Domestic Dog Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi from Northern and Southern Regions of Mexico.

Background: Chagas disease or American trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and vectored by triatomines, affects millions of people worldwide. In endemic countries including Mexico, infections in domestic animals, such as dogs, may affect the risk of human disease when they serve as a source of infection to vectors that subsequently infect humans. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 296 dogs from two cities near the northern and southern borders of Mexico: Reynosa, Tamaulipas, and Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. Infection was measured based on testing of blood using T. cruzi quantitative PCR (qPCR) and up to three antibody detection assays. The StatPak immunochromatographic assay was used to screen samples and the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MIA) tests were used as secondary tests on all samples that screened positive and a subset of negatives. Serologic positivity was defined based on reactivity on at least two independent tests. Results: Of the 280 samples tested for parasite DNA, two (0.7%) were positive, one of which (0.4%) was confirmed as T. cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV. Overall, 72 (24.3%) samples were reactive for T. cruzi antibodies via StatPak of which 8 were also positive using MIA and 2 were also positive using IFA (including one of the PCR-positive dogs). Overall, nine dogs (3.4%) met study criteria of positivity based on either/both serology or PCR tests. Positive dogs were found in both regions of Mexico; five (2.7%) from Reynosa and four (3.6%) from Tuxtla Gutierrez. We found no association between infection status and state of origin, sex, age group, breed group, neighborhood, and whether other pets lived in the home. Conclusion: Our results re-emphasize dogs' utility as sentinels for T. cruzi in Mexico and underscore the need for improved veterinary diagnostic tests and parasite surveillance at the household level in endemic countries.

Association of polymorphisms of HSD11B1 and ACE genes with trachoma disease.

Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most common infectious blindness in the world and is present in indigenous Mayan from Chiapas (Mexico). Inflammatory genes are activated when suffering from trachoma, thus some polymorphisms could increase the susceptibility to develop irreversible blindness. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic risk of developing late-stage trachoma in Mayan ethnic groups. In a case-control study (n = 51 vs n = 102, respectively), the following single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to inflammation were analysed: HSD11B1 (rs11807619), HSD11B1 (rs932335), ABCG2 (rs2231142), SLCO1B1 (rs4149056), IL-10 (rs1800890), TNF (rs1800629), MMP2 (rs243865) and ACE. Three SNPs were associated with late-stage trachoma risk: (i) the T allele of rs11807619, (ii) the C allele of rs932335, which are linked to the HSD11B1 gene (OR = 22.5-27.3), particularly in men when adjusts for gender (OR = 16-16.7); and (iii) D allele of rs4340 in the ACE gene (OR = 5.2-5.3). In fact, significant linkage disequilibrium demonstrated association between ACE gene and HSD11B1 SNPs (r = 0.17-0.179; P = 0.0048-0.0073). Two SNPs HSD11B1 gene (P = 0.013 vs 0.0039) and HSD11B1-ACE haplotypes showed association with late-stage trachoma in Mayan ethnic groups.

Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load and Dyslipidemia in Adolescents from Chiapas, Mexico.

Cardiovascular disease risk throughout the life course is increased by abnormal blood lipid levels in youth. The dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) during adolescence might be related to abnormal blood lipids. This study aimed to analyze the association between dietary GI, GL and dyslipidemia in adolescents from two marginalized regions of Chiapas, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 213 adolescents. Food intake was assessed using 24 h recalls. The association between dyslipidemia and dietary GI or GL was tested by using logistic regression models. Low HDL-c was the most prevalent risk factor (47.4%), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (25.4%). In this population, overall dietary GI was not associated with dyslipidemia. A high dietary GL was associated with 2.39 higher odds of low HDL-c (95% CI: 1.21-4.74) when compared to low GL. Female adolescents with high dietary GL had 3.20 higher odds of hypertriglyceridemia (95% CI: 1.03-9.88), whereas no association was found for males. No associations were observed between overall dietary GL and total cholesterol or LDL-c. In adolescents from urban and rural communities in Chiapas, a high dietary GL was associated with a detrimental effect on HDL-c. In female adolescents, high GL was associated with hypertriglyceridemia.

Sociodemographic inequalities in cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents from indigenous areas in Chiapas, Mexico.

