Resumen Las enfermedades metabólicas, incluyendo la obesidad y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2, representan un grave problema de salud y mortalidad, en México. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y otras asociaciones como la Federación internacional de la Diabetes (IDF) y el Programa Nacional de Educación para el Colesterol-Panel de Tratamiento para el Adulto III (NCEP-ATP III) definen el Síndrome Metabólico (SM), como la agrupación de alteraciones metabólicas que conllevan al desarrollo de obesidad, hipertensión y diabetes mellitus. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un modelo de SM en roedores CD1 utilizando una dieta hipercalórica y determinar las ventajas y/o desventajas comparado con otros modelos murinos. Se utilizaron ratones CD1 hembras y machos se dividieron en 2 grupos por género, un grupo control y otro grupo con dieta hipercalórica durante 10 semanas. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que la dieta hipercalórica es eficiente para desarrollar las alteraciones metabólicas presentes en el SM, se observaron mejores resultados en los ratones macho, por lo que se sugiere la utilización en este género para evitar los cambios hormonales presentes en las hembras adultas.

Abstract Metabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, represent a serious health and death problem in Mexico. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other associations such as the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) define the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), as the set of metabolic alterations that lead to the development of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to develop a model of MetS in CD1 rodents using a hypercaloric diet and to determine the advantages and / or disadvantages compared to other murine models. Female and male CD1 mice were divided into 2 groups by gender, a control group, and another group with a hypercaloric diet for 10 weeks. The results obtained showed that the hypercaloric diet is efficient to develop the metabolic alterations present in MetS, better results were observed in male mice, which is why the use in this genus is suggested to avoid the hormonal changes present in adult females.

Resumo Atualmente, a cultura ambiental é uma questão relevante e prioritária em todo o mundo. Sua importância reside no fato de que, com uma consciência crítica, eventos recentes que afetam o meio ambiente podem ser interrompidos. Nesse sentido, é necessário focar a educação ambiental na formação de valores e conscientização para criar atitudes favoráveis com o planeta. Esse tópico é incorporado aos programas de ensino médio e é interessante saber como é ensinado pelos professores. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as técnicas de ensino utilizadas pelo professor e descobrir se elas permitem o desenvolvimento de pensamento crítico e reflexão sobre o cuidado com o meio ambiente em alunos do ensino médio. Consequentemente, foi considerado prioritário explorar a maneira pela qual os alunos concebem a educação ambiental que recebem na sala de aula e como isso afeta seu comportamento diário. A pesquisa foi quantitativa-explicativa. Foram pesquisados dois professores da disciplina de Ciências I. Os principais resultados mostraram que o caminho pelo qual o professor os leva à reflexão é por meio de técnicas como o debate direcionado. Isso permite que os alunos aprendam sobre os problemas, além de discutir e refletir sobre sua maneira de agir. Além disso, ao perguntar sobre a maneira como o professor ensina a classe, as porcentagens sugerem que, quando os alunos não têm informações claras, há uma explicação oportuna. Portanto, os resultados sugerem que as técnicas utilizadas pelos professores no ensino médio em geral permitem que os alunos desenvolvam um pensamento crítico sobre o cuidado com o meio ambiente.

Abstract Nowadays, environmental culture is a relevant and priority issue all around the globe. Its relevance lays on the recent events that affect the environment and that could be prevented. Accordingly, it is necessary to focus environmental education towards the formation of values and raising awareness to create beneficial attitudes towards the planet. In middle school education study programs this topic is included; therefore, it is interesting to explore how teachers teach it. The main objective of this study was to analyze the teaching techniques used by the middle school teacher to understand if they allow the development of a critical thinking and reflection on environmental care in middle school students. Therefore, we consider as a priority to explore the way in which students conceive the environmental education they receive in the classroom, and how it influences their daily behavior. This research was quantitative-explanatory. Two professors of the science courses were surveyed. The main results show that the teacher leads them to reflection through techniques such as moderated discussions. This allows students to learn about problems, discuss their importance and reflect on their way of acting. In addition, when asking about the way in which the teacher teaches the class, the percentages suggest that when students do not have clear information, there is a timely explanation. Therefore, the results suggest that the techniques used by teachers in general middle school allow students to develop critical thinking about the care of the environment.

