Calendario agrícola mazateco, milpa y estrategia alimentaria campesina en territorio de Huautepec, Oaxaca

The objectives of this research were to document the knowledge and use of the Mazatec agricultural calendar, and to contribute to characterize the functioning of the agri-food system in Agua Colorada and Agua Evangelista, in the municipality of Huautepec, Oaxaca, a Mazatec ethno-linguistic region. In the methodology, a mixed approach was used, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data. A simple random sample allowed selecting 34 peasants/indigenous people, to apply questionnaires. Results indicate that the knowledge and use of the Chan Mazatec agricultural calendar is still valid in the communities of study, directed basically at signaling the periods for dates for sowing, agricultural tasks and harvesting of species that make up the milpa and backyard systems. The milpa constitutes the fundamental economic agricultural activity; it is a means for the recreation of their traditional knowledge and the social production of various food products for self-consumption, basic in the local gastronomy. The Mazatec family economic systems (MFES) are based on the understanding of their natural environment, decisive for biodiversity management in the milpa and the consequent stability and resilience of the system; as indicators of their territorial strategies that allow their operation, adaptability and permanence as socioeconomic production and consumption organizations.Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron documentar el conocimiento y uso del calendario agrícola mazateco, y contribuir a caracterizar el funcionamiento del sistema agroalimentario, en Agua Colorada y Agua Evangelista del municipio de Huautepec, Oaxaca, región etnolingüística mazateca. En la metodología se utilizó el enfoque mixto, analizando datos cualitativos y cuantitativos. Un muestreo aleatorio simple permitió seleccionar 34 campesinos-indígenas para la aplicación de cuestionarios. Los resultados indican que el conocimiento y uso del calendario agrícola mazateco Chan sigue vigente en las comunidades de estudio, orientado básicamente para señalar los periodos de fechas de siembra, labores agrícolas y de cosecha de las especies que integran los sistemas de milpa y de traspatio. La milpa constituye la actividad agrícola económica fundamental; es un medio para la recreación de su conocimiento tradicional y la producción social de diversos productos alimenticios de autoconsumo, básicos en la gastronomía local. Los sistemas económicos familiares mazatecos (SEFAM) están basados en los conocimientos de su entorno natural, determinantes para el manejo de la biodiversidad en la milpa y la consecuente estabilidad y resiliencia del sistema; como indicadores de sus estrategias territoriales que posibilitan su funcionamiento, adaptabilidad y permanencia como organizaciones socioeconómicas de producción y consumo

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM THE HUAUTLA SIERRA BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN MORELOS (MÉXICO)

Twenty-two extracts from nine Mexicanmedicinal plants of eight different familiesused for people neighbor to Huautla SierraBiosphere Reserve (REBIOSH) in differentinfectious diseases were assayed in vitro todetermine their antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli; Proteus mirabilis;Salmonella typhi and the yeast Candidaalbicans. Most plants showed antibacterialactivity, while two plants showed activityagainst range 0.25 a 4 mg/mL almost onemicroorganism used. The extracts showedminimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)against S. aureus and S. faecalis, representsmicroorganisms Gram-positive were hexanic and acetonic extracts of Bursera copallifera and hexanic extract of B. grandifolia.The ethanol extract of Lippia graveolensshowed a MIC value of 1 mg/mL againstyeast Candida albicans.Se determinó la actividad antimicrobianade veintidós extractos orgánicos de nueveespecies vegetales medicinales de ochodiferentes familias, que son comúnmenteempleadas por los habitantes de las comunidades vecinas a la reserva de la biosferaSierra de Huautla (REBIOSH), Morelos,para tratar diferentes padecimientos infecciosos. Los microorganismos empleadosfueron: Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli; Proteusmirabilis; Salmonella typhi y la levaduraCandida albicans. La mayoría de los extractos de las plantas probadas inhibieronel crecimiento microbiano en un rango de0.25 a 4 mg/mL de al menos uno de losmicroorganismos utilizados. Los extractosque mostraron las menores concentracionesmínimas inhibitorias (CMI) frente a losmicroorganismos S. aureus y S. faecalis,representativos de Gram-positivos fueron el extracto hexánico y acetónico de Burseracopallifera y el hexánico de B. grandifolia.El extracto etanólico de Lippia graveolenslogró inhibir a C. albicans con una CMIde 1 mg/mL

