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Stenoma catenifer Walsingham is a quarantine pest of avocado. Therefore, its detection in avocado-growing regions of Mexico that had been designated pest-free can halt national and international trade. One option for monitoring S. catenifer is the use of synthetic sex pheromone traps. In this study we determined the optimal density of pheromone-baited traps for monitoring S. catenifer. The experiment was conducted in 4 commercial Hass avocado orchards in Colima, Mexico, each with different pest infestation levels. Trap densities were established at 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 traps per ha. The traps were checked every 15 d and the number of moths recorded. The density of 3 traps per ha captured the most moths per trap followed by 1 trap per ha; similar small numbers of moths were captured at densities of 0.5 and 2 traps per ha. In general, there was a linear relationship between trap catch and trap density per ha. The overall default error rate, i.e., the proportion of traps did not detect moths when they were present, was 5.5% at a density of 3 traps per ha and 2.7% at trap densities of 0.5 and 2 traps per ha. Furthermore, at a density of 1 trap per ha all traps captured moths and so there was no default error. Since S. catenifer is a quarantine pest that must be detected promptly to reduce the risk of dispersal and establishment in moth-free areas, it is suggested that a density of 1 trap per ha should be used in avocado orchards to effectively monitor for the presence of this pest. However, this estimate was obtained through the bootstrapping technique, which involves the creation of pseudoreplicate datasets by resampling. Randomized field experiments with true replicates are needed to corroborate this result. La presencia de Stenoma catenifer Walsingham, una plaga cuarentenaria, puede cancelar la comercialización nacional e internacional de aguacate Hass de zonas libres de plagas reglamentadas del aguacatero. Una opción para su oportuna detección es el uso de trampas con feromona sexual sintética. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la densidad de estas de trampas para el monitoreo de S. catenifer. El experimento se estableció en cuatro huertos comerciales de aguacate Hass, con diferentes niveles de infestación de la plaga, en Colima, México. En los huertos, se establecieron las densidades siguientes: 0.5, 1, 2, y 3 trampas por ha. Las trampas se revisaron cada 15 días para registrar el número de palomillas capturadas. La densidad de 3 trampas por ha capturó el mayor número de palomillas, seguida de la densidad de 1 trampa por ha, mientras que las capturas con 0.5 y 2 trampas por ha fueron las menores, pero muy similares entre sí. En general, las densidades de 0.5, 1, y 2 trampas por ha en relación con la densidad de 3 trampas por ha estuvieron linealmente relacionadas en la mayoría de los casos. La tasa de error global por omisión, i.e., no detectar la palomilla cuando está presente, con referencia a la densidad de 3 trampas por ha fue de 5.5%, y de 2.7% para las densidades de 0.5 y 2 trampas por ha, mientras que en la densidad de 1 trampa por ha siempre se detectaron palomillas y no tuvo omisión de error. Por tratarse de una plaga de importancia cuarentenaria y por el interés de detectarla oportunamente y así reducir el riesgo de dispersión y establecimiento a las áreas libres, se sugiere usar la densidad de una trampa por hectárea de aguacate. Sin embargo, este estimado se obtuvo mediate la técnica de bootstrapping que utiliza pseudor-replicas. Para validar este resultado, se requieren experimentos de campo con repeticiones verdaderas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this work was to determine the rates of prevalence and recurrence of TVT infection in owned dogs, as well as the distribution of the disease, in Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, Mexico. Materials and methods. This work was an observational, descriptive, longitudinal study. A TVT diagnosis was performed in all dogs in the community based on clinical records, a physical examination, and a cytological evaluation, and further confirmed by histopathology. Tissue samples were surgically obtained for histopathological analysis and, when required, to remove tumors and give treatment with vincristine; a GPS system was used to identify possible spatial groupings. All cases were re-evaluated one year after. Results. A prevalence of 5.15% was found in 1047 dogs (512 females and 535 males; 25 positive females and 29 positive males). TVT infection was more frequent in 2-3-years-old dogs. A spatial aggregation pattern was observed in the local cases. One year after, no lesions were found in the 29 animals treated. Conclusions. TVT is a common disease, and its distribution suggests its aggregation in certain areas of the locality. Further studies on the dynamics of dog populations in small cities are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of the tropical tree Leucaena leucocephala are often used as a livestock feed input. However, they contain mimosine, an antinutritional factor that can negatively affect animal physical parameters. An evaluation was done of testicular characteristics in pubescent ram that had consumed fresh L. leucocephala leaves. Experimental animals were 20, 5-month-old male Creole ram (average weight = 24.4 ± 3.21 kg) housed in individual pens. During the 120 d experimental period 10 males were fed a 0 % Leucaena diet (control) and another 10 were fed a diet including 25 % fresh L. leucocephala (Leucaena). Real leucocephala intake was determined by the difference between the quantity that was offered, and the quantity was rejected. For the determination of testosterone and mimosine in blood, an ELISA kit and HPLC were used respectively. Scrotal circumference measurements were taken, and testicular volume was estimated. A histological study was carried out; to determine the integrity of the testicular parenchyma testicular. The 40 % of male’s intake L. leucocephala presented interstitial edema and tubular atrophy in the testicular parenchyma of pubescent ram. Scrotal circumference and testicular volume were