Spatio-temporal composition of aquatic birds communityin Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Mexican Central Pacific / Composición espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano

Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. "Shorebirds" and "waders" were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las "aves playeras" y "aves zancudas" fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Socioeconomic factors and COVID-19 mortality in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases patients: regional analysis from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a major international issue, not only from a medical point of view, but also social, economic and political. Most of the available information comes from the United States, Europe, and China, where the population and the socioeconomic status are very different from Latin American countries. This study evaluates the effect of regional socioeconomic characteristics on mortality due SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. METHODS: Data from three national registries, SAR-COVID (Argentina), CMR-COVID (Mexico) and ReumaCoV-Brasil (Brazil), were combined. Adult IMRD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. National data for each province/state, including population density, number of physicians per inhabitant, income, unemployment, GINI index, Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), stringency index, vaccination rate and most frequent viral strains per period were assessed as risk factors for mortality due to COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 4744 patients were included, 2534 (53.4%) from SAR-COVID, 1166 (24.6%) from CMRCOVID and 1044 (22.0%) from ReumaCoV-Brasil. Mortality due to COVID-19 was 5.4%. In the multivariable analysis, higher number of physicians per 1000 inhabitants and being infected during the vaccination period of each country were associated with lower mortality. After adjustment for socioeconomic factors, there was no association with country of residence and mortality. CONCLUSION: These findings corroborate the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, rheumatic disease activity, and regional disparities as determinants of death due to COVID-19 in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Thus, this research provides valuable insights for guiding public health policies and clinical practice in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Epidemiology of acute childhood poisoning in pediatric emergencies in Western Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in the production of substances to enhance the quality of life, the biodiversity of the different ecosystems in Mexico, and the unique characteristics of pediatric patients, contribute to intoxications within this population. METHOD: Analytical retrospective study of admissions to pediatric emergency care due to poisoning in < 16-year-old (2016 to 2020). Included variables were age, gender, type of toxic substance, exposure characteristics, and the season of the year. Frequencies, percentages, range, average and standard deviation were obteined. In the bivariate análisis, the Chi square test was used. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Over 5 years, there were 459 cases, with a prevalence of 3.16%. No gender predominance was observed. The most common was caused by venomous animals (28.5%), followed by medication ingestion (27.6%). Only 5% of cases were suicide attempts, the rest were accidental (95%). Children up to 5 years old were more commonly by medication ingestion, hydrocarbons, or household products (p = 0.03, p = 0.0001), while the causes in older children were contact with venomous animals and ingestion of stimulants drugs (alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine) (p = 0.0001, p = 0.006). Intoxication with quaternary ammonium herbicides was lethal in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to intoxication from common household products. Older kids tend to be more frequently a combination of stimulants drugs.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El aumento en la producción de sustancias para mejorar la calidad de vida, la biodiversidad de los diferentes ecosistemas en México, así como las características propias de los pacientes pediátricos, contribuyen a la intoxicación dentro de esta población. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo analítico de los ingresos por envenenamiento en niños menores de 16 años en urgencias pediátricas (2016 a 2020). Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, el tipo de xenobiótico, las características de exposición y la estación del año. Se obtuvieron frecuencias, porcentajes, rango, promedio y desviación estándar. En el análisis bivariado se utilizó la prueba chi al cuadrado, considerando estadísticamente significativo un valor p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: En el periodo de 5 años se atendieron 459 casos, con una prevalencia del 3.16%. No se observó predominio de sexo. La intoxicación más frecuente fue por animales venenosos (28.5%), seguida de la ingesta de medicamentos (27.6%). El 95% de los casos fueron accidentales y el 5% por intento de suicidio. En los menores de 5 años, lo más frecuente fue la ingesta de medicamentos, hidrocarburos o productos de uso doméstico (p = 0.03, p = 0.0001), mientras que en los mayores de 6 años fue por contacto con animales venenosos e ingesta de drogas estimulantes (alcohol, anfetaminas, cannabis, cocaína) (p = 0.0001, p = 0.006). El 100% de los intoxicados por herbicida cuaternario de amonio fallecieron. CONCLUSIONES: Los menores de 5 años son más propensos a la intoxicación con productos que se utilizan en sus propios domicilios. En los mayores de 6 años es más frecuente la combinación de drogas estimulantes.