Resumen La cultura ambiental actualmente es un tema relevante y prioritario alrededor del mundo. Su importancia recae en que, con una conciencia crítica, los recientes sucesos que afectan el medio ambiente pueden interrumpirse. En este sentido, es necesario enfocar la educación ambiental hacia la formación de valores y concientización para crear actitudes favorables con el planeta. En los programas de estudio de educación secundaria se incorpora este tema, y resulta interesante saber cómo se enseña por parte de los profesores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo principal analizar las técnicas de enseñanza que utiliza el docente y descubrir si estas permiten desarrollar un pensamiento crítico y de reflexión respecto al cuidado del ambiente en estudiantes de secundaria. Consecuentemente, se consideró prioritario explorar la manera en la que los alumnos conciben la educación ambiental que reciben en el aula, y de qué forma impacta en su conducta diaria. La investigación fue de tipo cuantitativa-explicativa. Se encuestó a dos profesores de la asignatura de Ciencias I. Los principales resultados arrojaron que el camino mediante el cual el profesor los lleva a la reflexión es a través de técnicas como el debate dirigido. Esto les permite a los alumnos informarse sobre problemáticas, al igual que debatir y reflexionar sobre su forma de actuar. Asimismo, al preguntar sobre la forma en cómo el docente imparte la clase, los porcentajes apuntan a que, cuando los alumnos no cuentan con información clara, hay una explicación oportuna. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren que las técnicas que utilizan los docentes en la secundaria general permiten que los estudiantes desarrollen un pensamiento crítico sobre el cuidado del medio ambiente.

Abstract Background From the first reports of the linguist Noam Chomsky it has become clear that the development of language has an important genetic component. Several reports in families have shown the relationship between language disorders and genetic polymorphisms. The FOXP2 gene has been a fundamental piece for the understanding of language development. This gene codes for a transcription factor containing a forkhead domain of DNA binding and participates in the regulation of the expression of a large number of genes involved in the embryonic development of fundamental neuronal structures needed for the development of speech and language. Objective To present an updated view of the relationship between FOXP2 and language alterations in psychiatric pathology. Method Narrative review of information reported in databases on the recent advances supporting genetic participation in language disorders of psychiatric illness. Results Update of content related to FOXP2 and its participation in language alterations in psychiatric diseases. Discussion and conclusion Advances in the genetic study of language disorders in psychiatric pathology open up new avenues of investigation that allow us to explore how language emerged and how it evolved, as well as to carry out comparative studies on the structure and functioning of genes to approach the understanding of this complex characteristic that makes us human.

Resumen Antecedentes Desde los primeros reportes del lingüista Noam Chomsky ha quedado claro que el desarrollo del lenguaje tiene un importante componente genético. Diversos reportes en familias han mostrado la relación entre los trastornos del lenguaje y ciertos marcadores genéticos. El gen FOXP2 ha sido una pieza fundamental para entender el desarrollo del lenguaje. Se trata de un gen que codifica para un factor de transcripción con un dominio forkhead de unión al DNA y que participa en la regulación de la expresión de un gran número de genes durante el desarrollo embrionario de estructuras neuronales fundamentales para el desarrollo del habla y el lenguaje. Objetivo Presentar un panorama actualizado de la relación del gen FOXP2 en las alteraciones del lenguaje en la patología psiquiátrica. Método Revisión narrativa de la información reportada en diversas bases de datos sobre los recientes avances que soportan la participación genética en las alteraciones del lenguaje presentes en enfermedades psiquiátricas. Resultados Actualización del contenido relacionado con el gen FOXP2 y su participación en las alteraciones del lenguaje en las enfermedades psiquiátricas. Discusión y conclusión Los avances en el estudio genético de las alteraciones del lenguaje en la patología psiquiátrica abren nuevos caminos de investigación que permiten explorar cómo surgió y cómo ha evolucionado el lenguaje, así como para llevar a cabo estudios comparativos sobre la estructura y el funcionamiento de genes para aproximarse al entendimiento de esta compleja característica que nos hace humanos.

