Nutraceutical Properties of the Hydroalcoholic Extract and Phenolic Compounds from Yucca aloifolia Edible Flowers.

The flowers of Yucca aloifolia ("flor de izote") are considered a millenary food in the Northeastern Highlands of Puebla, Mexico. The present investigation reports on the chemical and biological activities of the hydroalcoholic extract (YAHF) obtained from this edible source. HPLC-MS profiling revealed twenty bioactive phenolic compounds with chlorogenic acid (16.5 mg g-1 DW), quercetin (9.5 mg g-1 FW), and their glycosides (rutin and quercitrin), as well as caffeic acid (8.4 mg g-1 DW) and ferulic acid (7.9 mg g-1 DW) as major compounds dissolved in YAHF. Six metabolites had potent anti-lipase (IC50<100 µg mL-1) and anti-ornithine decarboxylase activity (IC50<100 µg mL-1), whereas thirteen exerted strong anti-alpha-glucosidase properties (IC50<100 µg mL-1). The evaluation of YAHF in mice subjected to standard oral glucose tolerance tests and prolonged administration of hypercaloric/atherogenic diet (30 days), unraveled their ability to improve glucose and lipid profiles. YAHF and six phenolic compounds significantly reduced DLD-1 cell viability (IC50, 117.9 µg mL-1) and avoided polyamine accumulation linked to anti-ornithine decarboxylase activity. YAHF and its twenty constituents exerted low toxicity in probiotics (>1000 µg mL-1) and 3T3 fibroblasts (>2.5 mg-mL-1), sustaining their safeness for human consumption.

Bayesian inverse problem for a fractional diffusion model of cell migration.

In the present work, both direct and inverse problems are considered for a Fisher-type fractional diffusion equation, which is proposed to describe the phenomenon of cell migration. For the direct problem, a solution is given via the Fourier method and the Laplace transform. On the other hand, we solved the inverse problem from a Bayesian statistical framework using a set of data that are the result of a cell migration experiment on a wound closure assay. We estimated the parameters of the mathematical model via Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods.

Biomechanical Fatigue Behavior of a Dental Implant Due to Chewing Forces: A Finite Element Analysis.

The use of titanium as a biomaterial for the treatment of dental implants has been successful and has become the most viable and common option. However, in the last three decades, new alternatives have emerged, such as polymers that could replace metallic materials. The aim of this research work is to demonstrate the structural effects caused by the fatigue phenomenon and the comparison with polymeric materials that may be biomechanically viable by reducing the stress shielding effect at the bone-implant interface. A numerical simulation was performed using the finite element method. Variables such as Young's modulus, Poisson's coefficient, density, yield strength, ultimate strength, and the S-N curve were included. Prior to the simulation, a representative digital model of both a dental implant and the bone was developed. A maximum load of 550 N was applied, and the analysis was considered linear, homogeneous, and isotropic. The results obtained allowed us to observe the mechanical behavior of the dental implant by means of displacements and von Mises forces. They also show the critical areas where the implant tends to fail due to fatigue. Finally, this type of non-destructive analysis proves to be versatile, avoids experimentation on people and/or animals, and reduces costs, and the iteration is unlimited in evaluating various structural parameters (geometry, materials, properties, etc.).

Liporoteínas de baja densidad y grados de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos mayores de 40 años: estudio de casos y controles