Exploring atypical manifestations and multisystem involvement of Epstein-Barr virus infection in hospitalized pediatric patients from Mexico: insights from a tertiary hospital (2012-2022).

INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, with a global prevalence exceeding 95%, typically manifests in children as infectious mononucleosis. However, clinical practice frequently encounters diverse atypical presentations characterized by multisystem involvement, often resulting in an unfavorable clinical course. Our objective is to describe the clinical manifestations and results of EBV infection in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Mexico. METHOD: An observational, transversal, retrospective, and descriptive study that included a systematic review of medical records (2012-2022) of patients under 18 years of age with detectable EBV particles in peripheral blood. RESULTS: The study included 26 patients with a median age of 5 years and a male predominance of 53.8%. Predominant symptoms were fever (85%) and lymphadenopathy (35%). Sixty-five percent had severe and atypical manifestations, including pneumonia and hepatic, hematologic-oncologic, and autoimmune diseases. Anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were common, with lymphocytosis in 19% of cases. The median EBV viral load was 2816 copies/mL (range: 555-355,500 copies/mL). Four deaths related to EBV infection were reported. Viral load in these cases also varied widely from 594 to 121,000 copies/mL. Supportive care was administered to 85% of patients, while others received antiviral treatment, steroids, and rituximab. CONCLUSION: Atypical manifestations were common, especially in children with multisystem involvement. EBV should be considered as a potential contributor to a diverse spectrum of clinical presentations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and awareness in clinical diagnosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección por el virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) tiene una prevalencia mundial superior al 95%. Se considera que en los niños se manifiesta principalmente como mononucleosis infecciosa; sin embargo, en la práctica clínica, a menudo encontramos numerosas manifestaciones atípicas con compromiso multisistémico que llevan a un curso desfavorable. Nuestro objetivo es describir las manifestaciones clínicas y los resultados de la infección por VEB en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en México. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo, en el cual se revisaron sistemáticamente los expedientes médicos de pacientes menores de 18 años con una detección positiva de partículas de VEB en sangre periférica en el periodo 2012-2022. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 26 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 5 años y predominio de varones (53.8%). El 65% presentaron manifestaciones graves y atípicas, incluyendo enfermedades respiratorias, hepáticas, hematooncológicas y autoinmunitarias. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron fiebre (85%) y linfadenopatía (35%). El 54% presentaron manifestaciones atípicas, incluyendo linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica, neumonía y neoplasia. La anemia, la trombocitopenia y la leucocitopenia fueron comunes, mientras que el 19% presentaron linfocitosis. La media de la carga viral fue de 2816 copias/ml (555-355,500). Se informaron cuatro muertes atribuidas a la infección por VEB, con valores de carga viral de 594 a 121,000 copias/ml. El 85% de los pacientes recibieron solo tratamiento sintomático, mientras que otros recibieron antivirales, esteroides y rituximab. CONCLUSIÓN: Las manifestaciones atípicas se observaron comúnmente, en especial en niños con compromiso multisistémico. El VEB debe considerarse como un potencial factor contribuyente en el diagnóstico de una amplia gama de manifestaciones clínicas.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis in a latin adolescent treated with cyclosporine and prednisone.

