Asociación entre creencias religiosas y consumo de drogas lícitas e ilícitas en jóvenes universitarios, según la metodología de pares

En la presente investigación se evalúa si el consumo de drogas estaría asociado a las creencias religiosas. Se trabajó con una muestra de 142 jóvenes universitarios, a quienes se les aplicó un instrumento de preguntas cerradas previamente validado. Los resultados muestran que no existen diferencias significativas en la presencia de creencias religiosas entre consumidores y no consumidores de drogas lícitas, pero si se observan diferencias entre los grupos en el interés por conocer otras religiones. Solamente se confirmó la hipótesis en los consumidores de cocaína, y además se observa que los no consumidores de dicha droga, tienen un compromiso significativamente mayor con la religión que profesan

A comparison of the peers method and traditional methodologies, and risk behaviors in studies of the prevalence of drug consumption in a population of female, chilean students

Este estudio investiga el consumo de drogas y los comportamientos de riesgo de alumnas entre los 8º y 12º cursos en dos comunidades de la ciudad de Santiago, Chile. Empleando dos métodos para investigar el consumo, y basándonos en los estudios de poblaciones universitarias, hipotetizamos que los autoinformes de las alumnas sobre su consumo de drogas legales tenderán a ser consistentes con el uso real de dichas drogas, mientras que su consumo de drogas ilícitas será susceptible y tenderán a infra-informar de ello cuando se evalúa a través de medidas tradicionales de autoinforme. Para comparar los dos métodos, se diseñó un estudio transversal que compararía el consumo informado, primero empleando el método de pares, y después por medio del autoinforme tradicional, en un grupo de 350 alumnas. Los resultados muestran que los informes de las chicas sobre su consumo de drogas legales convergen empleando los dos métodos, mientras que, como se ha sugerido, infra-informaban sobre su consumo de drogas ilegales cuando se empleaban metodologías tradicionales.The present study investigates drug consumption and risk behaviors among female students between 8th and 12th grade in two communities in the city of Santiago, Chile. Based on studies of university populations, we hypothesize that the students’ reports of their consumption of licit drugs will tend to be consistent with their actual use of said drugs using two methods to investigate consumption, while their consumption of illicit drugs will be susceptible, and will tend to be under reported when evaluated through traditional self-report measures. In order to compare the two methods, a cross-sectional study was designed that would compare reported drug consumption, first using the peers method, and then by means of traditional self-report in a group of 350 students. The results show that women’s reports of licit drug consumption converge using the two methods, while as earlier suggested, women’s illicit drug consumption was found to be under reported when traditional methodologies were used

Pollenia rudis y otros califóridos (Diptera: Calliphoridae) capturados en el oriente del municipio de Torreón, Coahuila, México

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar la dipterofauna asociada a las palmas W. robusta y ampliar el conocimiento sobre la taxonomía, hábitos y distribución de moscas de la familia Calliphoridae. Durante la primavera de 2018, se llevaron a cabo muestreos en palmas sanas, enfermas y muertas en la parte oriente de la ciudad de Torreón, Coahuila. El monitoreo se realizó mediante la colocación de 15 trampas con etanol al 70%. Se colectaron en total 51 individuos; de los cuales, el 65% pertenecieron a la familia Calliphoridae (33 especímenes), 25% a la familia Sarcophagidae (13 especímenes), el 4% a la familia Anthomyiidae y  6% no fueron identificadas. Se documentó por primera vez en el municipio de Torreón la presencia de Pollenia rudis Fabricius y Phormia regina Meigen, ambas especies pertenecientes a la familia Calliphoridae. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tecnociencia.v14i3.74

The striatum, the hippocampus, and short-term memory binding : volumetric analysis of the subcortical grey matter's role in mild cognitive impairment

Background: Deficits in short-term memory (STM) binding are a distinguishing feature of preclinical stages leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the neuroanatomical correlates of conjunctive STM binding are largely unexplored. Here we examine the possible association between the volumes of hippocampi, parahippocampal gyri, and grey matter within the subcortical structures – all found to have foci that seemingly correlate with basic daily living activities in AD patients - with cognitive tests related to conjunctive STM binding. Materials and methods: Hippocampal, thalamic, parahippocampal and corpus striatum volumes were semi-automatically quantified in brain magnetic resonance images from 25 cognitively normal people and 21 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) at high risk of AD progression, who undertook a battery of cognitive tests and the short-term memory binding test. Associations were assessed using linear regression models and group differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volumes differed between MCI and control groups. Although the grey matter volume in the globus pallidus (r=-0.71, p<0.001) and parahippocampal gyry (r=-0.63, p<0.05) correlated with a STM binding task in the MCI group, only the former remained associated with STM binding deficits in MCI patients, after correcting for age, gender and years of education (β=-0.56,P=0.042) although with borderline significance. Conclusions: Loss of hippocampal volume plays no role in the processing of STM binding. Structures within the basal ganglia, namely the globus pallidus, could be part of the extrahippocampal network supporting binding. Replication of this study in large samples is now needed

