Ecogeography of Dioscorea remotiflora Kunth: An Endemic Species from Mexico.

Dioscorea remotiflora, a perennial climbing herbaceous plant native to Mexico, produces tubers with great nutritional and ethnobotanical value. However, most ecological aspects of this plant remain unknown, which limits its cultivation and use. This is why the objective of this research was to characterize the ecogeography of D. remotiflora as a source to determine its edaphoclimatic adaptability and current and potential distribution. A comprehensive database encompassing 480 geo-referenced accessions was assembled from different data sources. Using the Agroclimatic Information System for México and Central America (SIAMEXCA), 42 environmental variables were formulated. The MaxEnt model within the Kuenm R package was employed to predict the species distribution. The findings reveal a greater presence of D. remotiflora in harsh environments, characterized by arid to semiarid conditions, poor soils, and hot climates with long dry periods. Niche modeling revealed that seven key variables determine the geographical distribution of D. remotiflora: precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, November-April solar radiation, annual mean relative humidity, annual moisture availability index, and May-October mean temperature. The current potential distribution of D. remotiflora is 428,747.68 km2. Favorable regions for D. remotiflora coincide with its current presence sites, while other suitable areas, such as the Yucatán Peninsula, northeast region, and Gulf of Mexico, offer potential expansion opportunities for the species distribution. The comprehensive characterization of Dioscorea remotiflora, encompassing aspects such as its soil habitats and climate adaptation, becomes essential not only for understanding its ecology but also for maximizing its economic potential. This will enable not only its sustainable use but also the exploration of commercial applications in sectors such as the pharmaceutical and food industries, thus providing a broader approach for its conservation and optimal utilization in the near future.

Latin American consensus recommendations on the risk of infections in people with multiple sclerosis treated with disease modifying drugs.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of several therapeutic options in multiple sclerosis (MS), which significantly modify the immune system functioning, has led to the need for the consideration of additional factors, such as risk of infections, in the decision-making process. The aim of these consensus recommendations was to discuss and perform a practical guide to Latin American neurologists on the risk of infections at diagnosis, follow-up and prior to initiation of DMDs. METHODS: A panel of Latin American neurologists, experts in demyelinating diseases and dedicated to management and care of MS patients, gathered during 2021 and 2022 to make consensus recommendations on the risk of infections in PwMS treated with DMDs in Latin America. The RAND/UCLA methodology was developed to synthesize the scientific evidence and expert opinions on health care topics and was used for reaching a formal agreement. RESULTS: Recommendations were established based on relevant published evidence and expert opinion, focusing on: 1- baseline infection disease and vaccination status; 2- opportunistic infections; 3- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; 4- genitourinary system infections; 5- respiratory tract infections; 6- digestive system infections, 7-others local infections and 8- COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The recommendations of this consensus seek to optimize the care, management and treatment of PwMS in Latin America. The standardized evidence-based care of pwMS infections will allow better outcomes.

Practical issues concerning the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis in Latin America: Discussion from 16 centres on behalf of the Foro Latam EM Study Group.

MAGNIMS-CMSC-NAIMS consensus recommendations on the use of MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis have been recently published, and they have been fundamental for improving patient care. Implementation of these and previous MAGNIMS recommendations have not been established in many countries. Addressing the local limitations behind these difficulties is needed. A panel of 14 MS neurologists from 16 different reference centres from Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá, Perú and Brazil met to discuss the current situation regarding the use of MRI in MS including a) Access and availability, b) Standardized acquisition protocols and reports, and c) Multicentric research potential.