INTRODUCTION: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune disease. Although dapsone is the initial treatment, other immunomodulators are used in resistant cases or when dapsone is unavailable. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old Mexican child, with no relevant medical history, developed in May 2023 a disseminated dermatosis affecting all body segments, including mucous membranes, characterized by erythematous patches and plaques evolving into the formation of serous and serosanguinous blisters and vesicles, distributed in a "string of pearls" pattern. LABD was suspected and confirmed by skin biopsy, which showed a subepidermal blister with neutrophilic infiltration and linear Immunoglobulin A deposits at the dermo-epidermal junction by direct immunofluorescence. Treatment with prednisone (2 mg/kg/day) and cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) resulted in improvement and lesion remission within 2 weeks. Both drugs needed to be discontinued for 3 months due to intermittent blistering. Cyclosporine was continued as maintenance therapy at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: The report highlights the use of cyclosporine as an alternative immunomodulator for DAAL, an immunosuppressive agent used in autoimmune disorders. Few cases, including this one, have described complete remission and control of the dermatosis with cyclosporine, accompanied by prednisone at the start of treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria rara. Aunque la dapsona es el tratamiento inicial, se usan otros inmunomoduladores en casos resistentes o cuando la dapsona no está disponible. CASO CLÍNICO: Un niño mexicano de 12 años, sin antecedentes relevantes, desarrolló en mayo de 2023 una dermatosis diseminada a todos los segmentos corporales, incluyendo las mucosas, caracterizada por manchas y placas eritematosas que evolucionaron hacia la formación de ampollas y vesículas serosas y serohemáticas, distribuidas en forma de «cadena de perlas¼. Se sospechó dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal y se confirmó mediante biopsia cutánea, que mostró una ampolla subepidérmica con infiltrado neutrófilo y depósitos lineales de IgA en la unión dermoepidérmica mediante inmunofluorescencia directa. El tratamiento con prednisona (2 mg/kg al día) y ciclosporina (5 mg/kg al día) resultó en mejoría y la remisión de las lesiones a las 2 semanas. Fue necesario dejar ambos fármacos durante 3 meses debido a la aparición intermitente de ampollas. Se dejó ciclosporina como terapia de mantenimiento a dosis de 4 mg/kg al día por 8 meses. CONCLUSIONES: El reporte destaca el uso de ciclosporina como inmunomodulador alternativo para la dermatosis ampollosa por IgA lineal, un agente inmunosupresor utilizado en trastornos autoinmunitarios. Pocos casos, incluido este, han descrito la remisión completa y el control de la dermatosis con ciclosporina, acompañada de prednisona al inicio del tratamiento.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pilomatricomas in a Mexican pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Pilomatricoma is a common benign adnexal neoplasm in children. There are few epidemiological studies on this subject, with most relying solely on descriptive statistics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Mexico City from January 2017 to December 2023. Clinical and electronic records of patients with histopathological diagnosis of pilomatricoma, both sexes, under 18 years old, with any type of present comorbidity were selected. Records of patients with diagnosis not confirmed by histopathology or incomplete records were not included in the study. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases with pilomatrixoma were included in the study, showing a total of 74 lesions. About 23.1% of the cases had multiple pilomatrixomas. 40.4% of the cases experienced pain; this symptom was associated with lesions > 15 mm in diameter and with multiple pilomatrixomas. Risk factors for lesions > 15 mm included age under 8 years, positive tent sign, tumor evolution longer than a year, and a non-classical clinical variety. The head and neck were the most commonly affected areas. The left upper extremity presented larger pilomatrixomas (median 18.5 mm) and occurred more frequently in adolescent patients (mean age 12.1 years) compared to other body areas. CONCLUSIONS: Pilomatrixoma in children shows clinical diversity, with specific findings based on size, number, and anatomical location.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El pilomatricoma es una neoplasia anexial benigna frecuente en la infancia. Hay muy pocos estudios epidemiológicos al respecto y la mayoría solo han utilizado estadística descriptiva. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en dos hospitales de concentración de la Ciudad de México de enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2023. Se seleccionaron expedientes clínicos y electrónicos de pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de pilomatricoma, ambos sexos, menores de 18 años, con cualquier tipo de comorbilidad presente. No se incluyeron los expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico no confirmado por histopatología o expediente incompleto. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 52 casos con diagnóstico de pilomatricoma que mostraron un total de 74 lesiones. El 23.1% de los pacientes tuvieron pilomatricomas múltiples. El 40.4% experimentaron dolor; este signo se asoció con lesiones de diámetro superior a 15 mm y pilomatricomas múltiples. La edad menor de 8 años, el signo de la tienda de campaña positivo, un tiempo de evolución mayor de 1 año y una variedad clínica no clásica son factores de riesgo asociados con las lesiones mayores de 15 mm. La cabeza y el cuello fueron las áreas más comúnmente afectadas por estos tumores. La extremidad superior izquierda presento pilomatricomas de mayor tamaño (mediana 18.5 mm), y ocurrieron más en pacientes adolescentes (media 12.1 años), en comparación con otras áreas del cuerpo. CONCLUSIONES: El pilomatricoma en niños muestra diversidad clínica. Presenta hallazgos y asociaciones específicas según el tamaño, el número y la ubicación anatómica.