New records of urban cockroaches in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico (Insecta: Blattodea)

We conducted a study to determinate the richness of cockroaches in the urban area of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. Six species were recorded, which result new regional records. Interspecific relationships of these species are also documented

High-Sensitivity Troponin T and Copeptin in Non-ST Acute Coronary Syndromes: Implications for Prognosis and Role of hsTnT and Copeptin in Non-STEACS

High-sensitivity TnT (hsTnT) has been proposed to improve the diagnosis and stratification in acute coronary syndromes. Copeptin has been proposed for a rapid and accurate rule out of acute myocardial infarction, but some doubts exist about its use out of the first hours from admission. Abnormalities of serum hsTnT and copeptin levels in non-STEACS and negative TnT, could have prognostic implications. Methods. We included 122 non-STEACS patients without raised TnT, 33 disease controls and 43 healthy controls. We measured hsTnT and copeptin levels. Clinical follow-up at 12 months was performed for adverse endpoints. Results. Non-STEACS patients had raised hsTnT compared with both control groups (P = 0.036 and P < 0.001). Copeptin levels were higher in non-STEACS patients than healthy controls (P = 0.021), without differences with disease controls. Raised levels of hs-TnT presented prognostic implications [HR 3.29 (95%CI: 1.33–7.49), P = 0.010]. hs-TnT could be used for invasive approach decision, as it shows prognostic relevance in conservative approach-patients whereas remains unrelevant for catheterized-patients. Copeptin levels were not associated with adverse events. Conclusion. hsTnT levels increased in non-STEACS, were predictive of adverse events and could be important for recommending an invasive management. We cannot confirm a predictive role of copeptin out of the first hours from admission

Clustering approach applied on an artificial neural network model to predict PM10 in mega cities of México

A cluster-based artificial neural network model called CLASO (Classification-Assemblage-Association) has been proposed to predict the maximum of the 24-h moving average of PM10 concentration on the next day in the three largest metropolitan areas of Mexico. The model is a self-organised, real-time learning neural network, which builds its topology via a process of pattern classification by using an historical database. This process is based on a supervised clustering technique, assigning a class to each centroid of the hidden layer, employing the Euclidean distance as a hierarchical criterion. A set of ARIMA models was compared with CLASO model in the forecast performance of the 24-h average PM10 concentration on the next day. In general, CLASO model produced more accurate predictions of the maximum of the 24-h moving average of PM10 concentration than the ARIMA models, although the latter showed a minor tendency to underpredict the results. The CLASO model solely requires to be built a historical database of the air quality parameter, an initial radius of classification and the learning factor. CLASO has demonstrated acceptable predictions of 24-h average PM10 concentration by using exclusively regressive PM10 concentrations. The forecasting capabilities of the model were found to be satisfactory compared to the classical models, demonstrating its potential application to the other major pollutants used in the Mexican air quality index

Detección de rickettsia rickettsii brump (RICKETTSIALES: RICKETTSIACEAE) en la garrapata café del perro rhipicephalus sanguineus latreille (IXODIDA: IXODIDAE) en la comarca lagunera, zona reemergente de fiebre manchada en México