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among different sociodemographic groups of adolescents from indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. A cross-sectional prevalence study was performed in urban and rural communities in the Tzotzil-Tzeltal and Selva regions of Chiapas. A sample of 253 adolescents was studied, of whom 48% were girls and 52% were boys. A descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors stratified by sex, geographical area, years of schooling, and ethnicity of the mothers was estimated. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed in relation to the sociodemographic characteristics of the study population. Low HDL-c (51%) was the predominant cardiovascular risk factor. Girls had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and borderline total cholesterol than boys. High diastolic blood pressure was more prevalent in boys. Adolescents from urban areas had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and insulin resistance than adolescents from rural areas. The prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was higher in adolescents whose mothers had ≥ 7 years of schooling compared with adolescents with less educated mothers. Differences by maternal ethnicity also influenced the prevalence of insulin resistance. Among the main findings, this study associated sociodemographic and geographical inequalities with cardiovascular risk factors. Promoting a healthy lifestyle for this young population is absolutely necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Sociodemographic inequalities in cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents from indigenous areas in Chiapas, Mexico / Desigualdades sociodemográficas como factores de riesgo cardiovascular para adolescentes de zonas indígenas de Chiapas, México / Desigualdades sociodemográficas como fatores de risco cardiovascular para adolescentes de áreas indígenas de Chiapas, México

Abstract: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among different sociodemographic groups of adolescents from indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. A cross-sectional prevalence study was performed in urban and rural communities in the Tzotzil-Tzeltal and Selva regions of Chiapas. A sample of 253 adolescents was studied, of whom 48% were girls and 52% were boys. A descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed using measures of central tendency and dispersion. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors stratified by sex, geographical area, years of schooling, and ethnicity of the mothers was estimated. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was analyzed in relation to the sociodemographic characteristics of the study population. Low HDL-c (51%) was the predominant cardiovascular risk factor. Girls had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and borderline total cholesterol than boys. High diastolic blood pressure was more prevalent in boys. Adolescents from urban areas had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and insulin resistance than adolescents from rural areas. The prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was higher in adolescents whose mothers had ≥ 7 years of schooling compared with adolescents with less educated mothers. Differences by maternal ethnicity also influenced the prevalence of insulin resistance. Among the main findings, this study associated sociodemographic and geographical inequalities with cardiovascular risk factors. Promoting a healthy lifestyle for this young population is absolutely necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular entre diferentes grupos sociodemográficos de adolescentes de comunidades indígenas de Chiapas, México. Se realizó un estudio transversal de prevalencia en comunidades urbanas y rurales de las regiones Tzotzil-Tzeltal y Selva, en Chiapas. Participó una muestra de 253 adolescentes, en la cual el 48% eran niñas y el 52% niños. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables cuantitativas utilizando medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Se estimó la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, estratificados por sexo, área geográfica, nivel de estudios y etnia de las madres. Se analizó la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular con relación a las características sociodemográficas de la población estudiada. El HDL-c bajo (51%) fue el factor de riesgo cardiovascular predominante. Se observó una mayor prevalencia de obesidad abdominal, hipertrigliceridemia y colesterol total en las niñas que en los niños. La alta presión arterial diastólica prevaleció en los niños. Los adolescentes del área urbana tuvieron una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad y resistencia a la insulina que los del área rural. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad y obesidad abdominal fue mayor en los adolescentes cuyas madres tenían nivel de estudios ≥ 7 años que aquellos cuyas madres tenían bajo nivel de estudios. Las diferencias en la etnicidad materna también influyeron en la prevalencia de resistencia a la insulina. Entre las principales conclusiones de este estudio, se destacan las desigualdades sociodemográficas y geográficas entre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular. La promoción de un estilo de vida saludable entre la población joven es lo indicado para prevenir las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la edad adulta.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de fatores de risco cardiovascular entre diferentes grupos sociodemográficos de adolescentes de comunidades indígenas em Chiapas, México. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de prevalência em comunidades urbanas e rurais das regiões de Tzotzil-Tzeltal e Selva de Chiapas. Foi estudada uma amostra de 253 adolescentes, sendo 48% meninas e 52% meninos. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva das variáveis quantitativas por meio de medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Foram estimadas as prevalências de fatores de risco cardiovascular, estratificadas por sexo, área geográfica, escolaridade e etnia das mães. A prevalência dos fatores de risco cardiovascular foi analisada em relação às características sociodemográficas da população estudada. O HDL-c baixo (51%) foi o fator de risco cardiovascular predominante. Prevalências mais elevadas de obesidade abdominal, hipertrigliceridemia e colesterol total limítrofe foram mais observadas em meninas do que em meninos. A pressão arterial diastólica elevada prevaleceu nos meninos. Adolescentes da área urbana apresentaram prevalências de sobrepeso/obesidade e resistência à insulina maiores do que os da área rural. A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade e obesidade abdominal foi maior nos adolescentes cujas mães possuíam escolaridade ≥ 7 anos do que naqueles indivíduos cujas mães tinham baixa escolaridade. As diferenças de etnia das mães também foram observadas na prevalência de resistência à insulina. Dentre as principais conclusões, foram encontradas, neste estudo, desigualdades sociodemográficas e geográficas entre fatores de risco cardiovascular. Promover estilos de vida saudáveis entre a população jovem é o ideal para prevenir doenças cardiovasculares na vida adulta.