Abstract In this study, the survival and proteolysis of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei Shirota and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were measured in fermented milks enriched with agave juice and inulin. Fermentations were terminated at pH 4.5 and stored for 21 days at 4 °C. Survival was determined by viable count in MRS-agar. The production of free amino groups was performed by the TNBS method and peptide separation was performed by SDS-PAGE. During fermentation, pH decreased faster in milk with agave juice than with inulin. There was no significant difference in the concentration of free amino groups (0.632 ± 0.007 and 0.627 ± 0.007 mg/L) between the two fermentation systems for any microorganism. The concentration of lactic acid bacteria in the presence of agave juice was higher than the recommended concentration for probiotic foods (7.59 log CFU/mL for L. rhamnosus GG and 8.26 log CFU/mL for L. casei Shirota). The production of free amino groups and peptides of low molecular weight continued in refrigeration and was higher in systems with agave juice. This could represent a proteolytic activation in the presence of this carbon source. The results showed that agave juice might be a functional ingredient with prebiotic character in symbiotic systems.

Abstract: Introduction: The study of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) at the genetic level is extremely important to understand their origin. In Mexico, there are few works addressed from this perspective. Objective: We investigated the role of the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene variant rs6265 G/A for single nucleotide polymorphism analysis in Mexican children with ASD using a case-control association design. Method: We made a pilot study by case-control analysis adjusting by gender, age, and ancestry. Results: Our study found no association between the BDNF rs6265 gene polymorphism and ASD [p = .419, OR = 1.597 (.514, 4.967)] Discussion and conclusion: Worldwide, the results of case-control association studies with the rs6265 of BDNF are controversial and do not always replicate. This may be due to the ethnicity of our population and additional factors not studied in the present work. Our study suggests that the SNP rs6265 is not contributing for ASD susceptibility in Mexican population.

Resumen: Introducción: El estudio de los trastornos del espectro autista a nivel genético es de suma importancia para entender su origen. En México existen pocos trabajos abordados desde esta perspectiva. Objetivo: Investigamos el papel de la variante del gen rs6265 G/A del factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF) para el análisis del polimorfismo de un solo nucleótido en niños mexicanos con TEA por medio de un diseño de asociación de casos y controles. Método: Realizamos un estudio piloto mediante un análisis de casos y controles ajustando por género, edad y ancestría. Resultados: Nuestro estudio no encontró asociación entre el polimorfismo del gen BDNF rs6265 y TEA [p = .419, OR = 1.597 (.514, 4.967)]. Discusión y conclusión: A nivel mundial, los resultados de estudios de asociación caso-control con el rs6265 de BDNF son controvertidos y no siempre se replican. Esto puede deberse a la etnicidad de nuestra población y a otros factores no estudiados en el presente trabajo. El estudio sugiere que el SNP rs6265 no contribuye a la susceptibilidad al TEA en población mexicana.

This paper documents the richness of vertebrates in reforested woodlands inside the Nevado de Toluca National Park, State of Mexico, Mexico. A total of 85 species were identified, of which 24 species are endemic to Mexico, 14 species are in some risk category according to NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and 3 species in the IUCN Red List. Even though the study area accounts for 0.42% of the total area of the Nevado de Toluca National Park, the richness of vertebrates in this area includes 11.37% of the total richness in the State of Mexico, highlighting the importance of the area and an urgent need to establish management strategies for its conservation.

Este trabajo documenta la riqueza específica de vertebrados de un bosque reforestado del Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca (PNNT) Estado de México, México. Se identificaron 85 especies totales, de las cuales 24 especies son endémicas de México, 14 especies se encuentran en alguna categoría de riesgo de acuerdo con la NOM-059 (SEMARNAT, 2010) y 3 especies en la lista roja de la UICN. Aun cuando la zona de estudio representa apenas el 0.42% de la superficie total del PNNT, la riqueza de vertebrados encontrada constituye el 11.37% de la riqueza total en el Estado de México, lo cual destaca la importancia de este espacio y una urgente necesidad de establecer estrategias de manejo que garanticen la conservación de las especies y su hábitat.