Barriers and facilitators for adherence to follow-up by HR-HPV-positive women with premalignant cervical lesions: a mixed-design study in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Mexico reports low follow-up completion rates among women with abnormal cervical cancer screenings. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to follow-up adherence among women with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and premalignant cervical lesions in Mexico. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted from February to April 2019. Participants included women undergoing follow-up care for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and premalignant lesions, along with health personnel from the Women's Healthcare Center (CAPASAM) in Mexico. Quantitative data were obtained from the Women's Cancer Information System and through a questionnaire about factors affecting follow-up adherence. Additionally, the health personnel involved completed a compliance checklist regarding care regulations. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with both groups, followed by a content analysis based on identified categories. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System confirmed care process risks. Proposals to enhance the Early Detection Program for Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer were collected from a CAPASAM health personnel nominal group. RESULTS: Identified barriers to follow-up included low income among CAPASAM users, family provider roles limiting time for appointments, long waits for testing and results delivery, distant facilities, insufficient service hour communication, inadequate health personnel training, and a lack of systematic counseling. Hesitation toward follow-up was also linked to shame, apprehension, uncertainty, test aversion, fear of positive results, and limited cervical cancer and screening knowledge. Patriarchal attitudes of partners and limited access to the now-discontinued PROSPERA government program further discouraged follow-up. Facilitators comprised respectful treatment by CAPASAM staff, no-cost services, health campaigns, and positive user attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The study found more barriers than facilitators to follow-up adherence, highlighting the need for strategies to bolster the Early Detection Program. Future strategies must address the comprehensive array of factors and incorporate stakeholder perspectives.

Traces of the past: assessing the impact of potentially toxic elements from an abandoned mine on groundwater and agricultural soil in San Luis Potosí, México.

The study was conducted in Cerritos, San Luis Potosí, México, near the Guaxcama mine, focused on environmental contamination (groundwater and agricultural soil) from antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). In March 2022, 20 agricultural soil and 16 groundwater samples were collected near the historically cinnabar (HgS)- and arsenopyrite (FeAsS)-rich Guaxcama mine. Hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) for As, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS) for Hg, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for Cd, Pb, and Sb were used for the determinations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). While concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Sb in groundwater were below detection limits, As levels exhibited a range from 40.9 ± 1.4 to 576.0 ± 1.0 µg/L, exceeding permissible limits for drinking water (10 µg/L). In agricultural soil, As was between 7.67 ± 0.16 and 24.1 ± 0.4 µg/g, Hg ranged from 0.203 ± 0.018 to 2.33 ± 0.19 µg/g, Cd from 2.53 ± 0.90 to 2.78 ± 0.01 µg/g, and Pb from 11.7 ± 1.2 to 34.3 ± 4.1 µg/g. Only one study area surpassed the Mexican As soil limit of 22 µg/g. Sequential extraction (four-step BCR procedure) indicated significant As bioavailability in soil (fractions 1 and 2) ranging from 3.66 to 10.36%, heightening the risk of crop transfer, in contrast to the low bioavailability of Hg, showing that fractions 1, 2, and 3 were below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Crucial physicochemical parameters in soil, including nitrate levels, pH, and organic matter, were pivotal in understanding contamination dynamics. Principal component analysis highlighted the influence of elements like Fe and Ca on phytoavailable As, while Pb and Cd likely originated from a common source. Ecological risk assessments underscored the significant impact of pollution, primarily due to the concentrations of Cd and Hg. Non-cancer and cancer risks to residents through As poisoning via contaminated water ingestion also were found. The hazard index (HI) values varied between 4.0 and 82.2 for adults and children. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (TILCAR) values for adults ranged from 7.75E - 04 to 1.06E - 02, whereas for children, the values were from 2.47E - 04 to 3.17E - 03.

Characterizing Prehospital Wall Fall Injuries at the US-Mexico Border.

This cross-sectional study examines treatment received for falls from a section of the US-Mexico border wall with a focus on emergency medical services activation and type of treatment.