Atherogenic indices in pediatric population in South-Southeast region of Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease, highly predictable, and associated with different atherogenic indices (AI) in adults. However, such indexes in the pediatric population are far less explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the AI and the cardiovascular factors in the pediatric population in the South-Southeast of México. METHODS: A total of 481 children between 2 and 17 years old were recruited. Anthropometric evaluation, blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were measured, and AI were calculated. The population was grouped by age, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to analysis for associations of AI and cardiovascular risk factors. Sensibility and specificity of AI to detect metabolic alteration were evaluated for curve ROC. RESULTS: The atherogenic risk presented a high prevalence in the pediatric population, such as LDL-c/ApoB (86.9%), AIP (78%) and AC (36.6%). Preschoolers showed a higher risk of ApoB/ApoA-I and ApoB/LDL-c, while adolescents have a high risk of AIP. CRI-I and AC were associated with elements of lipid profile and body mass index (BMI). ROC curves analysis shows that AIP is the best index evaluating metabolic syndrome (MS) (0.87) and dyslipidemia (0.91). CONCLUSION: Such pediatric population showed a high risk of AI, mainly by LDL-c/ApoB and AIP. The BMI was the cardiovascular risk factors most frequently related to AI, AIP is the best index for detecting cases of MS and dyslipidemia. This is the first study carried out in the pediatric population from the South-Southeast of Mexico that evaluated the AI.

Domestic Dogs as Sentinels for West Nile Virus but not Aedes-borne Flaviviruses, Mexico.

We tested 294 domestic pet dogs in Mexico for neutralizing antibodies for mosquito-borne flaviviruses. We found high (42.6%) exposure to West Nile virus in Reynosa (northern Mexico) and low (1.2%) exposure in Tuxtla Gutierrez (southern Mexico) but very limited exposure to Aedes-borne flaviviruses. Domestic dogs may be useful sentinels for West Nile virus.

Association of rs9939609-FTO with metabolic syndrome components among women from Mayan communities of Chiapas, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex cluster of risk factors, considered as a polygenic and multifactorial entity. The objective of this study was to determine the association of rs9939609-FTO polymorphism and MetS components in adult women of Mayan communities of Chiapas. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data were obtained from 291 adult women from three regions of Chiapas, Mexico. The prevalence of MetS and the allele and genotype frequencies of the rs9939609-FTO were estimated. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with each of the MetS components. RESULTS: The MetS prevalence was 60%. We found a statistically significant association between rs9939609-FTO and hyperglycemia in the dominant model (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3-5.3; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Women from Mayan communities of Chiapas presented a high prevalence of MetS and a relevant association of the FTO variant with hyperglycemia. This is the first study carried out in these Mayan indigenous communities from Chiapas.