Familial pulmonary fibrosis is the strongest risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

SummaryIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disorder of unknown etiology. The disease is likely the result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that certain environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking and metal dust exposures, or comorbidities like gastroesophageal reflux, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) may increase risk to develop IPF. Substantial uncertainty remains, however, regarding these and other putative risk factors for IPF. In this study we performed a case–control analysis including 100 patients with IPF and 263 controls matched for age sex and place of residence. We used a structured questionnaire to identify potential risk factors for IPF, including environmental and occupational exposures as well as the relevance of family history of pulmonary fibrosis. The multivariate analysis revealed that family history of pulmonary fibrosis [OR = 6.1, CI95% 2.3–15.9; p < 0.0001] was strongly associated with increased risk of IPF. Actually, 20% of the cases reported a parent or sibling with pulmonary fibrosis. Gastroesophageal reflux [OR = 2.9, CI: 1.3–6.6; p = 0.007], former cigarette smoking [OR = 2.5, CI: 1.4–4.6, p = 0.003], and past or current occupational exposure to dusts, smokes, gases or chemicals [OR = 2.8, CI: 1.5–5.5; p = 0.002] were also associated with the disease. Despite being a significant risk factor on univariate analysis DM2 was not significant in multivariate analysis. These findings indicate that family history of pulmonary fibrosis is a strong risk factor for IPF. Also, we confirmed that occupational exposures, gastroesophageal reflux and former smoking increase the risk for this disease

Ordenación de comunidades de fitoplancton en el lago de Chapala, Jalisco-Michoacán, México

We investigated what environmental variables explained major axes of compositional variation in phytoplankton communities at the Chapala lake. We used presence-absence data for the ordination analysis, which included 96 phytoplankton samples and 116 species. The primary gradient of the phytoplankton community structure, obtained from Bray-Curtis variance-regression, was explained by sulfates (r=0.751) and inversely by total alkalinity (r=-0.635). The secondary compositional gradient of phytoplankton communities, which was independent from the primary one, was explained by hardness of water due to Calcium (r=-0.617) and by total hardness (r=-0.602). The remainder of environmental variables (16) showed no relationship to any of the ordination axis. These data suggest habitat preference for most communities of phytoplankton toward higher sulfate concentration and toward low total alkalinity levels. Only few species showed specialization toward low sulfate concentration and toward high total alkalinity. Two groups of community were shown, which are separated from each other on differences on sulfates and total alkalinity levels. In addition these data showed a relationship to the last sampling period. A decrease in sulfur, in the form of sulfate, and an increase of total alkalinity from 1996 to 1998, due in part to a decrease of the lake level, associated to the El Niño effect, explained also a decline in species diversity through this period. In conclusion, alkalinity and sulfates seem to be major environmental factors explaining relevant compositional gradients as well as species richness of the phytoplankton communities at the Chapala Lake.Se investigó cuales variables fisicoquímicas explican mejor los ejes de composición florística de las comunidades de fitoplancton en el lago de Chapala. Con base en datos de presencia-ausencia, se ordenaron 96 muestras de fitoplancton, con 116 especies. El gradiente primario de la composición de comunidades, generado mediante la ordenación de Bray-Curtis regresión de varianza, fue explicado por la concentración de sulfatos (r=0.751) y en relación inversa por la alcalinidad total (r=-0.635). El gradiente secundario de la estructura de comunidades, el cual es independiente del primario, fue explicado por la dureza debida al calcio (r=-0.617) y por la dureza total (r=- 0.602). Las restantes variables medidas (16) no mostraron relación con los principales ejes de la ordenación de las comunidades. Los datos sugieren para la mayoría de las comunidades de fitoplancton una preferencia de hábitat hacia altas concentraciones de sulfatos y baja alcalinidad total, mientras que para ciertas especies una especialización hacia alta alcalinidad y bajas concentraciones de sulfatos. Se reconocen dos grupos de comunidades, los cuales además de estar separados por diferencias en concentración de sulfatos y alcalinidad total muestran una relación con el último periodo de colecta. La disminución del azufre, disponible como sulfatos y el incremento de alcalinidad de 1996-1998, debida a la disminución del nivel del lago, asociados al fenómeno de El Niño (1996-1998), explican también la disminución de la riqueza de especies observada en dicho periodo. En conclusión, los sulfatos y la alcalinidad fueron más importantes para la composición y riqueza de las comunidades de fitoplancton en el lago de Chapala

Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood. Experimental studies during human pregnancy to identify new diagnostic biomarkers are difficult to carry out beyond genetic or epigenetic analyses in biological matrices. Therefore, animal models are a useful tool to study the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the central nervous system and analyze the benefits of promising therapies. Animal models of alcohol spectrum disorder allow the analysis of key variables such as amount, timing and frequency of ethanol consumption to describe the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this review, we aim to synthetize neurodevelopmental disabilities in rodent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes, considering facial dysmorphology and fetal growth restriction. We examine the different neurodevelopmental stages based on the most consistently implicated epigenetic mechanisms, cell types and molecular pathways, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of murine models in the study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the different routes of alcohol administration, and alcohol consumption patterns applied to rodents. Finally, we analyze a wide range of phenotypic features to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes in murine models, exploring facial dysmorphology, neurodevelopmental deficits, and growth restriction, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate behavioral and anatomical alterations produced by prenatal alcohol exposure in rodents

Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview

Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood. Experimental studies during human pregnancy to identify new diagnostic biomarkers are difficult to carry out beyond genetic or epigenetic analyses in biological matrices. Therefore, animal models are a useful tool to study the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the central nervous system and analyze the benefits of promising therapies. Animal models of alcohol spectrum disorder allow the analysis of key variables such as amount, timing and frequency of ethanol consumption to describe the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this review, we aim to synthetize neurodevelopmental disabilities in rodent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes, considering facial dysmorphology and fetal growth restriction. We examine the different neurodevelopmental stages based on the most consistently implicated epigenetic mechanisms, cell types and molecular pathways, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of murine models in the study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the different routes of alcohol administration, and alcohol consumption patterns applied to rodents. Finally, we analyze a wide range of phenotypic features to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes in murine models, exploring facial dysmorphology, neurodevelopmental deficits, and growth restriction, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate behavioral and anatomical alterations produced by prenatal alcohol exposure in rodents

YKT6 expression, exosome release, and survival in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Cancer-derived exosomes are involved in metastasis. YKT6 is a SNARE protein that participates in the regulation of exosome production and release, but its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultracentrifugation-purified exosomes from the A549 cell line were studied by CRYO-TEM, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot (TSG101 marker). YKT6 was inhibited using a DsiRNA and selected pre-microRNAs. MicroRNAs targeting YKT6 were validated by Renilla/Luciferase assay and western blot. YKT6 expression and its prognostic impact were analyzed in 98 tissue specimens from resected NSCLC patients. RESULTS: Membranous nanosized vesicles (mode size: 128nm) with TSG101 protein were purified from A549 cells. YKT6 inhibition reduced exosome release by 80.9%. We validated miR-134 and miR-135b as miRNAs targeting YKT6, and transfection with the pre-miRNAs also produced a significant reduction in exosome release. The analysis of YKT6 in tumor samples showed that patients with high levels had shorter disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: YKT6 is a key molecule in the regulation of exosome release in lung cancer cells and is in turn precisely regulated by miR-134 and miR-135b. Moreover, YKT6 levels impact prognosis of resected NSCLC patients

Body composition, nutritional profile and muscular fitness affect bone health in a sample of schoolchildren from Colombia: The Fuprecol Study

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationships between body composition, nutritional profile, muscular fitness (MF) and bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Participants included 1118 children and adolescents (54.6% girls). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (c-BUA) was obtained as a marker of bone health. Body composition (fat mass and lean mass) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Furthermore height, weight, waist circumference and Tanner stage were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Standing long-jump (SLJ) and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used respectively as indicators of lower and upper body muscular fitness. A muscular index score was also computed by summing up the standardised values of both SLJ and handgrip strength. Dietary intake and degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were assessed by a 7-day recall questionnaire for food frequency and the Kidmed questionnaire. Poor bone health was considered using a z-score cut off of ≤−1.5 standard deviation. Once the results were adjusted for age and Tanner stage, the predisposing factors of having a c-BUA z-score ≤−1.5 standard deviation included being underweight or obese, having an unhealthy lean mass, having an unhealthy fat mass, SLJ performance, handgrip performance, and unhealthy muscular index score. In conclusion, body composition (fat mass and lean body mass) and MF both influenced bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Thus promoting strength adaptation and preservation in Colombian youth will help to improve bone health, an important protective factor against osteoporosis in later life.: We would like to acknowledge to Bogota District Education Department for supporting data collection for this study. The authors also thank the participating Bogota District students, teachers, schools, and staff. The “FUPRECOL Study” was possible given the financial support provided by the Instituto Colombiano para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología “Francisco José de Caldas” COLCIENCIAS (Contract Number 671-2014 Code 122265743978). Also, during the completion of this paper, AG-H was visiting researchers at the University of Rosario (CEMA, Bogotá, Colombia), supported with grants awarded by Proyectos Basales y Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación” (Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH)