Seventeen variables were evaluated as possible risk factors for the intradomiciliary infestation with Triatoma dimidiata in 644 houses in Jutiapa, Guatemala. During 2004 the houses were assessed for vector presence and evaluated for hygiene, cluttering, material comfort, construction conditions and number of inhabitants, among other factors. Chi-square analysis detected significant associations between vector presence and eight variables related to domestic sanitary and construction conditions. Log-linear models showed that regardless of the age of the house, the odds of vector presence were 4.3 and 10 times lower in houses with a good socioeconomic status compared with poor and very poor houses respectively. Log-linear models also pointed to a greater chance of vector presence when walls lacked plastering (3.85 times) or walls had low quality-incomplete plastering (4.56 times), compared with walls that were completely plastered. Control strategies against T. dimidiata should include the introduction of better-quality but inexpensive plastering formulations and better sanitation practices should also be promoted among the population. Such control strategies should not only reduce or eliminate infestation, but also prevent vector reinfestation.

Seiscientas cuarenta y cuatro casas en Jutiapa, Guatemala fueron encuestadas en el año 2004 para buscar el vector de la enfermedad de Chagas Triatoma dimidiata. Diecisiete variables relacionadas con las condiciones estructurales y de higiene de las casas fueron registradas y evaluadas como factores de riesgo para la infestación intradomiciliar con T. dimidiata. Análisis chi-cuadrado detectaron asociaciones significativas entre la presencia del vector y 8 de estas variables. En modelos log-lineares se detectó, que sin importar la antigüedad de la casa, las posibilidades de presencia del vector fueron 4,3 y 10 veces más bajas en casas con un buen estado socioeconómico que en casas pobres o muy pobres, respectivamente. Además, las posibilidades de infestación fueron mayores en casas con paredes sin repello (3,85 veces) o con repellado incompleto o de mala calidad (4,56 veces), que con repellado completo. Las estrategias para el control de T. dimidiata deberían incluir la introducción de repellos baratos y de buena calidad y la promoción de mejores prácticas sanitarias. Estas estrategias no solo reducirían o eliminaría la infestación, sino también ayudaría a prevenir la reinfestación.

A degradação ou ausência de reboco nas paredes e as condições higiênicas deficientes são os fatores de risco mais importantes para a infestação intradomiciliar por Triatoma dimidiata na Guatemala. Realizamos um estudo transdisciplinar sobre infestação por T. dimidiata, higiene intradomiciliar e condições de construção. O estudo destacou as questões de materiais locais e aspectos culturais (inclusive papéis de gênero) que poderiam levar a melhorias nas condições das paredes no longo prazo. Formulou-se uma nova mistura de gesso para paredes, após estudos de laboratório sobre materiais de construção com base em recomendações dos residentes locais. Foram estudados quatro vilarejos com infestação por T. dimidiata que havia persistido mesmo após aplicação de inseticida. Em duas comunidades, foi implementada uma abordagem ecossistêmica, e os residentes implementaram melhorias nas paredes e no saneamento domiciliar, com o apoio da equipe interdisciplinar (intervenção ecossistêmica). Nas duas outras comunidades, adotou-se uma estratégia de controle com base na aplicação de inseticida (intervenção tradicional). Ambas as intervenções levaram a uma redução na infestação por T. dimidiata, mas apenas a abordagem ecossistêmica produziu melhorias importantes nas condições de moradia (saneamento e revestimento das paredes) capazes de prevenir a re-infestação por T. dimidiata no longo prazo.

The deterioration or absence of plaster walls in houses and poor hygienic conditions are the most important risk factors for indoor Triatoma dimidiata infestation in Guatemala. A cross-disciplinary study was conducted addressing T. dimidiata infestation, household hygiene, and housing construction. The study focused on local materials and cultural aspects (including gender roles) that could lead to long-term improvements in wall construction. A new plaster mix for walls was developed on the basis of laboratory studies on construction materials recommended by local villagers. Four villages with persistent (post-spraying) T. dimidiata infestation were studied. In two villages, an ecosystem approach was implemented, and the homeowners conducted wall improvements and household sanitation with the support of the interdisciplinary team (the ecosystem intervention). In the other two villages, a vector control approach based on insecticide spraying was adopted (traditional intervention). Both interventions were associated with a reduction in T. dimidiata infestation, but only the ecosystem approach produced important housing improvements (sanitation and wall construction) capable of preventing T. dimidiata re-infestation in the long term.