Oviposition biology, behavior, and avocado cultivar preferences of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Heilipus lauri is a specialist avocado seed feeding weevil native to parts of México and is an invasive pest in Colombia. This weevil is considered an incursion risk because possible unintended introductions into areas outside of its native range can result in establishment, which threatens avocado production in invaded regions. Despite being a well-recognized pest of avocados, relatively little is known about oviposition biology, behavior, and cultivar preferences of this weevil. Field studies in commercial Hass avocado orchards in México and laboratory studies in a quarantine facility in California (USA) indicated that H. lauri prefers to oviposit into middle and bottom thirds of fruit. In the laboratory, an average of 1.7 eggs (range 1-6 eggs) are laid over a 24-h period in oviposition chambers by individual females. Conspecifics add eggs to these clutches, with up to 17 eggs being recorded in 1 oviposition chamber. This finding suggests that H. lauri does not use an oviposition deterring pheromone. Female weevils readily oviposit in artificial holes representing mechanical wounds on fruit. In comparison to the commercially dominant Hass variety, fruit from Lamb Hass and G22, a native Guatemalan variety, and to a lesser extent Gem, may be less preferred for oviposition when females have a choice of fruit in which to oviposit. Videography studies indicated that H. lauri exhibits predominantly diurnal activity with respect to oviposition behaviors, feeding, and walking.

Drivers of urban biodiversity in Mexico and joint risks from future urban expansion, climate change, and urban heat island effect.

Urbanization is a phenomenon where humans concentrate in high densities and consume more per capita energy than in rural areas, imposing high pressures on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although Mexico is recognized as a megadiverse country and there is an understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes underlying this high diversity, only some efforts have been devoted to understanding how urban biodiversity has been shaped. Here, we compiled a set of socioeconomic and ecological variables to explore macroecological patterns in urban biodiversity across Mexican municipalities. Specifically, we tested the species-area relationships (SAR) between rural and urban areas across municipalities and evaluated the relative role of different socioeconomic and ecological variables driving urban species richness for terrestrial vertebrates. Finally, we explored the exposure of Mexican municipalities to future urban expansion, the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and climate change. Urban and rural settlements show differences in the shape of SAR models. We found that urban area, size of the network of urban protected areas, the number of ecoregions, and GDP explained the urban total species richness relatively well. Mexican cities in the northeast region may be at a higher risk than others. Based on our analyses, policymakers should identify priority urban conservation sites in cities with high species richness and low urbanization development. These actions would alleviate future urban biodiversity loss in these growing cities.

Highly diverse-Low abundance methanogenic communities in hypersaline microbial mats of Guerrero Negro B.C.S., assessed through microcosm experiments.

Methanogenic communities of hypersaline microbial mats of Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico, have been recognized to be dominated by methylotrophic methanogens. However, recent studies of environmental samples have evidenced the presence of hydrogenotrophic and methyl-reducing methanogenic members, although at low relative abundances. Physical and geochemical conditions that stimulate the development of these groups in hypersaline environments, remains elusive. Thus, in this study the taxonomic diversity of methanogenic archaea of two sites of Exportadora de Sal S.A was assessed by mcrA gene high throughput sequencing from microcosm experiments with different substrates (both competitive and non-competitive). Results confirmed the dominance of the order Methanosarcinales in all treatments, but an increase in the abundance of Methanomassiliiccocales was also observed, mainly in the treatment without substrate addition. Moreover, incubations supplemented with hydrogen and carbon dioxide, as well as the mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and trimethylamine, managed to stimulate the richness and abundance of other than Methanosarcinales methanogenic archaea. Several OTUs that were not assigned to known methanogens resulted phylogenetically distributed into at least nine orders. Environmental samples revealed a wide diversity of methanogenic archaea of low relative abundance that had not been previously reported for this environment, suggesting that the importance and diversity of methanogens in hypersaline ecosystems may have been overlooked. This work also provided insights into how different taxonomic groups responded to the evaluated incubation conditions.

Relationship Between Low Education and Poor Periodontal Status among Mexican Adults Aged ≥50 Years.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between educational level and the presence of periodontal disease in adults ages ≥ 50 years in Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2098 Mexican adults, using data from the annual reports of the Epidemiological Monitoring System for Oral Pathologies from 2019-2022. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, educational level, oral hygiene, and diabetes. Periodontal status was evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and was classified into: CPI = 0 (healthy); CPI = 1 (bleeding on probing); CPI = 2 (calculus); and CPI = 3 or 4 (pocket depth ≥ 4 mm). A multinomial regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI), using periodontal status as the result. RESULTS: 39.9% of subjects presented periodontal pockets of ≥ 4 mm, 20.8% presented calculus, and 12.8% presented bleeding, while only 26.4% were classified as healthy. A low level of education (≤ 9 years) (OR = 4.84; p 0.001), age ≥ 65 years (OR = 1.33; p = 0.025), poor oral hygiene (OR = 6.86; p 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.51; p = 0.025), and diabetes (OR = 1.73; p 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with the presence of periodontal pockets ≥ 4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A low level of education is associated with worse periodontal status in adults aged 50 years or more. These findings reiterate the importance of implementing effective strategies and the incorporation of interventions for improving the access to and quality of services targeted at aging communities.

