State Of Yucatan Research Articles

Genetic Identification of Bait to Support Sustainability of the Octopus Fishery from the State of Yucatan, Mexico

Genetic Identification of Bait to Support Sustainability of the Octopus Fishery from the State of Yucatan, Mexico

DIVERSIDAD DEL MAÍZ EN TRES ZONAS GEOMORFOLÓGICAS DE YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) is the main sustenance in the daily diet of Mexican families. As a crop, it is one of the most important in the country of Mexico, and in Yucatan state, it is grown under rainfed conditions in milpas with no mechanizable lands. In this study, an analysis of the phenotypic variability from cob collects of native maize from Yucatan state was carried out, with ethnobotanical information collected within passport data. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To introduce the genetic diversity of maize into a germplasm bank, to know the genetic diversity of native populations based on the characteristics of cob, to know its distribution, to find the potential populations in each collection area for its use in genetic improvement programs. <strong>Methodology: </strong>66 Tuxpeños, 13 Dzit bacal, 6 Nal tel, 13 Xmejen nal, and 2 Nal xoy were collected in the southern, central, and eastern regions of the state, from January to March 2020, by sampling the four cardinal points in each community visited. A vector map of collections in Yucatan was developed and quantitative data of 13 biometric cob variables were recorded in 100 populations (crop cycles: late n=68; intermediate n=26; early n=6), a general data analysis of variance (ANOVA) and by crop cycles were made, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchically clustered with the average linkage method and discriminant analysis were made. Qualitative data from ethnobotanical surveys with mixed questions applied to milperos at the time of collection are presented. <strong>Results: </strong>The diversity of native maize in Yucatan is made up of three main groups based on the crop cycle: late, intermediate, and early. The southern and eastern regions of Yucatan preserve greater diversity, representing 44 and 40% of the total collections, respectively. There were significant differences in all ear variables; in a late growth cycle, only the grain thickness did not show differences between populations, and in the early growth cycle the grain thickness, width, and length variables were not significant. The PCA explained 80% of the total variation, seven different groups were formed, with greater differentiation in early maize Nal tel, intermediate Xmejen nal and Dzit bacal, contrary to the Tuxpeños late maize. Ten promising populations were identified for selection in each geomorphological region: eight correspond to the southern, two to the eastern, and one to the center of Yucatan state. The main factors to select for sowing corn in the region are: white and yellow maize for yield, the resistance to weevil attack for red maize, and the perception of color and palatability in purple maize. <strong>Implications: </strong>A complete phenotypic characterization in the field is required with a special interest in red-pigmented maize.<strong> Conclusions: </strong>The interest of the milperos in conserving and sowing the different native maize are based on the color of the grain, the benefits and uses that they can obtain from them, which determine the planting area in the milpas of the different races/varieties of maize. Red grain maize is being planted in a lower area in relation to other colors. The southern and eastern geomorphological regions showed a genetic flow between them.</p>

Detection of Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia bellii in ticks collected from pet dogs in peri-urban and rural areas in Yucatan, Mexico.

Rickettsia species are bacteria that may cause multiple diseases in animals and humans, via transmission through multiple arthropod vectors. Routine surveillance of Rickettsia spp. within vectors is critical to determine their presence and risk to mammalian hosts within human populations. Therefore, to better characterize the circulating Rickettsia species in an understudied region we targeted pet dogs to survey. Ticks were collected from pet dogs in three populations of the Yucatan where we tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by PCR in metagenomic DNA. In these ticks removed from pet dogs we detected Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia bellii in Amblyomma auriculatum, Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma mixtum ticks obtained in a rural community in the Mexican state of Yucatan. This is the first report detecting both species for this state in Mexico, underpinning the importance of more routine surveillance.

DNA microarrays to identify etiological agents, as sensors of environmental wellbeing.

