Occupational kidney disease among young populations in northwest Nicaragua

Chronic kidney disease of undetermined aetiology (CKDu) is mainly responsible for the deaths of young males in agricultural lowland regions of Central America. The aim of this thesis was to advance the understanding of the causes of CKDu by conducting several different epidemiological research studies. The systematic review identified a number of cross-sectional studies and occupational cohort studies with limited follow-up periods, but the findings were inconclusive regarding the causes of CKDu. The cohort study described in this PhD thesis is the first community-based cohort study in the region to evaluate the natural history of disease in apparently healthy people aged 18-30 years. It collected information about a wide range of exposure conditions with a questionnaire, biological samples, and water samples. There was an unparalleled, asymptomatic and very rapid decline in renal function among 10% of males and 3.5% of females who had normal renal function at baseline. Meanwhile, the group displaying established renal dysfunction (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR: 58 mL/min/1.73 m2) at baseline showed a slower subsequent decline in kidney function (3.6 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). A rapid decrease in eGFR was associated with outdoor work, agricultural work, and a lack of shade during work breaks. The nested case-control study measured eGFR, and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) at baseline. After adjusting for eGFR, uNGAL did not improve prediction a rapid decline in kidney function among individuals who initially presented a normal eGFR. This is the first study to show that in northwest Nicaragua, 10% of the male and 3.5% of the female population aged 18-30 years showed a very strong decline in kidney function. Larger community-based and occupational longitudinal studies with more detailed analyses of exposure data are needed to identify the cause(s) of CKDu

On the order of BEC transition in weakly interacting gases predicted by mean-field theory

Predictions from Hartree-Fock (HF), Popov (P), Yukalov-Yukalova (YY) and $t$-matrix approximations regarding the thermodynamics from the normal to the BEC phase in weakly interacting Bose gases are considered. By analyzing the dependence of the chemical potential $\mu$ on temperature $T$ and particle density $\rho$ we show that none of them predicts a second-order phase transition as required by symmetry-breaking general considerations. In this work we find that the isothermal compressibility $\kappa_{T}$ predicted by these theories does not diverge at criticality as expected in a true second-order phase transition. Moreover the isotherms $\mu=\mu(\rho,T)$ typically exhibit a non-singled valued behavior in the vicinity of the BEC transition, a feature forbidden by general thermodynamic principles. This behavior can be avoided if a first order phase transition is appealed. The facts described above show that although these mean field approximations give correct results near zero temperature they are endowed with thermodynamic anomalies in the vicinity of the BEC transition. We address the implications of these results in the interpretation of current experiments with ultracold trapped alkali gases.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

Absorption and cutaneous deposition of yellow pigment in male and female broilers in response to different levels of xanthophylls from Tagetes erecta

To determine the saturation point of absorption and cutaneous deposition of yellow xanthophylls (XA) in broilers, two hundred and sixteen Ross 308 chickens (108 males and 108 females) were sorted by sex and randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments containing 6 replications of 6 birds each. Treatments consisted of increasing levels of xanthophylls from Aztec marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) (65, 92, 119, 146, 173, and 200 ppm). Weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion were measuredweekly. Plasma pigment levels and skin yellowness in live birds were measured twice per week. Growth performance was analysed through ANOVA for a 6X2 factorial arrangement, where the first factor was the XA adding at six levels, and the second factor was sex at two levels. Pigment plasma concentration and skin yellowness were fitted into a multiple linear regression model. Results indicated that the highest levels of plasma xanthophylls and skin yellowness were found after 28 d of feeding. Skin yellowness increased by 2.24 b* for every d of xanthophylls consumption. In the females, skin yellowness was 1.35 b* higher than in the males. Increasing dietary xanthophylls by 10 ppm was reflected in 0.83 b* of increase in skin yellowness

Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid content of ‘venadillo’ (Swietenia humilis Zucc.) seed oil

Physicochemical properties of Swietenia humilis Zucc seed oils were determined along with its fatty acid composition, by using gas-liquid chromatography. The oil content found in the germ portion of the seeds was 45.38%. From physicochemical oil evaluations, an oil density of 0.9099 mg∙ml-1 at 28°C; a refraction index of 1.4740 at 20°C; a saponification index of 159.55 mg KOH∙g-1; a peroxide index of 0.739 meq O2∙kg-1, and 0.367% free fatty acid content were shown. From chromatographic oil evaluations, eight fatty acids were identified showing palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1 cis-9), linoleic (C18:2 cis-9,12), and linolenic (C18:3 cis-9,12,15) as the most predominant. The percentage of saturated, monounsatured and polyunsatured fatty acids were at 18.45, 29.27 and 47.50%, respectively. These results show that ‘venadillo’ oil has a high content of essential fatty acids, mainly linoleic and linolenic. Therefore, this oil shows promissory uses as nutritional component to reduce the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood, mostly from patients with higher cardiovascular disease risks.Key words: Oil, α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oilseeds, Swietenia humilis