Cannabis and multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may suffer from spasticity and pain during their disease course. Baclofen, dantrolene, diazepam and gabapentin have been used as first-line options to treat these conditions, with modest results. Medical use of marijuana smoking has bypassed traditional clinical trials and has been legalized as a therapeutic option for MS-related spasticity and pain in some countries. Cannabis-derived drugs have been tested and approved for medical use. AREAS COVERED: With the development of nabiximols by the pharmaceutical industry, more countries have made it possible for patients with MS to have legal access to cannabis-related therapies. The evidence-based data on nabiximols and MS-related spasticity, pain, and urinary symptoms is consistent. There are over 7,500 patients reported in 33 studies (12 from the United Kingdom and 11 from Italy). EXPERT OPINION: Nabiximols is safe and effective for patients with MS whose spasticity could not be treated with the first-line oral drugs. At present, legislation, bureaucracy and costs involved in prescribing this drug limit the experience of neurologists from many countries. There is no scientific evidence that smoking marijuana can be beneficial to patients with MS.

Symbol Digit Modalities Test-Oral Version: An Analysis of Culture Influence on a Processing Speed Test in Argentina, Mexico, and the USA.

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is an information processing speed test. The aim of this study was to compare the SDMT across three samples: the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. The hypothesis is that performance will vary based on native language and cultural differences between these countries. The SDMT was administered to 129 healthy volunteers. Participants from the USA performed better than participants from Argentina and Mexico (p < .01), and no differences were observed between the latter groups (p = .15). Processing speed differs between the studied populations of Latin America and Anglo-America. Possible interpretations of this result are presented.

Factores de entorno determinantes del emprendimiento en México / Determining environment factors of entrepreneurship in Mexico / Determinando fatores ambientais do empreendedorismo no México

RESUMEN Esta investigación tiene por objetivo analizar los factores del entorno que condicionan la apertura empresarial en México y definir las regiones con características del entorno similares para el emprendimiento. Para alcanzar estos objetivos se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo y alcance descriptivo y causal, considerando 14 indicadores del entorno determinantes para el emprendimiento en el país, tomando como muestra las 32 entidades en que se compone México de acuerdo con su división política. Se utilizaron como técnicas estadísticas para probar dicha investigación el análisis de componentes principales, la regresión múltiple y el análisis por conglomerados. A través de la técnica estadística del análisis de componentes principales se pudieron agrupar los indicadores en tres factores o condiciones del entorno siendo estas el acceso al financiamiento, los servicios de apoyo y capacitación empresarial, y el marco regulatorio. Posteriormente usando un análisis de regresión múltiple se observó que el acceso al financiamiento y el marco regulatorio son los factores que impactan de forma significativa en la apertura de empresas en México. Finalmente, utilizando el análisis por conglomerado se pudieron identificar 4 regiones con características específicas en su entorno para el emprendimiento. Por lo anterior esta investigación permite concluir que para fomentar el emprendimiento es necesario que dentro de los territorios se favorezca el acceso a financiamientos para emprendedores y facilitar los procesos jurídicos para la apertura de negocios. CÓDIGOS JEL MI3; L26

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to analyze the environmental factors that condition the entrepreneurial opening in Mexico and to define the regions with similar characteristics of the environment for entrepreneurship. To achieve these objectives, a study of quantitative approach and descriptive and causal scope was carried out, considering l4 determinants of the environment for entrepreneurship in the country, taking as sample the 32 entities in which Mexico is composed according to its political division. Statistical analysis of the main components, multiple regression and cluster analysis were used as statistical techniques. Through the statistical technique of the analysis of main components, the indicators could be grouped into three factors or environmental conditions, these being access to financing, business support and training services, and the regulatory framework. Subsequently, using a multiple regression analysis, it was observed that access to financing and the regulatory framework are the factors that significantly impact the opening of companies in Mexico. Finally, using the cluster analysis, 4 regions with specific characteristics in their environment could be identified for the enterprise.Therefore, this research allows us to conclude that to promote entrepreneurship, it is necessary that within the territories access to financing for entrepreneurs be facilitated and legal processes for the opening of businesses facilitated. JEL CLASSIFICATION MI3; L26

