Problem In Mexico Research Articles

SiRNA Design to Silence the 3'UTR Region of Zika Virus.

The disease caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV) has positioned itself as one of the main public health problems in Mexico. One of the main reasons is it causes microcephaly and other birth defects. The transmission of ZIKV is through Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes, which are found in a larger space of the national territory. In addition, it can also be transmitted via blood transfusion, sexual relations, and maternal-fetal route. So far, there are no vaccines or specific treatments to deal with this infection. Currently, some new therapeutics such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are able to regulate or suppress transcription in viruses. Therefore, in this project, an in silico siRNA was designed for the 3′UTR region of ZIKV via bioinformatics tools. The designed siRNA was synthesized and transfected into the C6/36 cell line, previously infected with ZIKV in order to assess the ability of the siRNA to inhibit viral replication. The designed siRNA was able to inhibit significantly (p < 0.05) ZIKV replication; this siRNA could be considered a potential therapeutic towards the disease that causes ZIKV and the medical problems generated.

ESTADO DE LA PRODUCCIÓN Y CONSUMO DE PLAGUICIDAS EN MÉXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; One of the problems in Mexico about the use and quantification of pesticides, is that there is a lack of efficient regulation and monitoring because there is no detailed information on its use, so this work analyzes the use of pesticides in Mexico. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To know the current situation of the use of chemical pesticides used in Mexico. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; A search and systematic review of scientific publications related to pesticides in Mexico during the last 20 years in indexed or arbitrated journals. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The analysis of these investigations indicates that in Mexico in 2018&amp;gt; 61,000 tons of pesticides were imported, although in 2017 the production was greater than 106 thousand tons. One of the problems in Mexico, as in other countries, is that there is a lack of efficient regulation and monitoring of the use of pesticides. During the last two decades the total consumption of pesticides in Mexico increased between 57-65%, the data from the available sources of their consumption show differences of the annual average of 27%, equivalent to 14,000 t per year, greater than the consumed in 2016 by countries such as Uruguay, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands and Honduras. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;In order to reduce this problem, it is proposed to implement a "national logbook for the registration and use of pesticides" that includes the type of pesticide used, brand, active ingredient, applied dose (Kg / ha) and frequency of application. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;The obvious inconsistency of thousands of tons between national and international statistics is due to an inadequate quantification of pesticide use, a characteristic that occurs not only in Mexico. This situation is a serious global threat with environmental, economic and social implications, since the potential ecological damage is underestimated. Knowing the actual amount of pesticides used and will allow promoting real strategies aimed at reducing their use.&lt;/p&gt;

Arsenic exposure in northern Mexican women.

To describe interindividual metabolism variations and sociodemographic characteristics associated to urinary arsenic, and to estimate the arsenic contamination in water from urinary total arsenic (TAs). Women (n=1 028) from northern Mexico were interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics and their urinary concentrations of arsenic species were measured by liquid chromatography. Inorganic arsenic (iAs) in water was estimated from urinary TAs. Women were 20-88 years old. TAs in urine ranged from p10=3.41 to p90=56.93 μg/L; 74% of women had levels >6.4 μg/L. iAs in water varied from p10=3.04 to p90=202.12 μg/L; 65% of women had concentrations >10 μg/L, and 41%, concentrations >25 μg/L. Large variations in iAs metabolism were observed. TAs was significantly negatively associated with age and schooling, and positively with the state of residence. Exposure to iAs is an environmental problem in Mexico. Individual variations in metabolism are a challenge to design prevention and control programs.

History of breast cancer.

Breast cancer currently represents one of the largest public health problems in Mexico and in the world, since it is the first cause of death due to neoplasia in women over 25 years. The first official statistical records in Mexico correspond to 1982, and worldwide to 1926. However, records of very ancient civilizations denote their existence for millennia. This review summarizes part of the history of breast cancer, from Egyptians to present day, including beliefs that were held about this disease, as well as contributions of great scientists who helped understanding and marked the course in prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a public health problem in Mexico and the world, being the first cause of cancer death in women. Even though scientific advances have allowed the identification of several risk factors, the use of screening and detection techniques, as well as the therapeutic approach, since breast cancer is a heterogeneous entity, it is necessary to carry out studies that increase the knowledge about its epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and molecular characteristics that allow improving the strategies of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and reduction of complications in order to improve the quality of life and the survival of patients.

