Improvement of digital Gabor holographic microscopy using a lens in plankton studies.

This work utilizes a Gabor Holographic Optical Scheme integrated with a microscope objective and a thin convex plane lens. This bi-telecentric lens system corrects spherical aberration from the objective, maintains consistent magnification across various reconstruction distances, and ensures a plane incidence on CMOS. Depending on the focal lengths of the objective and lens, the final image can be enlarged or reduced compared to the classic Gabor system, resulting in high-quality reconstructed phase images without spherical aberration. This setup was employed to capture phase distribution and intensity images of planktonic objects, such as copepods, achieving superior image quality.

Effect of Water Absorption and Stacking Sequences on the Tensile Properties and Damage Mechanisms of Hybrid Polyester/Glass/Jute Composites.

The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of polyester/glass fiber/jute fiber hybrid composites obtained using the compression molding and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) techniques with different stacking sequences. For this purpose, the mechanical behavior under tensile stress of the samples was evaluated before and after hygrothermal aging at different temperatures: TA, 50 °C, and 70 °C for a period of 696 h. The damage mechanism after the mechanical tests was evaluated using SEM analysis. The results showed a tendency for the mechanical properties of the composites to decrease with exposure to an aqueous ambient, regardless of the molding technique used to conform the composites. It was also observed that the stacking sequence had no significant influence on the dry composites. However, exposure to the aqueous ambient led to a reduction in mechanical properties, both for the molding technique and the stacking sequence. Damage such as delamination, fiber pull-out, fiber/matrix detachment, voids, and matrix removal were observed in the composites in the SEM analyses.

Influence of Bentonite Particles on the Mechanical Properties of Polyester-Sisal Fiber Composites.

As a part of the mission to create materials that are more environmentally friendly, we present the following proposal, in which a study of the mechanical properties of composite materials comprising a polyester resin with sisal fiber and bentonite particles was conducted. Sisal fiber was added to a matrix in percentages ranging from 5% to 45% in relation to the polyester resin weight, while bentonite remained fixed at 7% in relation to the polyester resin weight. The specimens were manufactured by compression molding. The mechanical properties were analyzed by tensile, bending, impact, stepped creep, and relaxation tests. In addition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses were carried out to analyze the composition and heterogeneity of the structure of the composite material. The results obtained showed that 7% of bentonite added to the matrix affects the tensile strength. Flexural strength increased by up to 21% in the specimens with a 20% addition of sisal fiber, while the elastic modulus increased by up to 43% in the case of a 20% addition of sisal fiber. The viscoelastic behavior was improved, while the relaxation stress was affected.

Development of an Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composite with Astrocaryum Aculeatum (Tucumã) Endocarp and Kaolin from the Amazonas State in Brazil.

Composites with natural lignocellulosic fillers are being cited as a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional materials, as they combine lower costs with lower weight. In many tropical countries, such as Brazil, there is a considerable amount of lignocellulosic waste that is improperly discarded, which causes pollution of the environment. The Amazon region has huge deposits of clay silicate materials in the Negro River basin, such as kaolin, which can be used as fillers in polymeric composite materials. This work investigates a new composite material (ETK) made of epoxy resin (ER), powdered tucumã endocarp (PTE), and kaolin (K), without coupling agents, with the aim of producing a composite with lower environmental impact. The ETK samples, totaling 25 different compositions, were prepared by cold molding. Characterizations of the samples were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). In addition, the mechanical properties were determined via tensile, compressive, three-point flexural and impact tests. The FTIR and SEM results showed an interaction between ER, PTE, and K, and the incorporation of PTE and K reduced the mechanical properties of the ETK samples. Nonetheless, these composites can be considered potential materials to be used for sustainable engineering applications in which high mechanical strength is not a main requirement of the material.

Effect of Nanometric Particles of Bentonite on the Mechanical Properties of a Thermoset Polymeric Matrix Reinforced with Hemp Fibers.