Intrauterine growth restriction and overweight, obesity, and stunting in adolescents of indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low-birth-weight (LBW) are determinant factors in the development of metabolic diseases in children and adolescents. To estimate the magnitude of the association between LBW and IUGR with stunting or obesity among adolescents of two indigenous regions of the southern State of Chiapas, Mexico. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We assessed a random sample of 303 adolescents selected from a birth cohort study (2003) conducted in three hospitals serving urban and rural communities of Tzotzil-Tzeltal and Selva regions of Chiapas, Mexico. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data from a sample of adolescents were correlated with their anthropometric data at birth (weight, length for age). Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals to measure the magnitude of the association among the variables of interest. Models were adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: In all, 12% of the sample had LBW and 28.8% IUGR. In total, 29% of adolescents were overweight/obese and 21% were stunted. We found a statistically significant association between IUGR and a lower risk of being overweight/obese. A higher probability for stunting was observed for LBW and IUGR. CONCLUSIONS: Stunting and overweight/obesity prevalence in this population of adolescents was high and was associated with IUGR.

Dietary Carbohydrates and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents from Marginalized Areas of Chiapas, México.

Evidence of the role that dietary carbohydrates (total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL)) exerts on insulin levels in adolescents is controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance in adolescents from Chiapas, México. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 217 adolescents. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and biochemical data were obtained. Total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, dietary GI and GL were calculated from 24 h recalls. Two validated cut-off points for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were used as surrogates of insulin resistance. Fasting insulin levels ≥ 14.38 µU/mL were considered as abnormal. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between tertiles of dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia. In our study, adolescents with the highest dietary fiber intake had lower odds of HOMA-IR > 2.97 (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13-0.93) when adjusted for sex, age, body fat percentage and saturated fatty acids intake. No significant associations were found for the rest of the carbohydrate variables. In summary, high-fiber diets reduce the probability of insulin resistance in adolescents from marginalized areas of Chiapas, México.

CGF Treatment of Leg Ulcers: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) is a concentration of second generation autologous growth factors compared to platelet rich plasma (PRP) and represents a multifactorial stimulation system that can be used for the management and treatment of chronic skin ulcers. AIM: The aim of this work is to evaluate the additional benefits of the CGF compared to the standard of dressing and its effects on the dynamics of the healing process. METHODS: Autologous CGFs were obtained from 100 patients with chronic mixed ulcers (venous ulcers in patients with II stage claudication) of the lower limbs in a multicentric controlled randomized study. RESULTS: The results showed a significant advantage in the use of CGF in association with cleansing and selective compression in the healing time and stabilization of mixed ulcers of the lower extremities. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the CGF's clinical use for improving clinical outcomes in mixed ulcers of the legs.

Micrografting chronic lower extremity ulcers with mechanically disaggregated skin using a micrograft preparation system.

OBJECTIVE: The Rigenera system is a new standardised micrograft preparation system. It works by means of automated mechanical disaggregation of small tissue samples, extracting only the smallest cells (<50µm). The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate patients affected by chronic ulcers and who were treated with the micrograft preparation method. METHOD: Chronic ulcers have been included regardless of the cause. The specimen was collected with a 3mm diameter biopsy punch and immediately dissociated by means of the Rigenera System. The obtained suspension was placed on a scaffold of equine collagen. RESULTS: We included 15 patients (four males, 11 females) with a mean age of 72.2±8.41 (mean±standard deviation) years. In seven patients the ulcers were related to the complications of diabetes, post-traumatic in a further three diabetic patients, vasculitis in one patient, and four patients had venous leg ulcers (VLUs). The median main diameter was 5.0cm and the median estimated area was 43.96cm2. The ulcers were present from a mean of 4.50±2.30 months before inclusion in this study. At the second week the wounds were reduced by 37.33%±19.35%, at the week eight, nine patients (60.0%) were healed, and at week 16, 13 (86.7%) were healed. The quality of scars was good and did not deteriorate at the six month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The simplicity of the approach, the minimal invasiveness of the specimen collection, and the good quality of scarring of healed wounds, confirmed in the follow-up, makes this micrograft preparation method a useful tool to use on large or complex wounds.

[Evaluation of the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age: concordance between anthropometric indices in the indigenous population of Chiapas (Mexico)]. / Evaluación del estado nutricional en menores de 5 años: concordancia entre índices antropométricos en población indígena de Chiapas (México).