not affected; however, edema and atrophy of the seminiferous tubules were found in animals that intake Leucaena leucocephala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the beneficial effects on productive performance observed when vegetable extracts are incorporated as feed additives in intensive farming can be explained by an increase in bile production. An experiment was conducted to study choleretic and cholagogue effect of a Cynara scolymus extract formulation and of silymarin in pigs. Pigs were cannulated with a T-tube catheter in the bile duct. Bile production was continuously measured and re-infused to the duodenum through Oddi's sphincter at the same production rate. Treatments: Group A (n = 6), commercial feed; Group B (n = 6), C. scolymus extract (300 g/tonne) and Group C (n = 6), silymarin (300 g/tonne). Bile production was recorded hourly for each animal during 24 h. Total bile acids' concentrations in bile, just before and one hour after meals were evaluated. Average daily bile production for pigs in group B was 66% higher than for pigs in groups A or C (P < .05). When bile acids' concentrations before and after meals were compared, only pigs from group B exhibited an increase (P = .0023). From this study, it was concluded that neither choleretic nor cholagogue effects are attained with silymarin supplementation. On the contrary, C. scolymus extract increases bile production and secretion in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fosfomycin (FOS) is an antibiotic used, mostly in Latin America, for the treatment of lung and enteric infections of pigs. Intracellular fluids of enterocytes can act as biophase for Lawsonia intracellularis, the causative agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE). The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of L. intracellularis in the enterocytes modifies FOS penetration. Eight healthy pigs in growth‐finishing stage were used to produce healthy (group A) and L. intracellularis‐colonized (group B) intestinal explants. For both groups, treatment consisted of a 580 μg/ml concentration of calcium FOS, which was added to each explant (0.5–6 hr). For group B, the Enterisol Ileitis® vaccine was used as source of the micro‐organism. Previously to the assay, the time necessary for L. intracellularis to colonize the enterocytes was defined. Also, a PCR protocol was optimized to determine the presence of the pathogen in the explants. There were nonstatistical differences for the penetration of the antibiotic into healthy and L. intracellularis‐colonized enterocytes. MIC90 of FOS for L. intracellularis is unknown; nevertheless, MIC90 of various antibiotics ranges between 0.125 and 128 μg/ml. FOS reaches inside the enterocyte concentrations which surpass the MICs90 of other antibiotics that also act by the inhibition of cell wall synthesis; however, further studies should be carried out to determine fosfomycin MIC90 for L. intracellularis to discern the usefulness of this antibiotic in the treatment of PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Seedling establishment in degraded Oak forests is often hampered by harsh soil conditions, which may take decades to recover. Translocating the top soil from old-growth healthy forests to severely impaired sites can improve environmental conditions and eventually trigger self-repairing forest succession. We tested the potential of this strategy to enhance the seedling establishment of three oak species (Quercus eduardii Trel. , Quercus viminea Trel. and Quercus resinosa Liebm.) in a fragmented seasonally dry oak forest with severely weathered soils in Mexico. We transferred old-growth forest topsoil with and without leaf litter to a degraded clearing. To separate habitat from soil effects, we also moved topsoil from the clearing into the old-growth forest. The effects of soil translocation on seedling establishment varied according to life-stage (acorn, seedling, and young sapling), season (rainy vs dry) and site (clearing vs forest). In the clearing, transferred forest topsoil covered with leaf litter yielded the maximum germination probability rates, which were 7 ± 1% higher than in native weathered soil. Once seedlings emerged, survival probability decreased in the transferred soil in both sites, i.e. the weathered clearing soil in the forest habitat, as well as the forest soil in the clearing. Furthermore, transferring forest soil and leaf litter enhanced initial seedling growth in the clearing, increasing growth rates by 60 ± 5% compared to native weathered soil. Increased soil moisture due to soil translocation enhanced seedling establishment in the clearing, but decreased germination and survival rates in the forest. Our results suggest a dynamic water stress mechanism: (1) lack of moisture in soils with poor water retention capacity during the dry season; and (2) water excess during the rainy season in more mesic soil habitats. Given the elevated cost of translocating topsoil and the damage this causes at donor-sites, we recommend considering this intervention only for sites with reduced water retention capacity, prolonged dry seasons and slow soil formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance abuse among young adults and teenagers represents a considerable health issue, as substance use can be associated to serious injuries, accidents, disabilities, substance use and other psychiatric disorders, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior, sexual risk practices, among others. In the last years, this health problem has been increasing significantly. The objective of this article is to present a review of general aspects of substance abuse in adolescents, such as: epidemiology, risk factors, screening, evaluation, diagnosis, some considerations for referral and general hospital treatment. As a result, it was found that several risk factors have been identified, such as individual, family and environmental factors. Also, strategies for early detection, counsel and reference to integrated treatment known as SBIRT (Screnning, Brief Intervention, Reference to Treatment) were identified. Finally, it is concluded that the implementation of SBIRT programs in general hospital are effective to improve the link between general hospital services to specialized programs for the treatment of substance use disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants synthesize diverse types of secondary metabolites and some of them participate in plant protection against pathogen attack. These compounds are biodegradable and renewable alternatives, which may be envisaged for the control of plant pests and diseases. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a phenolic secondary metabolite which accumulates in diverse plant tissues and can be found in several agro-industrial by-products and waste. The aim of this work was to determine whether CGA could control the growth of various plant pathogenic fungi, gaining insight into its mechanism of action. Microscopic analysis showed the complete inhibition of spore germination or reduction of mycelial growth for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum , Fusarium solani , Verticillium dahliae , Botrytis cinerea and Cercospora sojina . CGA concentrations that did not completely abolish spore germination were able to produce a partial inhibition of mycelial growth. Viability tests and vital dye staining demonstrate that CGA induces fungal cell lysis. Its fungicidal activity involves an early membrane permeabilization of the spores. These results show the antifungal activity of CGA against phytopathogenic fungi relevant in horticulture and agriculture highlighting the potential of CGA-enriched wastes and by-products to be used as biofungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat modifications have led many bird species to occupy areas with different characteristics, including human-altered landscapes. In this study, we analyzed how land use influences the nest-site selection at the microscale level by Burrowing Owls ( Athene cunicularia) breeding in vegetated sand dunes, periurban areas, and agroecosystems in the Pampas of Argentina. We compared the characteristics of the nest site (percentage of open space) and the nest patch (distance to conspecific nests, tall vegetation and perches and number of perches) within and among the three land-cover types. In addition, we evaluated the breeding performance (nesting success and productivity) of owls nesting in these land-cover types. We found that nest microsite variables did not vary between owl-occupied and owl-unoccupied sites within nest patches, but they differed among land-cover types. Although nest patches differed in their availability of perches at each land-cover type, distance from the nest to the nearest perch did not vary between them. Distances to tall vegetation and to conspecific nests were highly variable and did not differ among land-cover types. Our results indicate that Burrowing Owls that inhabit the Pampas used a variety of land-cover types for nesting and showed little selectivity of nest sites and nest patches, thus reinforcing the idea that they are habitat generalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often have aggregated α-synuclein (aSyn) in enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons, which may be associated with the development of constipation. This occurs well before the onset of classicPDmotor symptoms. We previously found that aging A53T transgenic (Tg) mice closely model PD-like ENS aSyn pathology, making them appropriate for testing potential PD therapies. Here we show that Tg mice overexpressing mutant human aSyn develop ENS pathology by 4 months. We then evaluated the responses of Tg mice and their WT littermates to the Food and Drug Administration approved drug FTY720 (fingolimod, Gilenya) or vehicle control solution from 5 months of age. Long term oral FTY720 in Tg mice reduced ENS aSyn aggregation and constipation, enhanced gut motility, and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but produced no significant change in WT littermates. A role for BDNF was directly assessed in a cohort of young A53T mice given vehicle, FTY720, the Trk-B receptor inhibitor ANA-12, or FTY720 + ANA-12 from 1 to 4 months of age. ANA-12-treated Tg mice developed more gut aSyn aggregation as well as constipation, whereas FTY720-treated Tg mice had reduced aSyn aggregation and less constipation, occurring in part by increasing both pro-BDNF and mature BDNF levels. The data from young and old Tg mice revealed FTY720-associated neuroprotection and reduced aSyn pathology, suggesting that FTY720 may also benefit PD patients and others with synucleinopathy. Another finding was a loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in gut neurons with aggregated aSyn, comparable with our prior findings in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first results from the Framingham Heart Study, the medical community has gained interest in the risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases, because there is evidence of the coexistence of conditions. The metabolic syndrome officially appeared in 1988, when Gerald Reaven described "syndrome X" as the association of insulin resistance/ hyperinsulinemia (dysglycemia), dyslipidemia and hypertension and his new entity got its name by WHO in 1999. In fact, the association of this cardiovascular risk factors is known since ancient times and, through history, has been given many names, such as "hypertensionhyperglycemia-hyperuricemia syndrome", "plurimetabolic syndrome", "diabetogenic obesity", etc. Numerous international organizations have sought to establish operational definitions, modifying the importance and/or the cutoff values for certain variables. This paper describes the historical background and scientific advances that allowed establishing the syndrome, as well as the different operating variables and definitions that have been used to diagnose it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fosfomycin (FOS) is an antibiotic used in pig farms for treatment and prevention of infections caused by resistant bacteria during the post-weaning period. Antibiotics and non-toxic concentrations of mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON) are frequently found in the diet of animals. These compounds can establish interactions in the intestinal