Seventeen variables were evaluated as possible risk factors for the intradomiciliary infestation with Triatoma dimidiata in 644 houses in Jutiapa, Guatemala. During 2004 the houses were assessed for vector presence and evaluated for hygiene, cluttering, material comfort, construction conditions and number of inhabitants, among other factors. Chi-square analysis detected significant associations between vector presence and eight variables related to domestic sanitary and construction conditions. Log-linear models showed that regardless of the age of the house, the odds of vector presence were 4.3 and 10 times lower in houses with a good socioeconomic status compared with poor and very poor houses respectively. Log-linear models also pointed to a greater chance of vector presence when walls lacked plastering (3.85 times) or walls had low quality-incomplete plastering (4.56 times), compared with walls that were completely plastered. Control strategies against T. dimidiata should include the introduction of better-quality but inexpensive plastering formulations and better sanitation practices should also be promoted among the population. Such control strategies should not only reduce or eliminate infestation, but also prevent vector reinfestation.

Seiscientas cuarenta y cuatro casas en Jutiapa, Guatemala fueron encuestadas en el año 2004 para buscar el vector de la enfermedad de Chagas Triatoma dimidiata. Diecisiete variables relacionadas con las condiciones estructurales y de higiene de las casas fueron registradas y evaluadas como factores de riesgo para la infestación intradomiciliar con T. dimidiata. Análisis chi-cuadrado detectaron asociaciones significativas entre la presencia del vector y 8 de estas variables. En modelos log-lineares se detectó, que sin importar la antigüedad de la casa, las posibilidades de presencia del vector fueron 4,3 y 10 veces más bajas en casas con un buen estado socioeconómico que en casas pobres o muy pobres, respectivamente. Además, las posibilidades de infestación fueron mayores en casas con paredes sin repello (3,85 veces) o con repellado incompleto o de mala calidad (4,56 veces), que con repellado completo. Las estrategias para el control de T. dimidiata deberían incluir la introducción de repellos baratos y de buena calidad y la promoción de mejores prácticas sanitarias. Estas estrategias no solo reducirían o eliminaría la infestación, sino también ayudaría a prevenir la reinfestación.

A degradação ou ausência de reboco nas paredes e as condições higiênicas deficientes são os fatores de risco mais importantes para a infestação intradomiciliar por Triatoma dimidiata na Guatemala. Realizamos um estudo transdisciplinar sobre infestação por T. dimidiata, higiene intradomiciliar e condições de construção. O estudo destacou as questões de materiais locais e aspectos culturais (inclusive papéis de gênero) que poderiam levar a melhorias nas condições das paredes no longo prazo. Formulou-se uma nova mistura de gesso para paredes, após estudos de laboratório sobre materiais de construção com base em recomendações dos residentes locais. Foram estudados quatro vilarejos com infestação por T. dimidiata que havia persistido mesmo após aplicação de inseticida. Em duas comunidades, foi implementada uma abordagem ecossistêmica, e os residentes implementaram melhorias nas paredes e no saneamento domiciliar, com o apoio da equipe interdisciplinar (intervenção ecossistêmica). Nas duas outras comunidades, adotou-se uma estratégia de controle com base na aplicação de inseticida (intervenção tradicional). Ambas as intervenções levaram a uma redução na infestação por T. dimidiata, mas apenas a abordagem ecossistêmica produziu melhorias importantes nas condições de moradia (saneamento e revestimento das paredes) capazes de prevenir a re-infestação por T. dimidiata no longo prazo.

The deterioration or absence of plaster walls in houses and poor hygienic conditions are the most important risk factors for indoor Triatoma dimidiata infestation in Guatemala. A cross-disciplinary study was conducted addressing T. dimidiata infestation, household hygiene, and housing construction. The study focused on local materials and cultural aspects (including gender roles) that could lead to long-term improvements in wall construction. A new plaster mix for walls was developed on the basis of laboratory studies on construction materials recommended by local villagers. Four villages with persistent (post-spraying) T. dimidiata infestation were studied. In two villages, an ecosystem approach was implemented, and the homeowners conducted wall improvements and household sanitation with the support of the interdisciplinary team (the ecosystem intervention). In the other two villages, a vector control approach based on insecticide spraying was adopted (traditional intervention). Both interventions were associated with a reduction in T. dimidiata infestation, but only the ecosystem approach produced important housing improvements (sanitation and wall construction) capable of preventing T. dimidiata re-infestation in the long term.