Fundamento: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en el mundo. Su incidencia y prevalencia ha aumentado durante la última década y representa un tercio de todas las muertes. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación de LDL-C y grados de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos mayores de 40 años en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar # 43 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Método: Se realizó una investigación con un diseño de casos y controles durante el 2023, mediante la fórmula de relación caso-control 1:1, (230 sujetos) que reunieron los criterios de selección. La recolección de la información se realizó por medio de una base de datos en Excel, el contraste de variables se realizó con la fórmula de X2. Mediante el programa de SPSS versión 25 de Windows. Resultados: El género femenino fue el de mayor frecuencia, la media de edad fue de 62 años, el colesterol total elevado presentó 109 (94,8) pacientes con alto riesgo cardiovascular, se calculó una RM: 43.279, IC: 95 %, (17.347-107.980), el colesterol LDL presentó un 68 % (59,1) con riesgo cardiovascular y una RM: 1.28, IC: 95% (0.760-2.158), la evaluación de los triglicéridos con cifras elevadas presentó un 50,4 % (58), RM: 0.037, IC 95 % (0.013-0.106). Conclusiones: La edad media de los sujetos fue, 62 años, predominó el sexo femenino, con mayor proporción de casados, el nivel de escolaridad que prevaleció fue la preparatoria, la religión católica tuvo mayor frecuencia y los sujetos de la zona urbana. Las variables de lípidos como el colesterol total y LDL-C presentaron significancia estadística en relación a riesgo cardiovascular.

Foundation: Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death and disability in the world. Its incidence and prevalence has increased over the last decade and accounts for a third of all deaths. Objective: Determine the association of LDL-C and degrees of cardiovascular risk in adults over 40 years of age in the Family Medicine Unit # 43 of the Mexican Social Security Institute. Method: An investigation was carried out with a case-control design during 2023, using the 1:1 case-control ratio formula, (230 subjects) who met the selection criteria. Information collection was carried out through an Excel database, the contrast of variables was carried out with the X2 formula. Using the SPSS version 25 Windows program. Results: The female gender was the most frequent, the average age was 62 years, elevated total cholesterol presented 109 (94.8) patients with high cardiovascular risk, an MRI was calculated: 43,279, CI: 95 %, (17,347-107,980), LDL cholesterol presented 68 % (59.1) with cardiovascular risk and an MRI: 1.28, CI: 95 % (0.760-2.158), the evaluation of triglycerides with high figures presented 50.4 % (58), OR: 0.037, 95 % CI (0.013-0.106). Conclusions: The average age of the subjects was 62 years, the female sex predominated, with a greater proportion of married people, the level of schooling that predominated was high school, the catholic religion was more frequent and the subjects were from the urban area. Lipid variables such as total cholesterol and LDL-C presented statistical significance in relation to cardiovascular risk.

Vitamin A Positively Correlates with Secretory Immunoglobulin A: A Cross-Sectional Study in Omicron COVID-19 Outpatients.

Background: Respiratory tract infections remain among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mucosal immunity in defending against infectious agents. Vitamin A is known to influence the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) predominantly in the gut, where it is a critical component of the first line of defense on mucosal surfaces. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted 14 days post-positive COVID-19 diagnosis, aimed to determine the relationship between the nutritional status of vitamin A and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients. Serum and saliva samples were collected. Vitamin A nutritional status was determined based on the assessment of dietary intake and the analysis of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). SIgA levels were analyzed from salivary samples. In addition, serum antibodies were analyzed. Results: Dietary vitamin A intake and RBP4 levels positively correlated with SIgA. Patients with higher vitamin A intake showed higher SIgA/IgG1 and SIgA/IgG3 ratios, while those with higher RBP4 levels showed higher SIgA/IgM, SIgA/IgG1, and SIgA/IgG2 ratios. Conclusions: These findings underscore a significant correlation between vitamin A nutritional status and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients, which may suggest the potential importance of maintaining optimal vitamin A levels for the prevention of viral infections.

Discovery of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of chronic Chagas heart disease via a small RNA-Seq approach.

Chagas disease affects approximately 7 million people worldwide in Latin America and is a neglected tropical disease. Twenty to thirty percent of chronically infected patients develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy decades after acute infection. Identifying biomarkers of Chagas disease progression is necessary to develop better therapeutic and preventive strategies. Circulating microRNAs are increasingly reliable biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets. To identify new circulating microRNAs for Chagas disease, we performed exploratory small RNA sequencing from the plasma of patients and performed de novo miRNA prediction, identifying potential new microRNAs. The levels of the new microRNAs temporarily named miR-Contig-1519 and miR-Contig-3244 and microRNAs that are biomarkers for nonchagasic cardiomyopathies, such as miR-148a-3p and miR-224-5p, were validated by quantitative reverse transcription. We found a specific circulating microRNA signature defined by low miR-Contig-3244, miR-Contig-1519, and miR-148a-3 levels but high miR-224-5p levels for patients with chronic Chagas disease. Finally, we predicted in silico that these altered circulating microRNAs could affect the expression of target genes involved in different cellular pathways and biological processes, which we will explore in the future.