tract, which could affect and/or modify the penetration of FOS to enterocytes. The aim of this study was to determine the penetration of FOS into IPECJ-2 cells, a cell line derived from the small intestine of piglets, in the presence and absence of DON. The results from this study showed that there was statistically significant difference in the intracellular concentration of FOS between cells incubated with 580 µg/ml FOS and cells incubated with 580 µg/ml FOS and 1 µg/ml DON. The Cmax of the intracellular antibiotic in the culture plates incubated with FOS in absence of DON was 45.81 µg/ml with a tmax of 4 h. When IPEC-2 cells were incubated with FOS and DON the Cmax was 20.06 µg/ml and the tmax was 30 min. It is concluded that the non-toxic concentration of DON on IPEC-J2 cells after short-term exposure, interferes with the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to quantify the effectiveness of concept maps in learning physics in engineering degrees. The following research question was posed: What was the difference in learning results from the use of concept maps to study a particular topic in an engineering course? The study design was quasi-experimental and used a post-test as a measuring instrument. The sample included 114 university students from the School of Industrial Engineering who were divided into two equivalent homogeneous groups of 57 students each. The amount of learning attained by the students in each group was compared, with the independent variable being the teaching method; the experimental group (E.G.) used concept maps, while the control group (C.G.) did not. We performed a crossover study with the two groups of students, with one group acting as the E.G. for the topic of optical fibers and as the C.G. for the topic of the fundamental particles of matter and vice versa for the other group. For each of the two topics studied, the evaluation instrument was a test of 100 dichotomous items. The resulting data were subjected to a comparative statistical analysis, which revealed a significant difference in the amount of learning attained by the E.G. students as compared with the C.G. students. The results allow us to state that for the use of concept maps, the average increment in the E.G. students' learning was greater than 19 percentage points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe, through the case of a Mexican public university, how university education in entrepreneurship affects the entrepreneurial mindset (EM) of students. Methodological design: The case study method is used, being the object of study the university level students of the Business Administration and Advertising degrees who studied the subject of Creation and Business Development. Results: The students observe a relationship between education and entrepreneurship mentality which indicates an understanding of this construct derived from university education and the change of mentality towards entrepreneurial activities. Research limitations: The nature of the case study whose findings may vary from one context to another. Findings: The beginning of an entrepreneurial mentality formation is evidenced from the knowledge acquired in class. The need for students to have a more comprehensive training, aimed at influencing the medium and long term formation of entrepreneurial behaviors, either under their own business project or as part of an organization, is concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a sample of 810 bachelor students, two groups with social phobia (mild a control group with low anxiety were obtained. Only one group with social phobia received therapy. Before and after therapy to this group all participants were tested in affective pruning studies to test for cognitive bias to stressful words. After clinical intervention the treatment group showed no social anxiety whereas the other phobic group remained the same. However after intervention, the treatment group changed its negative cognitive bias to positive bias to stressful words. The second group without treatment changed down its negative bias to stressful words to normal. It is argued that social phobia recovery must consider emotional cognitive bias after treatment to test non desirable collateral treatment effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Eosinophil cells are white blood family cells (leucocytes) implicated in multiple ailments derived from bone marrow. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the utility of the eosinophil cells in nasal mucus technique, in diagnosing allergic rhinitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients' total was 73: 32 male and 41 female, in an age range that goes from 0 to 65 years. It was applied a protocol testing the following tests: eosinophil cells in nasal mucus, hematic biometry, IgE in serum and 3-series coproparasitoscopic. RESULTS Almost 40% of the patients have positive diagnosis of probable allergic rhinitis. There is minimal female predominance (56.1%) over male (43.8%). The prevailing age range was 0 to 10 years. CONCLUSIONS Eosinophil cells test in nasal mucus by itself is not definitive but an important diagnostic support element because it allows, as a protocol part with other tests, a diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient strategy, based on a combination of procedures, was developed to obtain axenic cultures from field-collected samples of the cyanobacterium Phormidium animalis. Samples were initially cultured in solid ASN-10 medium, and a crude separation of major contaminants from P. animalis filaments was achieved by washing in a series of centrifugations and resuspensions in liquid medium. Then, manageable filament fragments were obtained by probe sonication. Fragmentation was followed by forceful washing, using vacuum-driven filtration through an 8-μm pore size membrane and an excess of water. Washed fragments were cultured and treated with a sequential exposure to four different antibiotics. Finally, axenic cultures were obtained from serial dilutions of treated fragments. Monitoring under microscope examination and by inoculation in Luria-Bertani (LB) agar plates indicated either axenicity or the degree of