Biodiversidad de algas rojas marinas (Rhodophyta) en Tabasco, México

Background and Aims: The knowledge of the phycoflora in the state of Tabasco is scarce. There are 39 records of Rhodophyta, 7 of Ochrophyta and 22 of Chlorophyta. In addition, at national level it is the coastal state with the lowest number of publications on the subject. The present work was developed to contribute to the knowledge of the algal flora of the state, particularly that of Rhodophyta.Methods: Material from the herbaria of the Faculty of Sciences (FCME) of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM) and the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT) was studied. Two sampling periods were carried out in dry and rainy season of 2012, in seven localities of the coast of Tabasco. The collected material was preserved in formaldehyde at 4%. Sections were performed with stereoscopic and optical microscopes. Identification was carried out with specialized literature.Key results: Twelve new records of marine red algae species are reported from the coast of Tabasco, belonging to 11 genera, 9 families and 8 orders. In total, for Tabasco there are 52 species, 32 genera, 17 families and 10 orders. The orders with the highest species richness are Ceramiales and Gracilariales with 24 and 9 species, respectively. The families with the highest number of species are Rhodomelaceae and Gracilariaceae with 14 and 8 each one. The most diverse genus was Gracilaria, with eight species.Conclusions: The number of red seaweeds recorded in Tabasco raises from 39 to 52 reports, representing 20% of the Rhodophyta species recorded for the Gulf of Mexico.Antecedentes y Objetivos: El conocimiento de la ficoflora en el estado de Tabasco es escaso. Hasta el momento se tienen 39 registros de Rhodophyta, 7 de Ochrophyta y 22 de Chlorophyta. Además, a nivel nacional es el estado costero con el menor número de publicaciones sobre el tema. Se desarrolló el presente trabajo para contribuir al conocimiento de la flora algal del estado, particularmente al de Rhodophyta.Métodos: Se revisó material procedente de los herbarios de la Facultad de Ciencias (FCME) de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y de la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT). Se llevaron a cabo dos periodos de muestreo en temporada de lluvias y secas del año 2012, en siete localidades del litoral tabasqueño. El material recolectado fue preservado en formol a 4%. Se realizaron observaciones de talos completos y cortes con microscopios estereoscópico y óptico. La identificación se llevó a cabo con literatura especializada.Resultados clave: Se reportan 12 nuevos registros de especies de algas rojas marinas para la costa de Tabasco pertenecientes a 11 géneros, 9 familias y 8 órdenes. En total para Tabasco se presentan 52 especies, 32 géneros, 17 familias y 10 órdenes. Los órdenes con mayor riqueza específica fueron Ceramiales y Gracilariales con 24 y 9 especies, respectivamente. Las familias con mayor número de especies fueron Rhodomelaceae y Gracilariaceae con 14 y 8 ocho cada una. El género más diverso fue Gracilaria, con ocho especies.Conclusiones: El número de algas marinas rojas reportadas en Tabasco asciende de 39 a 52 especies, lo que representa 20% de las especies de Rhodophyta registradas para el Golfo de México

Mortalidad natural del erizo rojo de Baja California, México, estimada con la temperatura medida in situ y con sensores satelitales

The natural mortality (M) of the red sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) on the northwestern coast of Baja California between 1985 and 2007 was of 0.251 ± 0.008 (mean ± standard deviation); these values were calculated with the Pauly (1983) method, based upon growth parameters and the habitat temperature (Th). Growth parameters were taken from literature and the temperature was measured in situ (Th) and with satellite sensors (Th). The variations of M were related to El Niño and La Niña events; another authors results suggest that these events affect metabolism and morbidity of red sea urchins as well as the availability of food to animals of all ages.La mortalidad natural (M) promedio del erizo rojo (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) en la costa noroccidental de Baja California durante el periodo 1985-2007, fue de 0.251 ± 0.008 (media ± desviación estándar). Este intervalo se calculó con el método de Pauly (1983), basado en los parámetros de crecimiento y la temperatura del hábitat (Th); los primeros se obtuvieron de la literatura, en tanto que la segunda fue estimada a partir de mediciones realizadas in situ (Th) y con sensores satelitales (Th). Las variaciones de M estuvieron correlacionadas con los eventos oceánicos El Niño y La Niña; los resultados de otros autores sugieren que los cambios en el ecosistema, asociados con estos procesos afectan el metabolismo, la morbilidad de los erizos y la abundancia del alimento para los ejemplares de todas las edades