Table of life for beneficiaries of the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (ISSSTE), Mexico 2021.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the life expectancy in the covered population of the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers in México for 2021. METHOD: We used the abrogated method from Reed-Merrel, for calculate the life expectancy in age groups. RESULTS: By 2021, life expectancy general was 79.51 years; 81.40 years and 78.91 years for woman and men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The calculated life expectancy not show a reduction in the population of federal and State employees in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la esperanza de vida en la población amparada del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado en México para 2021. MÉTODO: Se utilizó el método abreviado de Reed-Merrel para calcular la esperanza de vida en grupos quinquenales de edad. RESULTADOS: Para 2021, la esperanza de vida general fue de 79.51 años; de 81.40 años y 78.91 años para mujeres y para hombres, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La esperanza de vida calculada no presentó reducción después de la pandemia de COVID-19 para la población de empleados federales de México en 2021.

Acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with critical COVID-19 in Mexico: case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to test the association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in critically ill patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHOD: We conducted a single-center case-control study at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a second-level hospital in Mexico. We included 100 patients with critical COVID-19 from January to December 2021, and collected demographic characteristics, comorbidities, APACHE II, SOFA, NEWS2, and CO-RADS scores at admission, incidence of intrahospital complications, length of hospital and ICU stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation, among others. RESULTS: The median survival of deceased patients was 20 days. After multivariable logistic regression, the following variables were significantly associated to mortality: AKI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.64, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 2.1-20.6, p = 0.001), age > 55 years (AOR 5.3, 95% CI = 1.5-18.1, p = 0.007), and arrhythmias (AOR 5.15, 95% CI = 1.3-19.2, p = 0.015). Median survival was shorter in patients with AKI (15 vs. 22 days, p = 0.043), as well as in patients with overweight/obesity (15 vs. 25 days, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the development of AKI was the main risk factor associated with mortality in critical COVID-19 patients, while other factors such as older age and cardiac arrhythmias were also associated with this outcome. The management of patients with COVID-19 should include renal function screening and staging on admission to the Emergency Department.

OBJETIVO: Probar la asociación entre lesión renal aguda y mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 grave. MÉTODO: Realizamos un estudio de casos y controles unicéntrico en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de segundo nivel en México. Incluimos 100 pacientes con COVID-19 grave de enero a diciembre 2021, recolectando características demográficas, comorbilidad, APACHE II, SOFA, NEWS2 y CO-RADS al ingreso, incidencia de complicaciones intrahospitalarias, duración de la estancia hospitalaria y en la UCI, duración de ventilación mecánica, etc. RESULTADOS: La mediana de supervivencia de los pacientes que fallecieron fue de 20 días. Al realizar el análisis de regresión logística multivariable, las siguientes variables se asociaron significativamente con la mortalidad: lesión renal aguda (odds ratio ajustada [ORa]: 6.64; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 2.1-20.6; p = 0.001), edad > 55 años (ORa: 5.3; IC95%: 1.5-18.1; p = 0.007) y arritmias (ORa: 5.15; IC95%: 1.3-19.2; p = 0.015). La supervivencia fue menor en pacientes con lesión renal aguda (15 vs. 22 días; p = 0,043), así como en pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad (15 vs. 25 días; p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados muestran que el desarrollo de lesión renal aguda es el principal factor de riesgo asociado a mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 grave, mientras que otros factores, como la edad > 55 años y la presencia de arritmias cardiacas, también se asocian a mortalidad por COVID-19. El manejo de pacientes con COVID-19 debe incluir el tamizaje y la estadificación de la función renal al ingreso a urgencias.