RegulonDB v12.0: a comprehensive resource of transcriptional regulation in E. coli K-12.

RegulonDB is a database that contains the most comprehensive corpus of knowledge of the regulation of transcription initiation of Escherichia coli K-12, including data from both classical molecular biology and high-throughput methodologies. Here, we describe biological advances since our last NAR paper of 2019. We explain the changes to satisfy FAIR requirements. We also present a full reconstruction of the RegulonDB computational infrastructure, which has significantly improved data storage, retrieval and accessibility and thus supports a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The integration of graphical tools provides clear visual representations of genetic regulation data, facilitating data interpretation and knowledge integration. RegulonDB version 12.0 can be accessed at https://regulondb.ccg.unam.mx.

[Coronary lithotripsy in calcified lesions: fragmented calcium]. / Litotricia coronaria en lesiones calcificadas: fragmentando el calcio.

Background: Complex calcified coronary lesions are a frequent finding during percutaneous coronary intervention, representing for decades a challenge and limitation in patients with indication of revascularization, due to suboptimal angiographic results, high incidence of perioperative complications and long-term adverse events despite the multiple strategies employed, such as the use of cutting balloon, high-pressure balloons or rotational or orbital atherectomy, interventions with limitations that have hindered its routine use, recently a new plaque modification technique known as coronary intravascular lithotripsy has burst into the treatment of this complex entity, which consists in the use of a specially modified balloon for the emission of pulsatile mechanical energy (sonic pressure waves) that allows modifying the calcified plate. Clinical case: By presenting a series of clinical cases and reviewing the literature, our initial experience is presented, key elements are summarized and discussed in the understanding of this new intervention technique necessary for decision making. Conclusion: Coronary intravascular lithotripsy is projected as a promising technique for the modification and preparation of superficial and deep calcified coronary lesions, through microfractures that allow the apposition and effective expansion of the stent, strategy that according to different trials (Disrupt CAD series, SOLSTICE assay) and records presents a high efficiency and good safety profile, data consistent with our initial experience.

Introducción: las lesiones coronarias calcificadas complejas son un hallazgo frecuente durante el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo, han representado durante décadas un desafío y limitante en pacientes con indicación de revascularización, debido a resultados angiográficos subóptimos, alta incidencia de complicaciones perioperatorias y eventos adversos a largo plazo a pesar de las múltiples estrategias empleadas, como el uso de balones de corte, balones de alta presión o la aterectomía rotacional u orbital, intervenciones con limitantes que han dificultado su uso rutinario. Recientemente, una nueva técnica de modificación de placa conocida como litotricia intravascular coronaria ha irrumpido en el tratamiento de esta compleja entidad, la cual consiste en la utilización de un balón especialmente modificado para la emisión de energía mecánica pulsátil (ondas de presión sónicas) que permite modificar la placa calcificada. Caso clínico: mediante la presentación de una serie de casos clínico y revisión de literatura se presenta nuestra experiencia inicial, se resume y discuten elementos claves en el entendimiento de esta nueva técnica de intervencionismo necesarios para la toma de decisiones. Conclusión: la litotricia intravascular coronaria se proyecta como una técnica prometedora para la modificación y preparación de lesiones coronarias calcificadas superficiales y profundas, mediante microfracturas que permiten la aposición y expansión efectiva del stent; estrategia que de acuerdo con diferentes ensayos (serie Disrupt CAD, ensayo SOLSTICE) y registros presenta una eficacia alta y buen perfil de seguridad, datos concordantes con nuestra experiencia inicial.

The economics impacts of long-run droughts: Challenges, gaps, and way forward.