Clinical significance of long non-coding RNA HOTTIP in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer

Background HOTTIP, a long non-coding RNA located in the HOXA cluster, plays a role in the patterning of tissues with mesodermal components, including the lung. Overexpression of HOXA genes, including HOTTIP, has been associated with a more aggressive phenotype in several cancers. However, the prognostic impact of HOTTIP has not yet been explored in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have correlated HOTTIP expression with time to relapse (TTR) and overall survival (OS) in early-stage NSCLC patients. Methods Ninety-nine early-stage NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection in our center from June 2007 to November 2013 were included in the study. Mean age was 66; 77.8% were males; 73.7% had stage I disease; and 55.5% had adenocarcinoma. A validation data set comprised stage I-II patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network. Results HOTTIP was expressed in all tumor samples and was overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.007) and in smokers (p = 0.018). Patients with high levels of HOTTIP had shorter TTR (78.3 vs 58 months; p = 0.048) and shorter OS (81.2 vs 61 months; p = 0.023) than those with low levels. In the multivariate analysis, HOTTIP emerged as an independent prognostic marker for TTR (OR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1-4.2; p = 0.05), and for OS (OR: 2.31, 95%CI: 1.04-5.1; p = 0.04). HOTTIP was validated as a prognostic marker for OS in the TCGA adenocarcinoma cohort (p = 0.025). Moreover, we identified a 1203-mRNA and a 61-miRNA signature that correlated with HOTTIP expression. Conclusions The lncRNA HOTTIP can be considered a prognostic biomarker in early-stage NSCLC

Clinical features and health-related quality of life in adult patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA: the Spanish experience

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA or Morquio A syndrome is a progressive and disabling disease characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulphate sulphatase. Its clinical presentation is very heterogeneous and poorly understood in adults. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations of MPS IVA in adult patients in Spain and to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results: Thirty-three patients from nine reference centres participated in the study. The median age was 32 (interquartile range [IQR]: 20.5–40.5) years. The phenotype was classical in 54.5% of patients, intermediate in 33.3% of patients, and non-classical in 12.1% of patients. The most common clinical manifestation was bone dysplasia, with a median height of 118 (IQR: 106–136) cm. Other frequent clinical manifestations were hearing loss (75.7%), ligamentous laxity (72.7%), odontoid dysplasia (69.7%), limb deformities that required orthopaedic aids (mainly hip dysplasia and genu valgus) (63.6%), and corneal clouding (60.6%). In addition, 36.0% of patients had obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and 33.3% needed non-invasive ventilation. Cervical surgery and varisation osteotomy were the most common surgical interventions (36.4% each). Almost 80% of patients had mobility problems and 36.4% used a wheelchair at all times. Furthermore, 87.9% needed help with self-care, 33.3% were fully dependent, and 78.8% had some degree of pain. HRQoL according to the health assessment questionnaire was 1.43 (IQR: 1.03–2.00) in patients with the non-classical phenotype, but 2.5 (IQR: 1.68–3.00) in those with the classical phenotype. Seven patients were initiated on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), but two of them were lost to follow-up. Lung function improved in four patients and slightly worsened in one patient. The distance achieved in the six-minute walk test increased in the four patients who could perform it. HRQoL was better in patients treated with elosulfase alfa, with a median (IQR) of 1.75 (1.25–2.34) versus 2.25 (1.62–3.00) in patients not treated with ERT. Conclusions: The study provides real-world data on patients with MPS IVA. Limited mobility, difficulties with self-care, dependence, and pain were common, together with poor HRQoL. The severity and heterogeneity of clinical manifestations require the combined efforts of multidisciplinary teams