Binocular vision parameters and visual performance in bilateral keratoconus corrected with spectacles versus rigid gas-permeable contact lenses / Parámetros de visión binocular y rendimiento visual en queratocono bilateral corregido con gafas versus lentes de contacto rígidos permeables al gas

Purpose: To analyze binocular vision of individuals aged 18 to 35 years diagnosed with keratoconus, utilizing spectacles and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Research was led by the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, México and Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina Pereira, Colombia. Methods: A single center, prospective non-randomized, comparative, interventional, open-label study, in which the differences in binocular vision performance with both spectacles and RGP contact lenses was carried out from December 2018 to December 2019. Sampling was performed according to consecutive cases with keratoconus that met the inclusion criteria until the proposed sample size was reached. Results: Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses notably enhanced distance and near visual acuity in keratoconus patients compared to spectacles. Visual alignment analysis shows exophoria at both distances and is slightly higher with RGP contact lenses. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), with 82.5 % presenting compensated phoria with spectacles and pnly 42.50% with RGP contact lenses. Stereoscopic vision improved while wearing RGP contact lenses (42.59 %), although accommodation and accommodative flexibility remained within normal ranges. Conclusions: Patients with keratoconus fitted with RGP contact lenses have improved binocular vision skills such as visual acuity, stereopsis, and accommodative flexibility. However, even when the vergence and motor system is decompensated with respect to normal ranges, the range between break and recovery points for both fusional reserves and the near point of convergence (NPC) improves with the use of RGP contact lenses, giving indications of an adaptive condition of the motor system from the medium to the long term.(AU)

Estudio comparativo del dolor abdominal en las culturas maya Tzeltal, maya Tzotzil y maya Q ́eqchi ́y el uso de Ageratina ligustrina para su tratamiento / Comparative study of abdominal pain in the Mayan cultures Tzeltal, Maya Tzotzil and Maya Q ́eqchi´ and use of Ageratina ligustrina for the treatment

El presente estudio es una comparación del dolor abdominal producido por trastornos gastrointestinales, aliviado por Ageratina ligustrina , entre los grupos maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqchi ́, el cual integró un enfoque etnomédico, etnobotánico y transcultural, comparando estudios previos con el presente trabajo de campo. Para evaluar la eficacia de Ageratina para aliviar el dolor abdominal, se realizó un inventario de las moléculas reportadas en esta especie, así como de su actividad farmacológica, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. Los resultados mostraron que la epidemiología del dolor producido por TGI, su etnobotánica y el modelo explicativo del dolor abdominal fueron similares entre grupos étnicos. Asimismo, se identificaron 27 moléculas con efectos antiinflamatorios y antinociceptivos, lo que podría explicar por qué esta especie es culturalmente importante para los pobladores maya Tzeltal, Tzotzil y Q ́eqch i ́ para el alivio del dolor abdominal, mientras que, desde el punto de vista biomédico, es una especie con potencial para inhibir el dolor visceral.

The current study is a comparison of the abdominal pain conception produced by gastrointestinal disorders, relieved by Ageratina ligustrina , among inhabitants of the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups ethnomedical, ethnobotanical, and cross -cultural approaches were used to compare previous studies with the present field work. To evaluate the efficacy of A. ligustrina to relieve pain, also through a bibliographic review an inventory of the molecules present in this species was performed, as well as their pharmacological activity. The results showed that the epidemiology of pain produced by GID, its ethnobotany, and the explanatory model of abdominal pain are similar among ethnic groups. Likewise, 27 molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were identified, which could explain why this species is culturally important for the Mayan Tzeltal, Tzotzil, and Q'eqchi' groups for the relief of abdominal pain, while, from a biomedical point of view, it is a species with potential to inhibit visceral pain.

Flowers vs. Devils: plants used against witchcraft in the urbanized Sonora Market, Mexico City / Flores vs Demonios: plantas usadas contra la brujería en el urbanizado Mercado de Sonora, Ciudad de México

Mexican markets embody cultural diversity and offer a wide range of products, serving as hubs for local exchange.In our study at Mexico City's Sonora Market, the country's prominent medicinal market, we explored the use of plant remedies against witchcraft in an urban environment. Through interviews with plant vendors and extensive data collection, we identified 21 plant species from 16 botanical families renowned for their effectiveness in combating sorcery, attracting good luck, and promoting success. Additionally, we documented 14 ailments associated with envy and negative emotions. These remedies involved practices and applications such as cleansings, decoctions, baths, and incense burning, aimed at alleviating afflictions and fostering positive outcomes. Notably, the Sonora Market continues to uphold the tradition of using plant remedies against witchcraft, even in the bustling setting of one of the world's largest cities. This highlights the enduring significance of these practices within Mexican society