Effect of laparoscopic gastric sleeve vs. laparoscopic gastric bypass in Roux-Y on long-term weight loss in obese mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the weight loss results between long-term procedures up to 5 years, after undergoing MGL and RYGB in Mexican patients with obesity and associated comorbidity. The most common bariatric surgical procedures worldwide are, laparoscopic gastric sleeve (MGL) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), as a treatment for weight loss and remission of comorbidity associated with obesity; however, they are the long-term weight loss results in the Mexican population are unknown. METHOD: Retrospective, observational cohort of patients with obesity undergoing MGL or RYGB in a private hospital Medica Sur, in Mexico City, in the period from 2013 to 2021. Instrumental variables analysis and standardized mean differences were used to calculate outcomes up to 5 years at 5 follow-up visits (S1-S5), at 7 days, 2 months, 6 months, 10 months and 2-5 years after surgery, to compare results of the groups. RESULTS: 104 patients were included in two groups: 31 (30.09%) with MG and 73 (70.87%) with RYGB. The last follow-up (S5), the MG group recorded a mean EW 9.61 kg, EW% 12.72% and EWL% 73.50%, and the RYGB group EW 10.1 kg, EW% 14.72% and EWL% 70.41%. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between groups for long-term EW loss (p = 0.082); however, there is a greater decrease in weight loss in RYGB at 6-12 months compared to MGL.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de pérdida de peso con los procedimientos MGL y BGYRL a largo plazo (hasta 5 años) en pacientes mexicanos con obesidad y comorbilidad asociada. Son dos los procedimientos quirúrgicos bariátricos más frecuentes en todo el mundo: la manga gástrica lapa-roscópica (MGL) y el bypass gástrico en Y de Roux laparoscópico (BGYRL); ambos como tratamiento para pérdida ponderal y remisión de la comorbilidad asociadas a la obesidad. Sin embargo, se desconocen los resultados de pérdida de peso a largo plazo en la población mexicana. MÉTODO: Cohorte retrospectiva, observacional, de pacientes con obesidad sometidos a MGL o BGYRL en el hospital privado Médica Sur, de Ciudad de México, en el período de 2013 a 2021. Se utilizó el análisis de variables instrumentales y diferencias de medias estandarizadas para calcular los desenlaces hasta 5 años posquirúrgicos en cinco consultas de seguimiento (S1-S5) a los 7 días, 2 meses, 6 meses, 10 meses y 2-5 años posquirúrgicos, para comparar los resultados de los grupos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 104 pacientes en dos grupos: 31 (30.09%) con MG y 73 (70.87%) con BGYR. En el último seguimiento (S5), el grupo de MG registró media de EW 9.61 kg, EW% 12.72% y EWL% 73.50%, y el grupo BGYR tuvo EW 10.1 kg, EW% 14.72% y EWL% 70.41%. CONCLUSIONES: No se encontró diferencia significativa entre grupos para pérdida de EW a largo plazo (p = 0.082); sin embargo, hay una mayor disminución de pérdida ponderal en los pacientes con BGYRL a los 6-12 meses en comparación con los tratados con MGL.

Traditional Medicine, Culture, and Psychedelic Science: New Pathways for Recovery From Substance Use Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides an intercultural transdisciplinary perspective on the Indigenous roots of the resurging field of psychedelic science in the management of substance use disorders (SUDs). Ritual uses of entheogens (i.e., psychedelics of natural origin) are elaborate technologies for navigating, containing, and therapeutically directing non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by these compounds. METHOD: A narrative review of the literature on the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca, peyote, psilocybin-containing mushrooms, Incilius alvarius-derived 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), and iboga for the treatment of SUDs was conducted. This article also describes the application of some of these entheogens within a pilot intercultural clinical program implemented by the Yaqui tribe in Sonora, Mexico, for the treatment of SUDs and other mental health challenges. RESULTS: Observational research and preliminary clinical studies indicate the therapeutic potential and relative safety of these compounds in appropriate contexts, including the use of careful screening practices and complementary psychotherapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary research points to the potential therapeutic value of integrating entheogenic plant and fungi medicine with culturally attuned therapeutic strategies. Respectful intercultural dialogue across worldviews and scientific paradigms allows for the further development of new perspectives at the intersection of entheogens, addiction treatment, mental health, and traditional medicine. More interdisciplinary research is necessary in this field.