The influence of the addition of bentonite nanoparticles on the tensile and flexural strength of a thermosetting polymer matrix composite material reinforced with hemp fibers was de-terminated. All composites were manufactured with 5% of bentonite in the polymer mass-weight ratios and 10 to 45 wt% of fibers with a step of 5%. For mechanical characterization, tensile and flexural tests were performed: scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses were carried out. The tensile strength of the samples containing bentonite compared to the polymer samples with the fiber addition was affected for all fiber addition percentages, except for 35% while the flexural resistance improved with the addition of bentonite in the percentages of 20, 30, 35, and 45% of fiber addition. With the addition of bentonite, the maximum values of tensile and flexural strength were both obtained for the 35% addition of fibers, with values of 34.28 MPa and 98.04 MPa, respectively. The presence of bentonite favored the rigidity of the material to traction and bending, which was reflected through an increase in the elastic modulus compared to the composite that only had fiber. The maximum values obtained were 9065 MPa in tension and 8453 MPa in flexion for the 40% and 35% of addition of fiber, respectively. Microscopy showed a good distribution of fibers in the matrix, the absence of internal porosities, and a good interaction between matrix and reinforcement.

Parameter Identification of Fractional Index Viscoelastic Model for Vegetable-Fiber Reinforced Composite.

In the present work, parameters for adapting the behavior of the uniaxial three-element viscoelastic constitutive model with integer and fractional index derivatives to the mechanical evolution of an epoxy-composite material reinforced with long random henequen fibers, were determined. Cyclic loading-unloading with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, …, 1.0% controlled strain and staggered fluency experiments at 5 MPa, 10 MPa, and 15 MPa constant tension were performed in stages, and the obtained data were used to determine and validate the model's parameter values. The Inverse Method of Identification was used to calculate the parameters, and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method was employed to achieve minimization of the error function. A comparison between the simulated uniaxial results and the experimental data is demonstrated graphically. There exists a strong dependence between properties of the composite and the fiber content (0 wt%, 9 wt%, 14 wt%, 22 wt%, and 28 wt% weight percentage fiber/matrix), and therefore also of the model parameter values. Both uniaxial models follow the viscoelastic behavior of the material and the fractional index version presents the best accuracy. The latter method was noted to be adequate for determination of the aforementioned constants using non-large experimental data and procedures that are easy to implement.

Interfacial Forces in Free-Standing Layers of Melted Polyethylene, from Critical to Nanoscopic Thicknesses.

Molecular dynamics simulations of ultrathin free-standing layers made of melted (373.15-673.15 K) polyethylene chains, which exhibit a lower melting temperature (compared to the bulk value), were carried out to investigate the dominant pressure forces that shape the conformation of chains at the interfacial and bulk liquid regions. We investigated layer thicknesses, tL, from the critical limit of mechanical stability up to lengths of tens of nm and found a normal distribution of bonds dominated by slightly stretched chains across the entire layer, even at large temperatures. In the bulk region, the contribution of bond vibrations to pressure was one order of magnitude larger than the contributions from interchain interactions, which changed from cohesive to noncohesive at larger temperatures just at a transition temperature that was found to be close to the experimentally derived onset temperature for thermal stability. The interchain interactions produced noncohesive interfacial regions at all temperatures in both directions (normal and lateral to the surface layer). Predictions for the value of the surface tension, γ, were consistent with experimental results and were independent of tL. However, the real interfacial thickness-measured from the outermost part of the interface up to the point where γ reached its maximum value-was found to be dependent on tL, located at a distance of 62 Šfrom the Gibbs dividing surface in the largest layer studied (1568 chains or 313,600 bins); this was ~4 times the length of the interfacial thickness measured in the density profiles.

Stability of Non-Concentric, Multilayer, and Fully Aligned Porous MoS2 Nanotubes.

Nanotubes made of non-concentric and multiple small layers of porous MoS2 contain inner pores suitable for membrane applications. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations using reactive potentials were employed to estimate the stability of the nanotubes and how their stability compares to macroscopic single- (1L) and double-layer MoS2 flakes. The observed stability was explained in terms of several analyses that focused on the size of the area of full-covered layers, number of layers, polytype, and size of the holes in the 1L flakes. The reactive potential used in this work reproduced experimental results that have been previously reported, including the small dependency of the stability on the polytype, the formation of S-S bonds between inter- and intra-planes, and the limit of stability for two concentric rings forming a single ring-like flake.