Los mercados mexicanos encarnan diversidad cultural y ofrecen numerosos productos, sirviendo como centros de intercambio local. En nuestro estudio en el Mercado de Sonora en la Ciudad de México, el sitio de plantas medicinales más relevante del país, exploramos el uso de plantas contra la brujería en un entorno urbano. A través de entrevistas con locatarios, identificamos 21 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 16 familias botánicas usadas en la lucha contra la brujería, atrayendo buena suerte y promoviendo el éxito. Además, documentamos 14 enfermedades asociadas con la envidia y emociones negativas. Los remedios involucraban prácticas y aplicaciones como limpias, decocciones, baños, incienso, con el objetivo de aliviar dolencias y fomentar resultados positivos. En el Mercado deSonora persiste la tradición de utilizar plantas contra la brujería, incluso en el marco de una de las mayores ciudades del mundo, resaltando la importancia de estas prácticas dentro de la sociedad mexicana.

Solutions From Mexican-Descent Perinatal Women To Pandemic-Related Food, Mental Health, And Health And Safety Stressors.

Latina women in the US were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of structural racism, including discrimination, reduced care access, and elevated risk for illness and death. Although several US policies were implemented to offset the economic toll of the pandemic, few addressed complex stressors, particularly those among Mexican-descent mothers. This qualitative study with thirty-eight perinatal women and mothers of young children who were of Mexican descent sought to identify pandemic-related stressors and solicit recommendations for addressing them during future large-scale crises. Identified stressors included food access issues, mental health needs, and health and safety concerns. The women's recommendations revealed feasible and actionable strategies, including increased access to behavioral and health care services and accessible information about food-related resources. The findings highlight the critical need for responsive policies and programs to ensure the well-being of Mexican-descent perinatal women and mothers of young children during large-scale crises.

Agreement between a web collaborative dataset and an administrative dataset to assess the retail food environment in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Latin American countries are often limited in the availability of food outlet data. There is a need to use online search engines that allow the identification of food outlets and assess their agreement with field observations. We aimed to assess the agreement in the density of food outlets provided by a web collaborative data (Google) against the density obtained from an administrative registry. We also determined whether the agreement differed by type of food outlet and by area-level socioeconomic deprivation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 1,693 census tracts from the municipalities of Hermosillo, Leon, Oaxaca de Juarez, and Tlalpan. The Google service was used to develop a tool for the automatic acquisition of food outlet data. To assess agreement, we compared food outlet densities obtained with Google against those registered in the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE). Continuous densities were assessed using Bland-Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), while agreement across tertiles of density was estimated using weighted kappa. RESULTS: The CCC indicated a strong correlation between Google and DENUE in the overall sample (0.75); by food outlet, most of the correlations were from negligible (0.08) to moderate (0.58). The CCC showed a weaker correlation as deprivation increased. Weighted kappa indicated substantial agreement between Google and DENUE across all census tracts (0.64). By type of food outlet, the weighted kappa showed substantial agreement for restaurants (0.69) and specialty food stores (0.68); the agreement was moderate for convenience stores/small food retail stores (0.49) and fair for candy/ice cream stores (0.30). Weighted kappa indicated substantial agreement in low-deprivation areas (0.63); in very high-deprivation areas, the agreement was moderate (0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Google could be useful in assessing fixed food outlet densities as a categorical indicator, especially for some establishments, like specialty food stores and restaurants. The data could also be informative of the availability of fixed food outlets, particularly in less deprived areas.

Arsenic and mercury exposure in different insect trophic guilds from mercury mining areas in Mexico.