contamination throughout the strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Few studies on the development of forgiveness involved young children and adolescents, and very few involved samples from non-western countries. This study focused on the development of willingness to forgive a particular transgression in participants aged 4 to 12 years and from two different cultures: a South African culture (Mozambique) and a Western European culture (France). Overall, 153 pupils from Mozambique and 107 pupils from France were presented with eight vignettes depicting a situation where a young child, intentionally or accidentally, dropped a small radio that they borrowed from another young child. These vignettes were composed by applying an orthogonal Intent × Consequences × Apologies, 2 × 2 × 2, design. Participants expressed what their willingness to forgive would be in each case on a continuous response scale. Through cluster analysis, four main positions were identified. They were labeled: Almost never forgive (11% of participants), Depends mainly on consequences (22%), Depends mainly on intent and apologies (57%), and Almost always forgive (2%). The first two positions were typical of 4–7-year olds, and the third one was typical of 8–12-year olds. No significant differences in cluster composition were found between the Mozambican and French participants. Up to the age of four, most children probably do not have access to the notion of forgiveness. From the age of four to seven, this notion begins to appear, in particular through a gradual taking into account of circumstantial factors other than the severity of consequences of a transgression. This development is quite rapid—probably during the 7-year period, from 0 to 7 years. From the age of eight onwards, a forgiveness schema similar to that observed in adults is operational. This developmental trajectory is probably very general. It seems to depend little on the type of culture in which it develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is an important problem both nationally and worldwide, this is related to the increase in cases of systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus with the consequent increase in morbidity and mortality and health costs, which emphasizes the need for health policies for an early diagnosis and effective and safe treatment. Recently, the use of lorcaserin for the pharmacological treatment of obesity was approved. The objective of this article is to review the available and updated scientific literature on lorcaserin and be a reference framework for decision-making regarding the prescription of this drug. For the preparation of this guide specialists in internal medicine, endocrinology, a librarian and an expert in methodology were involved. An extensive search was conducted on PubMed and other specialized websites. It is concluded that lorcaserin is a well tolerated drug with mild adverse effects and a good safety profile at a dose of 10 mg twice a day, it has also presented benefits in glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water hardness is a critical factor that affects oxytetracycline dissolution by chelation with cations. These interactions may lead to impaired dosing and consequently decrease absorption. Moreover, feed present in gastrointestinal tract may interact with antibiotic and alter pharmacokinetic parameters. In the present study, dissolution profiles of an oxytetracycline veterinary formulation were assessed in purified, soft and hard water. Furthermore, oxytetracycline absolute bioavailability, after oral administration of the drug dissolved in soft or hard water, was evaluated in fed and fasted piglets. A maximum dissolution of 86% and 80% was obtained in soft and hard water, respectively, while in purified water dissolution was complete. Results from in vivo study reconfirmed oxytetracycline's very low oral bioavailability. The greatest values were attained when antibiotic was dissolved in soft water and in fasted animals. Statistically significant lower absolute bioavailability was achieved when hard water was used and/or animals were fed. Moreover, Cmax attained in all treatments was lower than MIC90 of most important swine pathogens. For these reasons, the oral use of OTC formulations, that have demonstrated low oral bioavailability, should be avoided to treat systemic diseases in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Without prior consultation with the population, in the framework of World Environment Day, President Enrique Peña Nieto signed on June 5 of 2018, 10 water reserve decrees that eliminate the closures of 300 hydrological basins equivalent to 55% of lakes and rivers of Mexico. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to analyze the legal, socioeconomic and environmental repercussions of these decrees, and their relationship with the human right to water as opposed to the legal regime of ban to reserve that would eventually allow the sector private channel the vital liquid to favor its management and commercialization in favor of the private sector, as well as for its use in farms such as mining and fracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that teachers frequently observe a decline in the scholastic motivation of many adolescent students, which in turn is often associated with a decline in students’ individual school self-concept. In contrast, less is known about the association between students’ individual school self-concept and school engagement, or the related concepts of school belonging and helplessness in school. The current study explored social relationships as mediators in the association between individual school self-concept and adolescents’ school engagement, belonging to school and helplessness in school in a large sample of 7th and 8th grade students (N = 1088;MAge = 13.7) in secondary schools in Brandenburg, Germany. The results of two structural equation models showed that the teacher–student relationship mediated the association between individual school self-concept and school engagement, belonging to school and helplessness in school, respectively. In contrast, the student–student relationship did not mediate any of