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar os fatores ambientais que condicionam a abertura empreendedora no México e definir as regiões com características semelhantes do ambiente para o empreendedorismo. Para alcançar esses objetivos, foi realizado um estudo de abordagem quantitativa e descritiva e causal, considerando l4 determinantes do ambiente para empreendedorismo no país, tendo como amostra as 32 entidades em que o México é composto de acordo com sua divisão política. Análise estatística dos componentes principais, regressão múltipla e análise de agrupamento foram utilizados como técnicas estatísticas. Por meio da técnica estatística de análise dos principais componentes, os indicadores poderiam ser agrupados em três fatores ou condições ambientais, sendo estes o acesso ao financiamento, suporte ao negócio e serviços de treinamento, além do arcabouço regulatório. Posteriormente, utilizando uma análise de regressão múltipla, observou-se que o acesso ao financiamento e o arcabouço regulatório são os fatores que impactam significativamente a abertura de empresas no México. Finalmente, usando a análise de cluster 4 regiões com características específicas em seu ambiente poderiam ser identificadas para a empresa. Portanto, esta pesquisa nos permite concluir que, para promover o empreendedorismo, é necessário que nos territórios seja facilitado o acesso ao financiamento para empreendedores e facilitados processos legais para a abertura de empresas. CLASSIFICAÇÕES JEL MI3; L26

Access and barriers to MS care in Latin America.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an epidemiologically emergent disorder in Latin America (LATAM), poses substantial socioeconomic challenges to a region where most countries remain as economies in development. MS is not health priority despite its economic and communitarian impact with a relatively low prevalence. MS treatments in LATAM have evolved from earlier long-term oral steroids and immunosuppression protocols, to platform disease modifying therapies (DMTs), to the current landscape with more advanced therapeutic molecules. Following FDA approval, a DMT may eventually become available in LATAM conditioned to industrial marketing interest. Most countries do not count all medications in their armamentarium. Access to therapy by the MS population in the region is low (9.5%-42.8%). Generic treatments, biosimilars, and follow-on complex non-biological drugs (CNBD) are commonly available in institutional formularies in LATAM despite their lack of supportive efficacy and safety data and reported molecular differences with the innovators. Savings to health systems thus far have been negligible. Medicine licensing agencies in LATAM, despite limitations in resources, have considerably improved their assessments by incorporating more modern criteria and methodology. Access to symptomatic management, rehabilitation procedures, and the role of patients associations are discussed.

A Disproportionate Burden of Care: Gender Differences in Mental Health, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Social Support in Mexican Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) rates in Latin America are increasing, and caregivers there experience reduced mental and physical health. Based on rigid gender roles in Latin America, women more often assume caregiving duties, yet the differential impact on women of these duties is unknown. METHODS: This study examined gender differences in mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Zarit Burden Inventory), health-related quality of life (HRQOL; Short Form-36), and social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12) in 81 (66.7% women) Mexican MS caregivers. RESULTS: As compared to men caregivers, women had lower mental health (p = 0.006), HRQOL (p < 0.001), and social support (p < 0.001). This was partially explained by women caregivers providing care for nearly twice as many hours/week as men (79.28 versus 48.48, p = 0.018) and for nearly three times as many months (66.31 versus 24.30, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Because gender roles in Latin America influence women to assume more substantial caregiving duties, MS caregiver interventions in Latin America-particularly for women caregivers-should address the influence of gender-role conformity on care and psychosocial functioning.

Flow y rendimiento en corredores de maratón / Flow and performance in Marathon runners / Flow e desempenho na maratona

Flow is an intensely positive and pleasant subjective state that has been linked to superior performance compared to ordinal performance, due to its dimensions and features (e.g., a balance between perceived task challenges and one’s own skills for the required action, clear goals, full concentration, elevated perceived control on performance, etc.). Research has shown that it occurs in different contexts and activities, including sports. In a two-fold aim, we sought to explore whether marathon runners with different levels of expertise experienced flow states, and the characteristics of this phenomenon in this athletic population; as well as to find out whether flow experiences were different in three sport conditions: practice sessions and competitions in general, the best race remembered by the athlete, and their last race. We further explored the possible relationship between flow states and the expected and achieved times in the last and the best races. A total of 170 males who were marathon runners participating in the Seville Marathon 2010 voluntarily collaborated in this study. Participants completed the Brief Flow Scale (EBF, Godoy-Izquierdo, Vélez, Rodríguez y Ramírez, 2009) before and after the marathon race. Participants reported experiencing flow states in the three athletic activities explored, but interindividual differences were found regarding the frequency and depth of such experiences. There were also differences between the runners regarding the dimensions of the phenomenon. Participants reported experiencing deeper, more intense and frequent episodes of flow in their best and last marathons in comparison to practice sessions and races in general. In addition, runners reporting deeper or more frequent flow episodes also expected and achieved better times. Concluding, flow is frequently experienced by marathon runners, particularly in their best performances, even when marathon running is a highly demanding sport modality. Establishing personal and contextual conditions leading to flow states will help us in designing psychological interventions aimed at increasing athletes’ skills to achieve intense states of flow, which in turn might improve their performance and success