Critical Thickness of Free-Standing Nanothin Films Made of Melted Polyethylene Chains via Molecular Dynamics.

The mechanical stability of nanothin free-standing films made of melted polyethylene chains was predicted via molecular dynamics simulations in the range of 373.15-673.15 K. The predicted critical thickness, tc, increased with the square of the temperature, T, with additional chains needed as T increased. From T = 373.15 K up to the thermal limit of stability for polyethylene, tc values were in the range of nanothin thicknesses (3.42-5.63 nm), which approximately corresponds to 44-55 chains per 100 nm2. The density at the center of the layer and the interfacial properties studied (density profiles, interfacial thickness, and radius of gyration) showed independence from the film thickness at the same T. The polyethylene layer at its tc showed a lower melting T (<373.15 K) than bulk polyethylene.

Cáncer de colon en las fronteras de México / Colon cancer on the Mexican Border States

Resumen Introducción: Uno de los retos que se identifican para diseñar estrategias efectivas de control del cáncer de colon a escala global es el contar con instrumentos de monitoreo que permitan medir su evolución. Objetivo: Proveer evidencia para el monitoreo de la mortalidad por cáncer de colon en México integrando la dimensión espacial y temporal en un periodo de 17 años comprendido en 1998 y 2015. Metodología: Los microdatos analizados provienen de los registros de defunciones documentadas por los establecimientos de servicios médicos de las instituciones públicas del país. Este segmento representa la principal vía de atención médica en el país, por lo que el alcance de los resultados se acota al panorama que aporta el sector salud público en el país. Los datos se recopilan a través del Sistema Nacional de Información de Salud y el abordaje de la investigación es cuantitativo. Resultados: Se encontró un comportamiento diferenciado a escala regional en conjunto con desequilibrios en las capacidades de atención en las regiones de contraste, donde las entidades ubicadas de la frontera norte exhiben las mayores tasas de mortalidad en particular el caso de Chihuahua con una tasa de 68 para la población masculina y 49 para mujeres. Conclusiones: La evidencia encontrada es un insumo para orientar acciones de control en poblaciones específicas. La situación del sector privado no se aborda en el presente trabajo, por lo que se reconoce como una debilidad de la investigación.

Abstract Introduction: One of the challenges identified to design effective colon cancer control strategies on a global scale is to have monitoring instruments to measure its evolution. Objective: To provide evidence for the monitoring of mortality from colon cancer in Mexico, integrating the spatial and temporal dimension in a 17-year period from 1998 to 2015. Methodology: The micro data analyzed comes from the death records documented by the establishments of medical services of the country's public institutions, this segment represents the main health care provider in the country. Therefore, the scope of the results is limited to the population that receives health care by the public health sector in the country. The data collection is made through the National Health Information System and the research approach is quantitative. Results: Document a differentiated behavior at the regional scale, together with imbalances in the health care capacity for the border regions studied, where the states on the northern border exhibit the highest mortality rates, a particular high rate is found in Chihuahua State where a mortality rate of 68 Males and 49 for Females is found. Conclusions: The evidence found is a data driven source to guide control actions in specific populations, that may improve resource allocation. The private sector segment is not addressed by this study, a fact that represents a weakness of the research related to available data sources.

Recursos para la evaluación de la política pública en materia de cáncer de pulmón en México

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Estimar las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por estructura de edad por cáncer de pulmón para los 32 estados del país en el periodo entre1998 y 2017; contrastar la distribución territorial de la demanda por servicios oncológicos respecto a la disponibilidad de especialistas para atención y determinar la capacidad predictiva de 3 diferentes algoritmos de clasificación supervisada en el contexto de técnicas de aprendizaje automatizado. Métodos. Se realizo un análisis exploratorio y modelación de datos considerando los registros de mortalidad consignados por el sistema nacional de información en salud. Resultados. La tasa de mortalidad por cáncer de pulmón en México observó una reducción de 14,5% entre el periodo previo a la implementación de la Ley General para el Control del Tabaco y el periodo posterior. Una reducción para la población masculina equivalente a 22% en todo el periodo. Se obtiene evidencia de un desequilibrio entre demanda de servicios oncológicos y disponibilidad de especialistas. La fase de modelación permitió demostrar la utilidad de los registros electrónicos de mortalidad disponibles en el país. Conclusiones. A pesar de las reducciones en las últimas dos décadas en los patrones de mortalidad por cáncer de pulmón en México, el análisis, muestra que persisten áreas de oportunidad, principalmente entre la población femenina de los estados de Guerrero, Oaxaca y Puebla. Determinar si estos patrones se asocian con hábitos del tabaquismo o bien a otros determinantes sociales, constituye la principal recomendación para la dirección de los esfuerzos de atención de esta enfermedad oncológica en México derivada de esta investigación.