The exposure to arsenic and mercury in various insect trophic guilds from two mercury mining sites in Mexico was assessed. The two study sites were La Laja (LL) and La Soledad (LS) mines. Additionally, a reference site (LSR) was evaluated for LS. The terrestrial ecosystem was studied at LL, whereas both the terrestrial ecosystem and a stream called El Cedral (EC) were assessed at LS. The study sites are situated in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra Gorda (BRSG). Mercury vapor concentrations were measured with a portable analyzer, and concentrations of arsenic and mercury in environmental and biological samples were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both pollutants were detected in all terrestrial ecosystem components (soil, air, leaves, flowers, and insects) from the two mines. The insect trophic guilds exposed included pollinivores, rhizophages, predators, coprophages, and necrophages. In LS, insects accumulated arsenic at levels 29 to 80 times higher than those found in specimens from LSR, and 10 to 46 times higher than those from LL. Similarly, mercury exposure in LS was 13 to 62 times higher than LSR, and 15 to 54 times higher than in LL. The analysis of insect exposure routes indicated potential exposure through air, soil, leaves, flowers, animal prey, carrion, and excrement. Water and sediment from EC exhibited high levels of arsenic and mercury compared to reference values, and predatory aquatic insects were exposed to both pollutants. In conclusion, insects from mercury mining sites in the BRSG are at risk.

Carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic risk, and attributable cases to organochlorine pesticide exposure in women from Northern Mexico.

This study aimed to estimate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk as well as the attributable cases due to exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs): hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorophenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor, and chlordane. From serum concentrations of pesticides of interest in a sample of 908 women from Northern Mexico, the risk for both cancer and non-cancer health effects was evaluated. The population attributable fraction (PAF) was also calculated based on summary association estimates between exposure to OCPs and different health events. Findings revealed that due to their OCP exposure slightly less than half of the women in the sample were at increased risk of developing non-cancerous diseases. Moreover, approximately 25% and 75% of participants were at risk of develop some type of cancer associated with their HCB and DDE concentrations, respectively. In addition, it was estimated that 40.5% of type 2 diabetes, 18.7% of endometriosis, and 23.1% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases could have been prevented if women had not been exposed to these OCPs. Results suggest that the use of OCPs may have contributed to the disease burden in the study area and, based on the time required for these substances to be eliminated from the body, there are probably some women who are still at elevated risk of developing diseases associated to OCPs.

The white grunt, Haemulon plumierii (Lacepède, 1801) as paratenic and definitive host of two acanthocephalan species, with the description of a new species of Dollfusentis (Palaeacanthocephala: Leptohynchoididae) from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

Acanthocephalans are a group of obligate endoparasites that alternate between vertebrates and invertebrates to complete their life cycles. Occasionally, the same individual host acts as a definitive or paratenic host for different acanthocephalan species. In this study, acanthocephalans were sampled in marine fish in three localities of the Yucatán Peninsula; adults and cystacanths were recovered from the intestine and body cavity, respectively, of Haemulon plumierii from off the coast of Sisal, Yucatán. Ribosomal DNA sequences (small and large subunits) were used to test the phylogenetic position of the species of the genus Dollfusentis, whereas the mtDNA gene cox 1 was used for assessing species delimitation. The cox 1 analysis revealed an independent genetic lineage, which is recognized herein as a new species, Dollfusentis mayae n. sp. The new species is morphologically distinguished from the other six congeners by having a cylindrical proboscis armed with 22-25 longitudinal rows bearing 12 hooks each. The cystacanths were morphologically identified as Gorgorhynchus medius by having a cylindrical trunk covered with tiny irregular spines on the anterior region, and a cylindrical proboscis armed with 17-18 longitudinal rows of 21 hooks each; small and large subunit phylogenetic analyses yielded G. medius within the family Isthomosacanthidae, suggesting that Gorgorhynchus should be transferred to this family from Rhadinorhynchidae where it is currently allocated.

Morphometric and taxonomic approach to describe Heterospio variabilis (Annelida, Longosomatidae), a new species with three size-dependent morphotypes, from the Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific.

The Longosomatidae, a poorly known polychaete family, includes only 23 recognized species; in this study, based on morphometric and taxonomic analyses, we describe a new species with three morphotypes: Heterospio variabilis from the Gulf of California, Mexico. The specimens examined exhibit large morphological variations but were clearly separated from close species due to a unique combination of morphological characters: chaetiger 9 as the first elongated chaetiger, four to eight branchial pairs; chaetae from chaetiger 10 forming rings in two rows, posterior row with thin and robust capillaries, anterior row with subuluncini, aristate spines, acicular spines and thick acicular spines. With the discriminant analysis, carried out on 11 morphometric characters, the presence of three morphological groups were recognized (Wilks' lambda= 0.093, p = 0.0001). However, the variables selected to discriminate the specimens (partial Wilks' lambda > 0.57) were correlated to their size: number of branchiae, body width, prostomium width, rate length CH9/CH1-CH8, length CH1-CH8 and length CH9 (r > 0.5). So, we concluded that they belong to a single species with three morphotypes: morpho A with eight branchial pairs, morpho B with 5-6-7 pairs and morpho C with 4 pairs. No correlations between the distribution of the distinct morphotypes along the eastern gulf shelf and the environmental conditions where they settle were detected.

Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Mats (CyanoHAMs) in tropical rivers of central Mexico and their potential risks through toxin production.

Cyanobacteria inhabiting lotic environments have been poorly studied and characterized in Mexico, despite their potential risks from cyanotoxin production. This article aims to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the importance of benthic cyanobacteria as potential cyanotoxin producers in central Mexican rivers through: (i) the taxonomic identification of cyanobacteria found in these rivers, (ii) the environmental characterization of their habitats, and (iii) testing for the presence of toxin producing genes in the encountered taxa. Additionally, we introduce and discuss the use of the term "CyanoHAMs" for lotic water environments. Populations of cyanobacteria were collected from ten mountain rivers and identified using molecular techniques. Subsequently, these taxa were evaluated for genes producing anatoxins and microcystins via PCR. Through RDA analyses, the collected cyanobacteria were grouped into one of three categories based on their environmental preferences for the following: (1) waters with high ionic concentrations, (2) cold-temperate waters, or (3) waters with high nutrient enrichment. Populations from six locations were identified to genus level: Ancylothrix sp., Cyanoplacoma sp., and Oxynema sp. The latter was found to contain the gene that produces anatoxins and microcystins in siliceous rivers, while Oxynema tested positive for the gene that produces microcystins in calcareous rivers. Our results suggest that eutrophic environments are not necessarily required for toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Our records of Compactonostoc, Oxynema, and Ancylothrix represent the first for Mexico. Four taxa were identified to species level: Wilmottia aff. murrayi, Nostoc tlalocii, Nostoc montejanii, and Dichothrix aff. willei, with only the first testing positive using PCR for anatoxin and microcystin-producing genes in siliceous rivers. Due to the differences between benthic growths with respect to planktonic ones, we propose the adoption of the term Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Mats (CyanoHAMs) as a more precise descriptor for future studies.

Uptake of Risk-Reducing Measures, Cascade Testing, and Related Challenges Among Carriers of Breast Cancer-Associated Germline Pathogenic Variants in Mexico.

PURPOSE: Genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) provides pathogenic variant (PV) carriers with the invaluable opportunity to undertake timely cancer risk-reducing (RR) measures and initiate cascade testing (CT). This study describes the uptake of these strategies and the related barriers among breast cancer-associated germline PV carriers in Mexico. METHODS: Carriers who were at least 6 months after disclosure of genetic test results at two GCRA referral centers were invited to answer a survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of their carrier status and its implications, uptake of RR measures according to international guidelines by PV, CT initiation, and associated challenges. RESULTS: Of the eligible carriers, 246/384 (64%) answered the survey (median age: 44 years). Most were female (88%), married/in domestic partnership (66%), and had personal breast/ovarian cancer history (61%). PVs included BRCA1/2 (75%), CHEK2 (10%), PALB2 (5%), ATM (5%), NF1 (2%), RAD51C (2%), PTEN (1%), and TP53 (1%). Most (87%) participants were aware of their carrier status. When recommended, 37% underwent RR bilateral mastectomy, 48% RR oophorectomy, 70% annual mammogram, and 20% breast magnetic resonance imaging. Challenges hindering the uptake of RR measures included financial limitations (67%), lack of recommendation by their physician (35%), and fear (24%). Nearly all (98%) claimed sharing their results with their relatives. CT was initiated in 63% of families and was associated with carriers being married/in domestic partnership (P = .04) and believing GCRA was useful (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Despite the resource-constrained setting, relevant rates of RR measures and CT were observed. Targeted interventions to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve patient-physician communication and patients' understanding on carrier status are warranted to enhance the overall benefit of GCRA and ultimately improve the provision of patient-centered care to both carriers and their at-risk relatives.