Factores que influyen en la erosión hídrica del suelo en un bosque templado

Los ecosistemas forestales son importantes en la aportación de bienes y servicios a la sociedad; sin embargo, pueden estar afectados por erosión hídrica, lo cual representa un problema grave en México. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los factores que explican ese tipo de degradación en un bosque templado. Los factores incluidos fueron seleccionados mediante revisión de literatura, a nivel nacional e internacional, con el criterio de uso en programas de manejo y monitoreo. Para evaluar la pérdida por erosión, se utilizó la medición de pedestales. Estadísticamente, se emplearon la correlación de Pearson y el Análisis de Componentes Principales (ACP). Los resultados de la primera evidenciaron que la densidad aparente (r= 0.64), pendiente (r=0.59) y el porcentaje de rocas en la superficie del suelo (r=0.57) tienen correlación positiva con la erosión hídrica; por lo que, al incrementar sus valores, aumenta la presencia de pedestales. Se determinó una correlación negativa con la profundidad (r= -0.48) y el porcentaje de materia orgánica (r= -0.45). A mayor magnitud de estos parámetros, disminuye la presencia de pedestales como expresiones del grado de erosión de los suelos. Mediante el ACP, se obtuvo que, además, incidieron directamente, el espesor del mantillo, la presencia de suelo desnudo y la compactación. También, se identificó una correlación positiva con el porcentaje de suelo desnudo y la compactación. No hubo significancia con la materia orgánica, capacidad de infiltración y profundidad del suelo. Los factores señalados deben considerarse para facilitar los monitoreos futuros.

Micosis pulmonares en pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Características clínicas y factores de riesgo

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a public health problem in Mexico, and the trend of the disease is increasing. From 2000 to 2017, 7.32 million new cases were diagnosed, with pulmonary mycoses being one of the most serious complications. AimsTo describe the frequency and the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with pulmonary mycoses, and to identify the risk factors associated with this entity. MethodsCase–control study, paired by gender (1:1-3) and age (± 5 years), that analyzed patients with pulmonary mycosis (mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, paracoccidioidomycosis) and studied the risk factors present in each patient. ResultsFrom the 162 patients studied, 56 suffered pulmonary mycosis and 106 were controls. The median of the age was 51 and 50 years for the cases and for the controls, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients with diabetes mellitus had an odds ratio of 8,3 (p < 0.001), and patients with a history of tuberculosis had an odds ratio of 8,8 (p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur results show that 52% of the patients with pulmonary mycoses had a history of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a relevant risk factor for pulmonary mycoses, which are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and have a high mortality.

Rasgos del apetito en niños de 6 a 12 años: asociación con la obesidad y diferencias por sexo

Background Overweight and obesity in schoolchildren are a major public health problem in Mexico. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the association of appetitive traits with the presence of obesity and identify gender differences in children attending a university hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 children with obesity and 175 children with normal weight in the outpatient clinic of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. The parents completed the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire to measure eight appetitive traits. The mean appetitive trait scores were compared between children with obesity and normal weight, and between genders. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests for independent samples and regression analysis between appetite traits and BMI Z-scores. Results The mean food responsiveness score (or food onset appetitive trait) was higher in children with obesity (p Conclusions Children with obesity show appetitive traits that could lead to higher food consumption. Normal weight males showed appetitive traits that could represent a risk of developing obesity.

Appetitive traits in children aged 6 to 12 years: association with obesity and differences by gender.

Overweight and obesity in schoolchildren are a major public health problem in Mexico. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the association of appetitive traits with the presence of obesity and identify gender differences in children attending a university hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 176 children with obesity and 175 children with normal weight in the outpatient clinic of the Nuevo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. The parents completed the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire to measure eight appetitive traits. The mean appetitive trait scores were compared between children with obesity and normal weight, and between genders. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests for independent samples and regression analysis between appetite traits and BMI Z-scores. The mean food responsiveness score (or food onset appetitive trait) was higher in children with obesity (p < 0.001), while the mean satiety responsiveness (or food offset trait) was higher in children with normal weight (p < 0.001). Normal weight males showed higher scores for Food responsiveness, Emotional over-eating, and Desire to drink (p < 0.05). Children with obesity show appetitive traits that could lead to higher food consumption. Normal weight males showed appetitive traits that could represent a risk of developing obesity.