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. To estimate lung cancer mortality rates adjusted by age distribution for the country’s 32 states between 1998 and 2017; to contrast the territorial distribution of demand for oncological services with the availability of specialists to provide care; and to determine the predictive capacity of three different supervised classification algorithms in the context of automated learning techniques. Methods. An exploratory analysis and data modeling were conducted, considering death records from the national health information system. Results. Deaths from lung cancer in Mexico dropped by 14.5% between the period prior to implementation of the General Law on Tobacco Control and the subsequent period. A 22% reduction was observed in the male population by the end of the entire period. There is evidence of an imbalance between the demand for oncological services and the availability of specialists. The modeling phase demonstrated the usefulness of the country’s electronic death records. Conclusions. Despite reductions in lung cancer mortality patterns in Mexico in the last two decades, the analysis showed persistent areas of opportunity for improvement, mainly in the female population of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Puebla states. Based on this research, the main recommendation for focusing efforts to manage this oncological disease in Mexico is to determine whether these patterns are associated with smoking habits or with other social determinants.

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Estimar o índice de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão, ajustado pela estrutura etária, nos 32 estados do México no período entre 1998 e 2017, comparar a distribuição territorial da demanda por serviços oncológicos com a disponibilidade de especialistas e determinar a capacidade preditiva de 3 algoritmos utilizados na classificação supervisionada no contexto de técnicas de aprendizagem automatizada. Métodos. Realizou-se uma análise exploratória e modelagem de dados dos registros de mortalidade cedidos pelo sistema nacional de informação em saúde. Resultados. Houve uma redução de 14,5% no índice de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão no México entre o período pré-implementação da Lei Geral para o Controle do Tabaco e o período pós-implementação. Verificou-se uma redução de 22% da mortalidade na população masculina em todo o período considerado. Evidenciou-se desequilíbrio entre a demanda por serviços oncológicos e a disponibilidade de especialistas. A fase de modelagem permitiu demonstrar a utilidade dos registros eletrônicos de mortalidade existentes no país. Conclusões. Apesar da redução nos padrões de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão no México nas últimas duas décadas, a análise demonstrou que persistem áreas de oportunidade, sobretudo na população feminina nos estados de Guerrero, Oaxaca e Puebla. Determinar se estes padrões estão associados ao tabagismo ou a outros determinantes sociais é a principal recomendação desta pesquisa para guiar os esforços de atenção ao câncer no México.

Identification of Genetic Susceptibility Factors Associated with Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.

Canine gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common life-threatening condition occurring primarily in large and giant breeds with a 3.9% to 36.7% lifetime risk. The genetic correlates of GDV have not previously been systematically explored. We undertook an inter-breed genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of 253 dogs from ten breeds including 106 healthy dogs and 147 dogs with at least one GDV episode. SNP array genotyping followed by imputation was conducted on 241 samples to identify GDV-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs). A subset of 33 dogs (15 healthy dogs and 18 GDV patients from the three most represented breeds) was characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). After genome-wide Bonferroni correction, we identified a significant putatively protective intergenic SNP (rs851737064) across all breeds. The signal was most significant in Collies, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Great Danes. Subsequent focused analysis across these three breeds identified 12 significant additional putatively protective or deleterious SNPs. Notable significant SNPs included those occurring in genes involved in gastric tone and motility including VHL, NALCN, and PRKCZ. These data provide important new clues to canine GDV risk factors and facilitate generation of hypotheses regarding the genetic and molecular underpinnings this syndrome.