Rocky Mountain Spotted fever is a reemergent disease in the Comarca Lagunera, since numerous human cases have been reported in the last few years. In order to detect the presence of Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt in dog´s brown ticks, single collections of ticks were conducted in seven rural areas and a periurban area in the Comarca Lagunera of Coahuila and Durango from June 2015 through february 2016. Direct collection of 840 engorged female ticks on 168 home dogs was carried out (5 ticks per dog), which were contained in two  ml vials. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille in the Parasitology Laboratory of the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna. For the molecular analysis three ticks per sample ticks were randomly selected, forming 195 pools. Each tick was subjected to extraction of internal organs and stomachal content. CTAB technique was used on each pool in order to obtain DNA, gltA gene was amplified using PCR assays with thermocyclator and a generic primer (Forward: RpCS.844p, Reverse: RpCS. 1258n).Eight pools resulted positive to Rickettsia rickettsii with a frecuency of 6.9% (2/29) in the colony Leticia Herrera (Gomez Palacio, Durango), one (1/26= 3.85%) for Parras (Coahuila) and five pools for the municipality of Matamoros (Coahuila) in Granada (2/28=7.1%), Alamito (1/23=4.35%), Consuelo (1/32=3.13%) and Vizcaya (1/19=5.25%). By means of  sequenciation 100% identification for Rickettsia rickettsii Brazilian strain 647 (KJ588069.1) and 99% for InDRE stractions (KU587806.1 and KT881097.1) were obtained.RESUMEN. La Fiebre Manchada de las Montañas Rocosas es una enfermedad reemergente en la Comarca Lagunera, ya que en los últimos años se han reportado numerosos casos en pacientes humanos. Para detectar la presencia de Rickettsia rickettsii (Brumpt, 1922) en la garrapata café del perro, se realizaron colectas aisladas en siete áreas rurales y una área periurbana de la Comarca Lagunera de Coahuila y Durango, durante junio 2015 a febrero 2016. Se colectaron de manera directa 840 garrapatas hembras a repleción sobre 168 perros domésticos (cinco garrapatas por perro), las cuales se depositaron en viales de 2 ml. Las garrapatas se llevaron al Laboratorio de Parasitología de la Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna, donde se identificaron como Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806). Para el análisis molecular se eligieron al azar 3 garrapatas por muestra para conformar 195 pools, en cada uno de los cuales se realizó la extracción de órganos internos y contenido estomacal. Para obtener ADN de cada pool se empleó la técnica del CTAB, se amplificó el gen gltA mediante ensayos de PCR usando un termociclador y un iniciador genérico (Forward: RpCS.877p, Reverse: RpCS.1258n). Ocho pools resultaron positivos a Rickettsia rickettsii con una frecuencia del 6.9% (2/29) en la colonia Leticia Herrera (Gómez Palacio, Durango), taxonóun pool positivo (1/26= 3.85%) para Parras (Coahuila) y cinco pools para el municipio de Matamoros, Coahuila correspondientes a los ejidos Granada (2/28=7.1%), Alamito (1/23=4.35%), Consuelo (1/32=3.13%) y Vizcaya (1/19=5.25%). Por medio de una secuenciación se obtuvo una identidad del 100% a la cepa Brasileña 647 (KJ588069.1) de Rickettsia rickettsii y 99% de similitud con las extracciones del In-DRE (KU587806.1 y KT881097.1).

Broad virus inactivation using inorganic micro/nano-particulate materials

Inorganic materials can provide a set of tools to decontaminate solid, liquid or air containing viral particles. The use of disinfectants can be limited or not practical in scenarios where continuous cleaning is not feasible. Physicochemical differences between viruses raise the need for effective formulations for all kind of viruses. In the present work we describe two types of antimicrobial inorganic materials: i) a novel soda-lime glass (G3), and ii) kaolin containing metals nanoparticles (Ag or CuO), as materials to disable virus infectivity. Strong antiviral properties can be observed in G3 glass, and kaolin-containing nanoparticle materials showing a reduction of viral infectivity close to 99%. in the first 10 ​min of contact of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). A potent virucidal activity is also present in G3 and kaolin containing Ag or CuO nanoparticles against all kinds of viruses tested, reducing more than 99% the amount of HSV-1, Adenovirus, VSV, Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 exposed to them. Virucidal properties could be explained by a direct interaction of materials with viruses as well as inactivation by the presence of virucidal elements in the material lixiviates. Kaolin-based materials guarantee a controlled release of active nanoparticles with antiviral activity. Current coronavirus crisis highlights the need for new strategies to remove viruses from contaminated areas. We propose these low-cost inorganic materials as useful disinfecting antivirals in the actual or future pandemic threats.This research was performed with support from The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) (Project No 202060E109). M.F. is grateful to the Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid for research project No. 2017-T1/BIO-4992 (“Atracción de Talento” Action) cofunded by Universidad Complutense de Madrid. This publication was also supported by the European Virus Archive GLOBAL (EVA-GLOBAL) project that has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program ​under grant agreement 871029. S. R.-R. was supported by the the FPI fellowship funded by Universidad San Pablo CEU. J.A-H. was supported by the PFIS fellowship co-funded by the FEDER/FSE and the ISCIII

Detección de Rickettsia sp. en la garrapata café del perro Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) en Matamoros, Coahuila, México

Se colectaron al azar 217 garrapatas sobre 72 perros domésticosen el municipio de Matamoros, Coahuila, éstas fueron identificadascomo Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille. Con la intención de determinar la presencia de la bacteria (Rickettsia sp.) causante de la fiebre manchada de las Montañas Rocosas (FMMR), las garrapatas se agruparon en muestras (n = 100) para pruebas moleculares, las hembras repletas de sangre fueron diseccionadas para obtener el contenido estomacal y los órganos internos. Las ninfas y los machos se maceraron para exponer el contenido interno. Empleando la técnica de CTAB se obtuvo ADN de cada pool, el cual fue sometido a ensayos de PCR para amplificar el gen gltA para la detección de Rickettsias. Se reporta la presencia de Rickettsia sp. en una frecuencia del 4% (4). El presente trabajo constituye el primer registro del agente causal de la fiebre manchada Rickettsia sp. en órganos internos de la garrapata café del perro, R. sanguineus a través de técnicas moleculares en el municipio de Matamoros, Coahuila, región endémica de esta enfermedad.