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials in Latin America in the Era of Cooperative Groups: A 20-Year Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to characterize lung cancer treatment clinical trials in Latin America before (January 2001-December 2011) and after (January 2012-December 2021) the organization of major Latin American oncology cooperative groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventional clinical trials were identified in ClinicalTrials.gov using the search terms "lung cancer," country filters for 20 Latin American countries, and study start dates January 1, 2001-December 31, 2011, and January 1, 2012-December 31, 2021. Clinical trials were categorized as either originating in Latin America (LA) or outside Latin America (non-LA) with participation of Latin American countries. Descriptive statistics, two-sided Z-scores, and chi-square analyses with 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 273 clinical trials involving Latin American countries between 2001 and 2021 were identified. Comparing 2001-2011 with 2012-2021, there was an increase in total clinical trials (100 v 173; P < .001). Only 9% (26 of 273) of all trials were LA trials. There was a marked decrease in the proportion of LA trials (14% v 7%, P = .058) and estimated enrollment to LA trials (3,245 v 1,190 patients; P < .001). Recruiting of patients with EGFR (29% v 7%; P < .01) and KRAS (18% v 2%; P < .01) driver mutations also decreased. Trial participation was highest in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Peru and increased over time: Brazil (61 v 108; 77% increase), Mexico (40 v 88; 120% increase), Argentina (50 v 78; 56% increase), Chile (25 v 57; 128% increase), and Peru (14 v 37; 164% increase). CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in clinical trial participation by Latin American countries, from 2001-2011 to 2012-2021. However, there were few clinical trials which originated in Latin America or focused on patients with driver mutations.

SARS-CoV-2 infection by trimester of pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes: a Mexican retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Conflicting evidence for the association between COVID-19 and adverse perinatal outcomes exists. This study examined the associations between maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA) and fetal death; as well as whether the associations differ by trimester of infection. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study used a retrospective Mexican birth cohort from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico, between January 2020 and November 2021. PARTICIPANTS: We used the social security administrative dataset from IMSS that had COVID-19 information and linked it with the IMSS routine hospitalisation dataset, to identify deliveries in the study period with a test for SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. OUTCOME MEASURES: PTB, LBW, SGA, LGA and fetal death. We used targeted maximum likelihood estimators, to quantify associations (risk ratio, RR) and CIs. We fit models for the overall COVID-19 sample, and separately for those with mild or severe disease, and by trimester of infection. Additionally, we investigated potential bias induced by missing non-tested pregnancies. RESULTS: The overall sample comprised 17 340 singleton pregnancies, of which 30% tested positive. We found that those with mild COVID-19 had an RR of 0.89 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.99) for PTB and those with severe COVID-19 had an RR of 1.53 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.19) for LGA. COVID-19 in the first trimester was associated with fetal death, RR=2.36 (95% CI 1.04, 5.36). Results also demonstrate that missing non-tested pregnancies might induce bias in the associations. CONCLUSIONS: In the overall sample, there was no evidence of an association between COVID-19 and adverse perinatal outcomes. However, the findings suggest that severe COVID-19 may increase the risk of some perinatal outcomes, with the first trimester potentially being a high-risk period.

Gender and non-communicable diseases in Mexico: a political mapping and stakeholder analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with gender-differentiated risk factors and access to prevention, diagnosis and care. However, the political agenda in LMICs as it relates to health and gender is primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing violence against women. This research article analyses public policies related to gender and NCDs, identifying political challenges in the current response to women's health needs, and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care in Mexico. METHODS: We carried out a political mapping and stakeholder analysis during July-October of 2022, based on structured desk research and interviews with eighteen key stakeholders related to healthcare, gender and NCDs in Mexico. We used the PolicyMaker V5 software to identify obstacles and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care, from the perspective of the political stakeholders interviewed. RESULTS: We found as a political obstacle that policies and stakeholders addressing NCDs do not take a gender perspective, while policies and stakeholders addressing gender equality do not adequately consider NCDs. The gendered social and economic aspects of the NCD burden are not widely understood, and the multi-sectoral approach needed to address these aspects is lacking. Economic obstacles show that budget cuts exacerbated by the pandemic are a significant obstacle to social protection mechanisms to support those caring for people living with NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: Moving towards an effective, equity-promoting health and social protection system requires the government to adopt an intersectoral, gender-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs and the burden of NCD care. Despite significant resource constraints, policy innovation may be possible given the willingness among some stakeholders to collaborate, particularly in the labour and legal sectors. However, care will be needed to ensure the implementation of new policies has a positive impact on both gender equity and health outcomes. Research on successful approaches in other contexts can help to identify relevant learnings for Mexico.