[Resources for the evaluation of public policy on lung cancer in MexicoRecursos para avaliação da política pública de câncer de pulmão no México]. / Recursos para la evaluación de la política pública en materia de cáncer de pulmón en México.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate lung cancer mortality rates adjusted by age distribution for the country's 32 states between 1998 and 2017; to contrast the territorial distribution of demand for oncological services with the availability of specialists to provide care; and to determine the predictive capacity of three different supervised classification algorithms in the context of automated learning techniques. METHODS: An exploratory analysis and data modeling were conducted, considering death records from the national health information system. RESULTS: Deaths from lung cancer in Mexico dropped by 14.5% between the period prior to implementation of the General Law on Tobacco Control and the subsequent period. A 22% reduction was observed in the male population by the end of the entire period. There is evidence of an imbalance between the demand for oncological services and the availability of specialists. The modeling phase demonstrated the usefulness of the country's electronic death records. CONCLUSIONS: Despite reductions in lung cancer mortality patterns in Mexico in the last two decades, the analysis showed persistent areas of opportunity for improvement, mainly in the female population of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Puebla states. Based on this research, the main recommendation for focusing efforts to manage this oncological disease in Mexico is to determine whether these patterns are associated with smoking habits or with other social determinants.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar o índice de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão, ajustado pela estrutura etária, nos 32 estados do México no período entre 1998 e 2017, comparar a distribuição territorial da demanda por serviços oncológicos com a disponibilidade de especialistas e determinar a capacidade preditiva de 3 algoritmos utilizados na classificação supervisionada no contexto de técnicas de aprendizagem automatizada. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma análise exploratória e modelagem de dados dos registros de mortalidade cedidos pelo sistema nacional de informação em saúde. RESULTADOS: Houve uma redução de 14,5% no índice de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão no México entre o período pré-implementação da Lei Geral para o Controle do Tabaco e o período pós-implementação. Verificou-se uma redução de 22% da mortalidade na população masculina em todo o período considerado. Evidenciou-se desequilíbrio entre a demanda por serviços oncológicos e a disponibilidade de especialistas. A fase de modelagem permitiu demonstrar a utilidade dos registros eletrônicos de mortalidade existentes no país. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da redução nos padrões de mortalidade por câncer de pulmão no México nas últimas duas décadas, a análise demonstrou que persistem áreas de oportunidade, sobretudo na população feminina nos estados de Guerrero, Oaxaca e Puebla. Determinar se estes padrões estão associados ao tabagismo ou a outros determinantes sociais é a principal recomendação desta pesquisa para guiar os esforços de atenção ao câncer no México.

Reactivity of Atomically Functionalized C-Doped Boron Nitride Nanoribbons and Their Interaction with Organosulfur Compounds.

The electronic and reactivity properties of carbon doped (C-doped) boron nitride nanoribbons (BNNRs) as a function of the carbon concentration were investigated in the framework of the density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. We found that the main routes to stabilize energetically the C-doped BNNRs involve substituting boron atoms near the edges. However, the effect of doping on the electronic properties depends of the sublattice where the C atoms are located; for instance, negative doping (partial occupations of electronic states) is found replacing B atoms, whereas positive doping (partial inoccupation of electronic states) is found when replacing N atoms with respect to the pristine BNNRs. Independently of the even or odd number of dopants of the C-doped BNNRs studied in this work, the solutions of the Kohn Sham equations suggest that the most stable solution is the magnetic one. The reactivity of the C-doped BNNRs is inferred from results of the dual descriptor, and it turns out that the main electrophilic sites are located near the dopants along the C-doped BNNRs. The reactivity of these nanostructures is tested by calculating the interaction energy between undesirable organosulfur compounds present in oil fuels on the C-doped BNNRs, finding that organosulfur compounds prefer to interact over nanosurfaces with dopants substituted on the B sublattice of the C-doped BNNRs. Most importantly, the selective C doping on the BNNRs offers the opportunity to tune the properties of the BNNRs to fit novel technological applications.

Synthesis of Bioactive Side-Chain Analogues of TAN-2483B.