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional status is determined through various methods, including anthropometry. In children under 5 years of age indeces as weight/age (w/a), height/age (h/a), weight/height (w/h) and body mass index (BMI) are used. The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare the ability of different anthropometric indeces to identify children from marginalized communities in Chiapas (Mexico) with nutritional problems. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation among the different anthropometric indeces to determine the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in poor rural areas with a background of short stature. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 1,160 children under 5 years of age in 13 high poverty communities in three regions of Chiapas. The variables studied were age, sex, weight and height. Nutritional status was determined through the indeces w/a, h/a, w/h and BMI. Field staff in charge of taking measurements of weight and height were trained and standardized. Kappa coefficients for agreement between the indeces were calculated. RESULTS: No correlation between BMI and w/a and h/a was found. The prevalence of malnutrition according to h/a was 64.8%. Only high concordance (0.726) between BMI and w/h was found. BMI showed a low prevalence of malnutrition and a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity rates. CONCLUSIONS: For a reliable and accurate diagnosis in individuals with a background of chronic malnutrition, it is recommended to use the four indeces together. Doing so it will reduce the risk of underestimating or overestimating nutritional status and will focus actions toward addressing and improving the health and nutrition of children living under extreme poverty conditions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el estado nutricional se determina a través de diferentes métodos, entre ellos el antropométrico. En niños menores de 5 años se utilizan índices como peso para la edad (P/E), talla para la edad (T/E), peso/talla (P/T) e índice de masa corporal (IMC). El propósito del presente artículo es analizar y comparar la capacidad de los distintos índices antropométricos para identificar problemas nutricionales en niños de comunidades marginadas de Chiapas, México. OBJETIVO: analizar la concordancia entre los diferentes índices antropométricos para determinar el estado nutricional de niños menores de5 años de edad en áreas rurales pobres con antecedentes de baja talla. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal en 1.160 niños menores de 5 años de edad en 13 comunidades de alta marginación de tres regiones de Chiapas. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, peso y talla. Se determinó la prevalencia del estado nutricional a través de los índices P/E, T/E, P/T e IMC. El personal de campo que realizó las mediciones de peso y talla fue capacitado y estandarizado. Se calculó el coeficiente de Kappa para analizar la concordancia entre los índices. RESULTADOS: no se encontró concordancia entre el IMC y P/E, T/E. La prevalencia de desnutrición según T/E fue de 64,8%. Solo se encontró concordancia alta (0,726) entre IMC y peso/talla. El IMC arrojó una prevalencia baja de desnutrición y una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad que los índices P/E y T/E. CONCLUSIONES: para un diagnóstico confiable y preciso en la población con antecedentes de desnutrición crónica se recomienda utilizar los cuatro índices de manera conjunta. Para no subestimar ni sobreestimar su estado nutricional y focalizar las acciones de atención a la mejora del estado de salud y nutrición de los niños que viven en condiciones de pobreza extrema.

Evaluación del estado nutricional en menores de 5 años: concordancia entre índices antropométricos en población indígena de Chiapas (México) / Evaluation of the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age: concordance between anthropometric indices in the indigenous population of Chiapas (Mexico)

Introducción: el estado nutricional se determina a través de diferentes métodos, entre ellos el antropométrico. En niños menores de 5 años se utilizan índices como peso para la edad (P/E), talla para la edad (T/E), peso/talla (P/T) e índice de masa corporal (IMC). El propósito del presente artículo es analizar y comparar la capacidad de los distintos índices antropométricos para identificar problemas nutricionales en niños de comunidades marginadas de Chiapas, México. Objetivo: analizar la concordancia entre los diferentes índices antropométricos para determinar el estado nutricional de niños menores de 5 años de edad en áreas rurales pobres con antecedentes de baja talla. Métodos: estudio transversal en 1.160 niños menores de 5 años de edad en 13 comunidades de alta marginación de tres regiones de Chiapas. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, peso y talla. Se determinó la prevalencia del estado nutricional a través de los índices P/E, T/E, P/T e IMC. El personal de campo que realizó las mediciones de peso y talla fue capacitado y estandarizado. Se calculó el coeficiente de Kappa para analizar la concordancia entre los índices. Resultados: no se encontró concordancia entre el IMC y P/E, T/E. La prevalencia de desnutrición según T/E fue de 64,8%. Solo se encontró concordancia alta (0,726) entre IMC y peso/talla. El IMC arrojó una prevalencia baja de desnutrición y una mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad que los índices P/E y T/E. Conclusiones: para un diagnóstico confiable y preciso en la población con antecedentes de desnutrición crónica se recomienda utilizar los cuatro índices de manera conjunta. Para no subestimar ni sobreestimar su estado nutricional y focalizar las acciones de atención a la mejora del estado de salud y nutrición de los niños que viven en condiciones de pobreza extrema (AU)