Resistencia a Fusarium causante de pudriciones en trigo: actualidad y perspectivas para su uso en México

Las pudriciones de raíz, corona y tallo en trigo se consideran una amenaza seria para este cereal en diversas partes del mundo ya que las pérdidas que ocasionan en el rendimiento y calidad de grano llegan hasta 89% y pueden ser comparables con las causadas por las royas, además de que los hongos asociados a estas pudriciones sintetizan micotoxinas que pueden contaminar productos alimenticios. Esta problemática en México ha sido poco estudiada; sin embargo, en los últimos años, estas enfermedades en trigos de riego y temporal han sido más incidentes lo que está causando preocupación en los productores de este cereal en el país. Esta revisión resume aspectos actuales de la enfermedad, las fuentes de resistencia disponibles a nivel mundial, así como la forma de cómo opera dicha resistencia en el patosistema Fusarium-trigo. Las bases genéticas de la resistencia a pudriciones de raíz, tallo y corona de los trigos hexaploides se ha examinado; a través, del mapeo de Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). Hasta la fecha, 44 QTL han sido identificados en 14 cromosomas con alelos que inducen la resistencia a esta enfermedad y que derivan de trigos hexaploides y de parientes cercanos. El mejoramiento genético para esta enfermedad mediante la introgresión de los alelos con estos QTL es la estrategia más factible y la piramidación de estos QTL parece ser la estrategia más viable en los programas de mejoramiento genético. Paso importante para el manejo de la problemática en las zonas productores de trigo en México.

Obesogenic Lifestyle and Its Influence on Adiposity in Children and Adolescents, Evidence from Mexico.

Overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) during childhood/adolescence are major public health problems in Mexico. Several obesogenic lifestyle (OL) risk factors have been identified, but the burden and consequences of them in Mexican children/adolescents remain unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of OL components and describe their relationships with adiposity, and OW/OB. A population-based cross-sectional study of Mexican children/adolescents with nutritional assessment, data collection on daily habits and adiposity as fat-mass index (FMI) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed. Individual OL-components: “inactivity,” “excessive screen time,” “insufficient sleep,” “unhealthy-diet”, were defined according to non-adherence to previously published healthy recommendations. Results: 1449 subjects were assessed between March 2015 to April 2018. Sixteen percent of subjects had all four OL-components, 40% had three, 35% had two, 9% had one, and 0.5% had none. A cumulative OL score showed a significant dose–response effect with FMI. The combination of inactivity, excessive screen time, and insufficient sleep showed the highest risk association to OW/OB and higher values of FMI. Conclusions: The prevalence of OL-components was extremely high and associated with increased adiposity and OW/OB. Several interventions are needed to revert this major public health threat.

Toxicological profile of medically relevant Crotalus species from Mexico and their neutralization by a Crotalus basiliscus/Bothrops asper antivenom

Specimens of the Crotalus genus represent a potential snakebite problem in Mexico, and despite the great number of species of Crotalus present in this country, only a few of them are relevant from a medical point of view. Crotalus envenomed patients can present a range of signs and symptoms, depending on the species involved, and their treatment is indistinctly with either of the anti-viperid antivenoms available in the Mexican Public Health System. One of these antivenoms is produced by immunization of horses with a mixture of only two venoms: Crotalus basiliscus and Bothrops asper venoms. In light of the high variability found in Crotalus species venom composition, it is important to demonstrate the cross-neutralization of this antivenom against other Crotalus species. Therefore, in this work the toxic variability of eight medically important Crotalus venoms from Mexico and its neutralization by the Crotalus basiliscus/Bothrops asper antivenom were assessed. The present study evidenced the variability of toxic and enzymatic activities among the following Crotalus venoms: (1) Crotalus atrox, (2) Crotalus basiliscus, (3) Crotalus culminatus, (4) Crotalus simus, (5) Crotalus tzabcan, (6) Crotalus scutulatus salvini, (7) Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus-A, and (8) Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus-B. All venoms studied possess lethal and hemorrhagic activity on a murine model, although there are important variations among the species; in contrast, the PLA2 activity was similar for all venoms. Interestingly, only C. simus venom exhibited coagulant activity on human plasma under 100 μg. The antivenom neutralized the lethality and all the other assessed activities for all venoms tested. However, the dose required varied depending on the venom and the evaluated activity. Our preclinical data support the recommendation of using this antivenom to clinically manage Crotalus snakebites produced by the species assessed in this study. Nonetheless, only clinical trials could categorically validate these results.