The fungal metabolite TAN-2483B has a 2,6-trans-relationship across the pyran ring of its furo[3,4-b]pyran-5-one core, which has thwarted previous attempts at its synthesis. We have now developed a chiral pool approach to this core and prepared side-chain analogues of TAN-2483B. The synthesis relies on ring expansion of a reactive furan ring-fused dibromocyclopropane and alkynylation of the resulting pyran. The furan ring is constructed by palladium-catalysed carbonylative lactonisation. Various side-chains are appended through Wittig-type chemistry. The prepared analogues showed micromolar activity towards cancer cell lines HL-60, 1A9 and MCF-7 and certain human disease-relevant kinases, including Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk).

Appetitive reversal learning differences of two honey bee subspecies with different foraging behaviors.

We aimed to examine mechanistically the observed foraging differences across two honey bee, Apis mellifera, subspecies using the proboscis extension response assay. Specifically, we compared differences in appetitive reversal learning ability between honey bee subspecies: Apis mellifera caucasica (Pollman), and Apis mellifera syriaca (Skorikov) in a "common garden" apiary. It was hypothesized that specific learning differences could explain previously observed foraging behavior differences of these subspecies: A.m. caucasica switches between different flower color morphs in response to reward variability, and A.m. syriaca does not switch. We suggest that flower constancy allows reduced exposure by minimizing search and handling time, whereas plasticity is important when maximizing harvest in preparation for long winter is at a premium. In the initial or Acquisition phase of the test we examined specifically discrimination learning, where bees were trained to respond to a paired conditioned stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus and not to respond to a second conditioned stimulus that is not followed by an unconditioned stimulus. We found no significant differences among the subspecies in the Acquisition phase in appetitive learning. During the second, Reversal phase of the experiment, where flexibility in association was tested, the paired and unpaired conditioned stimuli were reversed. During the Reversal phase A.m. syriaca showed a reduced ability to learn the reverse association in the appetitive learning task. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that A.m. syriaca foragers cannot change the foraging choice because of lack of flexibility in appetitive associations under changing contingencies. Interestingly, both subspecies continued responding to the previously rewarded conditioned stimulus in the reversal phase. We discuss potential ecological correlates and molecular underpinnings of these differences in learning across the two subspecies. In addition, in a supplemental experiment we demonstrated that these differences in appetitive reversal learning do not occur in other learning contexts.

Mortalidad por enfermedades hipertensivas: evidencia desde la frontera sur de México en el periodo 1998-2014 / Mortality due to hypertensive diseases: evidence from the southern border of Mexico in the period 1998-2014

RESUMEN Se analiza el patrón de mortalidad por enfermedades hipertensivas en la frontera sur de México así como su evolución en el tiempo durante el periodo 1998-2014. El énfasis se dirige a las causas Hipertensión esencial (primaria) (I10X) y Enfermedad cardíaca hipertensiva con insuficiencia cardíaca (congestiva) (I110). A partir de datos provenientes de los registros de mortalidad del Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud, se realizan dos tipos de análisis: de corte transversal y de evolución temporal. Durante el periodo de 16 años estudiado, las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por estructura de edad muestran un claro incremento. Los hallazgos sugieren que el componente de población indígena es un rasgo de importancia en la determinación del patrón de mortalidad encontrado siendo el estado de Yucatán un caso de particular atención y la población femenina la que exhibe el mayor impacto adverso.

ABSTRACT This article analyzes patterns of mortality due to hypertensive diseases in the southern border of Mexico, as well as the evolution of such mortality in the 1998-2014 period. The emphasis is directed at the causes "Essential (primary) hypertension" (I10X) and "Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure" (I110). Using data from the mortality records of the National Health Information System, two types of analyses were carried out: cross-sectional analysis and time trends. Over the 16 years included in the study, the age-adjusted mortality rates show a clear increase. The findings suggest that the higher presence of indigenous populations is a trait of importance in the determination of the mortality pattern, with the state of Yucatán a case of particular interest. In addition, it is the female population that which exhibits the greatest adverse impact.

Type 2 diabetes mortality at Mexican borders

Objective: To analyze type II diabetes mortality rates geographic distribution and evolution in time across both Mexican border regions during the period 1998-2013.Methods: The work is based on exploratory and inferential data analysis conducted using death reports from the national health information system. The analysis considers social determinants of health as a theoretical paradigm and includes microdata on consumption patterns at household level for the US-Mexico and Mexico- Guatemala border states.Results: A convergence path for type II diabetes mortality rates is found during the last 15 years between the studied border regions.Conclusions: The evidence presented indicates that the southern border states had been experiencing an epidemiologic transition towards mortality causes such as type II diabetes in the last decade. A trajectory that reflects a convergence pattern towards mortality rates found in the northern border states.