Background: The epidemiologic transition in Mexico has generated a change of paradigm in public health. Morbidity is characterized by infectious diseases and the mortality is due to chronic degenerative diseases. The three most important infectious diseases in the country are: respiratory infections, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections. Method: The objective of this work was to build a tool to monitor the presence of health risks in the environment in a timely manner and to demonstrate its application in different sicknesses, especially those that are water related. In this study, we analyzed water samples from five cenotes with high tourist flow in the State of Yucatan. We developed a DNA microarray for the adequate and prompt detection of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This microarray could be used in samples of different origin including air, water (fresh, brackish and saltwater), food, inert surfaces or wounds. Clinically, it would allow prompt and precise detection of etiological agents of infectious diseases to prevent outbreaks. It would also be useful for the identification of those agents that cannot be detected in our laboratories with the traditional methods. It includes 38,000 probes that detect 252 etiological agents of diseases in humans and antimicrobial resistance genes. Results from DNA samples can be obtained in 24h, which would be difficult or impossible using other technologies. Results: The results are readily available within 24h. Samples from five cenotes (sinkholes) with high flow of people, were analyzed with the microarray. The water samples analyzed detected 228 different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They are amongst the most important etiological agents for infectious diseases in Mexico. Conclusions: The microarray provides the opportunity for precise and early detection of various infectious agents in individuals, hospitals and natural environments. This could help reduce the global burden of diseases, the severity of outbreaks, and reduce antibiotic resistance.

Mosquito Fauna in the Mangroves of Yucatan, Mexico, and Identification of Alphavirus RNA.

The surveillance of arboviruses in mangrove mosquitoes is a neglected topic in Mexico. The Yucatan State is part of a peninsula and, therefore, is rich in mangroves along its coast. The purpose of the study was to identify alphavirus in the mosquito fauna of mangroves. Mosquitoes were captured in mangrove settings in seven communities in Yucatan between June 2019 and August 2021. From 1900 to 2200 h and from 0500 to 0800 h, mosquitoes were captured with a backpack-mounted aspirator. In total, 3,167 female mosquitoes of five genera and nine species were captured. Aedes taeniorhynchus and Anopheles crucians were the most abundant mosquitoes collected. Mosquitoes were sorted into 210 pools and tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for alphavirus ribonucleic acid (RNA). Alphavirus RNA was found in Ae. taeniorhynchus, An. pseudopunctipennis, and An. crucians collected in the Celestun Mangrove. The community is part of the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, and the presence arbovirus-infected mosquitoes could pose a health risk to residents and visitors alike in the area.

Analysis and Evaluation of Dental Caries in a Mexican Population: A Descriptive Transversal Study.

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was carried out in 552 individuals who underwent a complete cariogenic clinical examination in different populations of the state of Yucatan. All individuals were evaluated after providing informed consent and with the consent of their legal guardians for those under legal age. We used the caries measurement methods described by the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevalence of caries, DMFT, and dft indexes were measured. Other aspects were also studied, such as oral habits and the use of public or private dental services. The prevalence of caries in permanent dentition was 84%. Moreover, it was found to be statistically related to the following variables: place of residence, socioeconomic level, gender, and level of education (p < 0.05). For primary teeth, the prevalence was 64% and there was no statistical relation with any of the variables studied (p > 0.05). Regarding the other aspects studied, more than 50% of the sample used private dental services. There is a high need for dental treatment in the population studied. It is necessary to develop prevention and treatment strategies considering the particularities of each population, driving collaborative projects to promote better oral health conditions in disadvantaged populations.

New State Record for Culex rejector and Cx. restrictor in Yucatan, Mexico.

Several known mosquito species occur in the Mexican state of Yucatan, including competent and suspected vectors responsible for transmitting zoonotic arboviruses. Between February and July 2022, mosquito collections were carried out in several forested areas in Yucatan. As part of the ongoing monitoring, we present the first reports of Culex (Microculex) rejector and Cx. (Anoedioporpa) restrictor. Another 14 species were identified during the monitoring: Aedes albopictus, Ae. bimaculatus, Ae. tormentor, Ae. cozumelensis, Anopheles albimanus, Cx. coronator s.l., Cx. erraticus, Cx. lactator, Cx. salinarius, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Limatus durhamii, Psorophora ciliata, Toxorhynchites theobaldi, and Wyeomyia mitchellii. Currently, the mosquito fauna in Yucatan consists of 65 species. The subgenera Microculex and Anoedioporpa had not been documented in Yucatan State prior to the current investigation.