A metagenomic study of antibiotic resistance genes in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake contaminated by anthropogenic sources.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a major threat to human and environmental health. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán, a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in Mexico contaminated by anthropogenic sources (urban wastewater and runoff from crop and livestock production). ARGs (a total of 475 genes) were detected in 22 bacterial genera, with Pseudomonas (144 genes), Stenotrophomonas (88 genes), Mycobacterium (54 genes), and Rhodococcus (27 genes) displaying the highest frequencies of ARGs. Among these, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed the highest number of ARGs. The results revealed a diverse array of ARGs, including resistance to macrolides (11.55 %), aminoglycosides (8.22 %), glycopeptides (6.22 %), tetracyclines (4 %), sulfonamides (4 %), carbapenems (1.11 %), phenicols (0.88 %), fluoroquinolones (0.44 %), and lincosamides (0.22 %). The most frequently observed ARGs were associated with multidrug resistance (63.33 %), with MexF (42 genes), MexW (36 genes), smeD (31 genes), mtrA (25 genes), and KHM-1 (22 genes) being the most common. Lake Cajititlán is a recreational area for swimming, fishing, and boating, while also supporting irrigation for agriculture and potentially acting as a drinking water source for some communities. This raises concerns about the potential for exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria through these activities. The presence of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán poses a significant threat to both human and environmental health. Developing strategies to mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance, including improving wastewater treatment, and promoting strategic antibiotic use and disposal, is crucial. This study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of antibiotic resistance dynamics in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in a developing country, providing valuable insights for the scientific community and policymakers.

Effectiveness and Implementation of a Text Messaging mHealth Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Mexico in the COVID-19 Context: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy feeding (HF) is crucial to address the alarming increase in obesity rates in developing countries. Leveraging mobile phones for behavior change communication to encourage infant PA and promote HF is particularly significant within the Mexican context. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of mHealth interventions aimed at promoting PA and HF among primary caregivers (PCs) of Mexican children under the age of 5 years. Additionally, the study aims to disseminate insights gained from intervention implementation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the potential of behavior change mHealth interventions on a broader population scale. METHODS: NUTRES, an mHealth intervention, underwent an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Over 36 weeks, participants in the intervention group (IG), totaling 230 individuals, received approximately 108 SMS text messages tailored to their children's age. These messages covered topics such as PA and HF and emphasized the significance of proper child nutrition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. NUTRES participants were recruited from both urban and rural health units across 2 states in Mexico. Given the COVID-19 context, both baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted via mobile or fixed telephone. The evaluation of effectiveness and implementation used a mixed methods approach. Qualitative analysis delved into participants' experiences with NUTRES and various implementation indicators, including acceptance, relevance, and coverage. Grounded theory was used for coding and analysis. Furthermore, difference-in-differences regression models were used to discern disparities between groups (comparison group [CG] versus IG) concerning knowledge and practices pertaining to infant PA and HF. RESULTS: Of the total 494 PCs enrolled in NUTRES, 334 persisted until the end of the study, accounting for 67.6% (334/494) participation across both groups. A majority of PCs (43/141, 30.5%, always; and 97/141, 68.8%, sometimes) used the SMS text message information. Satisfaction and acceptability toward NUTRES were notably high, reaching 98% (96/98), with respondents expressing that NUTRES was "good," "useful," and "helpful" for enhancing child nutrition. Significant differences after the intervention were observed in PA knowledge, with social interaction favored (CG: 8/135, 5.9% vs IG: 20/137, 14.6%; P=.048), as well as in HF practice knowledge. Notably, sweetened beverage consumption, associated with the development of chronic diseases, showed divergence (CG: 92/157, 58.6% vs IG: 110/145, 75.9%; P=.003). In the difference-in-differences model, a notable increase of 0.03 in knowledge regarding the benefits of PA was observed (CG: mean 0.13, SD 0.10 vs IG: mean 0.16, SD 0.11; P=.02). PCs expressed feeling accompanied and supported, particularly amidst the disruption of routine health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: While NUTRES exhibited a restricted impact on targeted knowledge and behaviors, the SMS text messages functioned effectively as both a reminder and a source of new knowledge for PCs of Mexican children under 5 years of age. The key lessons learned were as follows: mHealth intervention strategies can effectively maintain communication with individuals during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; methodological and implementation barriers can constrain the effectiveness of mHealth interventions; and using mixed methods approaches ensures the complementary nature of results. The findings contribute valuable evidence regarding the opportunities and constraints associated with using mobile phones to enhance knowledge and practices concerning PA and HF among PCs of children under 5 years old. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04250896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04250896.