these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Six single-flow continuous cultures were used to study the effects of the mycotoxins patulin (PAT) and zearalenone (ZEN) alone or in combination on rumen microbial fermentation. In each of the four 7-d periods, the fermenters were supplemented in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of PAT (0 and 20 mg/l) and three levels of ZEN (0, 5 and 10 mg/l). The treatments did not affect the apparent and true digestibility of organic matter. PAT alone decreased the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) (p < 0.01), but in the presence of 5 or 10 mg/l of ZEN, there were no effects of PAT. In contrast, the digestibility of NDF and ADF was decreased at 10 mg/l of ZEN in the absence of PAT (p < 0.05). The pH of the fermenters increased after 2 and 3 d of PAT treatment (p < 0.01). PAT decreased the concentration of total volatile acids (VFA), the molar proportion of acetate and the acetate:proportionate ratio (p < 0.01). The molar concentrations of other VFA were unchanged. Ammonia N (NH3–N) flow increased (p < 0.05) and there was a tendency to a higher NH3–N concentration (p < 0.1) in fermenters with PAT. Total N, non-ammonia N and bacterial N as well as efficiency of microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of N utilisation were not affected by treatments. PAT was nearly completely degraded during incubation. The mean recovery of ZEN, α-zearalenol and β-zearalenol expressed as a proportion of administered ZEN was less than 50% in effluents from fermenters receiving only ZEN and ZEN plus PAT, respectively. With exception of fibre digestion, the co-administration of PAT and ZEN did not elicit interaction effects on most measured parameters of rumen metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used for achalasia in Latin America, where Chagas disease is prevalent, and this makes POEM more challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for POEM in Latin America. Methods: Patients undergoing POEM in Latin America with a single operator were included from a prospective registry over 4 years. Non-linear regression and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) analyses were conducted for the learning curve. Results: A total of 125 patients were included (52% male; mean age, 59 years), of which 80 had type II achalasia (64%), and 38 had Chagas disease (30%). The average pre-procedure and post-procedure Eckardt scores were 6.79 and 1.87, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 93.5% of patients, and clinical success was achieved in 88.8%. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (22%) and included bleeding (4 patients), pneumothorax (4 patients), mucosal perforation (13 patients), mediastinitis (2 patients), and leakage (4 patients). The CUSUM chart showed a median procedure time of 97 min (range, 45-196 min), which was achieved at the 61st procedure. Procedure duration progressively decreased, with the last 10 procedures under 50 min approaching a plateau (p-value <0.01). Conclusions: Mastering POEM in Latin America requires approximately 61 procedures for both POEM efficiency and to accomplish the procedure within 97 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed and drinking water are the most frequently used vehicles for administration of antibiotics in intensive pig production. Interactions of drugs with feed and water components may affect dissolution and bioavailability. Therefore, antibiotic formulations should be tested in order to assure their suitability for oral use. In this study, an oral fosfomycin (FOS) formulation was evaluated considering dissolution in water (soft and hard), release kinetics from feed in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and bioavailability after oral administration blended into feed or dissolved in water (soft and hard), to fed and fasted piglets. FOS reached immediate dissolution in soft and hard water. The presence of feed significantly decreased antibiotic dissolution in simulated intestinal medium. Bioavailability was lower when feed was used as a vehicle for FOS administration than when the drug was dissolved in water (soft or hard). The fed or fasted condition of piglets did not affect bioavailability. Probably, FOS interactions with feed components alter its dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract, and only a fraction of the dose would be available for absorption. This information must be considered to support decisions on eligibility of antibiotic pharmaceutical formulations and the vehicle for their administration in order to pursue a responsible use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosocomial bloodstream infections are a frequent event in Mexico, especially those caused by gram-negative rods like Klebsiella, Entembacter and Serratia. Probably, its frequency is underestimated because of the lack of effective nosocomial infections surveillance programs in the vast majority of our hospitals. Objective: To describe an outbreak of nosocomial bacteremia caused by Serratia marcescens in a neonatal unit in the Hospital General de Durango, Mexico, a second level hospital Material and methods: The rate of nosocomial infections is expressed as number of cases per 100 hospital discharges. Frequency of bacteremia due to S. marcescens during epidemic and pre-epidemic periods was compared using x2. Results: During the epidemic period, from March to June 1995. 