Quantifying drought's economic impacts has been key for decision-making to build future strategies and improve the development and implementation of proactive plans. However, climate change is changing drought frequency, intensity, and durability. These changes imply modifications of their economic impact, as longer droughts result in greater cumulative economic losses for water users. Though the longer the drought lasts, other factors also play a crucial role in its economic outcomes, such as Infrastructure capacity (IC), the Amount of Water in Storage (AWS) in reservoirs and aquifers, and short- and long-term responses to it. This study proposes and applies an analytical framework for the economic assessment of long-run droughts, assessing and explaining central Chile megadrought economic effects through the factors that begin to influence the economic impact level in this setting. High levels of both IC and the AWS, as well as short- and long-term responses of water users, allow for high resilience to long-run droughts, tolerating extraordinary water disruption in its society with relatively low total economic impacts. Despite this adaptability, long-term droughts bring places to a water-critical threshold where long-term adaptation strategies may be less flexible than short-term strategies, escalating the adverse economic effects. This fact suggests that the economic evaluation of megadrought needs to focus on future tipping points (substantial water scarcity). The tipping point depends on the IC, how water users manage the AWS, and adaptation strategies. Establishing the tipping point should be a priority for future interdisciplinary research.

Design of Ti64/Ta Hybrid Materials by Powder Metallurgy Mimicking Bone Structure.

This work reports on the fabrication of a novel two-layer material composed of a porous tantalum core and a dense Ti6Al4V (Ti64) shell by powder metallurgy. The porous core was obtained by mixing Ta particles and salt space-holders to create large pores, the green compact was obtained by pressing. The sintering behavior of the two-layer sample was studied by dilatometry. The interface bonding between the Ti64 and Ta layers was analyzed by SEM, and the pore characteristics were analyzed by computed microtomography. Images showed that two distinct layers were obtained with a bonding achieved by the solid-state diffusion of Ta particles into Ti64 during sintering. The formation of ß-Ti and α' martensitic phases confirmed the diffusion of Ta. The pore size distribution was in the size range of 80 to 500 µm, and a permeability value of 6 × 10-10 m2 was close to the trabecular bones one. The mechanical properties of the component were dominated mainly by the porous layer, and Young's modulus of 16 GPa was in the range of bones. Additionally, the density of this material (6 g/cm3) was much lower than the one of pure Ta, which helps to reduce the weight for the desired applications. These results indicate that structurally hybridized materials, also known as composites, with specific property profiles can improve the response to osseointegration for bone implant applications.

Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 700 thousand people die from this cause. Therefore, suicide is a public health issue. The complex interaction between different factors causes suicide; however, depression is one of the most frequent factors in people who have attempted suicide. Several studies have reported that vitamin D deficiency may be a relevant risk factor for depression, and vitamin D supplementation has shown promising effects in the adjunctive treatment of this mood disorder. Among the beneficial mechanisms of vitamin D, it has been proposed that it may enhance serotonin synthesis and modulate proinflammatory cytokines since low serotonin levels and systemic inflammation have been associated with depression and suicide. The present narrative review shows the potential pathogenic role of vitamin D deficiency in depression and suicide and the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation to reduce their risk.

Uncertainty Quantification in Constitutive Models of Highway Bridge Components: Seismic Bars and Elastomeric Bearings.

Bridges are essential structures in the logistic chain of countries, making it critical to design them to be as resilient as possible. One way to achieve this is through performance-based seismic design (PBSD), which involves using nonlinear Finite Element (FE) models to predict the response and potential damage of different structural components under earthquake excitations. Nonlinear FE models need accurate constitutive models of material and components. Among them, seismic bars and laminated elastomeric bearings play an important role in a bridge's response to earthquakes; therefore, properly validated and calibrated models should be proposed. Only default parameter values from the early development of the constitutive models widely used by researchers and practitioners for these components tend to be used, and low identifiability of its governing parameters and the high cost of generating reliable experimental data have prevented a thorough probabilistic characterization of their model parameters. To address this issue, this study implements a Bayesian probabilistic framework using Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) for updating the parameters of constitutive models of seismic bars and elastomeric bearings and proposes joint probability density functions (PDF) for the most influential parameters. The framework is based on actual data from comprehensive experimental campaigns. The PDFs are obtained from independent tests conducted on different seismic bars and elastomeric bearings, to then consolidate all the information in a single PDF for each modeling parameter by means of the conflation methodology, where the mean, coefficient of variation, and correlation between calibrated parameters are obtained for each bridge component. Finally, findings show that the incorporation of model parameter uncertainty through a probabilistic framework will allow for a more accurate prediction of the response of bridges under strong earthquakes.