Introduction: Nutritional status is determined through various methods, including anthropometry. In children under 5 years of age indeces as weight/age (w/a), height/age (h/a), weight/height (w/h) and body mass index (BMI) are used. The purpose of this article is to analyze and compare the ability of different anthropometric indeces to identify children from marginalized communities in Chiapas (Mexico) with nutritional problems. Objective: To analyze the correlation among the different anthropometric indeces to determine the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in poor rural areas with a background of short stature. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 1,160 children under 5 years of age in 13 high poverty communities in three regions of Chiapas. The variables studied were age, sex, weight and height. Nutritional status was determined through the indeces w/a, h/a, w/h and BMI. Field staff in charge of taking measurements of weight and height were trained and standardized. Kappa coefficients for agreement between the indeces were calculated. Results: No correlation between BMI and w/a and h/a was found. The prevalence of malnutrition according to h/a was 64.8%. Only high concordance (0.726) between BMI and w/h was found. BMI showed a low prevalence of malnutrition and a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity rates. Conclusions: For a reliable and accurate diagnosis in individuals with a background of chronic malnutrition, it is recommended to use the four indeces together. Doing so it will reduce the risk of underestimating or overestimating nutritional status and will focus actions toward addressing and improving the health and nutrition of children living under extreme poverty conditions (AU)

Are there changes in the nutritional status of children of Oportunidades families in rural Chiapas, Mexico? A cohort prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico, despite that the fact that several social programs have been implemented, chronic undernutrition is still a public health problem affecting 1.5 million children of <5 years. Chiapas ranks first in underweight and stunting at national level with a stunting prevalence of 31.4 % whereas for its rural population is 44.2 %. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the nutritional status of a cohort of children living in poor rural communities under Oportunidades has changed. We were interested in assessing the nutrition evolution of the children who were initially diagnosed as stunted and of those who were diagnosed as normal. Oportunidades is an anti-poverty program of the Mexican government consisting mainly in monetary transfers to the families living in alimentary poverty. METHODS: A 9-year cohort prospective study was conducted with nutritional evaluations of 222 children. Anthropometric indices were constructed from measurements of weight, height, and age of the children whose nutritional status was classified following WHO standards. RESULTS: The results showed that although these children were Oportunidades beneficiaries for 9 years and their families improved their living conditions, children still had a high prevalence of stunting (40.1 %) and 69.6 % had not recovered yet. Children who were initially diagnosed with normal nutritional status and became stunted 2 years later had a higher risk (relative risk (RR) 5.69, 2.95-10.96) of continuing stunted at school age and adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Oportunidades has not impacted, as expected, the nutritional status of the study population. These findings pose the question: Why has not the nutritional status of children improved, although the living conditions of their families have significantly improved? This might be the result of an adaptation process achieved through a decrease of growth velocity. It is important to make efforts to watch the growth of the children during their first 3 years of age, to focus on improving the diet of women at fertile age and pay special attention to environmental conditions to break the vicious cycle of malnutrition.

[Nutritional status of two generations of brothers and sisters <5 years of age beneficiaries from opportunities living in marginalized rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico]. / ESTADO NUTRICIO DE DOS GENERACIONES DE HERMANOS(AS) < DE 5 AÑOS DE EDAD BENEFICIARIOS(AS) DE OPORTUNIDADES, EN COMUNIDADES RURALES MARGINADAS DE CHIAPAS, MÉXICO.