Respectful and evidence-based birth care in Mexico (or lack thereof): An observational study

ProblemIn Mexico, women are often disrespected and abused during birth, evidence-based practices are seldom used, while outdated and dangerous procedures linger. BackgroundDisrespectful and abusive practices in Mexico have been reported but are not necessarily well-documented; none of the reports so far have relied on direct observation of births. AimTo describe birth practices and factors associated with respectful and evidence-based care at 15 referral hospitals in Mexico. MethodsWe observed 401 births from 2010–2016. We analysed woman, provider, and hospital characteristics and their association with the performance of 14 evidence-based and 15 respectful birth practices via descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models. FindingsOnly in four births were all the analysed evidence-based and respectful-birth practices performed. Essential interventions like uterine massage was only given to 46.1% of women and the administration of a uterotonic soon after birth only occurred in 58.3% of births. Professionals who were trained in respectful birth care were more likely to address women by their name (Odds Ratio=3.34, p<0.05), allow consumption of liquids during labour (Odds Ratio=31.6, p<0.05), encourage skin-to-skin contact (Odds Ratio=31.82, p<0.05), and examine the placenta after birth (Odds Ratio=16.55, p<0.01); they were less likely to perform episiotomies (Odds Ratio=0.27, p<0.05). DiscussionThis study reveals low rates of evidence-based practices and respectful maternity care but shows training in the topic can have a considerable positive impact. Our results call for further efforts to improve the quality of maternal healthcare, a universal right.

Impact of academic integrity on workplace ethical behaviour

Corruption is a serious problem in Mexico and the available information regarding the levels of academic dishonesty in Mexico is not very encouraging. Academic integrity is essential in any teaching-learning process focussed on achieving the highest standards of excellence and learning. Promoting and experiencing academic integrity within the university context has a twofold purpose: to achieve the necessary learnings and skills to appropriately perform a specific profession and to develop an ethical perspective which leads to correct decision making. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between academic integrity and ethical behaviour, particularly workplace behaviour. The study adopts a quantitative, hypothetical and deductive approach. A questionnaire was applied to 1203 college students to gather information regarding the frequency in which they undertake acts of dishonesty in different environments and in regards to the severity they assign to each type of infraction. The results reflect that students who report committing acts against academic integrity also report being involved in dishonest activities in other contexts, and that students who consider academic breaches less serious, report being engaged in academic misconduct more frequently in different contexts. In view of these results, it is unavoidable to reflect on the role that educational institutions and businesses can adopt in the development of programmes to promote a culture of academic integrity which: design educational experiences to foster learning, better prepare students to fully meet their academic obligations, highlight the benefits of doing so, prevent the severity and consequences of dishonest actions, discourage cheating and establish clear and efficient processes to sanction those students who are found responsible for academic breaches.

Allocation and Distribution of 8488 Consecutive Kidneys Obtained in Mexico During a 12 Years Period

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease, considered a major health problem in Mexico and important cause of disability and mortality. We describe allocation and distribution of 8488 kidneys obtained from deceased donors from January 2007 to December 2018. We describe a fragmented health system without universal coverage for organ donation and transplantation, a huge regional variability in organ donation and transplantation activity, a great disparity in access to the waiting list, and a faulty system for organ allocation requiring reform to achieve international standards of transparency and traceability.

