alteraciones citomorfológicas e inmunofenotípicas de las células leucémicas en un caso de linfoma linfocítico intermedio en fase leucémica. Las células linfoides circulantes eran en su mayoría de mediano tamaño, muy pleomórficas y con irregularidades nucleares. En su membrana expresaban inmunoglubulinas de superficie, HLA-DR, CD19 y CD76, pero no el CD5, ni formaban rosetas de ratón. En general, las células leucémicas presentaban algunas características semejantes a las del manto folicular normal

Linfoma linfocitico intermedio rn fase leucemica. Características citomorfológicas e inmunofenotipicas / Interediate lymphocytic lymphoma in leukemic phase. Cytomorphological and immunophenotypic features

Se describen las alteraciones citomorfológicas e inmunofenotípicas de las células leucémicas en un caso de linfoma linfocítico intermedio en fase leucémica. Las células linfoides circulantes eran en su mayoría de mediano tamaño, muy pleomórficas y con irregularidades nucleares. En su membrana expresaban inmunoglubulinas de superficie, HLA-DR, CD19 y CD76, pero no el CD5, ni formaban rosetas de ratón. En general, las células leucémicas presentaban algunas características semejantes a las del manto folicular normal (AU)