El flow es un estado subjetivo intensamente positivo y placentero que, por sus dimensiones y características (e.g., equilibrio entre las demandas percibidas de la tarea y las habilidades personales para la acción requerida, objetivos claros, máxima concentración, elevado control percibido sobre la ejecución, etc.), se asocia a un rendimiento superior en comparación con las actuaciones normales. La literatura señala que se puede experimentar en diferentes contextos y actividades, incluido el deporte. El objetivo de este estudio fue doble: Por un lado, quisimos comprobar si maratonianos de distinto nivel de rendimiento experimentan flow y las características de este fenómeno en este colectivo de deportistas, así como conocer si las experiencias de flow eran diferentes en tres situaciones deportivas: Entrenamientos y carreras en general, la mejor carrera recordada y la última carrera; por otro lado, quisimos explorar la posible relación entre las experiencias de flow y las marcas esperadas y conseguidas por los corredores en las carreras mejor y última. Colaboraron voluntariamente en este estudio 170 maratonianos que corrieron el Maratón de Sevilla 2010, los cuales completaron la Escala Breve de Flow (Godoy-Izquierdo, Vélez, Rodríguez y Ramírez, 2009) antes y después de participar en dicha carrera. Los participantes refirieron experimentar estados de flow en las tres situaciones deportivas exploradas, aunque se encontraron diferencias interindividuales respecto a la frecuencia y profundidad de este estado, así como en la experimentación de las distintas dimensiones del fenómeno. Los participantes informaron experimentar episodios de flow más profundos, intensos y frecuentes en la mejor competición recordada y en el último maratón en comparación con los entrenamientos y las carreras en general. Además, los corredores con más experiencias de flow esperaron y obtuvieron mejores marcas. Como conclusión, el flow es un estado experimentado con frecuencia, particularmente en las mejores carreras, por atletas de una especialidad tan exigente como el maratón. Saber qué condiciones personales y contextuales llevan al flow ayudaría a diseñar intervenciones psicológicas destinadas al incremento de las habilidades que permiten a los atletas alcanzar estados intensos de flow, lo que a su vez podría mejorar su ejecución y resultados

O flow é um estado subjetivo intensamente positivo e agradável, que, devido às suas dimensões e características (por exemplo, equilíbrioentre as demandas percebidas de as tarefas e as competências pessoais necessárias para a ação, objetivos claros, máxima concentração, elevada percepçãode controle sobre a execução, etc.), tem sido associado com um desempenho superior em comparação com o desempenho normal. A literatura mostraque pode ser experimentado em diferentes contextos e atividades, incluindo esportes. O objetivo deste estudo foi duplo: Por um lado, queríamos ver semaratonistas com diferentes níveis de desempenho experimentam diferentes níveis de flow e as características desse fenômeno neste grupo de atletas,bem como saber se as experiências de flow foram diferentes em três situações desportivas: Os treinos e competições em geral, a melhor corrida lembradapelo atleta, e sua última corrida; por outro lado, quisemos explorar a possível relação entre as experiências de flow e as marcas esperadas e obtidas porcorredores em as corridas melhor e última. Voluntariamente colaboraram neste estudo 170 maratonistas que correram a Maratona de Sevilha 2010, quemresponderam a Escala Breve de Flow (Godoy-Izquierdo, Vélez, Rodríguez e Ramírez, 2009) antes e depois de participar na corrida. Os participantes re-lataram experimentar estados de flow nas três situações atléticas exploradas, embora diferenças interindividuais foram encontradas em relação à frequênciae profundidade de tais experiências, e também em várias dimensões do fenômeno. Os participantes relataram ter episódios de flow mais profundo,intenso e freqüente na melhor competição lembrada e na última maratona em comparação com o treinamento e corridas em geral. Além disso, os corre-dores com experiências de flow mais profundas ou mais frequentes esperaram e tem melhores marcas. Em conclusão, o flow é freqüentemente experi-mentado por atletas de uma especialidade tão exigente como maratona, principalmente em suas melhores corridas. Estabelecer as condições pessoais econtextuais que pode levar ao flow nos permite projetar intervenções psicológicas para aumentar as habilidades que ajudam os atletas a alcançar estadosintensos de flow, que por sua vez poderiam melhorar o seu desempenho e resultados