Backyards: typology and contribution to food security in Mexico / Quintais: tipologia e contribuição para a segurança alimentar no México

Backyards are family settings adjacent to the house, characterized mainly by being small-scale and diversified productive spaces. The research typologically characterized the backyards and their contribution to family food security in La Concordia municipality, Chiapas, Mexico. The research was descriptive and mixed, quantitative, and qualitative, and semi-structured interviews were applied to 130 families. For the typification, 21 variables were used, and the statistical techniques of Factorial Analysis and Clusters were applied. The cases studied were classified, according to the relevance of their production and contribution to food security, into two general groups: a) a group of backyards that is more productive and contributes to food security, which in turn includes three subtypes of backyards that differ from each other by their profile towards vegetable or poultry production for subsistence, and/or pigs as a form of savings; b) a group of less productive backyards in which other management strategies for food security are assumed and differ from each other by the level of expulsion of labor force and types of families, nuclear or extended. Poultry and plant species for multiple uses was the most frequently characteristic, regardless of the type of backyard.

Os quintais são ambientes familiares adjacentes à casa, caracterizados principalmente por serem espaços produtivos de pequena escala e diversificados. A pesquisa teve como objetivo caracterizar tipologicamente os quintais e sua contribuição para a segurança alimentar familiar no município de La Concordia, Chiapas, México. A pesquisa foi descritiva e mista, quantitativa e qualitativa, na qual foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a 130 famílias. Para a tipificação foram utilizadas 21 variáveis e aplicadas as técnicas estatísticas de Análise Fatorial e Clusters. Os casos estudados foram classificados, de acordo com a relevância de sua produção e contribuição para a segurança alimentar, em dois grupos gerais: a) um grupo de quintais mais produtivos e que contribuem para a segurança alimentar, que por sua vez inclui três subtipos de quintais que diferem entre si pelo seu perfil para a produção de hortaliças ou aves para subsistência, e/ou suínos como forma de poupança; b) conjunto de quintais menos produtivos em que se assumem outras estratégias de gestão da segurança alimentar e diferem entre si pelo nível de expulsão de mão de obra e tipos de famílias, nucleares ou extensas. Aves e espécies vegetais de uso múltiplo foi a característica mais encontrada, independente do tipo de quintal.

Relación de la calidad de sueño, adherencia al tratamiento, hemoglobina glucosilada en mujeres con diabetes / Relationship of sleep quality, adherence to treatment, glycated hemoglobin in women with diabetes

Introducción: La Diabetes Tipo 2 es considerado un problema de salud pública que afecta principalmente a las mujeres, que sumado a una mala adherencia al tratamiento terapéutico y, a una falta de calidad de sueño, aumentan la problemática de salud. Objetivo: Determinar las interrelaciones existentes entre la Calidad de Sueño, la Adherencia al Tratamiento Terapéutico y los valores de HbA1c en Mujeres con DT2, perteneciente a una comunidad de la ciudad de Puebla. Materiales y Métodos: El diseño del estudio fue de tipo descriptivo, correlacional y de corte transversal. La muestra se calculó con un nivel de significancia de .05, un coeficiente de correlación .30 y un poder estadístico del 90%, obteniendo una n=110. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: una cédula de datos personales, el Índice de calidad de sueño de Pittsburgh (PSQI), el Cuestionario de Adherencia Terapéutica MBG (Martín-Bayarre-Grau) y el dispositivo Eclipse A1c. Resultados: Se encontró una relación negativa y significativa para la calidad de sueño con los niveles de HbA1c (rs=-.355; p=.001); no así para con la variable de adherencia al tratamiento terapéutico. Discusión: La información obtenida concuerda con otros estudios, al reafirmar de manera indirecta, las reacciones bioquimicas que ocurren durante la privación del sueño. Conclusiones: Los resultados descubiertos contribuyen al fortalecimiento científico de enfermería, orientando en la mejora de cuidados, que servirá para el diseño de intervenciones que favorezcan a la salud de las mujeres con Diabetes Tipo 2.