Phytochemicals in Garlic Extract Inhibit Therapeutic Enzyme DPP-4 and Induce Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation: A Possible Mechanism of Action to Benefit the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a severe health problem in Mexico, and its prevalence is increasing exponentially every year. Recently, DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors have become attractive oral anti-hyperglycemic agents to reduce the pathology of diabetes. Gliptin’s family, such as sitagliptin, vildagliptin, and alogliptin, are in clinical use to treat diabetes mellitus but possess side effects. Therefore, there is a specific need to look for new therapeutic scaffolds (biomolecules). Garlic bulb is widely used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of diabetes. The garlic extracts are scientifically proven to control glucose levels in patients with diabetes, despite the unknown mechanism of action. The aim of the study is to investigate the antidiabetic effects of ultrasonication assisted garlic bulb extract. To achieve this, in-vitro assays such as DPP-4 inhibitory and antioxidant activities were investigated. Further, functional group analysis using FTIR and identification of phytochemicals using mass spectrometry analysis was performed. The results showed that 70.9 µg/mL of garlic bulb extract inhibited 50% DPP-4 activity. On top of that, the garlic extract exhibited a 20% scavenging activity, equivalent to 10 µg/mL of ascorbic acid. Molecular docking simulations on identified phytochemicals using mass spectrometry revealed their potential binding at the DPP-4 druggable region, and therefore the possible DPP-4 inhibition mechanism. These results suggest that prepared garlic extract contains phytochemicals that inhibit DPP-4 and have antioxidant activity. Also, the prepared extract induces skeletal muscle cell proliferation that demonstrates the antidiabetic effect and its possible mechanism of action.

VIOLENCIA CONTRA LA MUJER. UNA APROXIMACIÓN A SU DISMINUCIÓN DESDE LA ESCUELA SECUNDARIA

“Women and girls face various types of violence (physical, economic and psychological), ranging from sexual comments and whistling, fondling, and raping, to the most extreme form: femicides,” as stated by the United Nations (UN) in a written communication. This worldwide organization called on governments, the private sector and society in general to eradicate the violence suffered by two out of three women; This particular problem in Mexico also shows alarming statistics which, in order to be visible nationwide, the States have issued violence alerts as a preventive measure.Education plays an important role in the transformation of this situation, rapists and rape victims are the result of educational processes that take place in classrooms, in the family and social contexts that have been organized about them, which obviously have not been completely efficient. In this regard, the intention is to organize clubs and work in favor of no gender-based violence since high school where standards and values ​​are established, promoting women respect and consideration, and the demands of this level of education are maintained

Vampire bat reservoir and main transmitter of rabies, a public health problem in Mexico

Rabies is considered a re-emerging disease due to increased contact with the reservoir. The vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is the reservoir and main transmitter of this disease. Alterations in the natural environment have caused imbalances of impact on the ecology, influencing the movement of the reservoir from natural areas to rural and urban environments, where there are human settlements and the presence of domestic animals. The objective of this work has been to present the most relevant aspects about the role of the vampire bat as a natural reservoir and main transmitter of rabies in the region in order to raise awareness in the population about the risk this is to public health. Attacks by vampire bat Desmodus rotundus on livestock species are becoming more frequent, even in regions that for decades had been considered free from rabies. This represents a public health problem, because these cases can generate contacts between infected animals and people.

National report of blood lead levels and lead-glazed ceramics use in vulnerable children.

To estimate the prevalence of elevated (≥5.0μg /dL) blood lead levels (BLL) and its association with the use of lead glazed ceramics (LGC). In 2018, we measured capillary BLL in a representative sample of children 1 to 4 years old residing in Mexican localities under 100 000 inhabitants (Ensanut 100k). We inquired about use of LGC for food preparation and consumption. To estimate its association with BLL, multinomial logit models stratified by region were generated. The prevalence of elevated BLL levels was 21.8%. For the North, Central and South regions, the prevalence were 9.8, 20.7 and 25.8%, respectively. The association with use and frequency of LGC was highly significant and differential by region. Lead exposure remains a public health problem in Mexico, particularly in the Central and South regions, and is strongly associated with the use of LGC.

Using Participatory Visual Methods in the Study of Violence Perceptions and Urban Space in Mexico

The contribution investigates the experience of using visual participatory methods of data collection, auto-photography and community mapping, in the context of urban planning, violence and insecurity problems in Mexico. Two case studies examine peripheral communities in the cities of Aguascalientes and Culiacan where different manifestations of violence are present. The contribution explores the potential of participatory visual methods in capturing perceptions of violence and makes the case for their use in planning processes, as more appropriate methods are needed to capture perceptions of violence and insecurity in urban areas. The rationale, methods and results of community mapping and auto-photography are discussed, as well as some potential challenges and theoretical limitations.