UNLABELLED: Mexico, in recent decades, has developed several programs to eradicate the problem of infant malnutrition <5 years, primarily among those living in rural and indigenous areas. However, there is insufficient evidence on these programs' impact on child health and nutrition. OBJECTIVE: To describe the nutritional changes of two generations of brothers and sisters living in rural communities of Chiapas and who are Oportunidades beneficiaries. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. It was determined: underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight plus obesity. Older brothers and sisters were evaluated in 2002-2003, for 2010-2011 younger brothers and sisters were evaluated, both groups were <5 years of age at the time of data collection. RESULTS: Malnutrition, in its three types is a problem. 43.4% of brothers and sisters evaluated in 2010-2011 showed stunting, underweight prevalence declined from 18% to 13.2%, wasting (low weight for height) increased from 8.1% to 10.4%. Overweight and obesity increased significantly by 12 percentage points among brothers and sisters, from 24.8% in 2002-2003 to 36.8% in 2010-2011. Malnutrition among male children is lower than their brothers and sisters from the 2002-2003 generation (stunting p=<0.05), overweight and obesity was 10.9 percentage points higher than their brothers and sisters (26.4% to 37.3%). CONCLUSION: Children beneficiaries from Opportunities have not yet overcome chronic malnutrition problems. This study shows that there is not a clear impact in improving the nutritional status of the study population.

En México, en las últimas décadas se han desarrollado varios programas para erradicar el problema de la desnutrición en infantes < de 5 años, principalmente de aquellos que viven en áreas indígenas y rurales. No obstante, no existe suficiente evidencia sobre su impacto en la salud y la nutrición infantil. Objetivo: describir los cambios nutricionales de dos generaciones de hermanos(as) que han sido beneficiados por el programa Oportunidades en comunidades rurales de Chiapas. Métodos: estudio transversal. Se determinó: bajo peso, baja talla, emaciación y SP + O (Sobrepeso más Obesidad). Los hermanos(as) mayores fueron evaluados en los años 2002-2003, para el 2010-2011 se evaluaron a los hermanos( as) menores, ambos grupos eran < de 5 años de edad en el momento de conseguir la información. Resultados: la desnutrición en sus tres formas es un problema, 43,4% de los hermanos(as) evaluados(as) en 2010-2011 presentaron baja talla, la prevalencia de bajo peso disminuyó de 18% a 13,2%, la emaciación (peso bajo para la talla) aumentó de 8,1% a 10.4%. El SP + O aumentó significativamente 12 puntos porcentuales entre los hermanos(as) de 24,8% en 2002-2003 a 36,8% en 2010-2011. La desnutrición en los niños (varones) es menor que la de sus hermanos de la generación de 2002- 2003 (baja talla p =.

Estado nutricio de dos generaciones de hermanos(as) < de 5 años de edad beneficiarios(as) de Oportunidades, en comunidades rurales marginadas de Chiapas, México / Nutritional status of two generations of brothers and sisters < 5 years of age beneficiaries from opportunities living in marginalized rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico

En México, en las últimas décadas se han desarrollado varios programas para erradicar el problema de la desnutrición en infantes < de 5 años, principalmente de aquellos que viven en áreas indígenas y rurales. No obstante, no existe suficiente evidencia sobre su impacto en la salud y la nutrición infantil. Objetivo: describir los cambios nutricionales de dos generaciones de hermanos(as) que han sido beneficiados por el programa Oportunidades en comunidades rurales de Chiapas. Métodos: estudio transversal. Se determinó: bajo peso, baja talla, emaciación y SP + O (Sobrepeso más Obesidad). Los hermanos(as) mayores fueron evaluados en los años 2002-2003, para el 2010-2011 se evaluaron a los hermanos(as) menores, ambos grupos eran < de 5 años de edad en el momento de conseguir la información. Resultados: la desnutrición en sus tres formas es un problema, 43,4% de los hermanos(as) evaluados(as) en 2010-2011 presentaron baja talla, la prevalencia de bajo peso disminuyó de 18% a 13,2%, la emaciación (peso bajo para la talla) aumentó de 8,1% a 10.4%. El SP + O aumentó significativamente 12 puntos porcentuales entre los hermanos(as) de 24,8% en 2002-2003 a 36,8% en 2010-2011. La desnutrición en los niños (varones) es menor que la de sus hermanos de la generación de 2002- 2003 (baja talla p = < 0.05), el SP + O fue de 10,9 puntos porcentuales más que el de sus hermanos (26,4% a 37,3%). Conclusión: los niños(as) beneficiarios(as) de Oportunidades aún no han superado los problemas de desnutrición crónica. No se muestra un impacto claro en la mejora del estado nutricional de la población en estudio (AU)