“Ciudad Escolar de los Mayas” in the context of the educational reform of Salvador Alvarado in the state of Yucatan in 1915-1918

This article deals with the problem of creating a “new society” in the state of Yucatan (Mexico) during the period of Salvador Alvarado, which marked the beginning of revolutionary changes in the region. The central element of the educational reform of S. Alvarado was the spread of the rationalist school, which was based on the principles of demonstrativeness, scientific character and harmonious development of the individual. The complex ethnosocial structure of the region, in which more than half of the population were Indigenous peasants, set the new revolutionary government the task of integrating the Mayan population of Yucatan into the modern civilizational space. It was the main purpose of the “Ciudad Escolar de los Mayas”, which was opened in 1917 - a boarding school destinated exclusively for the education of the Maya. The functions of “Ciudad Escolar de los Mayas” were to combat illiteracy, teach basic hygiene rules, modern agricultural methods and small trades, as well as to prepare the future rural teachers. An analysis of archival documents relating to the functioning of the “Ciudad Escolar de los Mayas” made it possible to determine the main factors that influenced the failure of this educational project, namely: dramatic change in the habitat and habitual way of life, which caused an epidemic of diseases among boarding school students, the resistance of parents and owners of haciendas, as well as insufficient material equipment of the educational institution. The main results of the educational policy of S. Alvarado were the creation of a legislative framework that guarantees the availability of school education, the development of pedagogical thought, and the designation of Indigenous education as a special sphere of state policy.

Weeds Associated with a Sisal Crop (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) in the State of Yucatan, Mexico

Weeds Associated with a Sisal Crop (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) in the State of Yucatan, Mexico

Yucatan state’s military financing during the Caste War in 1847–1851

The article addresses to the question of financing of the military in early national Latin America based on the case of challenges that the government of the State of Yucatan faced in the first years of the Caste War –one of the biggest and longest ethnic and social conflicts in the 19th century Latin America– and measures that society, that was hung between tradition and modernity, was forced to adopt.

First detection of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in southem Mexico.

Lutzomyia longipalpis sensu lato is an important vector of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Latin America. In Mexico, this species has been recorded in endemic areas of leishmaniasis transmission, but it has never been detected as infected with Leishmania sp. This study aimed to explore the presence of Leishmania DNA in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. from samples collected with a human baited trap from an endemic region of leishmaniasis in southeastern Mexico. This is a prospective study where a total of 45 specimens of Lu. longipalpis s.l. collected in two sites of Yucatan state with records of leishmaniasis were tested. The nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer was amplified for the detection of Leishmania DNA. Two females were positive for Leishmania DNA. None of the specimens positive for parasite DNA were found fed or gravid. Our finding represents the first record of infection by Leishmania in Lu. longipalpis s.l. for the country. More studies are necessary to understand the potential role of this vector species in the transmission cycle of the causative agent of leishmaniasis in the southeastern and other regions of Mexico.

Mexico, State of Yucatan, Gulf of Mexico Coast

Mexico, State of Yucatan, Gulf of Mexico Coast

Preventive residual insecticide applications successfully controlled Aedes aegypti in Yucatan, Mexico