23 cases (11 males and 12 females) were recorded, with an incidence of 8.6 infections per one hundred and a mortality rate of 48%. The bacteria isolated were found to be susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin, ceftriaxone, norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: We identified diverse circumstances that contributed to this outbreak and propose the modification of this conditions occurring in similar hospitals to avoid these epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Amerindian ancestry appears to be a risk factor for metabolic diseases (MetD), making Mexicans an ideal population to better understand the genetic architecture of metabolic health. In this study, we determine the association of genetic variants previously reported with metabolic entities, in two Mexican populations, including the largest sample of Amerindians reported to date. We investigated the association of eigth single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AKT1 , GCKR , and SOCS3 genes with different metabolic traits in 1923 Mexican Amerindians (MAs) belonging to 57 ethnic groups, and 855 Mestizos (MEZs). The allele frequency of 7/8 SNPs showed significant differences between MAs and MEZs. Interestingly, some alleles were monomorphic in particular ethnic groups, and highly frequent in other ones. With the exception of GCKR rs1260326T, as expected, all SNP frequencies in the MEZ population had intermediate values between its two main ancestral populations (MAs and Iberian populations in Spain [IBS]). We detected ethnic differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns and haplotype structure between MAs and MEZs, possibly due to the high genetic heterogeneity in these populations. Remarkably, AKT1 was associated with hypertension in MEZs, but not in MAs. GCKR was associated with protection against type 2 diabetes (T2D) in MAs, and with hypertriglyceridemia and protection against low HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in MEZs. The CAT haplotype in SOCS3 was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in MEZs, and correlated with protection against high blood pressure (HBP) and risk for high waist circumference and T2D in MAs. Our results show differential genetic associations with metabolic traits between MAs and MEZs, possibly due to the differences in genetic structure between these Mexican populations. Highlights • Differential genetic associations with metabolic traits between Mexican Amerindians and Mestizos. • Variants in AKT1 gene were associated with hypertension in Mestizo population. • GCKR polymorphisms were associated with protection against type 2 diabetes in Mexican Amerindians. • GCKR polymorphisms were associated with hypertriglyceridemia and protection against low HDL Cholesterol levels in Mestizos. • In Mexican Amerindians, only one polymorphism in SOCS3 gene was associated with protection against high blood pressure. • The CAT haplotype in SOCS3 was associated with metabolic syndrome in Mestizos. • The CAT haplotype in SOCS3 was associated with risk for high waist circumference and type 2 diabetes in Mexican Amerindians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Treatment for achalasia has traditionally been Heller myotomy (HM). Despite its excellent efficacy rate, a number of patients remain symptomatic post-procedure. Limited data exist as to the best management for recurrence of symptoms post-HM. We present an international, multicenter experience evaluating the efficacy and safety of post-HM peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Methods Patients who underwent POEM post-HM from 13 centers from January 2012 to January 2017 were included as part of a prospective registry. Technical success was defined as successful completion of the myotomy. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3 on 12-month follow up. Adverse events (AE) including anesthesia-related, operative, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results Fifty-one patients were included in the study (mean age 54.2, 47% male). Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. Clinical success on long-term follow up was achieved in 48 patients (94%), with a mean change in Eckardt score of 6.25. Seven patients (13%) had AE: six experienced periprocedural mucosal defect treated endoscopically and two patients developed mediastinitis treated conservatively. Conclusion For patients with persistent symptoms after HM, POEM is a safe salvation technique with good short-term efficacy. As a result of the challenge associated with repeat HM, POEM might become the preferred technique in this patient population. Further studies with longer follow up are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy ( PDT), using δ-aminolevulinic acid (5- ALA), in the elimination of premalignant cervical lesions in Mexican patients with human papillomavirus ( HPV) infection and/or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ( CIN). Thirty women diagnosed with CIN I and/or positive for HPV participated in the study. Topical 6% 5- ALA in gel form was applied to the uterine cervix; after 4 h, the lesion area was irradiated with a light dose of 200 J cm−2 at 635 nm. This procedure was performed three times at 48-h intervals. Clinical follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after the initial PDT administration, by colposcopy, cervical cytology, histopathological analysis, polymerase chain reaction, and hybrid capture. Of HPV-infected patients without evidence of CIN I, 80% cleared the infection, while HPV associated with CIN I was eliminated in 83% of patients ( P < 0.05). At 12 months, CIN I had regressed in 57% of patients, although this response was not statistically significant. PDT using 6% 5- ALA is concluded to be effective in eliminating HPV infection associated or not with CIN I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender differences in the immune response of insects are driven by natural selection for females and sexual selection for males. These natural forces entail a multitude of extrinsic and intrinsic factors involved in a genotype-environment interaction that results in sex-biased expression of the genes shared by males and females. However, little is known about how an infection at a particular ontogenetic stage may influence later stages, or how it may impact sexual immune dimorphism. Using Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of a bacterial exposure at the larval stage on adult immunity in males and females. The parameters measured were phenoloxidase activity, nitric oxide production, antimicrobial activity, and the antimicrobial peptide transcript response. As a measure of the immune response success, the persistence of injected bacteria was also evaluated. The results show that males, as well as females, were able to enhance survival in the adult stage as a result of being exposed at the larval stage, which indicates a