Mexico, in recent decades, has developed several programs to eradicate the problem of infant malnutrition < 5 years, primarily among those living in rural and indigenous areas. However, there is insufficient evidence on these programs’ impact on child health and nutrition. Objective: to describe the nutritional changes of two generations of brothers and sisters living in rural communities of Chiapas and who are Oportunidades beneficiaries. Methods: cross-sectional study. It was determined: underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight plus obesity. Older brothers and sisters were evaluated in 2002-2003, for 2010-2011 younger brothers and sisters were evaluated, both groups were 5 years of age at the time of data collection. Results: malnutrition, in its three types is a problem. 43.4% of brothers and sisters evaluated in 2010-2011 showed stunting, underweight prevalence declined from 18% to 13.2%, wasting (low weight for height) increased from 8.1% to 10.4%. Overweight and obesity increased significantly by 12 percentage points among brothers and sisters, from 24.8% in 2002-2003 to 36.8% in 2010- 2011. Malnutrition among male children is lower than their brothers and sisters from the 2002-2003 generation (stunting p=< 0.05), overweight and obesity was 10.9 percentage points higher than their brothers and sisters (26.4% to 37.3%). Conclusion: children beneficiaries from Opportunities have not yet overcome chronic malnutrition problems. This study shows that there is not a clear impact in improving the nutritional status of the study population (AU)

Functional changes in human peripheral neutrophils in workers with different exposure to noxious agents.

Peripheral neutrophils (PMN) are a useful model to study cell activation and to evaluate the multiple stressors' interference with signalling pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different exposure to noxious agents on PMN activity by chemiluminescence assays. Two groups of office workers were recruited: peripheral whole blood cells and isolated PMNs were analyzed, performing intra- and extra-cellular chemiluminescence evaluation to study compartmental release of radical species. The exposed group shows a higher emission in resting whole blood chemiluminescence than in controls; the intracellular chemiluminescence emission in urban employees was increased, whereas the extracellular was not affected. After stimulation, the extracellular chemiluminescence was decreased in urban employees, whereas the intracellular emission did not show differences. We hypothesize that once stimulated, exposed subjects' PMNs respond to stimuli less than unexposed: PMNs could be considered indicators of chronic exposure to noxious agents.

Improvement of (+)-catechin inhibitory activity on human PMN respiratory burst by (+)-3-O-propionyl and (-)-3-O-valeryl substitution.

Catechins and their derivatives are abundant flavanols in the plant kingdom. Usually, catechin activity correlates with chemical structure. We hypothesized that by adding hydrophobic groups to the native catechin, we could ameliorate penetration of the cell and make the derivatives more active than native molecule in inhibiting polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) oxidative burst. This study was designed to compare the antioxidant activity of native catechin with that of (+)-3-propionylcatechin and (-)-3-Ovalerylcatechin esters by two cell-free colorimetric methods and by their effects on whole blood leucocytes as well as on isolated PMN chemiluminescence activity. The results showed that the colorimetric methods did not detect differences between catechins. On the contrary, cellular chemiluminescence studies showed that light emission by resting, as well as by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated PMNs and whole blood leucocytes was inhibited by catechin esters more intensively than native catechin. The compartmental chemiluminescence evaluation showed that the extracellular activity was similar with all catechins, while the intracellular activity was higher with esters. PMN pre-incubation, with catechins at various times before stimulation with PMA, enhanced the inhibitory activity of all compounds. Since the esterification with propionic or valeric acid increased the lipophilicity of (+)-catechin, we hypothesized that native and esterified catechins have different intracellular availability and therefore differ in effectiveness. An ancillary result obtained is that a single approach, chemical or cellular, is not sufficient to evaluate overall antioxidant activity in biological sytems. The results indicate that modified catechins may be very intriguing as possible future leucocyte modulating drugs, with possible applications in vascular and inflammatory diseases.

Rediseño curricular de la asignatura medico quirurgica de la carrera de enfermeria U. M. S. A. La Paz Bolivia / Curricular redesign of the surgical medical subjet of the infirmary race UMSA La Paz Bolivia

En carrera de enfermeria, en particular la Asignatura de enfermeria Medico quirurgica, se identifico mala organización academica y un diseño curricular no apropiado, que con llevó durante mucho tiempo a un bajo rendimiento de sus estudiantes en niveles superiores, inclusive en el ámbito de trabajo...