Insecticide-based approaches remain a key pillar for Aedes-borne virus (ABV, dengue, chikungunya, Zika) control, yet they are challenged by the limited effect of traditional outdoor insecticide campaigns responding to reported arboviral cases and by the emergence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. A three-arm Phase II unblinded entomological cluster randomized trial was conducted in Merida, Yucatan State, Mexico, to quantify the entomological impact of targeted indoor residual spraying (TIRS, application of residual insecticides in Ae. aegypti indoor resting sites) applied preventively 2 months before the beginning of the arbovirus transmission season. Trial arms involved the use of two insecticides with unrelated modes of action (Actellic 300CS, pirimiphos-methyl, and SumiShield 50WG, clothianidin) and a control arm where TIRS was not applied. Entomological impact was quantified by Prokopack adult collections performed indoors during 10 min per house. Regardless of the insecticide, conducting a preventive TIRS application led to significant reductions in indoor Ae. aegypti densities, which were maintained at the same levels as in the low arbovirus transmission period (Actellic 300CS reduced Ae. aegypti density up to 8 months, whereas SumiShield 50WG up to 6 months). The proportional reduction in Ae. aegypti abundance in treatment houses compared to control houses was 50–70% for Actellic 300CS and 43–63% for SumiShield 50WG. Total operational costs including insecticide ranged from US$4.2 to US$10.5 per house, depending on the insecticide cost. Conducting preventive residual insecticide applications can maintain Ae. aegypti densities at low levels year-round with important implications for preventing ABVs in the Americas and beyond.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Emergence in Southeastern Mexico: The Case of the State of Yucatan.

Environmental changes triggered by deforestation, urban expansion and climate change are present-day drivers of the emergence and reemergence of leishmaniasis. This review describes the current epidemiological scenario and the feasible influence of environmental changes on disease occurrence in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Relevant literature was accessed through different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google, and Mexican official morbidity databases. Recent LCL autochthonous cases, potential vector sandflies and mammal hosts/reservoirs also have been reported in several localities of Yucatan without previous historical records of the disease. The impact of deforestation, urban expansion and projections on climate change have been documented. The current evidence of the relationships between the components of the transmission cycle, the disease occurrence, and the environmental changes on the leishmaniasis emergence in the state shows the need for strength and an update to the intervention and control strategies through a One Health perspective.

Impact of climate change on Melipona beecheii and socioeconomic assessment of meliponiculture in the mexican southeast

The present study aimed to show the impact of climate change on Melipona bees in the Yucatan Peninsula and the socioeconomic situation of Melipona honey producers. Meliponiculture is a very important activity for some Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, the production of Melipona honey and its territorial distribution has decreased in recent decades, compared to the last century. Fieldwork was carried out in the east of the state of Yucatan to assess honey production activities and the socioeconomic situation of the population that depends on them. Data from Worldclim was used to generate distribution models for Melipona bees as well as scenarios of the impact of climate change on these species in the next seven decades. The scenarios that assume the continued presence of Melipona bees in the next seven decades show disappointing results in the face of climate change. It is necessary to implement effective public policies that help promote the well-being of both Melipona bees and the population that depends on them.

What seems to explain suicidality in Yucatan Mexican young adults? Findings from an app-based mental health screening test using the SMART-SCREEN protocol

The relationship between suicidality, depression, anxiety, and well-being was explored in young adults (median age 20.7 years) from the State of Yucatan (Mexico), which has a suicide rate double that of other Mexican states. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 20 universities in Yucatan and 9,366 students were surveyed using validated questionnaires built into a smartphone app, applying partial least squares structural equation models. High suicide risk was assessed in 10.8% of the sample. Clinically relevant depression and anxiety levels were found in 6.6% and 10.5% of the sample, respectively, and 67.8% reported high well-being. Comparably higher levels of suicide risk, depression and anxiety, and lower well-being were found in women, who were also somewhat older than men in our study. Furthermore, path analysis in the structural equation model revealed that depression was the main predictor of suicidal behaviour as well as of higher anxiety levels and lower self-perceived well-being in the total sample and in both genders. Our findings draw attention to the association between suicidality, depression, anxiety, and well-being in Yucatan young adults and gender differences with this regard. Mental health screening via smartphone might be a useful tool to reach large populations and contribute to mental health policies, including regional suicide prevention efforts.

Molecular survey of Zika virus in the animal-human interface in traditional farming.