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes is considered a public health problem that mainly affects women, which, added to poor adherence to therapeutic treatment and a lack of quality sleep, increase health problems. Objective: To determine the existing interrelations between Sleep Quality, Adherence to Therapeutic Treatment and HbA1c values in Women with T2D, belonging to a community in the city of Puebla. Materials and Method: the study design was descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional. The sample was calculated with a significance level of .05, a correlation coefficient of .30 and a statistical power of 90%, obtaining n = 110. The instruments used were: a personal data card, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the MBG Therapeutic Adherence Questionnaire (Martín-Bayarre-Grau) and the Eclipse A1c device. Results: a negative and significant relationship was found for sleep quality with HbA1c levels (rs = -. 355; p = .001); not so for the variable of adherence to therapeutic treatment. Discussion: The information obtained agrees with other studies, indirectly reaffirming the biochemical reactions that occur during sleep deprivation. Conclusions: the results discovered contribute to the scientific strengthening of nursing, guiding the improvement of care, which will serve to design interventions that favor the health of women with Type 2 Diabetes.

Introdução: A diabetes tipo 2 é considerada um problema de saúde pública que afeta principalmente as mulheres, o que somado a uma má aderência ao tratamento terapêutico e, a falta de qualidade do sono, aumenta o problema de saúde. Objetivo: Determinar as inter-relações entre a qualidade do sono, a adesão ao tratamento terapêutico e os valores de HbA1c nas mulheres com DT2, pertencentes a uma comunidade da cidade de Puebla. Materiais e Métodos: O desenho do estudo foi descritivo, correlacional e transversal. A amostra foi calculada com um nível de significância de 0,05, um coeficiente de correlação de 0,30 e um poder estatístico de 90%, obtendo-se uma n=110. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: um formulário de dados pessoais, o Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI), o Questionário MBG para Avaliar Adesão Terapêutica (Martín-Bayarre-Grau) e o dispositivo Eclipse A1c. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma relação negativa e significativa da qualidade do sono com os níveis de HbA1c (rs=-.355; p=.001); este não foi o caso para a variável de aderência ao tratamento terapêutico. Discussão: As informações obtidas concordam com outros estudos, reafirmando indiretamente as reações bioquímicas que ocorrem durante a privação do sono. Conclusões: Os resultados descobertos contribuem para o fortalecimento científico da enfermagem, orientando a melhoria dos cuidados, que servirão para o desenho de intervenções que favoreçam a saúde das mulheres com diabetes tipo 2.

Recycled Fine Aggregates from Mortar Debris and Red Clay Brick to Fabricate Masonry Mortars: Mechanical Analysis.

In this research, the mechanical behavior of masonry mortars made with partial substitution of sand by recycled fine aggregates (RFAs) of mortar (MT) and recycled clay brick (RCB) was compared. Mortar specimens were built in two groups (MT and RCB) considering different replacement proportions by dry weight. To reduce the water absorption of RFAs during mortar making, the prewetting method was utilized. All the mixtures were assembled with a volumetric cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:4 and a consistency of 175 ± 5 mm. The properties in the fresh and hardening state of mortars were analyzed separately. The experimental results showed that the properties of mortars in a fresh state (bulk density and air content) were affected if RFA was added to the mixture; however, mortars assembled with up to 40% and 50% of MT and RCB, respectively, accomplished a compressive strength value of reference for new mixtures. Both mortar groups showed good results in adhesive strength values, with the RCB mortars standing up as they achieved greater adherence than the control mortar with substitution percentages of up to 30%. Therefore, the reutilization of both RFAs is feasible, notably in rendering and bonding functions.