Multiple sclerosis care in Latin America.

Before the advent of diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS), it was reported that the prevalence of MS in Mexico was "one of the lowest in the world" (1.6/100,000).(1) The notion that MS was a rare neurologic disease among those living in the tropics of the Americas and Southern latitudes was widely accepted. The geopolitical boundaries of the region identified as Latin America (LA) extend from the southern border of United States with Mexico (32° North latitude) to the Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia in South America (56° South latitude). The largest Spanish-speaking island countries in the Caribbean-Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico-are also traditionally considered part of LA. The continental mass includes 17 countries with a population of more than 550 million. Due to centuries of racial intermixing, it is a heterogeneous and genetically complex population. The blended cultures of native Amerindians with white Caucasian Europeans and black Africans has resulted in the predominant ethnic Latin American Mestizo. The influence of African genetics is notable in many areas of the subcontinent and the Caribbean. A common observation across LA is the absence of identification of MS in non-mixed Amerindians(2); the reason for this phenomenon is unclear.

Management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Latin America: practical recommendations for treatment optimization.

The Latin American MS Experts' Forum has developed practical recommendations on the initiation and optimization of disease-modifying therapies in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The recommendations reflect the unique epidemiology of MS and the clinical practice environment in Latin American countries. Treatment response may be evaluated according to changes in relapses; progression, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the Timed 25-foot Walk; and lesion number on magnetic resonance imaging. Follow-up assessments are recommended every six months, or annually for stable patients. Cognitive function should be evaluated in all RRMS patients at baseline and annually thereafter. These recommendations are intended to assist clinicians in Latin America in developing a rational approach to treatment selection and sequencing for their RRMS patients.

Distress associated with patients' symptoms and depression in a sample of Mexican caregivers of individuals with MS.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this quantitative correlational study were to: (a) determine the frequency and level of distress associated with patients' symptoms as reported by caregivers of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), (b) determine the prevalence of depression in these caregivers, and (c) examine the relationship between these caregivers' total symptom distress and depression after controlling for patient, caregiver, and illness characteristics. METHOD/DESIGN: In this quantitative correlational study, data from 79 caregivers of individuals with MS in Mexico were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient symptoms with the highest average level of distress for caregivers were depression, difficulty talking, difficulty hearing, becoming upset easily, and upsetting other people. Patient symptoms with the lowest average level of distress for caregivers included difficulty learning, seizures, trouble reading, difficulty eating, and difficulty writing. Forty percent of the caregivers met the criteria for probable major depressive disorder. Results of a multivariate regression analysis showed that caregiver total symptom distress was significantly related to caregiver depression, after controlling for patient marital status, caregiver gender, caregiver relationship to patient, caregiver current employment, and months spent caregiving. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for MS patients and caregivers as well as larger society, as depression in caregivers often results in the institutionalization of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities, which is costly for both individuals and society. In addition, there might be increased expenditures associated with the caregivers' own declining health. For these reasons, it is important to develop a better understanding of its risk factors to identify caregivers who might benefit from intervention.