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución geográfica y evolución temporal de las tasas de mortalidad por diabetes tipo II en el periodo 1998-2013 para las regiones frontera sur y norte de México.Métodos: el trabajo se basa en el análisis exploratorio e inferencial de datos a partir de los registros de mortalidad reportados por el sistema nacional de información en salud SINAIS. El análisis retoma el paradigma teórico sobre determinantes sociales de salud por lo que se consideran microdatos sobre los patrones de consumo a nivel hogar en el contexto de la frontera México-Estados Unidos y México-Guatemala.Resultados: Se encuentra una trayectoria de convergencia durante los últimos 15 años en las tasas de mortalidad por diabetes tipo II entre las dos regiones fronterizas estudiadas.Conclusiones: La evidencia presentada indica que los estados de la frontera sur han experimentado en la última década una transición epidemiológica hacia causas de mortalidad como la diabetes tipo II, una trayectoria que muestra un patrón de convergencia con la población en la frontera norte.

[Mortality due to hypertensive diseases: evidence from the southern border of Mexico in the period 1998-2014]. / Mortalidad por enfermedades hipertensivas: evidencia desde la frontera sur de México en el periodo 1998-2014.

This article analyzes patterns of mortality due to hypertensive diseases in the southern border of Mexico, as well as the evolution of such mortality in the 1998-2014 period. The emphasis is directed at the causes "Essential (primary) hypertension" (I10X) and "Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure" (I110). Using data from the mortality records of the National Health Information System, two types of analyses were carried out: cross-sectional analysis and time trends. Over the 16 years included in the study, the age-adjusted mortality rates show a clear increase. The findings suggest that the higher presence of indigenous populations is a trait of importance in the determination of the mortality pattern, with the state of Yucatán a case of particular interest. In addition, it is the female population that which exhibits the greatest adverse impact.

Se analiza el patrón de mortalidad por enfermedades hipertensivas en la frontera sur de México así como su evolución en el tiempo durante el periodo 1998-2014. El énfasis se dirige a las causas Hipertensión esencial (primaria) (I10X) y Enfermedad cardíaca hipertensiva con insuficiencia cardíaca (congestiva) (I110). A partir de datos provenientes de los registros de mortalidad del Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud, se realizan dos tipos de análisis: de corte transversal y de evolución temporal. Durante el periodo de 16 años estudiado, las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por estructura de edad muestran un claro incremento. Los hallazgos sugieren que el componente de población indígena es un rasgo de importancia en la determinación del patrón de mortalidad encontrado siendo el estado de Yucatán un caso de particular atención y la población femenina la que exhibe el mayor impacto adverso.

[Round ligament cyst simulating incarcerated inguinal hernia. Report of a case]. / Quiste de ligamento redondo que simula hernia inguinal encarcelada. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Round ligament cysts are rare lesions, often diagnosed as irreducible inguinal hernias. Most patients are in the third to fourth decade of life, but they can occur in younger patients. They are usually clinically asymptomatic or tend to produce subtle symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a feeling of heaviness, and swelling. Cysts should not be resized with the Valsalva manoeuvre. Ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice. The definitive diagnosis is made during surgery, and confirmed by pathological examination. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of round ligament cyst, initially diagnosed as an incarcerated inguinal hernia, and a review of the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 19 year-old female, who was admitted to the emergency department due to her current condition of 5 days of onset. She had an increased volume in right inguinal region that increased with physical exertion, throbbing pain, and nausea without vomiting. A right inguinal mass of approximately of 6cm in diameter was found, which was painful on mid-superficial palpation, reaching a pre-surgical diagnosis of incarcerated right inguinal hernia with an indication of surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Round ligament cysts are a rare pathology, often confused with incarcerated inguinal hernias. Although ultrasound is the study of choice, the final diagnosis is usually made during surgery and confirmed by histopathology.