MORFOLOGÍA DE LOS GRANOS DE POLEN DE LA FAMILIABORAGINACEAE DE LA ESTACIÓN DE BIOLOGÍA CHAMELA, JALISCO,MÉXICO

Pollen morphology of four genera andfourteen species of Boraginaceae wasstudied and illustrated. The observationsof pollen grains were carried out under thelight microscopy and the scanning electronmicroscopy. Seven main pollen types werefound: tricolporate, reticulate in Bourreriarubra Lott y Miller; tricolporate,microechinate in Cordia alliodora Ruiz yPavon, C. elaeagnoides DC. y C.gerascanthus L.; tricolporate, striatereticulate in C. seleriana Fern; triporate,eureticulate in C. curassavica (Jacq.)Roemer y Schultes and C. inermis (Miller)I.M. Johnston; tricolporate withpseudocolpi, psilate, verrugate or rugulatein Heliotropium angiospermum Murray,H. procumbens Miller, Tournefortiahartwegiana Steud and T. volubilis L.;tricolporate with negative reticulum in H.indicum and Cordia dentata Poiret; porate,gemmate in T. hirsutissima L. These pollentypes are correlated with taxonomy of thefamily.Se presenta e ilustra la morfología del polende cuatro géneros y catorce especies deBoraginaceae de Chamela, Jalisco. Lasobservaciones se realizaron al microscopiode luz y al microscopio electrónico debarrido. Siete tipos polínicos fuerondiferenciados: tricolporado, reticulado enBourreria rubra LottyMiller; tricolporado,microequinado en Cordia alliodora (Ruizy Pavón) Oken, C. elaeagnoides DC. y C.gerascanthus L.; tricolporado, estriadoreticulado en C. seleriana Fern; triporado,eureticulado en C. curassavica (Jacq.)Roemer ySchultes yC. inermis (Miller) I.M.Johnston; tricolporado con pseudocolpos,psilado, verrugado o rugulado enHeliotropium angiospermum Murray, H.procumbens Miller; Tournefortiahartwegiana Stend y T. volubilis L.;tricolporado con retículo negativo en H.índicum L. y Cordia dentata Poiret;porado, gemado en T. hirsutissima L. Sediscute la relación entre los tipos polínicosencontrados y la taxonomía de la familia

“Perico de Arcadio Zentella. La recreación novelada del Tabasco decimonónico”.

Los objetivos propuestos fueron tres y para informar de su cumplimiento, primero enunciamos cuáles fueron y enseguida nos referimos a cada uno de ellos. 1. Dar cuenta del contexto histórico y su repercusión en la obra literaria Perico de Arcadio Zentella. 2. Revisar el registro literario producido en Tabasco a fines del siglo XIX y su reverberación en la educación formal de esa época. 3. Realizar una aproximación interpretativa del discurso literario.Quienes participamos en este proyecto de investigación nos propusimos recurrir al procedimiento metodológico de la historia social y de la hermenéutica para transitar por el inmenso mundo de la Literatura y de la Historia estudiando una de las regiones más alejadas de las políticas centrales, Tabasco. El texto base de nuestra investigación fue una novela histórica. Muchas son las novelas que, por sí solas, son documentos históricos que nos hablan del pasado, porque escritas en otra época, logran reflejar la esencia, lo fundamental, lo característico del tema estudiado para regalarnos su recreación sólo con la lectura. Un ejemplo de lo anterior es la novela Perico del tabasqueño Arcadio Zentella, obra costumbrista y realista que describe las contradicciones del régimen porfirista en Tabasco y advierte el inexorable acercamiento de la Revolución Mexicana. El presente estudio expone una perspectiva histórica y literaria de la novela decimonónica de Zentella, que si bien es poco conocida, no por eso deja de ser novelística representativa, no sólo de un estado, sino de todo el país sumido en el porfiriato en el que imperaba el abuso y la tragedia para el trabajador del camp

Agente inteligente para la detección del daltonismo en adolescentes a nivel secundaria

This article shows the development of an intelligent agent, which aims to develop and implement a virtual reality game as a diagnostic agent. It is intended that this agent be useful for experts in the area (health personnel) as well as for people who do not have prior knowledge about color blindness, which is why the graphical interface is as friendly and intuitive as possible, in addition to make the diagnosis, the Ishihara test is used. When the diagnostic agent is executed, as a first requirement, the name of the person who will use the agent must be entered in order to keep track of the people who have used it and their respective diagnosis, which is based on a game shooting, where a sheet of the Ishihara test will be presented with a number, in addition, 3 options will be shown and the patient must shoot the one they consider correct. Diagnosing in this way is interesting for adolescents since most of them have an interest in video games, therefore, interacting with a game in virtual reality will be to their liking.El presente artículo muestra el desarrollo de un agente inteligente, el cual tiene como objetivo desarrollar e implementar un juego de realidad virtual como agente de diagnóstico. Se pretende que dicho agente sea de utilidad para personas expertas en el área (personal de salud) así como para personas que no cuenten con conocimiento previo sobre el daltonismo, es por ello que la interfaz gráfica es lo más amigable e intuitiva posible además que para realizar el diagnóstico se hace uso del test de Ishihara.   Cuando se pone en ejecución el agente de diagnóstico como primer requisito se deberá ingresar el nombre de la persona que hará uso del agente con el fin de llevar un control de las personas que lo han utilizado y su respectivo diagnóstico el cual se basa en un juego de tiro, donde se presentará una lámina de la prueba de Ishihara con un número, además, se mostrarán 3 opciones y el paciente deberá disparar a la que considere correcta. Diagnosticar de esta forma resulta interesante para los adolescentes ya que la mayoría cuentan con interés por los videojuegos, por lo tanto, interactuar con un juego en realidad virtual será de su agrado