priming effect. Moreover, there was a differential gender immune response, evidenced by higher PO activity in males as well as higher NO production and greater antimicrobial activity in females. The greater bacterial persistence in females suggests a gender-specific strategy for protection after a previous experience with an elicitor. Hence, this study provides a primary characterization of the complex and gender-specific immune response of male and female adults against a bacterial challenge in mosquitoes primed at an early ontogenetic stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the way animals respond to novel habitats and fluctuations in food resources can provide insights into the ability of species to settle in modified habitats. We studied the patterns of arthropod selection by Burrowing Owls in natural and modified habitats. We assessed the diet of this owl by means of pellet analysis and, simultaneously, we estimated relative abundance of arthropods in the field by trapping. A similar pattern of prey selection and avoidance was found among habitats, with coleopterans the main prey consumed. Food-niche breadth was low at all habitats, reflecting the dominance of a few prey items in the diet of the Burrowing Owl. Its wide trophic spectrum as well as its ability to take advantage of dominant resources suggests that, from a feeding perspective, the Burrowing Owl can readily colonise and adapt to newly human-modified habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity in children and adolescents is associated to a morbidity that has increased significantly. It has become a public health problem around the world. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of the cognitive behavioral treatment strategy in the comprehensive management of obesity in adolescents. Methods: Double blind, randomized, and controlled intervention study, of four months of follow-up, with a total of 115 obese adolescents, aged 12 to 16 years. The intervention group received cognitive behavioral treatment strategy, as well as advise on diet and exercise. At the same time, the control group only received advise on diet and exercise. Results: The percentage of adolescents who showed adherence to diet was 73.7 % versus 41.4 %, (p = 0.0009) and to exercise, 61.4 % versus 19.0 %, (p < 0.0005); compared with the control group, the intervention group was significantly higher. A total of 10 adolescents (17.5 %) in the intervention group and 26 (44.8 %) in the control group dropped-out (p = 0.003). Despite there were significant differences between groups, adolescents in the intervention group exhibited a higher and sustained decrease in body weight, body mass index, as well as in the body fat percentage. Conclusions: The cognitive behavioral treatment strategy improves adherence and decreases desertion of the weight reduction program in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the study was to measure and compare environmental preference on 59 biology students and 75 psychology students from a Mexican public university. Participants were shown 60 images of natural and urban environments, they were required to indicate the degree of relationship experienced with that environment, using a 7-point Likert scale. The results showed an internal consistency of 0.94 and a single-factor structure for the scale factor of nature dimension and three others related to an urban dimension (Entertainment, Pollution and Football Soccer). Moreover, a significant main difference on rating performance was obtained between the Biology and Psychology samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with an increase in fat deposition and body weight; thus, adding them to low-fat milk may facilitate weight loss when accompanied by an energy-restricted diet. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of the intake of low-fat milk and low-fat milk with added micronutrients on anthropometrics, body composition, blood glucose levels, lipids profile, C-reactive protein, and blood pressure of women following an energy-restricted diet. Design: A 16-week randomized, controlled intervention study. Participants/settings: One hundred thirty-nine obese women (aged 34±6 years) from five rural communities in Querétaro, Mexico. Intervention: Women followed an energy-restricted diet (−500 kcal) and received in addition one of the following treatments: 250 mL of low-fat milk (LFM) three times/day, 250 mL of low-fat milk with micronutrients (LFM+M) three times/day, or a no milk control group (CON). Weight, height, and hip and waist circumferences were measured at baseline and every 4 weeks. Body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and blood analysis were done at baseline and at the end of the 16 weeks. Main outcome measures: Changes in weight and body composition. Statistical analysis: One-factor analysis of variance, adjusted by age, baseline values, and community random effects. Results: After the 16-week intervention, participants in the LFM+M group lost significantly more weight (−5.1 kg; 95% CI: −6.2 to −4.1) compared with LFM (−3.6 kg; 95% CI: −4.7 to −2.6) and CON (−3.2 kg; 95% CI: −4.3 to −2.2) group members (P=0.035). Body mass index change in the LFM+M group (−2.3; 95% CI: −2.7 to −1.8) was significantly greater than LFM group members (−1.5; 95% CI: −2.0 to −1.1) and CON group members (−1.4; 95% CI: −1.9 to −0.9) (P=0.022). Change in percent body fat among LFM+M group members (−2.7%; 95% CI: −3.2 to −2.1) was significantly higher than LFM group members (−1.8%; 95% CI: −2.3 to −1.3) and CON group members (−1.6%; 95% CI: −2.2 to −1.0) (P=0.019). Change in bone mineral content was significantly higher in LFM group members (29 mg; 95% CI: 15 to 44) and LFM+M group members (27 mg; 95% CI: 13 to 41) compared with CON group members (−2 mg; 95% CI: −17 to −14) (P=0.007). No differences were found between groups in glucose level, blood lipid profile, C-reactive protein level, or blood pressure. Conclusions: Intake of LFM+M increases the effectiveness of an energy-restricted diet to treat obesity, but had no effect on blood lipid levels, glucose levels, C-reactive protein, or blood pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]