Apples possess many beneficial properties for the human health related with their high content in phenolic compounds. The antimicrobial effect of these compounds from the skin of two apple varieties, Royal Gala and Granny Smith, against human pathogens was examined. The phenolic compounds were extracted with the following solvents: A, acetone: water: acetic acid; B, ethyl acetate: methanol: water and C, ethanol: water. Total phenolic, flavonoid and non-flavonoid contents were analyzed in the extracts. The antimicrobial effect was determined using the agar diffusion method. The highest inhibitory effect of both apple varieties corresponded to extract A, which contained a high phenolic content. The Granny Smith extracts with higher phenolic content presented a superior antimicrobial effect against the selected microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Listeria monocytogenes. The most sensitive microorganisms were Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, whereas the most resistant strains were Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 and Escherichia coli. The results obtained demonstrate a direct relationship between the phenolic content of the extracts and the antimicrobial effect.

Objective. To identify the critical points of the trajectories of the families of persons with AIDS which may serve as a basis to develop educational and support programs. Theory and methods. A qualitative investigation was conducted in 1995 in Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, State of Mexico, Mexico. Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP) were applied to determine the social, economic, demographic and cultural context of persons with HIV/AIDS in the community. Forty-six in-depth interviews were applied to persons with AIDS, their families and people from their social networks. Results. The main aspects of the family response to the HIV/AIDS are characterized, and it is demonstrated that it is possible to identify critical points in such a response which can be targeted through specific interventions. In Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, a context of poverty, a migrating tradition, and gender social relations are the basis of the acceptance or rejection of persons with AIDS. The main finding refers to the ambiguos attitude, ranging from rejection to support, displayed by family members of persons with AIDS. This pattern varies according to the history and specific conditions of each family.Conclusions. Specific health interventions are proposed to support families with one or more persons with AIDS.

Objetivo. Identificar los puntos críticos en la trayectoria de los familiares de personas VIH positivas y con SIDA, que pueden servir de base para desarrollar intervenciones educativas y de apoyo material y emocional por parte de las instituciones y asociaciones civiles cuya labor se vincula con esta enfermedad. Teoría y métodos. En 1995, se realizó una investigación cualitativa en Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, Estado de México. Se aplicaron técnicas de diagnóstico rápido para definir el contexto socioeconómico, demográfico y cultural del VIH/SIDA en la comunidad; se realizaron 46 entrevistas a profundidad a enfermos de VIH/SIDA, sus familiares y miembros de su red social. Resultados. Se caracterizan los principales puntos de la respuesta familiar ante el VIH/SIDA, y se demuestra que es posible identificar puntos críticos en la respuesta familiar, así como las reacciones hacia sus miembros enfermos de VIH/SIDA. En Ciudad Netzahualcóyotl, el contexto familiar de pobreza, tradición migratoria y las condicionantes diferenciales de género fundamentan el apoyo y el rechazo en las relaciones familiares de las personas enfermas. El principal descubrimiento revela que las relaciones familiares para con la persona enferma son ambiguas, y pasan del apoyo al rechazo. Este patrón varía de acuerdo con la historia familiar y las condiciones de cada familia. Conclusiones. Se proponen algunas intervenciones específicas en salud necesarias para brindar apoyo a las familias con uno o más miembros infectados por el VIH/SIDA.