Comorbidities and their association with COVID-19 mortality in Mexico between January 2020 and August 2021.

By August 17, 2021, 4.3 million people had died globally as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. While data collection is ongoing, it is abundantly obvious that this is one of the most significant public health crises in modern history. Consequently, global efforts are being made to attain a greater understanding of this disease and to identify risk factors associated with more severe outcomes. The goal of this study is to identify clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in Mexico. The dataset used in this study was released by Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiologica de Enfermedades Respiratorias (SISVER) de la Secretaría de Salud and contains 2.9 million COVID-19 cases. The effects of risk factors on COVID-19 mortality were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models with generalized estimation equation and Kaplan-Meier curves. Case fatality rates, case hospitalization rates are also reported using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) USA death-to-case ratio method. In general, older males with pre-existing conditions had higher odds of death. Age greater than 40, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are associated with higher COVID-19 mortality. End-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression are all linked with COVID-19 patient fatalities. Smoking and Asthma are associated with lower COVID-19 mortality which is consistent with findings from the article published in Nature based on National Health Service (NHS) of UK dataset (17 million cases). Intensive care unit (ICU), patient intubation, and pneumonia diagnosis are shown to substantially increase mortality risk for COVID-19 patients.

Genomic Approach of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Deli-Meats in Mexico.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis worldwide. In México, L. monocytogenes has been identified as a hazard of deli-meats. However, the genomic analysis that supports the transmission of L. monocytogenes strains via deli-meats and its role as a source for virulence and resistance genes is lacking. Here, we present four high-quality genome drafts of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from deli-meats in Mexico. In silico typing was used to determine the serotype, lineage, clonal complexes (CC), and multilocus sequence (ST). Also, comparative genomics were performed to explore the diversity, virulence, mobile elements, antimicrobial resistant and stress survival traits. The genome sequence size of these strains measured 3.05 ± 0.07 Mb with a mean value of 37.9%G+C. All strains belonged to linage I, which was divided into two groups: 4b, CC2, ST1 (n = 3) and 1/2b, CC5, ST5 (n = 1). The pangenome and core genome contained 3493 and 2625 genes, respectively. The strains harbor the L. monocytogenes pathogenicity island-1 (LIPI-1) and the same multidrug resistance pattern (fosX, norB, mprF, lin) via in silico analysis. Comparative analysis delineated the genomes as essentially syntenic, whose genomic differences were due to phage insertion. These results expand what is known about the biology of the L. monocytogenes strains isolated from deli-meats in Mexico and warns of the risk that these strains belong to epidemic linage and harbor virulence genes linked to human disease.

Fostering planetary health in polluted environments: lessons from the Xonacatlán Indigenous Council in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The communities of El Salto and Juanacatlán face negative impacts on human and ecosystem health due to their proximity to the second-largest industrial area in Mexico. Despite living in a region negatively impacted by high levels of pollution, these communities have organised to foster planetary health by reforesting with native plants, campaigning to stop further industrial development, and founding the Xonacatlán Indigenous Council (XIC) to reclaim traditional ways of living. This research project seeks to advance insights on the implications of fostering planetary health from the perspective of communities facing adverse socioeconomic and environmental conditions. METHODS: This qualitative study draws from participatory action research, Indigenous storywork, and ethnography. The XIC acted as the community advisory board of this research project and two XIC members are part of the research team. We investigate whether the stories and practices of community members associated with XIC contribute to fostering planetary health. Research activities will include 40-60 participants in storytelling interviews, story-making workshops, and participant observation in XIC activities. Data collection started on Nov 20, 2023, and will be finalised in August, 2024. FINDINGS: Our ethnographic analysis investigates local understandings of the relationships between human and ecosystem health. Anticipated findings include stories about the rejection of narratives of industrial progress due to environmental damage, the reconnection with Coca identities and traditional ways of relating to the land, and the use of direct action to counteract the negligence of the state-sponsored public health system and assert local planetary health needs. INTERPRETATION: By assessing grassroots Coca Indigenous action as a site of collective expertise on planetary health, we expect that this research project will bring attention to how people living in polluted environments can inform the conceptual development of planetary health and expand the range of practical initiatives that are considered fundamental to sustaining human and ecosystem life. FUNDING: None.