Backyard animal husbandry is common in rural communities in developing countries and, given the conditions in which it occurs, it can increase the risk of disease transmission, such as arboviruses. To determine the presence of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and abundance of its arthropod vectors we evaluated the socioeconomic implications involved in its transmission in two highly vulnerable Mayan communities in the state of Yucatan that practice backyard farming. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out throughout 2016 to understand socioeconomic variables and seasonal patterns in mosquito populations. We selected 20 households from each community. Social exclusion indicators were analyzed, human and domestic animals were sampled, and mosquitoes were collected and identified. Four out of eight indicators of social exclusion were higher than the reported national averages. We captured 5,825 mosquitoes from 16 species being Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti the most abundant. The presence of chickens and human overcrowding in dwellings were the most significant factors (P = 0.026) associated with the presence of Ae. aegypti. Septic tanks (odds ratio = 6.64) and chickens (odds ratio = 27.41) in backyards were the main risk factors associated with the presence of immature states of Ae. aegypti in both communities. Molecular analysis to detect ZIKV was performed in blood samples from 416 humans, 1,068 backyard animals and 381 mosquito pools. Eighteen humans and 10 pig pools tested positive for ZIKV. Forty-three mosquito pools tested positive for flavivirus. Ten of the 43 pools of positive mosquitoes were sequenced, corresponding 3/10 to ZIKV and 1/10 to Dengue virus type 2. The findings obtained indicate the continuous circulation of Flavivirus (including ZIKV) in backyard environments in vulnerable communities, highlighting the importance of studying their transmission and maintenance in these systems, due that backyard animal husbandry is a common practice in these vulnerable communities with limited access to health services.

New Records of Neobenedenia girellae (Hargis, 1955) (Monogenea: Capsalidae) in Marine Ornamental Fish Imported to Yucatan, Mexico

We detected Neobenedenia girellae infections in 40 species belonging to 12 families of imported marine ornamental fish from a public aquarium in the Mexican state of Yucatan. A total of 348 fish specimens were examined for monogeneans in January 2018 to December 2020. Monogeneans were corroborated morphologically and molecularly with a partial sequence of 28S (region D1–D3) ribosomal DNA and analyzed in a molecular phylogenetic context in combination with other N. girellae sequences available in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the specimen found consistently belonged to the N. girellae clade. High infection parameters were detected of N. girellae in most hosts. This identification is relevant to aquarists and aquaculturists in the Gulf of Mexico because N. girellae is considered highly pathogenic in confined fish. This work demonstrates that the importation of ornamental fish coupled with deficient sanitary measures (lack of quarantine areas in distribution centers) contributes to spread of parasites and their establishment within Mexico.

Molecular Detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in Sandflies from the State of Yucatan, Mexico.

Background: Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne zoonotic diseases of public health relevance within the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The state of Yucatan is a vulnerable and receptive area to localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) due to its proximity to the high-transmission endemic states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. Autochthonous cases of LCL caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana have been documented in the state, showing a geographical expansion of the disease. Materials and Methods: Using CO2-supplemented Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps and Shannon traps, we captured anthropophilic sandflies in the surroundings of a locality with recent records of autochthonous cases of LCL. Sandflies carrying Leishmania DNA were evidenced using PCR. Results: A total of 140 Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) females of four species were captured: Lutzomyia (Tricholateralis) cruciata (Coquillett), Psathyromyia (Psathyromyia) shannoni (Dyar), Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva), and Dampfomyia (Coromyia) deleoni (Fairchild and Hertig). Molecular results showed that 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3-12.9%) of Lu. cruciata and 43.8% (95% CI = 19.8-70.1%) of Pa. shannoni showed evidence of carrying L. (L.) mexicana DNA. Conclusion: We provide evidence of anthropophilic sandflies carrying L. mexicana DNA in a municipality with recorded autochthonous cases of LCL caused by this parasite species in the state of Yucatan, suggesting the emergence of new focus of LCL in Mexico.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in the Yucatan Peninsula: the importance of specimens in museum collections

Asio flammeus en la Península de Yucatán: la importancia de los especímenes en las colecciones de museo.McAndrews et al. (2006) describieron el “primer registro documentado” del búho cuerno corto (Asio flammeus) para el estado de Yucatán. Debido a la aparente falta de un ejemplar voucher colectado por Phillips y Dickerman, no se había considerado su presencia en el estado de Campeche; sin embargo, al revisarse la colección del Museo de las Aves de México, dicho ejemplar apareció. Con ello se resalta la importancia de contar con ejemplares voucher en las colecciones científicas.