Polymorphic variation of the DEFB1 gene might contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and can cause peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis, as well as extra-articular manifestations such as uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease. ß-Defensins are antimicrobial peptides involved in the activation and regulation of several immune cell types that may influence the inflammatory response in AS. The aim was to analyze the association and interaction of two functional variants of the DEFB1 gene in AS patients, and their role with inflammatory markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: The rs11362 and rs1800972 variants were genotyped using TaqMan probes in Mexican AS patients and controls. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were quantified. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) for interactions. The AA and GG genotypes were associated with AS risk in the age- and sex-adjusted model (OR = 6.89, P = 0.008 and OR = 3.43, P = 0.046, respectively); furthermore, the A-G haplotype showed a significant association with AS risk (OR = 2.94, P = 0.012). ESR and CRP were elevated in carriers of the AA genotype compared to the GA and GG genotypes of the rs11362 variant (20.89 ± 9.78 vs. 5.63 ± 4.61 and 4.10 ± 2.65 mm/h, P < 0.0001; and 10.92 ± 14.09 vs. 2.14 ± 2.02 and 2.15 ± 2.13 mg/L, P < 0.001, respectively). Using the MDR method, strong interactions of the rs11362 variant with sex were identified in the adjusted and unadjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the DEFB1 gene may play a key role in AS pathogenesis.

Role of Genetic Polymorphisms -238 G>A and -308 G>A, and Serum TNF-α Levels in a Cohort of Mexican Pediatric Neuroblastoma Patients: Preliminary Study.

The results of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the pro-tumor effects of TNF-α, and this cytokine's increased expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with some types of cancer. Our study objective was to evaluate the possible association of TNF-α genetic polymorphisms and serum levels with susceptibility and prognosis in a cohort of Mexican patients with NB. We performed PCR-RFLP and ELISA methods to analyze the genetics of these SNPs and determine serum concentrations, respectively. The distribution of the -308 G>A and -238 G>A polymorphisms TNFα genotypes was considerably different between patients with NB and the control group. The SNP rs1800629 GG/GA genotypes were associated with a decreased risk of NB (OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.03-0.393, p = 0.001) compared with the AA genotype, which was associated with susceptibility to NB (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.45-5.76, p = 0.003) and related to unfavorable histology and high-risk NB. The rs361525 polymorphism GG genotype was associated with a lower risk of developing NB compared with the GA and AA genotypes (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.068-0.63, p = 0.006). Circulating TNF-α serum concentrations were significantly different (p < 0.001) between patients with NB and healthy controls; however, we found no relationship between the analyzed TNF-α serum levels and SNP genotypes. We found associations between the rs1800629AA genotype and lower event-free survival (p = 0.026); SNP rs361525 and TNF-α levels were not associated with survival in patients with NB. Our results suggest the TNF-α SNP rs1800629 as a probable factor of NB susceptibility. The -308 G/A polymorphism AA genotype has a probable role in promoting NB development and poor prognosis associated with unfavorable histology, high-risk tumors, and lower EFS in Mexican patients with NB. It should be noted that it is important to conduct research on a larger scale, through inter-institutional studies, to further evaluate the contribution of TNF-α genetic polymorphisms to the risk and prognosis of NB.

Current Overview of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 in Mexican Population: Challenges in Specialized Care for a Rare Disease.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a rare genetic disease characterized by progressive cerebellar syndrome and macular degeneration. In a previous study, we clinically and genetically characterized a group of Mexican patients, which represented one of the largest cohorts of SCA7 patients worldwide and demonstrated that all patients had a unique genetic origin. Our laboratory developed a program for the diagnosis, medical care, and long-term follow-up of these patients living in Veracruz State, and in this report, we present an update to this research, covering 2013 to 2024. So far, we identified 172 SCA7 carriers, with a few cases outside Veracruz, and our data support that the length of the CAG repeat tract mainly determines disease severity and life expectancy, and accordingly, we define three different phenotypes, early-onset (EO), classical-onset (CO), and late-onset (LO), with EO patients showing the lowest life expectancy. Furthermore, we found that parental transmission of mutant alleles leads to increased CAG repeat instability, compared to maternal ones. Interestingly, a haplotype analysis revealed that patients outside Veracruz may have different genetic origins. In conclusion, longitudinal observations of SCA7 patients provide insight into the natural history of SCA7 and help to design strategies for diagnosis, genetic counseling, physical rehabilitation, and therapeutic alternatives.