Sintering Analysis of Porous Ti/xTa Alloys Fabricated from Elemental Powders.

The present work is focused on developing Ti-xTa porous alloys processed by the space holder method and solid-state sintering. The volume fraction of Ta ranged between 20 and 30 wt.%. The sintering kinetics was evaluated by dilatometry tests. Sintered materials were characterized by SEM, XRD and computed tomography. Porosity features and permeability were determined from 3D images, and their mechanical properties were evaluated from microhardness and compression tests. The sintering behavior and the final microstructure are driven by the Ta diffusion into the Ti, slowing down the densification and modifying the transition temperature of α-to-ß. Due to ß-stabilization, martensite α' was obtained after sintering. Mechanical properties are reduced because of the ß-stabilization and pore addition, being predominantly the pore effect. Permeability depended on the pore characteristics, finding values close to the human bones. It was concluded that powder metallurgy generates highly TixTa alloys with a combination of α, ß and α' Ti phases as well as remaining Ta particles that are beneficial to improve the biocompatibility and osseointegration of such materials. Being the Ti25Ta40salt alloy the most suitable for orthopedic implants because of its characteristics and properties.

Silvopastoral systems and remnant forests enhance carbon storage in livestock-dominated landscapes in Mexico.

A large area of the terrestrial land surface is used for livestock grazing. Trees on grazing lands provide and can enhance multiple ecosystem services such as provisioning, cultural and regulating, that include carbon sequestration. In this study, we assessed the above- and belowground carbon stocks across six different land-uses in livestock-dominated landscapes of Mexico. We measured tree biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in fodder banks, live fences, pasturelands with dispersed trees, secondary forests, and primary forests from three different geographical regions and compared them with conventional open pasturelands respectively. We also calculated tree diversity indices for each land-use and their similarity with native primary forests. The aboveground woody biomass stocks differed significantly between land-uses and followed the gradient from less diverse conventional open pasturelands to silvopastoral systems and ecologically complex primary forests. The SOC stocks showed a differential response to the land-use gradient dependent on the study region. Multivariate analyses showed that woody biomass, fine root biomass, and SOC concentrations were positively related, while land-use history and soil bulk density showed an inverse relationship to these variables. Silvopastoral systems and forest remnants stored 27-163% more carbon compared to open pasturelands. Our results demonstrate the importance of promoting appropriate silvopastoral systems and conserving forest remnants within livestock-dominated landscapes as a land-based carbon mitigation strategy. Furthermore, our findings also have important implications to help better manage livestock-dominated landscapes and minimize pressures on natural protected areas and biodiversity in the hotspots of deforestation for grassland expansion.

Incorporating evolutionary and threat processes into crop wild relatives conservation.

Crop wild relatives (CWR) intra- and interspecific diversity is essential for crop breeding and food security. However, intraspecific genetic diversity, which is central given the idiosyncratic threats to species in landscapes, is usually not considered in planning frameworks. Here, we introduce an approach to develop proxies of genetic differentiation to identify conservation areas, applying systematic conservation planning tools that produce hierarchical prioritizations of the landscape. It accounts for: (i) evolutionary processes, including historical and environmental drivers of genetic diversity, and (ii) threat processes, considering taxa-specific tolerance to human-modified habitats, and their extinction risk status. Our analyses can be used as inputs for developing national action plans for the conservation and use of CWR. Our results also inform public policy to mitigate threat processes to CWR (like crops living modified organisms or agriculture subsidies), and could advise future research (e.g. for potential germplasm collecting). Although we focus on Mesoamerican CWR within Mexico, our methodology offers opportunities to effectively guide conservation and monitoring strategies to safeguard the evolutionary resilience of any taxa, including in regions of complex evolutionary histories and mosaic landscapes.